A Summary of Max Schulman's "Love is a Fallacy"

I was very cool and logical. Very precocious at my age. I cover a huge area of expertise, my calculations are precise, and I'm only eighteen. It is not a custom that someone so young can possess such genuineness. Say, for example, my roommate at the university, Petey Bellows. Same age, same background, but dumb as an ok. A nice enough fellow, you understand, but nothing upstairs. Emotional type. Unstable. Impressionable. Worst of all, a faddist. As for me, fads are futile. To submit yourself to everything that's hype, what's on style and what's in and cool or because everyone else is doing it, is the acme of mindlessness. not however to my roommate, Petey.

One afternoon, I found Petey lying on his bed with an expression of such distress on his face that I immediately diagnosed appendicitis. I told him not to move. Don't take a laxative, I said. I told him that I'll get a doctor. He uttered a with a rather monotonous voice, " raccoon ", he said. I asked, " a raccoon ". He told me he wanted a raccoon coat. I asked why would he want a dumpy old style-raccoon coat. "I should have known it," he cried, pounding his temples. "I should have known they'd come back when the Charleston came back. Like a fool I spent all my money for textbooks, and now I can't get a raccoon coat." Disgusted, I asked him, " you mean that people are actually wearing these weighty coats again? "All the Big Men on Campus are wearing them. Where've you been?". " Don't you want to be in? " I said, " no".



He said that he wants to be in the swim and that he had to get a raccoon coat. He declared that he'll do anything for a raccoon coat. " Anything ", he would repeat thickly. Being precocious that I am, i wanted to dig it in. I just know particularly where I would get Petey's raccoon coat. My father had had one in his undergraduate days; it lay now in a trunk in the attic back home. It also happened that Petey had something I wanted. I refer to his girl, Polly Espy. I have long coveted Polly. She was, to be sure, a girl who excited the emotions, but I was not one to let my heart rule my head. I was well aware of the importance of the right kind of wife in furthering a lawyer's career. The successful lawyers I had observed were, almost without exception, married to beautiful, gracious, intelligent women. With one omission, Polly fitted these specifications perfectly.

Beautiful she was. She was not yet of pin-up proportions, but I felt sure that time would supply the lack. She already had the makings. Gracious she was. By gracious I mean full of graces. She had an ease of bearing, a poise that clearly indicated the best of breeding. At table her manners were exquisite. Intelligent she was not. In fact, she veered in the opposite direction. But I believed that under my guidance she would smarten up. At any rate, it was worth a try. It is, after all, easier to make a beautiful dumb girl smart than to make an ugly smart girl beautiful.

I asked Petey if there's love between him and Polly. He said that they're not steady and both of them had other dates. So, I said, " Can I have Polly in exchange for your raccoon coat? ". At first, Petey was having dilemmas. He was looking deeply at the raccoon coat and at the same time thinking if it's the right thing to give Polly away in exchange for a faddist's crave. Finally, at a long blow, he said that both of them are nothing important to each other. He agreed to have the coat and give his girl to me. We had a deal then. The following evening I had my first date with Polly. I had to make her pass my standards. This was in a nature of a survey. I mean I can't just pick a girl that's so low or below my level or the level I wanted.



I took her first to dinner. "Gee, that was a delish dinner," she said as we left the restaurant. Then I took her to a movie. "Gee, that was a marvy movie," she said as we left the theater. And then I took her home. "Gee, I had a sensaysh time," she said as she bade me goodnight. Back to the room I was so heavily hearted. I knew that I had to so so much work to fill what this girl lacks. I went about it, as in all things, systematically. I gave her a course in logic. It happened that I, as a law student, was taking a course in logic myself, so I had all the facts at my fingertips. "Polly," I said to her when I picked her up on our next date, "tonight we are going over to the Knoll and talk." "Oo, terrif," she replied. One thing I will say for this girl: You would go far to find another so agreeable. We went to the Knoll, the campus trysting place. I told her that we're going to talk about Logic.



