Jared Amoroso - Uncensored

point of reference

2010-11-24T08:35:00.004+08:00

A snippet from June 7, 2008

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well, i believe things happen for unknown but really valid reasons. i may not be able to see His hand. but it's normal since i'm just not seeing it yet. i believe this turnaround thing has a reason. and whatever that is, rest assured, it's His plan.

and that last line, is a major turnaround in itself. i guess it's been a while since i've convinced myself to rest assured that He has a plan.

ANYWAY, there. i'll be home during saturdays and sundays. and home alone the rest of the week.

and i'll be better than good.

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the Lord is good, he knows better.

I'm better than good indeed!!!

Thank you Carmi for reminding me.

Thank You Lord for Carmi. :)

Day 4

2010-11-02T21:42:00.003+08:00

Trusting God

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Lesson Learned:

For me, significant yung first sentence because meron akong fatalistic na attitude. Yung tipong worst case scenario mentality. Oks siya siguro sa litigation and stuff. Pero shempre personally come to think of it, bawas trust kay Lord.

Yung 2nd sentence naman, significant for me kasi parang yan yung execution part nung 1st sentence. Minsan kasi ang dali lang naman sabihin na "i trust the Lord." Pero how do I exactly do that?

From what I gather from this verse, it teaches me how to trust Him. Sabi, "remember Him in all you do." How does it help me? Well, whenever I begin to worry.. (i.e. my bar results, tomorrow's work) I remember how He has worked in my life. I remember how many times in the past He has answered my prayers. I remember how He has never failed me.

Day 1

2010-10-30T14:50:00.004+08:00

"Count it all Joy"

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. (James 1:2-4)

Lesson Learned:

The harshest of situations teaches me to be patient. It is a cliche. It is something you say to someone during tough times. The real lesson is for me to let patience show itself in what I do.

I can relate to this because I have just taken the bar and I am unsure of the results. This is a harsh situation. But as the Bible says, such situation will teach me patience. The next level however is that it is not enough to be patient. The same Bible teaches me to let that patience show itself in what I do.

Therefore, the challenge is for me to carry on with my life until the results come out - notwithstanding all the uncertainty. The uncertainty will not get in the way of my upcoming work (this november) my relationships, and most especially, my faith in the Lord.

The Lord is in control

2010-05-29T23:47:00.003+08:00

It's saturday, and I've just come from a 6-hour reading marathon. Saturday is special because it caps off an entire week of reviewing for the bar.

Today is extra special because of what transpired as I was about to go home. I bought coffee from Coffeebean as a sort of treat for myself. Powerplant mall was about to close so I didn't have time to go around. So, I just strolled around and went straight to the parking lot.

I was humming the drum parts of an Israel Houghton song as I approached the car. Lo and behold there it was, my rear tire, flat as flat could be.

So, I put my coffee on my car's roof, I opened the trunk, got the hydraulic jack, the tire wrench, sipped coffee, loosened the bolts, sipped coffee, raised the car, removed the tire, placed the spare, screwed the bolts, lowered the car, removed the jack, placed the flat tire the wrench the jack in the trunk, and proceeded to finish my coffee.

All in 5 minutes, in a semi-formal blazer, no sweat, after a long day's review session, and with a smile.

I sat in my car amazed. Amazed at how the Lord controlled my emotions. Amazed at how He took charge and left me effortlessly happy. Amazed at the thought of a living God, in control of the smallest things in my life.

On being true to the Lord

2010-05-09T22:20:00.001+08:00

I was re-reading my blog, and i must say i enjoy it so much. I stumbled upon this entry, which i considered really dear to me at that time. This was April of 2006. It was me coming from college, lost as to what to do afterwards, but given hope by the Lord when He made me pass ateneo law's entrance exam. These were my thoughts after attending a JREV thing at UCCP manila. I attended it randomly, not knowing the Lord was about to speak to my heart.

I post this because I've experienced the things I prayed for 4 years ago without me remembering I even had these thoughts. And, as if the message seeped through my subconscious, I found myself doing exactly what the pastor preached that day - stay true to the Lord, tell Him the desires of my heart. Truly, the Lord is good.

I hope you'll be blessed the same way this has blessed me the 2nd time around.

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The message. "The Lord wants to hear the TRUTH from us." What is it that our hearts really desire. Do away with all the cliches that we keep hearing around us. Do away with wanting to come up with what is acceptable for others. Do away with striving to come up with the "right" answers. Stay true - to myself, to the Lord. The Lord wants to grant the desires of our hearts. An honest prayer, perhaps?

Backtrack. About four months ago, I was in my room, praying. Being in a situation where one is in the last days of the last semester of one's last year as a student, does something to people. It certainly did something to me. Things were not going well for me. Low grades, requirements, and exams. It was around this time that I was about to take the entrance exams for UP and Ateneo law school. I was not ready. Lack of sleep does things to people. Pressure rattles even the most prepared person. Hopes were down. (yep, for those of you who suddenly saw a "pessimistic" jared, these events would explain why.)

And so I prayed. I told the Lord that I would be making plans. For my future. For my future family. For serving Him. However, it would be up to Him to have the final say. I did not know how I would pass the entrance exams. It was an opportunity for the Lord to move, to let His hand do the work. I could not rely on myself. The outcome of the exams was literally in God's hands. An honest prayer. Perhaps I was desperate at this time. So I prayed. "God, if You so will it, You will let me pass. If not, then, You have other plans. Whatever the outcome, that will be Yours to determine." I really could not get myself to pray that I would pass the exams. I could only pray that it would be used as a sign.

Present. I was praying a while ago. "Lord, You did not put me in this situation without a purpose. Seryoso Po itong papasukin ko. I want to preserve my integrity. Yet, this time, I also want to excel. Lord, I do not know how to do it. You know what I went through in college. This time, I want to achieve both. I also want to make a difference. Prepare me for this mission."

Truth. I could not boast of any academic achievement in college. All I have with me is one small personal achievement. Integrity. Engot na kung engot. Invisible na kung invisible. But, it's worth it. The Lord sees it. With all conviction, I could say that it is one thing this world could find Christians to be of worth.

It's not the results - it's the processes. It's not the ends - but the means. It's not the fame, the riches, the benefits - it's what we compromise in order to achieve them. At the end of the day, it's only man and his conscience. It's only man asking himself "Lord, have I lived according to YOUR standards?"

This blog reopens with a dozen blessings from the Lord

2010-04-27T18:25:00.003+08:00

You may have wondered why this blog disappeared for quite a while, well, it's mainly because I was concerned about potential employers being able to find out about my personal life.

I now reopen it because that fear is gone. And I'll include that reason among many other blessings I've received during the past months.

1. I am now officially employed. I will be working with the ACCRA law firm. The Lord has been very good with this one considering that I prayed really hard for this. To express my faith in that prayer, I decided to solely apply with this firm. (A lesson I learned the hard way during internship - lack of faith resulted to simultaneous offers, which resulted in a dispute with the other firm.)

2. I am now officially an Ateneo Law Graduate. To top it all off, my parents walked on stage and had the privilege of hanging a medal on their son. The thesis I worked on turned out to be okay, but I still couldn't believe it was used by the Lord as a way of honoring my parents. To those who are doing their thesis, I say this without cliche - do your best as to not regret anything, and pray for best thesis.

3. I was (finally) able to see my name on the Dean's List. This is a small feat, which meant a lot to me. I barely passed my first year subjects, barely made it to the list during 2nd year, but was finally able to maintain DL status for the entire half of my stay in law school. It was, for me, a testament that prayer coupled with hardwork works - even for the average ones.

4. My ASIL presidency has come to an end. At the end of the year, Ateneo Law could proudly say that it is the only law school in the country to have produced five (5) moot court teams, representing the Philippines abroad, and bringing honor to the country, within a single academic year.

5. The Lord has answered my prayers and have shown me His will. And I thank Him for leading me to Carmi. The Lord has been very good to us and has been faithful in seeing us through everything thrown in our way. I am excited for whatever He has in store for us and our relationship.

THERE!!! I hope you pray with me as we take the Bar Exams this September. As of now, everything still seems to be on schedule.

Hanggang sa muli parekoy

2009-08-16T00:55:00.007+08:00

Tuwing sabado ako umuuwi ng bahay mula nang magdorm ako. At, madalas, nakakaexcite dahil makikita ko na naman si Shaq. One year na rin namin aso si shaq. Naalala ko pa kasi nasa Japan ako nung pinakita nila daddy na may bago daw kaming aso. via webcam pa yun. Congratulations daw sa pagkapanalo.

Mukhang masayahin si Shaq kaya ako naman parang, aba, cute din. First time ko kasi magkaaso na maliit. Puro pitbull, rottweiller, boxer, at german shepherd kasi ang aso ko.

Tapos, ayun, cute nga! Masayahin at hindi nauubusan ng energy. Parang palagi lang siya nag-aabang ng tao sa bahay. Tapos puro laro lang ang nasa isip.

Siguro dahil bihira lang ako sa bahay, mas nakikipaglaro ako sa kanya. Sabi nila mommy ako lang daw ang hinaharot ni shaq. Ako naman naiinis kasi palagi nga akong tinatalunan at kinakagat-kagat at nilalawayan. Parang walang karespe-respeto. Pero masarap kasi talaga kalaro si Shaq. Hindi ko lang mapost dito yung video pero favorite kong paikut ikutin siya. Pinapahabol ko yung bola habang hawak ko, pero pinapaikot ikot ko lang. Tapos, hindi lang isang beses na nagising ako sa sofa na katabi ko na pala siya.

Ganun, pero ayun, kanina pag-uwi ko, sabi ni mommy, wala na raw si Shaq. Heatstroke yata.

Ewan, parang naiinis ako. Kasi last Sunday sinama ko pa siya sa pag-aaral ko ng crim law. Sabi ko pa kawawa naman parang hindi pa nakakalabas ulit. So ayun, nagpahabol habol pa ako sa kanya before mag-aral. Tapos parang wala naman siyang kaprubleprublema nung huli kong nakita. Pinagkukukuha pa rin nya yung mga slippers na makikita nya. Normal na normal lang.

Tapos ganun lang! Wala na pala since tuesday pa. Midterms ko daw kasi kaya di muna sinabi.

Pero ganun nga lang yata talaga. Maikli lang ang buhay. Maski ng alagang aso. Hindi, mali, kaibigan pala.

Edi ganun na nga lang. Hanggang sa muli parekoy. Salamat sa masasayang sandali. Kung nasan ka man sana maraming chinelas jan. At sana marunong ka na rin bumaba ng hagdan. Ayun, ganun. Hindi kita malilimutan at mabuhay ka.

God's love

2009-08-14T00:02:00.003+08:00

i've stopped blogging for quite some time. but i really have to write this one. it's an excerpt from one of my conversations with long time barkada Kuya neil:

" God's love is complete. you can't do anything to make God love you more. you can't do anything to make God love you less"

news from 2 years ago

2009-05-28T00:56:00.004+08:00

This is the "press release" from Stetson University from 2 years ago. It's just now that i saw it.

It just looks like we got "beat" by some Loyola University students. We placed 2nd naman! Belated congratulations again to my teammates - the recent attorneys -Bo Pichay and Jomi Legaspi!

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Gulfport, Fla. - A team of students from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law won the 12th Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla., Nov. 9-10. They beat a team of students from Ateneo de Manila University in the finals. The best oralist in the final round was Christopher Otten from Loyola.

More than 80 teams from around the world participated in regional competitions for a chance to advance to the international finals at Stetson this year. Sixteen teams from eight different

countries competed in the finals. Teams from countries including Armenia, Australia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, India, Ireland, the Philippines and Thailand participated in the competition.

"The competition continues to attract the finest student advocates from around the world and is expanding each year," said Royal Gardner, professor and director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson Law. "Next year, we plan to have regionals in Ghana and Armenia for the first time."

The team presented arguments in a mock international dispute regarding an endangered species

of rhinoceros.

The judges in the final round of competition were Wil Burns, editor-in-chief of the Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, Michelle Gadd, program officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s African rhino conservation program, and professor Annecoos Wiersema of the Ohio State University.

Professor Gardner and Stetson Law Dean Darby Dickerson started the competition in 1996 to raise awareness about international environmental challenges. The event has grown to include

regional competitions in Australia, Latin America, North America, North India, South India and Southeast Asia.

Making do with what you have

2009-05-15T01:13:00.002+08:00

Life isn't perfect. We almost always lack something. But the Lord teaches us how to look at what we have, and make the most out of it - just like His 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread.

And just like these guys...

Asiacup (again)

2009-04-25T15:23:00.004+08:00

I repost this article written by Ateneo Law School Dean Villanueva for 2 reasons:

1) I fear that it will disappear from the website and i have no file whatsoever.

2) It's been a year and I hope that the next team to compete would be able to read this. I hope this will be enough to brief them regarding the competition.

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The Atenean Mooters: Experiencing the Extraordinary!

