1. Set dates with people back home. Saying "Yeah, let's hang out!" will only take us so far you guys, and I don't wanna end up NOT getting to hang out with anyone for lack of planning! :)) I won't list your names na because there are too many of you, and knowing me I'll forget someone and make things awkward by making you think I don't wanna hang out with you (when I really do) so... Message me, and let's plannnn! Kay? Kay. :D
2. Help anyone who's looking to study in the US. If anyone has questions or just wants to talk about it, let me know! And even if you're not sure if you wanna apply abroad, you can still message me about it. I'll try to give an unbiased assessment of the college experience here based on my experiences and those I've heard of, but I warn you my insight might be slightly skewed to persuading you to come. :P
3. EAT CHRISTMAS COOKIES! And not gain weight :-<
4. Go home and see all you wonderful people! :) -- well that's implied by #1 but I just wanted to say it again because I really am looking forward to it. Haha :P
Monday, December 8
Friday, December 5
A moment's respite, a month's worth of thinking
So I've been studying for my Econ test the past 3 hours, and a few things are compelling me to write.
1) How happy I am that my friends are happy! -- Being pleasantly surprised at the strength and duration of something that the past had once proven fleeting and disappointing (ie, love); celebrating amazing birthday parties with all the wonderful people that count (and making "mistakes" you always meant to make!); and more moments that the internet will gladly reveal to me but I'm unaware of, seeing as I only read a couple of blogs. I love when people write about being happy; it's so refreshing, and it reminds me that even in the worst of times there are reasons to smile (even if those reasons aren't my own).
2) Things I've been wanting to say but haven't made the time to write about!
- Okay so another embarrassing moment on my part. Surprise, surprise. At least this time I learned something: NEVER ABSTAIN. The PPA (Penn Philippine Association) had its Executive Board elections, and we were choosing a president. One choice was your typical outgoing, enthusiastic, talented girl; the other was more reserved, equally talented, but probably more experienced and reliable -- a situation which reminded me a lot of an election back home. I wanted to vote for the former, but for personal reasons, I didn't want to give that sort of "negative point/vote" to the latter. Anyway, after the vote was cast, we needed to do a re-vote because the scores were exactly tied and one "abstain" (MINE) kept it from being a decisive election. And everyone knew it was mine, because I asked beforehand if we were allowed to explain. If that weren't bad enough, when the winner was announced it was obvious who I voted for -- and I felt embarrassed in front of the other girl's biggest supporters. Okay it might not be all that bad, but I felt so bad about it at the time! Haha.
- What would you do for a free key chain? I practiced putting a condom on a banana :| It was for this event promoting awareness about sexual diseases, okay! Dude it was so funny because that was the first time I'd ever touched a condom, and the lubricant got all over my hands so I started panicking (ever so slightly!) and asking the guy at the booth if it was safe. Lol.
- This one's not embarrassing. (Are you disappointed?) Some weeks ago, I had my first client meeting with NSP (National Student Partnerships)! I'd never "shadowed" any meetings before, so I was kind of going in blind (which I didn't have to do but did...why nga did I do that? Stupid haha anyway). I was a bit shaky at first, but I basically helped this guy draft a cover letter for his job applications, and together we sent out 9 of them! It was awesome, and he was so grateful -- it was heartwarming. It felt so good helping someone out in such a direct, concrete manner. :)
- In other news... I've been elected ISC (International Student Council)'s new Vice President for External Affairs! I'm the only freshman in the Exec Board, so there's a bit of pressure on me, but I'm so excited -- I think there's a lot I can do in the position. :)
Okay my break's lasted too long already. What can I end with? I'm going home in SEVENTEEN DAYSSSS! :D
1) How happy I am that my friends are happy! -- Being pleasantly surprised at the strength and duration of something that the past had once proven fleeting and disappointing (ie, love); celebrating amazing birthday parties with all the wonderful people that count (and making "mistakes" you always meant to make!); and more moments that the internet will gladly reveal to me but I'm unaware of, seeing as I only read a couple of blogs. I love when people write about being happy; it's so refreshing, and it reminds me that even in the worst of times there are reasons to smile (even if those reasons aren't my own).
2) Things I've been wanting to say but haven't made the time to write about!
- Okay so another embarrassing moment on my part. Surprise, surprise. At least this time I learned something: NEVER ABSTAIN. The PPA (Penn Philippine Association) had its Executive Board elections, and we were choosing a president. One choice was your typical outgoing, enthusiastic, talented girl; the other was more reserved, equally talented, but probably more experienced and reliable -- a situation which reminded me a lot of an election back home. I wanted to vote for the former, but for personal reasons, I didn't want to give that sort of "negative point/vote" to the latter. Anyway, after the vote was cast, we needed to do a re-vote because the scores were exactly tied and one "abstain" (MINE) kept it from being a decisive election. And everyone knew it was mine, because I asked beforehand if we were allowed to explain. If that weren't bad enough, when the winner was announced it was obvious who I voted for -- and I felt embarrassed in front of the other girl's biggest supporters. Okay it might not be all that bad, but I felt so bad about it at the time! Haha.
- What would you do for a free key chain? I practiced putting a condom on a banana :| It was for this event promoting awareness about sexual diseases, okay! Dude it was so funny because that was the first time I'd ever touched a condom, and the lubricant got all over my hands so I started panicking (ever so slightly!) and asking the guy at the booth if it was safe. Lol.
- This one's not embarrassing. (Are you disappointed?) Some weeks ago, I had my first client meeting with NSP (National Student Partnerships)! I'd never "shadowed" any meetings before, so I was kind of going in blind (which I didn't have to do but did...why nga did I do that? Stupid haha anyway). I was a bit shaky at first, but I basically helped this guy draft a cover letter for his job applications, and together we sent out 9 of them! It was awesome, and he was so grateful -- it was heartwarming. It felt so good helping someone out in such a direct, concrete manner. :)
- In other news... I've been elected ISC (International Student Council)'s new Vice President for External Affairs! I'm the only freshman in the Exec Board, so there's a bit of pressure on me, but I'm so excited -- I think there's a lot I can do in the position. :)
Okay my break's lasted too long already. What can I end with? I'm going home in SEVENTEEN DAYSSSS! :D
Tuesday, November 18
Tuesday, November 4
The wonders of volunteerism :)
From 3:00 - 5:00 I skipped Psychology (sorry mom!) to volunteer for the Penn Democrats. There were lots of different duties, and mine was to raise the hype. Thus, for nearly two hours I was standing on a street corner, holding up a sign that said "Honk for Obama!" It was SO MUCH FUN. :) All these people driving by, honking and smiling at me; me raising the sign, fist in the air, wide smile plastered on my face, and going, "yeahhhh that's right!" whenever people responded well; Republicans driving by and rolling down their windows to say, "boo" or "go home;" me having to apologize to someone in a nearby dorm because I was getting so many people to honk that she couldn't study; sticking it out even if it started raining (because I was enjoying myself hahaha); that random guy walking over to me and striking up such a nice conversation (will elaborate later); that other guy telling me to watch my back (haha will elaborate later too); and just the whole university atmosphere! Twas amazing. :)
Okay so I'll give you guys a paraphrased version of the conversation with the old guy. I'm standing on this little island at the intersection of 38th and Spruce, and this guy shouts from across the street, "Anyone can honk, but we need the votes! Have you voted?" And of course I shout back, "No, I'm not American!"
