Soon to graduate...

Freshmen, sophomore, and junior years... 3 years of holding the bag of hardship, but with a pocketful of hope. And finally, I'm on my 4th and last year of college.

Before I actually became a 4th year college student, I've been to a lot of struggle. I entered college on its second semester due to some visa and iqama problem I had back in Riyadh. That's why I've been an irregular student since day 1. I had a hard time choosing what subjects to get as there were some prerequisite ones and limited units to use.

It was really hard at first, especially my classmates have known each other already and I was a complete stranger at the corner of the classroom. OMG! Making friends with them never became a problem because they were all nice and I know myself, I could bond with them. The sole trouble was whenever there were announcement to the class outside the room, I would not be informed immediately. No one knew my phone number. Lolz!

I definitely mingled with a lot of students with different courses. I became part of the Pre-dentistry, HRM, Marketing, Finance, Tourism, Accounting, and Psychology classes. There was one semester wherein I had a 6-hour-break, or should I say vacancy. It was terrible! Where would I spend those hours? Luckily, I had Kate with me. She's a very good friend, a Mass Communication student, and an irregular student like me. We had the same schedule for the day. We would go to the library, would do shopping, would rove around the vicinity, and sometimes would go to their house for a movie-marathon.

Throughout those years, there was heaviness in me. I was expecting to graduate in 2012. However, the fact that I came to college during 2nd semester, there was uncertainty if I would graduate in that year or would extend. Of course, graduating earlier is much better. =)

Months before June 2011, I was unduly worried. I was wondering if I would be allow to overload so that I could get my 2 back subjects. And if so, I could become a senior student and would be qualified to graduate next year. I was praying wholeheartedly every night, asking God to give me what I deserve.

On the 13th of June... Alhamdullilah! I was able to get my 2 back subjects. Our adviser, Ma'am Alvarez, told me that I will be a regular 4th year student next semester in fullness of time. OMG! I was shaking and controlling my tears while she was encoding. I was unstoppably thanking God in my mind and was so excited to bring the news to my parents. I feel like wanting to jump and jump! Haha. I wanted to explode, really...

In the Holy Qur'an, there is a quote which inspires me every time. "God helps those who persevere.” I, myself, have proved it is true. If a person gives his all in every goal and never surrenders, God helps him 'til the end come what may. God probably saw my endeavor and how I struggled every semester, hence, He gave me what I wished for which was to graduate by 2012. And I am sure He knows how much I want to repay and help my parents as early as possible. On the first week of class, 2 research/theses and advertising were being assigned to me, but with groupmates of course. If you would think, a common student has to do one thesis in one semester. And I, being an irregular student and taking back subjects, will be doing 2. I will really do my best, though it will be tough.

Here I am now... I am ready to hand my diploma. =) I know many unexpected circumstance might happen along the path. But come to think of it, I've been working hard for this. Am I to give up now? Definitely NOT!  After 9 months, I'm gonna make my family even more proud of me. I'm ready for whatever blessings and challenges God might give me this semester. No room for giving up. I'm one step closer to my dream.

I would like to thank everyone who made this possible and supported me all the way; Dean Roces, Ma'am Alvarez, Ma'am De Jesus, other faculty members, my classmates, my friends, my family, and most especially God. I won't fail you, guys! I promise! ❤❤❤

We are the BOSSES, not my DAD!

Father is the BOSS at home... Many people say that. But in our case, rephrase it! For my dad, WE ARE HIS BOSSES! Find out why! *winks*

"Papa", that's what I call him. I don't utter this word as much as I do with "mama". I don't share many personal matter with him, especially girly ones. Perhaps because of gender difference, it makes me shy. Hence, I prefer to open up to my mom. But nevertheless, I know that his arms are open for me and he is ready to listen anytime. Sometimes, he gives me advices out of the blue and my jaw would just drop. Startled to know that he knows what is inside my mind and heart. And I appreciate it so much. As a father, he knows when is the time his child needs him. My father and I always talk to each other, especially during family bonding, but we never talk about deeper and privy things. For instance, my love life. He never said a word about it, yet I know his action nudges me and indicates something, like "Hey! Don't be sad. We're here for you".

My father is a knight in shining armor, I may say. He does everything for his family. Don't try to mess up with us, or my dad will break your head! =D I kid you not! He works hard to earn a living and gives us all we need, luxuries are included. Lolz! =D He makes the life of Riley for us. After his long day at the office, he still manages to help my mom do the household chores. He can wash and iron the clothes, can cook, can wash the dishes, everything! Most especially when my mom doesn't feel well. A responsible house husband, indeed!

