Because i said so

From the Heart

2012-02-14T17:33:00.001+08:00

I included a pescetarian diet in my 30 list primarily because I want to give my heart a bit of rest from chugging all those beef and chicken fat that I've been devouring all my life. Until this year, I've always believed I'm on a healthy diet because as a Seventh-day Adventist, I don't eat pork and seafoods except for fish. While that could be true, I also know that beef contains even more fat than pork. Add to that the fact that veggies are not exactly my favorite part of the meal.

I'm entering the late twenties mark this year and it cannot emphasize enough that I have to start taking more care of my health. My dad's generation is also in its twilight years and witnessing him and his friends pass away, it reminds me that our bodies can only take so much. Decades down the road, I don't want to end up glued to my bed, regretting that I didn't do my best to live healthy when I still could.

So in the spirit of Heart's Day, I have decided to start crossing off item no. 7 in my list today, February 14th. I'll try my best to post about my meals everyday (????) or every week (??) but I'm putting my credibility on the line (and online..haha!) in reassuring that I will stick to this diet until the 30th day.

I just hope all the omega 3 that I'll be consuming will somehow regulate my [anticipated] crankiness!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Glee's Black or White

2012-02-07T21:17:00.001+08:00

I've been missing too many Glee episodes! I say YouTube is the next best thing since sliced bread. ;)

I felt goosebumps all over me while watching this performance.

Repost: Po-on by F. Sionil Jose

2012-02-03T22:43:00.000+08:00

Inspired by my ongoing 12 in 2012 project, I am reposting a review I wrote about the first book I read by the great F. Sionil Jose who instantly became one of my favorite authors. I wish to meet him someday.

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March 2007

"With the publication of this novel, F. Sionil Jose completes his major work - the Rosales saga. PO-ON starts it all. Set in Ilokos in the 1880's, it records the flight of a tenant family from its village to the plains of eastern Pangasinan. But more than a story of escape from Spanish tyranny, it is also one man's tortured search for true faith and the larger meaning of his own existence, a search which propels him across the wilderness to the plain, then back, to the hostile roof of the Ilokos in the Cordilleras."

Spencer, my officemate, lent this book to me. This was actually my first encounter with the author so I didn't have any expectations unlike when I read Coelhos' and Grishams' (read: "This should be excellent!").

But it was excellent, I must say, for stories set in the Spanish era are my cup of tea. I always tell my friends that if ever I get the chance to be transported back in time, I'll choose the Spanish era because I've always thought that this period largely make up what Philippines is today. Oh, what 300 years of colonization can do to you. Furthermore, I've always been curious how Escolta was like during that time, how clean the Pasig River was, and how the country's Central Business District was once a "talahiban". I've always been fascinated seeing just how far a country or a place has gone. And I know I shouldn't be saying this but I think the Spaniards were a bit more "gentle" with us than the Japanese. (I know, I know I shouldn't be saying that. Just for comparison, ok? Forgive me now?)

Anyway, the story revolves around Istak's (the main character) family and their escape from their village in Po-on, Ilokos to eastern Pangasinan - in Rosales, specifically. They wanted to escape mainly because Istak's father, the one-armed Ba-ac, killed a Spanish priest in the church where Istak served as an acolyte for ten years. The irony being Ba-ac came to the said priest to ask for some consideration that Istak be accepted again to the church. But then he was just so surprised to find out that it was the same priest who ordered that his hand be lopped off when he wasn't able to come to work for a week due to his fever. And so the story goes on.

I love the way how FSJ was so detail-conscious in describing everything in this book. My most favorite was how he would describe their menus during meal times.

"...he had a breakfast of coffee brewed from corn, fried rice and roasted dried venison."
"...the fried rice from Don Jacinto's kitchen...was fried with pork fat and had bits of onion and garlic."
"...a plate of steaming rice, pieces of dried meat, slices of tomato and, yes real coffee."

But more important than the food were the intertwined personal and social issues – personal issues brought about by social ones and vice versa.