"What?"
"I'm not American!"
At this point, he runs across the street and joins me on my little island as I'm doing my campaign duty.
"Why're you doing this if you're not American?"
"I dunno. Obama's a guy I really believe in."
*nods thoughtfully* "What're you studying?"
"Economics. Maybe Urban Studies and International Relations, too."
"Ah, you're going into politics, huh?"
"Mayyybe. I do love my country."
*blah blah blah stuff about me being from the Philippines and being Catholic (he is, too)*
"So how old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"Seventeen!? You're a baby!"
"Haha yup, I'm pretty young."
*nods* "You're gonna go places, though. I can see it."
We talk a bit more, then he bids me goodbye and shouts "God bless you" as he runs back across the street. What a sweetheart :)
A little while after that conversation, this guy, after honking, rolls down his window to talk to me. You have to imagine it with a very gangstah West Philly accent.
"Hey honey, you be careful with that ayt? [referring to my efforts to rally support for Obama] Some people do crazy things, you never know what can happen. Watch what you eat, and don't go off walkin' alone."
(At this point I'm kind of laughing) "Yeah, did you see that guy that just passed me? He was shouting like anything, but it's alright. Whatever."
"No, I'm serious. You take care, ayt?"
"Ayt, I'll do that."
"I love you. You know that."
*nods and makes a yeah-i-know face and does the "peace out" fist to the chest thing*
HAHA what a day! :))
Okay so I'll give you guys a paraphrased version of the conversation with the old guy. I'm standing on this little island at the intersection of 38th and Spruce, and this guy shouts from across the street, "Anyone can honk, but we need the votes! Have you voted?" And of course I shout back, "No, I'm not American!"
"What?"
"I'm not American!"
At this point, he runs across the street and joins me on my little island as I'm doing my campaign duty.
"Why're you doing this if you're not American?"
"I dunno. Obama's a guy I really believe in."
*nods thoughtfully* "What're you studying?"
"Economics. Maybe Urban Studies and International Relations, too."
"Ah, you're going into politics, huh?"
"Mayyybe. I do love my country."
*blah blah blah stuff about me being from the Philippines and being Catholic (he is, too)*
"So how old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"Seventeen!? You're a baby!"
"Haha yup, I'm pretty young."
*nods* "You're gonna go places, though. I can see it."
We talk a bit more, then he bids me goodbye and shouts "God bless you" as he runs back across the street. What a sweetheart :)
A little while after that conversation, this guy, after honking, rolls down his window to talk to me. You have to imagine it with a very gangstah West Philly accent.
"Hey honey, you be careful with that ayt? [referring to my efforts to rally support for Obama] Some people do crazy things, you never know what can happen. Watch what you eat, and don't go off walkin' alone."
(At this point I'm kind of laughing) "Yeah, did you see that guy that just passed me? He was shouting like anything, but it's alright. Whatever."
"No, I'm serious. You take care, ayt?"
"Ayt, I'll do that."
"I love you. You know that."
*nods and makes a yeah-i-know face and does the "peace out" fist to the chest thing*
HAHA what a day! :))
What else can I say? It's Election Day!
Today is the day I almost wish I could renounce my Filipino citizenship to be American and make history. Today, the world will see a people come together in hope and in brotherhood, for the sake of change they can believe in, and make their voices heard. Today is the epitomy of democracy. Of people power. Of YOUTH power! Today will show us the best of our humanity, the peak and purpose of our existence -- to think, to be, and to make be.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOBAMA!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOBAMA!
Monday, October 20
Two months and settling in
So I think I've finally filtered through my commitments, enough to know which ones I'll pull out of and which ones I'll keep -- and among those, which ones I'll be active in and which ones I'm only joining for cool resources like speaker events.
Membership: General Interest
1. Penn International Business Volunteers (PIBV) -- I would've joined, but I was tamad to fill in the application. It's very interesting though haha. I might tie in with them for a project involving GK.
2. Penn for UNICEF (P4U) -- they have some really cool talks with UN representatives
3. Communitech (CTech) -- I was supposed to teach elementary school kids basic computer skills once a week, but I decided I'd do something else. I'm still attending their Tech Talks though :)
Membership: Participation
1. Microfinance Club (MFC) -- I'm doing research for the launch of a new microfinance institution, possibly in India and these two other countries I can't remember
2. UA -- Community and Civic Engagement Committee (CCEC) -- I have 3 main projects for the year: a) Massive service event for the freshmen during next year's New Student Orientation, b) "Garage sale" of people's unwanted items when everyone moves out at the end of the year, c) Recreation in West Philly (a depressed and kind of shady area) so that Penn students feel more at home and one with their neighbors in the city
3. Ivy Council (IVC) -- implementing the ideas from IPC regarding intellectual property
4. Venus Ultimate Frisbee -- this is too fun to let go of, plus it's my only form of exercise!
5. Penn Philippine Association (PPA) -- just because Pennoys are cool
Membership: Leadership
1. ISC Admissions Committee (Ad-Com) -- I'm Chair haha I have to keep this. It can really help the next batches of incoming freshmen, I think. I'm pretty sure I won't be in this committee again next year, though.
2. National Student Partnerships (NSP) -- this is a student-led organization that provides various consulting and referral services to people in depressed neighborhoods. I'm with the West Philly branch, and we help people find jobs by providing them training in basic skills, helping them build a resume, showing them how to do job searches and applications online, etc. NSP also does legal and financial consulting, but whenever something comes up that's beyond our expertise, we refer them to partner institutions. It's so cool because we deal with real problems, and I think it's a great introduction to the world of consulting and social responsibility -- which is exactly where I want to head. I might become the head of the Educational Resource team, so I'd be in charge of finding more organizations that can provide skills training for our clients at low or even no cost. Not sure yet if I'll get the position, but they'll let me know soon.
On top of that, all this community engagement work I've been doing so far has given me another possible combination for my major: BS Economics and BA Urban Studies -- that's like social entrepreneurship right there! I don't know yet, I have to look deeper into it, but so far I like the idea. :)
Anyway it's late HAHA don't kill me, mom. I can't sleep eh. But I will now. Gooood night. :)
Membership: General Interest
1. Penn International Business Volunteers (PIBV) -- I would've joined, but I was tamad to fill in the application. It's very interesting though haha. I might tie in with them for a project involving GK.
