The Road,Odyssey… Into the Wild March 10, 2013

“HAPPINESS IS REAL WHEN SHARED.” – Christopher Johnson McCandless

Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer

In my search for the beautiful movies of all time, I scanned almost a hundreds of it based on movie ratings, and reviews. My heart leap and I felt a sudden regret that what on earth I had forgotten this great story. Many would raise a brow or just totally ignore it because few people would literally understand why I really like this movie.

I even scribbled a three-page reaction almost 2 years ago when I stumbled at this non-fiction book for the second time. Obviously, I read it again. The book was “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer.  It was one of the greatest stories I ever read. It was actually based on Christopher Johnson McCandless’ diary of his journey into the wild towards Alaska.

The movie started on a scene that Chris’ mom was having a nightmare. She kept on saying that she saw Chris. It was an adventurous journey for Chris. He left everything behind and started a new life without any penny on his pocket, changed his name to Alexander Supertramp, and left no trace of his existence. He called his home The Road.

Chris McCandless came from a wealth family. He had only one sibling, Carine whom he dearly loves. His sister believed that his parents were the main reason why Chris left them and continued to leave alone. Chris finished his studies at Emory University famous for being an editor, and A grades (he finished with an average of 3.72). He belonged to an elite athlete; making God his motivation and he competes to win! He never entered any fraternity. He was a constant achiever.

After his graduation, he told his father that he’s going to attend Harvard Law School; which was of course, his father’s dream for him. He was offered a new car but he refused to accept because he doesn’t want another car that will replace his old car and he said he doesn’t need a new car.

He was a great brother a sister could ever have. He spent time idly just to wait a school kid sister from school so that they could get home together. He was a junior high school student who held his sister’s hand on their way home. For me, he was a perfect son parents could ever ask.

He was a man for others. Why is that so? He donated his $25, 000 saving to charity. He travelled by his car and slept on the road. His spent nights interviewing with the pimps, prostitutes and gangsters and fed them.hen the flash flood washed his car away he abandoned it and burn every traces of his identity including cash left in his pocket.

He travelled through hitch hiking. He met people on the road and be friend with them. People who met him were very fond of him. He was very hardworking and friendly. But some discouraged him to go to Alaska.

Quote taken from Into The Wild movie

But one thing that people who might read his life story is that they will conclude his crazy, idiot and idealistic. But for me, he is adorable. He knows what he wanted. He was fearless. A was a very fine man; an ideal man to be frank.

He has this belief that what does it takes to be a real man – a man of sacrifice and love of freedom. One should not take a YES to every decisions that are dictated by others. He should seek absolute freedom and truth.One reason of his isolation from society is his parents. He even called his dad a bigamist. His dad was legally married and his mom became an accomplice. But when Chris was not found his parents seek the help of private investigators to track him but only the postcards sent by Chris to his sister that he sent were just the fading clue of his existence. His parents became closer to each other when Chris was traveling alone. Carine, his sister felt that his brother loved her despite of lack of communication.

He was also a man of nature. He would never kill if not for his need to feed. He will never burn the forest just to seek help (SOS). But sad to say he died in starvation in his Alaska Odyssey. Unfortunately, he died at a very young age (24) in 1992. Before he died, his diary says that he thank God for the vastness of the Earth’s beauty. who lost their way in the wilderness did not blame God but thank him for everything a man needs is around him.

From Chris McCandless’ diary in the movie into the wild

He encouraged others to leave the life of a capitalist and go into the wild – LOST!

Disclaimer: My opinion is based on what I’ve read , seen (movie) and understand. I don not own these photos above.

Regiene

3/10/2013 9:59pm

The Newer You This 2013 December 30, 2012

Before 2012 concludes, I just wanted to share my own thoughts of the pre-new year rush.

Every bone in our body is shaking with excitement. At last! It’s new year’s day!

Have you made any resolutions? For me, I’ve written it on my mind because I seldom get the chance to see and read it. It seemed a long forgotten story for me once I had written it. I might check on it few days before the year ends. It has become useless and meaningless. I preferred to bear it in mind for a change.

I’m no expert in superstitions… of that polka dot thingy but I believe that it is the first things that we do on New Years Day that will determine our luck for 2013. It is what we do in our everyday living.

These are the things that I wanted to do on the first day of the year.

1)      Wake up early and utter thanksgiving. Yes! It is going to be one great day to thank God for He has given us another year. How will you do that? Of course, you need to be hangover free! That’s what I’m talking about? Uh-oh but everybody wants to celebrate it with a toast, right? Yeah, right? But know what enough is because you might end up lying in bed the whole day because of hangover.