The book discusses a lot of man’s faith in God and how it could waver especially during trying times – when you just can’t help but question whether God still gives attention to those who don’t have much to give except for their lives. But then a man’s faith in God SHOULD NEVER waver. Because beneath those trials are blessings in disguise.

It also discusses one’s loyalty to his Motherland (as shown in Istak’s many conversations with Apolinario Mabini) and that it shouldn’t be considered a sacrifice to be made but every Filipino’s duty. Ilokano or not, uneducated farmer or an ilustrado, your duty shouldn’t be confined to your family, the land that you have cleared or your own village.

Quotable quotes from the so-called Apolinario Mabini in the story:

“I am no longer an official in our government. What I do now I do as duty, not to the President but to Filipinas. Our motherland, she is bigger than any of us, and we must serve her and serving her means serving you and everyone who is Filipino.”

“Don’t ever be a patriot. Those who think they are or will be delude themselves. Patriotism is selfless. And it is not the generals who are the bravest – they usually have the means to stay away from the battle and thereby lengthen their lives. The bravest are usually those whom we do now know or hear about, those anonymous men who dig the trenches, who produce the food. They are the corpus – the body and also the soul of a nation. It has always been the many faceless men, those foot soldiers, who have suffered most, who have died. It is they who make a nation.”

Though a fiction, the story reminded me just how much the Philippines had gone through. And I just can't help but feel sad because now, I'm not so sure anymore whether our country has really gone far. I mean, do we have to be threatened again of losing our independence before we unite? When was the last time becoming a political leader merely meant selfless service to the country and his fellowmen? Who was the last person we had for a such kind of leader?

With the upcoming elections in May, I can only hope and pray that these political candidates spend millions in campaign ads (and end up looking like trying hard actors/actresses), debates and motorcades because they are aching to serve these people. I do hope and pray that resorting to dirty ways (like vote-buying) means they would go to the ends of the earth for this country and not for their bank accounts. The Philippines is suffering more than enough now than it did during Istak's time. Today's worse though because it shows that we don't need help from the Spaniards to make her suffer after all.

2nd in 2012: The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho

2012-02-02T00:40:00.000+08:00

When I came up with my 12 in 2012 Project, I actually had this book in mind. This has got to be the oldest in the bunch. I received this as a birthday gift way back in 2007 and finally finished reading it just a few days ago. I got a head start for my 2nd book as I am already anticipating a jampacked February primarily because of my nephew who is in the country for a vacation.

As always, Paulo Coelho did not disappoint. The Witch of Portobello is a story about a woman named Sherine/Athena/Hagia Sofia who struggled to maintain being true to herself even if she was unsure of who she really was. To be honest, the book confused me a lot of times. Maybe because it was speaking from a gypsy and a pagan's point of view which distracted me as I reject such beliefs. But I knew there was something more in it and that's what I chose to focus on.

This is not a story about how to reach for your dreams or finding your purpose in life. It simply is about determining your nature, filling in all those blank spaces and how to respond to it or more popularly known as "how to keep it real". The journey may be far from smooth as it may not conform to what the society dictates but somehow you will find your way. And when you have achieved this, the dreams, the passion and the purpose will follow. There were a lot of memorable passages in the book but there was one that stood out for me that almost brought me to tears when I read it. Here goes:

Another long pause, then the blacksmith concluded: "I know that God is putting me through the fire of afflictions. I've accepted the blows that life has dealt me, and sometimes I feel as cold and indifferent as the water that inflicts such pain on the steel. But my one prayer is this: 'Please, God, my Mother, don't give up until I've taken on the shape that you wish for me. Do this by whatever means you think best, for as long as you like, but never ever throw me on the scrap heap of souls'."

