“The Philosophy of Life”

Life as we know it is a never ending cycle of various experiences. It is unpredictable yet exciting, mysterious yet fulfilling. Throughout life we learn several lessons through experiences. We are after all human beings, a being prone to commit mistakes. No one is perfect, as every people have flaws in terms of their physical and mental capacity. We all require something in order to fully achieve our goals in life. We needed the guidance of our parents in our early years in this world, the knowledge of teachers to teach us about the world and the company of friends to help us prevail in the difficult world we are living. Throughout our lifespan, numerous obstacles hinder our progress. These obstacles are felt in the form of problems and multiple adversaries. Most of us would think that these factors are sent to keep us down. But looking at the bigger picture, problems and adversaries are ironically a blessing in disguise. It is in these things that we come to understand who we really are. Without these, we won’t be able to realize our flaws and mistakes. Mistakes teach us how to act correctly in the near future and flaws give us awareness of our limitations as being ourselves. Self-understanding makes everyone a better individual. But the understanding of the self would never make one’s life perfect, it takes more than that to fulfill one’s definition of life. Life also demands motivation and determination in order for it to achieve a near perfect status. It may seem as an impossible task to fulfill, but as aforementioned life is not as simple as it may sound. It would take us years of experience to fully mention that life is indeed felt, years of hardwork, dedication and hardships to fully define one’s life. So what really is life? In order to answer its true meaning, why not try to live casually everyday? Events both expected and unexpected unfolds everyday and it is in these events that we begin to understand how it is to live. Every life is different from the other; every person is different and so is every experience. Nevertheless let us still not forget that no matter what kind of life we run, good or bad we should still be grateful to have been privilege to have been given a “life”. It is an overlooked privilege each and everyone of us take for granted. Imagine if the thing called “life” never existed. What would become of the universe? Life is indeed a great gift that should be embraced by everyone no matter what. So live your life in your own way and never regret each passing experiences that may come to it.

"Man"

Man is a great creation,
Bestowed with the gift of a great mind,
Given privilege of being God's likeness,
He has walked the Earth,
Dominant among others,
Throughout the years he had carried this fate,
But these gifts carries a curse,
The curse of "free-will",
For a long time,
Man's decisions turned outrageous,
Paving way to his greed,
His greeds thus turned into anger,
And anger ultimately leads to destruction,
It is man's common habit,
To kill each other for their own self-benefits,
Their lust for things eventually corrupted the world,
But it was nature that ultimately paid the price,
Devastated by man's actions,
When will man ever learn,
To wisely use his gifts?
Perhaps only God may truly know,
The purpose of man's presence,
He is fantastic yet destructive,

-Alvin Reyes

"My Favorite song...'Changes in my Life'"

I was not so happy being lonely
Living without you
So I prayed so hard for your love
In my heart I needed you
Then I looked up in the sky
And I'm thinking why oh why
These are all the many changes in my life

After all the caring and the laughter
No one else like you
I am not a preacher with a sermon
I'm so in love with you
'Cause to live without your love
Like the sun that shines above
Is the magic of the changes in my life

And I'll never forget your love
You and I
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain falling from the sky
You and I
These are all the many changes in my life

Listen to these words I want to give you
On our love so true
Don't forget I love you and I need you
I'll always be with you
So just look up in the sky
And you'll find out why oh why
These are all the many changes in my life

And I'll never forget your love
You and I
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain falling from the sky
You and I
These are all the many changes, these are all the many changes,
These are all the many changes in my life

And I'll never forget your love
You and I
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain falling from the sky
You and I

These are all the may changes
These are all the many changes
These are all the many changes in my life

And I'll never forget your love
You and I,
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain
Falling from the sky
You and I

These are all the many changes, these are all the many changes,
These are all the many changes in my life (3x)

-This song reminds me of many different things. Changes may occur in one person's life in many ways...but usually a certain person is all what it takes to do this. Indeed love can change one person into something more than he or she is usually capable of...

"What could've been..."

Regrets in life cannot be avoided. As we progress more into life, we always find ourselves amidst choosing different and crucial decisions. These choices may present different outcomes and implications later on, but the fact is that we must choose one among them at the present.

My life is filled with confusions. Often time I find myself taking the wrong path. Usually I choose to believe what my emotions yearned for, never paying much attention to things that should rightfully be chosen. In the end, I find myself full of regrets. Regular people may not understand me; some would even consider me as oversensitive or so. But before judging me, first listen to my story…

I was born with a very gifted lifestyle. I have an average family. Though we may not be the big and rich type, we are happy living together. Things in life are always unpredictable; several unexpected things may occur later on. As with any stranger out there, my life also took on an unexpected and different path. We moved from place to place, and also experienced the feeling of anxiety and hardships. Luck was always by our side as we somehow manage to overcome all of it. But of course, things would always go differently again later on.

 

Our most recent place may perhaps be our best. We’ve been through a very large city and even the peaceful countryside. This time, we reside in a place where it is in between; not too silent and not too crowded. I felt love in this new place. It was the place that changes me. Maturity was not my strongest point, yet somehow I’ve learned to achieve it in this place.

I was someone who never cared for what’s happening around me. Happy-go-lucky, shy and shut-in in my house almost all day. I’ve never made too many friends and was perhaps innocent about reality. As a result, I’ve created my own fantasy world in my mind. A world so perfect and always in my favor. My own world became my sanctuary for running from reality. But soon I discovered how different the truth is.

For me, everything was like a movie. Fail once but soon fate would unveil success. Decisions made are always right as long as that’s what your heart desire. But I was dumbfounded by this fact; the world is not a scripted play that always ensures a scripted ending.

It is my emotion that always gets the best of me. Every time I am placed in a situation where I have to decide, I always play my “Movie-like” mentality. I always tend to choose like a lead actor does in any movie; something epic and something that would probably lead to an extravagant ending. Boy, how wrong I was.

