SaFe HaVeN

After everything that has happened the the past weeks, I am finally back in my sanctuary and decided to update my blog.

The past days made me realize how the tough the world is and that there are essential things though not seen, give us reasons to fight, love, live, believe and hope.

I went to Fully booked with D and Janet to check on books and knew i made the right decision of going the moment i got hold of my favorite author, Nicholas Sparks' new book entitled "Safe Haven". The story revolves around Katie who ran away from a past-present and wanted to be a new person in a different place hoping to start a new life. As she tries to shut a past, she finds herself opening up to someone who helps her confront the trauma. Under the solace of someone who truly cares about her, she takes courage to face reality and confront her fear.

As i said a while ago, it is a tough world out there. The past weeks, i have come to realize that evil people do exist and that they are willing to trade their souls to put a good person down. The moment we step out of the house we become a walking prey and once we get bound by the dark force we may be consumed and just totally falter...

...Or not, The past weeks i have also come to realize that despite the cruelties and the evil forces that ply around the streets, good people do exist. More often, they come when you least expect them to but always in time. And it is from them that you gather the strength to move forward without fear because you know that they are with you.

The past weeks I have realized that no matter how cruel this world may be, for as long you abide by what is just and true, the universe will conspire with all the other forces to unravel the tangles and turn a seemingly long and dark night into bright new morning.

And for the past weeks I have realized that at the end of the day, our safest haven is love because with it comes faith, hope and trust. Faith, that good will always prevail. Hope that this world will be a better place, soon. Trust, that God will reward and protect the righteous and the just.

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1.02.28

SoAR HigH my DEaR GRADUATES

As bright as my morning has started, later today it will even go brighter as my students, the School of Law Class of 2010 will proudly march and receive their degree and title, Bachelor of Laws.

Studying law is never a walk in the park, i keep telling my students that. And now that they were able to hurdle 4-5 long years of study, is an achievement in itself. And I am truly proud of them. I believe in all my students' potential and I can't wait for them to be lawyers.

To my dear graduates, you are a step closer towards your dream and it is definitely within your reach. Never for a moment think that you can not make it, because you can. Keep your goal close to your heart. Fly and soar high my dear class of 2010 and let the sky be your limit.... ADELANTE!

LiviN' and LoviN the vocAtIoN of TeacHiNG

Contrary to most of my colleagues, I don't get to have "ME" time after five. My job at the School of Law has tied my sked even way up to the wee hours of the night. While the rest of my friends are either at home, shopping at the mall, working it out at the gym, dating or simply doing whatever with their free time, i on the other hand have to face my student's and their concerns with school.

Admittedly, it is taking up soooooo much of my time even when im supposed to work and attend to my cases or spend it with family.

Since the year began, i have been in school every day of the week and it has to some point exhausted me. It has taken so much of my time that by the end of February, i was so drained that i really did not want to go to school anymore. During those times i started to ask my self whether it is still worth it?

Forcing myself to class last Sunday, i found the answer to my question.. As i was calling a student to do the Lawyer's oath in my Ethics class, he seem nervous and mentioned a case. Confused, i asked what was wrong with him.. and he answered, "Sorry mam, i cant concentrate becoz you are exceptionally pretty today" (LOLz) I almost fell off my seat while being tongue tied.. Either i emphasized too much on the "honesty of a lawyer" or my constant recitation has taught them to be witty :)

Same night, i opened an email from the lex prexy for a bunch of requests that the incoming 4th year class is proposing to the office. As i was reading it, i was slowly bidding farewell to my summer break. But as I reached the end of the proposal a line has somehow put me back to my senses, "Atty. Bathan, thank you so much for giving us time, our batch appreciates you so much xxx"

Teaching and the academe will never be a walk in the park.. it will not even be financially compensating either. But it is because of simple moments like this that tells me, I am doing the right thing and this is where i should be.. So now i'm off to school.. L)

A Celebration of FRIENDSHIP

The holiday season has always been a time for reunions and gatherings not just among families but also with friends. This year, I had the chance to rekindle old friendship and celebrate the recent ones..