"Logic," I said, clearing my throat, "is the science of thinking. Before we can think correctly, we must first learn to recognize the common fallacies of logic. These we will take up tonight." After a tireless and long discussion of logical fallacies like Dicto Simpliciter, Hasty Generalization, Post Hoc, Contradictory Premises, Ad Misericordiam, False Analogy, Hypothesis Contrary to Fact, Poisoning the Well for five grueling but worthy nights, I thought I had made a logician out of Polly. I had taught her to think. My job was done. She was worthy of me at last. She was a fit wife for me, a proper hostess for my many mansions, a suitable mother for my well-heeled children. Finally on our next date, I said to myself that this is the perfect time to make love from academic to romantic.

"My dear," I said, favoring her with a smile, "we have now spent five evenings together. We have gotten along splendidly. It is clear that we are well matched." "Hasty Generalization," said Polly brightly. "I beg your pardon," said I. "Hasty Generalization," she repeated. "How can you say that we are well matched on the basis of only five dates?" I chuckled with amusement. The dear child had learned her lessons well. "My dear," I said, patting her head in a tolerant manner, "five dates is plenty. I decided to change tactics. Obviously the best approach was a simple, strong, direct declaration of love. I paused for a moment while my massive brain chose the proper words. Then I began:

Polly, I love you. You are the whole world to me, and the moon and the stars and the constellations of outer space. Please, my darling, say that you will go steady with me, for if you will not, life will be meaningless. I will languish. I will refuse my meals. I will wander the face of the earth, a shambling, hollow-eyed hulk." There, I thought, folding my arms, that ought to do it. "Ad Misericordiam," said Polly. After sometime of being so romantic to her, the date went like a debate. I thought that my words went back to me. Plus, I've never experienced being speechless in such unrecorded debate. That did it. I leaped to my feet, bellowing like a bull. "Will you or will you not go steady with me?" "I will not," she replied. "Why not?" I demanded."Because this afternoon I promised Petey Bellows that I would go steady with him."

I reeled back, overcome with the infamy of it. After he promised, after he made a deal, after he shook my hand! "That rat!" I shrieked, kicking up great chunks of turf. "You can't go with him, Polly. He's a liar. He's a cheat. He's a rat." "Poisoning the Well," said Polly, "and stop shouting. I think shouting must be a fallacy too." With an immense effort of will, I modulated my voice. "All right," I said. "You're a logician. Let's look at this thing logically. How could you choose Petey Bellows over me? Look at me—a brilliant student, a tremendous intellectual, a man with an assured future. Look at Petey—a knot-head, a jitterbug, a guy who'll never know where his next meal is coming from. Can you give me one logical reason why you should go steady with Petey Bellows?"

"I certainly can," declared Polly. "He's got a racoon coat."

Love is a Fallacy

Obviously, I've read Max Schulman's superb work. Love is indeed a fallacy - NOT(rarely). First, they said that to love wholeheartedly is a a key to a successful marriage life. Therefore, love wholeheartedly and marry that person you loved so much. Absolutely a Dicto Simpliciter! Many couples, especially celebrities did not love wholeheartedly and married that same person but were so damn successful than some of those who loved wholeheartedly. Sometimes, we should use our brains than to our hearts. I mean many couples broke up because they're poor. When you're poor, there's always a tendency to borrow money or loan. Also, there's always that possibility that those people get tempted to engage in useless and wasteful businesses.

Secondly, most say that marriage counts for another success. So, everyone should get married so as to have more successes or to be successful in life. No, no... a hasty generalization that is. The coverage of arguments are very narrow. How about those people who came from well-to-do families, they wed, and instead of progressing, they became poorer than their families. How can marriage be a success when it accounted for poverty? Plus, there are many people there far way to successful than those who were married. Therefore, we should say that marriage counts for another success for some. It really depends.


