Complexities of a prince\’s life…

My last 2006 post… Just a reflection. 

Changes happen constantly whether we like it or not. The question is whether we are able to adapt to these so-called changes. Just this morning, I alighted a bus to go to work, listened to my Ipod, and observed some people that were also on board. The variety of specimen, forgive my choice of word, was really tremendous. Different Ethnicities, clothing, hairstyles, and attitudes shared just one Los Angeles metro bus. I couldn’t help but wonder, has it always been like this? My history tells me that was not the case. There was even a time, not too long ago, when bus passengers were segregated according to one’s color. A lot of things have changed since then.

That has been the history of man. Evolution dictates that those who were able to become accustomed to such global modifications have demonstrated reproductive success. Those who weren’t, well, let’s just say that their allele frequencies have dwindled down or in layman’s term, become less dominant.

In a fast paced environment, how do we cope up to these changes? Tradition and family values are pretty hard-core barriers that we go against while our coping mechanisms start into gear. Even some relationships are destroyed while others are being formed in the process. The dilemma of preserving one’s culture seems to be the scenario in various regions all over the planet. As generation to the next find it hard to connect with each other due to such influences such as globalization, certain cultural patterns are altered or worse forgotten.

So, how does a 22 year-old guy like me keep what’s left of himself? The answer is pretty obvious, I just can’t. 22 years of existence has showed me time and again, the many changing preferences and styles I chose. From the choice of clothing, to the music I listen to, to the newest gadget available, I have been a product of a world centered on mass culture.

Someone once said that we should know our history so that we can avoid the mistakes from our past. It is without a doubt a valid assumption. Whatever changes you’re adjusting to, never forget your history. Yes, you may look at a mirror and see a completely different person from yesterday or a week ago, but somewhere in that reflection, somewhere deep in your eyes, is the young kid that once saw the world in a different perspective.

So embrace change. It may be for the better or worse. Anyway, life is full of trial and errors, of experiments, of endless possibilities, and of choices. But do not ever forget whom you were, where you came from, and who were the ones with you from the get go. After all, at the end of the day, when all masks are removed and you’re by yourself, the kid in you will always be there no matter what.

My last 2006 post… Just a reflection. 

Changes happen constantly whether we like it or not. The question is whether we are able to adapt to these so-called changes. Just this morning, I alighted a bus to go to work, listened to my Ipod, and observed some people that were also on board. The variety of specimen, forgive my choice of word, was really tremendous. Different Ethnicities, clothing, hairstyles, and attitudes shared just one Los Angeles metro bus. I couldn’t help but wonder, has it always been like this? My history tells me that was not the case. There was even a time, not too long ago, when bus passengers were segregated according to one’s color. A lot of things have changed since then.

That has been the history of man. Evolution dictates that those who were able to become accustomed to such global modifications have demonstrated reproductive success. Those who weren’t, well, let’s just say that their allele frequencies have dwindled down or in layman’s term, become less dominant.

In a fast paced environment, how do we cope up to these changes? Tradition and family values are pretty hard-core barriers that we go against while our coping mechanisms start into gear. Even some relationships are destroyed while others are being formed in the process. The dilemma of preserving one’s culture seems to be the scenario in various regions all over the planet. As generation to the next find it hard to connect with each other due to such influences such as globalization, certain cultural patterns are altered or worse forgotten.

So, how does a 22 year-old guy like me keep what’s left of himself? The answer is pretty obvious, I just can’t. 22 years of existence has showed me time and again, the many changing preferences and styles I chose. From the choice of clothing, to the music I listen to, to the newest gadget available, I have been a product of a world centered on mass culture.

Someone once said that we should know our history so that we can avoid the mistakes from our past. It is without a doubt a valid assumption. Whatever changes you’re adjusting to, never forget your history. Yes, you may look at a mirror and see a completely different person from yesterday or a week ago, but somewhere in that reflection, somewhere deep in your eyes, is the young kid that once saw the world in a different perspective.

So embrace change. It may be for the better or worse. Anyway, life is full of trial and errors, of experiments, of endless possibilities, and of choices. But do not ever forget whom you were, where you came from, and who were the ones with you from the get go. After all, at the end of the day, when all masks are removed and you’re by yourself, the kid in you will always be there no matter what.

