TROPFEST SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2008

WINNER

“Mankind is No Island”

Wow. Grabe.

Hail to short films. Just perfect for people with short attention spans like me. That said, I also enjoyed watching Marry Me, It’s All About the Shoes and Beyond Words. 

For more awesome short films, visit TROPFEST.

***

Few people who really know me KNOW that I have a keen eye even for the smallest details. Now that explains why my blog posts about my Singapore trip reached three parts, when it could have only been one, hahaha. But anyway, I think it will be a good idea if I start blogging about these simple things that I notice everyday (well, one of the perks of being a daily commuter) that just made me smile (spread the power of positivity people!):

(1) The great message I’ve seen that was printed on that guy’s T-shirt. Forgot the exact words, but it kinda goes like “Nothing happens to you that don’t mean anything.”

(2) The girl at the fruit shake stand who always reads THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE when there’s no customer to serve.

(3) That 7-11 store near our building that also plays Christian worship song videos using its LCD TV! It’s like they feature this channel called JCTV, or Jesus Christ Television. Wow, God bless the franchise owner.

(4) That super courteous security guard in our building. His daily greeting to us? “Good morning ma’am, good morning sir. Welcome to the elevator. Going up?” Antaray! Tumbling talaga. Now beat that people, beat that!

(5) This picture, and this. SO CONVICTING!

(6) That super awesome worship leader last Sunday whose voice was so enthralling.

(7) That smiling cashier. Yikee.

More to share soon, hopefully.

***

Wow! Just visited Brooke Fraser’s Twitter account and I’m blessed by the way people can still do random acts of kindness. Just a backgrounder, Brooke encouraged everyone to do at least one random act of kindness the other day and then tweet the story behind it back to her. And so far, the responses have been amazing!

This now brings me to a random thought: Don’t you find it a bit shocking that KINDNESS actually SHOCKS most people nowadays?

***

Que horror raised to a millionth degree.

My MRT ride yesterday has been so phenomenal once more, in fact much more phenomenal than last week’s. Just imagine being inside a cramped MRT with ZERO airconditioning. Tadaaa! Super for the win! Totally deserving of a Nobel prize or something. The situation was so bad that people were already shouting on certain instances, as if there’s a demon running around the train trying to drag everyone to hell. For the win as well were the witty lines or quotable quotes being said by some of the passengers. Almost thought that they’re good enough to be featured on any blockbuster film. Super laff trip.

Once more, I’m thankful I’ve survived the weekly commute scare. But now I say hello to a million more.

***

I chanced to see MJ’s She’s Out of My Life music video on MYX, and I find it a bit funny that he scratched his head in the beginning. So, so natural.

Meanwhile, marvel at the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ rendition of “Man In The Mirror” (panalo all throughout).

***

Contrary to popular belief, I still failed to watch Ice Age 3 (long queue of people each time!). In fact, I still haven’t watched any film since the Transformers, which so far occupies most of the cinemas here. Like hello? When will people get sick of those fighting robots and stuff? But then I remembered that Wednesday has already passed and there has got to be a new film being screened in cinemas right now. That thought pumped me up a bit, so I scouted for some new films to watch this beautiful Saturday (just to get my relaxation fix from work, you know). And lo and behold, guess what I saw. It’s Hannah Montana The Movie, people!

Waaaaazzz!

***

In fairness, my boss at work is super nice. For instance, I whisked away from the office yesterday for a little while in order to submit some requirements at the Department of Foreign Affairs. It’s still in Pasay and it’s super traffic (the kind of traffic that will make your eyes dim and make you think of the meanest thoughts possible) that’s why it took me almost close to an hour before I was able to return to our office. My boss’ reaction on my late return? Well, it can be implied on her reply:

“It’s okey Arthur, it’s okey. Just remember to avoid being out of the office for more than 30 minutes, otherwise, the HR might notice it and consider you working for only halfday.”  

YAY. Major relief. Loves it!

It’s also great to know that she only lives a few subdivisions away from me. Now I anticipate the day I’ll bump into her at the nearest grocery store or mall.

