The title sounds very familiar...hmmm.. As I entered my first class in PERSEF1, I had no idea what to expect. So its a non-academic class, then what are we supposed to learn or study in this class? Well, PERSEF1 is all about us, individuals. The different aspects in life that we would encounter and are facing in our lives. We had discussed modules about love, leadership, etc. My favorite modules were the modules about Love and the module wherein we made the "Banig ng Buhay". The module about love allowed me to listen to other people’s thoughts and opinions about the matter. Sharing about courtship, relationships, break ups and the roles of both parties involved in the relationship were discussed. Since I have been and currently is in a relationship, I was able to compare m opinions with theirs. It’s really funny how girls and boys think differently. There is a difference on how they view certain aspects in a relationship. Even the LQ or the petty fights that a couple encounters was discussed. I was able to realize that other people too have the same problems that my bf and I have. I enjoyed making the “Banig ng Buhay”. The activity made me look back at the happenings in my life, my ups and downs. Though I did have some difficulty in writing down my failures, I knew I had to accept it and move on. I like thinking about the future, what age would I have a family, when will I get married, how will I die, etc. It just makes me feel like even if things in life are uncertain, I still have a plan. This is the life that I want, and I would do anything just to have it. It gives me a sense of responsibility and the opportunity to decide for myself. It makes me feel like I’m my own boss, I make the rules, and I make things happen. Surely this activity had a great impact on me. I was actually smiling as I was writing down the age I would have kids, how many kids would I have, etc. I have a great family, however, all families have problems. And sometimes I consider living away from my family a disadvantage. So if ever I do have my own family, I want us to stay together, to live together because I know how hard it is to live away from your parents, I know what it feels like and I know how it deeply affects the child.       

            I was very shy in PERSEF1, for one reason because I knew no one. I entered the class without knowing anybody so it was kind of hard for me to be spontaneous and be myself. However, that didn’t hinder me from learning and being able to shape my own thoughts in class. Though I don’t recite in class, I still am able to think about the modules and I do reflect on them. I have a lot going through my head and PERSEF1 exposed me to the realities of life. This course really helped me to gain more knowledge about my responsibilities now that I am in college. I found out more about the roles I am parting in. And I realized the effect that I have on other people.

            PERSEF1 is not just about the SELF. It is also about our impact to other people. How can we affect them and how they affect us? But with modules like Etiquette, I gained more confidence since I know have an idea on how to act or to behave with certain kind of people in particular situations. It gives me a better understanding of what is proper. What to do and what not to do. Since I am in the field where I have to deal and interact with people as my profession, these modules helped me to know what offends other people, and what seems pleasant to their eyes. The modules that talk about us being citizens of the country and of the world helped me to see the bigger picture of my life.

            PERSEF1 was not what I expected. The schedule for this class was 8 in the morning, so I would attend class feeling kind of sleepy. But this course, though we meet only once a week, helped me shape my personality. I became more knowledgeable of my responsibilities and the different roles I have. I am now aware of the issues that I will encounter as I go on through life. I am more confident since I am aware of the things I need to do. PERSFE1 challenged me to become a better person. The module about leadership opened my eyes to the obligations that I need to fulfill. Even at an early age, I am expected to do things well. I will bring with me the lessons taught in PERSF1 as I grow as a person. I may not remember the exact modules or theories discussed, but how I live my life would be a reflection of the things I have learned. Life is an exam I have to pass, it’s a good thing I have my PERSEF1 notes to guide me

LOVE...the four letter word that everyone practically knows....for most teens...well, its a very used word.."I think I'm inlove"..I love him, I love her...He loves me...She loves me...he loves me not..he loves me...etc...

Love is very subjective...it is viewed differently by everyone..it does not have a universal meaning. More often people think of infatuation as love..I maybe one of those people. Crushes are normal. But when it gets more serious than just trying to find his cp number through his firends or peeking in his classes just to get a glimpse of his face, being stunned whenever you watch him play basketball and think of him as a hottie, then its not infatuation.