I'm not sure if my being emotional towards it is due to my current struggle of finally deciding to leave my comfort zone that does not really define who I am. But sometimes I do wonder if a lot of us really take the time to think and pray about the kind of person we are meant to become. But living in a third world country wherein life has become reduced to a battle of survival, that thought has become a luxury. Personally, I would not like to be the type of person who just "came and went". I do not dream of becoming famous nor desire to be revered by other people long after I'm gone. But I believe that I was put in a much better position wherein I do not have to battle it out for survival for a reason. That I don't have to worry about my basic needs so I can concentrate on things of higher purpose. I don't know how many more blows I'll have to take and fire I'll be put into but like the blacksmith, I pray to take the shape of whatever God wants me to.

Benefits of a Bicycle

2012-02-01T21:36:00.000+08:00

Photo from Global Greens

I find it funny that ever since I came up with my 30 Before 30 Project, I keep on stumbling upon articles or websites or photos related to what's on my list. This photo being one of them. As if the world is encouraging me and telling me that really, it's not that hard.

Unfinished Symphony

2012-01-22T12:41:00.000+08:00

It's not unusual for me to find some notes I have written in the past. But yesterday, I was surprised at what I wrote when I found a couple of them tucked away in piles of old notebooks and magazines. Here they are.

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Sometime 2007

One of my favorite past times when I'm on the net is blog hopping. Though the main reason for this is getting updates on my friends, I also frequent blogs of total strangers, celebrities (like this one and this), people I've never met but only heard about. It just makes me realize all the more what a big world we have out there. The best thing about maintaining a blog is it doesn't necessarily have to contain your day-to-day activities but can also touch on things that show what you have between your ears.

Many blogs have made me ask myself several times, "Have I really made a difference?" Call me ambitious or something but I've always wanted to make an impact on the lives of the people I meet. Of course, I'm talking about a positive impact. The simple act of maintaining a blog - my blog - what does it give to other people? I've gained a lot of insights from other blogs on different topics and every now and then, they make me discover something else about myself. Is my blog the same way?

I know I'm not exactly one of the greatest thinkers of our time. In fact, I don't hesitate to call myself shallow when it comes to describing myself. I laugh the hardest at the corniest jokes. I'm not even afraid to laugh at myself. But I do hope that this kababawan reaches out to other people and makes that positive impact. One that will move people to unite and make a difference in this world. I can dream, can't I?

Ok, obviously I still had a lot to discover about myself when I wrote that. I was this silly young girl who truly believed that poverty could be solved by a piece of candy. But what holds true until now is my dream for this blog to be of help to others. Many times I have asked myself why I never gave up blogging even though I'm so lousy in updating. Apparently, many times I have forgotten about this dream. I still don't know how I'm going to achieve that. It's so obvious that I have lost that shallow bit when I write. Nowadays, I write with more seriousness in my posts (not boring, I hope!). Maybe I should hit that reset button and start again where I did more than four years ago.

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January 2011

Confessions of a Third Wheel

I'm only going to do this once and after this, I will try really hard not to feel this way again. For quite a while now, I've been getting this nagging feeling that I'm starting to get lonely. I've tried so hard to ignore it since I've decided long ago that my happiness - or anybody else's for that matter - shouldn't have to depend on one person only. It should be a result of my maturity, contentment and lessons learned from the past that I'm blessed with a lot of love from the people in my life. This mindset I have been able to maintain for the past couple of years. But lately, no matter how maturely I think about it, I'm still left with that emptiness in the pit of my stomach that tells me yeah, it does get lonely.

Don't get me wrong, I do have mature friends who don't mind me tagging along. But you cannot blame me for feeling uncomfortable and squirming in my seat when they start getting mushy and unconsciously get into their own world for a few minutes. You cannot also blame me for somehow feeling irritated when it happens because I instantly feel like an outsider, an intruder, a third wheel. You cannot blame me for taking it as insensitivity on their part. But all these make me feel bad about myself because I know I cannot blame them for acting that way because well, they ARE a couple. Duh.

Now this one made me laugh. I cannot believe I felt this way once. While I still get that occasional 'emptiness in the pit of my stomach', I know I am more sure than ever that I am not yet ready.