Moving on, it’s also nice to announce that we will be having a new hire this week. Now I seriously hope that we will be close.

And I’m turning one month working for this company in a few days!

***

I might not be able to become a true blue tennis pro player ever, but so far I’m so proud to announce that I can make YOU cry once I become your opponent on the Virtua Tennis arcade game. Swear, I’m really that good on playing tennis, arcade style. It’s also worth sharing that I’m so affected while playing that I am literally grunting and shrieking whenever I hit a winner. That I am not kidding.

Psychological help, alert?

***

Am still in the book of Leviticus and lol, I laughed a little bit when I reached chapter 13, which is titled ”Regulations About Infectious Skin Diseases.” Now that really addressed the lack of expert dermatologists at that time.

The next book will be Numbers, and I’m already preparing myself for the biggest challenge of my life, lol. However, I must say that reading these first few books of the Bible made me see the side of God that I sometimes tend to forget. These particular books were just filled with direct laws and regulations being spoken by God Himself to His people. Don’t do this, don’t do that. Offer this, and offer that. He’s just so concerned about the lives and actions of His people that every Holy order or decree was just given so precisely! That said, I couldn’t help but sometimes wish that God is also like that right now, just revealing what you really need to do with your life in an instant.

***

Shocks, I still couldn’t believe that I’d actually be watching the Lady Gaga concert. Hahaha. It’s like finally breaking my own personal cycle of constantly missing out the biggie concerts. But here’s the bigger scoop of my life. In an attempt to bond with my colleagues, I agreed to watch with them the upcoming Harry Potter film this coming July 17! Talk about that! Super goodluck to me as I’d be wasting 160 bucks just to see a film that I’m not really interested about (sorry, honesty is the best polizzeee). Heck, I haven’t even seen any Harry Potter film, so wish me more luck people, bwahahaha. Oh well, for the sake of knowing my workmates better and avoiding being called as a “killjoy” kind of person, then I might as well do it. I just hope though that this self-martyrdom of mine will bear much fruit.

***

DavidArchie tweets his Pinoy lovvve! Oh well, I remembered him saying that Philippine mangoes are like natural smoothies. Accck, just to digress, I suddenly remembered Eugene Domingo. Time to watch her vids!

***

To cap off my blog post for today, here’s the best way to use your tissue. Vera Wang, calling calling?

‘Til the next fortnight (chos, ang arte, bwahahaha).

Nope, I won’t be ushering any event. I am referring to that great artist, Usher, who almost moved me to tears when I was finally able to watch his rendition of “Gone Too Soon” of the great MJ on last night’s replay of the memorial.

JUST SUPER WHOA.

The lyrics, the music, the song… just spine-chilling.

Also, the mere fact that Usher brilliantly performed in front of millions despite being emotionally burdened was such a commendable act.

Ahhh, I know I should already stop ranting about MJ ‘coz he’s now in the best place. However, watching the memorial’s replay made me realize once more that he really has left us too soon. I was even joking to myself yesterday that had Michael only finished his series of “THIS IS IT” curtain call concerts that was set to begin this month, then I personally think it would still have a part 2 because of his awesomeness. That said, the part 2 would have been called  “THIS IS REALLY IS IT.”

Sorry guys, ang corny.

But in fairness, the emotions were so heavy yesterday that even one of the  video jocks (Iya Villania) of MYX Philippines that hosted the local replay of the memorial last night almost cried.

Okey, this is really is it.

PS: MJ, I’ll try to do a moonwalk later, Philippine style. It will be my first attempt though!

1. PARIS KATHERINE JACKSON’s speech was just…. ahh. Dear, I can definitely relate ‘coz I also lost a father recently. I know it’s hard to experience this kind of loss at such a young age, but you’ll be fine darling, you’ll be fine.

2. The speech of one of his brothers (I believe his name is Marlon) was also poignant. I can only imagine how hard it was for Michael to endure all the ridicule and insults that were thrown at him while he was still alive. That said, I wonder if Eminem had watched the memorial. Peace yo.