Part II

The 2008 Asia Cup International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition

The Ateneo Law Team, officially representing the Philippines, won theCHAMPIONSHIP AWARD in the 2008 Asia Cup International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition held in Tokyo, Japan, from 26 August to 02 September, 2008, as well as garnering the OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MEMORIAL AWARD. It is now the third time that the Ateneo Law Team has won the Asia Cup. The members of 2008 ALS Asia Cup Team are as follows:

Mr. Dranyl Jared Amoroso (3A) - Team Captain

Ms. Esther Claudine Lim (3C)

Ms. Maria Tara Mercado (3B)

Mr. Alpheus Villaluz (3A)

Ms. Carmeline Viniegra (3A)

Coach: Atty. Cecille Mejia

When the members of the team formally turned-over to me the trophy and the certificates last 03 September (Wednesday), some of them had just arrived the night before from Tokyo, and had to get out from classes, just to make the occasion. I distinctly remember remarking to them that they have by their successful Tokyo competition, undergone a truly extraordinary experience that will shape them in their legal careers, and by-the-way congratulations, but now back to their J.D. courses and hope they don’t get called for recitation! No cigars, no champagne? Fine way to treat a Champion Team! I did have a photo taken with the group for posterity. I distinctly recall that when the Ateneo Law Team won the World Championship in the Jessup Cup in 2004, a testimonial dinner was held in their honor, hosted by Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J. Why do we seem treat as ordinary in Law School that which is truly extraordinary? Perhaps, it is because we are awed at the achievements of the Ateneo Law students, that we try hard to re-direct their focus back to the harsh reality of the J.D. curriculum.

The Ateneo Law Team came to the Tokyo competitions with all eyes on them, for in the previous year, it was the UP College of Law Team that won the championship award (I understand that UP College of Law has also won the Asia Cup three times). The competition was tough, and the representatives from all over Asia were of the highest caliber. Contrary to my generation’s perception that many Asian speak poor English, I was told that the Vietnamese and the Thai teams spoke excellent English, and of course also the ever-competitive Singapore team. Whatever edge we Filipinos thought we had in English proficiency in Asia, has nearly vanished among the younger generations of Asians. And yet there is something special about the Filipino competitor; and yes, there is something special going on when it comes to Ateneo Law mooters.

Firstly, it is that we come-up almost like clockwork with the most excellent memorials, not only in the Asian region, but now confirmed in the world competitions that include teams from the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Singapore. The secret to why we are able to prepare and submit the best memorials is covered in Part I of this article, which recently has been proven beyond doubt by the Evans and Baxter Awards the Ateneo Law Team garnered in the 2008 Jessup Tournament.

Secondly, when our mooters argue, they do so from depths of their souls—they carry no notes or materials when they argue before their panels—a feat much admired by their competitors. This is NOT the norm, even for teams whose first language is English; and not even for foreign teams who are given special time off (several weeks if not a whole month) to prepare exclusively for the competitions. My own observation on the matter is that the Ateneo eloquence and style of mooting is borne out a sense to achieve a norm of excellence—to be extraordinary in a world setting—in spite of starting off from a position of privation.

To illustrate, when the Ateneo Law Team is constituted after the round-offs in September, they prepare for the Philippine Regionals held in February of the following yearon the sole basis that they would win that stage and represent the Philippines in Washington D.C. by the following March. In other words, no Ateneo Law Team ever thinks of participating in the national elimination rounds except with the resolve that they would compete for the championship in the World Competition in D.C. This is not just a dream, a hope or a desire; it is the central component of the team’s commitment and strategy, simply because there is no time from February to March to then prepare for the world competitions. Consequently, in whatever international mooting competition that is to be participated in, the Ateneo Law Team prepares and drafts of its memorial for the national eliminations only at standards the compete on international level—as though they were already competing in the world championship finals. Why such a fanatical commitment?

The Ateneo Law Team has no choice, because it works under such dire privation (e.g., lack of all-out support or “subsidy” from Law School Administration) that they have to operate under extraordinarily demanding circumstances. Unlike most other international teams who are given special time-off from classes and other curricular activities when they prepare for a world competition, we in the Ateneo Law School, always stress that the primary obligation of every Ateneo Law student, and for which their parents spent for their matriculation, is to devote their time and resources towards mastering their lessons in their J.D. courses. The Law School Faculty and Administration believe in the absolute good and advantage that the J.D. curriculum does in the training and transformation of the Ateneo Law students into becoming great lawyers and legal advocates. Nothing in the academic life of an Ateneo Law student should come ahead of his or her individual responsibility to the J.D. curriculum.

In essence, therefore, we have not taken the description “extra-curricular” from mooting activities. Participating in extra-curricular activities, including mooting activities, should only be pursued by Law students who feel that they can cope well with their J.D. studies; and they do extra-curricular work because they genuinely believe in the innate goodness and personal well-being that it would bring them.

Every Ateneo mooter therefore must personally believe in the “mooting cause,” for he or she is asked to pay a high individual price for being part of the team. But since every Ateneo Law student believes in the primary value of the J.D. program (no choice, for the mortality rate of those who cannot cope with the work is high and merciless), he or she as an individual, and the team collectively, must use every spare moment devoted for mooting to be of the “highest profitable return;” otherwise, they bring ignominy not only to themselves, but also to the Law School which they love. Every Ateneo mooter knows that he goes into a world stage, representing not only the Law School, but also the Filipino nation; and therefore it is nothing short of national pride—an act of patriotism—by which he or she must excel in that international stage.

Every team that is constituted for a particular competition always goes through well thought-out and experience-tested routine to ensure that nothing is left to chance, which includes doing a preliminary team evaluation of the problem and the materials given; evaluation and re-evaluation of the issues and questions that could be raised during the competition, excellent research, and the drafting and redrafting of the memorials. The 2008 ALS Asia Cup Team told me that there was not a single issue or question that was raised during the Tokyo competitions that they had not anticipated, considered and researched upon during their preparations in the Law School. It is the thoroughness of their preparation that allows the Ateneo Law Team to argue without notes, to argue from the core of his or her being. They also informed me (hopefully not tongue in cheek) that they have experienced tougher questions in their J.D. classes that before any of their panels. The Ateneo Law Faculty are just intractable!

The Ateneo mooter has an extraordinary dream, not just to compete and gain the goodwill of fellow competitors from all over the world, but something more magnificent and obsessive than that—to win the gold in an Olympic-like event. Yet he or she must work under such extraordinarily difficult circumstances: preparing for a world-class event while coping well with the almost maddening demands of the J.D. curriculum, itself a world class program (but that’s another story). And because every Ateneo mooter is made to reach into his or her self beyond the ordinary, to be stretched beyond everything that he or she is, eventually he or she is able to reach into his or her extraordinary being. The results over the years have been nothing short of phenomenal—the Ateneo mooter has achieved world recognition as one the best international mooter today.

So I say, “Hail to the Ateneo mooters!” You not only bring accolade to your Law School and your people, but you actually have become living testaments to the indomitable human spirit that is able to raise above the privations of this world and reach into God’s extraordinary gift for greatness. Your passion has reaped for you a personal burden—an irresistible yearning to do the extraordinary!

"may it please the court"

2009-04-23T20:30:00.000+08:00

"Your excellencies, good morning. May it please the court" - is something we get to say during moot court. Alan shore gets to say it (for the first time) in an actual case - and struggles with it. But, as the late justice sundiam says, you may be faced with the most hideous judge, but always respect the court.

Dedication

2009-04-22T23:02:00.000+08:00

intermission again.

2009-04-18T00:15:00.002+08:00

Today is a day of blessings. 'Nuff said.

break from the news part 2

2009-04-06T03:02:00.000+08:00

haha. metal

NewsBreak

2009-04-03T22:19:00.001+08:00

The Ateneo Society of International Law

congratulates

ITS ALUMNI WHO JUST RECENTLY PASSED

THE 2008 BAR EXAMINATIONS!

The Society specially congratulates

Atty. Oliver P. Baclay, Jr.

for placing 3rd in the Bar!

NEW ASIL LAWYERS:

Atty. Karen Adriano

Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado

Atty. Julie Ann Domino

Atty. Ivan Mark Ladores

Atty. Joan Michelle Legaspi

Atty. Patrick Perillo

Atty. Jane Laarni Pichay

Atty. Domnina Rances

Atty. Fides Angeli Sabio

Atty. Sarah Sison

Atty. Athena Zosa

Your ASIL Family is so proud of you!

One Team. One Dream.

News part 1 (of many parts)

2009-03-28T23:46:00.002+08:00

Wow, long time no post. A lot of things have happened since my last post. Perhaps, a lot was already happening in between the previous posts. Anyway, i shall stagger the news. In order of least importance.

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I was elected president of the Ateneo Society of International Law.

Must I say that it was a blessing, and more of a testimony at how the Lord answered my confused prayers. Thank you Atty. Salumbides and the rest of the Case Group for hearing me out during my decision making process. Thanks to Carmi for making time to hear out my thoughts too.

I had a hard time deciding whether to run in the first place. Eventually, I was like, "put it to a vote." If I don't get the votes, then it must mean that it's really not for me and the Lord has some other plan for me and the org. If I do get the votes, then there must be some purpose to it.

So there, I got elected. And I pray that I'd be able to serve the org as much as it has done me good.

Congrats to the new batch of officers.

Thank you to all who voted and expressed their support (special mention 3A peeps, cris, ryan, alphie, +6, jules, izelle).

ASIL, one team, one dream.

Brush with Greatness

2009-02-02T18:40:00.003+08:00

This is me with the Father Joaquin Bernas. Cool! Took this at the Jesuit Legal Education Seminar, after fetching him from Katipunan. I am so blessed to know him. One of the few inspirations during first year of lawschool. Love the Lord. Love the law.

edit: for my non-law peers, learn more about Fr. Bernas via wikipedia.

"pray without ceasing"

2009-01-24T20:20:00.005+08:00

if only to highlight the point

1 Thessalonians 5:17

It's Midterms

2009-01-23T10:00:00.002+08:00

I can't write much right now. But let me share something from my devotions this week.

Quick Response

2009-01-13T22:15:00.004+08:00

Quick share:

God answers prayers... quickly.

About 4 days ago, I was at Gram's having my usual breakfast. Across the table were a group of guys having a small discussion. I could overhear them talking about some Bible verses. It was a mini fellowship of friends - a small, informal, Bible study group.

They were talking about a lot of things. From the deep stuff to the shallow crazy jokes.

Then it occurred to me. I miss this kind of stuff.

I need this kind of stuff.

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I haven't written anything about new year's resolutions. But, it is only because I couldn't finalize my list.

I was able to write a 1-10 list. But, I scrapped it all. It was New Year's eve when I was brought to this verse: "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you."

Irony was, it was me who wrote this verse on one of my scratch notebooks, some years ago. I always knew this verse, and yet, at that time, it made so much sense. Sa sobrang dami ng kailangan ko baguhin, di ko na malaman kung saan ko sisimulan.

Lo and behold that one sentence of a verse. Unahin mo yan Jared. Cater to your spiritual needs. Kailangan yun men.

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And so, I decided to Pray. I had to reconnect. Lawschool is okay naman. But, I felt like I had to continually try to make sense of everything that I am doing. Alam nyo yun? Parang, nyek, why was I doing these things again? Surely there's a purpose for everything. Lalo na itong pagiging abogado. Ayaw kong maging lawyer na walang kalalim-lalim.

Minsan, puro na lang ako, what would make me happy.

I often forget to consider what would make Him happy.

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Anyway, back to Gram's. Point is, I prayed for a support group like that group right across the table.

I was planning on calling up kuya neil and jai. (my 2 longtime Christian friends) Parang gawa lang kami ng occassional tambay time.

BUT THEN, just tonight, I received a text from my dad:

"Ja, nagtext si atty. salumbides. eto sabi nya: Is Jared Amoroso your son? From ateneo Law?"

Dad replied yes and forwarded me his number.

I texted atty salumbides. It turns out that he was also an ateneo alumni, an AHRC intern, and somehow he came across my name.

He is inviting me to his cell group. I will be going to CCF (Christ's Community Fellowship) this Saturday.

Ayos na ayos. Instant na instant.

Pasensya kung magulo ang kwento.

Peace y'all.

Windows O.S. madness

2009-01-10T12:27:00.004+08:00

I was playing around with my OS for the past week. i've gone from XP, to Vista, and (the newly released) Windows 7 within a week.

here are screenshots.

this is windows vista ultimate. i tried vistalite and removed the "unnecessaries." installation went fine. slightly sluggish performance. possibly due to the animation effects and aero style feature of vista.

here's windows 7 build 7000. it's still officially released as "For testing purposes only." i'd have to say that it's faster than vista even with all the animation effects turned on. it's comparable to xp and just might be even better. it will only be valid until august of this year. it has to be activated within 30 days. but of course, there is always a workaround. ;) if you observe properly, you'll find something different with my installation.

2009-01-01T03:10:00.001+08:00

testing

2008-12-25T03:04:00.007+08:00

Merry Christmas from the Amoroso Family!

and wazzap from us three...

2008-12-07T07:59:00.004+08:00

Finally! My almost half a year laptop search is done! I bought the HP Mini 1000! And I am very happy with it!

Yes that's right, the Mini 1000! The one I referred to during my last laptop post. The one I was contemplating on waiting for! It arrived unexpectedly. It was rumored to arrive on January. But, I don't know what happened. It's here.

