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| ABOUT ME |
Name: Miguel Paolo Yap Nickname: Migs Birthdate: October 1, 1982 Gender: Male Height: 5'11" Nationality: Filipino School: University of Asia and the Pacific Eyes: Brown-close-to-black Hair: Natural Black Star Sign: Libra Girl Obsession: Oriental beauties Faves Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King TV Shows: Lost, Alias, WWE Raw, WWE SmackDown! Video Games: Samurai Warriors, Dynasty Warriors 4 Books: The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, Veronika Decides to Die Musicians: Brian McKnight, Utada Hikaru, Clay Aiken, Joss Stone Songs: Til They Take My Heart Away Athlete: Tim Duncan Dislikes: Nonsense music, Kobe Bryant, boy-bands, excessively kikay girls Relationship Status: Single 
E-Mail Migs UA&P Block O 2003-04 Yahoo! Group |
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 There's an old saying that goes, "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger." I used to believe this 100%. Used to. Fine, in a way maybe I still do, because it applies to certain situations. Like the fight two really good friends have occasionally. They come out of it better friends, having learned more of each other's views, needs and temperaments. There's the nasty or plainly annoying disease that afflicts people every now and then. Once recovered, the person's body is more resilient against the same disease, and if he or she is healthy, might never experience that ailment again. Or as fitness freaks demonstrate, hours and hours of toil, of pushing and pulling, stretching and running, will yield a stronger, more durable, more flexible and better-looking body. But what if in the long run, it turns out that the human being is like a rock? A rock is large and firm, solidly grounded into place, undaunted by anything at first. Then constant bombardment by rain, wind, trampling feet and violent earthquakes slowly but surely weathers and wears it down. Soon there is nothing left of it but pebbles and dust. So a young man prodded and nagged by overbearing elders' expectations is pushed to suicide. So a couple who, though once deeply and madly in love, drift apart due to distance and lack of contact. An athlete, who has spent his life performing feats of strength and agility, has his career ended when a knee he had been pushing to the limits all his life finally gives way. Sure, nothing stops anyone from recovering from these setbacks. But not everyone does. Because sometimes, the strain, the pain, the damage, is just too much. Man is strong, man is great, man endures. But he is mortal, of flesh and blood, and though the spirit transcends, it can only take the body so far. Maybe what doesn't kill me now intends to do it slowly. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 10:26 PM 
I was hanging out with some friends after class today, chit-chatting over some drinks and pica-pica. At some point the conversation took a weird turn, as we began sharing anecdotes on being suicidal, accident-prone, or abused kids. It got morbid at some points, but strangely we found ourselves laughing about it. On the surface it didn't seem that the topic bothered us one bit. But on hindsight, it shouldn't have been that funny. Rare is the person who would laugh at a boy with a knife pointed at his own gut. Or one standing a mere ten feet away from the front bumper of a speeding ten-wheeler. Or another hurtling in mid-air after being thrown out of a careening jeepney. And what parent wouldn't go crazy with rage when a lunatic of a nanny holds their little toddler at knife-point, locks their little kid up in a room all by herself for hours, or stuffs a dirty rug into the mouth of a crying, famished baby? Well, it seemed that we weren't just dealing with frail young people. Frail, too, are the psyches, it seems, of some adults, well-trusted ones at that. Makes me think about our literature class, where we discussed the concept of immortality. The Greeks viewed it not really as living forever. The pessimists that they were, they were resigned to their ultimate fate, death. And death being inevitable, they sought glory in dying honorably and valiantly in battle, as opposed to fleeing and living on in cowardice. This i think is actually a noble principle. But I'm also inclined to think that there is a lot of valor in choosing to live on. Life is short enough as it is, and it's full of suffering to boot. To want to continue going through that, and maybe leave a legacy when one dies, has its fair share of honor as well. Which leads me to more convoluted contemplation. Well, maybe not too convoluted. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has wondered, "When I die, who will grieve for me? How will I be remembered?" Or perhaps has thought of things left unaccomplished, and if ever the opportunity to finish the job will ever come before the grim reaper arrives. It can be frightening to ponder such things. But maybe it's best to ponder on what one can do at this very moment, or during a significant period of time, that will make a lasting impact on the poeple around, and will be worth remembering for many generations to come. That should do for now. I think, and I hope, that I have a legacy to work on. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 10:08 PM