2. Penn for UNICEF (P4U) -- they have some really cool talks with UN representatives
3. Communitech (CTech) -- I was supposed to teach elementary school kids basic computer skills once a week, but I decided I'd do something else. I'm still attending their Tech Talks though :)
Membership: Participation
1. Microfinance Club (MFC) -- I'm doing research for the launch of a new microfinance institution, possibly in India and these two other countries I can't remember
2. UA -- Community and Civic Engagement Committee (CCEC) -- I have 3 main projects for the year: a) Massive service event for the freshmen during next year's New Student Orientation, b) "Garage sale" of people's unwanted items when everyone moves out at the end of the year, c) Recreation in West Philly (a depressed and kind of shady area) so that Penn students feel more at home and one with their neighbors in the city
3. Ivy Council (IVC) -- implementing the ideas from IPC regarding intellectual property
4. Venus Ultimate Frisbee -- this is too fun to let go of, plus it's my only form of exercise!
5. Penn Philippine Association (PPA) -- just because Pennoys are cool
Membership: Leadership
1. ISC Admissions Committee (Ad-Com) -- I'm Chair haha I have to keep this. It can really help the next batches of incoming freshmen, I think. I'm pretty sure I won't be in this committee again next year, though.
2. National Student Partnerships (NSP) -- this is a student-led organization that provides various consulting and referral services to people in depressed neighborhoods. I'm with the West Philly branch, and we help people find jobs by providing them training in basic skills, helping them build a resume, showing them how to do job searches and applications online, etc. NSP also does legal and financial consulting, but whenever something comes up that's beyond our expertise, we refer them to partner institutions. It's so cool because we deal with real problems, and I think it's a great introduction to the world of consulting and social responsibility -- which is exactly where I want to head. I might become the head of the Educational Resource team, so I'd be in charge of finding more organizations that can provide skills training for our clients at low or even no cost. Not sure yet if I'll get the position, but they'll let me know soon.
On top of that, all this community engagement work I've been doing so far has given me another possible combination for my major: BS Economics and BA Urban Studies -- that's like social entrepreneurship right there! I don't know yet, I have to look deeper into it, but so far I like the idea. :)
Anyway it's late HAHA don't kill me, mom. I can't sleep eh. But I will now. Gooood night. :)
Wednesday, October 1
i see a pattern
Updates!
I am quickly becoming a very busy person hahaha. I have Venus (Ultimate Frisbee) practice every Tuesday and Thursday, with tournaments on some weekends. ISC Steering Committee meetings every week, Ad-Com meetings every other week, might be a tutor for Communitech (Technology-focused community service group. Mom, I might get them to build an iGK office! They've built computer centers in Ghana.) AND I think I'm getting a job. That last one excites me because 1. I'll have more spending money, 2. Less pressure on mom and dad to take care of me (tuition na lang, hindi ko pa kaya eh hahaha) and 3. it's not so demanding! I'll be at the Ware College House Help Desk, so I can actually do my homework when people aren't coming in with questions. Whoopee :)
So that's the first pattern. Second is all these weird random things keep happening to me. I have these "oh Anj Poe" moments that Ms. Pat would totally laugh at and not be surprised about at all.
1. I accidentally threw my keys out with my garbage, as in, INTO the trash compactor, so i couldn't get them back and had to pay for a lock-change and new sets of keys.
2. I keep TRIPPING on Locust Walk in front of so many people. Sorry, mom, I haven't stopped shuffling my feet.
3. I almost fractured my toe the other day. (Mom you're going to get a $35 charge for x-ray services lol) I got out of bed in a hurry (woke up late, figures) without realizing that my right leg was asleep. I put my whole body weight on it as i was trying to stand up and ended up crumbling on top of myself. I was on the floor, writhing in pain (imagine 100+ pounds concentrated on top of your little toe!) and laughing at the same time because i was thinking: what the hell just happened that was so stupid! haha it just hurt a bit on the first day, but by the second day the right half of my right foot had turned purple. i was limping around school. so yeah i went to student health services who in turn had me get an x-ray at the hospital, but no worries -- no fracture. the bruising has started to subside, so it's all good now. i can run again :P
4. on my way to student health services, i saw the weirdest thing! apparently it's common here in philly, but that was my first encounter with it so i was shocked and frankly quite afraid: there was, like, a whole SCHOOL of kids (African American, mostly. ok not mostly. they were all African American) running towards one end of the street. i asked some guy what was going on and he said: "those dang teenagers! another street fight." dude there were COPS, and that whole thing was happening in exactly the direction i was walking towards. the guy could see i was scared and he said: "oh don't worry honey, just walk right past em. they're fighting on the other end of the street." haha so i rushed past about a hundred excited high schoolers and maybe 5 upset cops to get to my check-up appointment. lol
5. not as exciting, but still noteworthy: i saw a dead pidgeon by the Franklin building. as in, it looked like a hobo asleep on the sidewalk...except it was a dead pidgeon. :(
more to come! :P
I am quickly becoming a very busy person hahaha. I have Venus (Ultimate Frisbee) practice every Tuesday and Thursday, with tournaments on some weekends. ISC Steering Committee meetings every week, Ad-Com meetings every other week, might be a tutor for Communitech (Technology-focused community service group. Mom, I might get them to build an iGK office! They've built computer centers in Ghana.) AND I think I'm getting a job. That last one excites me because 1. I'll have more spending money, 2. Less pressure on mom and dad to take care of me (tuition na lang, hindi ko pa kaya eh hahaha) and 3. it's not so demanding! I'll be at the Ware College House Help Desk, so I can actually do my homework when people aren't coming in with questions. Whoopee :)
So that's the first pattern. Second is all these weird random things keep happening to me. I have these "oh Anj Poe" moments that Ms. Pat would totally laugh at and not be surprised about at all.
1. I accidentally threw my keys out with my garbage, as in, INTO the trash compactor, so i couldn't get them back and had to pay for a lock-change and new sets of keys.
2. I keep TRIPPING on Locust Walk in front of so many people. Sorry, mom, I haven't stopped shuffling my feet.
3. I almost fractured my toe the other day. (Mom you're going to get a $35 charge for x-ray services lol) I got out of bed in a hurry (woke up late, figures) without realizing that my right leg was asleep. I put my whole body weight on it as i was trying to stand up and ended up crumbling on top of myself. I was on the floor, writhing in pain (imagine 100+ pounds concentrated on top of your little toe!) and laughing at the same time because i was thinking: what the hell just happened that was so stupid! haha it just hurt a bit on the first day, but by the second day the right half of my right foot had turned purple. i was limping around school. so yeah i went to student health services who in turn had me get an x-ray at the hospital, but no worries -- no fracture. the bruising has started to subside, so it's all good now. i can run again :P
4. on my way to student health services, i saw the weirdest thing! apparently it's common here in philly, but that was my first encounter with it so i was shocked and frankly quite afraid: there was, like, a whole SCHOOL of kids (African American, mostly. ok not mostly. they were all African American) running towards one end of the street. i asked some guy what was going on and he said: "those dang teenagers! another street fight." dude there were COPS, and that whole thing was happening in exactly the direction i was walking towards. the guy could see i was scared and he said: "oh don't worry honey, just walk right past em. they're fighting on the other end of the street." haha so i rushed past about a hundred excited high schoolers and maybe 5 upset cops to get to my check-up appointment. lol
5. not as exciting, but still noteworthy: i saw a dead pidgeon by the Franklin building. as in, it looked like a hobo asleep on the sidewalk...except it was a dead pidgeon. :(
more to come! :P
Sunday, September 28
a -nods head in approval- kind of idea
http://www.onedayu.com/
It's nice that the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors in the world has been extended to a wider scope of people. If people are willing to pay Php 10,000 to see the Vienna Boys Choir or some other cultural show, they should see this!