Anyway, here are some quick pics:

Outline Defense is over

2008-12-06T02:48:00.007+08:00

1.) Thank God thesis outline defense is over. Thank you to my blockmate-panelists for giving well thought of, well researched, and reasonable questions. Thank you to mam arriola for not shooting down my topic in front of everyone else. Thank you to my other blockmates who were there for support (ehem plus 6 special mention. nakakataba kayo ng puso). I wish you well for the upcoming weeks.

2.) Can i just say that friday's electives are whack! Provisional Remedies professor is just crazy. He asks all the details of the case. Including those not relevant to the issue! And he calls you twice or thrice in a single meeting!!! In this class, you don't learn provisional remedies. You learn speed reading! Friday is... how do I say it... tae.

3.) Lastly, I am excited because, finally, waiting's done me good. I shall update you asap!

Justifying the U.S. stance

2008-12-01T02:29:00.007+08:00

This is the case we argued in Japan - in its simplest form. Don't worry, this is not complicated. Just think of US and its anti-terrorism campaign. I'm sure you'll find this interesting.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Facts: The case was about an individual detained in the course of anti-terrorism measures. State A was attacked by terrorists. It then invaded State X, the country where the supposed terrorists are. After such invasion, State A detained certain individuals in order to extract information which would lead to the prosecution of terrorists. Among these individuals was Mr. Akinao, a citizen of State B.

State B's Claim: B claims that its citizen was illegally detained by State A. There were no grounds to detain him - that he was not a terrorist, nor was there any proof that he possessed terrorist information.

State A's Claim: A claims on the other hand that the detention may have been illegal but it was necessary in order to address its security concerns, and in light of the special circumstances that terrorism brings.

Issue: Can certain human rights violations be justified on grounds of "anti-terrorism?"

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Me and my partner argued for State A. We argued that the detention was legal.

Basically, the argument was, "it was something that had to be done - for the sake of the whole nation's security." (plus of course the technicalities found in the Fourth Geneva Convention, i.e. he was "interned" not "detained", but it's no longer reader friendly, so let's omit it)

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

It was bothering. From this line of thinking stems a plethora of issues. Human rights violations justified in the name of national security. Two equally valid considerations. Major issue nowadays.

From that moot competition, I saw how both sides of the issue could be argued. Both very plausible. Both, very legal. I guess this is one of those issues that will never have a clear-cut answer.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Here's alan shore on his take on an almost similar issue. He argues for the rights of a detained individual.

Law school song

2008-11-30T09:00:00.002+08:00

Haha. This was sent to us by Fr. Bernas. I think I know where this upcoming lawyer-composer is coming from. Well, he's coming from... lawschool! Haha! But, honestly, lawschool ain't that bad. It's hard and stressful. But then, what isn't? (bumming around, i know)

In any case, I thank God that I don't hate lawschool life. I see it as a blessing, and a privilege. As Atty. Villareal said, every single occupied seat in class represents some equally brilliant kid, who may very well be in our place, but simply could not, because they can't. And we could. So, for their sake, we study.

it's so hard to choose.

2008-11-29T17:49:00.005+08:00

i will go crazy over choosing a laptop!!! as many of my friends know, i've had this laptop fund for almost 4 months now. and i haven't bought anything! i love my old laptop so much that at first, i was willing to buy 2nd hand laptops that looked exactly like my laptop. I WILL WRITE A TRIBUTE BLOG TO MY IBM THINKPAD t30!

anyway. after months of research, i'm willing to settle for... tentenen...

1) lenovo s10
2) msi wind
3) hp mini-note 2133

haha. i find it hard to write down all that i have taken into consideration. but here they are:
1) SPECS: msi wind and lenovo s10 have the exact same specs. mini-note 2133 has a slower processor. hp has the best keyboard. has an express card slot. everything that the two has. except for its via processor. wind and s10 has the intel atom. which has hyperthreading.

2) SIZE: they are all tiny.

3) BATTERY LIFE: same same. although the msi wind now has a 6-cell battery option. hp also has a 6-cell option. expensive

4) SCREEN SIZE: s10 and wind have 10.2" display/1024x600. hp has 8.9"/1024x768. (hp has better resolution. smaller screen size)

5) PRICE: i can all get them at around 20k-22k.

6) LOOKS: wind looks unprofessional. lenovo looks better than wind. but, HP BEATS THEM ALL!

SO, here are my thoughts:

1) i'm leaning towards Lenovo s10 because it has an intel atom processor but it looks better than wind. (plus, its lenovo.)

2) i'm considering msi wind because i could get a 6-cell battery package, with maxed out specs for the price of a minimum spec lenovo s10.

3) i am TEMPTED to go HP because, it looks better than all these netbooks combined. and with all honesty, i didn't feel the slowness of its processor. (but all the other reviews spit puke and crap over its processor performance) i guess, this is one of those "buti na lang maganda siya" things.

4) BUT, i could prolong all of this agony, and WAIT for whatever comes out come january. but, i feel like i'm exercising "prudence" a bit too much and i might end up not buying anything at all. face it, something new always comes out. it's not like i'll marry this machine. BUT, again, it's hard not to wait when i know that something better is sure to come (see hp mini 1000).

so there. wait for my update.

steady lang

2008-11-27T19:23:00.003+08:00

I was able to watch twilight with my blockmates. It was a nice movie. I'm just happy that org stuff is over. At least for the next few weeks. I'm now able to study and rest, spend time with friends, go home when I want to.

Advanced Christmas to all. Have a nice evening.

halfway through this lawschool stint

2008-11-15T20:33:00.008+08:00

Hello all! This will be short.

3rd year 1st sem marked half of my stay in law school. I'd have to say this was the MOST interesting sem ever. I've had this talk/rant with Carmi (special mention, for bearing with all those rants throughout the sem! salamat!) already, and let me just share this with everyone.

Rollercoaster ride. Even before the sem started, I already had internship hunting bloopers. Major booboos. And there were the "in between" summer booboos. hehe. Which is important, because it led to more booboos - entering into a schedule mayhem, and the suicidal workload - heh. And of course, getting the lowest midterms score for my 4 unit subject! Top it all off with messing up my final exam for the very same 4 unit subject. GAAHH. Oh it didn't stop there, my thesis topic got rejected seven times!

But then, internship turned out to be a blessing. The schedule mayhem was fixed without me doing anything to undo it (one professor suddenly changed his schedule, and the registrar had to rearrange my schedule). The suicidal workload with ASIL paid off - Japan was really nice. I passed my 4 unit subject. And my thesis topic got approved last minute - just in time for me to be able to join the immersion program in Mindoro.

Up-down. Down-up. These things are enough to drive a nut case like me, well, nuts. But, i guess that's how it really goes. who said life with the Lord is gonna be worry-free? Life with Him is "interesting" and I wouldn't have it any other way. The Lord continues to make His presence felt, even when the pressure's made me numb. Things get tough, and then tougher. But the truth is, we'll make it through naman.

As Mark Lowry said, "I would have enjoyed it better, had I known I was gonna live through it." So yep, enjoy the ride. kasi, chuva lang yan.

Help!

2008-10-07T12:31:00.003+08:00

I am distressed as of the present moment. I made a major booboo last night and now it's all beyond my control.

I have to move on and focus on what lies ahead. But i find it difficult to keep my mind off certain things.

Kailangan ko ng inyong mga panalangin. Sa lahat ng mga tinulungan ko at pinagdasal ko before, please, return the favor. Now would be a good time.

P.S.

No, i'm not fathering a baby. Academic stuff ito. Pero parang ganung level din siguro sa stress.

Yey to the Asiacup team!

2008-09-12T19:35:00.003+08:00

initially, i promised to tell the whole story... mejo wala nga lang time masyado. BUT, i stumbled upon this article at our school's website. WOOHOO!!! we're on the school's website! i think it's a nice perspective of how the competition went.

here's the LINK

thank you again for reading. :) more posts when i have more time (and faster internet connection)

edit:
nyak, parang ang yabang pala ng dating. please do not misunderstand. natuwa lang talaga ako kasi normally patapon ako sa school (hello, unang student ako na na-office nung highschool). and napupublicize lang name ko kapag suspended ako for too much lates (hs), and parking violations (college).

but this time, seeing our names on the school's site... it's quite something for me. on a deep, personal level. so yeah, yun lang. cheers again to the team

Happy Birthday!

2008-09-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

It's my birthday again. and i'm 23 already. (yey!!)

I thank Him for giving me another year. looking forward to another year of surprises, changes, challenges and blessings.

so there, hello world. it's my birthday! i shall think of some way to celebrate it.

God bless everyone!

I am speechless

2008-08-30T21:07:00.002+08:00

The Lord has been good.

Congratulations to us!

more on this when i return home!

Thank You Lord. And thank You to all who helped and supported and prayed.

I want to go home asap.

Worst haircut ever

2008-08-24T22:18:00.004+08:00

nope, it has nothing to do with what i did to my hair.

it has something to do with what happened while i was having my hair cut.

NAJEJEBS AKO HABANG NAGPAPAGUPIT.

CRAP (literally).

i was about to stand up and leave, and just be candid enough to tell Mr. Barber na "najejebs na po ako, babalik po ako pramis"

i already grabbed 500php to assure them that i will return.

anyway, i ended up NOT doing it...

and so, for the next thirty minutes, i was staring at a constipated looking furball wrapped in white sheets.

you be the judge

2008-08-23T03:47:00.003+08:00

was the judge too harsh? or did the woman deserve it.

need a break? try doing this

2008-08-20T19:24:00.004+08:00

classes are suspended. i started the day by cleaning up my place.

went to school to study. library closed at 5pm.

after that...

we played COUNTERSTRIKE! woohooo!

ehem... ok back to work...

fire in the hole!

ehem.
totoo na ito. back to work...

when things pile up

2008-08-18T23:12:00.003+08:00

work
study
family
thesis
exam results
visa
org stuff
errands
obligations
anxieties
emotions
uncertainties

ang dami

pero sabi sa Bible...

"it shall come to pass"

ayos ba? ayos ba?

'coz it's either that,

or

"i shall come to pass"

brainless matters naman

2008-08-13T00:14:00.004+08:00

Midterms has just ended. Midterms this year is, how do i say it, unique. It's the first time we've had three exams for three consecutive days. two exams in a day. and another two for two consecutive days.

And because as of now, I don't want anything which has to do with school, I again watch master Vinnie. woohoo. I am truly amazed at how proficient he is at reading music. Observe and be mesmerized.

proving what need not be

2008-07-26T10:48:00.003+08:00

I make it a point to pray and reflect before i go to sleep. one night, i was all like - "what am i doing these for?" the late nights studying, competing, aiming for good grades, preparing for the Bar...

but, what are all these for? resume? nice future? achievement? proving something?

Grades, lawschool, competitions, the Bar... it's all nothing - it's nothing when it comes to defining who i am. i lose all of these and i'll still be me. i am secure. i am secure in knowing that the Lord has made me whole. that He has a plan. that He created me. that He will love me no matter what. for His love is an unconditional love. His grace a free gift, not earned nor deserved.

i am His.

the things i do, i will do to glorify His name. Grades, the Bar, it's just a measure of how much I have done with what the Lord has given. I thank Him for checking my motives. I thank Him because lately it's become all mixed up. The Bible is right - He knows me. Even before I was born. From the color of my skin to the number of my hair. He truly is a great God. and I couldn't be happier.

Thank you everyone and God bless.

5 things in mind on a saturday morning

2008-07-26T09:26:00.009+08:00

1) Hello guys. I've been absent for quite a while. Student mode na naman e. I go home every friday night. Spend weekends at home. Though, lately, i return to school even during weekends. 'Till September lang naman ako ganito. Kailangan kasi for the upcoming competition. I'm glad the Lord sustains me. So yep, to those who've expressed their concerns regarding my seemingly hectic schedule. I am ok. Thank you so much.

2) People get the impression that i am "always too busy." yes, i am busy - busy with school, responsibilities at home, church, and extra-curricular stuff. the typical student kind of busyness.
BUT i am never "too busy" in a sense that i wouldn't be there when needed. as i said, the busyness that i am engaged in is just typical school/academic busyness. it's nothing beyond normal.
THUS, i ask everyone to please see me in a different light. remove any prejudice you have just because i'm now in lawschool. do not exclude me from your list for the immediate notion that i'll probably be too busy. my schedule may have changed due to lawschool but i am still the same - i move heaven and earth for my friends. and it's no hassle at all whenever i do it. alam nyo yan.

3) it is in light of #2 that i deeply apologize to ate anne for what happened (or did not happen) last wednesday. I wasn't busy. It really just skipped my mind. It was probably because I subconsciously thought it was supposed to be last wednesday. I shall make it up to you. but, THANK YOU so much for even considering inviting me.

4) i tried out for the Ateneo Law Journal. i wasn't able to get in. but i am happy because i was able to make do with whatever i had at that time. perhaps it just wasn't for me. but had i not attempted at all, i would never know. and it would bother me. SO, i thank everyone who helped me out. special mention to reg nonato for accomodating; my teammates in asiacup for giving me slack during that training day.

5) akala nyo puro progressive rock lang ako ha. listen to what i consider as one of my favorites. well written. well played. jeff porcaro is such a disciplined drummer.