Next off people used to believe in love signs. Like when you hope to see three yellow butterflies playing together, you'll be so lucky with love. Another is, when you're set to test if the person will truly be yours, you say, " I should see five red Ferrari cars tomorrow ". When you see not even a single red car, you immediately suppress your feelings. Post Hoc, baby! You should not depend or base on the signs you opted to see to satisfy you. The signs have no accurate connections. But not all signs are of no relevance. Say for example,you get to see this really cute footballer in one o your friend's party. You noticed him looking playfully at you. Then, one minute before you could really imagine - he asks one of your friends about you. Then, you should know, eventually. Now, baby, that's a a lucid sign that he maybe attracted to you.

Fourth, the saying goes " Love conquers all ". Or shall we just say that " Love is powerful ". If love is indeed, then why would couples break up because of financial problems or family? Now, if they were broken, can love bring them back if it were indeed powerful? Love's powerful - but not in all aspects! Contradictory Premises! If love is powerful, can it block all problems and test that may result to a break-up? Yes, and its powerful, so it can break them again.Yes. But you said love's powerful? We say that love is powerful in most times but may be powerful in repelling itself too.


In the Schulman's masterpiece ( I consider it as one ), how could let's say Schulman himself wanted Polly in exchange for a ragoon coat, said he coveted Polly, would want to love Polly, but why would he change her? Can't he love her for what she is? Of course change is always good but not to the extent that you intentionally wnat the person to change so as to satisfy thy standards! That's not love! That's somewhat like poisoning the well! He's just caught himself with his own deeds and teachings! He's the one who need some logic!

Girls: Can't Hold Us Down

Eve was created so Adam will have a companion and will not grow and wander off wearily by himself. So it follows that " Women are here because of men ". In the older times, women were regarded as inferiors. Women were enslaved, abused, exploited and unequally treated. Women were treated as pets, toys, and objects rather than a human being.

Old customs and traditions keep womanity under. Chinese women were to sleep not on the bed but on the floor. They were to serve their husbands and even their sons. A long time ago, I remembered that whenever a woman gives birth to a girl, the newly born baby will be dipped unto a pail of water. Simply, death awaits those female newborns.

The critiques of Dan Brown about the Church disapproving female rulers or leaders makes me wonder. Let's assume that Brown's true. If Mary Magdalene was really appointed of the task by Jesus Himself, than why can she not be? She was entrusted and therefore should be given the full authority and respect. Now, let's suppose that Brown's claims were mere fiction and that he was just exaggerating possibilities of facts. We usually see males having high ranks in the Church. Is it a custom that males should only be leaders of the peoples of God? I mean, why not shift the custom and give chances to women who want lead?


I mean, people are all the same. We are all equal in the eyes of God. So why can't we, females make a stand, express ourselves, speak our minds and do things that man usually do? Why can't we be a priestess, a pope, and so much more? I mean, physically, men are a lot stronger than women but we all have weaknesses and strengths. Men also have some things women can do that they won't be able to do and vise versa.

Say for example, giving birth. Men can't do that. However, we can't also carry heavy loads of stuffs unlike the males do. Whatever the case, why are women really under men? Are physical capabilities and strengths the bases? If these were, I consider it so lame. We women should make a stand. We don't want to be used, abused, and disrespected, do we? Women are very sacred. We have to protect our dignities. We have to smarter and braver. Isn't it true that every man's success is a woman behind? Men and women have to stand together and walk hand in hand as we go along our journey of life.



But now, I think women unequally treated are uncommon. But there are still some places wherein women are still under men unfairly. We should all be anti-violence not only concerning with women but for everyone else as well. A person's dignity and freedom should not be taken away. But mostly, specially today, women are the ones really victimized. But at least, not like before, we women have made stands and defended ourselves. We have women leaders now like our very own president, other female ambassadors and advisers and those that hold high positions or coveted ones.

