The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone fighting against you?

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying ?ght to the death - televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

WINNING WILL MAKE YOU FAMOUS. LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.

 

This is the latest book I've read, which I was influenced to read by a book review I read on the internet. It's a wonderful book with a plot that keeps you gripping on to your seats. I swear I couldn't put the book (well, in my case, iPod Touch because I was reading an e-book) down. The story is a bit like Battle Royale in which the children are required to fight to the death as a means of quelling rebellion (I'm not sure about Battle Royale but I'm pretty sure the Battle Royale was also cooked up by the government).

It's a YA book and I really can't recommend it to younger children because of the violence in the book. But the story touches on more than the character's struggles to survive the death match she has been chosen (sort of since she volunteered but with good reason) to participate in. I recommend it to people who love to read and possibly to those who don't since the book is so filled with action that I doubt you'll ever be left bored while reading. I'm going to read the next installment in the series, Catching Fire, after I finish tackling all my academic requirements for this semester. Enjoy.

-Daal-

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 6:59 PM



Finish Last
Sunday, October 18, 2009

During the homily in mass today, despite our parish priest's usually boring sermon, I was reminded of this song. Father Jorge's sermon was all about how everyone seemed to vie for the top spot, whether it be in politics, business, or the community. His message brought this song to mind and I think that this song speaks of how we should look at life. Enjoy.

Finish Last
by Stellar Kart

People change and plans get changed and
Everything changes but You
Everybody moves around and
Everything gets pushed around but You
You always stay the same, stay the same

[Chorus:]
I wanna finish last
Last in the world's eyes
No matter what I do
I will be first in your eyes

I am running in this race and
I am pressing onwards towards the finish line
You have promised me a better life
Far beyond this world
Far beyond this place in time

[Repeat Chorus:] (x2)

People change and plans get changed and
Everything changes but You
Everybody moves around and
Everything gets pushed around but You
You always stay the same, stay the same

[Repeat Chorus:] (x3)

I wanna finish last
In their eyes

-Daal-

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 11:42 PM



Memories: Ten Years Ago...
Friday, September 11, 2009

Alou, Becky, and Me


Ten years ago, I met one of my best friends who I now consider to be one of my sisters (at heart). Even with more than 5,000 miles between us, we still keep in touch and still regard each other as best friends. :)


Want to win a SIGNED copy of Adventures in the Dream Trade by Niel Gaiman? Visit avalon.ph's blog for more details. Open to Phlippine residents only.

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 5:32 PM



Fasting
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I found this little "article" posted on the bulletin board at the entrance of St. Francis Church last April 11 (Black Saturday). It's all about fasting, since Holy Week was ongoing but this article shows a different way to look at fasting. I wish I could have found it sooner so that this post will be more relevant but what the hey. I really like it and I would love to share it too everyone.

 

A Different Approach to Fasting.

Fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television. But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus' healing touch.

Here are some suggestions you might want to consider.

1. Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.

2. Fast from judging others. Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults.

3. Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus' promise that He has a perfect plan for your life.

4. Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.

5. Fast from resentment of bitterness. Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you.

6. Fast from spending too much money. Try to reduce your spending by 10% and give those savings to the poor.

 

I know this post is pretty late considering that Holy Week just finished, but I think that this is still significant and applicable in our daily lives. I believe that if everyone, regardless of their religion, can learn to abide by these simple "fasts", then the world would be a more peaceful and happy place to live in.

Anyway, that's all for today. Until next time everyone. :)

-Daal-

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 5:10 PM



Dito Sa Koro
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My sister and their school's chorale joined the Korus Klef competition, organized by the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus. This song was their obligatory piece and was written by one of the tenors of the UPCC. I feel in love with the song because of it's beautiful lyrics and upbeat tune. Here's the lyrics of the song, Dito Sa Koro.



Dito Sa Koro
Music and Lyrics by Manny Aquino
Choral Arrangement by Ronald Dolor

Nagsimulang mag-aleluya
sa gilid ng simbahan
Sumapi dun sa high school choir
gamit namin ay lumang gitara
Mula nung bata pa, alam ko na,
hilig ko kumanta nang kumanta

Pagdating sa colegio
sumali sa malaking koro
Kahit puyat sa pag-aral
dunadaan ko na lang sa dasal
Di ko mapipigil, di ko matatanggihan
ang tawag ng masayang kantahan

Chorus:
Dito sa koro, dito ang barkada
Dito sa koro, and tunay na pagkakaibigan
Dito sa koro, dito ko natuklasan
ang pag-ibig sa musika

Dito sa koro, dito ang sayawan
Dito sa koro, dito ang kanchawan
Dito sa koro, dito ko natikman
ang tunay na kasiyahan
Ha ha ha!

