Startlight

This is a song I wrote way back when I was in college. It is missing the second stanza. I was hoping that if any of you guys have the logbook where this was written, can you help me re construct this song?

Thanks!

Starlight
By Sentinel

I saw a beautiful star tonight
A star that shines above in the heavens
Shining as far as the eye could see
I wish that start belongs to be

So I pray
Starlight in the sky
I whish you were here with me tonight
Starlight in the sky
Just shine on me and I'll be alright
Starlight in the sky
I need you, please shine on me

(2nd Stanza)

So I pray
Starlight in the sky
I whish you were here with me tonight
Starlight in the sky
Just shine on me and I'll be alright
Starlight in the sky
I love you, my Starlight

2 things keeping me awake tonight

1. This monsoon rain that never seems to stop.

2. This concern my wife said earlier.

Sleep

I need to sleep. But once I'm awake, it very hard for me to get back to bed...

Sentinel Series Poems

I've been rummaging through old stuff that I had and found this in the sentinel era poem that I wrote.

The Road

I see a road ahead of me
so straight and long as the eye could see
there is no bump not even a bend
but from where I stood there is no end

Why do you have to leave me here
All alone, all I have is fear
That you will never come back to me
and just be a dream I once could see

You didn't have to go with him
Without you here my sky is dim
You didn't have to break my heart
It kills me that we are apart

I see a road ahead of me
so straight and long as the eye could see
To where it leads I do not know
But always remmember that I love you so

Skyflakes at Milo

Kay tagal ko na palang hindi nakakapag sulat dito sa aking blog. Akala ko nung Pebrero ay maipapatuloy ko na ang aking pagsusulat. Pero sabi nga nila, huli man daw at magaling, eh huli pa din.

Napakaraming bagay ang napapag desisyuna, nalilikha o maisasaayos sa pamamagitan ng isang tasang Milo at isang pakete ng Skyflakes. Sa amin kasi nuon, isang tasang Milo lang, mahabang usapan na ang nararating. Sa mga panahon kasi ngayon mas gusto ng mga tao ang mag Starbucks kaysa magmuni muni kasabay ng simpleng kasiyahang idinudulot ng mainit na tsokolate at biskwit.

Napakahilig na natin sa kung anu anong mga bagay na bago o uso kahit medyo may kamahalan ito. Gusto natin makisabay sa uso dahil nahihirapan tayo dahil ayaw nating maiwanan ng byahe. Sabi nga, matitis mo ba na sila ay merong bagong cellphone at ikaw ay wala. Ito nga ang tinatawag na Social Pressure. Sabi nga nung isang nagsalita sa amin tungkol sa pamumuhunan, napaka hirap daw para sa mga nagsisimulang mamuhunan ang tisin ang Social Pressure dahil natural daw sa atin na makihalubilo sa mga tao. At dahil dito, hindi minsan maiwasan na ikumpara natin ang ating sarili sa iba. Partikular na ang kung ano ang meron sila na wala sa atin.

Naalala ko tuloy itong kwento ng isa kong kakilala. Mayroon daw silang pagtatalo ng kanyan kabiyak tungkol sa kung anong modelo ng iPhone ang bibilhin. Pareho kasi sila ng trabaho at lahat daw sa kanilang opisina ay naka iPhone na. Halos buong araw daw silang nagtatalo kung ano ang bibilhin. Maghapon din silang nasa harap ng computer at nagbabasa ng mga blogs tungkol sa kung anong modelo ang mas maganda. Sa kanilang pagtatalo biglang nagsalita ang kanilang limang taong gulang na anak. Ang sabi ng bata "Away kayo ng away, wag na tayong bili". Nabigla ang mag asawa sa sinabi ng bata at natauhan sila. Pinagpaliban muna nila ang pag bili ng nasabing iPhone at tamang tama naman dahil kinailangan nila ang pera makalipas ng isang lingo.

Napaka hirap ngang labanan ang social pressure. Lalu na kung malabo para sa sa iyo ng pagkakaiba ng kung ano ang iyong kailangn at kung ano ang inyong gusto. Pero ika nga ng isa kong kaibigan na itago ng lang natin sa pangalang Ka Bert "Kung hindi mo kailangn, bakit mo bibilhin?" Kaya ako Samsung Galaxy S II ang bibilhin ko! (joke)

Maraming salamat nga pala sa aking asawa na nagbigay sa akin ng Milo. Ayan tuloy meron akong naikwento.