Thank you everyone and God bless.

Yet another one of His blessings

2008-07-20T21:16:00.006+08:00

The Lord has been good. Our team won the regional rounds. We will be representing Philippines in the upcoming AsiaCup Moot Court Competition in Japan. Praise God for this blessing. Thank You for this opportunity po. :)

And thanks to all who helped and supported us.

on chicken cruelty

2008-07-19T19:02:00.002+08:00

Zyra Eve Lee: www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com
Zyra Eve Lee: hahahaha

jared amoroso: zy, hindi ba lahat naman ng kinakain natin ay tinotorture?
jared amoroso: ang baboy, nakakita ka na ba ng kinakatay na baboy?

Zyra Eve Lee: e iba naman ang pagtorture nila!!
Zyra Eve Lee: KFC suppliers cram birds into huge waste-filled factories, breed and drug them to grow so large that they can’t even walk, and often break their wings and legs. At slaughter, the birds’ throats are slit and they are dropped into tanks of scalding-hot water—often while they are still conscious. It would be illegal for KFC to abuse dogs, cats, pigs, or cows in these ways.

jared amoroso: It would be illegal for KFC to abuse dogs, cats, pigs, or cows in these ways. - tingin ko dogs and cats lang ang subject to prohibition on cruelty
jared amoroso: pero ang pigs cows and chickens... watdahell.
jared amoroso: let's eat them in whatever way possible

Zyra Eve Lee: gusto ko na tuloy maging vegetarian!
Zyra Eve Lee: hehehe

jared amoroso: what?!
jared amoroso: kawawa kaya yang mga vegetables na yan

Zyra Eve Lee: nakakatawa ka!
Zyra Eve Lee: kawawa ang vegetables??

jared amoroso: they are uprooted from land on which they've spent their childhoods
jared amoroso: where their grandmas and grandma's grandmas' grandmas have lived
jared amoroso: they are uprooted without any warning. uprooted on a sunny day while they enjoy the breeze of the air and the butterflies and the bees

Zyra Eve Lee: are you joking??
Zyra Eve Lee: haha

jared amoroso: tapos, artificially pang pinapabilis yung growth and development nung vegetables
jared amoroso: pano na ang enjoyment of their childhood?
jared amoroso: di mo ba naiisip yun zy?

Zyra Eve Lee: hahahaha
Zyra Eve Lee: hindi!

jared amoroso: hahaha
jared amoroso: ayos ba ayos ba
jared amoroso: POINT IS...
jared amoroso: everything we eat... WILL BE SLAUGHTERED, MAIMED, MUTILATED
jared amoroso: but as long as they taste good,
jared amoroso: i'm sure they'll die happy knowing they fulfilled their destiny

Zyra Eve Lee: even the chickens??
Zyra Eve Lee: at least veggies don't draw blood

jared amoroso: yes. because chickens look forward to the day that they'll be eaten
jared amoroso: don't deprive them of the realization of their dreams

Vinnie again!

2008-07-18T11:49:00.004+08:00

sorry if nagpopost lang ako ng videos ngayon. magsusulat din ako later. for now ito muna. isa sa inaaspire ko aside from becoming alan shore. haha.

on a 7/8 groove

on a tune called "i don't know"

si Nelo

2008-07-05T15:57:00.000+08:00

Girl: Merry Christmas!
Nello: Huh?
Nello: That's the picture! Rubens picture!
Nello: Finally... I'm allowed to see it.
Nello: Ah... Holy Maria, I thank you. That's the best present for christmas I ever had.
Alois: Let me see it! Please, let me see it!
Nello: No, it isn't done, you will see it soon enough!
Jehan: Patrasche, watch over Nello..
Nello: Huh? Patrasche?
Nello: Patrasche... you came to me, my very best friend. Yeah, you're right, we both will be together forever.
Nello: Look at the picture, Patrasche, isn't it fantastic? Ruben's painted it, I had a long time to wait until I could see it. You know, Patrasche? I'm... really happy now.
Nello: You're tired, right? Me too. Grandfather, I'm sorry. Let us sleep, my Patrasche. Sleeping and dreaming.
Alois: Nellooooo~

A child's faith

2008-06-22T19:46:00.004+08:00

Lately, I've been listening to kids' praise songs. They're simple. yet, so wonderful. I guess it's because faith in God is just like that - simple.

Here's one of my favorites. I couldn't find an Mp3 copy. But i hope you like it. *edit found one at youtube:

I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens
Down at Your feet

and anytime I don't know
what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You

God bless us all.

Clarification: i am ok

2008-06-15T00:25:00.005+08:00

hi again! i've been getting a lot of "are you ok?" messages since my last post. thank you very much. i just thought that it would be just proper and fair for me to post this entry so as to assure you that i'm ok. (yeah, no longer "ross fine") I've decided to bounce back. And I'm thankful that I have a God who makes sure that things are just below the i-can't-bear-it-anymore threshold.

and since i'm already posting, might as well share something my mom found while she was fixing her stuff. it's a letter which my lolo wrote to her when she was about to enter highschool.

Dear Lyda,
There are two good questions to ask before embarking upon courtship. The word has a pleasant, winsome flavor to it, perhaps because it sounds so like courtesy. However, to be brutally biological, in the animal kingdom, courtship is the preliminary to mating. This means that before courting, we should ask: “Is marriage intended?”
If it is not, then we are behaving irresponsibly and very uncharitably. We are just trifling with the love that another person has to offer. Like a madman, who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

But there is a second question; for marriage maybe seriously intended, but the person concerned may still be young or facing a course of study which means he may have to remain unmarried for several years. A good second question then is: “Is marriage foreseeable?”
If marriage is not possible in the foreseeable future, then we are unwise to allow friendship to develop into courtship. If the courtship cannot lead to anything for a very long time, then it may be selfish of one and cruel to the other. Driving with the emotional brakes on for years can be hard on the emotional linings.

Surely, if in this matter also, our longing is to please God, then we shall want to use our capacity for love in the way which pleases Him most. We shall not be content with a moderately successful performance, but only with excellence.

Galing no? This was circa '70s, way past the I Kissed Dating Goodbye series! I honestly couldn't imagine where my lolo got these things. But, it's strange how much of his perspective found its way to my own view of things. Runs in the family? Haha.

So there, I guess this goes out to all those who criticize and say "why take things seriously? enjoy!" This is where I am (literally) coming from. I already have a lot of things which I don't take seriously. At least give me slack on this particular aspect. I enjoy it this way. Besides, it's not such a bad way of approaching things din naman!

And, yes, i know, we're living in "modern times." We live in a world of "freedom" and "rights." And it's a really good thing. Sadly, that same world is also a world of divorce, annulment, of the motherless and fatherless. It is for this reason that all the more, I choose to hold on to such an ideal - An ideal where fidelity, commitment, love, Godliness pervades even the simplest of relationships. I guess it's just a matter of knowing what things should matter, regardless of the changing times.

I thank God for this much needed lesson from the past. Goodnight everyone.

Summer ends

2008-06-08T22:04:00.000+08:00

This will probably be my last post for the meantime.

Between this and my previous posts are a lot of events, experiences, happenings... a million things left unsaid.

I originally planned on documenting my whole summer. I'd say i was partly successful. You've read about the last day of my exams, the outing, the circumstances surrounding my internship, my actual internship, and a lot of my misadventures.

And then on the other hand, i'd say it was a whole lot incomplete. Incomplete, first, because it literally was incomplete. You probably haven't heard about my NLRC trip, the evening walkathons in rockwell, the shooting incident at the side of our house, the frequent LBMs, getting soaked up in rain, etc. etc.

and then, secondly, it may have been incomplete because, for sure, whatever is here, is simply not all.

i thank everyone who took the time to read my posts. i hope you enjoyed. i predict that i'll be able to write again 2 months from now. you can call or text me.

let me rephrase that... please call or text me. minsan, kailangan ko rin ng kausap. (yon na!)

God bless everyone.

moving out

2008-06-07T23:27:00.009+08:00

i'll be dorming this sem.

it was almost on a whim actually. i asked around the night before, did some calculations, called up the landlord, checked the place the following morning, and signed the contract by evening. what was i thinking?! hahaha

yeah, come to think of it, it actually was on a whim!

personally, it was a major turnaround of events.

it's odd. some 3 months ago, i was seriously looking into the idea of shifting to the evening class. i was planning on "toning down" a little bit on the lawschool side of things. i was thinking of devoting some of my time to things outside of lawschool. friends, activities, my personal life in general. i was thinking that there are some things i personally would give up lawschool for. (ayan na) *cut!

but then, yeah... ewan.

somehow i managed to pull off an exact opposite of that plan. wala, it's like, i just deliberately scrapped out all that more-time-for-personal-stuff stuff. don't get me wrong, i tried. i did "tweak" my schedule to free up certain days... (which resulted to a jampacked mon-thurs sched. which was stupid. i'll die) but i guess i got jaded. i realized... i was all like "it's pointless."

From then on it was downhill... i started to keep myself busy. humaba bigla ang resume ko. i started accepting responsibilities sa org, sa council. and for more torture, nag-attempt na naman ako magcompete. now this. dorm. talk about living in school.

well, i believe things happen for unknown but really valid reasons. i may not be able to see His hand. but it's normal since i'm just not seeing it yet. i believe this turnaround thing has a reason. and whatever that is, rest assured, it's His plan.

and that last line, is a major turnaround in itself. i guess it's been a while since i've convinced myself to rest assured that He has a plan.

ANYWAY, there. i'll be home during saturdays and sundays. and home alone the rest of the week.

and i'll be better than good.

A preview

2008-06-07T09:46:00.004+08:00

The upperclassmen have begun sending their take on the professors we're gonna have this coming sem. I'm gonna have an interesting sem.

Labor:
Disini asks tough questions during recit and exams...hehehe im not going to sugar coat it mahirap talaga siya...

during class you're not allowed to have anything on your just a notebook for you to take down notes, but some of my classmates during the latter part of the sem are able to have reviewers/books on top of their table pero yung mga nasa harap (like me) hindi kaya....pero hindi naman sinita ni sir yung may mga stuff sa top ng table nila but then again i guess it was because sir stopped grading us for recits some time before the midterms...hehehe...

Oh, tell your beadle to seat sa chair in front of the table kasi when I was still the beadle doon ako and I think akala nya na doon talaga yung mga beadle...hehehe better din yun kasi he asks the beadle questions during class...

Succession:
for me balane is tougher than Disini. Mahirap lang si Disini kasi clear table policy but Balane mahirap parin kahit you're allowed to read the book during class.

I suggest na you guys memorize the Code for recits kasi more or less when he asks "What is article ..." your only answer is the law itself.

Super tough exams, as in...right minus wrong yung true or false nya palagi...once lang ang quiz and that's when you guys are going to discuss legitimes na.

Tell your beadle to ask ate virgie when bday ni sir...we had his bday catered and we also bought cold cuts, and canapes, which he liked...we also had a dance number...sa 4th floor lobby namin ginawa yun..try to make his bday party bongga because you'll be "competing" with section B eh...

and he likes students who are multi lingual..so hanap na kayo ng blockmate who's versed in other languages...para he'll have someone to converse with while he calls the class ignoramuses...hahaha

Torts:
Calleja...he's late most of the time! Magulo yung exams nya...i had a hard time trying to understand what the real question was...basta magulo...for recits read a book kahit madaming cases assigned kasi he'll still ask stuff not found in the cases. I suggest you use Aquino...panget yung iba eh...

Tax:
Montero...ganun parin...hehehe...I suggest you try to get a hold of the Rose Rayco reviewer...I'll try to look for my copy but no guarantees...

Insurance:
Tan...quimson prof namin eh and Tan is new I think...but i used the Rodriguez book which is sort an easy read

part 2 of what's written below

2008-06-03T10:26:00.004+08:00

I've been watching "Knock Out" lately. I've watched it before, but somehow it still continues to amaze me. Here's Ippo's first ever sparring session. No talent, no technique, pure guts.

Now here's some look at Ippo's future fights. Amazing

Lord, classes na naman, i again ask for strength and determination to make up for whatever i lack in terms of skills and knowledge. here's to my 5th sem in lawschool. miracle

Determination

2008-06-02T09:36:00.003+08:00

This is an excerpt from the article of Francis Kong entitled "If At First You Don't Succeed." published in the AAVA news volume 11 issue 20 May31 - June 6,2008.

Maxcy Filer has some advice especially for those 3,940 lawyers who failed in the bar exam. His advice: “Try,try,again." That's how the California Bar Journal opened a February 2004 story about the "unstoppable" Maxcy Filer.

In 1966 Maxcy took the California Bar exam for the first time at the age of 36 and he failed. He took it again and failed. He took it again and again and again and again,and each time he failed. He took it in Los Angeles, SanDiego, Riverside, San Francisco and anywhere else it was offered. And each time he failed. He took it when his children were still living at home and he took it with each of his sons when they had earned their own law degrees. He even took it after he started working as a law clerk in the law offices of his sons. He continued taking it even as he reached an age when most people are thinking of retirement.