Its good we have women's month - March 8. But everyday is always everyone's month and we have to treat each other equally and respectfully each day. We've got to stop ourselves from dominating over others. Well, I seem to understand why people want to be superiors. They want fame, power, and wealth. But what are these when we die and get judged by the Lord? How are we suppose to help each other out and make our lives better? How are we supposed to live in happily? I thought we are all but a family here.

Why can't we forget enslavery, power, wealth and make everyone's welfare a concern? Now, the drama's just began. Prostitutes and sex workers around the world are increasing like a virus spreading and infecting the whole universe. We've got to educate and guide these young women. I know that its because of poverty and demands of needs, so this is where helping each other comes in. Not only will the government ponder and work on this but also us, Earthians! We've got to give everyone else supports and encouragements. In this case, give these women jobs and any means that would support their family.

See?! The problems in this world are always chained. Effects occur like a domino effect. There's corruption, exploitation, poverty, overpopulation, depletion of natural resources, abuse, wars and conflicts, prostitution, global warming and everything. How are we going to solve all these mountains of problems. We've got to start now, not soon, and not even sooner. Is this what has become of us? Are we really worthy of a life and to be called stewards of nature?

Mom's Doppelganger

Do you know what a doppelganger is? Its a ghostly counterpart of a living person. What will you feel if you see your own doppelganger right when you just opened your eyes? Will you be frightened? Distraught? Or nothing at all?

Rumors reminded me that when you've heard or seen someone's doppelganger, that person will not live longer than we'd expect. The person will die soon. Myths came in and symbolized someone's doppelganger as the person's astral drop signaling the person needs the help of those who've seen it.

Imagine if all these were true, what would you feel if you see one of your love one's doppelganger? Will you be scared and unprepared? Will you pray? Will you threaten the ghostly apparition to appear to you and fight it? Will you find contradictions of such filthy spell? Will you find somebody who could help you? Will you stand tall and disregard the truth? Or will you be prepared and spend most of the time with them?

Imagine what was my reaction when I learned about a doppelganger that pathetically resembled my dearest mother. You suppose I was so nervous and felt hopeless... but that's not even half of what I've felt that very day...

It was a typical Tuesday. It was March 6. My brother was in my room playing with the computer, my mom was playing with our dogs and I was reading the daily newspaper. Time passed and I was so passive since I was very sleepy because I had slept late that night before. I finally went inside the room and were careless of what's happening. I was focusing on when will my brother shut down the computer and then, I could sleep and snore.

As I was inside the house, I turned the TV on and hooked up for an hour or two. Finally, my brother went inside the room, so I suppose I could sleep now. Sadly, and because the hearts of men are easily tempted (Lord Of The Rings), I already had fun watching cartoons. I was even numb of everything that was happening that very night.

After sometime, I noticed there was silence all along. I looked if mom was still cuddling the dogs but to my surprise, she wasn't there anymore. So I shouted out to our helper, " Te, where's Mama "? She replied " Just there ". Confused, I ask my brother. He said " She's just there ". Thinking that I was probably drowsy and I just got things mixed up, I just let the issue slip.

After an hour or two, I was back to my usual reserved self and I really remembered that mom hadn't come inside the house yet. So I said " Mom's not here ". I looked outside to see if mom was there but I only saw the dogs lying fast asleep. So we argued for sometime and remembered that she was in the construction site with my dad. So I was right all along.

The next day, I was intrigued when our helper asked my mom if it was she cuddling the dogs that very night. Mom said it was her indeed. But our helper argued because she already saw my dad left and she had pretty well remembered that my parents were going together to the construction site. So why was my mom still cuddling the dogs when my dad had already left and was out of sight?

Also, they didn't see my mom leave with my dad but we had remembered that when they came home that very night, she wore a white shirt. But what they saw when my we supposed they had left was my mom wearing a spaghetti and a blue shorts and she was cuddling the dogs!!!