3. I’m not gonna lie. I didn’t really care so much about Michael not until he passed away and the whole world mourned. Ahh, why am I like that?

4. Stevie Wonder is pure love.

5. AAAAAHHH. Have fallen asleep in the middle that’s why I missed the performances of Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Usher and a few others! I really, really hope a kind of soul will upload those on YouTube in a little while. However, thanks to my mom, I managed to wake up just in time for Shaheen Jafargholi’s performance, and the pivotal “Heal the World” and “We are the World” renditions. GREAATT.  Swear, I sang along with them.

6. Was about to turn off the TV set after the speeches but WAS SO GLAD that I didn’t because I would have missed the ENDING PRAYER. That my friends was just so convicting. Now I can fully say that physical death isn’t really a total defeat. It’s the legacy that you’ve left that will really matter in the end.

7. I wonder what would have been MJ’s reaction had he still been alive today to see all these global tributes and adulation being given to him right now.

8. Just a random thought: Had Lisa Marie Presley and MJ had a child together, then the child’s father would have been the King of Pop, and the child’s grandfather would have been the King of Rock N’ Roll. Super coolness.

9. The memorial was aired here at 1 AM! Guess what time it ended? 3:30 AM! That meant having just 30 minutes to catch on my sleep before going back to the office once more. However, I must say that I don’t regret sacrificing my sleep for today. It’s all worth it! In fact, I actually don’t feel sleepy at all.

10. He’s now with the King of Kings.

11. Goodbye and thank you very much, Michael!

an apology.

That’s why I must contact him via phone patch right now so I can express my deepest sorry for underestimating him on my previous blog entry.

Duuude, despite having eyebags last night (heck, the match felt like an eternity), I still feel that you should have won. Just so you know, I was COMPLETELY rooting for you all the way last night. I even asked my fellow colleagues here in the office and they were all rooting for you as well.

That tiebreaker on the 2nd set, ahhhhh.

Okey, enough of regrets.

Just pure congratulations to you now.

Waaaaa! Dez ez et! Major hmmmmmph! It’s just a bit heartbreaking to see Venus sitting on that corner with that sad face. Wuhuhuhuhu. Don’t worry Venus. You are still the champion in my heart. But, but, but congrats to Serena. 11 freakin’ slams? Say whaaaat?  It’s also awesome that she acknowledged Jehovah first, and called her big sis the greatest grass court player. But still, the number of slams that she won has already reached double digits. That’s why I seriously feel that Venus deserves to win more.

Also, super yay for another women’s doubles victory! Seriously guys, the sisters is one the best things that has ever happened in professional tennis history. LIKE FOR REAL. The mere fact that the two players fighting each other at the court are SISTERS is SO awesome, almost equalling the awesomeness of Federer’s 14 slams so far. Now just imagine if Federer had an older/younger brother or even a TWIN who can play tennis that’s equally good as him. Then imagine as well that they will reach and play each other in the finals of every Grand Slams. Oh my goodness, what a thought! If that happens, every match will last for like an eternity. Federer brothers in the finals match, hahahahaha.

Once again, congrats Serena and Roger (come on, so sorry but I just think that Roddick doesn’t stand a chance) for winning the Wimby titles this year.

***

Nope, I’m not yet done.

As the finals match last night was about to start and Venus was about to deliver her first serve, I must say that I almost couldn’t contain the moment. It’s just freakin’ solemn that I’ve felt everything around me just froze in an instant. What I’ve felt at that time was so amazing that I instantly imagined what I could have felt had I actually been there, watching both Serena and Venus in the flesh inside that center court, breathing the same London air like the rest of the people out there do. Then I began thinking once more of the possibility of myself actually flying off to London next year and watch AT LEAST one finals match. Venus just confirmed that she wouldn’t retire yet, so I guess next year’s the perfect time. Like hello, isn’t it a dream for every tennis fanatic out there to at least see their most favorite tennis player play live in the flesh? Hmmmm, it’s surely one of the things that I must do before I depart this earth.

