It was down to one last shot.He held on to his guts,and took a leap of faith.Next thing he knew, they won.This was the drama that caused Ateneo to scream the roof off the Big Dome. They finally had their "revenge" with the same déjà vú courtesy of its new-found hero, rookie Kirk Long.The battle for school pride and a sure spot in the Final Four was intense. Pressure was on everyone's shoulders - field goals (FG) were low and the defence was tight. No, it wasn't the Finals yet. It was just the eliminations.No one was sure who would win. Both teams just kept on answering shots one after the other. After a long enduring run of tabulating the scores, the Tigers had the final say when one of its best rookies, Khasim Mirza, passed through Nonoy Baclao's defence and gaining the upper hand, 71-70. There were only 19.3 seconds left and a final time out for the Blue Eagles.Time was boiling down as the ball was put back into play. It was finally in the hands of Ford Arao, Ateneo's leading scorer. Slipping to the other side of the court, Kirk Long decided to take the leather to his hands because the Eagles main man, Chris Tiu, was heavily guarded. He attempted a three-point gunner but thought otherwise. He took a step pass Jervy Cruz and threw a long two. Thomasians and Ateneans alike, everyone began to pray. With what seemed like forever, the ball slipped inside the basket as soon as the buzzer sounded. The Blue Eagles won with a score of 72-71.Just like all the spectators in blue and white, Bea, Mommy and I were jumping up and down, screaming our lungs out. Everyone was rejoicing! The funny thing that happened was that everyone just pounced on their hero causing them to stumble on the floor. Para silang mga bata na dahil sa sobrang tuwa ay nagkadaganan na! There were hugs and well-deserved pats on the back showing the brotherhood they share. The hero, then ran to his family, earning a big hug from his proud father. (Aww...) And you know what warmed our hearts even more? They gave back all the glory and praise to God. (The prayer was led by Coach Norman Black and former Blue Eagle, Doug Kramer. Both are Christians, by the way.) What a reward it was for his children! Praise God for this!PS: The LONG-awaited hero just turned 19 today.Ü
Cheska's thoughts at 6:45 AM
Last Sunday, I became part of history. I became among the many thousands of hopefuls to enter one of the most prestigious universities in the Philippines - the University of the Philippines. It was time to take the entrance exam. I was honestly very nervous last Saturday (I was quiet for almost the whole day thinking that nothing was about to happen the following day). Good thing, my mother was there to support me. Last night, we prayed together, opening our hearts to accept whatever the results will be. Although it's really our hearts desire to pass all the examinations I'm going to take, but God might have plans otherwise. When we finished, tears just flowed down my cheeks. I was afraid of the outcome. I was afraid to get hurt again. In the same time, I was touched and happy on how supportive my whole family is. My dad even called me last night just to tell me to do my best and he's always there for me. I was also touched when my mom told me that a lot of people were praying for me (thank you, by the way). I've never thought that a lot of people cared for me! ^_^ The following day (August 5), I woke up feeling nothing but relaxed. It was like another ordinary day for me. We arrived early at the venue, knowing how heavy the traffic will be if we arrived a little later. The funny thing was my mom was more excited than I am! Hahaha. When the test began in a few minutes, I was surprise to find myself that I am relaxed until now! It feels like I was leaning on God's shoulder telling me that everything will be alright. Wow! God is really amazing, isn't he? I remember what my mom said the previous night: "God allows us to be nervous because He wants us to learn how to depend on Him". Among life's lessons, this is one that I'll never forget. Whatever the result may be, I will stay strong for it is according to God's will. ^_^PS: I want to thank everybody who have prayed and supported me. It really meant a lot to me. Next up, the ACET on September 16. ^_^
Cheska's thoughts at 7:43 AM