At the breakfast table

2012-01-21T17:16:00.002+08:00

Earlier, I read an article on how to train your photographic eye. The author suggested simply looking around the house and search for something interesting. I did and found nothing until I started laying out today's breakfast.

Nothing really spectacular about it. Just a piece of leftover chicken tocino from yesterday's breakfast, reheated rice, fried sardines, instant coffee and today's paper. (Uhh..yup, haven't started on that cooking yet. Teehee.) I just like the contrast of colors from the whole spread. Oh wait, something is spectacular about this - it's the long weekend, yes! Never mind the mismatched plates, this is as real as it gets.

1st in 2012: Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

2012-01-21T01:22:00.000+08:00

I'm so proud of myself for finishing this book in half a day. Writing this so short a post even took longer. The wonders of not having your own laptop. I told you I'm not a gadgets person. ;)

Before Ever After is not your typical love story. It was anything but mind-boggling, had no complicated twists and 'big reveal'. But I don't mean for it to be a negative thing. Samantha Sotto writes nothing like the other Filipino writers - at least, the ones I have read. It's apparent that much of the influence in her writing style came from her life in Europe. It's actually refreshing. Though the plot is as fictitious as it gets (immortality, anyone?), it gives you a chance to brush up on your European history. I was also able to identify a bit of myself with the main female character (er, protagonist?). Shelley lived on lists. It is in her mind, her heart, even in the pocket of her jeans. Yep, my 30 Before 30, 12 in 2012 and One Tama lists are just three among the many.

The book asks a very important question on how you are making use of your time. It made me stop and ponder on it for a while. I remembered my 30 Before 30 list and realized I cannot be too sure that I still have three more years. The original version of that list was even more ambitious. I thought that cancelling out some of the items and replacing them with more doable ones was just me being realistic. After all, can I actually pull off celebrating my birthday in Santorini, sunbathing in an Italian beach and going to grad school in the three years I have left? I thought it was just smart of me to be realistic. But then no other reason for it could be more glaring than FEAR. Fear of what, I really don't know. Because really, your reality depends on how you want it to be. No need to blame the government or that person who spilled his drink on you for your bad day. Like what Max (the main male character, er, protagonist?) said to Shelley, "You always have a choice." I just hope that the big risks I'm willing to take this time will help unleash that free spirit I have always believed I possess.

No more excuses!

2012-01-18T20:46:00.000+08:00

Okay, I just ran out of excuses not to accomplish item no. 16 in my 30 Before 30 list. Not that I was planning on it! *wink*

Watch this video and be amazed.

My One Tama List

2012-01-14T21:55:00.002+08:00

I started with this One Tama list about three years ago and almost forgot about it. Now I intend to cross off everything and start with a new one after.

To a better Philippines!

1. From table napkins to ketchup packets, only take what you need.

2. Call the waiter/waitress by their first name. Tip them.

3. Use the back of your used bond papers.

4. Unplug appliances when not in use.

5. Make your bed the moment you wake up.

~~6. Support Original Pilipino Music (OPM).~~ I don't pile up on their albums but so far, I have gone to concerts of Filipino artists only. Not because their tickets are way cheaper than those of foreign acts but I just feel there is more worth and value (!) with Pinoys. Current favorite is the amazing Johnoy Danao. He used to have gigs in a bar near the office and my friends and I would stay for his whole set. Never mind that it had to end at past 1AM already and we had work the next day.

7. Offer to help a co-worker or classmate on a difficult task.

~~8. Tutor public school students for free.~~ I am thankful for the opportunities to do this through our company's volunteer activities. I have been regularly signing up for reading sessions.

~~9. Refrain from using straws when unnecessary.~~ I don't know why but I find straws unnecessary. Really.

~~10. Use a cup when brushing your teeth.~~ Check.

~~11. Pay your taxes.~~ This is fairly easy though with the automatic deduction from our salary.

