Nothing in Particular

Sitting in front of the computer, I wonder how this article would look like once it’s done. I have not given much thought about writing another piece, since I’m in the middle of our final exams, but also since we’re cramming for the final Judenites issue of the year, I have no choice but to get this over and done with. I’m listening to alternative tunes to find some sort of creative energy, but then no Muse has appeared. Oh well…

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The Weather

One thing I’m constantly fussing about is the weather. It’s been awfully hot, don’t you think? Every time you step out of the classroom, unbearable humidity smacks you in the face point-blank. Yes folks, it is summer! Taking exams in the testing area becomes ‘the grueling Sahara desert experience’ (well, if you’re in the mess hall you’d know!), challenging both your brains and sweat glands! You’ve got to admit, the sweltering heat makes one want to take a thousand cold showers in a day, but then, another problem has arisen: water crisis. Bad timing, but I guess we’d better stick to the halo-halo for now…

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Frodo Lives!

Being an Academy Awards watcher for the past six telecasts, this year was no exception! Although earlier by about three weeks, the 76th Oscars still proved to be the best show in town, with the top accolades going to “Lord Of The Rings: The Return of the King”. It’s the first fantasy film ever to win Best Picture. The victory was pretty predictable, but then, director Peter Jackson and the gang were deserving of it. Though I’m not an LOTR fan, this movie is a standout in terms of cinematography. (Wouldn’t you be in awe of the scenes?) And how it portrays the simple message of how the good always prevails… would you believe I cried at the ending of the film?

My favorite moment in this year’s Oscarcast would be when presenters Jack Black and Will Ferrell sang the never-before-heard lyrics to the melody that interrupts acceptance speeches that go on too long… “This is it, your time is through… you’re boring!” (LOL!)

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The Friendster Phenomenon

One of 2003’s most popular crazes, aside from Ragnarok, would be the online networking service Friendster. Who hasn’t heard of it? It’s a website where you can meet friends, and also get to see new people (basically your friend’s friends) once you sign up and create a profile. It’s free (or “beta” in webspeak) – nearly everyone has an account (even if most of us are not chronologically 18!) and seemingly you could hear people whispering to the other, “Ei, sulatan mo ako ng testi!” (‘Testi’ as the politically incorrect term for ‘testimonial’…) It’s addictive, and because of Friendster’s popularity with the young crowd, online entrepreneurs are cashing in on the new industry. In the Philippines, there’s even ‘friendblogging’, a “Friendster meets Blogger” setup where you can make a collaborative journal on the web, written by friends connected through similar interests. Well, this craze could go on for years… care to check out my profile? (Kidding!)

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Closing Time

The schoolyear is coming to a close again… and what a year it was! Soon I’ll be in 4th year… the ‘crème de la crème’ of high school life. I hope it’ll be a sweet journey!

But before I end this up, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to my Judenites editors who are graduating this year… to Anna, Fides, especially to Giselle and Hubert for keeping me from going ballistic during this tenure as Features Editor… it was great working with you guys… And to all the Seniors ’04 (especially to my pal Sher!), for being worthy competitors in the Sportsfest and also for making our JS Prom memorable. Fulfill your dreams, happy graduation!

‘Til June, fellas! Adios!

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, March 2004.
(as Features Editor)