HOLLYWOOD actress Julie Andrews in her 1970s film, "Mary Poppins" taught us a very simple trick that if we don't know what to say; just utter the two magic words, "Supercalifragilistic expialidouseous!" and things would turn out right. Wow! If it is real then history would identify it as the "most abused" line on earth. Come on! I need you to agree with me so that I can finish this article, ok? Please, please? Gracias!

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Well, as to reality, this is not always the case, right? Oftentimes, we, humans feel that we always know what to say or should I say we always want to have a say on things. Hmmm... Let's pause for a while and check our inner selves. See if we could ascertain that we are more or less guilty of this heinous, I mean hideous, sige shameful, crime na lang. And the answer is... Charaaannn! Yeah, it is not technically shocking. Proud and not so proud people's answers are quite similar, isn't it, Ma'am and Sir? (I can relate to this. Part of life's mystery I say he he he!)

Oopps!!! No condemnation here; just a plain look at reality in the hope of seeing ourselves farther from what our carnal eyes can see. It is not actually bad; you know -- humans, frailties, failure and the like. The next few paragraphs are written just to start our day fun so cheer up! Promise, these truth will just tickle our conscience... este... senses (if there is still left bwahaha!).

Bitaw, October has ended and I cannot be happier! I'm one of the 12 Octoberian hopefuls (desperate to graduate this October semester in the University of Mindanao). Sixty-five more hours for our On-the-Job- Training (OJT), some subject requirements and few more revisions of our research paper; then comes the graduation. My batch mates and I couldn't afford more delays but... Of course that would depend on the grade our professors could afford to give us. As of the moment, I haven't seen a movie that teaches on how to get a passing grade aside from what our society taught us- study, comply with the requirements and give your best shot (alibis are not included! Tsk, tsk, tsk! Sayang!)

May the Heavens be willing to grant our desires. If He wouldn't, then let's not forget that HE knows what's best for us. Remember, our grade is equivalent of the effort we exerted while we are enrolled in the subject. How could we expect a passing grade if most of the time we are absent or delinquent? Hope the latter isn't the case.

After graduation, where will our fate lead us to? For those who are not yet in the adult stage where I am trying to project a more 'responsible being' because I belong to this category, "I don't know" can be the quick answer. But those who made two more weeks far from graduation by working so hard, walking its way to attend classes and sacrificing few meals just to pay for projects and other subject requirements; I bet they have a clearer idea of what they want to do next.

Many will agree except those who were not able to reach college that indeed, this is one of the most exciting part of a student's life. One can change course as easy as he wants, drop the subject for not liking the teacher or just the subject, more educational trips, OJT, and eyeing a wider array of a lifetime partners, agree? He he he! And a lot of fathomable reasons!

So what message am I trying to tell you? Actually, I don't know. I am just so glad that I have finished some of things I need in life. I enrolled in the university to "learn more" but in God's wisdom, He led me to go through a lot of "unlearning" processes. Believe me; it isn't in any way easy. Brokenness and dependence to our Maker are the two most prescribed medications. Hahay! Tears included. It's hard - really!

I have a long list of things to do, have and prove. I thought that since I am older than my classmates and at the same age level with some of my professors, my experiences from my previous jobs are an advantage. Obviously, I thought wrong- and that is the most important learning I have this semester. If the subjects are humility, submission to authority and meekness; no doubt I'd fail. Thank God there are technical stuff to gain knowledge with thus I am near to the passing level (delikado gihapon ha ha ha!) ngek!

This time I just want to learn the art of writing, admitting of course my lack of knowledge of it and my grammar problems. But I was inspired again when I met Sir Eduardo "Edfer" Fernandez last week. He told me to write about anything even if I don't know how to end it. I just have to write to learn the skill. It's the same advice I got from my boss and a writer friend. My boss likens it to physical exercise that must be done in a regular basis in order to get in shape. Sir EdFer, boss, and Sir Ceeqz, I guess I am now trying.

In relation to writing, Harlan Edison in his anthology Dangerous Visions wrote these lines: Don't be afraid. That simple; don't let them scare you. There's nothing they can do to you... a writer always writes. That's what he is for. And if they won't let you write one kind of thing, if they chop you off in the pockets in the market place, then go to another market place. And if they close off all the bazaars then by God go and work with your hands till you can write, because the talent is always there. But the first time you say, "Oh, Christ, they'll kill me!" then you're done. Because the chief commodity a writer has to sell is his courage. And if he has none, he is more than a coward. He is a sellout and a fink and a heretic, because writing is a holy chore.

And how am I supposed to end this? Honestly, I don't know. Do you? E-mail me at majal_talento@yahoo.com.