~~12. Don't bribe your way out of situations.~~ I got my first traffic violation ticket last year. Getting back my license from the LTO was not easy. There was time pressure from the thought that I was only out on lunch break and it was pouring cats and dogs. Even so, I felt proud of the traffic enforcer who refused to give in despite my pleas and pagpapa-cute. Lesson learned.

13. Give without expecting anything in return.

14. Donate your old school books/organize a used book sale.

~~15. Participate in Earth Hour!~~ Yearly! :)

~~16. Say thank you more often.~~ I have a friend who always says 'thank you' and his trait made me conscious if I was saying it enough.

17. Don't cram.

~~18. When traveling short distances, walk or bike!~~ I live in a place where everything is practically within walking distance, including my office.

~~19. When driving, slow down on pedestrian lanes.~~ My dad taught me to honor the pedestrians when I'm driving. Drivers who don't has become my pet peeve.

~~20. Visit a historical monument.~~ October 2011. Rizal Park. And I say 'whatever!' to the no-shoot policy.

~~21. Discuss national issues among your friends.~~ I am blessed to have friends who have something to say about our country and do not find it boring to talk about it for hours. Makes for an intelligent discourse.

22. Read more about the Bill of Rights.

23. Pray for all our Philippine leaders.

~~24. Blog about One Tama.~~ Read my post here.

25. Give away things you don't need. Simplify your life.

26. Pagsabihan nang maganda ang mga sumisingit sa pila.

27. When generalizing Filipinos, see if you can own it first.

28. Give other customers a chance to sit in restaurants.

29. Offer to throw the trash of someone else.

30. Pick up a piece of litter and throw it in the garbage bin.

~~31. No texting while driving.~~ I can't even put on my seat belt while driving, let alone texting!

~~32. Drink coffee/tea out of a reusable mug.~~ I don't drink coffee or tea on a daily basis but I do use this 'reusable' water tumbler from my best friend for my daily water intake. Much more environment-friendly (and cheaper) than buying bottled water all the time.

~~33. Meet your deadlines.~~ Have to admit, only learned to do this when I started working already. Teehee.

~~34. Walk on the pedestrian lane. Use the MMDA foot bridges.~~ While I am an advocate of drivers-should-honor-pedestrians, I also believe it should work both ways. Pedestrians should honor the rules as well.

~~35. If you're a Filipino, travel around the Philippines first.~~ I have been blessed with opportunities see the amazing parts of our country and I know I will never get enough of it. Filipinos should really travel around here first. They're missing out on a lot. I sure had fun getting burnt in Cebu and Bohol, becoming Ilocoholic, beach bumming in Calaguas and surfing in Bagasbas, getting tickled pink at the Pahiyas Festival, feeling at home in Cagayan de Oro City, getting re-acquainted with my birthplace Davao City, getting charmed by Palawan and Camiguin. My 30 Before 30 Project doesn't have to tell you that I'm not yet done.

36. Invite your foreign friends to the Philippines.

~~37. Pumara at bumaba sa tamang babaan.~~ See #34.

~~38. Flush the toilet after using it.~~ Come on, this is a no-brainer.

~~39. Ask for a receipt.~~ I know it's time to clean my wallet when it has become stuffed with more receipts than money! I believe that by asking for receipts, we will also help our businessmen accomplish #11.

40. Be updated on the local and international news.

41. Reuse, reduce, recycle.

42. Clean as you go.

43. Spend more time productively than being unproductive online.

44. Get to know the helpers around you.

~~45. Hold the elevator door open.~~ Check, check, check.

~~46. Don't push people when riding the MRT.~~ I'd rather wait for the next train.

47. Patronize Pinoy brands.

48. Explore your own city.

~~49. Magtapon ng basura sa tamang lugar.~~ Aside from my wallet getting stuffed with receipts, my bag also doubles as a trash can. I once made my officemate pick up his used cigarette butt when I saw him just flick it off his fingers.