MY COLLEGE FRIENDS

It's not hard for us to get along the moment we entered college. After all, most of us have been friends in the past. We were either high school classmates, elementary classmates or pre-elementary classmates. One of the kikay groups in college known to party on weekdays and weekends, never a visitor of the library except when we're sleepy, most often seen in the canteen doing the assignment, eating and yes, powder sessions. It's not hard to find where we're seated becoz it's always at the back so we can paint our nails, eat, sleep and hmm cheat?hehe.. But we all made it in college and in life as well.. A lawyer, a CPA, businesswomen (Wade shoes, fashion finds, Chemical corp), a biggie in a BPO, an owner of a grade school, a banker, a savior in PhilHealth and happy Singapore dollar earners..

MY USC JUNIOR JAYCEE BUDDIES

As I was setting off to Ayala to meet my Sci-Hi Buddies last December 31, I got a message from Vee telling me that the JJC buds were in Postrio at the Terraces. I had to hurry and drop by because I could not pass up the chance to meet old friends from Junior Jaycees. USC Junior Jaycees was my first and ultimate school organization in college. Ryan Villaflores (guy to my left) was one phenomenal president who was the incumbent when I joined the org way back in 1st year college..he was succeeded by Tonite Adle (lady at the right). Junior Jaycees made up my best years in college, it also taught me a lot of things, in love and life :)

MY LAW BUDDIES

Yes, indeed we are lawyers though we never act like one when we are together, that is. Whether it's by a stroke of faith, luck or we really did work hard for it but yeah, we all passed the bar and made it. I see them more often these days and nothing has changed since law school..we're still noisy, the men still drink a lot, us ladies like to talk a lot and we all love to eat a lot!

MY HIGH SCHOOL BUDDIES
CEBU CITY NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL BATCH 94

15 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND STILL THE BEST A.K.A ULTIMATE BATCH :)

Despite the realization that we are not so young anymore, still it didn't actually matter. Being together made us all young again.. After 15 years, we've become our own persons but yet, we still remained to be the kids that we were way back in high school where the fondest memories have been built and kept by us all these years..

So here's to all my friends who have been part of my life.. I would not know how I'd be without you... to celebrate the good times, to keep the happy memories of the fun times, to be there in bad times and for all times.. here's to a long and lasting friendship, Cheers!

IT'S bEGiNnINg to LoOK a LoT LiKE CHRISTMAS

I have always loved Christmas and i look forward to the Christmas shopping and our family's traditional Christmas dinner and opening of gifts. I look forward to the quality time we spend in decorating the house, putting up the Christmas lights, filling up the tree with gifts, shopping for gifts and posting of our Christmas wish list.

We usually get the Christmas kick after we put up the decors which is around middle of November. However, this year we were a bit delayed. Thinking about it, i suppose it could be because everybody's been busy but then again, truth be told even if we dont say it out loud, its because this Christmas and the coming ones will not, make that never be the same. We are no longer complete and this will be our first Christmas without dad. I honestly dread for Christmas day to come because my heart aches just by the thought that it is fast approaching but then again, i know life must and has to go on and dad would not want me sad either, i am sure of it.

We were used to the traditional red, green and gold color motifs for our Christmas decors, but all of a sudden, mom said she does not like red for Christmas this year. Whether its because its too happy a color, or it reminds her of dad or maybe she really does want another color for a change, i do not dare ask.

And so, im saying goodbye to the reds this year and will welcome the tangerine gold and green color motifs along with my credit card bill from the decor overhaul. Our Christmas will change but dad will remain in our hearts..our decors will change but it will still be filled with the same love our family has shared all these years.. And so I look forward to the holiday season..and yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

To Be Fearless and BEAUTIFUL;

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I found this quote by MaryAnne Williamson which was used by Nelson Mandela during his inaugural speech. This quote has set me to a perfect mood today that from now on, I will try my very best to say it every morning when i wake up..

Why don't you try it too? It's high time we pass on the light :)

ThE IRoNy of TwO FiGHteRs

In the Philippines, Boxing is a sport that is denominated by persons who belong to the 3rd class. Mostly if not all, come from poor provincial families, are out of school and would opt to have their body bruised in an attempt to gain victory, fame and fortune thereby making their lives better. Not realizing the risks or if they do, its one they are willing to gamble.

Over the years, we have come to embrace boxing as a sport in which Philippines excel. As a matter of fact, among the few (if any) medals our country has won in the Olympics, i think boxing is one (of the few, ofcourse!) And in the recent years, we have come to appreciate the game and take pride of our players both in the professional and amateur levels.

Just this weekend, we have witnessed two of our pride fearlessly face the challenge in the ring. Z 'the dream" Gorres and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. Both come from the grass roots. Both of them dreamed to be champions and dared to take the risk in the hope of making their lives better through boxing. And both of them made the Philippines proud after beating their opponents.