After twenty-five years, $50,000 in exam fees and review courses,and 144 days in testing rooms, Maxcy Filer took the bar exam for the 48thtime, and he passed. He was 61 years old. Maxcy never saw each failure as the end of his dream. They were merely another step toward the inevitable. What dream can you take another step toward today? And you can find the story of Maxcy Filer in Cynthia Kersey's greatbook,“Unstoppable.”

That's exactly what some people are.They are unstoppable. They never stop trying.Contrast this to many young people I know. I talk to HR practitioners all the time. They say that many young people today just give up too easily.There was a time when we were thought: “If at first you do not succeed, try and try again.” Today their motto seems to be: “If at first you do not succeed, try something else.”

This is not good. We have to have tenacity. To stick to a given job until we finish it excellently. Then and only then do we tap into our hidden potential.Then and only then do we develop character. xxx

i'm fine

2008-06-01T20:16:00.003+08:00

i will post again.

marami na nangyari since my last post. may sakit pa yata ako when i last posted. since then, it's been a not-so-healthy stint for me. it probably explains why i haven't been writing. but, i think it's more of the not-so-healthy thoughts which account for my absence here.

but i'm getting back on track. on the road to healthiness. :) "i'm fine"

Ross fine. hahaha. cheers to all! God bless!

2008-05-13T00:35:00.001+08:00

may lagnat yata ako. Lord, wag naman.

Catching up sunday

2008-05-11T22:47:00.007+08:00

1) I've disappeared for quite some days. Ive been doing some overtime work this past week. And I must say nakakapagod din pala. Hindi na ako nakakasulat paguwi ko. I know, i know, take it easy on work. Internship lang yan. Guess what. I KNOW!!! Kung pwede lang iexplain sa lahat kung bakit nag-OT. And to those who know the (silly) reason... let me share some of my experiences as a result of the OT-filled week. one word. ULAN! Here's from my point of view while I waited (for hours) outside the office for the rain to stop.

2) And because of the rains, I'm often left with nothing to do but... think. and walk. My thinking and walking led me to glorietta. Want something super fun (depressing)? Food... and me... just the two of us. There you have it. Rain pouring + solo dinner (for two!), perfect backdrop for a melodramatic scene. Here's me and pancakes. (and another plate, which I also finished by myself.) mukha akong guy na di sinipot ng date!

3) New learning. Bawal pala ang _____ sa MRT. So if may nakita kayong naglalakad along edsa na may hawak na kung anong kakaibang bagay habang umuulan... it's just me, learning my lesson.

4) at ano ba ang problema ng ulan!!! seryoso bakit mo ako sinusundan!! naghahanap ka yata ng away e!!!

5) Joint party sa navarretes. Advanced happy birthday Annamay. Belated to JM. thanks for the food and the videoke. at saka... wala. hahaha

6) Happy mothers day to my mom. I've already highlighted what you need to read in the book i gave you. Please read it. I hope you get what I wanted to convey. I love you po. :)

2008-05-09T08:14:00.000+08:00

" " - invisible man

Sleepy Tuesday

2008-05-06T21:08:00.008+08:00

1) I am so sleepy today. There are some things more stressful than work.

2) The intellectual property department gave us a primer on what their department's all about. I'd have to say it was so interesting. This department handles copyright infringement and trademark cases. Cool! We even had a chance to look at samples of patented works. (strapless bra!) Anyway, here's us at the conference room.

3) Whoever had the bright idea of revamping MRT's public announcement system and TURNING THE VOLUME KNOB ALL THE WAY UP!!! The PA system is so loud that it pierces through even my Slipknot songs!

4) Tomorrow's gonna be NLRC for me. It'll be my first time going to that place. Last place I went to was the Intellectual Property Office. I went to the Bureau of Legal Affairs department. As usual, I enjoyed the fact that I was able to mingle with the personnel. I got everything I needed. All it took was some kwento and politeness.

5) Side story: while waiting at the Quezon Ave Station, I stood beside this MRT Security Guard. He was on top of the platform intended to segregate the girls/elderly/children from the rest of the stinking/sweaty/public. A lady and her lesbian companion walked by and went straight to the girls/elderly/children area. What happened next shocked me.

The Security Guard stopped them. Called them from among the crowd using his megaphone. And insisted that the other lady was not a lady ergo should not board the for-girls-only train. I thought that maybe it was understandable since the lesbian one was in jeans-shirt-ala-hiphop-star. Thing is, the Security Guard was smiling all throughout the event. He just did it for fun! Poor companion. She had to say out loud "babae itong kasama ko."

I'm not the only crazy person on earth.

6) There's comfort in knowing that not knowing what's gonna happen is normal. "For I know the plans i have for you, says the Lord." - Jeremiah 29:11

Thought for the day

2008-05-04T03:13:00.005+08:00

Here is another one from Alan Shore: (vid is a bit edited, but the idea is there)

"It's far easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them."

and here's the link to the real video (which sadly could not be embedded).

Boston Legal

2008-05-03T22:44:00.005+08:00

I normally cringe at the thought of two full grown men uttering cheesy things to each other. But not at these two. Guys, meet Alan Shore and Denny Crane.

Denny Crane is standing at the balcony door, looking out, alone. Alan Shore enters; closing the door behind him.
Denny Crane: Don’t talk to me.

Alan Shore: It’s not like I went fishing with him.

Denny Crane: And don’t make fun of me. I don’t know whether you know this, not many men take the time every day to have a cigar, a glass of scotch, to talk to their best friend. That’s not something most men have.

Alan Shore: No, it isn’t.

Denny Crane: What I give to you, what—what I share, I do with no one else. I like to think what you give to me, you do with nobody else. Now that—that may sound silly to you, but here’s I think is silly—the idea that jealousy or fidelity is reserved for romance. I always suspected that there was a connection between you and that man. That you got something you didn’t get from me.

Alan Shore: I probably do. But gosh, what I get from you, Denny . . . takes a few steps forward to stare out the door to the balcony People walk around today calling everyone their best friend. shakes his head The term doesn’t have any real meaning anymore. Mere acquaintances are lavished with hugs and kisses upon a second or
at most third meeting. Birthday cards get passed around offices so everybody can scribble a snippet of sentimentality for a colleague they’ve barely met. And everyone just loves everyone. As a result, when you tell somebody you love them today, it isn’t much heard. I love you, Denny. You are my best friend.

Denny Crane’s demeanor softens.

Alan Shore: I can’t imagine going through life without you as my best friend. turns back to the window I’m not gonna kiss you, however.

Denny Crane: turns to the window and wags his finger I don’t want you on my balcon—on ANY balcony— alone with that man.

Alan Shore: Okay.

Rest day Labor day

2008-05-01T23:10:00.003+08:00

1) Bakit kaya walang pasok? e Labor day nga diba? wehehe. corny na ok!

2) This week's quite a boring week at the office. I run out of things to do. And, of course you already know what i do when i run out of work. I run after it. But, still, it's relatively light work for this week. The associates said it's just normal. And that i should treat it as a bonus. Because when it rains... it would pour. So savor every single minute of rest. good advise. :)

3) I spent the evening with my brother, Joses. Nagyaya siya bigla mag-mall. Siyempre, mabilis naman ako kausap. At saka, nothing beats time with family! Especially nowadays. So there! 8pm? Kaya pa yan!!! hahaha.

It was fun! I let him drive to SM Fairview. It was along the way that I discovered that it was his first time driving for real. as in highway real. with a specific destination. hahaha. my reaction? "magseatbelt ka ha" siyempre! konsintedor kuya ata ito! *evil laugh.

Mas gusto kong ako ang sumasama sa kanya kapag nagppractice magdrive. Mejo malakas kasi magsermon si Dad. Magkaiba kami ng approach e. Hands-off policy ako. Nagkukwento lang ako habang nagdadrive. Basically, nandun lang ako para kapag nahuli ng pulis, may makikipagusap. Haha. Hindi naman kasi kailangan stressful ang learning experience. :)

I don't know, pero spoiled yata itong kapatid kong ito sa akin. He bought shoes. and since we had extra time, i accompanied him to a PC shop. he (well, technically, I) bought an LED fan (the one with strobe lights) He seems to be interested in building his PC from ground up. I guess i found it something worth encouraging.

Then we ate at Pares in commonwealth ave. Sarap! aah. He consumed 4 servings of rice!

Now i'm broke. Haha! but i don't mind.

4) It's gonna be a jampacked day tomorrow. I have an event after work. Special mention to Amay for the backup plan! :) hope all goes well.

Sunday with friends

2008-04-27T23:52:00.001+08:00

I wasn't able to attend church today. Bukod sa nilalagnat ako the other night, i had to prepare for a music clinic.

1) The music clinic was jai's idea. He invited me and kuya neil about a month ago. It was really fun! I got to do something i've always enjoyed doing. na-miss ko magturo ng drums!

part of the fun, i guess, was that i got to do this event with 2 of my superb-musician-no-smoke-no-drink-Jesus-loving friends. Ang gaganda ng mga diniscuss nila! Si jai, intelligent and technical insights. ang sasarap pa ng ginagawa nya sa Bass! Si kuya neil din! Sobrang ok ng tinuro about the musical spectrum thingy. master guitarist din! Ulitin natin ulit ito!

as for me, the usual, comedic approach. i brought my mini kit. satisfied ako sa sound nya. so we had two drumsets on stage. it proved useful during the jamming sessions. or not (ang gulo kasi! haha)

2) i taught something about "how to practice." i think this phrase sums it all up - never ever say you're good enough. the moment you say so would be the moment you stop learning. karamihan kasi sa musicians, ang sakit - kayabangan.

sabi nga sa Bible, "pride comes before the fall."

i hope the Lord was able to use us through whatever we shared back there. nakaka-inspire kasi madaming kids dun sa clinic! who knows? one of those kids could be the next vinnie colaiuta or steve vai some years from now.

3) Special mention to Carmi and Shean for joining me in my lonely dinner for one at pancake house. Ang babait niyo. Salamat!

Friday relaxation

2008-04-25T23:57:00.004+08:00

This is my second friday as an intern. I was so glad that i finished my work the previous day. I had enough time to help other interns.

1) I submitted our finished work for the Retainer Department. The secretary's reaction: Ang bilis nyo! Bakit niyo tinapos lahat! haha! We are team hardcore. Tell us what you want and we'll give it to you! nyahaha!

2) I had the privilege of being invited to watch the U2 3d concert at Moa with Vien, Carm, and Bianca. Yep, only guy again. "dude without a car" nga lang. It was embarassing! I haven't been bringing my car since I started internship. For this particular friday, I had a hard time deciding whether to bring my car or not. Practicality and punctuality was the overriding factor. Thus, I ended up subjecting these three ladies to public transpo. I am evil. Ungentleman. Un... wait a minute. I no longer have to tell this to myself. 'Coz Bianca already did! Hahaha. Sorry talaga.

Nevertheless, it was fun. Carm really likes U2. I think she's planning for the U2 concert this year. Bianca was loud and noisy... always is. But she's our discount. And she trespassed an already closed theater. We don't know her. Vien on the other hand was funny. She told a story about her being stuck in MRT. She also talked me out of taking work seriously. Thank you very much vien. :) Oo tama, hilahin nyo ako sa mga gala.

3) After the MOA trip. Carm and I went to Ortigas. (yep, cab again!) We met up with Ram, Gino and Ange. We just talked and talked. They drank. I ate. Money down the drain. It's ok. It was fun! I ended up going home at around 4am though. haha.

4) Random thought: It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile. - Sting

Overtime Thursday

2008-04-24T23:32:00.006+08:00

I went home at around 9pm today. It was because I set a personal goal - I will finish my share of work one day prior to my deadline.

Thus, I stayed behind after all interns have gone home. Nevertheless, I was able to finish my goal. I was so tempted to just leave especially when I saw how much little was left of the work to be done! "o e konti na lang to a! kayang kaya na ito bukas!"

But no, naisip ko na lang na I wasn't really doing this in order to meet a deadline which somebody set for me. I was doing this for myself. I wanted to have that sense of personal achievement. Alam niyo yun? Yung parang may natupad ka na pangako na ikaw lang naman ang nakakaalam. Parang sa pag-ibig. wahaha! Seriously though, i was happy afterwards.

Commitment starts with the smallest and most discrete things.

P.S.

However, because of the OT, I had to pass up a +6 dinner. They're the prettiest, smartest and nicest girls in lawschool. And i've been privileged to have them as my friends. Perhaps they think I'm vaks. Watdahell. J/K. I feel bad for passing up that dinner. (i was so hungry din kasi) I hope to make it up to them though. Dance? Haha. (l-r top:Shean, Bianca, Vien; bot:Carmi, Ange, Carm) Sorry! better pic next time!

EDIT: i have a picture with +6 pala. click HERE

Stressful Wednesday

2008-04-23T21:25:00.004+08:00

Today was unusually stressful. The day started out normally. But then, the work piled up.

1) We got a call from one of the associates. They were apparently in a meeting with a client and the opposing party. A stockholder wanted to inspect the payroll of the corporation. The corporation does not want to grant access to its records. We were representing the corporation. Why was it stressful? First, we were going against the general rule - stockholders have the right to access "all financial records" of a corporation as long as it is for a purpose germane to his rights as a stockholder. Second, everything was happening in real time. Deadline is now. We get a follow-up call, and it is due an hour later. Lastly, the associate himself was stressed out.