Di niyo kami mapaghihiwalay
pag may racket kasal, party at lamau
Mura lang ang bayad po
Konting pantaxi, sandwich at pang-coke
Medyo mahirap nga pero okay lang
Tuloy kanta kahit nga pautang

(Chorus)

Payo ng magulang ko
Ang koro ay pambalanse sa buhay mo
Huwag mong kalimutan ag may musika
Ang mundo'y tuluyang masaya!

(Chorus)



As a side note, I totally believe that the Don Bosco Makati's chorale, Boschorale should've won. Not only did they sing their songs well but their performance was also very entertaining. Anyways, I'm going to go now. Until next time everyone. :)

-Daal-

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 2:28 PM



Stolen from Kelly: Stress Management Tips from the Masters
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Stolen from Kelly's Multiply and Kelly's LJ:

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological tests.

The funny thing is that it works.

1. Picture yourself near a stream in the mountains.

2. Birds are softly chirping in the cool mountain air.

3. No one knows your secret place.

4. You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called the world.

5. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

6. The water is crystal clear.

7. You can easily make out the face of the person you are holding under the water.

See. You're smiling already.

-Daal-

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 9:12 PM



Stolen from Tateen: Written By a Guy
Monday, February 23, 2009

Stolen from Tateen's Multiply:

We don't care if you're friends with other guys. But when you're sitting next to us, and some random guy walks into the room and you jump up and tackle him, without even introducing us, yeah, it pisses us off. It doesn't help if you sit there and talk to him for ten minutes without even acknowledging the fact that we're still there. We don't care if a guy calls OR TEXTS you, but at 2 in the morning we do get a little concerned. Nothing is that important at 2 a.m. that it can't wait till the morning.

Also, when we tell you you're pretty/ beautiful/ gorgeous/ cute/ stunning, we freaking mean it.Don't tell us we're wrong. We'll stop trying to convince you. The sexiest thing about a girl is confidence. Yeah, you can quote me.

Don't be mad when we hold the door open. Take Advantage of the mood I'm in. Let us pay for you! Don't "feel bad". We enjoy doing it. It's expected. Smile and say "thank you."

Kiss us when no one's watching. If you kiss us when you know somebody's looking, we'll be more impressed.

You don't have to get dressed up for us. If we're going out with you in the first place, you don't have to feel the need to wear the shortest skirt you have or put on every kind of makeup you own.

We like you for who you are and not what you are. Honestly, I think a girl looks more beautiful when she's just in her pj's. or my shirt and boxers, not all dolled up.

Don't take everything we say seriously. Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. See the beauty in it. Don't get angry easily. Stop using magazines/media as your bible. "Don't talk about how hott Chris Brown, Brad Pitt, or Jesse McCartney is in front of us". It's boring, and we don't care. You have friends for that.

Whatever happened to the word "handsome"/"beautiful"? I'd be utterly stunned by a girl who greeted me with "Hey handsome!" instead of "Hey baby/ stud/ cutie/ sexy" or whatever else you can think of. on the other hand I'm not saying I wouldn't like it ether.

Girls, I cannot stress this enough: if you aren't being treated right by a guy, don't wait for him to change. ditch his sorry ASS, he's a disgrace to the male population and find someone who will treat you with utter respect.

Someone who will honor your morals.

Someone who will make you smile when you're at your lowest.

Someone who will care for you even when you make mistakes.

Someone who will love you, no matter how bad you make them feel.

Someone who will stop what they're doing just to look you in the eyes....and say "i love you" ..and actually mean it.

---0---0---0---0---0---0---

I got this from Tateen and though this is actually part of a "chain meme" (not a chain letter since this isn't really a letter and would be more appropriate as a meme), I just took the part which I really liked. The rules for this were supposed to be that guys who agree would repost this with the title "Girls should realize that" and girls who like this would repost with the title "Written by a guy" but you don't really have to do so. But you're free to repost this if you want to.

Anyways, that's all really. I'm going to go now. Until next time everyone. :}

-Daal-

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daal_24 :: 0 melodies sung :: 9:58 PM