Forget Me Not!

“Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so we ask ourselves: Will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we were gone and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?”

Beautiful isn’t it? That’s the opening line for Troy.

Dear ______, fellow ______, let me tell you a story about someone who I need to get to know even more. A story about someone who I don’t even know how to begin with.

This is my opening line. Listen up...

9/21. Two numbers that marked its significance in our history. The month and the day when one nation received its most significant accomplishment yet.

No, that’s not its Independence Day. It’s my birthday. I was born on a Monday, yes! It also is the exact same date when Martial Law was declared in the country.

But who am I, you may ask.

To be honest, I have no idea. I don’t know.

All I know is that, I am scared. I am scared to know who I really am. I also am scared of not knowing what I may be.

Recently, I found myself contemplating on how to give my life meaning. How to live my life with a purpose. There must be something, you know. Have you ever had that kind of feeling? Have you ever had those kinds of thoughts? Do you sometimes just stare blankly into the ceiling and look for answers?

I have been living away from home for a total of almost 10 years now. I used to go home once in every year until this pandemic happened. The past couple of years have been really challenging. And so here I am, stuck!

What am I doing about it? Nothing. First of all, I live in a nation where English is not the primary language. They don’t read English. They don’t speak English. Even if I want to do volunteer work - to contribute, to make a difference, I’d be deemed useless. Again, I ask myself - Who am I? This is not who I am. This is not what I am supposed to be.

So many questions, right? And by surprise, another question seem to have found me an answer - What can I do? What can I do?!

And just like that, here I am sharing with you a project that was created out of all this mess. It’s a platform where people of all ages from all walks of life can participate. I founded a small and simple club I proudly call “Halo-Halo Open Mic Lab” - It’s an online performance platform that’s accessible to anyone who has the passion, the talent, and the skill to showcase what they can do, share what they know, and tell the community who  they are in the process. It’s a safe place where they can sing their hearts out, dance like no one’s watching, read a story they’ve been longing to introduce, and perform like it’s the last day of their lives without any judgement. It’s a place where we communicate, connect, and feel alive despite the distance. More importantly, learn. Most important of all, believe! So far we have accumulated a total of 20 active participants from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Once again, I ask. Will our names echo across the centuries? Maybe not.

Will strangers hear our names long after we were gone? Probably not.

Will strangers wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved? Perhaps not ever.

But, we can not let ourselves forget about us. We need to remember who we are. We need to know what we are made of. I made myself know and realize what I can do. I made myself remember, ME! I created an opportunity despite the difficulty.

 

I am success. I am a failure. I am a dreamer. I also am my own reality. 

That’s my story and I continue to be a work in progress.

 

Everyone, My name is ____, born in the _____, raised around the world. Thank you very much for listening and I’m glad to be a part of today’s session. Back to you, ______ Cherry!

On Effort and Expectations

People who say they don't have any expectations are the very same people who don't exert any effort. 

Imagine joining a competition and not expect to win. So why exert effort? That mindset alone has made one a loser. 

Imagine an institution that practices a "no-fail" policy. No expectations of passing. No expectations of failing. So why exert effort? 

These people are cowards. Whether they admit it or not, they are afraid of losing something. They are afraid of losing someone. But, they just don't exert effort for things to be kept and for people not to leave. 

I expect a lot from people. I exert a lot of effort on them. Whether they stay or leave or take me for granted, I don't have any regrets. As they say,  it's their loss and not mine. There will always be someone, out there, who deserves my effort, time, attention, commitment, and loyalty. She's out there waiting for me to find her. And when I do, I won't ever let her go. I hope she doesn't let me go. I expect her not to. 

#oneffortandexpectations

Learn English. Anytime. Anywhere.

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FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH: If you're not willing to invest, then you'll never be able to gain.

Hello! My name's Riva. I am a TEFL-certified teacher of English. I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and I have been teaching English to kids and adults for 6 years.

I have worked with clients of all ages in order to help them discover their full potential while taking on an approach highlighting patience and self-encouragement - SOMETIMES, ALL IT TAKES TO REALLY UNDERSTAND A MATERIAL IS A CONSIDERATE INSTRUCTOR WHO KNOWS HOW TO TEACH AT YOUR PACE. Through my unique and personalized approach, my students are able to develop study habits and effective learning strategies that last.

My greatest joy is watching students succeed and unlock their own potential. Let's work together. What are you waiting for? Book lessons with me NOW!!! Have fun! See you later alligator! =)

WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT ME?