2) We immediately got another one. This time, it was less stressful. But, thing is, we had to submit it two hours later (around 7pm). So, we had to go overtime. Btw, to spice things up, the final output was eradicated. Apparently, we didn't know how to save something using a Macbook. Boo Mac! PC rocks! haha

3) The group had a serious discussion. Apparently some partner _______________ but of course we had no idea ________________. Sorry, i can't reveal what happened. Suffice it to say that because of that, I am now more motivated than ever to perfect whatever i do. I just hope it doesn't add unnecessary stress to everyone.

4) Since i had to go overtime, I got stuck in the rush hour. As in literally got stuck. I was in the MRT, and I couldn't freaking move my hands! That's how tight everything was!

I had an achievement, though. It's a mind-over-matter thing. While everyone was caving in... i repeated this thought over and over again: "Ang lamig lamig naman. Walang kahirap hirap ito."

Lo and behold... i left the train feeling fresh and unsticky.

Well, feeling lang.

"Turd"

2008-04-22T21:41:00.004+08:00

i was having a chat with Ange the other night. another "word of the day" from her. hahaha

ange: haha you're such a turd..and omg buchi just gave me the look of death as if i disturbed his sleep

--- --- --- dead air--- --- --- dead air --- --- --- ---

jared: i googled "turd"
ange: you know i don't know what it means..it just sounds weird
jared: it IS weird
jared: you just called me "a piece of solid animal or human feces"
ange: haha seriously?
jared: "a piece of excrement"
ange: i thought it was like cheese curd... or curdle? ack i don't know
jared: the wonders of google. from now on, i'll call you turd too.

--- --- --- dead air --- --- --- dead air --- --- ---

jared: hey there... turd!

haha. i have the craziest but nicest blockmates.

Steady tuesday

2008-04-22T20:06:00.008+08:00

1) I went back to Pasay RTC. Yep. My job was originally done since i've submitted it yesterday. However, i just wanted to make sure that I had a fall back option just in case my supervising attorney thinks that what i did yesterday doesn't amount to "diligent search."

Anyway, there were pretty intense things going on in the RTC when i arrived. There was this woman who came to the judge, asking what she could do to her husband. Her husband had a document notarized and signed by another judge, to the effect that he is now legally separated from his wife. While the judge was explaining that the document had no legal effect (since legal separation can only be made via court order) the woman cried.

Hirap na hirap na raw siya kasi yung mister niya pinapangalandakan sa opisina na pwede na siyang magkaron ng ibang babae kasi nga legally separated na sila. (and apparently says these things while holding out the said document to his officemates)

The husband is a jerk. He should be charged with concubinage and unjust vexation. The judge on the other hand should be disbarred for gross ignorance of the law. Who on earth subjects legal separation to contractual stipulation!

Meanwhile, while these things were happening, a fistfight was brewing just outside the door. Apparently, members of the family from two disputing parties were already bent on killing each other. haha. circus

2) I didn't ask for work today. I decided to just finish the piles of paperwork originally assigned to us (which as of 6pm today is about 80% done already). Hopefully by tomorrow, everything is done. By then, I'll ask for new work. Hopefully it's something "new."

3) MRT is fast! However, the fact that i spend the rest of the time standing up really takes up a lot of my energy. SO, what happens? I eat at every MRT stop! haha. Sidewalk food is the best! I like it dirty!!! nyahahaha. Kidding aside, while i was eating my pork siomai, i was thinking: if things go well, i want to be a "cowboy lawyer working in a prestigious firm." Ok diba? Formal attire minus the kaartehan that an ateneo lawyer is (mistakenly) known for.

Random thought: I think now I know what it feels like... it sucks. Nyahaha. I am going crazy. Ignore me.

Fun Monday

2008-04-21T21:14:00.007+08:00

it was my first time going to Court today. I went to Pasay's Regional Trial Court. Specifically, to the Executive Clerk of Court's Office. I went there to ascertain that no insolvency proceeding, petition for rehabilitation and/or receivership is filed or is pending against X Company. (confidentiality clause)

1) I got there through public transpo. Public transpo is ehem one of the things I am proud of. Not many people could bear the heat, smell, and stress that public transpo brings. (see picture for the crowd i "battled" for MRT)

Despite its inconveniences, i personally find some of its attributes enough to outweigh such negatives. Public transpo is fast and economical. I was able to cut my travel time to 1 hour (from 2 hours). I was also able to cut my expenses to 200php (from 5oophp!) See?

2) I finally get what a "multiple sala court" looks like. I could now visualize who an "executive judge" and "executive clerk of court" is! If only i could do recits for civ pro all over again!

3) I was able to use every single bit of "pacute" methods i have. Requesting a personnel to "look for any filings of insolvency since time immemorial" is basically pushing him to his tolerance levels. I was promising to buy him C2! I even assisted him in browsing through the index cards (yes no computerized records!) dating back from 1998!

Now i know why Atty. Salvador tells us that people skills are crucial when it comes to litigation. Even the lowest employee of a clerk of court's office could kill your case. Once he refuses to help you. That's it. Your in for trouble. I just hope that our searches were enough to constitute "diligent search." If not, I AM DEAD. haha

4) I still returned to ACCRA's office after that job. I was tempted to go home after finishing the RTC work. But, I wanted to finish some more work. I ended up finishing more than what i initially planned. In fact, I was joined by two other interns in going overtime. We finished one whole folder of Office Opinions! Yey! Rimo and Sev, we are now officially team Hardcore!!! (yey! i now have a pseudo team! no longer alone!)

5) After work, i was able to stroll through Greenbelt! i just enjoyed walking until i reached the Ayala MRT Station. I can't wait to do this routine again. maybe tomorrow! depends on... never mind.

Friday after work

2008-04-19T01:41:00.006+08:00

masarap ang Friday sa makati. lahat ng tao, parang may panibagong pinanggagalingan ng lakas at sigla. naglakad ako sa makati. unang beses ko ginawa ito. hindi ko pa nalilibot ang makati. nalibot ko man, malamang dahil lang nagkaligaw-ligaw ako.

pero, ayun nga, nagsimula ako maglakad from Accra to paseo centre. ang sarap! lakad sa sidewalk, tawid sa pedestrian crossing. daan sa underpass, escalator palabas ng underpass. mausok ang hangin, traffic ang paligid, pero sa di malamang dahilan, parang napakasariwa ng lahat para sa akin.

ganun yata talaga, maski ang pinakapolluted na lugar ay nagiging paraiso kapag nanggaling ka sa isang stressful environment. sabi nga, walang matigas na tinapay sa taong gutom (huh?).

meron pala akong random thought/poem:

"Vaks"
maloko akong tao, pero mabilis ako makaramdam.
maingay ako at patawa, pero sa mga walang kwentang bagay lang.
makapal ang mukha ko at palaban, pero sa mga bagay na wala lang akong pakialam.
hindi ko alam pero may mga bagay na masyadong mahalaga
para iasa sa kapal ng mukha lamang.

special mention to Carmi for allowing me to hitch. goodnight everyone.

usapang masaya na parang hindi masyado

2008-04-17T23:10:00.006+08:00

we were eating at pancake house...

"ano ba, kayo kasi guys, when you finish law school, nagaappreciate yung value niyo. mas mabilis kayo magugustuhan ng girls. but for us girls, when we become lawyers, nagdedepreciate value namin. sobrang hirap na makahanap ng partner! huhuhu."
. . .

"ano ba. depende yan. lawyer ka nga, mabilis magustuhan ng girls. e iba naman gusto mo. tapos di mo naman nakuha yung gusto mo dahil sa pursuit ng pagiging lawyer. edi wala din bearing yung pagiging lawyer mo! edi pareho din!"

ayos na ayos sa usapan. parang mga hindi lang pagod from work. haha

German sapatos map

2008-04-16T23:16:00.006+08:00

Unang araw ko ngayon sa pagtatrabaho bilang isang intern. Well, actually, unang beses ko ito magtatrabaho.

Masaya pala!

As usual, hindi lalampas ang araw na walang nakakatawang pangyayari.

1) Bago ako bumaba ng kotse, yung sintas ng sapatos ko, natanggal. Problem is, hiwa-hiwalay na yung dulo ng sintas ko. Therefore, hindi ko siya maibalik dun sa butas! Naiimagine nyo ba! Stress!!!

2) Pagdating ko sa office, may action na nangyari. Merong isang client na nagsisigaw, tinapon ang kape nya, at pinagmumura ang abugado niya. Intense. Bawi naman sakin ni ma'm supervising attorney. "I'm really sorry, that doesn't happen much"

3) Divided kami into teams. I am team 4. Ako lang ang mag-isa sa team ko. 'Yey, for more loneliness in this world. Haha.

4) At dahil nung una, wala ako ginagawa. Kinapalan ko ang mukha ko at nanghingi ako ng work from a senior partner. Haha. Guess what. I got what I asked for. Sabi nga sa Bible, ask and it shall be given unto you. I just hope it also... never mind.

5) Dinaanan ko ang isang blockmate from nearby at kumain kami sa Pancake house with another blockmate. Bago ako makarating ng rockwell, may realization ako: "mahirap magbasa ng makati map sa dilim"

Ayun lang muna. Wow tagalog na makata ang entry ko ngayon.

Interesting

2008-04-15T22:24:00.004+08:00

magsisimula na ang apprenticeship ko bukas. can i just say, this apprenticeship thing is "interesting." ewan ko ba, parang nabuhos lahat ng "interesting" events sa internship ko. God, bahala na Kayo sa mga susunod na mangyayari. You've brought Me here, whatever happens will have its purpose in You.

and Gino, thanks man. i really appreciate your calling me up early in the morning.

I spent my day waiting. I've grown numb to waiting. I've learned to do things while waiting. i was able to have my hair cut, and was able to shop for a decent pair of pants. this waiting though, i gave up on. bahala na siya. ganito yata dulot ng lawschool. tumatapang! yeaahhhh!!!

and i am not referring to the waiting. if i was, i wouldn't write it here. it would be somewhere else. at zero tapang ako dun. olats olats! haha

anyway, there, it's gonna be my first day as an intern tomorrow. Lord, everything's gonna be new. pero siyempre, You're the master of every beginning, the author of everything new. So I guess this one goes (again) to Your share of the pie.

and i don't even know if my last sentence made sense. see Lord? that's how much i need You. Goodnight.

I'm back

2008-04-12T16:24:00.002+08:00

1) Final exams are over. I just have to wait for my grades.
2) Zambales trip with blockmates. Fun and scary. Not fun sometimes. Fun in general.
3) I've received a most unexpected blessing. Thank You Lord. Just when the doors have closed, You stepped in.
4) May matindi akong gustong i-settle. Matagal na ako pinapahirapan nito.

2008-04-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

This is our block after the last final exam. We went straight to zambales afterwards. Truly, the valleys are there for us to appreciate the greater heights.

Isa na lang

2008-04-09T09:31:00.003+08:00

last day of exams. grades na lang. in a few hours, tapos na ang lahat. and then the waiting starts.

parang kabaligtaran lang sa bigong pag-ibig. the waiting starts. then in a few hours, tapos na ang lahat.

ignore me, (mas) wala akong kwenta kapag pagod. i'm still thinking if i'll go to the class outing. i want to do some things in manila. bahala na.

Tender Surrender

2008-04-07T09:44:00.003+08:00

an all-time favorite. enjoy

Dalawa na lang

2008-04-05T22:38:00.008+08:00

Nagliliwanag na ang panahon. Unti-unti nang nasisinagan ng araw ang matagal-tagal nang natabunang kaluluwa sa ilalim ng patong-patong na damo, talahib, alikabok, at semento. Konting panahon na lang at makikita na ng mundo ang kakapirasong natira sa isang katawang dati'y puno ng buhay. Tumitibok pa ang pulso. Kumikilos ang mga daliri. Mga mata'y nagpupumilit bumukas. Pero hindi pa. Hindi pa panahon.

In short, matatapos na ang exams namin. Dalawa na lang. Woohoo!!!

Glorifying God in Gray Areas

2008-04-05T03:03:00.004+08:00

Ok, let's face it, there are a lot of things which really don't have concrete answers in the Bible. (i.e. drinking, smoking, doing drugs, watching tv, etc.) And most of the time, Christians find themselves divided into two groups - conservatives and liberals.

To put it simply, Conservatives are the "o bawal yan, definite no no." Liberals are the "pwede yan basta in moderation."

Even I find myself torn between these two schools of thought. Which is why i find this article worth the read. (got this from Mikki)

Glorifying God in Gray Areas
If the issue you are wondering about is not specifically addressed in the Bible, then it's helpful to ask these questions from 1 Corinthians to help you in deciding what to do. Asking these questions (and others like them) will help you make a wise decision based on sound biblical principles.

1. Will it benefit me spiritually? First Corinthians 10:23 says, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify."

2. Will it put me in bondage? First Corinthians 6:12 says, "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." Any questionable practice that can be habit-forming is not wise to pursue.

3. Will it defile God's temple? First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." We should not do anything with our bodies that would dishonor the Lord.