What makes me truly proud of him is his religiousness. He is a religious Muslim. He never fails to pray 5 times a day and perform the 5 pillars. Some people conclude he is not because his wife and 3 daughters have different way of living; we don't wear the proper clothing, we do not pray 5 times a day, and the like. My mom was brought up in a Christian society for her parents are Catholic and my father respects that with all his heart. He did not force us to be part of the tradition. He always says that as long as our heart is pure and believes in God, God is with us. We are not like any other people who follow the tradition, but commit mistakes/crimes every time. However, he has some rules for us and keeps on reminding us; always pray and  it must be from our hearts, help other people, never do crime, and have faith in God. :)

I always tell myself that I want to marry someone like my father. Not to have a father-figure hubby, but to spend my life with a guy whom I know will be a great better half and a responsible father to our future kids. Because that is what my father is... A great husband to my mom and a responsible father to his children and grandchildren as well.

Now you know who are the real bosses in our house. My father treats us as his bosses, simply because he puts us first in everything he does. =)

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Papa, even though I might not say... I appreciate all the things you do. Richly blessed is how we feel having a father just like you. Happy Father's Day, Papa! Thank you for being the greatest father in this world. Happy father's day and we love you so much. =)

How I wish...

JUNE 1, 2011 - This is one of the most unforgettable days of my life. I was harassed by a guy in a supermarket in Batha. I will not tell what nationality he is to avoid any impression and criticisms in general.

My family and I were buying grocery in a supermarket. My father and little sister stayed outside to sit because my lil sister was not feeling well. My mom and I decided to buy some stuff at Al Swalim Supermarket. My mom went to the vegetable section and I headed to the chocolates part. I was complacently standing and choosing what chocolates to buy, when I suddenly felt a hand on my buttocks. It lasted more than a second. I was like hypnotized that couldn't move and didn't know what to do. When consciousness came back in me, I strongly tapped the man's back and shouted "You freak!". He stared at me and made a what's-the-matter gesture. I threw the basket I was holding on him. A very big man who works in the supermarket came near us. He then punched the offender. Everything happened so fast. Some men even helped in attacking him. I just found myself crying.

I ran to my mom and told her what had happened. She rushed to the place where the incident was occurring. They were still bashing the man. Filipinos, Indian, and Bangladesh helped out. Due to my mom's anger, she also slapped and clawed him with her hands. I was still crying. I was so afraid and felt sorry for the man at the same time. I was already pacifying them and telling them to stop. But Filipino men told me not to for they know there have been many cases like this that happened in the vicinity. A big trouble it was!

When everyone stopped from hitting him, he was trying to explain and was staring at me. I didn't understand what he was saying because he used Arabic words. I was still crying, but this time those tears were for him. I don't know. All of a sudden, my heart melted. I know I was being disgraced but I pity him for being physically attacked by many people. We stared at each other's eyes and I saw how painful it was for him as his forehead bled. =( My mom and I went outside the supermarket to inform my father regarding the scene.

Workers from the supermarket called a Mutawa (police) to settle everything. We made a complaint. A mutawa told us the culprit lost his things during the fight, hence they cannot identify who he is. I felt sorry for him even more. :-(

I am in Saudi Arabia, a very conservative place and a Muslim country. Women here wear "abaya" (dress that covers the whole body) and "hijab" (head covering). Men are expected to stay away from women whom they are not related to. Men are expected to respect women.

I, as a woman, know and feel what an "accident touch" is and what a "touch in purpose" is. I can identify which is which. What the man did to me was a lascivious action. In fact, there are already many reported cases like this. And I would like to tell you that this was the 3rd that I was being harassed. The 1st and 2nd times were all crap for I just cried and let those pervert run away. So this time, it was an achievement for me because I was able to defend myself somehow and dint let another pervert run away. I dunno why it is happening to me. I am only a common woman who wears abaya and hijab like every woman here does. I don't even wear make-up, lip balm only.

I really hate what had happened today. I personally was hurt by his action. However, I still feel sorry for him. :-( I hope he didn't do that in the first place, so that nobody would get hurt. :-( Nevertheless, there is happiness in my heart. I witnessed people's care for women. I was able to prove to myself that Filipinos would do anything for their fellows. There was a man who came near us to ask how everything was. He said he was one of the people who hit the culprit. He showed us a cut on his hands.

