Hello, Batch 2009...

.:Indulge Me Just This Once...:.

Today's LSS is rather... religious.

Paghahandog Ng Sarili

Kunin mo, O Diyos, at tanggapin Mo
Ang aking kalayaan, ang aking kalooban, isip at gunita ko
Lahat ng hawak ko, ng loob ko, ay aking alay sa 'Yo.

Nagmula sa 'Yo ang lahat ng ito.
Muli kong handog sa 'Yo,
Patnubayan Mo't paghariang lahat
Ayon sa kalooban Mo; mag-utos Ka, Panginoon ko.
Dagling tatalima ako,
Ipagkaloob Mo lang ang pag-ibig Mo, At lahat ay tatalikdan ko, tatalikdan ko.

.:Yet Another Blue Roast...:.

I realized that I'm graduating next schoolyear, and I shouldn't have gone to this one, really, but I have a lot of friends who are graduating this weekend.

It was really good, spending time with my friends, all of whom I'm very proud of. From my Philosophy classmates to my friends Domz and Crissey, it was quite a ride with you guys, and though some of us may never see each other again, this slightly older friend of yours is grateful that I got to know each and every one of you, and somehow, we managed to share ourselves with each other be it on an academic or a personal level.

I got to the Roast and just really helped out Domz and Crissey (Sorta. Lol.) at the entrance, and it was just great meeting familiar faces and friends. People who are graduating this Friday or Saturday, and of course, meeting some of the faculty, especially Dr. Ibana, was a godsend, to say the least. For the most part, it was a fun celebration, and this is coming from someone who's not a part of the batch, to begin with.

Nonetheless, I availed of stuff, including a not-so-blue rose. The rain kinda washed the color away, but meh. It's a nice memento to keep, and of course, I had some great lechon baka, which I've been wanting to have for months.

There's something very sobering about realizing that all of this stuff doesn't mean much to me, but means the world to my friends. Even if I graduated from Ateneo in March, I know my days there aren't over, because I'd always have the time to see the people there often enough. Nonetheless, I felt the rush of nostalgia that day, and I got to thinking about the time my batch had a Blue Roast... really, it's quite a leap.

Graduating from my M.A. means a lot to me, but the feeling of completion is now tempered by the realization that it's only the beginning of a lot more things that I now cannot help but wish to accomplish. The milestone is a milestone only in name, but it's business as usual.

It's a bit unnerving, but thinking back to the alma mater song soothes my tired soul even just a bit. Thinking back to the songs I sing in mass reinvigorate me, and I hope I can make it through this tempest.

.:The Truth Is...:.

I'm happy for the people I know who are graduating. Whether they be my classmates or friends, or my former students from Reedley, I am proud to have known them, and I know that they will blaze a trail only they can when their time comes.

I may not show it much lately, but I still do have a soft spot for RIS, and I will be attending their graduation. I figured it's the least I can do, because I love those kids, and I'd go out on a limb for 'em if they asked me to.

I know that in the coming months, a lot of new horizons will be pursued, and it's a time to reminisce and then move on to the next chapter of your life. It's going to be an exciting time, be it going to college, or being officially unemployed, and I must say, there's no better time than the present to look at where your life is going and to ask yourself where you really want to be.

It's a cliche, but it's one of those anvils worth dropping. The world is truly your oyster. You have everything you need to make something of yourself. Believe in yourself. If you cannot, then believe in me who believes in you.

Congratulations, batch 2009. Give yourselves a pat on the back, and a beer, if you're of legal age. You deserve it.