Yep.. Forgive me for the none cohesiveness of this post. I just had a lot of stuff to do.. well.. more like cram about, these past few weeks. Holidays (specially Christmas) kind of translate to additional stress. But the good thing is, more than the hustle and bustle comes the spirit of the season: of meeting relatives, of bonding more with friends, over-all a celebration of love. So what’s new with me?

***

My job is really something I am really really(that much!) grateful. First, my boss is just the greatest mentor I could ask for. Aside from the perks of working under her (this includes an hour lunch and getting off half an hour early, to name a few), I do learn a lot from her. I asked for a job where I can really put a lot of “me” in it, and I got that exactly.

I have the freedom to do everything in my pace and my work has been given a lot of credit. Although there are still some things that aren’t really all that great in the workplace (i.e. pesky officemates, believe me, they are everywhere. Haha!) the important thing is that I am learning a lot. I can honestly say that I have adjusted already and I am just hoping for an over-all great experience from all of this.

***

I just saw Apocalypto a couple of days ago. I must say, I got thirsty after the movie. Haha! Not really a good flick before dinner, if you know what I mean. It was an ok film. I must say, it exceeded my expectations.

***

I already got two grades for last fall semester. An “A” for my Humanities class and an “A” as well for my Anthropology class. I hope I also got A’s for my Health and Economics as well. Nothing beats another straight A semester. Oh, if only good ‘ol UP was that generous or easy(which ever you prefer).

***

I’m pretty much done with the college applications for Fall 2007. I am just considering if applying to USC is worth it. I got two months though. I just wish that the results this time is completely a 360 degree from last time. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

***

My sister might go and visit PI next month (or more accurately, 12 days from today). Lucky! Haha! Although I wanna go and visit as well, I really can’t. I am still saving for my car (which I plan on buying this May 2007 if all goes well) and I already signed up for winter class. There are just some sacrifices we have to take for the team right? And it’s been barely 6 months since I went home for a visit anyway. It just sucks ‘coz two of my closest buddies Noah and Kris are also going home this January. Oh well.. Gotta live with it.

***

Finally, I just want to say.. Happy Holidays y’all! Let’s all celebrate love in whichever way we choose to. Of course, not at the expense of anyone. Be safe, let’s all welcome 2007, but most of all, cherish 2006 and all those who have touched our lives. Happy New Year!

I’ma make this one real short..

this is my tampo post. don’t worry, i’m not mad. miss you though. *sigh*

I’ma make this one real short..

this is my tampo post. don’t worry, i’m not mad. 🙂 miss you though. *sigh*

So, I finally started working at the California Department of Corporations last week. And I must say, it was a very great first week. I get to work from 8 till 4; I have an hour lunch (which is the coolest!); and I earn more than what I previously earned from the cafe or the Jewelry district office.

My boss, Jackie, is really really awesome. She has been with the department for 6 years and have been working in the Education and Outreach unit all by herself. Hats off to her perseverance and hard work for trying to educate the public against investment fraud.

Last Friday, she was awarded with the commissioner award for her service. She really deserved the recognition. Let me tell you more about the meeting. The commissioner of the department was in Los Angeles to dsicuss his plans for the department. Jackie,  Andrew (our Education and Outreach Director from Sacramento), Deborah (Jackie’s counterpart that works at Sacramento as well) and myself were at the venue quite early. So when people were coming in, I was hoping to see someone probably the same age as me. Didn’t happen.I was really overwhelmed with the amount of professionals there. From finance officers, to lawyers, to management people. I was the youngest and people were asking if I was the new intern. It was really nice to be surrounded with such people.

So after Jackie received her award, we went to the comissioner to get a photo of her and the commissioner. And then, Jackie signaled for me to come over. She introduced me tothe commissioner and I was really speechless for a moment. I mean, that’s almost like meeting the governor (although currently, the governor is Arnold Schwarzenegger so no big deal if ever I’d meet him. Haha!).

I really believe that my new job would be a great over-all experience for me. I see growth already with my work ethic and time management skills. I just wish things go on smoothly. Wish me luck guys!

***

I suddenly feel nostalgic. I miss home. Though I miss her more. Happy 5 months to us. 🙂