Dreaming is great, but making it happen is quite a pain. Should I starve myself now and save all the possible moolah that I can to save up for my next year’s London escapade? How about filing for loans and stuff? Acccck, if only winning lotto is that easy.

***

Yes naman, 4th of July! Since I wanna feel like an American today, happy 4th of July to all! Fireworks must be pretty everywhere, huh? Speaking of fireworks, have you guys ever imagined what it feels like to see fireworks while you’re inside a plane? Or when you’re riding the world’s tallest ferris wheel and you’re at the very top? Surreal I guess.

***

Featuring once more the Philippine Madrigal Singers! I just can’t get enough of them (well, who can?). Btw, the two distinct characteristics of the Madz are first,  they usually perform on stage WITHOUT a conductor and second, they perform in a half-circular position. Unique indeed.

Here are so far my favorites:

MINSAN LANG KITA IIBIGIN

BITUING WALANG NINGNING

(ultimate auditory nirvana, astig talaga)

And this is how they rehearse

Quartet exams 

(their “Deck the Halls” at the end is so amazing)

 and this one (super panalo)

 Grabe, super casual yet over sa amazingness. You’ll really wonder how in the world can they sing like that. Me wonder as well if I’d finally get a chance to watch them live. Accck, I might as well faint.

*** 

I was broken by God earlier as I listened to the preaching. LEARN TO HONOR GOD BY PLEASING HIM WITH YOUR LIFE IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY.

Lord, help.

***

Have you guys ever felt the difficulty of letting go of something even though doing so will finally give you the freedom and peace you desire for so long?

Is this the price that I get for getting so secularly attached? For not seeking the true glory that Christ has willed for us to experience?

***

How are you going to change the world?

Thanks to the Hillsong United official twitter, I was able to find these:

Here’s a sample.

 And here’s the official site (LEARN HOW TO SHOW THE LOVE OF GOD IN PRACTICAL WAYS).

Click the featured picture or the red title to see more pictures.

In all honesty, those pictures mean more so much to me, as if they’re not just plain images.

A SAMPLE

Wanna join the Philippines’ very own version of the Amazing Race, Fear Factor and Survivor ALL in one? If you said yes, then hurry and ride the Metro Railway Transit (MRT) during the rush hour!

Last night was unforgettable because it seemed that the whole Philippine civilization trooped to the Ayala station just to ride the MRT. Heck, it’s a Friday, and it’s freakin’ 6 PM, and the queue of people waiting to enter the station’s premises AND waiting to get inside the train was just awfully long. There were just so many people that the management eventually decided to stop passengers from entering the station for a while, and also halt staff from dispensing tickets to people.  WAZZZ.

Ooh, don’t even get me started narrating my experience when I’ve finally managed to board the train after 5 failed attempts. PURE MADNESS! Actually, I almost passed out when I’ve finally gotten a breath of fresh air after alighting at the Cubao-Araneta Center station. Seriously, it was during that time when I wished I was in Singapore riding their fabulous trains instead. Wake up Philippine government! When will we commuters experience an efficient train commuting system? Overall, if you guys want to experience pure live drama in its truest form, then don’t buy those soap opera DVDs any longer. Just ride the MRT and see how your survival instincts will fare.

God surely has a purpose why these things happen. PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE and FAITH are getting developed especially when you ride the MRT! In fact, what I had to go through yesterday was just freakin’ peanuts to what these people had to go through, or this particular scene at one of Japan’s crossings, AND much more THIS! 

That I rest my case.

***

I am already in the book of Leviticus and WOW. All I can say is that I am so grateful that we didn’t have to slaughter goats, bulls, rams, pigeons and doves anymore just to get our sins atoned. Can you guys imagine yourself having to go to the nearest animal farm just to search for the next animal to be sacrificed right after you’ve been caught lying about your exam scores to your parents? I’m also pretty sure that if the law of sacrificing animals for our sins still stands today, majority of the animal population will be immediately wiped out given how sinful our lives are.