I fell in love with a girl with such amazing traits. I just thought that if I play the good part I would get the good love-story ending, but instead it backfired miserably. But I never gave up hope of one day gaining the attention of the girl I love. I did every way possible to get to her, but again life is not a movie. My bitter fate in love affected my life up until the present. She was indeed the one whom I consider my first true love even though she never looks at me at the same light.

I always thought that after that my love-life would never ever be good again. But fate ensured that someone else would take place after my failure from her. Another girl arrived to save me from my dilemma. She was a woman with great qualities; no man could ever resist the unique quality she possessed. But this salvation came too soon as I was never ready to move on at the moment. Never did she give up hope on me, but I threw her away because of my still dominant feeling for the last. For the first time, I broke somebody else’s heart because of my own selfish desire. As of now, she left for someplace far away without saying a word to me.

Perhaps the biggest mistake I made was sacrificing my very future for the very first girl I love. My educational career was already going well but yet I gave that all up just for the sake of being with her at the same school. One could probably say that I chased what my heart yearned for, and yet another failure. When I moved from my current school at that time to another, it seems that she found someone else there. I tried to smile, trying to be happy that finally someone else had finally been there to make her happy, but for some reason I was so depressed inside. Finally, I’ve decided to move out of her presence. For a long time, I distanced myself from seeing her. I should be happy for her sake.

Just when I was about to be happy on my own again, she was there. She appeared before me carrying a burden that guy gave to her. For some reason, she was sad for something that happened between them. In my own mind I just thought that I should not care anymore. She broke my heart several times now, but why did I still care? Why did I still comfort her after all that happened? I guess I’ll really never know the real answer but I did.

As of now we have a good relationship as friends. I may have never been good enough to be her special someone, but at least we’re good friends. I always feel so special being with her, but somehow I am still sad. Sad by the fact that we’re just gonna be only friends after all. I wanted to tell her how much I love her and what I really feel about her. But I am afraid that again it may end in yet another big failure. I still don’t know why, but somehow I still get the feeling that one day she’ll find another one. And that another one would never ever be me.

After all these, I just find myself asking what could’ve been the outcome if I chose the different path? What if I’ve never met her? What if I’ve never left the one that truly loved me? What if I never followed her in the same school? Things could’ve been different for the both of us. I may never have to feel so insecure with myself right now. And I know she would’ve been released from the burden she is carrying right now which would be me. I know these may be selfish and undesirable thoughts but what if? I love her so much but I know she’ll never love me back like this. Somehow I just feel so sorry for myself anymore, desperately clinging to the thought of her finally acknowledging me. Several questions of what could’ve been still lingers my mind. But for now it’s probably for the best that I don’t question these anymore. I’ll just go on with my life the ways things are already are. And when the day finally comes for me or her to finally finds the one, just be happy about it. It may hurt, but that’s life, just try to think that things happen for a reason. I know the rightful aftermath would soon unfold. For now the important thing is I love her and it doesn’t matter what happened before anymore. Regrets are never going to make a person better after all…

-Alvin Reyes

"Flowers and Friendship"

Friendship is like a blooming flower. A flower begins as something unlikely, something unfamiliar. It takes a few amounts of time and certain care before it develops into something beautiful. After such outcome is shown, we can now appreciate how distinctive it is from the others. Each fully-bloomed flower tells a story. It is the story of the development it undergone before achieving such heights. Flowers also require the right amount of care and attention in order for its beauty to last. Friendship also begins as something unlikely and unfamiliar. We may find it quite awkward to approach a stranger at first. But given a certain amounts of time and understanding develops it into something quite extraordinary. Only when we attain that level of fondness do we regard a person as someone special. Of course, each friend is unlike the others. Every people have a different story. Their individual stories are greatly shaped by their personal experiences. The beauty of friendship can last if proper care and commitment is provided.

"The Rain I Loved"

Rainy days may seem depressing,

But in my case I find it quite amusing,

I have always been stranded in my room,

Lying every second on my bed,

Every sunny day I look out the window,

I see children my age playing,

I also wanted to play with them,

But my mama wouldn’t let me out,

She said it was too dangerous,

Maybe it has something to do with my looks?

Lately I’ve been losing a lot of hair,

My skin is so pale and cold,

And my lips are so dry,

They’ll probably be scared of me anyway,

I’m just so envious of them,

Maybe that’s why I love it when it rains?

So I won’t get jealous seeing them play,

One day my mama suddenly bursts into tears,

She suddenly held me real tight,

“Everything will be alright” she said,

I wonder what’s wrong?

Lately, I’ve been sleeping a lot,

Always so tired, can’t even speak much,

I don’t know what’s wrong,

Mama wouldn’t even tell me,

So I’ll just stare outside,

And wait for the rain I love,

"Nikki"

Listen to my story…

To the girl who impress people with her music...“Nikki”

I have been one of her greatest admirer…

Ever since the time I first heard her play…

Guitar was her best field…

About a few months ago I was bored as hell. High School life was already getting stale. Lately I was thinking of numerous ways to make the best out of it. I was after all a senior and only a few months remain of my High School endeavor.

It was one rainy afternoon when our class president decided to talk to us about something. I was not his biggest fan as I find him so damn boring. But this time around there was no harm in lending him an ear. So what the heck is this news that he wanted to share?

“The school festival is coming up, and there will be a musical performance from different classes throughout the school as an opening for it. Those of you who are interested to join or to watch may come this Saturday at 6pm. I really hope you support this program!”

So…a musical performance eh? I have been a music lover since I was a child. But though I was, I was never good with anything in relation to music. I can’t sing or play any musical instrument. But I’m really good at appreciating it. I do find music as more than just sounds; it’s something bigger than that.

I’ve decided to go to the performance that Saturday night. There were so many people who came, so crowded. Luckily, I was able to secure a good spot for the spectacle. I can clearly see the stage and heck even the performers. This was gonna be one hell of a night…

I can’t believe there were so many talented musicians in our school! The performances were all great, but there was one group that caught my attention. They were called “Paraholic” a group of second year musicians. But it was their guitarist that stood out, “Nikki” was her name.