2)      Exercise your muscle and freshen up. To keep our body healthy is already a cliché but it’s more of a reminder. Jog in place, brisk walking or whatever exercise you are used to. It just to warm you up and increase energy and enthusiasm to feel good on that day. Freshen up after some sweaty routine.

3)    Eat good food. It the time that everybody gains extra calorie. Who cares about dieting but bear in mind eat good food. Extra junks would be at all good. We do have fruits because we have that belief that we need to have the round things to attract good fortune.

4)      Avoid things that might stress you out. You need to attract positive energy not the opposite. For me, I must avoid spending longer hours in front of my computer because it reminds me of a lot of things and it might give me an impression that I might stare at it every single day because that’s what IT student does! HAHAHA not really!

5)      Take a nap. Forty-winks is important. You need to have an extra sleep because I guess you haven’t had a decent sleep.

6)      Chill day. You don’t need to do so many chores for that day so treat yourself. Have a movie marathon perhaps and of course with lots of snacks or food choices you have.

7)      Plan ahead. Have a date book. It is not too early to make plans because after New Year’s Day , things will be in its normal state or maybe busy life (school or career). I always made it sure that I have a planner because it really motivates me not to the extent that I will become a worrier (well, sometimes). I have given up my blue planner yesterday. I felt a little accomplished compared to the years that I don’t have one.

Wishing you a prosperous New Year!! )

Rhej

10:46pm

30/12/12

Disclaimer: I do not own photos above. Click the photo to view the link.

 

Fairy Tales…happy ever after… November 27, 2012

Fairy tale stories became our lullaby when we were so young. It made us dream of a happy endings. It can even put a smile on our face before we mumble “good night” and nod off. I wonder why I never get weary of reading it over and over again. Not that I am hoping the “ever after” would change and as expected the two words are there… The End.

There is always that “little girls and boys” in us. Girls would always swoon after Cinderella’s prince charming or even dream to marry a real prince. Sorry, gals but Prince William is out of the league. Hahaha! You can always find your knight in a shinning armor, the perfect lover, Lancelot; it’s your call. But mind you, I won’t be talking about how my prince charming will look like. Well, enough of that stuff. Let’s leave it that way…

Well, I apologize I didn’t  go straight to the point. But I wanted to share about this King. He can be anybody’s prince charming. By the way, I got this story from a sermon of a priest. I’m sorry, Father i forgot your name when I attended the mass last Sunday. It keeps on bothering me so I have to put it in my blog. It was a story written by Soren Kierkegaard. When you have taken Philosophy of Man, the name is very familiar. He is a philosopher, I guess a theologian, too.

This story is like a fairy tale. The main characters are the King and a peasant girl (that is how the priest described them). The King loved the peasant girl so much. He never thought that she was just a poor maiden who has nothing to offer. He was in doubt whether to live His kingdom and marry the girl and live like a peasant,too. He was also worried because if he will not abdicate his crown, after he confesses His true intention to the girl he was scared that the girl will accept His proposal as a King not a lover. It was a great dilemma for him.In reality, some people noble blood  will abdicate His or Her crown before he or she could marry a commoner. Except for some, like Prince William because Kate Middleton is a commoner but her family is well-off. Obviously, we all know that in fairy tales, the love story would always be a happy ending. But we might ask how the story ends?

I guess you might say that being a peasant or a commoner is not a hindrance to end a great love story.. well, in fairy tales I guess. But the story ends there… Yes! It just ends there? Let me try again, it has no ending? Really now? Some might utter a curse! Don’t be. Some stories are left open-ended. But this story is peculiar! Ask me why? Because it has two reasons why it left that way… Firstly, he was not talking about an ordinary King. Notice that I was even writing it in capital letter. The kingdom that he was not talking about is not just an ordinary castle. It’s heaven. He was crowned not with precious gems but thorns. He was not clad with gold cape but a piece of cloth. He’s royalty symbol is the cross.

The second reason is that the conclusion of the story is never written. Soren Kierkegaard dies ages ago. We’ll in fact the story still continue. Why? All of us must make a conclusion of the judgement day. Is it a happy ever after? Make a choice? Write your own conclusion. Nobody will do it for you.

Thank you, Father for the eternal love… Viva Cristo Rey!

Spread the word… Spread the love <3

Rhej signing off!

11/27/2012

9:36pm

Disclamer: I do not own the photos. Right click and open image new tab to view source.