4. Will it cause others to stumble? First Corinthians 8:8-9 says, "Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." One should refrain from using his freedom in an area which might cause others to sin. For "by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore," Paul said, "if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble."

5. Will it help the cause of evangelism? First Corinthians 10:32-33 says, "Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved." We must think of the effect any practice might have on our testimony to the lost.

6. Will it violate my conscience? First Corinthians 10:25-29 contains three references to abstaining from a certain practice "for conscience' sake." And Romans 14:23 says, "He who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin." If we are not sure whether an action is pleasing to God, we should not do it. That way our conscience will remain clear and our relationship to God will not be hindered.

7. Will it bring glory to God? First Corinthians 10:31 summarizes all these principles by saying, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

True Love Waits

2008-03-31T23:17:00.003+08:00

and they who wait upon the Lord shall...

be the happiest person on Earth. let the video do the talking. haha!

2008-03-31T21:29:00.003+08:00

typing this entry is funny. considering that this would probably be read side-by-side with my blog some hours ago.

sige i'll say it in Filipino...

LAGOT AKO SA CORP!!! hahahahha

bring it on pala ha!

2008-03-31T01:56:00.003+08:00

happy thoughts cure tiredness. :)

ok game. bring it on! i'm no longer stressed! Corp exams in a few hours.

Filipino Entry

2008-03-30T01:46:00.005+08:00

lumabas na ang resulta ng Bar exams. congratulations sa lahat ng nakapasa! special mention kay cecille mejia! grabe parang kelan lang kasama pa kita nagdrills for Jessup! tapos #7 ka pala sa bar!!!

congratulations din sa lahat ng gumraduate ngayon. boo kay jeric. iiwan mo na kami! Tandaan mo lahat ng mga pinag-usapan natin. You've been a blessing sa group. :)

sa lahat ng 2A, galingan natin. masyadong madami itong coverage natin ngayon. nababading na ako. hindi ko maintindihan yung accounting terms sa Corp. kasalanan ito ng School of Management. hindi nila ako pinayagan kumuha ng Accounting units nung college. dinidiscriminate nyo yung mga taga School of Social Sciences!

(juliet, ayan, it's taglish na.)
(gino, if ever you're reading this, sorry man.)

To the left to the left

2008-03-27T11:17:00.006+08:00

I've just had my Public International Law exam yesterday. And as of today, I've just gotten out of bed.

The past few days have been pretty tense for me. I wasn't getting enough sleep. Sleep would be the last thing on my mind considering that in a few days I'd be taking my one last shot at proving the midterms grade to be wrong. Haha. Don't get me wrong too, it's not all about proving something. It's about passing. And it's about being mad at the thought that I wasn't able to avoid what I've always sworn to avoid. My experience during my first sem in law school pretty much convinced me that hanging on the line is not exactly the finest feeling in the world.

Perhaps, up until now, that horrendous feeling keeps me up and going. It's motivated me to do well. Of course, that's not all though. I want to graduate on time. But of course let's not get into details. matters of the heart yata e. Ok disregard that last sentence.

Anyway, thing is, something always inevitably falls into the cracks. I flunked my midterms for PIL. Almost got lowest in class!!! I won't brag, but let's just say that of all my subjects for this sem, PIL is my forte. Well, it should be. anak ng tinapay, I join moot court competitions on international law! In fact I was abroad just last sembreak for a competition. and we pretty much made it to the top.

I AM NOT BRAGGING. NOR AM I JUSTIFYING MYSELF. SO WHAT's MY POINT?

From all of these, I've come to realize that it's not even how much you know. Face it, much of exam results are really out of our hands. And it goes for everything in life as well.

So, where did I go wrong? My blockmates say i "thought too much" or that i "knew too much." I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

There is something wrong, though, with "knowing too much," and RELYING ON THAT to get you through.

Then I think of the Apostle Paul. Learned in law, philosophy, a master at delivering speeches - and yet he finds himself being mobbed by an angry crowd after delivering his perhaps splendid and well-concocted version of the Gospel. Then also, I think of Einstein being dropped out of school because, as his teacher said, "he was dumb." Add to that all the shocking paradoxes of life, then you arrive at one conclusion - it's just out of our hands.

God was making me realize that I have to accept that no matter how much I know, it's really out of my hands. Now there's some real comfort to that. Knowing that I can take a backseat and let Him be Him.

There's always some peace in knowing that despite everything, I have a God who reaches out to me, grabs me by the hair, pulls me out of this busyness called life, slaps me to the left (to the left...) and tells me "Son, why don't you just shut up and leave everything to Me."

:)

2008-03-25T09:36:00.003+08:00

I'm about to go to school. Mainit ang panahon. And I'm feeling anxious about some things. As for my rants regarding these anxieties, they're just posted somewhere. Haha. Somewhere in cyberspace.

I really don't want to go to school anymore. I just want to study for the final exams. To top it all off, I still have to be in my polo-tie get up even if temperature's above room temp. I just hope the car's aircon holds up to the heat. Otherwise, I'd be super fresh in class.

Waste of Time

2008-03-25T00:17:00.004+08:00

Today was a waste of time. Sorry profs, but it was. If you already know that the whole class wouldn't be listening, why bother having classes?

2008-03-23T15:41:00.004+08:00

Happy easter!

I'm now about to go to church. I'll be playing for this Sunday's service. I really miss playing in Church. It's been almost 2 years now since I started looking for a protege. And, guess what, I found it in the form of my youngest brother - Joses. He now regularly plays during Sundays. I only play whenever I volunteer to play, or when he can't.

At first, I didn't think he was into playing the drums. I almost felt that I was forcing him into it. But, I've seen him watch me play. And I had a hunch that he was interested. After some time, he found out that he could also be good at it. And I'm glad that he now shares the same passion.

I still am very passionate about playing the drums. Most people won't understand, but it's my way of thanking God for all the things He's done for me.

There's more to easter sunday than going to church with the whole family. It's about remembering that sometime between A.D. and B.C., God became man, died, and rose again - not just for the heck of it, but that we may have life.

2008-03-22T09:23:00.004+08:00

Can i just say, ang baduy ng kulay ng template ng blog na ito. Borderline magbibilao.

I've been studying for the past two days. Last thursday, I was able to study 7 hours straight. I finished Corp Law, parts of Civ Pro, and Public International Law. Tawag namin kapag ganun, "in the zone."

Use "in the zone" in a sentence. - "Aba, jared, in the zone ka ha!", "O wag nyo guluhin si jared, in the zone siya."

Friday, however, was different. I could barely sit still and stay in one place. I was not able to study anything. Tawag namin kapag ganun, "A.D.D."

Use "A.D.D." in a sentence. - "Aba, jared, A.D.D. ka ha!", "Starbucks na lang tayo! Na-a A.D.D. ako e!"

Today, will (must, should) be different! I have to stay focused. Get rid of distractions. Thing is, much of what distracts me, disturbs from within. It's difficult to leave something when it's all in your head.

Pero, sabi nga sa Peter Pan, "think of happy things."

Return of the comeback

2008-03-21T22:39:00.011+08:00

I'll be returning to this site. I find it difficult to write in Multiply. Perhaps I see impending changes in content of my writings-to-come. (and therefore, less public-friendly)

in lawschool terms... i'm beginning to disfavor a blog in rem.

I think I need to write more. The lesser I write, the more I speak. The more I speak, the more I tend to keep everything inside. It's weird, but that's how I see it.

Thanksgivings

2007-09-19T19:00:00.000+08:00

1) THANK YOU TO ALL WHO GREETED ME ON MY BIRTHDAY. block 2A, thanks for the card. special mention to +6... vien, bianca, angela, carmi, carm, and shean. and i actually didn't have to bring one for myself. i really appreciate it.

2) our team won. we're going to the international rounds. coaches evecar and belle. thanks much. jomi and bo... superb!!! let's do this. team thailand, see you at stetson.

3) as always, the Lord has been good. :)

Solomonic Wisdom on Looking for the One

2007-08-21T00:53:00.000+08:00

I’ve recently revisited Proverbs and took note of some of what the wisest man has to say about partners.

(stranger:oooy lumalablyf!)
( jared: weeh. Hindi no. But it’s crossed my mind.)

Interesting. I actually find it poetically funny. Harsh even. Here goes.

"loyalty makes a person attractive. and it is better to be poor than dishonest."[1] – ok not relevant. haha

"It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby complaining wife."[2] - hahaha

"it is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a contentious wife in a lovely home."[3] – more hahahaha.

"a nagging wife is as annoying as the constant dripping on a rainy day. trying to stop her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or hold some thing with greased hands."[4] – more hahahahahaha. Solomon’s got real issues with women.

On the serious side though. Here’s something which makes waiting worth the wait:

"charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."[5]

"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall."[6]

So, what did i learn?

1.) "attractive" is a contentious term. and i'll definitely stand up for whoever i find as such.

2.) nagging brings out the poetic-artistic side of you.

3.) nagging brings you to otherwise uninhabitable places.

4.) a woman who fears the Lord. it's all i ask for.

5.) throw the dice. patay tayo jan. *edit: onga. mahirap nga magcast ng dice.

--------------------------------------------------------

[1] Proverbs 19:22

[2] Proverbs 21:19

[3] Proverbs 25:24

[4] Proverbs 27:15-16

[5] Proverbs 31:30

[6] Proverbs 16:33

On Noel Eala's Disbarment

2007-08-08T00:58:00.000+08:00

some excerpt from the supreme court decision A.C. no. 7136 (August 1, 2007)

My everdearest Irene,

By the time you open this, you’ll be moments away from walking down the aisle. I will say a prayer for you that you may find meaning in what you’re about to do.

Sometimes I wonder why we ever met. Is it only for me to find fleeting happiness but experience eternal pain? Is it only for us to find a true love but then lose it again? Or is it because there’s a bigger plan for the two of us?

I hope that you have experienced true happiness with me. I have done everything humanly possible to love you. And today, as you make your vows . . . I make my own vow to YOU.

I will love you for the rest of my life. I loved you from the first time I laid eyes on you, to the time we spent together, up to the final moments of your single life. But more importantly, I will love you until the life in me is gone and until we are together again.

Do not worry about me! I will be happy for you. I have enough memories of us to last me a lifetime. Always remember though that in my heart, in my mind and in my soul, YOU WILL ALWAYS

. . . AND THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU DO! BE MINE . . . . AND MINE ALONE, and I WILL ALWAYS BE YOURS AND YOURS ALONE!

I LOVE YOU FOREVER, I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS. AS LONG AS I’M LIVING MY TWEETIE YOU’LL BE!”

Eternally yours,

NOLI

all this and his lame defense of "it wasn't under scandalous circumstances".
makes it altogether funny.
and well-deserved

the entire decision here

i've moved!

2007-05-18T22:33:00.000+08:00

hello guys. LONG TIME NO POST HERE!

i've transferred to this site.

jaredamoroso.multiply.com

it's hard to maintain two sites.

hope to see you there!

God bless!!!

Really Short Update :)

2006-09-04T00:41:00.000+08:00

WOAH i missed writing entries in this site!!!

Sorry! It's just that the past few weeks have been really busy.

1.) review for midterms... (midterms ended saturday last week. lasted for about two weeks!)

2.) result of midterms (happy as i may look... there's not much to be happy about with regard to my grades. ill explain some other time. when i get them all)

3.) colayco cup preparations. colayco cup is a moot court competition of the Ateneo Society of International Law. basically, it's practice court. contestants are given a case. they research on it. find the applicable laws. argue the contentions of the assigned parties.(petitioner vs. respondent) and turn it into a written pleading (memorial). then, prepare a speech for 20 minutes. memorize that speech. recite it over and over again. look for ALL the possible loopholes and arguments that the other side could make. and do it all over again. until ALL possible questions are answered. and all possible answers are rehearsed. and then argue it in front of a judge (and believe me, when i say JUDGE, i really mean it!!! wooah) . and think. think. think. think. think. jibber jabber. but always with legal basis. and all these in 1 week. (for one whole week, 3am na ako nakakauwi)

4.) colayco cup itself. it was really fun! and funny! (MIGS!! mapapatay mo ko kakatawa!!!). everyone was REALLY good. BIANCA AND DANIEL!!!! SUPER KUDOS TO YOU!!! it's not like i haven't done public speaking before... but this is the FIRST time i did public speaking which MADE SENSE! hahaha!!!

*disclaimer... i might make it sound as if the competition was not serious... believe me... it's the MOST SERIOUS thing i've seen in my whole life!!! scary actually!!! haha!!! it's just that i'm now able to laugh it off since it's already done.

5.) when you've spent almost a month reviewing. and you begin receiving really LOW grades. it really gets to you. (yes, even to me) it's just simply discouraging. but you know what, the Lord really knows what we need, and how we feel. i got something from the colayco cup.. 5th best speaker/oralist/counsel/whatever!!! woohoo!!! it's not like im really proud of it in a kapal ng mukha way... it's just that if you're in my situation right now,... you'll be needing something to keep your confidence together. it's hard to explain, but even the most confident person, loses faith in himself when things go wrong. and in times like that. ANY source of confidence, would be REALLY greatly appreciated. so Thank YOU Lord for this surprise. seryoso PO natawa ako. hahahaha

so there... if there's anything beyond reasonable doubt in this world... it's the simple things from the simple acts of our magnificent God.