Now this is odd and peculiar. It has to be someone else. Mom joked that maybe it was her ghost. But as for me, it was no joke. I mean, who would want their moms to die? Being a fan of supernatural stuffs, I decided to wait for the apparition. I've read about ghosts and doppelgangers and I was very much afraid of those. But because they threatened my mom and of course us, I AM NOT AFRAID!

So, after school, I waited for darkness to fall and I kept looking at the window. For sometime, no ghostly resemblance appeared. Unsatisfied, I went out and stayed at the very spot. Still, nothing appeared. I was even prepared to face it and shout at it. I really want to fight that filthy ghost of my mom. Suddenly, I broke in tears. I had suddenly remembered that my mom was sick even before the ghost appeared.

I thought the rumors were true. I thought I was hopeless. I loaded my cellphone and called my mom if she was okay in the hopsital. Glad to hear her voice, I felt hope again. I was even more glad when they were finally home. We discussed about it and my brother nearly kicked me when he knew I hadn't told him a single detail.

I just realized that no matter what it was, whether it be a real doppelganger or just our imagination, we really should have a strong faith in God. Only he can stop these from happening. No matter how hard we fight back, if our faith is brittle, evil will dominate. So just pray, because there's nothing in this world that can surpass and even equal the power and mercy of God.

On Being Taught By Students

"Teachers teach and innovate learners so that in time, these lareners would replace them and teach and innovate the next learners."

How do you feel when students take the place of a teacher and discuss your lessons for the day? Do you feel excited that the student is just your level and that you can debate on issues comfortably? Or you feel disgusted and backbite the student-teacher as the worst mentor you've crossed ever?

Know Your School Day (KYSD) really did some exposure that trained the students very well. It helps us know what is it like to be a teacher when the class is unruly and what we should do if we were a teacher. We were trained and exposed that we really felt nervous and sweaty on the very first day and even in the auditions. We really learned how to manage things and more importantly time.

We were also led to the right path of teaching strategies and techniques. We discovered how to deal a noisy class, how to start off with a boring and hard lesson and how to make learning fun as possible. Our skills and abilities were also enhanced. We were encouraged to speak clearly and efficiently and of course straight. Our brains were also sharpened as we think of the plans on how to run the discussion in front of your classmates smoothly.

However, teaching your classmates and being taught by your classmates are just comparable. Only that teaching your classmates is much more of nervous feeling. Being taught by my classmates makes me more eager. I always have this mind everytime a classmate teaches us in place of a teacher not to worry and not to be scared because we're just of the same level and asking questions, clarifying, and debating wouldn't be a terror after all.

But I don't disrespect them to the extent. But I think it would be more comfy because we're just classmates or the person is just a student and to think we get to talk to them everyday so learning with them will also be a fun experience. Plus, if a student-teacher takes care of a class, we can always shift the mood, agenda and make the class in hysterics.

We could be more expressive and participative knowing the student-teacher sometimes don't have the courage to scold or debate on our answers. But, still we're of the same level and as student-teachers, we should give them full respect and authority. Not only did we enhance our skills and abilities, sharpen our minds, but we also developed a track of confidence and socialism that encourages us more to do the same the next time.

And yeah, our teachers have this kind of project or activity so in time we could replace and surpass them. We would be better than them and in turn teach the next learners better than we were taught. As the time passes by, every new generation would be smarter and would progress.

So when the next KYSD comes, grab the opportunity. Who knows, teaching would be your forte! Everyone is a good teacher. We just have to unleash the skills, power and will to be one. We just have to let ourselves in and put yourself in a shoe of a good teacher. We just have to believe in ourselves and have the guts to take it to the limit and do it. Listen to the voice within.

KYSD will soon come and I hope everyone will volunteer to be a personnel or a teacher. All i can say for now is... Good Luck and may the force be with you!!!