It's nice that the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors in the world has been extended to a wider scope of people. If people are willing to pay Php 10,000 to see the Vienna Boys Choir or some other cultural show, they should see this!
September 26: today was so good!
1. I was elected Chair of the Admissions Committee for the ISC! I didn't have to run to get into the International Student Council, just sign up, but I had to run for a position. There were three other candidates for Chair, but the group elected me and the head of the ISC (who facilitated the election) told me after that he was secretly rooting for me :) Haha kilig!
2. Today is Filipino day or something! I met a girl in the ISC who lived in Manila for 7 years and went to ISM. We talked about Greenbelt and common friends -- she knows Ethan Belmonte how random lol. It was so random but it felt so good! Most of the other Filipinos I've met here are Fil-Ams and don't really know the culture or local schools or malls. This girl actually knew what Assumption was when I told her. It felt nice :) That got me into a whole patriotic trend and I started showing Kristen (my roommate) pictures of tarsiers, the banaue rice terraces, chocolate hills, boracay sand sculptures, butandings (whale sharks) and other stuff like that. I even taught her some Tagalog words. It was so funny. Again, random but super feel-good. Haha :P
3. I got e-mail from Nicolle! Nic, Miggy, France and I started a new tradition. We plan to keep in touch by e-mailing each other full-scale kwentos. As in the complete low-down. So we don't go crazy and always have something to write about, we've each been assigned one weekend per month during which we must write. So Miggy's the first/second, Fran's got the first/second, I've got the third and Nic's got the fourth weekend of every month. Of course we're not limited to that, but it's the bare minimum. It's so Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants! Haha should be fun :)
More soon :)
2. Today is Filipino day or something! I met a girl in the ISC who lived in Manila for 7 years and went to ISM. We talked about Greenbelt and common friends -- she knows Ethan Belmonte how random lol. It was so random but it felt so good! Most of the other Filipinos I've met here are Fil-Ams and don't really know the culture or local schools or malls. This girl actually knew what Assumption was when I told her. It felt nice :) That got me into a whole patriotic trend and I started showing Kristen (my roommate) pictures of tarsiers, the banaue rice terraces, chocolate hills, boracay sand sculptures, butandings (whale sharks) and other stuff like that. I even taught her some Tagalog words. It was so funny. Again, random but super feel-good. Haha :P
3. I got e-mail from Nicolle! Nic, Miggy, France and I started a new tradition. We plan to keep in touch by e-mailing each other full-scale kwentos. As in the complete low-down. So we don't go crazy and always have something to write about, we've each been assigned one weekend per month during which we must write. So Miggy's the first/second, Fran's got the first/second, I've got the third and Nic's got the fourth weekend of every month. Of course we're not limited to that, but it's the bare minimum. It's so Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants! Haha should be fun :)
More soon :)
The Ivy Council
is the Student Consortium of the Ivy League.
... I WANT IN!
I was just checking out their website, and they have all these amazinggg programs that I just want to be a part of.
... I WANT IN!
I was just checking out their website, and they have all these amazinggg programs that I just want to be a part of.
"The great aim and end of all learning," proclaimed Benjamin Franklin, is to foster an " inclination, joined with an ability , to serve mankind, one's country, friends, and family" – namely, the common good.
Ivy CORPS (Community Outreach & Public Service) is an Ivy Council enterprise devoted to realizing
The Ivy Leadership Summit (ILS) is an annual two-day conference hosted by the Ivy Council to bring together students from the eight Ivy League universities along with leaders from the business, government, academic, and humanitarian sectors. The Ivy Leadership Summit was originally created to promote the exchange of ideas between students of the Ivy League and today’s leaders on subjects of public policy such as globalization, health care, and ethics. The first Summit was held at Yale University in 2000 on the topic of “Integrity and Ethics.” 80 participants were selected from a pool of applicants throughout the Ivy League. The main activities of the conference were keynote speakers, panels, and roundtable discussions. Since then, the Ivy Council has held six conferences each focusing on a differing policy topic. Past speakers have included Steve Forbes, Chairman and CEO of Forbes magazine; Nasreen Berwari, Iraqi Minister of Municipalities and General Works; Jeffrey Sachs, special adviser to the UN’s Millennium Development; Theodore Roosevelt IV, Managing Director at Lehman Brothers and prominent environmentalist; and Dov Zakheim, US Undersecretary of Defense.
The list of past Summits is below according to year, topic, and school:
2008 - "Leadership: Theory, Practice and Action" at the University of Pennsylvania
2007 - “The Future of Energy: Analyzing the Problem and Debating Solutions” at Columbia University
2006 - “Free Trade, Free Press, Free Society: Leadership in the Age of Globalization” at Columbia University
2005 - “Health, Economy, and the International Community” at Princeton University
2004 - “Responsibilities in a Globalized World” at Columbia University
2003 - “American Ethics in Science & Medicine, Politics & Law, Media, and Business” at the University of Pennsylvania
2001 - “Sharing the Torch: Leadership in the New Millennium” at Harvard University
2000 - “Integrity and Ethics” at Yale University
Welcome to the land where tv shows need not be torrented and good concerts are abundant!
On November 1, both the Viva La Vida and Rock Band Live concerts will be in Philly. Coldplay, or Plain White T's, Dashboard Confession and Panic! At The Disco? HMM. The Coldplay tickets go for 100-250 dollars, and the Rock Band Live tickets are 30-40 dollars so I think Kristen and I might watch that! Unless Ray (our wonderful, magnificent and oh-so-generous RA) gets us Coldplay tickets :> which is crazy when you think about it, but he'd do it.
Ray: Coldplay's coming.
Us: Yeah? Wow! When? How much are tickets?
Ray: November 1st, and around a hundred dollars. I still don't know who I'm going to take.
Us: -batting eyelashes- How about us? (we were only joking of course)
Ray: -shrugs- I might get five and just give them to whoever in our hall wants to go.
!!
He's rich. He's only a college senior and he's founded 3 companies and is a part of 4 start-ups. That's why he's always making us libre. Haha GO RAY!
Ray: Coldplay's coming.
Us: Yeah? Wow! When? How much are tickets?
Ray: November 1st, and around a hundred dollars. I still don't know who I'm going to take.
Us: -batting eyelashes- How about us? (we were only joking of course)
Ray: -shrugs- I might get five and just give them to whoever in our hall wants to go.
!!
He's rich. He's only a college senior and he's founded 3 companies and is a part of 4 start-ups. That's why he's always making us libre. Haha GO RAY!
Thursday, September 11
First week of school!
I've no time to describe just how wonderful everything's been. This is ironic because I'm averaging 2-3 classes a day and have a lot of free time; all at once it's not because there's so much more to do and feel and search for than there is/was/is(?) back home. Anyway, I shall make this short and sweet! :)
1. Stability. I was a bit lost (both geographically and mentally) for the first few days, but now I'm settling into the routine of school and I like it.
