Tag: December 14, 2002

THE MONTHLY exams should be scrapped. The examinations, which only a few colleges have, are a misnomer, especially in the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Other schools have three grading periods, called prelims, mid-term, and finals–more appropriate than the faculty’s monthly, prelims, and finals.

ONCE again, we are celebrating Christmas, a season when we can relive the values that the world urgently needs now—peace, joy, love. Indeed, we are thankful that there is Christmas because it sets the bright mood that can easily dispel the gloomy atmosphere brought about by fears, disappointments and uncertainties of the times. Once again we are reminded of the great news that was announced first to the lowly shepherd: “Do not be afraid. I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.

SINCE childhood, rainbows have always fascinated me. The way their colors divide the sky after a slight drizzle of rain would always leave me dumbstruck.

But what intrigues me most about the rainbow is not its color nor the way its arc forms a bridge to the heavens, but the story about finding its end, which is said to be laden with a pot of gold.

In life, the end of the rainbow may stand for a dream or a status in life that you would have wanted to reach.

BELIEVING that you are good gives delight. However, knowing that you have become better bestows fulfillment.

This is what I have realized after chronicling the memorable episodes of my life this year—a cautious trek on the same path where I have struggled to make my dreams come true and achieve my ambitions.

* * *

Though I keep my intimate channels to God open, I do not consider myself a devout Catholic. I even consider myself a heretic at times.

HAVING to write a regular column, even if it is just once a month, can be the most tiring and distressing of activities. First, there is the strenuous process of coming up with a topic good enough for the paper. Second is the equally straining process of searching for the right words and arranging them in the best possible way so as to convey the right message.

THE IMPOSING and majestic historic UST Main Building acquired a soft, romantic ambience complete with lights that surround the courtyard, touch of nature, cold Christmas breeze and melodious music as it served as venue for Samutsaring Himig Para sa Damdamin. This spectacular caroling by the UST Symphony Band last Dec. 4, was part of the ongoing UST Cultural Nights Series. The concert that ushered in the Christmas season in UST.

RELAX and treat yourself to a good book this Christmas break and pick out any of the highly recommended titles below. Rediscover the magic of Christmas in these selections of previously and newly published novels from Jerry Bledsoe, Phyllis Thereoux, David Baldacci, and Michael Malone.

Papa’s Angels: A Christmas Story (New World Library, 1996)
Collin Wilcox Paxton and Gary Carden