Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Some infamous talks among IL peeps…

I decided to write something light. Failed coup attempts and pseudo-martila law Proclamations are just too much to handle.

(tax class)
Atty V: Discuss the case of ________ .
Student: Ma’am pass…
Atty V: Isn’t it ironic ms._______. When you say pass, you actually fail?

(on our way to Pantalan with Ken, Piolo, Jhoy, Vanj and moi)
Ken: San na sila RC?
Piolo: Nasa harap lang natin sila. Di ba bago na ‘yung sasakyan nya?
Moi: Yup! Gray na car.
Piolo: Magsu-summer ka ba tsong?
Ken: Hindi. Aalis ako sa summer e.
Vanj: He’s spending his summer sa US.
Piolo: Ok a. Ako pinag-iipunan ko talaga ‘yung 2007 Olympics sa China. Si RC European tour trip ng family nya kasi mahilig sa pilgrimage mommy nya.
Moi: Ayun sina RC!
Ken: Ang ganda ng kotse nya a. Akala ko ako na pinakamayaman sa IL bulok pa pala ko. Haha

(nego class)
Atty. B: Mr._________?
Student 1: Ma’am pass…
Atty B: Ms. _________?
Student 2: Pass ma’am…
Atty. B: Mr. _______?
Student 3: (he just stood up)
Atty B: My god! There’s a battered woman in my office and here I am with you not knowing anything?!

(in front of IL reading area)
Moi: O Piolo ano nangyari sayo?
Piolo: May ikukwento pala ko sayo Rose Lyn.
Moi: What about?
Piolo: Inaway ko ‘yung boss ko.
Moi: Ano nangyari?
Piolo: E ambabaw e. Sabi ko sa kanya “ People here are so shallow, they’re unfathomable!”.

(trial court class)
Judge: Counsel for the defense can now cross-examine the witness.
Student aka Defense counsel: You said that you were at the hog raising festival when the crime was committed?
Student 2 aka witness: Yes
Student aka Defense counsel: What’s the color of the pig?
Judge: (raising his voice) Rephrase your question otherwise I will hold you in contempt!
Student aka Defense counsel: Yes, Your Honor.
Student aka Defense counsel: Is the pig’s tail curly?

( 3rd floor stairs)
Piolo: Grabe, nanginginig ako sa galit sa class ko kanina!
Moi: Ano na naman nangyari sa NTC?
Piolo: E niloloko ako e!
Moi: Ano na naman sinabi mo?
Piolo: “You can accuse me of anything, even sexual misconduct, but not with money matters! I don’t need NTC to survive! Magkano tuition nyo?! I can pay for that!”
Moi: I have to agree with the sexual misconduct part. Ha,ha

(consti class)
Atty. L: Mr. Dapon, how can you justify the act contemplated in the case?
Daps: Sir, I think it was the intention of Recto during that time; hence, it was a justified legislative act.
Atty. L: How did you know? You were not even there.
Daps: (in a moony expression) Sir, it seems like I can hear Recto whispering it to me…

Recap...

Been uber-busy for the past few days. Here’s a recap…

Feb.16
Vanj’s b-day! We had dinner at Italianni’s, Timog. It was a good thing to do after 4 grueling hours of keeping our eyes open for corpo class. It was also a nice opportunity to bond with some seniors (Aga, Beryl and Melo), batch mates (Vanj, Zee, Darlene and Reig) and a fresh bar examinee who works for ACCRA (Sonny).

Feb. 17
Grace called me to deliver some bad news. I rushed to school to confront somebody and show the bitchy side of me. Actually, I was pretty cool in handling the situation. I did not take it sitting down but I was so in control, I was almost nice! Ha,ha.
Atty. Grapilon’s in US so his secretary took over. We weren’t able to do the assigned activity coz of some “technical problem” he,he.

Feb 18
As always, we had our legforms quiz. I guess it was MY day coz aside from the quiz, I was also called to recite. BUMMER!
I attended our CYA meeting and as always, it was superb. I cried but it was all worth it. I did not care whether I looked pathetic coz I know that being open with God goes beyond the superficiality of other people. We went to Jhoy’s place for her b-day celebration. It was good to see my college classmates. Essay was there with her hubby and her baby. Lence, Grace and Bobet were also there. I introduced them to some law peeps and Bobet, as always, was hilarious!
I left the party pretty early coz of some previous plans with Joevz, Maren and Mark.
The 4 of us had dinner at Rai-rai Ken. We tried to get a slot at Starbuck’s for a decent coffee and a nice chitchat but the place was packed with regulars and Friday groups. We ended at our favorite coffee shop (our- Joevz, Lucks and moi) Bang, Timog. Some cool and intriguing stuff were brought up. We lost track of the time coz of the “thought-provoking” queries and answers by equally critical friends, not to mention the fact that we relied on the clock that was set for New York time. Ending, we parted around past 12.