~~50. Start on that good deed you've been thinking about doing.~~ December 11, 2011 was just the beginning.

~~51. Switch off lights when not in use.~~ Done always. Thanks to my mom who will not let us hear the end of her ranting on how our Meralco bill never went down if we leave the lights on.

52. Dumating sa tamang oras.

~~53. Pumila nang maayos.~~ I believe that being able to do this is a good measure of how much you have learned since kindergarten. This shouldn't be so hard even if you never went to school. I once told off an old woman who cut me in line on purpose. Some may find it disrespectful but I don't think people should get away with it just because of their age. If she asked if it was ok, then I would have gladly stepped back. I saw it as bullying on her part. She even had the nerve to say it's as if I didn't learn anything in school. Well, I did learn that I have to fight for what is right.

~~54. Tumawid sa tamang tawiran.~~ Again, #34.

~~55. Follow traffic rules and regulations.~~ Save for that one time I got a ticket, I am a proud goody-goody driver.

56. Promote this website to my friends.

57. Perform an act of random kindness to a stranger.

~~58. Don't forget to say 'po'.~~ Check, check, check.

59. Iwasang magmura.

60. Magpakabait kahit walang premyo o nakatingin.

~~61. Stop whining.~~ With everything that had happened to us in the past year, I realize that I never really complained and questioned why it happened to us.

62. Love the Filipino language. Spread it.

~~63. Volunteer for a cause you believe in.~~ #8 and #50.

~~64. Start a discussion about social service.~~ #21.

My 30 Before 30 Project

2012-01-07T20:39:00.002+08:00

This project is mainly inspired by another 30 Before 30 Project. I gotta admit, I am worried about turning 30 and this project is a genius way of facing it head on. My list underwent several revisions because while I would like to be all-out adventurous, I still have to keep it realistic.

So here are 30 things I should do before I hit the big 3-0. Items in pink should be done this 2012.

1. Accomplish '12 in 2012'. Full story here.

2. Quit my current job. To say that it took a lot of courage for me to decide and write this one down is an understatement. Almost like that time when I was agonizing about my decision to break up with my long-time boyfriend. I have run out of excuses and the only thing remaining is the convenience it gives me because it is very near my house. But even that is already working against me. Don't get me wrong, I do not hate my current job. It's just that I think this is no longer my path.

3. Cook a five-course meal for the whole family. Now this needs practice, practice, practice. Lots of it. So I will be needing more time. Yes, I think more than 12 months. Teehee.

4. VOTE! Shameful as it is to admit, I have never voted in any election ever since I turned 18 despite the fact that my parents had never missed one. I don't think there will be an election this year but I should be able to register already.

5. Climb Mt. Pulag.

6. Try Parkour!!! I almost went to my 1st training session last year but it was postponed due to bad weather. Never tried 'trying' again though. I should get on with it now that my bones and muscles can still take it. All the more I should go for it because the training sessions are free!

7. Go pesco-vegetarian for a month.

8. Learn to surf properly. And by properly, I mean being able to stand up on the surf board! :)

9. Learn to swim. I did take lessons in 2010 but only made it through half of the course.

10. Learn how to ride a bicycle!

11. SKYDIVE.

12. Bungee jump off the Macau Tower on my birthday.

13. Meet up with my ex.

14. Go to graduate school.

15. Watch a concert - front row.

16. Master playing Drops of Jupiter and Make You Feel My Love on the piano.

17. Watch a Broadway show in New York.

18. Join _ _ _. I will not broadcast this yet for fear of jinxing it.

19. Go spelunking in Sagada.

20. Buy an SLR camera. Some may find this so easy and even wonder if this should even be included in the list. But I am not a gadgets person. 1/3 of my cellphone's keypad has chipped off but I still refuse to replace it. I never had an iPOD, much less a Walkman! So yes, getting the camera will be life-changing for me.