Crim Midterms aftermath.

2006-08-18T19:52:00.000+08:00

it was 21 pages long.

remember those things i typed in my "memory work" entry? the one that took me 30 minutes to type? it was a 5-point question in the exam. all of it. took a good one hour from my exam.

the remaining hour was spent scanning the 20 remaining pages.

i was not able to finish the exam. missed 3 items. worth 30 points.

it only means i'm now hanging on the line.

haha. oh well... just have to exert more effort for the remainder of the sem.

woohoo! God, thanks for the comfort. next time, higher scores naman Po.

Midterms Week or Two

2006-08-15T20:01:00.000+08:00

I just had my Persons and Family Relations exam yesterday. the feeling after the exam is unlike that in college. i really have no way of knowing how i did.

after the exam. had dinner with 1-b comrades. surprisingly, we all felt the same. we just did not want to talk about the exam. that was how i better liked it. unlike in college where we try answering the exam questions the moment we step out of the room, trying to prove ourselves right and look for people who think the same way as we do, hoping to get that settling feeling of yeah-his-answer-is-the-same-we-must-be-the-happiest-geniuses-among-mankind.

after dinner, went straight to the library. began studying for Criminal Law. stayed at school till about 1230 in the morning. driving home was such an arduous task. it's my eyes. i could no longer see that well.

it's been like this with my eyes for almost two weeks now. and as of today, i was barely able to study because i had headaches and slight fever the whole day. had to sleep it off. mom told me to go see an eye doctor. and yep... to wear glasses.

but, the good thing about my sleeping marathon today is that i'll be able to concentrate more, and perhaps do one good all-nighter for crim. im planning on changing my study venue for tomorrow because of the really restful environment that home creates. it's so tempting to lie down and relax at home.

perhaps Loyola Schools Lib or Law school lib tomorrow. perhaps i'd take the katipunan option. i quite miss being there.

i'm really tired now. exam is on friday. i'm predicting a similar blog entry would describe the exam on friday.

oh well, as my favorite movie goes...

"i just kept running" - forrest gump

Memory work... review for Criminal Law

2006-08-06T00:43:00.000+08:00

I'm now reviewing for midterms. please bear with me. Game!!! am trying to practice my memory...

here are some of the important provisions in the Revised Penal Code...

article 3.
Acts and omissions punishable by law are called felonies (delitos). Felonies are committed not only by means of deceit (dolo) but also by means of fault (culpa).
There is deceit when the act is committed with deliberate intent. There is fault when the performance of the act arises from negligence, imprudence, lack of foresight or lack of skill.

article 4.
Criminal liability is incurred by:
1.) any person committing a felony, whether the wrong done be different from that which was intended.
2.) any person responsible for committing a felony, were it not for the inherent impossibility of committing it, or by insufficient or inadequate means employed.

article 11. justifying circumstances.
The following do not incur criminal liability:
1.) anyone acting in the defense of his persons or rights provided that the following must concur:
a.) unlawful aggression
b.) reasonable means employed to prevent or repel against it,
c.) lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person acting in defense.
2.) anyone acting in the defense of his spouse, ascendants, descendants, legitimate, natural, or adopted brothers or sisters, relatives by affinity within the same degree, and relatives by consanguinity up to the fourth civil degree, provided that the first and second requisites in the immediately preceding paragraph are present, with the additional requisite that should there be provocation by the person being defended, the person acting in defense should have no part therewith.
3.) anyone acting in the defense of a stranger when the first and second requisites of the first paragraph are present and that the defense made be not from revenge, retaliation, or evil motive.
4.) anyone, who, in avoiding a greater evil or injury, should commit an offense, provided that the following concurs:
a.) that the injury sought to be avoided actually exists
b.) that the evil or injury be greater than that which was committed.
c.) that there be no other reasonable means to avoid it.
5.) anyone acting in the rightful exercise of his duties, or in the lawful performance of his rights or office.
6.) anyone acting in obedience to an order by a superior for some lawful purpose.

article 12. exempting circumstances.
the following are exempt from criminal liability:
1.) an imbecile or insane person when the latter did not act during a lucid interval.
when the imbecile or insane commits an act which the law defines as a felony, the court shall order his confinement in an asylum or hospital established for persons thus afflicted, in which he shall not be permitted to leave without the permission of the said court.
2.) a person under nine years of age
3.) a person above nine years of age but under 15, unless he has acted with discernment, in which case, he shall be proceeded against according to the provisions set in article 80 of this code.
when the court adjudges such minor to be criminally irresponsible, he shall be committed in the custody of his parents or legal guardians who shall be held responsible for his surveillance and education, otherwise, he shall be entrusted to the institutions or any person provided for in article 80.
4.) any person, who, while in the performance of a lawful act with due care, does an injury to another, by mere accident, without fault or intent in causing it.
5.) any person acting under the compulsion of an irresisitible force.
6.) any person acting under the impulse of an uncontrollable fear of an equal or greater injury.
7.) any person who fails to do an act required by law, when prevented by some lawful or insuperable cause.

article 13. mitigating circumstances
the following are mitigating circumstances:
1.) those mentioned in the preceding chapter, when all the requisites necessary to justify the act, or exempt from criminal liability, in the respective cases, are not attendant.
2.) a person under 18 years of age, or over 70, in the case of the minor, he shall be proceeded against according to the provisions set in article 80.
3.) that the offender did not intend to commit so grave a wrong as that which was committed.
4.) that sufficient provocation on the part of the offended party immediately preceded the act.
5.) that the act was in immediate vindication of a grave offense against the offender, his spouse, ascendants, descendants, legitimate, natural, or adopted brothers and sisters, or relatives by affinity within the same civil degree.
6.) that the crime was committed under an impulse so powerful as to naturally create passion or obfuscation.
7.) that the offender voluntarily surrendered his person to an authority or his agents, or that he voluntarily confesses his guilt in an open court, before the evidence is presented by the prosecution.
8.) that the offender was deaf and dumb, blind, or otherwise suffering from physical defects that would restrict his means of action, defense, and communication with other fellow beings.
9.) such illness that would diminish the offender's exercise of will power without necessarily depriving him of consciousness of his acts.
10.) any similar or analogous situations to those mentioned in the preceding paragraphs.

article 14. aggravating circumstances
the following are aggravating circumstances:
1.) that advantage be taken of by the offender of his public position
2.) that the crime was committed in contempt of or with insult to public authority
3.) that the crime was committed with insult or in disregard of the respect due an offended party, on account of his rank, age,. or sex, or that it was committed in his dwelling when the latter did not give provocation.
4.) that the crime was committed with abuse of confidence or obvious ungratefulness
5.) that the crime was committed in the palace of the Chief Executive, or in his presence, or where a public authority is engaged in the discharge of his duties, or that it was committed in a place dedicated for religious worship.
6.) that the act was committed during nighttime, or in an uninhabited place, or by a band, whenever such circumstances facilitate the commission of the crime.
when more than 3 armed malefactors shall have acted together in the commission of a crime, it shall be deemed to have been committed by a band.
7.) that the act was committed on the occassion of a conflagration, shipwreck, earthquake, epidemic, or other calamities or misfortune.
8.) that the crime was committed with the aid of armed men or persons who afford or insure impunity.
9.) that the accused is a recidivist.
a recidivist is one, who, at the time of his trial for a crime, shall have been convicted by final judgment of another crime embraced in the same title of this code.
10.) that the offender was previously punished for a crime to which the law attaches an equal or greater penalty, or of two or more crimes to which it attaches a lighter penalty.
11.) that the crime was committed in consideration of a price, reward, or promise
12.) that the crime was committed by means of inundation, fire, poison, explosion, stranding of a vessel or intentional damage thereto, derailment of a locomotive, or by means of any artifice involving great waste or ruin.
13.) that the act was committed with evident premeditation
14.) that craft, fraud, or disguise be employed
15.) that the offender took advantage of his superior strength, or that means be employed to weaken the defense.
16.) that there was treachery.
there is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against the person, employing means, methods, and forms, that tend to specially and directly insure its execution without risk to himself arising from the defense which the offended party might make.
17.) that the means employed or the circumstances brought about add ignominy to the natural effects of the crime.
18.) that the crime was committed after an unlawful entry
unlawful entry is when an entrance is effected by means not intended for its purpose
19.) that in the commission of the offense, a wall, roof, floor, door, or window be broken.
20.) that the offender employed the aid of a person under 15 years of age, a motorized vehicle, airships, or other similar means.
21.) that the wrong done in the commission of the crime, be deliberately augmented by causing another wrong not necessary for the commission of the act.

article 15. alternative circumstances
alternative circumstances are those which should be taken into consideration as mitigating or aggravating according to the nature and effects of the crime; or the other circumstances attending to its commission. they are the relationships, intoxication, and degree of instruction or education of the offender.
the alternative circumstance of relationships should be taken into account when the offended party is the spouse, ascendant, descendant, legitimate, natural, or adopted brothers and sisters, relatives by affinity within the same degree, and relatives by consanguinity up to the fourth civil degree of the offender.
the intoxication of the offender should be taken into account as a mitigating circumstance when the offense was committed during a state of intoxication; and that it was not habitual or subsequent to the plan in committing the crime. but, if the intoxication is habitual or intentional, it shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance.

DONE!!! typed that for about 30 minutes!!! it's that long pala!!! wait, i'll check after posting whether i committed errors or omitted anything... whew...

:)

Quick Update

2006-08-03T21:15:00.001+08:00

First off... i would like to THANK ALL OF YOU who posted your encouragements regarding my previous post. Things went (relatively) well. In fact... it was a miracle. That night, after receiving the news that we were supposed to have our make-up class on saturday, i talked to my mom about it. I told her how annoyed i was. We both prayed about it. I don't know about her, but as for me, i prayed really hard.

Come next day, professor Sta. Maria, on a mere whim, and acting as if schedules are so flexible, told us that instead of having the make-up classes on saturday, we'll be having it on FRIDAY... my classmates were like "NOOOOOO!!!" and i was like "HAHAHAHAHAHAALELUJAH!!!!".

Think that was the end of it? that very same day... our prof for my 2-3pm Saturday class... announced that we'll just have classes on FRIDAY, instead of having it on Saturday. I was like... WOOAAHH... and it did not end there... the ONLY class that was supposedly left for my saturday sched ALSO got CANCELLED. Justice Sundiam had to attend a wedding ceremony as ninong of the celebrants.

From having a saturday plagued with classes... to having one with none at all. truly, all things are made possible by the Lord.

As for the actual event? It went well. Don't have time now to describe it. Perhaps i'll just upload the pictures. But, suffice it to say that i was REALLY REALLY EXHAUSTED after it. i was up by 7am... transporting chairs, and instruments, and what not... till 11pm, cleaning after the junk left as an aftermath.

So there...

Further updates:

1.) Toasted the hard drive of my laptop. It was probably due to the punishment it took from its excessive use during our anniversary event. (pinanggawa ko lang naman ng video)

2.) Dad celebrated his 46th birthday. For a change, i bought him a cake which, by the way, caused me so much trouble in looking for a place where i could safely hide it till the time comes to surprise him. (i eventually found a car parked with its doors unlocked, so there... "instant locker") Happy birthday dad!!! Love you!

3.) School work is really taking all of my time. Midterms in two weeks AND for two weeks. Whew... i'm really worried right now. add to that the horror stories from atty. vallente. (yeah, i appreciate your concern po... but mentioning that out of the 50 students of class 1-B last year, upon reaching 2nd sem, only 17 were retained, half of it on probation,... seems a little harsh for a motivational speech) haha.

prayers mga chong... prayers.

ppffffffftttttttttttttttttttttt!!!

2006-07-26T12:10:00.000+08:00

I am mad.

OF ALL SATURDAYS, WHY SCHEDULE A MAKE UP CLASS THIS SATURDAY!!!

there's an event in church. 1st year anniversary of our youth fellowship... "the pots"...

the thing is, i have responsibilities.

as of the moment, i do not know what to do.

i need prayers.

i am mad.

a long time ago highschool story

2006-07-26T12:08:00.000+08:00

I was reminded of this short story when one of my highschool classmates (emem) left a message in my blogspot site.

He was alluding to an event that transpired a long time ago.

We were doing some project back in first year high. We went to a classmate's house. While we were doing nothing. I approached him. Aimed my rear at his face. And farted.

THAT, he never forgot.

Moral lesson kids? Life is short. Leave your mark.

Disclaimer: I'm no longer like that! So please, don't avoid me when you see me. I'm nice, pink, and pretty.

No classes!!! (almost a repost!)

2006-07-23T19:10:00.000+08:00

at last!!! I'd get a chance to do advance readings!!! (that is IF i finish reading the required readings first...)

Here's a rundown of my reading list:

Statutory Construction: 10 cases.
Persons and Family Relations: up to page 311
Constitutional Law: the rest of ARTICLE VII!!!
Criminal Law: the dreaded article 14!!! (about a hundred pages i think!)
Philosophy of law: have to start reading something!

Thank You Lord!!!