Feb19
I attended the 8 am mass at Stella Maris. A different priest officiated the mass. As always, the choir was great. After all, they were “THE Epistles”. I took upon myself to see to it whether our “chilling session” will push through. This time, Lucks committed himself. Yay! Maren was the first one to arrive. Joevz and I arrived shortly thereafter. Lucky was late! Oh well. Ha,ha. We went to Rob to watch Brokeback Mountain. We chilled at Pancake House while waiting for the next screening.
What can I say about the movie? Brilliant! Kudos to Ang Lee and Annie Proulx. J

Feb 20
I spent the whole day in front of my pc while thinking some barops-related matters.

Feb 21
I’m beginning to think that our Torts prof has this bizarre fixation with Rabanera! He never failed to call me every single meeting. And this day is one of those. Bummer!

Feb 22
We had our dinner at Pantalan c/o Atty. Bandonell. They went to Pier 1 to chill after our dinner. Sir spent 15 grand for that night alone. Whew! That's some serious amoount of moolah. It was nice to spend time with some of my classmates. Never a dull moment with Piolo and Seph around. Ha,ha

Feb 23
- Barops meeting with the seniors and acads
- Kilosbayan symposium with Chief Justice Panganiban.
- LSG won the presidency. YAY reig!

Thursday, February 16, 2006

It's killing me...

I’ve always prided myself in being able to balance my levelheaded personality vis-a-vis the addlebrained side of me. But in times like this, I just can’t help the latter to take control. I guess the incessant inquiries as regards my love life reached its apogee, enough to make me wanna scream.
Just because it’s the time of the year where everybody is required to have someone to be with doesn’t mean that you have to be in a relationship to enjoy romance. This has been my philosophy especially when Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Up until now, I never realized that it was the easiest way of saying “No. I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Personally, I don’t know why. A classmate once said “Alam mo honestly, hindi ka mahirap mahalin.” Modesty aside, it was not my first time to hear that. My friends said that it’s so easy for me to have a boyfriend if I want to.
So what’s the problem?!
Am I picky?
Indecisive?
I really don’t know.
Being a law student, it would probably make deciding difficult because I want to have a win-win case. I sometimes have the tendency to quantify the love that I’m offering and expect to get a decent part of it back. I want everything rationalized and explained. While it is true that when we begin to find a reason as to why we love or do not love a person, then our love becomes bounded by a measure of what we can get or what we can not get from that person, I still can’t help myself from asking for reasons. Why do you love me? Why did you choose me? Why? Why?…
I guess, it allows love to become just a fulfillment of, and not a commitment to, a relationship.
Ok enough of the cheesy stuff. Allow me to recall what transpired for the past few days…

Feb. 13
Did some chilling with barops buds at House Blends, First Strip. I saw my highschool classmate on our way home. Guess what?! She owns the place! Pretty neat huh!
I had dinner with nel and a long conversation over a cup of cup. We even saw Atty. Flores at Gloria Jeans. He was wearing a blue shorts, white shirt and rubber shoes. Far from his Arrow/Dockers/Lacoste clothes that are already synonymous with his sense of style. I guess he just hit the gym when I saw him. But then again, it was 11:30 in the evening...hmm? oh well. ha,ha

Feb. 14

I received a lot of chocolates. Ha,ha. I actually spent THE day with my classmates. We planned on a batch party and we really hit it off. Torts class got cancelled and it gave us enough time to enjoy the night more. Other juniors arrived a little late coz of their tax class. Annoi, Coreen, Diane, and Hero were their representatives. I never thought that Piolo could sing! Ha,ha. After hours of singing our hearts out, Piolo asked me to watch a concert at the Piano Bar entitled Love Songs at the Frontpage. Andy, Piolo and I had a good time.

Feb. 15

I have to wake up early coz of our tax research. Pit stop- UP. They have probably the best collection because of UP law center. It was hard for me to concentrate because of last night’s party. I was so sleepy to focus, I think. Ha,ha. We had lunch at Mang Jimmy’s. It’s a place with bad ambience but cheap and good food. I was too tired to watch a movie with them so I went home early. Mom was home and she said that we’re going out for dinner. I took a nap while she’s waiting for my sis. We had dinner at Blackbeard’s Seafood Island. I took my med before eating. Ha,ha.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Through the years...

In line with Valentine’s Day, allow me to get all mushy and share the most romantic love story ever told…

They both lived in a small town in Pangasinan. Asunscion grew up in a typical family of farmers. In the afternoon, she would always help her father in the farm. Mornings are allotted to help her mother sell the harvests in the market. It was always like that. They have to work hard in order to survive. As a matter of fact, she wasn’t able to finish her grade school education because she knew that being the eldest, the load was on her shoulders.

On the part of Leodigario, things were different.
He grew up with practically everything within his reach. His family owned a huge part of the town’s land. He was the only male child and in line with the patriarchal set-up, he will inherit everything. Yes. He became a prominent Haciendero. He was well educated and grew up as a certified chick magnet.

On his many visits to his farm, Leodigario would cast an admiring look to Asunscion, I guess poverty did not do much on her beauty. It was always like that for quite some time until Leodigario finally had the courage to court Asunscion. Good thing, his love was not unrequited.