Today, I also realized that I am not strong enough to face some ordeal in life. After few days, I will be back in the Philippines, a country where there is abundance of crimes here and there; rape, kidnapping, and the like. I am scared that this might happen to me again in the place where my family is not with me. And what am I going to do? I will just cry again and be a cry-baby forever?! :-( I am scared, very scared! :-(

It is around 2 a.m. now. Tears fall as I do this blog. I don't understand myself. I'm the victim here but these tears are for him. I cannot forget the man's eyes. I cannot forget how people hit him. I cannot forget how he tried to explain his side while being punched by people. I cannot forget how he shouted while he was staring at me. :-( Whenever I recall everything, I cannot control myself from crying. How I wish he didn't do that. How I wish... :-(

I voice because I care for my country.

Reproductive Health Bill or RH Bill has been extremely controversial in the Philippines now. You would see it on TV, hear it on radio, and read it on newspapers/magazines. Many support it and many criticize it as well. For those readers who have no idea about RH Bill, go to http://en.wikipedia.org, search and read.

Several debates about this bill were conducted. The anti-RH Bill and pro-RH bill, both have their judicious  explanation. However, nobody wins. It is absolutely a ceaseless argument. I may compare it to religion issue (which religion tells the truth and the like), mostly the church and Christian groups are also involved here.

If you would ask me, in which party do I belong; Anti or Con? I am in favor of RH Bill. I may not know every detail about it nor do I have idea about its content. But through my little knowledge, I can say that RH Bill will not be a problem yet it will be a great help for our country. I only have one simple reason... RH Bill is not mandatory. At first, it is really hard to decide which side would you go, especially if you would consider religious beliefs. But at the end, I realized that I can go along with it without being a sinner.

Some antagonists think that RH Bill is purely about sex and contraceptives. It is definitely not! (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductive_Health_bill) The proponents state that RH will mean:

1.) Information and access to natural and modern family planning

2.) Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition

3.) Promotion of breast feeding

4.) Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications

5.) Adolescent and youth health

6.) Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs

7.) Elimination of violence against women

8.) Counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health

9.) Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers

10.) Male involvement and participation in RH

11.) Prevention and treatment of infertility

12.) RH education for the youth.

RH Bill includes family planning where a couple can anticipate and achieve the number of children they want with right timing and spacing of their birth. Yes, it includes contraceptives like condoms, pills, diagrams, etc. which are not approved by the church. But it doesn't force everyone to use one. These contraceptives are already being sold in public and RH Bill is here to tell us when and where is the right time to use them and what are the effects. If a couple still wants to limit having children and doesn't want to break God's law at the same time as they believe sperm itself is a life, then abstinence can be done which is morally accepted.

Yesterday, I had an argument with an anti-RH Bill. He made reasonable explanation for being one. He said "RH bill will be a clear representation of addiction to sex. SEX must be done by married couples for the reason of having a child. Married couples don't have the free will to have sex without a justifiable reason, otherwise, it is just out of LUST." He got a point. Sex is for MARRIED COUPLES ONLY and RH Bill will never tell us that "UNMARRIED COUPLES CAN HAVE SEX". And I totally disagree as he said that this bill will just represent an addiction to sex. RH Bill gives us an education which includes the importance of sex, its effects, people who can do it and who cannot, and with whom.

He added "If you will look at it, THOSE lustful people will take advantage of it. Another, it's our sinful nature. our body is sinful." He, himself, admitted that our body is sinful. Hence, the more we need RH Bill in our life then because it tells us the consequences, once we did not control our sinful body.

I just wanna give clarification to everyone that there is much more to learn about RH Bill. It doesn't just revolve around sex and contraceptives. Read the 12 implications above over and over. So for me it is merely a guide for everyone; a guide which advises us the right thing to do in order to have a quality life. And what makes me like it more is the fact that it will not require everyone to follow their advices, like using contraceptives. It is still up to a person in the end. We won't put in jail if we do or do not engage ourselves in family planning. It is still our choice. RH Bill will just be here to educate and guide us.

P.S.

I support RH Bill not because I am a liberated person. I was well brought up by my parents (my mom is a Catholic and my dad is a Muslim). I stand up for this bill because I think it is the best for the Filipinos, especially our country is experiencing a lot of ordeal. Everyone has his own view regarding this issue. This is my persuasion. I respect yours and please respect mine.

We may have different point of view but what is important is that we voice because we care for our country. So let us all hope for the best! Thanks for reading. =)