After that night, I fell in love with that guitarist. Her skills were more than enough to define her beautiful. I was curious about her, wanted to know more about her. So ever since that night, I became somewhat of a stalker…following her gig every time she did one…

Days flew by and every performance she does, I was there. I’ve come to admire her even more every moment I see her. I wanted to talk to her, but couldn’t find the courage to do so. What should I do? Only a few months later and I’ll be off to college…

One day I’ve had it! I must stop hesitating, I must talk to her! I didn’t know why I think about her this much. But one thing I know is that she already means so much to me. So then, I’ve decided to finally approach her after their next gig.

Their performance was quite impressive as usual. But of course, she was the most impressive among them. Afterwards I finally got the chance to get up straight and personal with her. I don’t know what to say, but here goes…

Finally after much deliberation, I’ve done it! We talked about several topics and told her how much I admire her band, especially her. Funny thing is, afterwards she told me to come with them to a party. I’ll never ever forget that very moment…

We became friends and soon started going out. I can’t believe that the girl I once dreamed about is finally this close to me. It seems that my remaining High School days are not that stale after all. Our bonding dragged on for days, months…

One day I’ve decided to stop by at her house. I was yet again anxious to see her. But instead was disappointed with the news her mom told me. She was already gone…she left for someplace far away to pursue her dreams…

It wasn’t that easy to swallow this fact. I was sad for myself, yet happy for her. I’m just glad that finally she was reaching for what she has always dreamed of. I’ll miss her, but maybe it was for the best. Perhaps my only regret…not telling her what I really feel…

So wherever you may be, I just want you to know that…you’ll always be a significant part of me. You were my first love, the one that thought me to appreciate things even more. Someday I hope our paths would cross again…But for now, farewell “Nikki”….

-Alvin Reyes

"It started with a chat..."

My life had always been so boring, that is until I met her…the year 2010…

Hi my name is Thomas but people call me Tom. Everyday my life has been so damn dull; nothing interesting ever happens in it. Everyday it’s the same routine: wake up, go to school, go home and then sleep. But every time Mr. Boredom visits me late at night, I always have my laptop to amuse me. Internet surfing is perhaps what defines my late night life.

One Friday evening when everything was silent and all, I’ve decided to once again visit the realm of the network world. At least network life was not as repetitive and dull as my real life; every log was just so full of surprises. My favorite sites are of course those of Social networking types, because it’s a good way for me to meet new people. As usual, I logged in and let the magic unfold. Hours flew by without me even noticing it; I was so focused on the site. Suddenly an unknown user under the screen name “LonelyGurl101” sent me a message…

LonelyGurl101: hi… J

RoCkeRzzz69 (me): hello

LonelyGurl101: ctc? I’m b0red L

RoCkeRzzz69: um…wer u frm???

LonelyGurl101: elwoodville u? J

RoCkerzzz69: WHAT!?!?!? Em frm elwoodville 2!

Our conversation went on for hours…she was indeed…something. As we continue chatting, I found out so many things about this LonelyGurl101. Basically we live in the same town, same age of fifteen and heck even the same net surfing hobby! Every night we did the same routine of chatting. The irony is that she was always online when I log in. Our network friendship dragged on for days…weeks, soon I found myself starting to like her. Then one night out of the blue…

RoCkeRzzz69: ei…we’ve known each oder for a wyl now…bt I still haven’t got ur name yet :-/

LonelyGurl101: oh…nw dt u mentioned it ye J…im sam u?

RoCkeRzzz69: col me tom JJJ so…funny bt im kinda curious wat u rily luk lyk…r u GAY!? :-0

LonelyGurl101: haha lol im nt…im straight I swear ;-)

RoCkeRzzz69: hehe great! Juz making xur ur not J so…u wanna mit up?

LonelyGurl101: hehe r u askin me out??? J

RoCkeRzzz69: haha wel kinda hehehehehe lol! So????

LonelyGurl101: r u xur u rily wnt 2??? J

RoCkeRzzz69: YES!

LonelyGurl101: hehe ok den, tommorw…mit me @ d carnival in town 7pm…I will b waiting @ d entrance gate J

Before I could even reply, she just logged off. I was so excited on seeing her; I really wonder what she looks like? Thoughts were swirling around my head making it quite difficult for me to sleep. Eventually I did…

The next day was quite an awkward one for me. My mind was dozing off during class that I got a D on our History quiz. She was all that’s on my mind; I can’t believe I’m feeling like this for someone whom I just met on the net! After class, I’ve immediately went home to prepare for my big date tonight!

I’ve arrived at the carnival earlier than the supposed meeting time; it was just 6:34pm! I can’t believe how excited I really am on this one. The waiting seems like forever and my hearts was pounding really hard in anxiety. What should I say to her? What if I’m not actually her type? Or what if she really is gay? Numerous questions once again haunt my mind. Time slowly passed, until it was already 7:21pm on my watch. Where is she? She is definitely late! Maybe she wouldn’t show up after all? Then as I was about to leave, someone poked my back and mentioned my name. I turn around and saw the greatest spectacle I’ve ever seen. She’s a girl, and not just any ordinary girl! She was the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen in my life! She has this smooth fair skin, very sexy figure, beautiful long blonde hair and of course, those dazzling blue eyes. She was wearing a simple yet beautiful blue dress, a great compliment for her tall height and very nice figure…then with her soothing voice she talks…

Sam: Sorry I’m late, your Tom right? I’m Sam, nice to meet you!

Tom: O-oh…not at all! Um…you look great!

Sam: Really? Thanks! Hehe I thought I look kind of plain, you know…

Tom: N-not at all! You look perfect to be honest! So let’s go?

Sam: Hehe wow! Thanks! Alright!