It wasn’t easy for them to make the relationship work. Their social status was the major concern for them and their respective families. But love really has its way. They ended marrying each other and were blessed with 6 beautiful children.

The song “Through the Years” is really apt in order to show how these two loved one another. They stood together against all odds. They fought for their love and won the war.

My mother would always tell us this romantic love story of her parents. Our inang and tatang.

I was also fortunate to become a witness of their pristine love. My cousins and I would always smile whenever tatang teases inang notwithstanding their “unromantic age”. We were also silent witnesses of their many lambingans through the years.

When tatang died, I also witnessed the endearing look from inang while lovingly touching my tatang’s coffin. As if her touch conveyed all the love that she had and a promise that someday, somehow, love will once again find its way…

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

first case

I’m about to handle my first real case!
As a member of the legal aid, I’ll be able to handle real cases. You see, juniors and seniors are allowed to appear before the court in behalf of their client (with supervising counsel, of course). I’m under ate myrell’s group and we’re handling a theft case. The idea of going to manila city jail is scary but excitement overpowers the squeamish me :) Due to the concept of privileged communication, my blog will be deprived of information with regard to the case *wink*

point taken, case closed...

I finally got the chance to talk to the object of my so-called "insurmountable depression" for the past few days. I expected excuses but none was brought up. I guess that’s a good sign. Sometimes, it’s hard for us to admit our fault and ask for forgiveness. I guess the mere fact that a person acknowledges his fault proves his sincerity. A friend once told me that girls sometimes undermine the capability of guys in terms of “feeling”. I guess she’s right. Just because they are not so verbal about it doesn’t mean that they care for you less or that they’re not affected at all.
I just love conversations over a cup of coffee :)

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Decisions...decisions...

Vanj finally made me say YES to her barops proposal. At first I was hesitant coz I know that it’ll be a very toxic job and I am really looking forward to a serene 4rth year life. I guess days of rationalizing things made me comprehend that no matter what I do, there is really no easy way out. I want to do something for our barristers but I also want to enjoy my “presumably” last year in FEU.

Three things I’ve learned:
1.) We can never have a win-win situation.
2.) We are the change that we want to happen; and
3.) Maturity and responsibility are symbiotic.

I am now up to the biggest challenge in my law school life. But with my supportive classmates, compassionate Assoc Dean and a dedicated Chair, what could possibly go wrong?

An uber-cool week!

I just had the best week in months!
After days of isolating myself, I finally had the chance to got out and party in time for the celebration of FEU’s 78th anniversary.
Monday was uber-cool. The Institute of Law organized a Testimonial Program in honor of Chief Justice Panganiban. I am completely bedazzled by his remarkable integrity and deep sense of compassion to other people. I hope someday I can also make my alma mater proud of me.
Surreal. That’s the only word that I can think of in order to describe the night. Munching on hors d’oeuvres, being serenaded by the FEU band and watching the fireworks display made me forget the hubbub created by my fellow IL studes.

Tuesday was ok ‘coz we did not have our Torts class.

Wednesday was a downer because of our Midterms exam in Tax.
Corporation Law class was cancelled on Thursday so I had the chance to train Mike. I must say that he is really becoming a good speaker.

Friday was my birthday. Yay! Full yahoomail and friendster inbox, constant beeping of my cp and a lot of gifts from my friends in and out FEU really made me feel loved and blessed. I couldn’t ask for more. It was also the day for the big University concert. Bamboo was superb but the conversation that I had with Joevz, Mark and Dwight over a late dinner was the best! The drizzle did not stop us from partying hard and enjoying the night. Had it not for the unforgivable “ditching event”, I could have had THE perfect birthday. Oh well, I guess I can’t have it all.

After going home at around midnight, the organizers expected us to attend the Tripartite Confluence 8 am the next day. I was a little late but the organizers arrived much later. Much, much later… I did have a good time, though. It was very nostalgic to see those familiar faces with new corporate auras after years of not seeing each other. Of course seeing my college crush hit me big time! Looking at him wearing his clothes stylishly with his signature glasses on and his oh-so-charming smile made smile. He knows that he was my crush way back and he addresses me as his “current crush” at the confluence. I just have to hand it to masscom peeps for really practicing PR by heart. Ha,ha. H e said that he didn’t recognize me because I changed a lot. :) Well, he also did! He now has the “corporatish” attitude, which I really like. While we were having our snack, he suddenly asked me things that really caught me off guard. When he asked me if I still remember when and where we first met, I just smiled. Not because I was too flattered to speak but for lack of answer to his query. Damn! I never had difficulty memorizing codal provisions. Now, what could’ve been a very romantic conversation turned into one of those awkward moments because no matter how hard I try to think of the answer, I just couldn’t remember anything! Good thing he’s such a gentleman. He just smiled and mockingly said that we’ve gotten so close, small details were now hard to remember.
With fondness in his eyes, he recalled our first encounter. He was then asked to interview somebody from the ORADEC and Joevz told him that he should interview me. The rest was history…

Snap back to reality! Ha,ha… What really made me smile was when he told me that we should have lunch together one of these days, hang out and reminisce the old times. Will definitely be looking forward to that day.