43rd Update

The Facade of Albertus Magnus Building

I'm counting the days for the upcoming NMAT, and last Monday, I received my Notice of Admission. I'll be taking the exams at the Albertus Magnus Building, University of Sto. Tomas on December 4. I am very excited to take the test, though I can say that I'm not totally prepared.

I'm doing a bit of reading for Biology and Social Sciences, but haven't had any practice on solving Mathematics and reviewing on Physics and Chemistry. I'm also a bit of apprehensive on the Inductive Reasoning portions because it takes a lot of time for me to fully analyze the figures and sequences. I can say that I'll take the exams as it is and to rely on my stocked knowledge in answering the test questions.

It's going to be my first time to visit the University of Sto. Tomas campus in Espańa Boulevard, Manila. Hopefully, I can take photos in the campus after the exam. We frequently pass by the facade and its hospital whenever we go to Manila. UST is actually the oldest university in Asia and it is the leading school in the Philippines when it comes to the Medical Profession. Back in college, I wanted to study in UST when I planned of taking up Medical School, but its proximity with regards to location made me decide to choose Angeles University Foundation, which is nearer to where I live.

This is a new chapter in my life journey, and I am excited to embark on this new horizon— to become a doctor.

42nd Update

Last night, after updating my blog, I thought of exploring BlogSpot and browsed the blogs of other bloggers like me. I was particularly glad to observe that most of the blogs that I visited had what I think was ‘human touch’ in them— they are not alienated despite the presence of the platform of technology which they used.

           

The first one focused topics on typography, literature and poetry, another blog featured wedding photography and travel, while others highlighted their designs and art portfolios, family moments, and even personal ramblings and insights, adventures, and photographs. One can definitely note of the various things under the sun that these writers can share to the rest of the world. My favorite was the humanitarian causes, particularly on the relief and recovery operations for children who experienced disaster; and sustainable energy and its conservation programs for underprivileged countries.

With these observations, I am very happy to know that there are still a lot who endeavored to utilize the Internet in beneficial ways— to improve oneself, to share ones talents to help others, to share the products of the mind in order to innovate ways of improvement, promoting morally upright values, helping those in need to ease pain and suffering, and most of all, promoting the awareness and faith in One God Who created us all.

I wish to see more of these positive content in the future— for everyone to realize that the Internet must be used towards spreading genuine information, positive values, and to eradicate content which spreads immorality, lies, deceit, promiscuity, violence that corrupts the lives and minds of human beings, especially of the younger generation.

41st Update

It's been quite a while since I last had my essay update. I'm on our shop right now, working and arranging records and monitoring our sales. I'm also busy preparing for other activities. I have to set aside painting for this time because I have to start reviewing for my upcoming exams next month. The last piece which I finished just in time for the start of my reviews is the Rose Cottage Garden and it is a bit smaller in size compared to my other previous paintings. I bought it home two days ago, as soon as it was finished and now it is set to dry on my study table. I sleep and wake up looking at it and it really makes me happy to see it everyday in my room. I was able to finish four paintings within four months and I am glad to observe my progress in terms of refining my subject matter, efficiency in using the oil medium, handling of materials, refining techniques, and the time frame with which i am able to finish the artworks. Among the skills that I found necessary were patience, determination, visual perception in space and color harmony, composition of painting's elements and forms, and enhancing rich imagination.

The process of painting is a wonderful journey of self-discovery and improvement for the artist. It starts with a quirky idea until the idea is being put into action from start to finish. Along with the idea, I choose the materials which I need so I could start the painting. I measure the dimensions of the brace frames, although most of the time in inexact proportions (I leave the final and exact measurements when the painting is to be framed). Afterwards, I apply the base coats of white primer, let it dry, then start with the process of painting. Sometimes, I do a pre-planned sketch, but most of the time, I end up with a slightly or totally different finished piece - mostly through imagination and analysis.

But by this week, I am bringing my paintings back home to be stored up temporarily. I have to start and take focus in reviewing for the NMAT. When I started answering the reviewers, I realized that I forgot most of the topics covered on the test. That's why I have to do a lot of reading, especially in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and practice solving equations in Algebra. It's been three years since I graduated from college, which means that there should be digging up of old books and notes. Gladly, I didn't stopped reading books about Psychology, the Social Sciences, Arts, and English. I still keep on reading books, improving my writing, vocabulary, and behavioral analysis, and developing insights. So I hope that these activities will be of great help for the preparations.

I'm overwhelmed, excited and a bit nervous, because I barely have an idea on where to start basing the topics per subject. For that matter, faith and prayers are very important so I can be properly focused and at ease for the exams. I have to make a little outline for the lessons to be reviewed to organize and determine the starting point per subject. Schedules must also be arranged within the course of the following weeks to avoid mental cramming.

40th Update

The Rose Cottage Garden (Oil on Canvas): From Start to Finish