People, especially those who don't really know me, usually think I act to mature for my age, poised, and all grown-up. Well, probably if you are one of them, you would think twice. Haha. :DIt was a good thing that classes were dismissed early yesterday and we had no classes for today because of the career orientation. Maybe you're wondering why, it's because more than 24 hours ago was the clash of two of the best schools in collegiate basketball - De La Salle University and Ateneo De Manila University. The "Thrilla in Manila".I am an Ateneo fan. Hehe. :D And I was screaming, cheering and just acting really wild with excitement over the intense fight. Who wouldn't be if you're such a fan? Plus, there were 10 deadlocks in the game and the rival teams just kept on answering each other's shots. It was really really intense. Even my mom started screaming (by the way, much noisier than me). Hahaha.Right before the end of the game, a family friend of mine texted my mom. Guess what? CLASSMATE NIYA SI CHRIS TIU! I don't know if I have mentioned this before, pero crush na crush na crush ko siya! Wah! Then, just in time, Chris Tiu nailed his three pointer from the corner stretching their lead to four against La Salle (hmm... I sound just like a sportscaster! hehe.). There were few answers from JV Casio, but when he fouled Chris (ano to? feeling close? hahaha.), Ateneo got the chance to put this rivalry to the end because of the co-captain's 80% shooting rate from the free throw line. Finally, after four quarters and an overtime of competition, the Eagles soared above the Archers. 80-77.Since I already mentioned about the whole I-am-crushing-on-Chris-Tiu thing, I found out something. All I knew was that he is taking up Management Engineering (ME), but what surprised me was he is taking up Applied Mathematics: Finance. In other words, he is a DOUBLE MAJOR! All I can say is that, WOW! What more can you ask more of this guy? He isn't just a handsome face, but a brilliant student, an effective leader, and a morally upright person (based from his interviews, you can really tell if a person is raised well by the words that come out of his mouth). And mind you, I rarely see guys like him nowadays.Hahaha. So now you know how crazy and passionate I am with regards to collegiate basketball. Yeah, I was jumping up and down, up and down, running all over the house, screaming just because of Ateneo and Chris Tiu. Haha. These are just the simple things that make me happy.
Cheska's thoughts at 6:11 AM
Since yesterday, I was torn up choosing between two things - something I really want to do since it only comes once in your life and another that may put me in a safe corner to leave no regrets. With so much confusion in mind, I ended up choosing the second, which is to attend the 2nd session of my review for the UPCAT. But even though I have reached up a decision, I wasn't happy. I even ended crying in my seat during class because of the overflowing disappointment. Aren't decisions made for someone not to regret anything?I asked a few people to give me advice. It was better to accept the once-in-a-lifetime oppurtunity. I was chosen along with some selected students to represent the school in an inter-school economic congress in UP. Now, who would say no to that? It is a big privilege! But, somehow, my mother won't agree to it. Reviewing for the UPCAT is more important, she said. Great, just great.But, as a familiar saying goes, "If there's a will, there's a way." I did just that. I called the review center a while ago and the 2nd session is also offered on Sunday. As long as the session isn't full, I can definitely go! The good news is I can go to the congress! Yehey! Now, I can attend both scheduled activities without leaving any regrets!(I just wish that my mom is proud to me, since she isn't showing any sign that she's happy about my decision.)"Lord, thank You for making a way for me not to leave any regret. Thank You for answering my prayer. I am truly grateful for all you have done. Thank You as well for the people, especially Lea, who touched my heart when she told me that she would support me whatever decision I will come up with. May You open the heart of my mother concerning this matter. All I want to do is for her to be proud of me. Please do so, Lord, so my heart will be at peace."
Cheska's thoughts at 3:02 AM
Sounds... bittersweet isn't it?Apologies for posting for a very long time. Being an aspiring salutatorian, class secretary, CAT officer and a soon-to-be editorial staff member (I still have dreams of becoming editor-in-chief of our school paper before I graduate) all in one isn't really easy. In addition to that are college and scholarship applications to fill up and review classes to attend. Haii... when will I ever take a breather?I'll be posting again once I've taken a break. I'll be also updating my multiply when that happens.
Cheska's thoughts at 2:51 AM
Labor Day. Araw ng Manggagawa. It was a day that all would give tribute to our Filipino workers whether they are overseas or just in factories. To celebrate this event, our government announced long ago that May 1 would be a National Holiday.
Two days ago was May 1. Everyone gets out and does whatever he wants.
Two days ago, May 1, also marked a new 'holiday' -- Spiderman Day.