Ang Pagbabalik!

I'm reviving this blog after an almost three year hiatus. Hopefully I can blog about some of the places I've been and the places I want to go to. So stick around peeps!

Last Song Syndrome

Pencils Galore

My job gives me the opportunity to go out from time to time to learn new standards in the IT industry and apply it to my work. I've been to a lot of seminars and events these past few years and I have quite a collection of hotel pencils particularly in events that were held in Makati Hotels. It started as just a somewhat of a need because I tend to lose my pencils in the office. Then as the time goes by I noticed that I have more and more pencils in my office mug then it occurred to me that maybe it is a good idea to collect them. I have more than 15 of these pencils and most of them are from Makati Shangri-la (7) which I believe is the favorite hotel of the companies that sponsor these events. I've met a lot of people from different corners of the IT industry from the IT Staff to the CIO of multi-national companies. My work is a constant journey where you get a chance to pick up a few things along the way.

Bagong Taon, Bagong Sinturon!

My sister-in-law gave me a belt for Christmas (Thanks Dona!). I don't know if it means something but I guess its a sign for me loose some weight. Hahaha! My wife even got me basketball shoes (Love you for that Sweet!) so that I can be right on track with my target weight of 140 pounds by year end.

With all the news about how men in their 20s and 30s getting heart problems (the medical ones of course!) which most of the time is related to their weight, I think its is really time for me to stop gaining and start loosing!

Well then, time to get back to my Quaker Oats!

Game Review: Company of Heroes

Publisher: THQ

One of the best RTS games that I have ever played so far! If you are into RTS and WWII type games, you gotta play CoH.

I got just one word for it! "Astig!"

Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics: 9/10
Content/Story: 8/10
Overall: 9/10

Thank You

We wish to thank our relatives and our friends for sharing with us their time, talent (and money) in preparing for our wedding! We hope that the blessings that they share with us continue to grow and return to them a thousand fold.


To our Tatay at Inay, Mommy and Daddy, for their blessings and support. At maraming salamat sa walang-sawang pang-unawa!

Thanks to our brothers and sisters, Kuya Rodel and Ate Jane, Ate Heide & Kuya Cyruz, Dona, Marco, DJ. Special thanks Kuya Rodel and Ate Jane for the car service weeks before our wedding. Thanks to Ate Heide & Kuya Cyruz for the wedding cake! Thanks Dona, Marco and DJ for preparing the wedding invitation and souvenirs.

Our sincerest thanks to Mrs. Wijangco, for her pieces of advice during our wedding preparation and for a wonderful bridal shower. For the countless ideas -- on wedding tiaras, veils, hair and make up, invitations, flowers, etc. Most especially, thanks for her generosity in giving me my dream-wedding gown. Saludo po kami sa inyo! Thanks also to Ms. Nora Praxidio for the gowns of the entourage.

Thanks to the Ateneo Central Accounting Office family for your gift. Also to the Loyola Schools – MIS family! Thanks for your wonderful surprise waiting for us at our new home. We thank you for your never-ending support. Thanks also to Finance Group, USAID EPRA and SGV girls for your great bridal shower gift. Thanks to Annie, Tess, Ria, Joey, Lian, Kuya Leo, Ate Angie, Ms. Lanie for the bridal shower program.

Thanks to our superiors, Mrs. Wijangco and Mrs. Banzon for their consideration and understanding when we took the time-offs to process our church and civil requirements. Thanks to our peers who took over our tasks during our vacation.

Thanks to Ms. Angie and Fr. Romeo of Ibaan Parish for the inspiring homily.

Thanks to Grace and Anna Mae for the music during the ceremony. Thanks to Joub and Rica our masters of ceremonies for the wonderful reception program.

Thanks to our friends, Malen, Amie, Lian, Ria, Beth, Sai, Mayan, Arnold, Bimbo, Joyce, Jaypee, Jepoy, Jojo, Kamille, Cla, Lester, JonJon, Marco, SJ and Pia, Alfred, Cecile, Jen and special thanks to Abet.

Thanks Malen for the baked goodies. Thanks Jaypee for the AVP.

Thanks to Ate Gina and her staff, our caterer. Thanks to Dakz and Lorelie Serrano, Raquel and staff, for the photo-video.