What does it take to fall in love? Does being in love feel like you're walking on cloud nine? Is it a feeling of fulfillment? Probabaly. Don't forget, love is after all, subjective. Just like beauty.

This feeling......is weird. I've felt it. I'm feeling it right now..everyday...=) But what does it take to make a relationship work?Is love enough? I don't think so. Love is not enough to make a relationship work. Sometimes when one is in love, he/she feels like they could do anything they want. Its like drugs. Its addictive...it makes you feel high. But love, like drugs, needs to be controlled. If you get too much and depend on it, it kills you slowly.

A person needs other values to make a relationship work..
TRUST is very important. If a couple does not have trust then jealousy would always come along. It can cause so much misery for both parties..and eventually they would break up. Jealousy is sometimes healthy. not always. And lack of trust would sure be one heck of a problem in a relationship.
UNDERSTANDING is another important value. In order for the raltionship to survive, they must understand each other. Constant and open communication is needed. They need to know what's going through each other's heads. They have to know both sides of parties and they need understanding for them to sort out whatever problems that they might encounter.
"LAMBINGAN"..hahahahhahaha everyone needs this. The feeling that someone wants their attention. Even if its saying the cheesiest or corniest line to your partner, its still very important. A relationship needs this. I heard once on tv that "and lambing ay parang exercise, habang tumatagal mong ginagawa, lalo kang gumagaling dito"....so we should always do what the song says "magexercise tayo tuwing umaga.."...hahahaha
RESPECT is far the most important value after love itslef that is needed in the relationship. How can you love without respect? Respect has many roles in a relationship. The couple must have respect for each other. Their decision, actions, and feelings. Without respect, there wouldn't be any love at all.

There are many other things that a relationship other than what I have mentioned. Love is a process.......its very very hard to define. I can't even explain it, I just feel it. Whatever keeps two people in love is a combination of all these things. Love hurts, love is blind, love is whatever you want to say about it. My description seems weird huh? Well...what can I say...I'm in love eh

Etiquette- comes from a French word meaning "ticket" or "label". These are the policies, rules or right actions that should be done in a particular place in a certain situation.

I've ben observing the things around me this past week. Most people still remember their etiquettes, and they sure know how to be courteous.

So here are some of my observations:

Right manners/gestures (Etiquette):

* I saw a couple walking in the sidewalk, and the guy was on the side of the road. I really expect guys to do that, the same goes for adults with children.

* I was talking to my seatmate, and my friend wanted to tell me something. She just waited until my seatmate and I were done conversing.

* In one of my classes, the professor was still explaining our report, but one of my classmates had to go because we already had an overtime. But instead of just leaving the room, she raised her hand and informed the professor that she has a next class that she needs to attend to.

* I opened the door for my professor, I even have no idea if she noticed me. Anyways, I didn't do that just to be noticed, I just knew I had to do it.

* I saw a man helping an old lady cross the street. I mean, what kind of man wouldn't help an old lady? Its a must!

But of course, some people just have bad manners. These people are somewhat "bastos", for whatever reason, I do not know.

* I saw a couple cuddling so close to each other in public I thought they would already exchange faces because of their closeness.

* I also saw a couple, they were fighting. And the girl was screaming so loud everyone was looking at them. And based from the girl's screams, they were arguing because the guy wasn't able to come to their meeting place on time. (whattada?!)

* I saw this girl wearing a really short dress it almost showed her behind. Where on the world did she get that dress? From a younger sister who's like what, 8 years old?!

* There was this girl who was chewing gum so loudly it was as if she was a goat.

* I was riding the fx and the girl beside me didn't bother to open the door when I was about to get out, so I had to get out of the other door where two people had to get out to make way for me. It was a good thing the guy who opened the door was courteous enough to do so.

>>>And so I realized, nowadays, some people don't bother much on their etiquette. I still thing that's important to know proper manners because it not only avoids us from awkward situations, it also helps us to become better persons.

* I believe in.....God, miracles, dreams, "happily ever after", myself, the power of LOVE, and the people that I love and cherish.