Girl in the Mirror

Since I was a youngster, I was a loner. I never believed that no man is an island. I always believed that I could do it myself. I thought I don’t need anybody. Even when I was still in grade school, I started talking back to my parents. I told them that I can be independent, and that I may not need them anymore. I’m a rebellious girl. In my world, it’s always my rules. Things always go my way. Growing up, I realized, I was deceived. I was wrong. My anger, my pride sealed me from the truth. Its as if I can’t see the light.

She’s beautiful. She’s like my twin. She’s transparent. She’s very complex. She was the one who opened my eyes to reality. She thought me of the very one thing which blinded me and which I almost forgot!

Togtooooogaokkk! I heard the cocks. I was shocked and aghast when those stupid old cocks cut my dream. It was such a beautiful dream. It was about my favorite football player, Cristiano Ronaldo. I was mad on how the call of nature woke me up. I stood up, fixed my bed and was ready for school and our mouth-watering breakfast.

As usual, it takes me 15 minutes to take a bath. 5 minutes to eat my breakfast. 3 minutes to fix myself and get things ready. I need to go to school before 7:30 so as not to be marked late. My mom always complained and murmured on how slow I was because she always takes me to school. Being a turtle that I am, mom was always late for gym exercises. She can’t have her favorite place in their Spinning sessions, since the reservations are following a first-come first -serve basis.

Even though I was such a slug, I was never late. As my mom was driving the way to my school, the University of the Philippines, I suddenly realized that it was my parents’ wedding anniversary! How was I so forgetful! Without hesitation and regret, I greeted my mom a Happy Wedding Anniversary! When, we arrived at my school, I kissed her rosy cheeks and went away.

The bell rang and signaled that classes would begin. It was such a boring day. It seems odd though, because I never had such lousy spirit in school. I had always an active spirit and soul, and I was focused. Maybe because I was thinking of my parents’ anniversary, I thought. I had nothing in mind but something... a gift. A perfect, affordable wedding anniversary gift!

Then suddenly, I made a plan. Happy on how sharp my brain works, I told myself that I’m going home alone. I knew my father would fetch me everyday, but I’m going to ask permission anyway. I was determined my plan would be a success! So, bearing the boring lessons, I was doing nothing but waiting for the dismissal bell.

Krrrrriiiiinggg! At last, the bell granted my very wish. In no time, I rushed and checked if our group was assigned for cleaning. I wished we were not. My face drew a big smile when our group was not assigned as cleaners. Waiting for nothing and nobody, I rushed to the payphone outside. I phoned home. Sadly, there was nobody home except my friend, Maricel. Breathless and on the rush, I explained to her everything and that she’ll tell my mom about it.

Feeling relief on the first stage of my plan, I’m ready for the next. Where would I buy the gift? What gift? As I was thinking very deeply, I saw my classmate going home. I thought we could go together. I went up to her and then, she agreed. We rode the PUJ or the public utility jeepney, to JY Square. My first idea was a bouquet of flowers. Looking at the pale colored flowers and high price, I thought I was hopeless. I had to find another not more than P105.

We searched the mall and I saw no relief and satisfaction. We were searching in circles. Now, my classmate seemed tired and I was ashamed on how I pressured her when this is not her problem. So, I had the final decision. My gift is going to be a cake. Fortunately and thank God, we bought a chocolate cake in Angelica’s Bakeshop. Finally, I felt that I was in state of nirvana.

It was getting dark and my classmate and I had to go separate ways. We said our good-byes and went our own ways. When I finally rode on a jeepney, I was excited on how my parents would feel. When, I reached Apas, I paid the fare and got off to ride again a trisikad, a three-wheeled bike used as transportation.

When, I reached home, I thought my family was waiting for me. Surprisingly, I was confused and suspicious why my friend, Ayen, who used to stay in the house with Maricel was not there. Thunders and lightnings stormed my mind and heart when I knew Ayen was sent off to fetch me. I was insulted. I never knew that they couldn’t afford this very day to make things my way.

