Day 41. Bangon Pilipinas!

It is surmounting difficulties that makes heroes. – Louis Pasteur

The last few days have been a difficult time for us Filipinos, especially those greatly affected by the super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. It took away thousands of lives, caused countless casualties, affected numerous families and damaged an entire region leaving our fellow countrymen in grief and despair.

Despite all the depressing headlines plastering over the news, what warmed my heart was the bayanihan that was quickly on display.

Volunteers immediately took their time to provide help and service in any way. There were brave souls that helped in the evacuation and rescue in the affected region, others swiftly donated and pledge whatever they can give and also organizing and coordinating multiple relief efforts. Soon that followed were donations from organizations located in and out of the country, and also from the government of our international friends.

But even with all the outpour of love and compassion and the help and efforts given by thousands, it is still a major struggle for the affected. Water has been scarce. Electricity continues to be a problem. The number of people getting sick is rising due to the poor conditions.

But Filipinos are resilient. We never get fazed. We never give up. With our strong belief and faith, we know we can get through any challenges that come our way.

I continue to hope and pray that everything will be better for all the victims, with all the help being provided for their sole benefit and their living condition will continue to improve. All of us are together for you. Always know that a brighter day awaits. Bangon Pilipinas! 

(Credit to owners for the photos and video used above.)

-Bli

Day 27. The Stonecutter's Credo

So the NBA has finally tipped off it’s 2013-2014 season, with 6 teams seeing action yesterday. Today, the rest of the teams will begin their campaign, including my San Antonio Spurs looking to shake off their bitter ending last season against the Memphis Grizzlies.

As the days leading to the opener grew near, I was reminded of the team’s mantra- Pounding the Rock, a quote taken from Danish-American journalist, Jacob Riis.

One of the most inspiring and motivating lines I have ever read. Knowing that every good thing takes time, that every good thing don’t come easy, and that you need to put all the work and effort. It’s about the dedication, the commitment and the sacrifice you need to have.

As my Silver and Black are set to embark on another grueling season, I know they’ll continue to pound on that rock as they always do and here’s hoping that this time they’ll be rewarded at the end of it all.

And as for me, seeing an actual stonecutter hammering away would be great specially in times of idleness.

                -Bli

Day 17. Congratulations to all the new CPAs!

After an unlikely one week delay, the October 2013 CPA Board Examination results were finally released by the Professional Regulation Commission earlier in the day.  It was announced that 4,246 out of a total of 10,396 takers passed the series of tests. 

The Top 10. (c) www.prc.gov.ph

Congratulations to the newest batch of CPAs! A salute to all your determination, hardwork, and perseverance throughout the years. Being an aspirant passer, I’ll definitely draw inspiration from you guys. Make the most out of this life-changing day, and I feel this track is perfect for you to enjoy your night: 

And saving the best for last, I just want to say a huge congratulations to the one special person for also making it and becoming a new CPA. Been somewhat a part of your journey this past year and a half and I am so proud of what you achieved!

For more on the results of the recently concluded exams just visit the PRC official website, http://prc.gov.ph/news/?id=613 . 

-Bli

Day 3. Practicum is a Piece of Cake

The race to 160 hours is on! I finally had my first taste of joining the workforce and the best part about it; everything went better than what I originally thought. Sure it’s just the beginning where our mentors are still easing us with our chores, trying to make us feel comfortable and to fit in well with the environment and that things will turn as we get along, but I can already sense that I’m going to enjoy all of this. 

I’ll be drawing cue from one of the articles I regularly read online to share my day; David Aldridge’s Morning Tip on nba.com - the Feeling/Not Feeling segment. Because even with all the praise I’m giving credit about my first day, there were some things that could’ve gotten along.

FEELIN’

1. The awesome employees at Pag-ibig Kamias. They made the transition so easy and smooth, everyone was accommodating and considerate and the work they assigned were easy. I just hope this won’t change.

2. The corporate look. The last couple of years I always dread having major classes on a Wednesday because it means we have to dress formally. These days, I don’t know what changed my perception about the long sleeves and slacks.

NOT FEELIN’

1.  Tardiness. First day of OJT and I was already late. Talk about leaving an impression. I blame my friends for their influence.

2. Anxiety strikes. I’ve been having some really awful anxiety attacks since last term. Or maybe it’s just really what I eat.

And speaking of eating,

Thanks Goldilocks for helping me think of the title! See what I did there? 

-Bli

Day 1 - October 2013 CPA Licensure Exam Overview

It’s that time of the year again. The two-weekend long October leg of one of the country’s elite board examinations is set to begin today with thousands of aspiring CPAs all looking forward to ace the test. Here’s a look at the examinee’s schedule:

(c) www.prc.gov.ph

And I am feeling the shivers just by looking at it.

To all those taking the examination, I wish you luck. It may not be one easy journey, but you have made it this far. And to the one special person I’m rooting for, the dream is within reach and I know you’ll do great!

-Bli

Counting It Down

It started with one of those nonchalant walks to school, dragging my lazy self to get started on another rigorous school day. But instead of worrying about the day that was ahead, I caught myself thinking about the board exam and it’s preparation that I won’t be doing for another year (talk about being future-oriented). I guess it was the senior year bug where you’re already looking forward to your career, or just the fear of the uncertainty that’s looming ahead.

 I decided then that I am going to share my experiences en route to the October 2014 CPA examinations. And just to set things straight, this isn’t a blog about tips or guides or any of that (I figured that reading the title in another way may deceive some of you) rather, this will just be all about the musings, misadventures, and  nonsense that I’ll encounter along the way. (But if any of you do have some helpful advices, please feel free to share them. I need all the help that I can get. Thanks!)

With this year’s last set of exams beginning this weekend, I figured that it’s the perfect time to begin counting down the days. And who knows? Maybe this will provide me some added jolt of motivation to go along with the never-ending reviews, sleepless nights, and tiring days moving forward.  

As the clock continues to tick, I do hope that you’ll stick around and join me in all my crazy antics, because, you know, I also don’t want to be cemented with just my books, notes and calculator.

-Bli