2. Stimulation (ergo joy!). There's just so much! Of what? Of everything! It's mind-blowing. Research and career opportunities, professors/Nobel prize-winners with time to spare for lowly undergraduates, clubs to join (performing arts, business, community service, greek life, you name it!), intellectual discussions, beautiful and interesting historical things (Pennsylvania is the Independence State, after all).
3. Intellectual discussions. These deserve a section of their own. I'm so happy that they happen everywhere, all the time, without being "try-hard" or arrogant or anything. It just comes naturally here! On the way to the gym, in between classes, going home from a party -- all the time! It's also amusing how sometimes, the topics themselves don't seem very intelligent/relevant, but the fact that the conversation happens is intellectual still. Like this funny story: one night, on our way home (slightly drunk) from a party, everyone just started speaking in foreign languages. As in, laughing, shouting, stumbling across the street and fooling around in French, Spanish, Armenian, Italian -- whatever someone in the group knew, it was being spoken! :)) I threw in some Tagalog too but it sounded so...kanto. Haha! Another time, this random kid sat down at our table (this was around 2 am at Allegro's pizza place) and he started talking politics. Eric (my hallmate), who was absolutely plastered, was literally screaming arguments with the guy. It was so funny! Even in weird moments like that, I feel like I'm gaining so much from being in this environment.
4. Studies. I'm pretty happy with my courses this semester: MATH 104 (Calculus I), ECON 001 (Intro to Microeconomics), PSYC 001 (Intro to Experimental Psychology) and PSCI 150 (International Relations Theory and Practice). My favorites so far are international relations (IR) and Econ because they both have such interesting subject matter! IR is reading-heavy, but it's not a pain because it's enjoyable. Econ rocks because my professor is so cool. She always blasts music before class starts, so as soon as you enter the lecture hall you feel hyped up. She looks around and smiles at us as we enter, and it looks like she's observing/analyzing us in some way that would be creepy except it's not because it's such a professor-ly thing to do haha. Psych is pretty cool, too, but quirkier than any of my other classes. Last Tuesday we watched a video of rat sex... in SLOW MOTION. : Ah, the things we do for observation's sake. Haha and Math... ah, Math. I still enjoy it, and I love my professor because he's like a cute old man teaching a little kid advanced integration. The others might find it slow, but it's just perfect for me, considering how at AC we only reached limits -- the intro to the intro to calculus. It's different here, more difficult. At times I've wondered what I'm doing here because everyone my preparation and knowledge base just seems so much smaller than everyone else's. Maybe it's my capacity/potential to learn, as opposed to what I already know? I don't know. But I really hope I do well here. I'm surely trying. :)
5. Boys. Haha.
What else? Lots, I'm sure. Ask me, I'll make kwento :P
1. Stability. I was a bit lost (both geographically and mentally) for the first few days, but now I'm settling into the routine of school and I like it.
2. Stimulation (ergo joy!). There's just so much! Of what? Of everything! It's mind-blowing. Research and career opportunities, professors/Nobel prize-winners with time to spare for lowly undergraduates, clubs to join (performing arts, business, community service, greek life, you name it!), intellectual discussions, beautiful and interesting historical things (Pennsylvania is the Independence State, after all).
3. Intellectual discussions. These deserve a section of their own. I'm so happy that they happen everywhere, all the time, without being "try-hard" or arrogant or anything. It just comes naturally here! On the way to the gym, in between classes, going home from a party -- all the time! It's also amusing how sometimes, the topics themselves don't seem very intelligent/relevant, but the fact that the conversation happens is intellectual still. Like this funny story: one night, on our way home (slightly drunk) from a party, everyone just started speaking in foreign languages. As in, laughing, shouting, stumbling across the street and fooling around in French, Spanish, Armenian, Italian -- whatever someone in the group knew, it was being spoken! :)) I threw in some Tagalog too but it sounded so...kanto. Haha! Another time, this random kid sat down at our table (this was around 2 am at Allegro's pizza place) and he started talking politics. Eric (my hallmate), who was absolutely plastered, was literally screaming arguments with the guy. It was so funny! Even in weird moments like that, I feel like I'm gaining so much from being in this environment.
4. Studies. I'm pretty happy with my courses this semester: MATH 104 (Calculus I), ECON 001 (Intro to Microeconomics), PSYC 001 (Intro to Experimental Psychology) and PSCI 150 (International Relations Theory and Practice). My favorites so far are international relations (IR) and Econ because they both have such interesting subject matter! IR is reading-heavy, but it's not a pain because it's enjoyable. Econ rocks because my professor is so cool. She always blasts music before class starts, so as soon as you enter the lecture hall you feel hyped up. She looks around and smiles at us as we enter, and it looks like she's observing/analyzing us in some way that would be creepy except it's not because it's such a professor-ly thing to do haha. Psych is pretty cool, too, but quirkier than any of my other classes. Last Tuesday we watched a video of rat sex... in SLOW MOTION. : Ah, the things we do for observation's sake. Haha and Math... ah, Math. I still enjoy it, and I love my professor because he's like a cute old man teaching a little kid advanced integration. The others might find it slow, but it's just perfect for me, considering how at AC we only reached limits -- the intro to the intro to calculus. It's different here, more difficult. At times I've wondered what I'm doing here because everyone my preparation and knowledge base just seems so much smaller than everyone else's. Maybe it's my capacity/potential to learn, as opposed to what I already know? I don't know. But I really hope I do well here. I'm surely trying. :)
5. Boys. Haha.
What else? Lots, I'm sure. Ask me, I'll make kwento :P
Friday, August 29
In the beginning,
there was move-in. And then God said: Let there be New Student Orientation.
I haven't that much time to write because soooo much is going on, so here's the gist:
1. Moved in last Tuesday, with the help of good old mom and dad, without whom my room would not be so neat.
2. Had International Student Orientation and met a lot of cool kids from other countries. Hello Karan, Sara, Ashima, Shreyanth, Gandhi/G-dog, Christoph, Julie, Iowana, Florentina, Michelle, Nancy, Wilson, Nicole, etc!
3. Kristen (my room mate) moved in today, and it was so funny. Her whole family (mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt) came and helped out. Her brother's guapo pala. Haha. The room's so much home-ier now; I love my roomie!
4. Ware College House is the best EVER! Met the other kids in the Entrepreneurs program, and I love the people on this floor. Especially the girls in our little nook! :P Hi Carol, Julie, Kristen, Chloe. And Frank! Aww the one guy in our side of the building. Haha I think he's scared of us.
5. It was officially the first day as a Penn freshman because it's the first day of NSO and the first night Kristen and I are sharing this room. It's the first day, and already... Phi Kappa Sigma. Beer pong. Flip beer. Drunken Sushi. Dazed Ike. John Mike FRANCESCO MIKE John Harry Sam Joe CHRIS WildSophomore. HO YEAHH where my party people at? I love my hall mates! :D
I haven't that much time to write because soooo much is going on, so here's the gist:
1. Moved in last Tuesday, with the help of good old mom and dad, without whom my room would not be so neat.
2. Had International Student Orientation and met a lot of cool kids from other countries. Hello Karan, Sara, Ashima, Shreyanth, Gandhi/G-dog, Christoph, Julie, Iowana, Florentina, Michelle, Nancy, Wilson, Nicole, etc!
