My thesis acknowledgement

To everyone who helped me complete my manuscript, thank you.
Here's the acknowledgement I wrote in my thesis for all my angels.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

You'll meet more angels on a winding path than on a straight one. ~Terri Guillemets

The successful completion of this manuscript was made possible through the invaluable contribution of a number of people. To say “thank you” to all of you is not even enough to express my gratitude. You are all angels sent to me by Our Heavenly Father.

I especially want to thank my adviser, Sir Erniel, for generously providing guidance on the technical aspect of this paper, for continuously encouraging me and pushing me to my limits to complete my thesis this semester, and for all the patience and support you gave me since day 1 of my thesis completion;

To Ma’am Lisa and Sir Jeff, my panel members during the oral defense of this paper, I am very much grateful for the knowledge you have imparted for the improvement of this work. Your insights and comments are very much appreciated.

Since January of this year, I have focused more on the completion of my thesis. This is made possible by my bosses at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as they approved my Thesis Writing Scholarship. I am particularly grateful to Ms. Ruth and Ms. Bong of the Department of Economic Statistics for letting me go on a six-month leave so I could finish my research work even if it meant leaving my office work.

My appreciation likewise extends to my BSP family, particularly to Mazel, Rizza, Lav, Bambi, Faye, Rodel, Jade and Kuya Jay, who were willing to lend me their laptops even if it meant bringing added heavy baggage in the office almost daily when I needed to run my simulations; and to Hazel, Nash and Kuya Kel, you know how I truly value your contribution in the completion of my thesis. For entertaining even my trivial questions, I am grateful to Ms. Terry and Kuya Darwin. Likewise, I would like to thank Kathy, Fofo, Chona, Ms. Nimfa, Grace, Diane, Ms. Dada, Ms. Beth, Ms. Miles, and all my other colleagues who, in one way or another, have been part of the completion of this paperwork.

To all my stat friends who have lent a hand to complete this thesis, specially to Tin How for the words of encouragement and for helping me out with my simulations, to Tina for your prayers and the laughter – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also thank those whose names should not be mentioned, for without you, I would not have completed my simulations within the semester.

To Ruby, thank you for lending me a copy of your manuscript, which is the main reference of my thesis, and for bearing with all my queries.

For letting me and Ju stay in your place, for finding time to cook for us, for helping me recall my SAS programming, for believing that I can finish this thesis, and for simply being there when I needed someone to consult or talk to, Weng, remember that all these are recognized and appreciated. Thank you so much.

Working on my thesis would be a lot different without Ju who helped me particularly in completing the SAS codes I used in my simulations. You know that your contribution in coming up with this thesis is indispensable. I will forever be grateful for having you and Weng, together with Juz and Olie, as my friends.

My deepest gratitude goes to my family for their unflagging love and support throughout my life. This thesis is simply impossible without them.

I wish to thank my Auntie Cel, for reminding me that I also need to take a rest and for staying with me in Quezon City for the duration of my thesis writing.

To Manang Badet, thank you for your prayers and words of encouragements. Thanks you for bringing Baby Bram to the family. Baby Bram has been one of my sources of inspiration in completing this thesis.

My Manang May, who stayed awake with me especially during the last few days of working on my thesis, has been my constant reminder that I could do better than what I think I can. Sis, I know that, like Mama and Papa, you’ve been praying for me all this time. Even if you we’re not physically with us when I was in the middle of all the difficulties I encountered in the development of my thesis, I know from my heart, you we’re with me in spirit. Thank you for the support, love and prayers. I love you Sis.

As we have joked around in our home, a page for my acknowledgement is not even enough to thank my Manong Boy. Throughout my thesis writing, he has been there to help me out on the logistics for my thesis. He constantly reminded me that it’s useless crying over spilled milk. He always had a solution to my problems with the computers. He even drives me around when I needed to rush things for my thesis. My deepest gratitude to you Bro! I love you.

