Professor's Decree of Honor

©darrengarcia

I got a reward from my prof. in crop science for being the top scorer in all her lab classes. She even told me that it's her first time to give an uno. MEH, I don't believe her. She's just making me feel good about myself. 

Trip to Piggery

©darrengarcia

We were given a task to look for a piggery and interview the owner. Unfortunately, we had no idea to find one. So with extreme desperation, we ventured into nowhere. Luckily, there were kind tricycle drivers willing to help us.

We went to a baranggay near the sea shore. The tricycle driver kept on asking locals where the "pigeri"(in a strong provincial accent) is. Everyone gave us consistent response, "near the vulcanizing shop". When we finally got there...we were so confused. There's nothing besides a bakery.

...And that we paused for a moment then realized that people must have thought we're looking for the "bikeri" and not the "pigeri".

#FirstDebateCompetition

©darrengarcia

Philippine debate open is an international tournament. Famous top-Asian debaters joined the event. I was really amused by how they think their way out of silly motions. Two teams of UPLB advanced to the high-rounds. Sen. Legarda's son was also in our team, paired with one of our senior member. We were two points away from advancing, we only had 7 points (too close).

©darrengarcia

It's not debating that is most difficult; it's commuting that is. Flood easily filled the streets of Manila and we had to submerge our tired feet. My partner, who's from Bicol, even told me "...so this is Manila".

Elegance in Potato

©darrengarcia

During cold days like this, people usually do two things— SLEEP & EAT. So I'm gonna share a recipe that is easy, tasty, and cheap.

What you need: Potato (obviously), cheese, pepper, salt, butter, olive oil (optional)

What to do: 

-You have two choices on how to cook it. Either you bake it for 90 min or boil it for about 15 min then bake it for another 15-20 min.

-The process is pretty simple. You just have to slice the potato to make multiple wedges.
-Mix the butter, salt, and pepper. Use it as a rub for the sliced potato.
- Then stuff the cheese between these spaces. And it's ready to bake.
- You could drizzle olive oil after you bake to add flavor and for a more healthier touch. 

Cross-training at PUP

©darrengarcia
08-18-13

Though the rain was strong I still went to PUP to train with different debate institutions: San Beda, FEU, and PUP. In the end, we had the most win, but I guess that's because my partner was really good. This is the first time I had a debate against someone from a another university.

Cheers to the whiz

Bloody hell *in british accent*. Who's that hot chick? Oh-wait it's my mom. Congratulations for being the best leader in your workplace, and I suppose the smartest as well. Now I know where I got the genes...kidding.

Suspensions and Destructions

©darrengarcia

I do not mean to be a killjoy or a pooper, but we have to shift our perceptions on a misplaced moment of rejoice during class suspensions. Some even pray for it to be strong so that they could be encompassed by the level of suspension. I'm a student as well, so I somewhat understand why most respond to typhoons with bliss. 

Although, it's not bad to feel happy after being saved from a horrifying examination by a postponement, I feel the need for us to rethink about it...

When thousands of people lose their houses, when hundreds of fishermen lose profit that was supposed to buy food for their children, is it okay to be happy? 

--I just think that most people don't get the real damage during these events--

While we stay in the comfort of our houses, eating hot soup/pizza/burrito and waiting for suspensions on TV...others stay at crowded evacuation centers, eating nothing, and waiting for help. 

While we rejoice because there are no classes the next day and that we can relax...others mourn because they have NOTHING the next day and that makes them very restless.

--I'm not saying that we all have to be charitable. The conclusion to this is that we should all take another lense on how we view these tragic moments--

An e-mail of surprise

I just received an e-mail of I being nominated for the ayala young leader congress 2014. I did not sign up for anything, but I was just notified by a text. It is a great news. But I guess, my school wasn't reading the guidelines. I have to be in 3rd year before I can enter; I'm still a sophomore. So I guess, I'll just prepare for next year.

Midnight snack

©darrengarcia

©darrengarcia

When I woke up, it was already 11:30 pm so I went to McDo to have a midnight snack. I got a chance to taste the blueberry sundae. It was good, not that sweet, but I think it somehow lacks more flavor. I only lasted less than 15 min in the store because it was really cold. It was like 10 degrees inside. 

Milker for a day

©darrengarcia

It's been less than an hour since I milked a cow and both the smell of milk and poop are still attached on me. The udder feels mushy and warm. When I first tried it, a drop barely went out. Eventually, I got the right technique of simply constricting, and not pulling it. It was really fun and my stress was lessened. I'm now thinking of buying a cow just to release my stress...hmm

Maximum Punctuality

©darrengarcia

This is the second time that this happened to me. My class starts at 8 every wed, so I usually wake-up at 7:40. At UPLB, there is a siren that sounds almost every hour during class time. So it has been a routine for me to get out of my bed every time I hear the loud sound. 

So this morning, when I heard the siren, I thought it was the second time, that means it's already 8. So, I hurriedly packed my things and went straight ahead to my class. When I got there, I wondered why there aren't any students yet. When I checked my cellphone,it was only 7:19. At least I was punctual.

No to Sickness

©darrengarcia

One of the places I hate visiting is the hospital. The only reason why we go to hospitals is that either you are sick or someone else is (of course, check-ups are exception). 

Yesterday was my most recent visit, and unfortunately, it was I who needed an advice. I was really sick and my temperature was soaring high. Thank God, I am feeling better this night. 

Illness is nothing in college. It's very unlike high school where teachers are very considerate and would even ask you to rest for an extended period until you are 100% recovered. In college, sickness is negligible. You are not given any form of leeway to catch-up with the lessons. I have a lot of exams next week, I haven't reviewed yet because my brain can't process effectively *sigh*. This is a time where I must fully depend on God. I can no longer do anything, these are uncontrollable circumstances; but I know, that He is with me, and I can overcome this, just like always.

Food Factor

©darrengarcia

We were given an unknown fruit and we were asked to taste it. At first, I was hesitant because it really smells bad-- an odor similar to poop (seriously).

©darrengarcia

When I took my first bite, it resembled the taste of papaya thought its texture was similar to an apple. Eventually, since I haven't had breakfast yet, I ate three slices.

©darrengarcia

This is the mabolo fruit, velvet apple in english (Diospyros blancoi). It comes from the kamagong tree. And guess what, it's native to the Philippines.