3. Kristen (my room mate) moved in today, and it was so funny. Her whole family (mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt) came and helped out. Her brother's guapo pala. Haha. The room's so much home-ier now; I love my roomie!
4. Ware College House is the best EVER! Met the other kids in the Entrepreneurs program, and I love the people on this floor. Especially the girls in our little nook! :P Hi Carol, Julie, Kristen, Chloe. And Frank! Aww the one guy in our side of the building. Haha I think he's scared of us.
5. It was officially the first day as a Penn freshman because it's the first day of NSO and the first night Kristen and I are sharing this room. It's the first day, and already... Phi Kappa Sigma. Beer pong. Flip beer. Drunken Sushi. Dazed Ike. John Mike FRANCESCO MIKE John Harry Sam Joe CHRIS WildSophomore. HO YEAHH where my party people at? I love my hall mates! :D
Tuesday, August 26
One great day!
For three reasons:
1. I got my phone. Woohoo! It's an icy blue LG Chocolate. I paid $110 out of the total price, and my parents subsidized the remaining $50. Apparently the phones here are cheaper than back home. Number's (215) 817-4578 :D
2. I met my roommate today. And I absolutely love her! We ate at Pod, a Japanese restaurant within University City. The restaurant itself was super cool, modern with flashy lights and great interior decor, but the company was out of the park. Kristen and her family are such wonderful people! We got along from the very first moment, and it was funny how we finally met. Her family and mine arrived at the restaurant at exactly the same time, and I was looking at her like, "Okay I know this face and I thiiiink this is her" and apparently at the same time she said to her mom, "Mom, I think this is her I think this is her" and then we both laughed (while still far apart), walked towards each other and greeted each other with a big hug. Everyone shook hands and exchanged hugs and names and it was so, so warm from the very beginning! I love her parents; they're both so nice. They're both Armenian, but the dad (Mark) grew up in the US so he's more Americanized than the mom (Silva) who was raised in Armenia. Mr. Santerian has a Tony Soprano vibe in that he looks Italian and is tanned and super chill; it's fitting that his family business is running golf courses so he's on the green all day everyday! He's cool because he's laid back but at the same time really involved in the lives of his kids. Yknow how some dads are quiet a lot of the time during social gatherings? Well he, my dad and Kuya EJ were talking all throughout dinner and it was so comfortable. He's awesome. And Mrs. Santerian is the sweetest thing. She has that southern charm (hospitality), so she was super friendly and offering to help me if I ever need anything, whether a place to go for the long breaks, a nice home-cooked meal, or a shopping buddy. She's pretty conservative values-wise, so she and Kristen were reassuring me and my mom that we wouldn't have any problems like bringing boyfriends into the room or whatever. It turns out Kristen and her mom did exactly the same things as me and my mom when we found out who our roommate was going to be -- check Facebook to make sure she's not scandalous or gothic or anything horrifying :)) Anyway she's so cute; I'm happy I have a mommy in Philly! And Kristen is just great. She has the values of her parents, is so grounded and has her priorities straight, but at the same time she's not boring or a religious zealot at all. She's so fun to talk to, girlier than me but not maarte, and we have a lot in common! Actually it turns out our families have a lot in common. Our brothers are exactly alike in that they're HS juniors who are happy not to be like their sisters (grades-wise), the creative type that detests studying and enjoys computer games or X-box, maloko, pilosopo, street smart and malambing. Her mom comes from a family of three and her dad from a family of five, just like my mom and dad. Both our dads run second generation family businesses. Pretty much the same values system all around, and a whole lot of other things I can't remember. The only differences that came up all night are: JV loves to read and Mark Jr. doesn't; Kristen's mom cooks and mine doesn't. We're so unbelievably compatible it's almost creepy haha but it's not -- it's really, really nice; and it makes me so excited for the year ahead! What an amazing night. I discovered a totally chic place to eat, met an absolutely wonderful family and found out that, thanks to the Santerians' connections, a) Kristen and I can get a suite at the Sheraton during exam week in case it gets too noisy on campus, b) our laundry can be picked up directly from our room free of charge and c) an interior decorator is fixing up our dorm. BOO YA! :))
3. I'm moving in tomorrow -- I mean later! I'm so so so so exciteeeeeeeddd :D
1. I got my phone. Woohoo! It's an icy blue LG Chocolate. I paid $110 out of the total price, and my parents subsidized the remaining $50. Apparently the phones here are cheaper than back home. Number's (215) 817-4578 :D
2. I met my roommate today. And I absolutely love her! We ate at Pod, a Japanese restaurant within University City. The restaurant itself was super cool, modern with flashy lights and great interior decor, but the company was out of the park. Kristen and her family are such wonderful people! We got along from the very first moment, and it was funny how we finally met. Her family and mine arrived at the restaurant at exactly the same time, and I was looking at her like, "Okay I know this face and I thiiiink this is her" and apparently at the same time she said to her mom, "Mom, I think this is her I think this is her" and then we both laughed (while still far apart), walked towards each other and greeted each other with a big hug. Everyone shook hands and exchanged hugs and names and it was so, so warm from the very beginning! I love her parents; they're both so nice. They're both Armenian, but the dad (Mark) grew up in the US so he's more Americanized than the mom (Silva) who was raised in Armenia. Mr. Santerian has a Tony Soprano vibe in that he looks Italian and is tanned and super chill; it's fitting that his family business is running golf courses so he's on the green all day everyday! He's cool because he's laid back but at the same time really involved in the lives of his kids. Yknow how some dads are quiet a lot of the time during social gatherings? Well he, my dad and Kuya EJ were talking all throughout dinner and it was so comfortable. He's awesome. And Mrs. Santerian is the sweetest thing. She has that southern charm (hospitality), so she was super friendly and offering to help me if I ever need anything, whether a place to go for the long breaks, a nice home-cooked meal, or a shopping buddy. She's pretty conservative values-wise, so she and Kristen were reassuring me and my mom that we wouldn't have any problems like bringing boyfriends into the room or whatever. It turns out Kristen and her mom did exactly the same things as me and my mom when we found out who our roommate was going to be -- check Facebook to make sure she's not scandalous or gothic or anything horrifying :)) Anyway she's so cute; I'm happy I have a mommy in Philly! And Kristen is just great. She has the values of her parents, is so grounded and has her priorities straight, but at the same time she's not boring or a religious zealot at all. She's so fun to talk to, girlier than me but not maarte, and we have a lot in common! Actually it turns out our families have a lot in common. Our brothers are exactly alike in that they're HS juniors who are happy not to be like their sisters (grades-wise), the creative type that detests studying and enjoys computer games or X-box, maloko, pilosopo, street smart and malambing. Her mom comes from a family of three and her dad from a family of five, just like my mom and dad. Both our dads run second generation family businesses. Pretty much the same values system all around, and a whole lot of other things I can't remember. The only differences that came up all night are: JV loves to read and Mark Jr. doesn't; Kristen's mom cooks and mine doesn't. We're so unbelievably compatible it's almost creepy haha but it's not -- it's really, really nice; and it makes me so excited for the year ahead! What an amazing night. I discovered a totally chic place to eat, met an absolutely wonderful family and found out that, thanks to the Santerians' connections, a) Kristen and I can get a suite at the Sheraton during exam week in case it gets too noisy on campus, b) our laundry can be picked up directly from our room free of charge and c) an interior decorator is fixing up our dorm. BOO YA! :))
3. I'm moving in tomorrow -- I mean later! I'm so so so so exciteeeeeeeddd :D
Saturday, August 23
Major back-posting: August 19-23
Aug. 19-20: TRAVEL
Longest. Trip. EVER.