When my family arrived, I was at least happy. Well, I guessed I would be happier if they didn’t send Ayen to fetch me, when in the first place I asked permission. I smiled. My dad seemed preoccupied. My mom gave me a meaty grin. My young brother gave me an insulting look.

Ignoring everything, I showed them my gift. My brother, who happens to love every chocolate cake in the world, just looked at it, as if it was just a stone covered with mud. Suddenly, my dad uttered out. He told me why I went home by myself. I just let him speak. I realized that I ruined their plans.

We were supposed to eat on a luxurious restaurant. Without Ayen, there would be nobody left in the house because Maricel is off to fetch her. So, with all miseries in my heart, I felt sorry. I could see my brother murmuring. We were eating in our house. Just in our house.

I can’t force my tears from falling down. I realized that I gave everything on something that just wouldn’t go right. It was dinnertime and my mom comforted me and told me everything was fine and that they’re going to eat the cake anyway.

But, I wasn’t listening. My pride shrouded my mind and drowned my mom’s sweet words. I was back again in my darker side. I cried. I never listened. I saw my world as my own. My world became smaller and darker. My family scolded me, but I trashed them. I fought back. I went to my room and locked myself in.

Right then, I was thinking of running away. I turned off the lights. When, everything was dark, I noticed a sparkling, crystal-like object. I turned on the lights and noticed it was just the mirror. Moving like I was hypnotized, I looked at myself in the mirror.

I saw myself. This time its more meaningful. The mirror became a pensieve that very night. It reflected everything my family did to me. The pensieve that was once a mirror reminded me of my selfishness and greed. I broke in tears realizing, I was in great debt to all the people who helped me.

Just then, the pensieve changed back into a mirror and I saw a girl. She was like my twin. I was confused. Was she my reflection? Just then, I realized that the girl in the mirror,¦ was I. She was a better version than me. When I dared to touch her, she touched me back. I can feel her pulse, and her warmth. What I saw in her, I didn’t see in me. I saw she was successful. She had a lot of friends.

She was the exact opposite of me. When I returned to my usual reserved self, I realized that the reflection was more of a vision. Now, many months have passed, I still kept looking at the mirror, but it seems she was not coming back. She was not an apparition though, but rather a reflection of my life.

I kept remembering her. But all I can remember is that she’s beautiful. She’s a reflection. She’s transparent. She’s very complex. She was the one who opened my eyes to reality. She thought me of the very one thing which blinded me and which I almost forgot…ME! I am my night and shining armor. She made me slay my own dragon. She told me to dream my own dreams. From that day forward, I became stronger and slowly understanding that I am who my best friend is.

Look at yourself in the mirror. There’s nobody else closer to you than yourself.

Nobody can understand you if you yourself don’t understand who you are.

I believe this would strike teenagers to believe in good changes. Love yourself. Your greatest friend and foe is you.

REMUS

I never knew that even his soft voice makes my heart melt...

I can’t help but fall in love with him … if I had a chance to meet his parents … I would … in no time strangle both of them …

R E M U S … it’s a boy’s name of course. Yes. My parents adopted him since last four years. He is cute, free-spirited, and what else … beautiful. I mean there are no other words to describe him, since handsome is so much for a man, I feel comfy describing him as beautiful.

I mean, hello! He is a street child?! I mean all the dirt from the streets, all the itchy, creepy stuffs of the SLUMS area! Whooah! I mean, hey, no discrimination alright, but what will you do when you learned that your parents and not to forget your sibling are going to adopt a child?! Good enough if the child comes from an orphanage, but what’s worst… the child comes from the SLUMS!!!

Okay!!! Okay!!! But judging from his track record, he is definitely not in running for “ Katrina’s Best Adopted Brother “. I mean, let’s talk about HYGIENE here. I don’t know whom he sleeps with. I don’t know whom he eats with. I don’t even know if he takes a bath, and brush his teeth everyday!