And so our date starts…We went to every place possible; played games at the game booths, rode the mini rollercoasters and grabbed a bite at the food stops. Amidst our activities, I’ve learned several facts about Sam. She was an only child of a wealthy family in town, the Diltons and she used to go to the same school I go, but unfortunately stopped for personal reasons. Also, I discovered that she never had any friends giving her the reason to have social networking as a hobby. Indeed there was more to Sam than her beauty, inside was a lonely person. After a while we decided to go for the Ferris-Wheel. Our spot suddenly stopped at the upper-most part, Sam suddenly revealed something…

Sam: Tom, I would really like to thank you for giving me a wonderful time tonight…

Tom: It was my pleasure…really!

Sam: Hehe…you know if only the circumstances were different, I think I could’ve fallen for you…you’re a really nice guy Tom…

Tom: Why? What’s up?

She just paused, and then smile at me. The Ferris-Wheel suddenly budges and we slowly descend back on the ground. After our big date, we decided to call it a day and parted ways. “Thank You Tom, I’ll definitely miss you…” was her last word to me. It was indeed the happiest day of my life. Sam’s definitely something. But I just can’t help but be bothered of the way she was acting all throughout the night. Something was definitely up, but I can’t quite put a finger in it.

The next night I’ve decided to once again log in and check up on Sam, but she wasn’t there. It is quite unusual for her not to be logged in as she always were every night, regardless of the time. Feeling disappointed, I’ve decided to shut the computer down and slept earlier than the usual. Her absence in the net dragged on for days…weeks, I was already missing her presence. Just where in the world is she? Did something happen? Sam, please show up already!

Then one night I suddenly received a personal message from Sam, finally! In her message states “Tom…meet me at this address: #32 Reagan St…I will be waiting at the far end by an old tree…please be there”. The message really bothered me. It was already pass eleven in the evening, but I just have to see her! So I sneaked out the house, hopped on to my bicycle and drove for that exact location.

I arrived at the designated area, #32 Reagan St. yes this is the exact place. The place was quite unusual, it is…a cemetery! What in the world is going on!? Why did she suddenly lead me to this place at this time of the night!? I have to know, I must! So without hesitation, I went in the cemetery. She told me to meet her at the far end by an old tree. I looked around the dark area and finally spotted that tree she was saying. But she wasn’t there, instead there lies three tombstones underneath the three. I examined those tombstones and was shocked with what I saw. The first two were positioned upfront besides each other, and it reads…on the right side “Matthew Dilton, Born: January 18, 1948- November 13, 1998, May your soul rest in peace” on the left side “Amelia Dilton, Born: April 9, 1950- November 13, 1998, May you find eternal rest”. I didn’t like the looks of these, their surnames are those of Sam’s…and the date they both died is the same! At the back of the two lies another tombstone and boy was it a shocker for me… “Samantha Dilton, Born: November 13, 1983- November 13, 1998, May you find paradise in heaven”…

-Alvin Reyes

"College- A student's struggle"

"John" is the name...

Seventeen years of age and a fresh graduate from high school...

My goal is...to be the best writer!

Writing had always been my passion, thus I've decided to take up "Journalism"

But...my parents think otherwise...they always wanted me to be a doctor!

Damn them! Damn them to HELL!

Why does parents have to ruin EVERYTHING?!

Entrance Examination day...

My heart is pounding; anxious and confuse...

On the paper...LIST YOUR TOP THREE DESIRED COURSES TO TAKE:

Okay then...

1. Medtech (BOOO!)
2. Journalism (YEEY!)
3. Fine Arts (What!? Well whatever at least something to fill it up)

One, Two, Three...Four hours passed...

Exam's done...now wait for the results...

A week later...

A letter came from the university, and the result...

"CONGRATULATIONS! You have passed the entrance for the University for the course: Medtech...etc"

ARE YOU SERIOUS!

I passed Medtech...but not JOURNALISM!

...well at least my parents are happy so what the heck?

First semester is here!

WEEEEEE finally I'm a...Medtech student...

Writing is my passion, as I always say...but...

Well at least I'm at the University now!

SO LET'S DO THIS!

Days fly by so damn fast...

The semester was tiring...TOO TIRING!

Did I do well for the sem?

...I mean it was my best shot for Medtech...

A note came...I FAILED?!
WTH!? WTF!? WHAAAAT!?

I double-checked my transcript...yes I failed...

It was hard to let my parents know this, but I had to...

"You're stupid!"
"You're a disappointment!"
"You're a disgrace!"

...Wow they really understand...Figures...

But what do they know? I never wanted Medtech in the first place DAMMIT!

Still...they forced me to carry on with it!
I HATE THEM! I HATE MY LIFE!

One night I was walking down the street when I came across...
A store that sells...ROPE!

Hehehe...that's my ticket way out of this mess!

Bought the rope, went home and locked myself in my room...

The rope...ceiling...suicide...

-Alvin Reyes

"The Tree up the hill"

Do you still remember that time?

The first time we met?

It was on that tree above the hill.

It was a gentle apple tree which seldom bloom fruits.

You were lying beside it with teary eyes.

I came towards you, asking the reason behind those tears.

But you just smiled when I asked you.

It was the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen, priceless.

Then you left without saying a word.

The next day, I saw you again on that same place.

The tree up the hill.

This time, those teary eyes were gone.

Instead, that same smile you had replaced it.

I just had to come closer just to witness it.

I was quite nervous when I asked your name.

“Alice”
That time, it was magic in the making.

The first time we talked was the best moment of my life.

After that day.

I can’t remember how many times we see each other.

On that very place.

The tree up the hill.

But everytime we do, it was magnificent.

That place thus became our “special place”

Years have pass since then.

We became friends, then couples.

We’ve shared precious moments since then.

But the special place was always there.

The tree up the hill.

One day I’ve asked you about the time you were crying.

You never told me the reason why.

Instead, you just smiled and said.

“I love you”

I would never forget those words you said.

At the tree up the hill.

One day I’ve received words from the doctors.

Telling me of my worsening condition.

They said my days were numbered.

It devastated me, shattered my soul.

So I asked you to meet me on that place.

The tree up the hill.

At that place, you came with that smile I loved.

I knelt before you bringing out a shiny ring.

“Would you marry me?”

You were speechless at the moment.