My Philosophy of Friendship November 22, 2012

Friendships, romantic relationships, and whatsoever, it all started when you are both completely strangers. Until you reach the point that you dropped formality and begun calling each other by first names. Sometimes, nobody could even tell when and what made you friends. But who cares anyway!? Sometimes, you just have to cherish those moments when you shared those laughter, and tears. [Opps, seriously now?] Well, its true!

But remember, the world doesn’t evolve between the both of you! She has friends; you have friends as well. And her friends has friends,too? Oh, well that’s how life is!

And suddenly, those friend of your found someone new! Hahaha! It sounds fun, right! But you might feel a little jelly here . Well, don’t be! You should be happy! It means your friend is socially active well in Facebook, that may be a different story.

We must set aside those childish emotions. As long as nobody is hurt and everything is fine. There no reason for you to hold grudge. [Serious much!] There’s nothing wrong with the “new-found friends”?

Can you tell there are really your real friends? One thing is certain “real friends” never talk from behind. They get angry when you’re at fault but they will pat your shoulders when you need encouragement.

P.S. I am no expert in those things because first I am not a psychologist, nor a sociologist or whatever expertise it may require to define it. But well obviously I have friends!

 

 

Rhej

Images: google.com images

SUMMER 2012 March 9, 2012

SUMMER 2012

Feeling the heat of summer days seems insufferable for me. It seems that I’d never get used of summer days. Yeah! Really its getting a degree hotter each year. Global warming, it is!?

Summer vacations, beach parties, and lots of outdoor fun is everybody’s thought for this season. There are few things that must be observed for this season.

1) LENT SEASON

For the Roman Catholics, the observance of Holy Week is through reflection and fasting. What are the things that you are willing to give up just to make this 40 Days of Lent more valuable to you. Fasting is one. Nowadays, people are tempted to eat. Food is both a pleasure and a sin. It is up to you to decide which is which. You are not forced to skip meals but during the Holy Week we are encourage to go for veggies.

Reflection is another thing. Though this observance is  a commemoration of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ but we must reflect and renew ourselves and think of the times that we made that cross heavier for Jesus to carry to Mt. Calvary walking without nothing on his feet, feeling the sand burning his feet, carrying the cross on an empty stomach, craving for a drop of water and hurting because people betrayed him. But the only consolation in his mind is “His Father’s will”.

Significance:

No matter how heavy our burden, think of the reasons why you are still determined to do it. Everybody carries his own cross.

2) HEALTH

Water is very important to avoid heat stroke. Have a handy water bottle because it is very impractical to buy bottled water when you go outdoors for errands. A glass of cold water could mean life to avoid dehydration and ease exhaustion because of heat stress. But I envied you for I am not allowed for anything cold such as cold water, soft drinks, or juices, especially ice cream, shakes and the summer favorite refreshments for Filipinos the “halo-halo”. So sad but it is the matter of self- discipline. This self- deprivation will be over soon. Don’t ask me why. <Because I am not going to tell you> he-he. Forget about it!

Avoid too much alcohol! Never get used of getting drunk and hang over the next day! That’s disgusting and a big headache!

Significance:

Eat the food that will be you more energy to beat the heat. Water and juices will help fight dehydration.Choose what you eat according to what your body needs because the excess will be just a waste.

3) SUMMER EVENTS

Everyone is undeniably excited for this season. Some are busy for the great event -graduation! Well! good luck guys, your hard work has paid off. What to do next. It’s all up to you now! My brother will be graduating this March! Oh! Dear bro, four years have been full of ups and downs for you but I know you will never disappoint us! With flying colors or not! You are still the best brother to me!!

What else? Ah! birthdays! Well, there are lots of you of course!! Happy birthday to all!! I guess the obvious theme will be – beach or pool party! Lots of food, drinks and fun!!

Significance:

Celebrate and enjoy with your family, loved ones and friends!

4) SUMMER HOBBIES/PREFERENCES

This is what I’m thinking  a lot these past few days. What I’m gonna do this summer! Well, I hope not just to sleep every afternoon. he-he!

I’m going to study the things that I’ve missed to prepare for the next school year! Since we are in a trimester, summer vacation is shorter!

I’m also planning to write a short story! For what? It’s just that I would test my writing ability again! I am a self-confessed frustrated writer! I hope to update my blogs and make something more interesting!

Or, I’m going to sketch again! I hate drawing when I was in elementary but I once discovered it in middle school but I seldom draw because it is the least of my school priorities.

Or, attend a summer school because I missed a term! Well, it is quite expensive and short. It might be the least priorities!    But very important! Argh!