3 hours in NAIA. 10 hours Manila to Honolulu. 7 hour layover. 5 hours Honolulu to Houston. 2.5 hour layover. 3 hour delay (while sitting in the plane). 3 hours Houston to New York. 1 hour in La Guardia. 2 hours to Tita Shubee's place.
36+ hours of shuffling about, carrying bags and not being able to sleep on the plane. Haha I was exhaaauuuusted by the end of it, but there were little things in between that made me happy. :)
1. There was no "airplane smell" (the one that makes me nauseous) on any of the planes.
2. We got to explore a bit of Hawaii during the long layover. Lunch at Duke's Canoe Club. Chilling on Waikiki Beach (hottiiieeesss). Walking around Waikiki (which reminded me of Bora because everyone was half naked haha except they were dressed this way on the streets, too, and not just on the beach!) Visit to Tita Roselia's golf club in the mountains (which was b-e-a-utiful). Etc etc. Thanks, tita!
3. I got to call Tita Gen and Tita Micki on Y!M at the airport because I leeched off the free wi-fi of the Japan Air Lines VIP lounge hahaha.
4. My seatmate from Honolulu to Houston was a really funny and friendly guy. We talked a lot! David Serotko is his name. He's 29 and after our conversation he asked for my e-mail address hahaha.
5. The weather was perfect! Good transition between the Philippines and the US. It was so warm and sunny, but it was windy and cool at the same time. Best of both worlds! :)
6. Even if we got to Tita Shubee's house really late, everyone waited up for us. Tita was peering out the door, and as soon as the car pulled into the driveway, Sammy and Joey rushed out to greet us. Carmen wasn't home yet, and Katerina didn't come down because she was changing. I surprised her in the room, and she got upset that I saw her naked. She's 6 years old hahaha.
7. Tita Shubee's place is AMAZING. Far from the neighbors, hidden from the road, spacious and woody, with a lovely backyard. Pictures up on my Multiply :P
Aug. 21: NEW YORK
We woke up late, so we didn't get to do much, but it was still awesome. Tita Shubee dropped us off at the Princeton Junction station of the New Jersey Transit (NJT) Rail, and we rode about 40 minutes to the New York: Penn Station, where we switched to the subway. Got out and went straight to TKTS to get seats for a play in the evening. We wanted to watch Mamma Mia, but nothing was available so we got tickets to Spamalot instead. We had uber late lunch at around 4:30 pm at this restaurant called The Blue Point. The food was awesome, and it was a totally enjoyable experience save for this scuffle between a guy and a waitress. I think he asked if he could work there, and she joked saying they only hire women, and the guy was totally offended. He's gay, I think, so maybe that's why? Not sure. Anyway. He made a huge fuss about what she said, and he even called the manager over. Apparently the girl told him from the beginning that she was only kidding.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was a joke."
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it would be a problem."
Oooooh. Haha anyway, New York experience. :P After that, we headed over to the theater and met up with Kuya EJ. (Kuya EJ!! I missed him so much. He looked good and really happy to be in the East Coast, and I'm so proud of him for arranging all on his own the plans for him to study there instead of in California. Kuys, I'm so happy you're finally happy!) So it was him, me, my mom, my dad and Spamalot. Kasabawan to the MAXXX, pero enjoy pa rin haha :P
The most interesting part of that day was the train ride home. Mom and I sat behind a bunch of girls whom I thought were high school seniors because of the way they talked about "college people." I was listening to their conversation because I was amused with their accents. Exactly the stereotype you imagine from TV and stuff haha. Then I continued listening because I couldn't help it: they were so noisy, and they talked NON-STOP. My boyfriend this, my boyfriend that, I hate when he mentions the wife thing ---- WHAT. I thought I heard wrong and then I saw the ring on one girl's left ring finger. Apparently she (Sarah) and her boyfriend (Scott) [yes I know their names hahaha] are engaged. I'd tell you in detail how I found out the whole story because it's so funny, but this post is getting really long haha. Gist: she got pregnant senior year and they moved in together after graduation. Now they're raising their kid, I think with help from their parents, and they plan to get married after college.
The point of that story in this entry: friends whom I love so much, THAT STUFF REALLY HAPPENS. Please, please, please be careful, okay? If anything should ever happen, I wouldn't want anyone to commit murder through abortion so prevention na lang. Seriously, guys. Haha anyway.
Aug. 22: PHILLY
We decided to visit my campus! I can't describe what I felt when, as we were driving to West Philadelphia, I saw the huge sign: Penn welcomes you to university city! I started going, "AAAAHHH!! Get the camera, get the camera!" Haha we were a bit lost at first, but we managed to get around. The people there are so friendly and helpful. I got my PennCard, set up my bank account and bought my first Penn hoodie at the bookstore! Which is, by the way, huge and totally wonderful. I fell in love with the Stanford Bookstore, but Penn's is even better, I think. The cafe upstairs brews Starbucks coffee, mmmhhhmmm. Hahaha. The visit wasn't very long because I had to meet up with my cousins in the evening, but it was exhilarating all the same. I can't wait to start school. :)
After Penn, we went to the Franklin Institute (in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who btw founded the university I'm attending) and went around the museum with my cousins. Then Tita Grace picked us up and took us to Chinatown, where we had a most scrum-didilly-umptious dinner at the Imperial Inn.
Funny experience on the way home: I'm walking down the street, holding Katerina's hand, and she started talking to me in a serious tone.
Katkat: "The other night, I didn't want you to come into the room because I was changing."
Me: *silently nods*
Katkat: "I don't ever want to see you again while I'm changing."
Me: *jaw drops* *tries to keep a serious face*
Katkat: "I need my privacy, y'know."
Remember, she's SIX! :))
Aug. 23: BENGZON BONDING
Tita Shubs hosted a party in our honor, and a lot of my second and third cousins were there. Kakatamad to describe in detail, it was just like any other family get together. Except maybe I should mention my cousin, Gaby, who's going to Stanford in the fall. :) I'm so proud of her!
Highlights:
1. Super yummy food.
2. The discovery that Tita Grace is half Filipino, half French, and studied in UP. Kaya pala she can speak Tagalog :))
3. "I Have Never" with the older cousins. I lost. HAHAHA
Longest. Trip. EVER.
3 hours in NAIA. 10 hours Manila to Honolulu. 7 hour layover. 5 hours Honolulu to Houston. 2.5 hour layover. 3 hour delay (while sitting in the plane). 3 hours Houston to New York. 1 hour in La Guardia. 2 hours to Tita Shubee's place.