***

I must say I’m sad that my fellow UP alumnus slash colleague in the office who’s been patiently teaching me about work and has served the company for 2 years will soon be leaving by the end of the month. Accck. Resignation, resignation. First it was this girl who only stayed for 6 months (and whose desk I am now occupying) because she and her family had to migrate in the US. And now her? I couldn’t blame her though, especially when her reason for leaving the company is to pursue graduate studies. Now I’m so happy for her. But that also shows how long the road still is for me, and how even longer do I have to wait just for my God’s real dreams for me to finally come true.

***

Major favorite song of the moment: I Got A Feeling by Black Eyed Peas. Oh yeah! “Tonight’s gonna be a good night”, woohoo! Made me feel so happy as I was going home last night. Wahahaha. Like come on, isn’t this one of those songs you’d dance to right after taking a mindblowing exam or finishing a haggard day at work? Ahh, I can’t wait for this song’s official video. And oh, I still don’t know if BEP’s really gonna disband after this album. Ahh, please, NO! It should not be THE END!

Meanwhile, I am also liking this song by Nickelback. In fairness, the lyrics and video of the song are so nice.

***

So I was dreaming scouting online for a laptop yesterday, and got a bit delusional by going to the MacBook Pro page. Even went to check out the MacBook Air thingy or whatever that’s called. Within seconds however, my dreams just got dashed. Say no to overpricing, haha.

***

Me thinks I’m gonna watch Ice Age 3 today, despite not having watched the first two Ice Age movies. Unfortunately though, I had to forgo the 3D opportunity ‘coz it’s a bit of a hassle for me to go all the way to Trinoma or SM Mall of Asia just to be able to watch it in 3D. I guess I’ll just reserve that 3D experience for UP once it gets screened here.

Meanwhile, look who’s super duper excited to go home later to catch the Wimbledon women’s final live! YESS! Go V! But then again, I’m not sure how next week’s gonna fare for me now that Wimbledon’s about to end. US Open better come soon, I hope!

***

I freakin’ love choirs, especially that our very own Philippine Madrigal Singers is one of the best in this whole wide universe. Meanwhile, hear what this choir from Czechoslovakia has to sing. In fairness, spine-chilling! Slightly reminded me of Nat “King” Cole’s rendition of guess what, “Dahil Sa ‘Yo.”

‘Til then!

Sometimes I’m so tempted to just fast forward time.

***

I don’t know why but I cried on so many parts while I was watching this movie entitled “Front of the Class”. It was a super good and absolutely wholesome movie about a boy who was diagnosed of Tourette Syndrome when he was six, yet persevered all throughout his life to eventually become one of the best teachers in America today. So, so inspiring. Pivotal moments for me were first, when he finally got a hold of his first official class list, and second,  when he delivered his acceptance speech in the end.  A million thumbs up to this movie. Just goes to show that there’s no need for excessive cinematography and effects to tell a simple, wonderful, and inspiring story. 

***

Prepare your Kleenex people, the video below is that sad.  This is the same video that was featured on Oprah and also left her crying in the end:

99 Balloons

 ***

And now we’re down to 4! Hope it will be a Venus and Serena once more in the finals. Btw, have you guys watched the Safina-Lisicki match? In fairness, it was my first time ever to have seen a player serve towards the opposite side of the court even though the player was not there. It was bit shocking that the act has drawn some surprised and puzzled reactions from the audience. Lol, Safina’s getting really spacey sometimes.

***

David Archuleta singing happy birthday.

Honestly, I started getting interested in his music when his song, Touch My Hand, has managed to stay at #1 here in the Philippine music charts for a record 15 days (it just got booted out today though by a viral song of this Korean girl group, haha). Anyway, I listened to some of his songs and hmmm, I am not sure if I’m still fit into the age group that his music generally targets, but SO FAR, I’m really in awe with the quality of his voice (pretty much how I’m so honest to admit that I’m impressed with Taylor Swift’s songwriting abilities compared to the other artists’ her age). I am not so much a fan of his cheesy songs, but I’m very much a fan of his versions of HEAVEN, HOW GREAT THOU ART (woohoo amen!), IMAGINE, and lots of other slow songs that showcase more of his pure vocal quality.