To my ever supportive partner in life, thank you for helping me with my thesis, no matter how technical this is for you. Thank you for understanding that we can’t celebrate our anniversary together this year because I was busy with my thesis writing. I am just so grateful that I have you all this time. Thank you for the undying love and support you have provided me and for believing in me that I can finish my manuscript on time.

I cannot ask for more from my Papa and Mama, as they have both been wonderful parents to me and my siblings. I have no suitable word that can fully describe their everlasting love for me. I remember many sleepless nights when I’m working on my thesis, with Mama and Papa constantly checking on my computers to check if my runs are completed. I remember their constant support when I encountered difficulties in finishing my thesis, especially when I almost wanted to give up on my thesis. They have helped me financially, morally and spiritually. They always gave me words of encouragement. They always believed that I am good at my craft and that I can finish this thesis, in God’s grace. Mama and Papa, a million thanks to you. I love you both, so much.

Above all, I thank our Lord Jesus Christ, for giving me the intellect to understand the complexity of numbers, and giving me strength to complete this research. Most specially, thank you for sending your angels when I needed them the Most.

To all my heaven-sent angels, thank you and God bless us all.

Every forever of eternity

As I walk down the street I have thoughts in my mind
Feelings that are certain and I can't leave behind
The drops fall in my cheek and I say what my imagination wrote
Failed with emotions these are the words I sincerely quote

Every instance of a moment you blind me with your stare
Every moment of a second I'm overwhelmed when you are there
Every second of a minute you captivate me with your smile
Evry minute of an hour you make my life worthwhile

Every hour of a day I feel your touch that is so sweet
Every day of the week your presence keeps me complete
Every week of a month you give me eings to fly
Every month of a year you wipe the tears that run dry

Every year of decade this commitment will be my guide
Every decade of a century I will stay by your side
Evry century of forever there is one thing I will always do
Every forever of eternity I will be in love with you.

- Samrall D. Marcos

a poem for my birthday

I asked GOD what is life and I am still waiting for a reply
Although I know it is the period before I finally say goodbye
Before this life ends, there is something worthwhile that I need to do
I guess God already answered my question when I met you

I asked GOD to teach me the true way to love
Although I know that loving is also giving what you have
It is a special feeling that I can cherish until the time is through
GOD indeed guided me because He made me fell in love with you

I asked GOD for a miracle and make me better
Although I know that the chances of it happening is from slim to never
Miracles are rare: and that statement is always true
But I know there was a miracle when I heard the words I LOVE YOU

For things that I was asking, GOD always has something to say
I need to look back at the past and reminisce each passing day
Even I have the unending questions; there was one thing I always knew
I will definitely find out the answer because I have you

-Samrall D. Marcos

22 October 2007

Lynne

I think that I have never seen
A woman who is as beautiful as Lynne
Lynne, who had a breathtaking stare
And nourishes me with warmth and care
Lynne, who saved me when I was alone
Then she turned me soft from a heart of stone
Lynne, who had that gorgeous smile,
She showed me how to make life worthwhile
Upon her arms I feel love no less,
And by her side I can see success
I made a fool out of myself and that is what I have been,
And I know only God can give me Lynne

-Samrall D. Marcos
26 December 2005

Seven Months

As I walk down the street I have thoughts in my mind
Feelings that are certain and I can’t leave behind
The drops fall in my cheek and I say what my imagination wrote
Filled with emotions these are the words I sincerely quote

Every instance of a moment you blind me with your stare
Every moment of a second I’m overwhelmed when you are there
Every second of a min you captivate me with your smile
Every minute of an hour you make my life worthwhile

Every hour of a day I feel your touch that is so sweet
Every day of the week your presence keeps me complete
Every week of a month you give me wings to fly
Every month of a year you wipe the tears that run dry

Every year of a decade this commitment will be my guide
Every decade of a century I will stay by your side
Every century of forever there is one thing I will always do
Every forever of eternity I will be in love with you.

- Samrall D. Marcos

10 October 2005

The Eyes of an Angel

“Another one of those nightmares”, Chris mumbled to himself. He stood up the bed and rushed to have a quick shower. But the face of the girl was astonishing. She was the main character of his dream for the fifth consecutive night. He must have been thinking so much of the photos framed on the wall.