On My Romance with Chemistry

Graduated high school with a 93 score
Second in class. Eleventh overall
To myself I said, what a way to end
Hope this goes on as university begin

Here comes results of university examinations
Qualified for engineering as I passed with flying colors
That's not the plan however
As communication was a bread and butter
Signed up with Liberal Arts except for one I discover

To wear a SKIRT (I repeat, a SKIRT) as a uniform
One thing I myself will never ever conform
Made me feel dizzy, from my head to the core
Had no choice but to take Ch.E as a major

And so my romance with Chemistry began
The periodic table was my alphabet all-year round
All the neurons in my brain working as one
Even butterflies in my stomach still alive, having fun

Then, (all of a sudden) PH level though started to rise
Acidity all over couldn't be confined
Test tubes, flasks, and beakers started to break
Even the centrifuge I was using seem to contaminate

Reality dawned on me like it was some residue
Needed a perfect solvent to dissolve some solute
Rediscovering, reinventing, recalculating my every move
Only one experiment left for chemical imbalance be proved

Seemed like Ch.E and I had no chemistry
Decided to abort and pursue the first love of me
The original plan was to become a radio jockey
Which saw the possibility and exposed me on TV

Here I am right now, telling you my story
Hope it inspires you to do what you wanna do, be who you wanna be
Despite the failed covalent bonding with chemistry
There's no regret to have experimented with it
And I still think of it periodically

Oh how I loved Chemistry
It's just that, we weren't meant to be
That's all I can share on my romance with thee


(It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all)

O-N-E. ONE.

To get charged with a crime never committed
To be blamed for faults never intended
To suffer from humiliation, mortification
Every day I ask myself for some justification
For you, that's too simple, basic, or normal
All in all, as they say, they are fundamental

I've got two eyes. One on the left. One on the right.
I see things with clarity and yours seem to be damaged badly
Of all the right things I did, good things I do
You seem not to mind any of those, and that's true
What you'd like me to be, what you choose to see
Are these grave flaws from deep within me

In this world we're living in, I get to see reality
Happiness isn't a right and I just can't be
My thoughts, my soul, and my rights, in all those sleepless nights
Suppressed, exploited, abused and my body is confined

As you can see, frailty cannot be in my vocabulary
For you, for them, and for everybody else
The me, myself, and I - absurdity personified
Emotions are dry, physical sensations deprived
And with torpid senses, well, I hide

As I walk alone, barefoot, and naked
My soul beneath it, surrounded by hatred
Questions cloud my head, should my volition be served
Or better yet conceal it than my soul be shattered

As filthy as dust, my existence to cease
I hope to be heard from my grave and be pleased
Standing alone, fighting on my own
Proving my worth, I'm gonna do from now on

When all is said and done
When the sun finally touches down
You and I both know
We're all human, not knowing what's for tomorrow

(Treat each other as ONE)

Expat Meets World (Nomadic Style)

A travel presentation prepared and created to address the needs not only of frequent travelers but also of those who are about to begin their journeys. It's a compilation of different useful tips based on personal experience and experiences of other travelers, websites, and other videos.

Whether you're planning to go on a short-term or a long-term trip, traveling doesn't have to be expensive. There are several ways to travel with less budget and hassle-free.

Movie Review: รุ่นพี่ (Runpee) - "Senior" (Thai Film)

Genre: Teenage Romantic Ghost Film

Writer/Director: Wisit Sasanatieng

Cast: Ploychompoo (Jannine Weigel), Pongsakorn Tosuwan

Release Date: 03rd December 2015 (Thailand and ASEAN)

Runtime: 110 minutes

"This movie will change your beliefs about ghosts forever."

If you're looking for a film that has a different take on anything "ghost-related", then this is the kind of movie one must not miss.

Set in an old place of the royal one 50 years back, two teenagers must work together and play detective to unravel the mystery surrounding a boarding school. This pairing however, is not your usual boy meets girl deciding to save the world as Mon, the teenage girl played by Ploychompoo (or Jannine Weigel, Thai-German) has this very strange habit of smelling anything she touches - she could smell the spirits of the dead as well. Her partner on the other hand, is a mysterious boy she has never seen before. She calls him "Runpee" or "Senior" played by Pongsakorn Tosuwan . The story follows Mon and "Runpee" as they come together to solve old cases in the past. The two of them made a deal to perform a joint investigation on a murder that happened a long time ago. The princess at that time was brutally murdered and an old gardener was accused of committing the crime although he is seen pleading innocent - he was sentenced to death by firing squad. That's when spirits started to hover the building. Unusual noises and creepy feels all over. The spirits keep on crying for justice trying to ascertain the real killer. Mon and "Runpee" must search for all the evidences leading to the discovery and capture of the killer despite the twists and the turns.