36+ hours of shuffling about, carrying bags and not being able to sleep on the plane. Haha I was exhaaauuuusted by the end of it, but there were little things in between that made me happy. :)
1. There was no "airplane smell" (the one that makes me nauseous) on any of the planes.
2. We got to explore a bit of Hawaii during the long layover. Lunch at Duke's Canoe Club. Chilling on Waikiki Beach (hottiiieeesss). Walking around Waikiki (which reminded me of Bora because everyone was half naked haha except they were dressed this way on the streets, too, and not just on the beach!) Visit to Tita Roselia's golf club in the mountains (which was b-e-a-utiful). Etc etc. Thanks, tita!
3. I got to call Tita Gen and Tita Micki on Y!M at the airport because I leeched off the free wi-fi of the Japan Air Lines VIP lounge hahaha.
4. My seatmate from Honolulu to Houston was a really funny and friendly guy. We talked a lot! David Serotko is his name. He's 29 and after our conversation he asked for my e-mail address hahaha.
5. The weather was perfect! Good transition between the Philippines and the US. It was so warm and sunny, but it was windy and cool at the same time. Best of both worlds! :)
6. Even if we got to Tita Shubee's house really late, everyone waited up for us. Tita was peering out the door, and as soon as the car pulled into the driveway, Sammy and Joey rushed out to greet us. Carmen wasn't home yet, and Katerina didn't come down because she was changing. I surprised her in the room, and she got upset that I saw her naked. She's 6 years old hahaha.
7. Tita Shubee's place is AMAZING. Far from the neighbors, hidden from the road, spacious and woody, with a lovely backyard. Pictures up on my Multiply :P
Aug. 21: NEW YORK
We woke up late, so we didn't get to do much, but it was still awesome. Tita Shubee dropped us off at the Princeton Junction station of the New Jersey Transit (NJT) Rail, and we rode about 40 minutes to the New York: Penn Station, where we switched to the subway. Got out and went straight to TKTS to get seats for a play in the evening. We wanted to watch Mamma Mia, but nothing was available so we got tickets to Spamalot instead. We had uber late lunch at around 4:30 pm at this restaurant called The Blue Point. The food was awesome, and it was a totally enjoyable experience save for this scuffle between a guy and a waitress. I think he asked if he could work there, and she joked saying they only hire women, and the guy was totally offended. He's gay, I think, so maybe that's why? Not sure. Anyway. He made a huge fuss about what she said, and he even called the manager over. Apparently the girl told him from the beginning that she was only kidding.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was a joke."
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it would be a problem."
Oooooh. Haha anyway, New York experience. :P After that, we headed over to the theater and met up with Kuya EJ. (Kuya EJ!! I missed him so much. He looked good and really happy to be in the East Coast, and I'm so proud of him for arranging all on his own the plans for him to study there instead of in California. Kuys, I'm so happy you're finally happy!) So it was him, me, my mom, my dad and Spamalot. Kasabawan to the MAXXX, pero enjoy pa rin haha :P
The most interesting part of that day was the train ride home. Mom and I sat behind a bunch of girls whom I thought were high school seniors because of the way they talked about "college people." I was listening to their conversation because I was amused with their accents. Exactly the stereotype you imagine from TV and stuff haha. Then I continued listening because I couldn't help it: they were so noisy, and they talked NON-STOP. My boyfriend this, my boyfriend that, I hate when he mentions the wife thing ---- WHAT. I thought I heard wrong and then I saw the ring on one girl's left ring finger. Apparently she (Sarah) and her boyfriend (Scott) [yes I know their names hahaha] are engaged. I'd tell you in detail how I found out the whole story because it's so funny, but this post is getting really long haha. Gist: she got pregnant senior year and they moved in together after graduation. Now they're raising their kid, I think with help from their parents, and they plan to get married after college.
The point of that story in this entry: friends whom I love so much, THAT STUFF REALLY HAPPENS. Please, please, please be careful, okay? If anything should ever happen, I wouldn't want anyone to commit murder through abortion so prevention na lang. Seriously, guys. Haha anyway.
Aug. 22: PHILLY
We decided to visit my campus! I can't describe what I felt when, as we were driving to West Philadelphia, I saw the huge sign: Penn welcomes you to university city! I started going, "AAAAHHH!! Get the camera, get the camera!" Haha we were a bit lost at first, but we managed to get around. The people there are so friendly and helpful. I got my PennCard, set up my bank account and bought my first Penn hoodie at the bookstore! Which is, by the way, huge and totally wonderful. I fell in love with the Stanford Bookstore, but Penn's is even better, I think. The cafe upstairs brews Starbucks coffee, mmmhhhmmm. Hahaha. The visit wasn't very long because I had to meet up with my cousins in the evening, but it was exhilarating all the same. I can't wait to start school. :)
After Penn, we went to the Franklin Institute (in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who btw founded the university I'm attending) and went around the museum with my cousins. Then Tita Grace picked us up and took us to Chinatown, where we had a most scrum-didilly-umptious dinner at the Imperial Inn.
Funny experience on the way home: I'm walking down the street, holding Katerina's hand, and she started talking to me in a serious tone.
Katkat: "The other night, I didn't want you to come into the room because I was changing."
Me: *silently nods*
Katkat: "I don't ever want to see you again while I'm changing."
Me: *jaw drops* *tries to keep a serious face*
Katkat: "I need my privacy, y'know."
Remember, she's SIX! :))
Aug. 23: BENGZON BONDING
Tita Shubs hosted a party in our honor, and a lot of my second and third cousins were there. Kakatamad to describe in detail, it was just like any other family get together. Except maybe I should mention my cousin, Gaby, who's going to Stanford in the fall. :) I'm so proud of her!
Highlights:
1. Super yummy food.
2. The discovery that Tita Grace is half Filipino, half French, and studied in UP. Kaya pala she can speak Tagalog :))
3. "I Have Never" with the older cousins. I lost. HAHAHA
la naissance
The mission: to document my experiences of university life
The aim: to share it with you
because no oceans, nor continents, nor thousands of miles can truly separate you from the ones you love. :)
A little background on the title of this blog: "Letters from Felix" is a book my mom bought for me and my brother back when we were little. It's about a velveteen rabbit (as in, stuffed toy) that leaves his owner (a girl named Sophie) to travel around the world. As he goes around the world and goes through all sorts of adventures, he writes to Sophie and tries to share his experiences with her. The book contains those letters, postage stamps and all. I can't remember how the story ends, or whether Felix ever returns home to Sophie, but I know they stayed in touch. And that's what I'm definitely going to do. :)
The aim: to share it with you
because no oceans, nor continents, nor thousands of miles can truly separate you from the ones you love. :)
A little background on the title of this blog: "Letters from Felix" is a book my mom bought for me and my brother back when we were little. It's about a velveteen rabbit (as in, stuffed toy) that leaves his owner (a girl named Sophie) to travel around the world. As he goes around the world and goes through all sorts of adventures, he writes to Sophie and tries to share his experiences with her. The book contains those letters, postage stamps and all. I can't remember how the story ends, or whether Felix ever returns home to Sophie, but I know they stayed in touch. And that's what I'm definitely going to do. :)
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