First, there are teachers who don't seem to understand how serious their role as teacher actually is. One has more absences than the most truant student in his class. Another is in a perpetual state of PMS and apparently doesn't enjoy what she's doing. And then there's a grey-haired lug of a geezer who is as boring as a 10-minute song with a single note, and so narrow-minded that isolated whispers indicate that the whole class doesn't listen to him. He loves being sarcastic about it too, and he's the most pretentious (Read: Plastic!) man his age I've ever seen. Makes me believe it's true that age has absolutely nothing to do with wisdom. Besides, they're teachers, for crying out loud. As corny and old-fashioned as it sounds, those dunderheads are responsible for the formation of generations of students. And what do they spew? What do they show us? Crap. Then there are certain people who act like a bunch of puberts. Can't seem to control the ants in their pants, and they'd chase anyone, or maybe anything with breasts and a skirt. All the damn testosterone in the world and not a bloody clue what to do with it. Well, maybe that isn't so bad, if only these people showed less id and more ego and pursued their testicular interests in a more appropriate time and place, or chose different, unattached people for their quarry. But no! Their masturbatory endeavors disrupt the more decent activities, and they can't help but chase people with respectable commitments. These kids should be put in their proper places. Hopefully nobody gets all defensive. As the adage goes, "Bato-bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magagalit." After all, if you really believed you aren't doing anything wrong, you wouldn't be stung by oblique statements, would you? And if you do think you are doing something wrong, put the right lesson forward and improve your ways. I am not a "Pharisee." I know I have my own faults. We all do. But if we make this an excuse not to try to help others rectify their mistakes, there's no way for us to go but downward. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 7:37 PM
 You're Auron! Which Final Fantasy X Character Are You? (Includes Pics) brought to you by Quizilla ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 7:08 PM
Your Name: Miguel Paolo Yap Your Date of Birth: 10/01/1982 Your Question or Information:
Cast the runes here:
As an aside before I begin... can anyone teach me how to write the modified N thingie? Heehee... AHEM! Strangely enough I found myself in Malacanang park today. It's a huge facility just across the palace, where a lot of soldiers and their families reside, and where a reception house for guests of the president is. And that's where we stayed, along with the families of my dad's college barkada. The food was great and we had fun in the well-maintained sports facilities in the park. The house we stayed in, dubbed "Bahay Pangarap", was very comfy - way too comfy, possibly, `cause while we were inside we'd do nothing but sit our lazy asses on chairs and eat! (Trina, di ka pa rin pwedeng mag-pig-out, I'm telling you...) We toured the palace after lunch, and were awed by the picturesque Pinoy-fashion rooms, though it's weird to note that most of the glitz of the place was due to Imelda Marcos' extravagance. Tita Luli, the presidential daughter and a friend of our parents', guided us through the palace, explaining the history or symbolism of everything we saw. We even had a look at the fateful table where Erap Estrada signed as Jose Velarde. And it was admittedly quite off-putting to see his portrait still hanging in the mural hall for presidents alongside all his worthier predecessors and succesor. But well, he was still president for a time, like it or not, and he had his place in the palace forever. Just goes to show that like everyone else, pieces of trash still make their mark wherever they're thrown. All right, I'll admit it. As much as I'm not much for travelling or touring, and though I sadly have a poor sense of history and patriotism, that trip was pretty darn amazing. But most amazing, i think, was not the trip in itself, but the people with me. These were several families socializing and having fun together, but most importantly, friends. And it all began with a bunch of wily, rowdy college students who happened to reside in the same dorm and study in the same school, and formed a barkada that not only lasted long after, but extended into the many lives they've given birth to and/or touched. I'm compelled to think about all the friends I've made in college, both in Ateneo and UA&P. Who among them will be my lifelong friends? Whose lives will we touch together? At this point the possibilities are all up in the air, and to think about them would invariably be mind-boggling. Only time can, and will tell. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 10:18 PM
It's a common enough phenomenon. We love doing things we are interested in. We can spend hours watching DVDs of our favorite movies or TV series. Or sit all day in front of the PC, downloading MP3s or vids, designing websites, updating blogs, forwarding nonsense e-mail... you name it, bring on anything we find fun to do and we could spend our whole lives doing it, if only we could. But then bring on the schoolwork. The chores. Good grief, anything that contains or is synonymous to the word work. We quail. We complain. We procrastinate. We rush to get it over with as quickly and painlessly as possible. In fact, take something we like to do. Even love to do. Then we are suddenly required to do this activity on a regular basis. With pay even. It's cool, we love the idea, and we go for it enthusastically. At first, anyway. Soon it doesn't seem quite fun anymore. Our stamina ebbs. Our attention span shortens. Then we scream at the top of our lungs, "I DON'T WANNA DO THIS ANYMORE!" Such, it seems, is the nature of people. People love to seek thrills, entertainment and pleasure in everything they do, in all endeavors they undertake. They must do this out of their own free will, too. But place a regimen, a requirement, working hours, deadlines, or any such modifications, and the things they once loved become things they wish they didn't have to do. It places countless struggles within a person. Hence, the consistent honor student who cracks up just before graduating. Or the top-notch executive who commits suicide. The long-time sweethearts who split up months after the marriage they anticipated and prepared for for 5 years. Or any of the countless artists who at some point or another were forsaken by their muses. I could go on and on and I'm sure you can add your own items to the list - maybe even yourself. And that's what sucks big time. You're born wanting to do as you will into a world that just won't let you. So much for that. Now, sadly and wearily on to things I have to do. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 9:40 PM