But there ended the similarity of their fate. For while Pacman, after beating up Cotto will still continue to gooble up any fighter and bag more millions, Z Gorres' dreams has turned into a nightmare. His victory against Melendez last Friday ended his boxing career and God forbid, his life. As Manny Pacquiao savors his hard earned winnings by splurging on designer labels and partying with glam society's whose who, Z Gorres winnings will most likely be eaten up by hospital bills. I bet Pacman's promoters are now in the wraps for his next fight (paging Mayweather :p) and up to now I'm still glued to the tube to catch the latest update on the status of Z Gorres whose condition is still uncertain.

The lights went brighter for one fighter.. the lights went off for the other. Both of them dreamed, risked and fought the fight. Fate was kind to one yet cruel to the other. This is their story, the irony of the two fighers.

Breaking Dawn for the PiNOYs

I have recently posted a blog criticizing presidential wannabees for their advertisements that seem to account their achievements in public service while shouting to the whole world that they are as poor as the poorest "Juan". These ads somehow try so hard to convince that they love the country so much by mingling with the poor whose names i bet they don't actually know.

However, yesterday I saw an advertisement that caught my attention. Not only because it was star studded but because unlike the brouhaha-ish ads i have grown so tired of watching (it makes me want to puke already) this advertisement has somehow made me want to take part in making this country better and that WE can make it better. The song actually speaks about telling a potential leader that this election, the presidency and running this country is not his feat but the entire country's and that this time, he will not be alone because the Filipino has now awaken to the stark reality that this country, the Philippines is still worth it.

The video symbolically showed that in this dark days, we are all the torch bearers. As bearers, we carry the light by standing up, moving forward and passing it on to others so that they may become bearers of the light like us. And that as we move forward in unity, soon we shall see the light. In time this nation's dark days will be over, the dawn has broken for us PiNOYs and soon we shall see the light just as the sun will rise again.

Oh, you may catch the link at this site- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W16OSkUNNd8

The WinD BeneatH my WingS

SOTERO H.Y. BATHAN

April 22, 1933 - September 13, 2009

Meet my dad. Exactly a month ago he heeded to God's call for him to come home and i have been missing him so much since then. I owe him my life and every waking morning i will owe him even more. Here's a song that best describe who he is to me...

"Wind Beneath My Wings"


It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DADDY AND I MISS YOU....I CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR BEING THE BEST DADDY IN THE WORLD AND I WILL ALWAYS BE PRIVILEGED TO BE CALLED YOUR DAUGHTER.

Waking UP now that September has ended

September has always been the busiest month for me.. It has been exceptionally so for this year. A lot has happened and im lucky to have survived it all. Life, despite its complexities remains to be a wonder and Im glad that the cycle is over, for now. I in turn await for another corner, another bend, another downhill..afterall what could be worst than September

Prejudice

PREJUDICE - The word prejudice refers to prejudgment: making a decision about, before becoming aware of the relevant facts of, a case or event. Initially this was referred to making a judgment of a person based on that person's race, religion, class, etcetera, before receiving information relevant to the particular issue on which the judgment is being made...

I would be a hypocrite if i say that i am not guilty of pre-judging other people just like when i saw the video of Susan Boyle in Britain's got talent show. Susan Boyle is a 47 year old brit who is unemployed. She auditioned just like the others and came on stage flabby, shaggy and old. At first i thought she was going to make fun of herself and pitied her. The look on Simon Cowell's face and the audience confirmed that i thought the same way they did..waste of time..pity how people would allow themselves to be humiliated on national, make that international television just to get a few seconds of fame.
But when she began to sing, I was stunned the moment the first note came from her angelic and close to perfect voice! She sang the song better than any singer in Les Miserables' I dream a dream. At the end of the video stream, i was speechless and ashamed of myself for judging her. Underneath that flabby and shaggy old lady was a beautiful voice.. a precious gift truly her own.. And does she have talent? Oh yes, she does indeed. In fact it is far better than most skinny and sexy celebrity we know.

The incident with Susan Boyle is a concrete example of how prejudicial this world is. And she is a constant reminder to us all that we should not judge people right away most especially on the basis of looks or appearance. A crumpled paper package may contain the most precious gem. And we will never know what is inside unless we open it. It takes a while to know and appreciate it but only then can we pass judgment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY