Numa Numa Grabs “Best Thesis Award”

It was a Wednesday.  I was just facebooking to while away the day when  my friend Reginald posted on my wall, congratulating me for attaining the Best Thesis Award for this semester. I replied in jest saying thanks. I thought he was just horsing around but when my friend Janu messaged me confirming Reggie’s post, I was overwhelmed. I jumped around the living room for some time.  I was really in a sad point in my life due to the depressions brought about my situation. I was like a zombie before I heard the news.  Robert, my thesis companion, was the one who took the recognition on stage. I could not come because I was in Dagupan during that time.

For this I just want to thank the Almighty God for all the blessings He’s giving me everyday.  I admit I take some it for granted. Laus Deo Semper,i.e., ‘Give God all the glory always’. Also, I want to thank my loving guardians, uncle Doey and aunt Rubie Chengay, for being there when I'm in need of a haven. .

Numa Numa: The Pangasinan Word Game

          The idea for this game was conceived during the submission of thesis proposals. Initially, we thought of developing an arcade-like game. That means violence would be involved since it would include fighting scenes. Unfortunately, sir VAA did not approve of it (he doesn’t encourage violence) so we had to get rid of Rock Domination and think of other mobile game instead.  

           It so happened during this time that I was fond of playing Reader’s Digest Super Word Power. I’ve played Text Twist before but RDSWP is a lot better because it included definitions to the anagrams. Hence, I find it more educational. As team leader, I suggested that my groupmates and I create a word game like Text Twist and RDSWP but add a twist by using Pangasinense language instead. My comrades concurred with my suggestion and the planning phase ensued.  During this phase I drew a lot of sketches on how the game would look like. I wanted to visualize it before commencing on programming codes. Even now, this is how I approach my projects.

           While I was busy with planning I was also learning the CORONA SDK platform. It’s a cross-platform mobile development tool that uses the Lua programming language. Coming from a background of C++ development, I found Lua user friendly and easy to learn. You just have to devote sometime. Learning through examples sped up my learning as I was able to see how the commands and functions worked. During this time I met a programmer online named Peach Pellen. Her site helped a lot for someone learning the ropes of CORONA. I got to chat with her in facebook too. Too bad she had to leave CORONA in the months to follow.

           Numa Numa came from the phrase “Nunut Mu Ah” or in English, “Think about it”. We took the initial letters and combined them to form the name of our mobile word game.  Our game had two primary goals:

1.       To preserve the Pangasinan language. With the prevalence of the western influence sinking deep in our generation and the effects of digital technology the younger generation might someday abandon their identity as Pangasinense speaking people. This game helps increase their Pangasinense vocabulary.

2.       To promote Pangasinan. According to the reports that I’ve read from Rappler, 1 out of 4 Filipinos now have a smartphone. If we can port this game to smartphones, it can ride the wave of digital technology sweeping across our country. This mobile game also includes beautiful sceneries from Pangasinan that visitors can expect to see when they visit the province.

Tristan and Isolde

by Helios Narcissus

This love is futile

And we both know

How it's going to be

But I choose to ignore that

Because what matters is when you're with me

This love is futile

It has ended 

Before it even began

'Twas foolish of me

To give myself

When you already belonged to someone 

I was weak though my love was strong

Didn't tell you that I've loved you all along

So I drink myself a noxious wine

Made it comely with a poison intwined

This love is futile

Yet I'll savor each moment

Because it's your presence

That makes it worthwhile

Palarong Pambansa Site Overload!!

     
         What happens if all the dining customers of Jollibee suddenly rushes for the CR, all at the same time? You get the picture. For sure, there's going to be helluva trouble. Well, this is what happened at the Palarong Pambansa official site on May6, 2012.
          If you are just an average netizen who doesn't know much about technicalities, you might instantly get irritated. Especially, when you get an error which says something like "Resource Limit is Reached". This means that you wont be able to view anything from the page. You feel your brows knitting, then your fists clenching. A brewing agony inside of you wants to scream in belligerent manifestation. How the hell can you watch your favorite game online? The question keeps wittering inside your head.
          What actually happened was both a good and bad thing. The Palarong Pambansa website, due to incessant demands from viewers, could not accommodate further incoming delegates (netizens). Overload (or more like clogging, lol) ? Yeah, that's what it is. From May 1 to May 6, 2012, the Palaro site has reached over 1,700,000 hits in the web! That means, people are really digging it, online! I remember myself trying to promote this site to all my FB friends. Sometimes it seems like no one's taking notice. Bleak and somber feelings can't be helped. Oh well, at least I did my part. Then, bam! A lady friend of mine suddenly prompts me and tells me her problem. She can't view the friggin site! You know the explanation.
           Because of this, the bandwidth of the server has been doubled. Doubled! It's now operating on a 60GB Bandwidth compared to the previous frugal capacity. It can now hold more gawkers and watchers alike. And perchance the same problem flashes across your screen, don't carp. Be thankful instead that the 1st live-streamed Palarong Pambansa has been a success!  

Food Trip sa Tapsihan, P40 Only!

It's not uncommon to see that when an event like Pistay Dayat is just brewing near the horizon, lots of merchants are present too. After watching the Limgas na Dayat talent show, me and my two remaining companions went to feed our famished stomachs. I invoked them to go this certain eatery where they offer meals at a really affordable price with the promise of getting your tummy super saturated. This will be the 3rd time that I'm eating at this 'tapsihan'. We were so much having fun eating that I decided to take a video of our rice binging escapade! :)

Food Trip sa Tapsihan worth P40 only!

Hehe. .After this, some of us were looking for comfort rooms. We had to sit for a few moments because standing on our feet became a feat. hahahaha.

A Glimpse of Limgas na Dayat at Sison's Auditorium

On the night of April 26, 2012 me and some of my friends went to watch the Limgas na Dayat Talent Competition. I didn't quite notice the board line which mentions 'talent competition'. I thought this was the Beauty Pageant itself (i only learned later, it was not). It's my first time to enter the Lingayen Sison's Auditorium. I loved the presence of cold air inside (friggin hot like hell outside!). I think it was built to be a theatre of some sort, yeah, like a mini Colliseum.
Here are the some pictures I was able to capture:

too bad the camera's zoom effect had malfunction, daym! but hey that's my lineage's outfit she's wearing. Cordilleran 'tapis'.

 taken from a different angle. . was trying to get close to the stage as much as i can. hehe

just wanted to take a picture of the crowd. ahhh, the crowd! lots of people are doing their best to pull off their own mumbo-jumbos just to catch the crowd's attention.hahaha. im one of em i guess?

These be the handsome fellows who came with me in this venue. From left to right (Kenzee, Ralph, Kevin, Paul) just look at the smile painted upon their faces. what are they thinkin, hmm?

If you have no idea what's gonna happen here, the lady and her partner (wearing a red shirt) will be dancing on that bench behind where the contestant will soon be hoppin around. I forgot the name of this dance. I think it originated here in Pangasinan also. The lad fell one time. one miss...

What do you call that basket dance? i dont know either. lol. here we're situated near the comfort room.

We'll be contacting Lupin the 3rd or Ocean's Eleven to move this adorable chandelier to my room.hahaha. Splendid job on the ceiling. Beautiful!

Zoom function not working? no problem. i ventured closer to the stage. apparently was in a hurry (coz there be lots of people lookin at me from behind, hahaha) daym..didnt focus enough to get a clear shot..but yeah here be the contestants..Just watch the Grand Coronation night on April 30, 2012 at the Capitol.


That would be all the pictures I can share.. I missed the belly dancers and shit. I will have to compensate for that soon..
After this show we went gallivanting around the Capitol for the rest of the evening.

First Sighting of Robinson's Place Opening

 It was a searing afternoon. The vehicles around me were moving at a jerking pace. Somehow in the near distance, there must be something that’s causing all this traffic . Well, it’s March 15, and today is the opening of Robinson’s Place at Calasiao, Pangasinan.

Upon setting on its territory, one would notice the incredible number of people swarming the area. We were like bees upon a honeycomb. Going past the guard at the entrance, I immediately went to look for my friends who were there to see the place also. Apparently, that was impossible because the place was filled with myriads of faces. Even the escalators were constantly full.

One of the things that delighted me was the presence of the National Bookstore inside. It’s good to know that there’s a salon where you can meet up with old friends like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and Harper Lee. There’s also the BOOK SALE store where they sell second hand books. I remember buying some of my collections there. Furthermore, located on the first floor is a music store (I forgot the exact name) where you can buy instruments like electric guitars, drum sets, and acoustics. I went to check some of their electric guitars and they were all quite expensive for me. HAHAHA. I guess I can only stare at them with wistful eyes, for now.

Apparently, Robinson's Place added another craze on the map for Pangasinense folks. If Dora was here, she would have another adventurous episode to spend. I'm just curious how the grand opening will be. Let's find out next month..

Here are some of the pics taken from the opening:

Man, this place is really swamped! :>

Movie goers would sure love to check this new place out! :))

(photos credited to <a href= " http://reginaldsonlinerealm.blogspot.com > Reginald Agasalon </a>

PSU hosts Job Fair 2012

        The day is March 8, 2012.  A swarm of hopeful applicants flocked PSU’s covered court this morning. With their resumes at hand and probably some butterflies inside their stomachs, the graduating (mostly are) students have entered the Job Fair. Over 20 companies came to give these candidates a chance to be employed after graduation (and not become couch potatoes at home). Too bad I didn’t belong to the pack (I’m a vampire, that’s why).

        When afternoon came, I had the chance to talk to Inah Madrid, my comrades’ twin sister. Looking at her, she seemed to have undergone a somewhat bumpy ride. When I asked her what the questions were like, she gave something like these:

1.     How would you sell a secondhand toothbrush (ebay, they even sell air guitars there)?

2.     Why do we sell pizzas in a square container (pack,whatever)?

Looking at the above questions, they were some kind of preposterous inquisitions. I’d be shocked myself if these were the ones given to me. But looking more closely, they somewhat prove to be witty. They kind of challenge you if you really know the things that you take for granted. Maybe they could have asked also why we pick our noses, or why there’s night and day, why do cats meow and dogs bark, why bald people wearing spectacles can date beautiful creatures like Grace Lee, or why the hell, while I’m writing this freaking article, am I still freaking single?

            For those of you who are cat curious which companies attended the said event, here’s your menu:

P.S. The order does not imply who offers the biggest or least salary.

1. Sutherland Global Services

2. Escuela de Nostra Senora de la Sallete

3. Carmak Motors Corp.

4. Virtual Wonders Web Solution

5. Motortrade

6. Farmout Central Intouch Tech

7. Trust International ( how bout an 'h' after the first 'T')

8. Paper Corp (TIPCO)

9. S & F Finance Corp

10. Red Dragon Farm/ Bantayan Manpower Services

11. Phil Health

12. Sitel/ Baguio

13. Kamehachi Corporation

14. Norkis Financial Corporatiozn

15. Sun Cellular

16. Jollibee

17. Napintas Logisticas Distribution (only beautiful applicants allowed)

18. ISONN Marketing

19. BHF Family Plaza

20. PR GAZ, Inc.

21. San Vicente Dressing Plant

22. Colorsteel/ Pampanga

23. Rich Bake Inc.

        So there goes your list. If you happen to be a member of one of the mentioned companies and found that I misspelled your firm’s beautiful name, I’m truly sorry. Please do not condemn me or block me from applying in your company in the future. God bless everyone who had the heart to apply for jobs today. 

Missing You

by Helios Narcissus
 
I miss you in each ticking of the clock,
When I'm with you there's nothing that i lack;
My world's a gaping void when you are far,
My love you are my sole sun, moon and star.

Each breath that I take conjures the thought of you,
To light upon your smile rids all my woe;
Each bend that i turn leads me to your door,
My love you are the only one that I adore.

Veteran's Park: The Pearl of a Tumultuous Past

"I shall return". These are the famous words that will forever echo through the tranquil coastlines of Lingayen Beach. These shimmering waters, now only disturbed by timely gushing of waves, were once the stage of the Filipinos' struggle for freedom against the suicidal Japanese battalions. Furthermore, this cool azure panorama bore witness to the crystallization of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's promise as he landed on Lingayen Gulf in the year 1945 with two-hundred thousand american soldiers to aid in the liberation of our country.