As he stepped closer to the office, thunderous applause came greeting him with cheers. “You did it again bud”, his friend John patting his back. “When will you ever fail”, John added. “That was pure luck” Chris whispered and he walked thanking his peers for their appreciation. He was about to open the door of his room when Mr. Hale, the magazine editor pulled his hand. “Way to go Chris, someday you will have one of this”, Mr. Hale said with a sheepish smile. “Thanks”, Chris replied. A brief chat came afterwards and Chris sat down his chair still unable to get the girl out his mind.

“This calls for a celebration Chris”, John said. But Chris was not paying attention. “Come on Chris, the bar along the highway is opening tonight”, John insisted. “I will be fine as long as we don’t bring Stan”, Chris replied. “I heard that, come on Chris I do promise to behave”, Stan said. “This how we will do it, only beer and no girls”, Chris explained. Stan and John were disappointed but nodded to Chris’ decision.

“This place rocks”, Stan said. The excitement was in the air as beautiful women and fine wine flooded the bar. “If you don’t mind Chris, why is it that you lack interest with girls?” John asked. “Women are not part of my plans” Chris answered. “Besides, there are important things that need my full time and attention’, he added. The night went on and Chris didn’t notice that they were the only once left inside.

It took John and Stan to carry Chris home. Because of drunkenness, Chris was not able to reach his bedroom and laid himself in the living room couch. He was so messed up that Chris decided to leave him alone until he regains consciousness. The dream woke him up again. Chris later realized that he never managed to reach his bedroom. “Perhaps this dream thing needs a cure”, he said. He decided to attend the Sunday mass, something that he hasn’t done for quite some time.

As he was approaching the church, he saw a girl sitting in the paved stairs. He was mesmerized by her eyes. It was a rare scene and an opportunity to take another photo. He took his camera and took a good view of the girl. “The eyes looked more fascinating in photo”, he thought. When he was about to talk to the girl, the bells started ringing. It was a signal that the mass is about a start. He just hoped that the girl will not go and wait until the mass ends.

After the mass, he hurried across the aisle wishing that the girl was still there. To his disappointment, she was gone. He didn’t know her name, where she lived, and a slight hint of her personality. All he had was a picture. With a girl who he thought had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. “Have you seen a girl sitting here?” “She was about 10 years old”, Chris asked a bystander. The bystander just said no. Something tells inside that he will see the girl soon. Not now, but someday.

Chris decided to drive along the boulevard and watch some scenery. Glancing at the car window, he saw an old man sitting on a bench. He stopped the car and sat right beside the man. “It’s getting late sir, robbers make this place their haven”, Chris informed the old man. “As much as I wanted to go son, I am waiting for my granddaughter”, the old man smiled. “Who would dare to touch a blind old man”, the old man added. “I lost my sight when my granddaughter had to be operated”, the old man narrated. “I thought that she will have a better future and I am already old.” The story continued and Chris watched the old man with amazement. “I have to sir”, Chris said. “It was nice meeting you.” “Just be careful out there.” As soon as Chris sped his car the girl he saw in the church approached the old man.

Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months. Chris spent most of his time finding the girl. He went to the church and even stayed there for hours hoping that the girl will come. “You are getting weird man”, John observed. “You don’t look like the Chris I know.” What bothering you?” John inquired. Chris didn’t bother to say a word. He was just thinking of the girl. He knew an opportunity will come; it’s a chance he will never relinquish.

Ten years after, Chris has his own magazine company. It is considered as the most read of all magazines in the market. Chris was thinking of going international and he need a model that will be the cover girl for the launching of the magazine. He knew that there is one person who could help him. “Maybe I will give Stan a ring”, he thought. “Hey Stan, its Chris”, he said. “I need your help.” “What help do you need my man?” Stan asked. “I am looking for a model. Can you search for some prospects?” Chris requested. “No problem dude”, Stan replied.