To see is to believe..that doesn't necessarily apply to my faith. I do believe that there is an existing God. An almighty Father. A powerful source that created everything that is tangible and intangible. I believe that one day He will come back and take us to Heaven, a place where happiness is endless and misery will be banned. I believe in miracles and certain events that can only be done with special effects on tv. These miracles are parts of my faith. A miracle isn't like magic. I believe that a miracle is something that can change us. Something that would give meaning to our lives and make us into better persons-that's a miracle.

I believe in my dreams....in dreams that do come true. I believe that every person has the right to dream and to be hopeful for their future. I have so many dreams for myself and for my family. But one cannot make that dream come true without any action. And I have to start now if I want my wildest dream (to have a private airplane and hire robots as maids) to come true.

I believe in happily ever after...so I can say I do believe in fairytales...not the princess type....the more realistic fairytale... Wherein I fall inlove and find my price charming. He fights for me against my evil stepmother who tries to poison me and transforms into a dragon..hahahaha.. Just kidding. My prince charming could sweep me off my feet the instance he smiles at me. He would understand my feelings and respect whatever my decisions are. We would go through a lot of trouble, but eventually we'll grow more marture and be able to face the world together.

I believe in the power of LOVE...everlasting love..the unconditional love...the one that you just can't be sure why you've fallen inlove with a person who is completely the oppostite of you. I believe that love can do things that not even the intellectual mind can explain. Love can do certain things that no one will ever understand. That's why I believe in it. I believe that love, and not money, makes my world go round.

*As a daughter....I would do my best to give them back everything they've given and offered me. I will not abandon them when they grow old, I would keep them even if they start to ask me the same questions all over again. I will give them a vacation when I already have a job. I think they deserve a second, third, fourth............honeymoon...hahaha I would respect them always. i f I do not agree with their decision or whatever they're saying, I would tell them politely. I would disobey them at times but make up for my mistakes in the future. I'll love and take care of them just like what they've done to me.

*As a sister.....I will pay for my sister's college education. By the time she enters college, I probabaly have a stable life and career. I can afford to send her to college if I earn enough. And besides, I can't allow my parents to do everything. I will teach her all the things I know. I would give her advice on how to survive her schooldays, life, and even on lovelife. We can't really understand each other right now because I am older than her by 8 years. And so I promise..."babawi ako pag tanda niya".

*As a leader.......I would guide my followers (whoever and whatever they may be). I will try to provide them with every bit of advice and material things they need. I would share to them whatever I know. I will listen to what they have to say. And I would respect their decisions. I will also let them be independent so that they won't always have to count on me. To be a good leader means to be a good follower-and that's what I'm going to do.

*As a student....I would study hard, not only because my parents are paying a lot for my tuition, but also because education is a necessity. I need this to survive in the "real" world. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to study in a prestigious school. Its not everyday that one gets to walk through the halls of DLSU. My education is to be treasured always, and not to be taken for granted. I have failed so many times. But I don't think that that would keep me from being a successful person. When I say "student", it doesn't only apply to a person who goes to school, it applies to every person who is learning something, whether it is in school or in life. We are all students. Learning is unending, there would always be something to learn and discover. So I guess I'm a student for life. I may have failed some subjects, but I do hope I don't fail in my "life".

*As a friend......I would tell them with all honestly whatever I feel. If they are about to make a very stupid decision, I would tell them. Being a friend is more than just being a shoulder to cry on stuff or the "I'll always be here" thing..Its about accepting someone for who and what they are. But it doesn't stop there. Friendship, just like other relationships, need certain values. And as a friend, I would try to fulfill those values. I would not only be there for my friend, I would also guide him/her whenever something wrong comes up. My h.s. barkada and I are now living far away from one another. We attend to different schools and its almost impossible for us to get together. However we make sure that we keep a close communication, and that we would do whatever it takes to give a helping hand a loving embrace for my friends who need it.