21. Take French classes again - and learn to converse in it!

22. Read the Bible from cover to cover.

23. Get CORONized.

24. Treat my mom and my sister to an all-expense-paid trip.

25. Create my 'untouchable' and European tour fund.

26. Take Barre 3 classes again for a month.

27. Pray for my future husband in the Taj Mahal.

28. Drink milk in El Nido.

29. Write an article to be published in the newspaper or be featured in a magazine.

30. Accomplish my One Tama list. Yes, a list within a list. I started with this almost three years ago and have so far only crossed out 29 items. I still have 35 more to go.

12 in 2012

2012-01-07T14:55:00.000+08:00

Here I go again with my yearly project in which, so far, I have all failed. Haha. I have come up with photography projects the past couple of years to help myself constantly pursue the craft but I was never really a fan of doing things because they are "required". No wonder I had a lot of trouble with my schoolwork before. BUT I did not stop taking photos. I still take my camera with me all the time. I have, in fact, taken an interest in food photography as evidenced by my Foodness Gracious! album in my Facebook account. I guess I never really failed as far as my interest in photography is concerned.

This year's goal is different. The kind that has been pending for a few years already. It is to finish all of the books that have piled up as gifts from my past birthdays and holiday seasons. I aim to finish at least one book per month this year. I have less than 12 books pending actually but I really want to revive my habit of reading. This was the only school requirement I never had a problem understanding why it was required in the first place. Haha. I believe that the lessons I learned from the books I read form a huge part of my personality. It was also with them that I found refuge when it was time for me to finally admit that Math isn't just my thing. And they welcomed me with open and loving arms...or pages?

I shared this little project with friends who also love to read and would like to be updated on my progress from time to time. I sure could use a break from my office e-mails and documents.

Let's do this!

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Update:

1. Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto
2. The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
3. Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho - ongoing

2012

2012-01-01T13:55:00.000+08:00

I just noticed that this is the 4th time that I have been using a song's title for my post. Anywaaayyy....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2011 was my family's toughest year for an obvious reason which was made even tougher (yes, tougher than toughest!) by Sendong. It is New Year's Day and I am home alone. My mom and my sister had to fly out this morning for Cagayan de Oro to take care of my grandmother who is currently in the hospital for pneumonia as an effect of what she had to go through when tropical storm Sendong ravaged the city. It is during these times when I learn to just go with the flow, do what I have to do and keep a positive outlook but now that I have the chance to sit down and really think and write about it, I am in disbelief. I only used to see this in the movies or in the news. I only used to feel for those people in pain and crying for help. I only used to feel blessed because it made me realize how convenient my life was. I cannot believe I am one of them now. But despite everything, I do not hate 2011. It has made me the strongest person I have become so far that should hard times come again, I know that I can always draw strength from this year. If anything, it has made me become more hopeful and more positive about life. I reviewed my year-end post for 2010 and found this:

2010 was good but I can only imagine 2011 being better. I truly believe this is the year I will be set free. I have learned a lot of things about myself in the past year and now I'm ready to take the next steps. I'm done losing my mind over that thing called quarter-life crisis. I aim to be my best self this year. So once more, game on.

God must have been looking over my shoulders as I typed those words because He surely asked me to give it my best shot. He did show me that He's got game. Do not get me wrong though, all those tragedies and pain were not without sprinkles of blessings from time to time. It was just up to me to recognize them. I say, 2011 was for walking the talk.

Some learnings from this year on:

CAREER

I got promoted again. Aside from the fact that it is a promotion, I am thankful for the bigger responsibilities and opportunities it has given me. I find myself applying what I learned at work to my daily life. Everyday is a challenge in all aspects - decision-making, people management, accountability. I am thankful that I have a boss who strongly believes in what I can do and ensures I am "maximized". For a few months now, I have been swinging from double to triple duty and I love every minute of it. Naturally, there were those times when I felt maybe I took on more than I thought I could but it is the rewarding feeling that I get every time I get a task done that makes it all worth it. Of course, I am also reminded that I should aim for satisfaction and fulfillment more than the reward. That is what I am hoping to achieve in 2012.