Thanks to Dr. Joel, Kuya Erning and Ate Ana for our bridal car and gift

Maraming Maraming Salamat sa aming mga Ninang and Ninong sa binyag, kumpil at kasal at sa lahat ng mga abay. Ninong Libby and Ninang Gina, Ninong Bert and Ninang Elsa, Ninang Meding, Ninong Quid and Ninang Ofel, Ninong Ado and Ninang Ida, Ninong Rudy, Ninang Nelia, Ninang Fe at Ninong Rey

Thanks to our uncles and aunties, cousins, for their moral and financial support. Thanks to Tito Theng for the bouquet and the hair and make-up of the entourage, thanks to Rey, Marlon and Onie. Thanks to Tita Aphine for the wedding ring! Salamat din sa mga nanulungan, kay Kuya Jojo at lalu na kay Kuya Balot, masarap po ang inyong niluto!

Most especially, we would like to thank all of those who celebrated with us. Our wedding won’t be as special and as meaningful without your presence.

And most of all, we thank God for with Him, everything is possible.

Etymology Series Volume 1 Issue 1

Since this is the first issue, I picked a word that is personal in nature. My nick name is the most personal thing I can think of right now.

The word for this issue is "Chito"

This is not my original nick name, before, people call me Archie or just Chie (what a girly name btw) It was only in college that people started calling me Chito. I have Jepoy/Clyde to thank for that because we gave each other new names (something like new begginings). Contrary to popular belief, my name was not copied from the lead singer of the popular band way back in college.

My nick name is totally derived (like a function) from my full name

Archibald Torres

Archie Torres

Chie Torres

Chie To

Chito

There you go, I hope this explains why many of my friends call me Chito.

- Everything Gabay -

- Everything Gabay -

-kilala mo si Tita Chit
-may kakilala ka at least 3 teachers sa college na dating Gabayano
-sumali/nag-perform sa org tours
-natakot/nanakot sa trust walk
-naluluha sa Gabay song (hehe)
-nakasama sa mga planning sessions
-nakibahagi sa prayer sessions
-inabutan ang Gabay hacienda
-naging bahagi ng execom
-nanalo ng best tutor award
-nanalo ng most outstanding gabayano award
-nabigyan ng outstanding tutor award
-nanghabol ng tutee (takasan ba naman ako?)
-napaiyak ng tutee
-nabusog sa coke during home visit (pambansang inuming ng Pilipinas ata ito eh) -gumagawa ng lesson plan kada tutoring (syempre, outstanding tutor nga eh)
-natuto sa mga ed-sessions
-special consideration sa immersion pag nalamang Gabayano ka (Gabaldon kami nag immersion) -sumali sa caroling
-naging bahagi ng Gabay choir (ehem, choir supremo po)
-nag-attend ng retreat
-nagsulat ng palanca para sa retreatants
-umattend ng snackouts (pati dineouts, sineouts at overnight sa condo ni My)
-naging mabuting angel
-naging mabait na soul (di kami naging soul eh, sa amin angel ang inabutan ko)
-umattend ka ng 25th year anniversary
-e ng 30th year anniv?
-tumulong mag-ayos ng mga libro
-nagbantay sa pagpapahiram ng libro
-nanghiram ng libro
-nakawala ng libro

- Barangay Gabay -
-tumambay at nakipag-jamming sa mga kapwa gabayano
-inubos ang lahat ng alam na kanta sa 1001 Hits na songbook (actually mga 501 n lng yun kasi nahati na)
-nag-aral at natuto mag-gitara
-tumambay o kaya'y nag-meeting sa "sunken garden"
-ginawang caf ang GR
-natutulog sa GR
-kilala mo si Mang Manny (kilala pa ako ni Mang Manny hanggang ngayon)
-napagalitan ni Mang Manny (dahil meron akong susi ng GR)
-nabiktima ka ng higad sa harap ng GR (higadacious)
-ginawang locker ang GR
-naglaro ng bridge sa GR (me challenge pa Chie!)
-naglaro ng pusoy dos sa GR
-nakapag Dance Revo sa ASG
-ginawang notepad/drawing book ang logbook
-nagsusulat ng lovenotes, tula at kanta sa logbook
-gumawa ng kanta (starlight, tsak-tsak at kung pwede lng sana)
-tsinak tsak ang buong batch, pati na rin ibang batch
-natawa sa sunog na logbook (ahahahaha!)
-gumawa at nagpapirma ng birthday thingy
-naglaro ng patintero, agawan base, volleyball at badminton sa may Faura drive o sa paligid ng Colayco
-nag-stargazing sa field [bellarmine field, football fields, likod ng faura]
-nang-invade sa ASG [Ang Sa Gabay Ay Sa Gabay]
-nag-miyembro ng AMS or AChES para legal ang pagtambay sa ASG
-ginamit ang typewriter ng Gabay para sa paggawa ng papers
-inabutan ang bulok na computer (nagamit ko rin!)
-alam mo kung paano buksan yung bintana ng GR mula sa labas
-nagamit ang Gabay phone pangtawag sa labas ng school
-alam ang S.A. Spelling
-nakarating sa bawat roasting
-sanay uminom ng Richee at kumain ng pancit at chix lolipop ng Polys twing may ACP (Area Closing Party)