But then hug me saying “Yes”

It all happened on that place.

The tree up the hill.

We had great moments since then.

Everyday was so full of laughter.

Then one day you told me to go meet you there.

At the tree up the hill.

But, I never came.

You’ve waited for me there patiently.

Never knowing I was already far away.

I didn’t want you to see me like this.

Slowly dying, day by day.

It was selfish of me.

Leaving you was my greatest regret.

I’m probably gone when you read this.

I just wanted to thank you for everything.

For the memories and affection you gave me.

I love you with all my heart.

Please don’t ever forget the time we’ve spent on that place.

The tree up the hill.

Love Alex...

-Alvin Reyes

"Videogame Memories: Final Fantasy VIII"

“Final Fantasy VIII was the very first Final Fantasy I’ve ever played!”

Year 1999, The Beginning:

I can still remember the time when I was at a videogame store in Manila called “Circuit City” that I first stumbled upon the game “Final Fantasy VIII”. At first FFVIII was really not my first pick to buy, but I was really impressed with the great opening video of the game. It was the video of a duel between Squall and Seifer. The graphics were so jaw-dropping and cool that it really piqued my interest to try that one out.

My actual choice at that time was Resident Evil 2 but I find the controls so damn annoying! So instead I asked the saleslady about FFVIII and was surprised to know that the game had a FOUR-DISC length! I really found that absurd as videogames in The Philippines are so damn expensive! So it was really way beyond my budget to buy four discs of ONLY ONE GAME. Yet my interest for the game never waned so instead of buying a game that time, I’ve decided to postpone buying one. It was to be another week before I was able to come back to that store. After a week’s saving, I was finally within range of buying it! After testing out the game in the store and so on, I finally bought it and immediately went home.

First Impressions upon playing:

“Final Fantasy VIII is soooo damn boring!”

Confusing, repetitive and boring was my first impression on playing FFVIII. Yeah the graphics were good, but limited only to the cutscenes. The actual game graphics is just like an amateur drawing by some stranger, heck even Mickey Mouse looks more decent! Being the very first JRPG I’ve ever played, I was SOOOOO DAMN CONFUSED with how the system works. The junctioning was confusing and there were so many contexts to absorb within the game (ehem…SeeD, Garden, GF etc…etc…) And hoho the battle…well that’s my BIGGEST PROBLEM with the game! It’s just so DAMN repetitive! It was like Attack (Squall Slash)

wait for the ATB Gauge to fill then Attack again, then again wait then Attack…well you get the picture BOOOOORING! I was so regretful on buying that damn game! I’ve spent so much money on the game which only looks good on the opening scene but is crap on actual gameplay. After three days of playing it, I’ve had enough and decided to shove it in our bookshelves.

Change of Hearts:

Three months have passed since I last played FFVIII. During that time, I’ve just recently finished Resident Evil 2 (I bought it 2 weeks after sidelining FFVIII) and was so damn bored with nothing much to do anymore. I’ve decided to try reading something for a change and checked out books in our shelves. Then somewhere inside one, I found my copy of FFVIII. Then I’ve remembered about my conversation with friends at school. They told me that FFVIII is quite good, once you’ve got the hang of it. And so because of boredom and regret for the cash I’ve spent for it, I’ve decided to give FFVIII another go.

Yeah we’re back to the saliva dropping cutscenes again and the long texts. After a few while I’ve tried understanding the junctioning system more and tolerated the actual game graphics and repetitive battle. Soon I was finally getting the hang of it! Reading the actual storyline texts finally got me interested in understanding the well-made storyline of the game! Then later on I’ve finally understood how junctioning works and also learn to love the battle system! Finally FFVIII was turning me on! Weeeeee!

Getting deeper into the game:

Okay now I’m really enjoying playing FFVIII. It’s a story about a young student from an academy garden thing (Balamb) named Squall Leonhart as he journey to find the meaning to his life (Epic). You start off by going with your hot teacher named Quistis Trepe to the Fire Cavern to train and tame a GF (dubbed: Guardian Force- a beast you summon to beat the sh*t out of your opponents) named Ifrit. After acquiring Ifrit’s aid, you and Miss. Hottie then go back to Balamb to prepare for a SeeD (The garden’s assassin force hired by different organizations) mission. The said mission is actually the final exam before a student in the garden can fully graduate into a real SeeD. The mission takes place in the town of Dollet as you rid the place of enemy forces. You are to complete the mission with your teammates Seifer Almasy (Squall’s rival) and Zell Dincht (a tough guy wannabe with bad hair). Soon the trio made their way to their target area, but Seifer’s not contented with their achievement and start b*tching about going deeper into enemy territory.

Deep inside, they’ve reached a tower and there they meet a fellow schoolmate Selphie Timlett, who’ve brought along a message from the head. But the thick-headed Seifer pushes on and soon the team ascends upward the tower. At the top part of the tower, the party encounters a boss called Elvoret (a giant bird…thing I don’t know). After beating the hell out of him, the team heads back towards the main garden forces at the beach after a retreat command was given by Selphie. On your way back you are suddenly chased by a giant crab-robot, which you’re given an option whether to fight or flight. Well basically that’s just a small fraction of the first disc of FFVIII, because if I were to discuss the entire story, it would take FOREVER! It’s a long game damn it!

The things I loved about it:

To simply put it, I love everything about this game: The rich storyline, addictive gameplay and catchy music. Everything about this game is worth playing. The storyline may have lacked a certain depth at some point and the twist may have been a bit shallow but nevertheless overall story still rocks! This was probably the first ever Final Fantasy that mainly centered the theme “love” as portrayed by Squall and Rinoa Heartily (his love interest).