"More than friends." The cliche catch phrase of every aspiring lover. The stereotypical description of a romantic relationship. "I wish we could be more than friends." "We're more than friends." "We're not together, we're just friends." It's a common term that admittedly I've used many times. But it's not only wrong, it does a severe injustice to friendship. I think romantic relationships are by no means superior to friendship. I think they are (or rather, should be) two distinct things altogether. I'd even go as far as to say that friendlship is preferable and more advantageous. A purely platonic friendly relationship is all about companionship, empathy and acceptance. A romantic relationship can be all that too, but with so much more emotional baggage. It can turn people into lunatics, possessive and selfish egomaniacs, or most commonly today, insatiable and irrepressible sex maniacs. It often shrouds people "in love" with delusions of romance and perfection. But unveil their eyes and poof! Good riddance. You won't see that with friends. No wait, true friends. Best to be both, I suppose; it's the better deal. It lets you revel in your love but keeps you grounded, and should the relationship not work out you'll still have something meaningful to hold on to. Better yet, don't be "lovers" at all. Be friends. Just friends. They won't leave you when you've gotten fat or ugly. They won't ditch you for someone better looking or better in bed. You can have tons of them and you wouldn't be cheating. They make great conversation even without flirting or innuendos. And you don't need a label to stay in the relationship, for it truly brings out the best in you. Heck, if a lover is what you really need, get a friend, make a very good one. That person will probably love you better. I am not bitter. I have a long-time girlfriend, after all. I do not look down on our relationship either, because we are friends - no, best friends - as well as lovers. The best of both worlds is for us today. Perhaps in the future, the absolute best world is all we'll really need. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 9:56 PM
The Scorpion and the Frog There once was a scorpion who was stuck on a riverbank. He wanted to cross the river and get to the other side, but he could not swim. As he pondered how he might get across, a frog came hopping along. The frog saw the scorpion and was frightened, and he began to flee to the river. But the scorpion called out to him. "I need to reach the opposite bank," he said. "Can you help me? Let me ride on your back as you swim across." The frog was puzzled. "How do I know you won't sting me?" he replied. "You know I cannot sting you if I don't want to drown," the scorpion said. "Now, will you help me?" The frog agreed. The scorpion clambered onto his back and he began to swim to the other side. He swam steadily and swiftly, fearful that the scorpion might break his promise, but the scorpion lay still. But as they approached the opposite bank, he felt a sharp pain on his back, and his insides started to burn. He realized that the scorpion had stung him. "Fool!" he shouted at the scorpion as he lost his strength and began to sink. "What have you done? You know you will certainly drown if i die!" "I know," said the scorpion. "But I could not help myself. I had to sting you. It's in my nature." ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 2:07 PM
While on the topic of friends, the past day had been full of them. It was another LTS day for me and my blockmates (Langhiya, tangina, shet!). Boring enough during the teaching proper, but the rides to and from are what I really enjoy. Though I, not by my own will, am thrust into the "manong" or "kuya" role (a role I've managed to whole-heartedly embrace as of late), I must say they're really fun to be with, and I have much brotherly as much as friendly love for them. Pero tatay ka pa rin namin, Quing! :p Later I accompanied my Ateneo college friends (special someone included) to their graduation pictorial. Looking on as they cycled through formal and creative grad pic shoots, I couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of envy, because i could've, or even should've, been one of them. My bloody fault that I'm not, of course. But I was happy to lend a hand to my friends, enjoyed all the hilariously innovative creative pics (we got to watch MYX VJ Ala Paredes go "Darna") and appreciated the fact that after all my years out of AdMU, they still consider me as one of them. Then I was at Hobby Haven, a fast-growing hobby shop in the Katipunan area owned by a grade school friend. I was pleasantly surprised to find a crowd of old familiar faces, and was thrust into a blurry state of nostalgia. And as I was chatting with a few of them, an old friend Mikko, a fellow Ateneo "exile" (drop-out is a much too painful word), said, "Darating din ang araw natin." Ah, refreshing optimism. I really hope he's right. Oh yeah, I still have an epic to read. Til next time. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 12:24 AM
I'll be working on this as diligently as possible, to ensure that all viewers will have, if not a decent thing to read, at least something worthwhile to mock or laugh at. Will see if i can also come up with a personal web-site for this to link to. See you around, people. ...at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss... - Paolo Coelho, "Eleven Minutes" Migs, 8:52 PM
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Daeg - Increase and expansion, prosperity, growth, major turning points in life, turning in new directions.
Mannaz - Cooperation, teamwork, collaboration, help and aid from others, beginning new projects, especially with others.
Eihwaz - Banishing magick, removal of obstacles and delays, invoking foresight, clearing up hidden issues and situations.