I took up BS-Psychology for the reason that I am not yet sure what profession I want to have. I wanted to be a doctor, then a lawyer, and a teacher. So I thought of taking up a course that can be applied to my desired professions. After finishing two terms, I now realize what I would want to do (but this is just temporary). I want to teach special children.

I have always been fond of children, usually babies and toddlers. They're just sooooooooo adorable..well, not all of them though. hahaha..So this blog would be about me trying to convince my future employer to accpet me as a teacher in his/her school for special children.

Assuming that I have already graduated as a BS-Psychology major, and maybe I am taking up Early childhood development, this is what I would say:

I am Marie Concepcion Mojica Felipe. I graduated from De La Salle University with the course, BS-Psychology. I am currently taking up Early Childhood Development in the same university. I am applying for a position in your faculty as a teacher specializing in children with certain mental disorders, like autism. I am very fond of children and I do believe that I am patient with them. I will be able to undertand them more because I have taken up psychology which deals with one's behavior. I do understand the responsibility of being a guardian and teacher to a special child. I understand their needs and I am willing to work with specific on how to handle these kind of children. I enjoy being with children and they give so much joy to me. I do not pity these children, instead, it would be a sense of fulfillment for me to be given a chance to spend time teaching these children more about life and how it can be beautiful for them. Indeed it would not be easy to teach these children since they have a different way of understanding things around them. But I am most willing to learn from them and teach them in return. I want to touch other people's lives. And I beieve that teaching would be a great way to do that. I know that it would be easier to teach children without any mental disorders. But I think that I wuoldn't take much credit if ever they learn something from me. But if I will be able to teach children who need special attention, then teaching them and knowing that they have learned from me is such a blessing. I believe that I can not only teach them the things that I know, I would also want to share with them my time, mythoughts, my life. So that in return, they wuold share with me their lives too. I want to take the chance of getting to know more about these kind of children. Teaching them would make me feel that I have accomplished and used my profession in a way that would affect and give benefit to others.

I think most people want to change the world. Changing the world is tough, there's a really BIG out there. I am one of those people who want to change the world. I am idealistic, right? But that's why I want to teach these children. So that I may somehow and someway change their lives, their WORLD. In the hope that in this profession, they can also help me change to become a better person, and a fulfilled individual.

I am Marie Concepcion Felipe. A first year student at DLSU, taking up BS-Psychology. I'm 5 ft tall (I think and I hope that I am that tall already). I have eyeglasses since I was seven years old. I have brown hair, though it doesn't show much. I am chubby, and I always would want to go on a diet but I don't know how. I walk fast, it seems like I'm always brisk walking. I always have trouble finding the right size for my shoes. I don't have like a constant size, beacuse my shoe size changes depending on the store, so its a big No-No for other people to buy me shoes, I buy my own shoes, not with my own money though.

I hate spiders. I really do. I freak out when I see one, even if its really small. I have a fear of heights. I used to hate the dark, now I find it comforting. I like to watch television just to look for new commercials. I just hate bread. I don't know why. I can't eat a whole burger or sandwich, not unless I'm really straving. I don't even eat cake a lot because its bread. I like pasta and instant sup noodles, thank God for Nissin cup noodles, Lucky Me, etc. I love mango juice! I just can't get enough of it. I don't eat veggies. I don't eat much chocolate, but I do like lollipops! My favorite color is purple, red, black, and baby blue. These past few weeks, I have always stayed up late, I probably just have a lot of things in my head now. I like to play video games specifically war/military video games because I find it very relaxing. I consider myself as a person who is bombarded with so much ideas and yet I don't know how to say them nor how to put them into action. I talk a lot. People who are close to me can tell whether I'm feeling a little down. I'm usually very quiet when I have something bothering me. I don't talk a lot when I'm sad or feeling low. I love music. When I'm feeling down or if I'm sad, I listen to loud music. I don't like listening to sad or sentimental songs when I'm down, I just get more depressed.

I'm very open-minded. I don't think too much, 'cause I hate stressing my brain out. Well that's enough about me. I really have a lot more to say, but I just think that getting to know me personally would be better.