Although their love story may get cheesy at times, it still manages to garner the attention of many fans. Characters are not so bad as well; they are well-designed and lovable. This was actually the first Final Fantasy that featured a non-cartoonish cast of characters (note: previous FF titles were of anime design). Gameplay-wise, yeah the battle’s repetitive and may be boring at times but who cares? As long as it tinkers with your mind by letting you plan out strategies to win it can still be very fun. The junctioning system may be confusing at first but once you got the hang of it, it can be very addictive. The graphics, well it’s okay for the most part but quite excellent during cutscenes (Perhaps one of the best in the Playstation Console). And of course…the wonderful soundtrack of FFVIII, which in my own opinion is the best ever in the entire series (Who could ever forget the FFVIII Battle tune or “Eyes On Me”?). It is a highly recommended game for everyone. Yeah it may be old school, but I’ll bet even the newer generations of gamers would still love it! Final Fantasy VIII is the game that I’ll never ever forget.

"The Power of Words"

Words are powerful tools which every human being possessed.

If used correctly, it may do the world good.

But if misused, it can cause unimaginable damage.

Throughout the annals of time, words became one major factor that help shaped history.

Leaders used the power of words to lead their people to its rightful destiny.

Great leaders propelled their people to unity and prosperity.

Terrible leaders sealed the fates of their people into total ruins.

Even in everyday life choosing the right word, at the right moment may lead to better understanding.

But using it spontaneously and without thinking can destroy one’s life.

So treat words with utmost care and respect.

Each of us is capable of wielding its potential.

Use it properly and the benefits are endless.

Use it wrong and it may cause endless pain.

 -Alvin Reyes

"A Random Chance" Part 1

She was years younger than I am…

Our first meeting was quite unexpected; at first glance she was just an ordinary girl with a beautiful smile. Nevertheless, that smile just never caught my attention at first. She was indeed so ordinary in my eyes, yet there was just something about her that seemed somewhat captivating. I can still remember our very first conversation, it was somewhat awkward, and somehow I can tell that we were both still uncomfortable with each other. It was a random chance that we were able to finally connect with each other though not that much at the time being. Conversations were swift, yet so full of enthusiasm. At some point in time, I just suddenly felt an urge to want to know her a little better. I wanted to see her and so every time class ends I just did that. There are times I gain the chance to do see and even talk to her, but most of the time it just ends in vain. Communications between us were not very good and yes I was already finding it hard to reach her. At one point in time, I almost gave up hope of getting to her. Yet, for some reason I never did. Finally it hit me; yes maybe I was in love with her. It took me a while to admit it to myself to accept that fact, thus I muster as much strength and confidence as I can to tell her how I feel…

One afternoon outside her school I finally had that strength I was looking for. As I wait outside, hesitant I was. Then she came, we talk and that’s the time I’ve really first confessed to anyone. It was indeed an epic fail I can say. I’ve stumbled several time while telling her the things I want her to know, she fortunately listen but there is something quite unusual while I was at it. Perhaps maybe out of modesty did she try to consider me, but I know an inevitable misfortune will soon befall upon me. And how right my hunch was, it seems that there was someone or something else. I was crushed by that, and didn’t know what to do. But it seems that the proper and most logical way would only be acceptance…

Several times have passed, a day seems like months and each day I was lost. We haven’t been able to hear from each other for a while now, and soon I had finally been able to accept my bitter fate. It was probably better of that way I think. I know she’s happy with someone else and in sincerity all I’ve longed for was her happiness. Slowly the pain started to ease and finally I was back on being myself again.

It was yet again another random chance that brought us back together again. One unsuspecting night changes everything. She came unto me carrying a pain her man inflicted upon her. Bewildered I was, as deep inside I saw it as an opportunity for me to get her. Indeed it was a selfish thought I had, but in the end I’ve decided to do the right thing. I’ve tried everything that I can to fix her broken will through my words of encouragement. It was a hard thing for me to do, giving up the very person you love in exchange for her own happiness. It was painful smiling and saying “everything would work out for the both of you soon” or “I’ll try praying for the both of you to get better”. But in my mind, what I really feel doesn’t matter if she is not really happy. I’ve done everything I can and only time can tell what would become of them…

"My Journey To Find The Meaning Of Life"

I was born in an average family and lived an average life...

When I woke up in this world, there was no telling what kind of person I would become. Innocence was the only word that best describe myself during my early days on Earth. Toys and milk were my best of friends as I live a life free from worries of the harsh realities. Soon I began to see that there is more to life than just sitting around, sleeping and playing...

School became the next chapter of my life. I was probably around four when I first entered a classroom. At first I was nervous at the same time eager to meet those roaming strangers inside. I made friends and encountered my first batch of teachers. Early days in school are quite fun; mostly just playing and learning  few basic knowledges. But of course, not everything in school are fun and games. This was the facts I learned when I finally stepped on a much higher level of education...

Grade school and Pre-school are two very different worlds. The playing part was now sidelined to recess breaks and the learning part now became the main theme. I was now tasked with solving numerical problems, reading short stories and poem and understanding the science of life. It was indeed a different battlefield in which I need to conquer. Alas, I eventually prevailed and moved on to a much higher level.

High School was perhaps the best and worst time of my life. It was the best because this was the time I started to mature and experience firsthand what "reality" really is. This was the time I've first experienced love and inspiration. This was the time I became aware of how society works. Contrary, it was at the same time the worst. High School paved ways for me to be attracted to vices. Not all people in school became a friend, as I also made considerable number of opponents. I may have felt love in High School, but also experienced my very first heartbreak. To make matters worst, my High School years were amidst the period of my rough times in family, grades and social life. Perhaps you could say it was the turning point of who I would later become...

College was a rather different story. In a twisted turn of events, significant changes in my life occurred. College is rough, stressful and demanding; this I soon found out as I journey through it. I was a man unsure of what to pursue due to the seeds of confusion I've experienced in my High School years. My first years in college were rather undesirable and unsuspecting. I now got a glimpse of how the adult world works. Before my parents were always there to provide everything for me, but in college aside from the the tuition fee I was now to fend off for myself. Independence was now becoming the word for college life. Peers were also quite far-fetched in college as with comparison to past levels. People ran wild and free each determined to build their own paths. This time, I was scared. When everything and everyone else seems to be moving forward, I on the other hand I remained stuck in my current position. I was confused and afraid on how to move forward on different things. Time and time passed and still I've only made few progresses in college...