These are just some of the images that flashed through my mind as i gazed my eyes around the corners of the Veteran's Park. This historic landmark, built on the year 1995, lies somewhere between the grand structure of the Capitol Building and the timeless waters of Lingayen beach. Upon arriving at the front entrance, one will see several instruments of war situated side by side. There are panzer tanks and AA Guns postured like bulky bouncers ready to take on pale-skinned, belligerent foreigners. If you've ever played Grand Theft Auto, you'd sure appreciate these organs of mass destruction.

Present also are the planes with their heads looking proudly towards the sky. Looking at these aircrafts gives you the impression of old worn-out legionnaires who have nothing more left in them but memoirs of their glorious past. Standing in the middle is a towering flagpole. Somehow it reminds me of the topmast of various pirate ships. Last but not least, there's the sheltered museum. Here, one can read the historic events that Lingayen Gulf holds. If you happened to be asleep during your high school history class, this is your chance to redeem yourself and learn how our country got rid of the Japanese invaders.

How it fascinates me to know that out of the rubbles of chaos, a historic landmark would stand – the Veteran's Park. Each piece it has is a beauty to behold and has its own engrossing story to be told.

-H.N.

What Am I Fighting For?

                  I find myself thinking about what it means to fight for something. Why am I here? There must be a reason why I came into this world. Somehow, to fight for something gives you a definite purpose in life. Thus being said, I would say that there's not a better raison d'etre than to fight for a sublime life for you and for your brethren.

                 When I'm walking on the road and I happen to see a beggar doing his daily routine of asking alms, I can't help but flinch sometimes. Was he born like this? What happened to him? Is there anything we can do to change the course of his destitute life? These are the questions that bombard my mind when I see such mendicants.

             Sometimes when I'm not given the things I ask for, I complain. Why couldn't I have a better place to live? Why do I have to live in a petty, dingy boarding house? Then walking towards home at night, I see little children in tattered clothes, sleeping on the side of the streets. Unconscious of the world around them, maybe these children will find a home at least, in their dreams.

                   I believe that each of us deserve to live a better life. And if it is in our power to open the windows of heaven upon our lives, why not share it to the people around us. I once read a quote that states 'Helping other people reach their goals is the fastest way to reach your own.' Indeed, it is. Look at American Idol’s founder, Simon Cowell. He helps aspirants to become superstars then goes driving his Lamborghini around town. When we start living for other people, when we feel the need to help others realize that life can be beautiful too, grace and blessings will rush towards us.

               The book of Ecclesiastes says that 'all is vanity'. If my life is one of such, then I would like to spend my vain life fighting for the welfare and betterment of others.

-H.N.

The Pulley

(Just want to share this wonderful poem written by one of the
  brilliant poets of the earlier centuries. It tells me that
  ,sometimes, God allows Unrest and Troubles in our life to
  make us weary. And when we're right down dejected and crest-fallen,
  He's right there waiting for us to draw ourselves closer to Him. )


               VVHen God at first made man,
Having a glasse of blessings standing by;
Let us (said he) poure on him all we can:
Let the worlds riches, which dispersed lie,
               Contract into a span.

               So strength first made a way;
Then beautie flow’d, then wisdome, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all his treasure
               Rest in the bottome lay.

               For if I should (said he)
Bestow this jewell also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts in stead of me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:
               So both should losers be.

               Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlesnesse:
Let him be rich and wearie, that at least,
If goodnesse leade him not, yet wearinesse
               May tosse him to my breast.

-by George Herbert

source: http://www.ccel.org/h/herbert/temple/Pulley.html

On a Boat

 

          
                           On a Boat

I             rode       on     a           boat         with            Al-Kenzee
  He       slept     while       we're       on        CHina     Sea
      A               ferry                man              shouted,
         How    much         that     thing       snouted?
           I   replied,    "'tis     no    pig    you  see",
             'tis     my     friend's buoyant tummy.

-by Helios Narcissus

(this poem is inspired by my friend's favorite hero when we
were still playing as a team in LOL. .he's hero is such a
coward he deserves a poem.)