So, how do you plan your summer? I know, many would choose to have fun! Beach, party and all!

This might be a cliché but don’t get exposed and stay too long under the sun. Use SPF’s lotions and wear                                                comfortable outfits.

For some who would prefer to spend summer with summer jobs, you’re doing great! Make the most of your vacation more practical!

Significance:

No matter how you spend your summer vacation, it’s all up to you! Fun and enjoyment is great since we seldom have a longer vacation!

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER THIS 2012!!

Rhej

March 9, 2012

10:35 pm

PHOTOS are found in Google or click the image for URL.

Looking back… October 14, 2011

Here  I am again, staring in front of computer at this wee hour. Or I should say I must sleep now but when I have a lot of things in my mind all I need is to get them emptied. But how must I do that? Simply, I should write about it..

I took many sleepless nights for me to think what to do in my very long vacation… three months for God’s sake! I took a break from school. I was supposed to be in my 5th semester. Come to think of it. I might lose the things that were so significant in my student life. I had a privilege of unlimited absences.! It’s just because I am an honor student. I do wanna brag about it but anyway I’ve mentioned it!

Whoa! I don’t know what will happen next term when I come back hopefully in January!

I have this weird interest! I love reading novels, even Tagalog romance pocketbook. I love to surf the net for latest fashion trends, or just simply reading.. I am not so fun of online games. I never played Farmville in facebook or the Angry birds.. ! i don’t have any idea how to play it! You might as well say this is really funny because I am an Information Technology student. I should at least spend a little time on that idea because someday it is a sort of practice.. I’m speechless. I lost the word that I have to say! I hope you know what I mean. Let me explain a little further!

After reading few blogs, I stumbled on Erwan Heussaff’s blog http://thefatkidinside.com/ ! Bingo! His blog is really awesome! It really caught my interest because he talks about healthy foods and a lot more of food and travel. After reading few of his written accounts,  gottcha! I’ve got a second thought of my course. An IT student to food and travel?? You might think I am really weird..! And you are right! I am! he-he-he

I am not a food lover (except desserts.. so much sweets) though! Come to think of it I’ve got a second thought to have a extra effort to cook and bake! I honestly like to back but I’m a little lazy.. YUP!

I took commercial cooking and bar tending  2 years ago after graduating from high school. I enjoyed it because I was even awarded “best in bartending” [ I'm shy. Don't ask me why]. No I am not really into drinks (liquor) but I love the art of it. The amount of spirit, the blending and mixing, the serving in fashionable glasses,naming it and especially.. drinking it all. let me tell you a secret. I never drink it all but I share it with them. I do wanna go home drunk. I’m too young then.

Looking back in food, my Aunt is a great cook. She never studies culinary arts but she’s great! I’m so proud of her. She’s now in Germany. I hope when she comes back she has more of western foods to serve. I miss you, Auntie!

One thing that I never asked her is the recipe of her Blueberry Cheese Cake. I want to make one someday [and when is that.. I don't know]. You know what I am really into food. My family and friends said I was really picky [for the second time you are right!]. I can’t blame myself because though i wanted to gain weight. I really can’t! HUH!  :(

I’ll tell you more about it someday. Bye for now!

By the way, my cute little nephew, Krishna is still awake! Baby. you sleep now.! It’s almost midnight!

Sleepy[yawn].. Good night!

Rhej….. signing off!

October14, 2011

11:55 PM

The very reason of missing you! :( August 4, 2011

Every time my eyes wandered around this pink corner..

I had nothing in mind but to have a glimpse of your loving face.

As I put on my clothes, I could still remembers how you look at me intently.

I know you have something in mind…

Do I look okay?

How about my clothes, did I fix it well?

As I carry my bag, ready for school..

I said my soft goodbyes..

You never let any of us leaves home without  murmuring .. “I am leaving..”

That was two years ago..

Now, I’m living on my own..

As I ride on the jeepney on my way to school, I was thinking how are you.

Did you have a decent breakfast?

What dd you cook?

But, for more than two years I was answering my own questions or have it the wind to send it to your ears.

I really miss it a lot.

When you complain about your back pain, and have my little caressing hands to ease the pain.

When you clamor about the mischiefs of my brothers, I lend my ears to you..

But how is it now?

Does any of my brothers does it to you?

I am full of queries.. full of doubts… full of uncertainties..

I do not have enough courage to speak it to you because you have enough.

I never wanted to be a burden.

I did this because of the great reason… of missing you..!

 

Rhej

August 4, 2011

8:36 pm