8 Things I Learned in UP

This was sent to me by a Peyups friend via text message:

1. "Suggested" readings are MANDATORY.
2. You may know everything, but still fail an exam.
3. All your classmates are brilliant; others just aren’t studying.
4. Teachers are impressed with no one.
5. Your best efforts could still get a 5.0!
6. Every class is like a thesis defense: it’s not enough that you understand; you have to be able to explain it, as well.
7. Seatworks natin, finals sa ibang school.
8. Ang yabang natin!

Agree or disagree?

What I Learned From E.T.

[Universal Studios - LA, California, together with my sister, Gracious Melody; ca. 1984]

A couple of weeks ago over the dinner table, my parents and sisters ganged up on me and declared that my crush looks like E.T (especially during the flying bicycle scene where E.T. had this white cloth draped over its head)!

I OBJECT!

Don’t get me wrong…I have always loved that cute Extra Terrestrial! But to have them compare the apple of my eye to an alien? Is that their warped way of saying that my tastes have gone berserk? Kamusta naman, di ‘ba?!?

I was hellbent in proving them otherwise.

After clearing the dishes, I grabbed my copy of the film from the rack & popped it in the player.

Halfway during the movie, I came to realize that what started out as a typical alaskahan during a family meal turned out to be friendly reminders for all of us --- straight from E.T.’s mouth:

1. Phone home.

C’mon, give your family (especially your parents) a break. Spare them the agony of spending sleepless nights thinking of your whereabouts. I’m not saying that you give them a blow-by-blow account of your daily itinerary. Whenever you can, simply assure them that you’re doing okay and there’s no need to worry. If you can’t make it at home on your usual/expected time of arrival, it won’t kill you to send them an SMS, right? Now, if you live on the other side of the planet or even just across the street --- call, chat, email or text every once in a while. You’ll be glad you did.

2. Be good.

Need I say more?

As the movie was about to end, my youngest sister caught me sniffing and wiping my eyes. I kid you not! Even though that flick never fails to make me cry every time I watch it, maybe the tears I’ve shed that night were caused by the lessons gleaned from the wise words uttered by my favorite space creature.

Now, here’s the fun part (I know you’re waiting for this): after looking at E.T. thru my family’s eyes, were they right in their claim, after all?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Red Shades (November 19, 2008)

“Hafreyd! The effects of being wasted…” – Da Goya

“I so love it!” – A Fermina member

“Nakuha na pala natin ang franchise for the 2nd season of Project Runway Philippines, ano?” - Da Punit Head

“Wow! Erykah Badu!” – Bystanders from the photo shoot

Wanna Be a Model?

My colleague's friend is recruiting 100 UP students/alumni/faculty/staff to pose for the cover of Time Magazine in a photoshoot for UP's centennial celebration on December 11 or 12. It's a tribute to the Oblation (but no nudity, of course!). They'll be in trunks with fig leaf design. If you (or anyone you know) could take part in this endeavor, please email or text me with your/their name & course (any batch).

Thanks!

This Is it.. Pancit!

Yes! I'm proud to be a virgin! (blogger, that is...)

Hello everyone & welcome to my maiden entry. After weeks of thinking things over, I finally did it! Thanks to my girlfriends who pushed me to come up with my very own online journal of chenelyn kimberly kembulars.

If not for aherm, aherm, this will not materialize. You're my inspiration!

While my initial posting may not exactly merit a nosebleed reaction or a standing ovation, this is my first baby & I am a one proud Mamu.

I hate writer's block, so whatever you have in mind that you can share that will help promote the flow of my creative juices --- is HIGHLY APPRECIATED. I'd love to hear from you (be it praises, okrayans or blog pitches)! I'll be waiting.

"The Pen is mightier than the Sword; so in this dangerous world, I always carry a pen." [Ashleigh Brilliant]

Oh, and a notepad!

(this entry was brought to you by Orange Swits & Mo Twister)