This is pretty random, but I just heard  that the acknowledgment notes on his album was one of the longest ever, complete with a total overuse of the “haha” and “lol” expressions. Well, it doesn’t matter because he thanked God first anyway. I’ve so far listened to most of the tracks off his debut album (via YouTube), and the song that I’m so far liking is YOU CAN. Why? Well, it’s just one chillax song that emphasizes how TRUE LOVE really comes to those who know how to wait.

Lastly, I just found out that he actually does have a twitter and whoa, the Archie is a big, big fan of UP and Regina Spektor! Waaazzzz. Pero eto ang super tumbling… his blog entry! Bwahahaha. But in all fairness, I loved what he said about the importance of writing in a journal.

Anu ba, talagang napa-blog about David Archuleta? Bwahahaha.

Goodness, time to go back to work tomorrow. Diz iz it.

Let’s all congratulate this ZOOPER DOOPER MEGA SA OVER amazing girl. 

***

I’m now pretty sure that one of life’s natural ways of driving someone crazy is through earaches. PLAIN TORTURE my friends, PLAIN TORTURE. I swear I’ve never experienced that kind of pain before, a kind of pain that almost brought me down to my knees because it was just completely unbearable. Just felt like your eardrums and earcanals were being acupunctured 24/7, and ugh, just a plainly bad memory that must be forgotten.

I’m feeling so, so much better now though, thanks to  Dr. Antonio of Healthway who prescribed to me some anti-inflammatory eardrops and pain relievers to help me get through the ordeal. I also just recovered from the fever-colds-cough combo that brought my immune defenses down last week,  and I have faith that I’ll be restored to 100% health in the next few days. Yay!

Overall, those days of distraught have also been days of revelation on my part because I now realized that GRATEFULNESS to God must not be based on one’s situation or circumstance, but based on His unchanging character and promises. You see, I could readily thank God if things are going too well on me, yet I’d readily whine whenever I’m in deep pain or trouble. I failed to realize that for every infirmity that I suffer from is yet another way for His glory to shine through, simply because His love is universal.

It is by His stripes and wounds that we are finally healed!

***

USA might just have found their next female tennis superstar!

I’m talking about Melanie Oudin, that 17-year old qualifier who just reached the fourth round despite not having played at Wimbledon before (yup, it’s her first appearance). She just knocked out Jelena Jankovic to reach this point, and swear, that girl is sooo good. However, should she  and Venus Williams win again on their respective fourth round matches, then they’ll be fighting each other off in the quarters. Now ain’t that sad.

Melanie or Venus for the win!

***

LAUGHING WITH (GOD)

Rubikcubism, unbelievably unreal; Taylor Swift + One Republic = ftw?; Cebu Inmates have a reason to be sad and did a tribute to the King of Pop (remember when they first bursted into fame because of their simultaneous Thriller dance moves?).  2:30 and the ending part for the win.

But as a close friend of MJ has said,

He’ll forever moonwalk in our hearts.

 Heal The World, You Are Not Alone, Gone Too Soon.

PS: It was so amazing by the way to have watched that Barbara Walters video with MJ. So, so human. Almost shed a tear when he revealed how painful it was for him everytime he was being called “Wacko Jacko”. There was also this interview where he climbed a tree liked a child, and then said to the interviewer that it was under that tree where he had written most of his greatest hits.

RIP MJ and FF.

***

One majestic sunshine that beamed on a day of distraught.

Last Wednesday morning, amidst my solitary confinement and raging battle with a virus, I received a golden phone call that finally gave me hope. Yup, I am describing it as golden, even though it wasn’t exactly the call I’ve always been dreaming to receive from the casting director of the Amazing Race. It was indeed so golden that my reaction when the call ended was slightly comparable to a berserk American Idol auditioner who came out of the audition room with a golden ticket in his/her hands.

#39 baby, by faith!