I think he eats a monster’s food, and plays with all other SLUMS children in their place! Duh!!! Katrina, please use your common sense!!! He’s a street child so what do you expect, says myself. I didn’t know what to do everytime I see him in our house. I just murmur, and murmur. Until one day, I never thought this would be … Remus’ real R E M U S …

Friday, May 6, 2005, about 5:20 PM, I hurriedly went to my room to hog the computer, and surf the net. Since, our Internet Service Provider is PLDT DSL, it only took me about one and a half minute to visit my favorite links : www.manutd.com and www.friendster.com. I visited my friendster account first, and then my UNITED ALERTS in manutd.com.

As soon as I found out that Manchester United, my favorite football team is about to have their match against the Champion, Chelsea, I swiftly raced towards the T.V. , overtaking my brother, Paolo who was in the couch relaxing.

Can’t wait! I kept jabbering. Premiership Match of Manchester United versus Chelsea in Old Trafford! As soon as I delivered my excited note, I was very much surprised to see my brother handing me the control! Usually, we would have to fight of who’s going to rule over our WEGA THEATER. I just can’t believe that at long last, he finally gave way.

Still surprised, I asked my brother where he was heading. " Ha? Go play with Remus, why "? He replied. Clearing my throat, I said, " aren’t you going to watch Rooney shoot, or even Ronaldo dribble against Chelsea "? " No, thanks! Besides, I can play soccer with Remus, and together we could be little Rooney and Ronaldo "! Yeeaahheey!!! He cried as he scampered away.

Aghast, I was! This certain REMUS is getting my brother. He’s just adopted and he’s making my brother revolve around him, and then, what’s next??!! Make my strict wits and funny guts vanish like a thin air?

Yeah, right! Bring it on, Remus! I thought. I was going to find out about his great dramas and hopeless spells that worked on my brother, and even, who knows, my parents.

So, I started on befriending him. When I knew that my brother was off to our neighbor’s fence to get the soccer ball, I immediately went to him.

Hi, Remus! I said. When he turned, I, oh no… I thought I ‘d seen an angel! " Hi, Ate "! Wow! Didn’t he just had a soft, sweet, and innocent voice?

Charmed with his angelic face, and sweet voice, I felt two hundred angels caressing me. All of them with heavenly smiles and all of them saying, “ God loves You. Love Remus Too. “

After the heavenly sensation, I feel ashamed about what I have done to Remus. So, hoping he would forgive me, I went to him apologizing even if he didn't know what I did to him. And, so as to patch things up, I mean more; I decided to know him a lot better.

So, I started with who am I, and can I be his friend and his sister. Then, he said, " Yes ". He slowly started saying more about himself and this is what I remembered from what he said, since it was last four years.

Name : Remus Durano

Age : 12 years old

Birth date : 15 November

Mother : Arlene

Father : Chokoy Durano

Yes. He is a Durano. He said that his mother, Arlene, had an early sexual relationship with Chokoy (not his real name). Because his father Chokoy could not take him, or shall I say the Durano Family cannot accept him, he and his mother were not given Chokoy’s help and have never experienced Chokoy’s love and affection.

That’s because his mother came from a poor family and the Durano’s are of no doubt rich and famous. I was very thankful that of all children waiting to be adopted, Remus was with us because even tough he is poor and just an adopted child, he never stops loving his family, his life, and of course God. He is a strong kid. He never gives up no matter what all of us say. And do you know what? He dreams to be a POLICEMAN someday.

He wants to fight bad people, and wants to save the world like what he sees in his favorite “ POWER RANGERS “ I wish his parents would think about Remus’ future, because right now, Remus helps in my parents work, and I don’t like him to be a working student. If I were a Goddess, I would really turn his parents into stones for wasting a powerful youngster of tomorrow … R E M U S …