The Graven Image

“Who’s your idol?” is just an ordinary question we used to hear way back to our toddler years. Frequently, we reply with numerous names of action stars, comedians, and other popular personalities we used to watch in TV or in movies. But as we mature, we slowly start to realize the true meaning of the word “idol”. We are now starting to unfold and comprehend the true characteristics that build up the word. Our childhood discernment, we’ll soon realize, is wrong after all.

For me, an idol is someone worthy of emulation. He must have done something important, not only for himself, but also for the sake of the people around him. It may seem funny, but my real idol is not really a person. He’s an anime character. He is Naruto.

I have watched the Naruto series since it was first shown on TV. If my memory serves me right, I think I am in first year high school when this particular anime caught my attention. I have been inspired to find out that the main character, despite his temporary inabilities, has tried to accomplish a difficult task. In other words to say, I have seen myself on him.

Just like Naruto, I also like to try new things and sometimes, I do face failure. But the most important part in failing is the lesson you have learned in the process. I have learned many good things from him that I’m slowly trying to comprehend. A simple anime character has made little but significant changes in my life.

All in all, there are no things needed to qualify as an idol. An idol can be someone, or even something as long as he (or it) is worthy of the title. You do not really have to search or find your true idol. Just listen to your heart and you’ll find the answer. Who knows, he might just be around you. Perhaps the real idol can be you.

Friends Forever

They say high school life is the best. Well, they have said it right. In high school, you’ll feel all emotions - happy or sad, excited or afraid. For me, it’s the so-called climax in your school life.

The video below is a tribute to the graduate class of St. Mary Magdalene School in the S.Y. 2007-2008. This video was viewed last Apr. 4, 2008, on the occasion of SMMS’s 33rd Commencement Exercises. Enjoy watching!

P.S. This video was made possible by the combined efforts of Rob (that’s me!), Marikay, and Jeanalyn.

First Year, First Semester Schedule

No big deal here. I just want to share my first college schedule in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). Here it is:

P.S. I am very lucky to have a half day class almost everyday. I can still spend the other half of my day to do anything.

Certified DOTAddict

I can still remember the day I first learned how to play Defense of the Ancients (DOTA). It has taken place just last December 15, 2007. That day also marked my first DOTA victory.    I have never expected that I would be a certified DOTAddict (DOTA Addict) months after that experience. I don’t know the reason why but I can’t really last a week without playing DOTA. Maybe this computer game has something that makes the players’ eyes glued to the screen and their fingers nailed on the keyboard. Maybe it has an exotic feature that other games do not have. Maybe it has all. For me, it does have all.

Presently, I have already a five-month-DOTA-jam and I intend to continue unless there’s a very, very plausible reason to do so.

P.S. Spot me at Garena and let’s play DOTA! My username is robronn.

"The Greatest Serial Killers of the World"

Early this morning, at about 10:00 AM, my mother and I, together with my aunt, went to SM Bacoor to buy some stuffs and relax, since it is a hot morning for all of us.    The usual routine have taken place. Of course, upon entering the mall, my feet ordered me to head straight to National Bookstore. I had two reasons to be there. First is to register myself as a “Laking National Bookstore Member”. The second is to find a new book to read.

While strolling along the shelves of books, I stumbled upon a very, very interesting title: “The Greatest Serial Killers of the World”. Being a history lover myself, I found no other reasons than to head straight to the counter and pay so that I can start reading the book as soon as I got home. But as I look more, I have noted that there are also other books in the series that also talks about world history, only different in the subject. Some of the books I have found are about unsolved crimes, wealthiest losers, political scandals, and many more. But I decided to read only one book at a time so I chose the serial killer book and promised myself that next time I set foot on NBS, I would buy another title in the series.

Meanwhile, I’ll continue reading this book and finish it before next week.