Reflecting on my life-long travel, I've probably seen the best and worst of it all. I know how it feels to be happy, inspired, contented and to be loved. I also know how it feels to starve, get hurt, be confused, be enraged and so on. Basically that's life...Being able to experience both ups and downs, bitter and sweet, joy and tears makes us truly human. It is these things that paves way for us to know how it is to live. As of now I am not fully happy with myself and with my life but yet still thankful that I am still breathing with my loved ones.

"Life is too short for us to achieve every desired dreams, so let's just all live to the fullest"

-Alvin Reyes

"Why Do People ALWAYS Blame?"

Have you always wonder why people always blame something or someone if things go wrong?

Like for instance, perhaps the most common of them all...The case of the public blaming the government for flaws in there methods of running the country. This is a reality more common in the "Third World" countries than anywhere in this beautiful planet of ours. As the description "Third World" states, these are the countries which have a relatively unsatisfactory level of living standard; there are more poor people than rich people, crimes ran rampant in the community, hunger is common and so on and so forth...As a result, dissatisfaction by the people emerges and so comes the endless complaints. But of course, let's just be realistic...of course who in their right mind wouldn't do something when he is experiencing hunger and injustices? That's why democracy and liberty were created in the first place right?

Another good example is a fact common to every living person in the planet. I know all of us are guilty when a certain scenario of "things going smoothly until someone comes and ruin everything" occurs. For instance, let's make couples our main example. I know most of us experienced "jealousy" and "third parties" in the span of a romantic relationship. With that being said, now I want you to visualize yourself being into a relationship with a person you really love. At first, everything is going too well...romantic dinner dates, sweet and touching exchange of words and of course the kisses and the you know what that may eventually happen between the two of you. Suddenly...BOOM! A dude or chick comes in and take away your moment. The seemingly endless romance and affection you both share slowly (or quickly) diminishes until the inevitable breakup happens (Keep in mind that this fact is also common to married couples) After all have been said and done, we undergoes a series of depressing days blaming the newcomer or ourselves or whoever we can to keep ourselves at ease.

If I were to cite out other examples of blaming cases, this would be a rather very long list so I'll just cut to the chase instead. It is indeed in our nature to avoid responsibilities that are not beneficial for us and I'm quite sure most (if not all) of us are guilty of this fact.We tend to avoid facing problems and rather take the easy way to overcome it. Not realizing that by doing this, we generate a negative attitude towards our own self-esteem and our own perspective of things. Thus this is one of the many factors that lead us to blaming.

So before we jump into conclusions I just want to cite out certain realistic reflections that may help us in realizing the question "Why Do People ALWAYS Blame?"

1. First, we should learn to analyze the source of the problem and ask how, when and why it occurred in the first place. It could probably be that you screwed up in some point and thus were rewarded with such undesirable results. Learn to realize the mistakes and shortcomings you've done before jumping into conclusions. Ask yourself with questions such as "Did I do something wrong?" "Was there something lacking in my efforts before?" and any other kind of questions in relation to your problems. Doing this would give you a firsthand advantage in formulating an early solution for your problem.
2. Next, be a positive thinker! Mourning and weeping forever won't get you any closer to your goal. Always be optimist to whatever things that may come into your life (Whether good things or bad things) Thinking positively not only boosts your self-confidence but the confidence of other people in you as well. This would in turn gives you less reason to blame things for a certain mistake.
3. Next, learn to understand your limits. Know the boundaries of your skills and character, emphasize on things you can do and less-emphasize on those you know you can never do. By doing this, you can make the best decisions in life and maximize the talent and capabilities you possessed. Thus giving you enough reason not to doubt most of the actions you do.  
4. Next, as already aforementioned learn to face your responsibilities. Be courageous enough in facing every (or just most if not possible) obstacles in your path. Running away from your problems will not help you in becoming successful with your goal. In order to become better, each and everyone of us must learn to overcome hardships by facing numerous trials in life.
5. And lastly, do something about your mistakes and shortcomings! Okay, so you screwed up big time...then do something about it! Don't let regrets and doubts gets the best of you! Doing something about your mistakes is much better than doing nothing at all. Formulating a definite solution in your problems gives you less reason to blame others or something.

Okay, yes I know that what I've wrote here may have been easier said than done. I'll admit that I'm as guilty as everyone of you are with regards to this attitude of blaming others or things. But what I've wrote here is mostly based from my own personal experience of several scenarios in life. Probably like some or most of you, I don't like to experience problems and would likely blame whenever things went wrong. But as I progress the chapters of my life, I've started to realized every word I've wrote here and started to experience things  much better than ever before. So I just figured that it would be best to share those learnings to each and everyone of you who are reading this. Besides it wouldn't hurt to learn something from someone right?

-Alvin Reyes

"A Message Especially For You"

It was indeed a mystery why we really met in the first place...

Was it fate?

An accident?

Or perhaps just another spontaneous moment?

...Honestly I've never really been a believer of those things, for I tend to follow the logical and possible means...in short I always desire a proper explanation for things...

Nevertheless, regardless of the circumstances our meeting became a reality and I won't dare ask why or how it came to be...and for that I'm greatly pleased.

Greatly pleased for the fact that I was able to have met such a wonderful person...

You are of a caliber of unprecedented standards, no mere words can define the greatness you alone possessed...

You are a winner in both beauty and wit, but those are not what really defines you...

Yes, it is indeed your heart that really stands out above all...

It was the heart that captivated my heart and my soul, and no other person made me felt that way...

It was the kindness and sincerity you've presented to me that gave me a reason to be better..

And it was the care and affection you gave me that made me feel really special...

It was indeed a waste letting you go, for I can probably never find someone like you ever again...

It was good while it last...Surely an experience I'll never forget and a memory I'll forever cherish...

But nevertheless all these doesn't bother me now...for I believe that there may be bigger things in store for us in the future...

Or who knows maybe "destiny", one thing I really don't believe in, may indeed pass our way in the future too?