- Matters of the heart -
-nagka-crush sa isang ate
-nagka-crush sa lower batch
-nagka-crush sa angel/soul mo
-nakahanap ng best friend/s sa Gabay
-nakahanap ng true love (ahahaha!!! I wish!)

*kung sinumang gabayanong makabasa nito, pakigawa na rin po :) dagdagan nyo na rin ng iba pa, yan pa lang naaalala ko sa ngayon eh.

More Weddings and a Cereal

Last month gave me the one of the "get real" moments of my life when I found out one of my friend is getting married. That’s 3 frukies on the hook and there are hints of another wedding next year. Settling down is one of the more obvious signs in your life that you are getting "older". Almost 5 years ago, I've never imagine myself settling down but these past few months have given me countless signs telling me that I am not getting any younger. It seems like its just yesterday that my concerns composed mainly of Philosophy orals and Project Management defense. Now, all I think about is job security and starting my own family.

Getting older really sinks in when your nephew starts calling you "tito" than just the usual "kuya". Just this week, I and my nephew had this little conversation about his favorite cereal. My 5 year old nephew is asking me why I like eating his Koko Krunch and told me I should be eating grown up meals instead. Even my nephew thinks I'm too old for a cereal (hahaha)

*sigh* how fast time flies by...

One Step Backward, Two Steps Forward

Later today, I'll be making it formal, I should have done this a long time ago...Wish Me Luck!

The Country's Most Expensive Debate Club

With over 20 priority bills passed by the Congress (Lower House) to the Senate, the House Majority Leadership is quite dismayed of what is happening upstairs. Instead of tackling these state priority bills, the Senate has focused its attention to inquiries and investigations. It seems like the senate is more concerned in personal grudges as seen on national TV and in partisan politics than working on these important bills.

Is this an indication of the "usefullness" of the Senate in our current Legislative System? Talk about check and balances!

Pagmumuni-muni

Tama bang itanong sa isang tao na "P're ano ang konsepto mo ng pag-ibig?"

Sa aking pagkakaalam, ang pag-ibig kasi ay hindi isang konsepto. Sa makatuwid, paano mo maisasakonsepto ang pag-ibig kung hindi ito isang konsepto?

Nagtatanong lamang po.

Tanong Lang?

Kapag ikaw ay tulog at malapit ka nang magising. Nananaginip ka pa at sabay na nakikiramdam ka sa paligid mo, ikaw ba'y half-asleep 0 half-awake?

Wala lang... :D

Understatement of the Year

the word

UPSET!!!

Senti Hits!!!

San Man Patungo
By: Parokya ni Edgar

magdamag naggigitara ang bagal ng gabi
ang daming iniisip ngunit wala namang masabi
nagsawa ka na ba? subukan mong tumawa
tigilan ang pagiisip ipagpatuloy ang pananginip

hindi ko maalala ang lyrics ng kanta
kahit ako ang gumawa iba naman ang nagsalita
mahirap talaga pag inaasahan ka awitin na mga tula
na nagmumula sa pera

CHORUS:
di ko inakala na magkakaganito
wala namang nagsabi na malabo ang mundo
d na rin naming inaasahang maintindihan
alam naman nilang wala kaming pakialam kung san man tutungo
at kung kelam kami hihinto
kung bukas man o bukas pa tuluyan nang tapusin ang kanta

gising hanggang umaga hindi mapakali
pinipiga ang utak ngunit wala paring masabi
kapag pinilit mo at hindi na totoo
ang awit na natapos ay mawawalan ng tono