The film's actors effective portrayal of their roles plays a major part as to why this film is a joy to watch. Ploychompoo and Pongsakorn blended so well like cookies and cream. The on-screen chemistry between them was as nice and as sweet as honey. I felt the connection between them that made me feel like a teenager once again together with the other youngsters inside the moviehouse. Moviegoers reacted to their precious and sweet encounters throughout the film. The supporting characters and their supporting stories moved me to tears a couple of times which proves of how well they played their parts. A ghost story that touches different aspects of human life and our connection with each other. Mostly with monologues which I find talented and clever, one could definitely relate to each of the characters as they move and grow along the film.

The individuals working behind the scenes are not to be ignored as they're as good as the actors with all of those special effects (graphics). Throughout "Senior", the effects were so cool and amazing that it was like experiencing what had transpired 50 years ago. The descriptions were beautifully and effectively illustrated that I myself got convinced to be watching a real ghost. It wasn't that artsy. It didn't strain my eyes. It was just a mix of basic computer graphics and storytelling. There was actually a scene where "Runpee" was exploring an old library on his own and by following him, I felt like I was going through those walls as well. Call it weird. Another indicator of an effective storytelling are the camera works. The film capitalized on panning and zooming with mostly medium shots to build the tension and anticipation of something to come and yet managed to be unpredictable.

This story, complete with effective performances on both acting and effects, is great for all those who need a break from their daily those of heavy drama. It's a ghost film yet packed with funny lines the Thai style accompanied by teenage take on love, friendship, struggles, and sorrow. A movie treat for every member of the family. Mon, with her relentless attitude on life despite her tragic family story, never backs down. She herself not only found a detective partner but friendship and love that transcends time - the kind that will truly last for a lifetime.

An 8/10 rating on my personal scale; go, sitback, relax, and see the movie. Definitely worth my 200 baht and yours too..8

Vehicle Reconditioning Means Responsible Driving

Orange means "slow down", red means "stop", and green means "go!" You must be familiar with all of those by now and you should. That's a great sign that one is responsible, not only as a citizen, but also, as a driver.

Being a responsible driver means so much as it doesn't affect only one's well being but of the others as well. Let us take into consideration the people who we see on the road every day. They cross the street, they patiently wait for a ride and they trust you with their lives as they get on the vehicle to be home, with you, behind the wheels. That's how significant your role is whenever you go out the streets and be part of a journey. You want to be one? Here's how.

First, you need to make sure that you and your vehicle are in great condition. Ask yourself if you're fit to drive. Next, properly and regularly check on your vehicle's level of performance. How you see your car will definitely be a barometer on how you treat it. If you see it as something providing you convenience, then you might just give it a little attention. If it is something you consider as a valuable possession, then you might just give it all your attention. Whatever it is, it's important to specifically maintain it for more reliability and higher resale value.

To start with, why don't you think of the word "visibility" as a top priority? After all, drving is seeing especially what's in front of you and not what's visible for you. Remember, eyes on the road! There are two things to consider - the mirrors, both the rear view and the side view mirrors and the windshield. For the rear view mirrors, avoid having too many decorations for they may hinder your sight. Same thing goes with your side view mirrors. They must be well-adjusted to suit you preference and they must be clean and clear. The windshield must be free from scratches, must not have cracks and must not be broken. If any of them appears and is present, have it checked and repaired by a car specialist. Once again, there's nothing to worry about since a car specialist may be contacted right away to provide you the service that you need. Your insurance provider is also there to help you cover most or all of the cost. Another thing to be taken into consideration are the headlights. Most vehicles on the road today have cloudy and discolored headlights. This seems to be a problem for this affects one's vision by 90% at night. An auto body repair shop can help you fix this at any time in just a short time. Safety first!

Safety on the road must always be implemented. It is a rule and it is a responsibility. We need to be attentive and we need to be involved. We should always remember that driving is not just a job but a devotion. We may not be able to avoid and prevent all road accidents all the time but it's a a goosd start to have control over it before it happens. You have the power. It's all in your hands. And here comes your signal: Go!