We can definitely never tell...

So for now I make this message...

A message Especially For You...

My Dreams, Life and Doubts...

Who ever said that life was easy?

Throughout the years of me living in this world, I have stumbled upon different challenges. I have faced numerous adversaries that life has to offer. I've been through some of the worse case scenarios ranging from personal to family matters. Having experienced all of these made me realized that life really isn't just something that we should take for granted. Life is fast, short and stressful; one mistake can be lethal. You can never recover the time and effort lost while living life. It is not something that we write then erase whenever it went wrong nor something we can predict. It is indeed a complicated thing that each and everyone of us should respect and give value.

Unfortunately, I never found this out sooner thus I've learned all these the hard way. I grew up being dependent on the people surrounding me; family, friends and others. Whenever things go wrong there was always someone who would try and catch my fall. Years and years I've depended on them, making me feel that everything was assured for me. Man, how wrong I was...As it turns out, there is no such thing as "forever". Things come and go for various reasons. The friends you have now won't always be there by your side. Sooner or later, your parents will finally meet their fated end. Soon you'll be left alone with having only yourself to depend on. And it is in these facts that my greatest fear resides...

I am afraid of someday losing the ones I've loved.

I am afraid of continuing my life's journey without them.

I am afraid of facing the harsh realities of life.

Alas, my optimist mask is starting to wear off. As the days continue and my age increases, more and more do these fears become reality. My parents are already nearing their limit and my friends are now beginning to grow up from their old ways. On the other hand, what have I accomplished throughout my life? At my age I should already be out there in the battlefields of life. Instead, I'm still here stuck in my childhood fantasies of being untouchable from the terrors of life. I've been slacking off for way too long. I have let my emotions and desires control me. I've been a nothing but a failure...

I am an only son and eldest in the family. Automatically, I will have the burden of carrying the pride and name of the family. I know, my parents are expecting a lot from me, even other people as well. But to be honest, I think I'm incapable of being "great". I don't think I have enough ability and will to do so. Being situated in these circumstances calls upon me to be responsible and mature. Two things I've never really been good at...

I am envious of the people who are finally making a difference in their lives. Looking back, I've given up too many opportunities to become better. My parents didn't lacked any support for me nor did every instructors I've encountered. I really am good at making excuses for my shortcomings. I always try to blame someone or something for every mistakes I make. This is indeed the story of my life...

Yet, it is always never too late for everyone who possesses faith, will and determination. Time and time, I've observed and somehow proven this. I am also thinking that it may still not be too late for me. I still have everyone I loved with me; my family, my friends and others. My age may still be worthy of aspiring for something great. My dream, to write to my heart's content for the sake of everyone may still be fulfilled

Experience is indeed the best teacher. The mistakes I made, doubts I have and fears I hate can be used for the betterment of myself. Right, I can still do this. Faith, will and determination shall be my arsenal to combat my failures.

Life maybe hard but we must all remember that this privilege will never come cheap! :-)

-Alvin Reyes, 01-30-11

“Will the environment lose out to the economy?” By: Brian Walsh

Alvin Cesar Reyes Jr.

ECON111 T/Th 2:35-4:05 PM

“Will the environment lose out to the economy?”

By: Brian Walsh

This article mainly tackled the issue whether which priority should we first select, our economy or our environment. I chose this particular article because I firmly believe that it is a question that concerns each and everyone of us. As we all know, both these things hold great significance in our lives; as specie, a society, a nation even as individuals. Economy determines our livelihood as humans, this is what determines what our wants is and needs to live. It is one of the very backbones of modern human society, without economy our lives won’t be as convenient and progressive as it is right now. But our desire to live as convenient as we can also spawns consequences to other things. We’re already aware that everything has a cost, from the very food we eat to the shelter we comfortably resides in. Every time we desire to make something for ourselves we consume resources. We cut down trees in order to build homes, butcher live stocks in order to relieve our hunger. As technology progress and as our population rises, demands for goods and other commodities increase. We take in more and more of what our planet is capable of providing, forgetting that we are not the only specie residing on this planet. Earth is a planet consisting of countless life forms, from simple living organisms to gigantic oceanic mammals. Like us humans, these said species also needs something to keep them alive in their everyday struggle to survive. The only difference is, they only take what they needed in order to live whereas we take more of what we need. The human society requires tremendous amounts of natural resources such as oil and land in order to sustain an evolving community. Our demands skyrocketed over the course of our time resulting to the dwindling resources we are now beginning to feel. Example of which is the rising price of petroleum in the market; the tremendous demand due to the growing population paved way for sellers to raise prices in order to maintain equilibrium on the supply and demand of oil. Soon other basic wants and needs could suffer the same fate if our demands rise even further.

Unknown to many, the environment plays a significant role in the progress of every economy in the world. The environment provides almost everything to keep an economy running. The environment also provides several benefits in developing an economy. Take the bees for example, bees are well known for their beneficial pollinating ability. Their ability helps in the blooming of many species of plant, which we need for countless reasons. Nowadays there are cases of bees disappearing due to many human interventions such as pollution. Pollutions are or mostly caused by factory emissions due to the manufacturing of various products we use. As I always mention, demands are constantly rising thus the emissions along with it. Just imagine if the bees were all gone because of the pollution caused by our greed. Think of the strain it may cause to economies worldwide. Artificial pollination will cost unimaginable amounts of funds in order for it to meet our demands. On the other hand bees provide us with free pollination.

Yes, we all want to experience a fruitful life to say living is worth it all. But if losing our environment, our very home will be the cost of such desire then how can we face the discriminating questions future generations might ask? Just think that if we all take everything now, what would become of tomorrow? Can we tolerate seeing our children or grandchildren suffering under the harsh scarcity of resources? Can we explain to them why there is only a few forests left and why there are several extinct animals? It is still not too late to save our environment without doing much harm to our economy. A little sacrifice and conservation is all it requires for us to do so. We can also greatly contribute by just being aware about this issue. Now I leave it up to you whether which side to take.