The Tale of the Cocky Croc

Roaring with abysmal temper he comes

Emerging from the sea of golden sands,

Plunderer of town goods, lord of all bums;

Insatiable are his lavish demands.

Children scream at his formidable sight,

He's wont to snarl at them and seize their snacks,

Even grandma's cereal he takes into flight,

Eat your meals now ere he comes to your stocks.

Present at feasts, great deserter in war,

Splendid at tables, coward in battle;.

Unbeaten in naps, in frolic he’s Czar,

Come rain or sunshine he's always idle.

Know his name, 'Boozer of the Sands',

Spread the word and warn the other lands.

(REPICHEEP is my friend's name, the ensuing 5 letters describes his fav char^^.hahahaha)

-by Amumu (H.N.)

S H I N E

by Helios Narcissus

(dedicated to shine trinidad of Tondo)

Straight thine eyes and prove me true,
Hold thy tongue and hear me speak;
I desire not thine heart to woo
Nor flatter thee babblings do I seek.
Ease my mind of a vexing malady,
The very essence of mine rhyme is;
Relief rests in the house of melody,
In her bosom dwells comfort and bliss.
Never have I felt that Time does fleet
In a world of bleak and somber skies;
Dullness vanished when I came to meet
A well-favored damsel of enthralling eyes.
Days fade quickly when we’re together
Ill time hastens his tedious course,
Moments slack when I yearn for her,
Grieving my soul to Plutonian shores.
Let earth be still so I may gaze
At the splendor of her radiant beauty;
Delight mine ears and be amazed
In her voice that brings serenity.
May fate be not ill as to withhold,
Estrange me from this celestial maiden;
Time does Inter the stories told
Yet is she immortal in my pen.
Oh to have seen an angel face to face,
Unlocks the chains that once bound me from grace.

For MOM

My heart flickers like a parcel in the night sky

Entombed in utter darkness where oblivion draweth nigh,

Living borrowed time like a drifted chaff

Bliss and joys seem not enough.

Amidst this maelstrom of hazy confusion

Clings a shimmering hope that gives my life a reason

Her pains and toils remind me to endure

Entrust myself to God’s sublime future.

No storm how dreadful lingers forever

God gives no test that we can’t mount over

And as I wake upon each new morn

Yahweh I praise, it was she that had me born.

-by H. Narcissus

A Poem for My Mother

O zephyr wind that gently blows
Send my love to the other coast
For yonder dwell a part of me
Of which without I cannot be.

O flocks that fly above the azure sky
Perchance you see her passing by
Yourselves maneuver in such way
She'll smile and have a brighter day.

O gypsies fair all cloaked in black
Sing to her your mellifluous track
Let her cares vanish with each tune
Make her celebrate this month of June

O roses red with sweet perfume
Carry her thoughts to Elysium
Where neither care nor worry breathes
Where joy and peace and plenty meets.

No gifts nor any concrete thing
May replace the love you always bring
So i pray to the Heavens up above
More length of days you will always have.

As time paints its mark upon your face
Know that your beauty will hold its place
For that wonderful soul you keep within
Transcends the beauty of an aged skin.

-by H. Narcissus

In Loving Memory

(dedicated to Jhumil's father)

How oft doth time shakes us from our nests,
that our cushions be turned into sharp splinters;
how oft doth it carries us to bllssful heights,
and oft shall leave us falling in tears.

To my Deutchess

     

they say the world gets worst and worst every day,
and the skies portend of an impending doom;
but to simply gaze into your eyes takes it all away,
for out of your lips divine, doth a new paradise bloom.

On a Hot Afternoon

I saw her amidst a clamoring crowd,
Whilst the blazing sun schorched my skin;
O what divine grace hath heaven bestowed
To this lass whose face is of angel’s kin.

Her eyes pierceth like a lynx’s bend
That I can barely hold her stunning gaze;
Her saccharine smile makes heaven descend
And drives this burning hell out of place.

Might this be mirage, a mere illusion?
Truly such fair nymph could never exist,
Come might this same searing afternoon,
And see her no more like an evanscened mist.

-by H. Narcissus