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”

 (Psalm 69:30)

The Foreign Service Exams (FSE) is a series of exams one has to take in order to become the future diplomat or ambassador of the Philippines (pretty much like what’s being done in the US and in some other countries). Many people claim that its failing rate is even much higher than the esteemed bar exams, making it as one of the most difficult government exams to pass.

That is why I’m just super thankful to God for giving me this breakthrough because I wasn’t fully expecting that I’ll be included in the list of passers. When I received the call and found out that I passed, I actually thought that probably more than 200 passed the exam, since this is just the first stage anyway. But as it turned out, we’re just down now to 120, and I myself couldn’t believe it knowing that the number of examiners in Metro Manila alone (doesn’t include yet the test takers from the provinces and overseas) was already this many.  

There were actually a few major reasons why I was initially pessimistic about the results: (1) I took the exam on Mother’s Day, and things weren’t just going too well at that time. In other words, I’m emotionally unprepared; (2) I seriously didn’t review for the exam because I don’t have money at that time to buy myself reviewer books. What I did instead? I went to National Bookstore 3 days before the exam and just tried to browse some LSAT/GMAT/SAT stuff;  and (3) I was aware that the slots were very few, and unfortunately, I’d be competing for a slot with hundreds and hundreds of applicants who probably had more academic and professional achievements than me. In fact, applicants who just graduated or with less than a year’s worth of working experience are generally being discouraged to apply just yet  because consular/diplomatic work is really a tough job (but I still persisted because I managed to fit into the age qualification, and I just wanna give it a try). Most co-applicants were intimidating in the sense that most of them have masters and law degrees already, or have been working in their industry of choice for so many years now. Overall, their profiles were generally outstanding that it would readily crush what I merely have at that time: unemployed, no sense of career direction, and fine, a little bit of university distinction but wouldn’t really make any sense unless I find a job that will allow me to utilize all the knowledge that I’ve acquired from school.

Because of this, I guess I now have to prepare for the next stages, particularly this new stage that was only introduced this year, which is the PRELIMINARY INTERVIEW. Shocks, I hope I won’t get rattled because a panel of current Foreign Service Officers will reportedly grill us on the spot. Scarily exciting, I know.

Should my luck march on and pass the prelims,  then I’ll only have a few days left to prepare for the very dreaded 3- day WRITTEN EXAM (yes, as in 3 days yung exam, taray lang), something that only HIS FAITH and GRACE with a little bit of luck on the side can provide me the passing mark. I described it as dreaded because it really is. In fact, even the daughter of our current president had to take it twice before finally passing it, considering that she already had a Master’s degree in International Relations  from Georgetown University. Oh diba, kamusta naman yun guys. And that’s not over! As if those stages weren’t tiring and stressful enough, there will be two more stages to pass once you hurdle the written exam. That’s the 3-day ORAL EXAMS and the PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM (just to test an applicant’s sanity level I guess, ’coz they obviously don’t wanna hire a Don Quixote or something). Huwaw. Just imagine the long and rigorous process one must undergo just to become an ambassador of this country. This is literally “working super-duper-hard just to achieve your dreams” kinda thing. That said, let’s now sing altogether the song “NO BOUNDARIES”, but on an Adam Lambert level. Bwahahahaha.

 Major worries though: Will I have enough time to review such an extensive amount of information to prepare myself for the interview and written exam, considering that I’m employed now? Will I learn enough Spanish to help me hurdle the foreign language part of the exam? And most importantly, WILL I BE ALLOWED by my company to take a leave for 3 consecutive days just to take the written exam, should I pass the preliminary interview stage?

Lord, I am now surrendering this all to you.

But once again, God, super THANK YOU. This is a testament once more of your enduring faithfulness. I know the 120 of us still has a long way to go, but I know that your strength will help us get through all of this, whether its YOUR will for us to finally make the cut or not.

And of course, hahaha, I want to thank Regina Spektor. Her song is just SO APT for my situation to the maximum level (both literally and figuratively), and has always comforted me through the good and bad times (NAKKKS). This is indeed THE CALL.