Chris was evaluating the photos given to him by Stan but it seems that none of the models have satisfied his qualifications. He was thinking of canceling the publication of the magazine. He was about to go home when the phone rang. “Hello, good evening.” “This Monica Kraft, I would like to speak with Mr. Christopher Boone”, a sweet voice said. “I am on the line “, Chris replied. “I read your advertisement and I am interested in auditioning as your magazine’s cover girl”, Monica informed. “Since I don’t have your photo, is it possible if you could meet me tomorrow night?” Chris asked. “Certainly Mr. Boone”, Monica replied. “I will be at Culinary Road tomorrow night.” “You can drop by and we will talk thing out”, Chris said. “I will be there sir”, as Monica dropped the phone and said goodbye.

Chris was feeling excited. There was something in her voice that tells him something great. The day came when he was to meet Monica. He had a haircut and sure he will be presentable. Before he left the house he looked at the mirror. “You are not such a bad looking guy after all”, he whispered. Most people say that Chris’ eyes are a thing of beauty. Perhaps that is the reason why he could capture the essence in his photography.

He was driving smoothly and thinking of the words he would say. Never in his life had he ever felt this good. He was about to complete his strategy when disaster stroked. A rampaging truck ran over car and he lost his balance. His car bump another car but his car flew and crushed to pieces. Moments later, he felt his body numbed and his bones dislocated. He tried to get up because he saw a girl in the car that he bumped. But he had no strength to do it.

He woke up in the hospital with John beside him. “What happened man?” he asked. “This is worse Chris”, John answered. “The doctor said you will not walk again”, John added. Chris looked up and cursed for his misfortunes. It was supposed to be a happy night. A night when he will meet who can potentially be the one he has been looking for all his life. He remembered his dreams. He thought how stupid he was for not believing in destiny.
“There is another problem”, John said. “The car bumped into was destroyed and the driver was blinded by the accident. “Could I see her?’ Chris requested. “She is still unconscious, but the doctor gave you permission”, John answered. When he entered the room of the girl, he felt the same feeling when he heard Monica’s voice. He saw a beautiful face lying and the memories of the old man haunted his senses. “This is my fault”, Chris screamed. “She does not deserve this punishment”. “It was an accident Chris”, John replied. “No John, call the doctor.” I will donate my eyes to hear.” “Are you out of your mind?” John asked “Yes I am” “In fact I look like a vegetable” “Look at me John.” “Do you think there will still be a future for me?” “This girl is still young; she deserves to live longer than me”. John knew all he can do is to disagree.
Monica was driving along the boulevard when she saw a blind man sitting on the bench. She decided to drop by and sit with the man. “It is getting late sir, are you waiting for someone?” Monica asked. Chris just smiled. “How come you are blind?” Monica asked with curiosity. “I met an accident two tears ago”, Chris replied. “I bumped into a car where a girl is inside.” “As a result, she got blinded.” “Since I could no longer walk, I decided to donate my eyes for her”, Chris narrated. “That was sweet sir, I don’t think you have to do that”, Monica said. “My grandfather did that for me, I could still remember the days he was here”, she added. Monica noticed a picture in Chris’ hands. “Who is in that picture?” Monica asked. “She is the reason why I am like this”, Chris replied. “But I don’t blame her for what happened, it sad that I didn’t have a chance to talk to her and see her beautiful eyes again”, he added. Monica looked at the picture and she was stunned. She can’t believe that the girl in the picture was her. “Where did you take this picture?” Monica wondered. “I saw this girl in the church and got amazed with her eyes.” “I took a shot of her face and that was the last time I saw.” “Since then I tried to find her, but she seem to be gone for good”, Chris told. “I am Christopher Boone who was once a photographer owned a magazine company”, Chris said. Monica was shocked. She can’t utter a word. Everything that has happened is coming back to life. She wished she could hug and thank Chris but that wont help. Monica held Chris’ arms and whispered words in his ears. In minutes Monica was gone. Chris was left alone sitting and hoping that the girl will still arrive. He remembered what Monica told him. The angel may have lost his wings, but his eyes will stay by her side forever.

- Samrall D. Marcos