As far as I can remember, I had picked up a newspaper from our church office. It has been a usual habit of mine since I'm a journalist-wannabe. While I let my eyes run down the headlines for something worth reading, a black and white picture of a well-known web slinger caught my attention. Nope, it wasn't an old black-and-white movie that our grandma's use to watch, but the long-awaited third installment of Spiderman. That picture dated a year ago. Now, it's a mega-Asian blockbuster hit.
Spiderman 3's World Premiere was held in Tokyo, Japan last April 16. With the Philippines and other Asian countries lucky enough, the movie is now in cinemas ahead of the United States (May 4). On its premiere, it already earned millions of dollars making it a blockbuster hit.
Thought this is the story? Nope. That's just the intro of it. ^_~
It was a loooooooooong line to the ticket booth alright. It was a sudden gimmick so we aren't the lucky ones who already have those tickets in our hands. Hahaha. How I envy them! While time tortured our aching legs and sore feet, we watched a number of people fall out from line, deciding to watch the movie next time. Guess their string of patience already broke. Anyway, our stomachs were already grumbling so a few of us grabbed something to eat. Hehehe. In other words, we already had a picnic for a while. Unfortunately for me, I was wearing a skirt -- umm, scratch that -- a MINI-SKIRT. Hahaha. I was torturing myself. So I was left standing in line with my wedges on. Good thing I am already used to standing for hours because of our COCC. Hehehe. Advantage!
Finally, after almost 3 DRAGGING AND CRUEL HOURS, we finally got our beloved tickets. Hahaha. Patience is indeed a virtue. So, we're on to the movie!
So you ask, "How was it?" Over-all? I give the movie 5 stars. Even though I am not a fan of ordinary-civilians-turned-superhero type of movies, it caught my attention. I was amazed by the visual effects like the crawling black goo and how you can see sand particles without using a microscope because of the Sandman. The stunts were superb. Spidey isn't all web, but he can actually fight. And of course, the unforgettable transformation of Peter Parker from a nerdy-looking journalist to emo. Hahaha. Honestly, it looked actually sexy on him. I'm not saying that I am staying on the badside, but it really suited him.
Besides from what we all the special effects and action we saw, I hope we also diverted our attention to what Peter Parker had said. From "With great power comes great responsibility", all changed to "We all have choices." It was a great conclusion for the movie because each of the characters made their own choices, especially our protagonist. He was torn between the temptation of becoming more powerful and staying on the good side. When he chose to wear the black suit, he became a whole new person -- hurting everyone who cared for him. Soon, after losing everything, he regretted his decision.
We all have choices.
Finally, I have to say that this movie isn't really for kids. It's more of a PG-13. Well, the fight scenes are intense but not to the point that they're gorey. So if you're going with somebody way younger than you, just accompany them. Don't worry about the babysitting, you'll enjoy it.
After watching, we made our way going in circles in The Block until it closed. Hahaha. We were in there for a whole day! With nothing to do, we took pictures with Mr. Potatohead and Spiderman. We were actually so sleepy that we made a fool out of ourselves.
It was a lot like a despedida for me, because for the next three weeks, I'll be at the south of the country.
Cheska's thoughts at 5:57 AM
Just like every little girl, my mother used to read to me stories wherein Cinderella left one of her glass slippers, a kiss woke up Aurora from her sleep, Belle waltzed with the Beast, and Jasmine went on for a magic carpet ride. Because of my innocence, I believed that fairytales can happen. And...It did -- after almost a decade.He was close to perfection. He has everything I pictured -- no, he has MORE than everything I ever pictured. I found him. My prince.Just like all fairytales, there were opposing forces and magical fairies. Those who and which didn't want to give me a happy ending made my eyes swollen from crying and my heart confused. Fortunately, I had fairies. With a twirl of their wands, my prince and I grew closer. Friends to be exact.This was my fairytale -- a lot like many of the stories you know. But unlike Snow White and Cinderella, it didn't end with a kiss from a prince. It actually ended because the princess no longer loves the prince. She still treasured what they shared before, but the prince was busy for the King's kingdom. She will no longer see him that often nor speak to him like old times. They have different paths to walk on, so the princess lets go of his hand. I lived in my fairytale for almost two years already. Even though it didn't go according to what I had in mind, I still believe that fairytales can really happen. I just hope that my next fairytale will finally be a "Happy Ever After".
Cheska's thoughts at 1:43 AM