FAMILY and FRIENDS

I learned that when the two could be interchanged, there is nothing one cannot achieve. Our [family's] true friends surfaced during the most turbulent time of our lives. I swear we would not have gone through it the way we did if it were not for them. Deeper and more meaningful friendships were formed. I am blessed to have friends who also made me realize that experiencing loss is not a reason for you to stop sharing a part of yourself to others. It is only during the recent holiday season that the true meaning of Jesus Christ's birth was magnified to me. At the start of the year, I wrote in my planner that we would have the best Christmas celebration ever. With my dad's passing away, it was apparently difficult to manage. But I knew there was a reason why God prodded me to write down those words. The answer came in the form of an outreach activity that some of my high school friends proposed which eventually became a success. Planning and conducting the said activity formed the busiest but the best two weeks of my life. I was able to prove to myself that there are no limitations to what I can do if I have the passion for it.

LOVE and FORGIVENESS

The two most powerful thing in the whole wide world. Our dad was the family's anchor and when it was time for him to go, we were all left confused on how to continue sailing in this life. We are a family of few words when it comes to pain so we dealt with it in our own ways but it eventually got to us. We forgot that we should be all in it together and that it was alright to admit to each other that we were hurting. They say that forgiveness is the superglue of life, it can repair just about anything. Repair it did. But I know that it was not possible without our love for each other. I am sure our dad, wherever he may be, is proud of how we are doing.

We are starting 2012 on a rough note. As I write this post, I am also texting my sister for updates on my grandmother's situation which I then relay/consult to my soon-to-be-doctor best friend. I will not go around pretending that I am not stressed and I cannot wait for my grandmother to get well. This too shall pass, as the saying goes. Maybe it is also because He knows my family is this strong and is equipped to face another challenge. With the Lord's help, we will get through this.

Cheers, everyone!

Pretending

2011-11-28T01:35:00.003+08:00

Let us pretend that this is the first time I am going to talk about myself. Let us pretend that I am 18 years old again. Let us pretend that this is the biggest problem one can ever have. Yes, even bigger than AIDS or hunger in Africa. I feel like kicking myself for not being able to take my own advice - just enjoy the present and manage expectations.

I wrote those words a few hours ago until a friend chatted me up on Facebook. Turns out I am not the only one! It made me realize that I am allowed to have unsolved personal issues from time to time. It is so frustrating that no matter how I think I have it all figured out, I still let myself fall consciously into the trap. As if it has some kind of magnet. The last time I had this kind of issue, I was able to jog for almost five kilometers straight. If only I can count that as a good thing.

I do not even know why it bothers me this much. Having to walk the way home alone, feeling the cool Christmas breeze against my skin while sipping a cup of hot coco does not help either. I try to console myself that I had been through this before and I will be okay...again.

Had I been in a less complicated situation, would it make a difference? But what is less complicated, really? Perhaps the question should be: Will I even have the courage to take matters into my hands and actually do something instead of relying on signals that might not even be there? But then I know myself to be such a coward when it comes to this. Or maybe I am just that risk-averse. I tend to build all these walls around me that I myself find hard to tear down.

It has been four hours since I started with this post. So for now, I will stop being hard on myself and stop trying to figure it out. But I know I will never stop pretending - pretending that I am still enjoying this, pretending that it is not getting complicated as it seems, pretending that I can manage my expectations and pretending that I do not care.

The One That Got Away

2011-11-23T22:59:00.001+08:00

Some things are just not meant to be - very much like last night's basketball game. Our team lost by a mere point during the last four seconds. We all thought we already had it in our hands - the nth championship. To say that we were shocked is putting it lightly. I myself felt crushed. As expected, we were full of if only's . If only the star player did not come in late. If only the other good players did not get ACL. If only the star player did not miss the last two free throws he got before those fateful last four seconds. If only the team remained on the defensive until the end of the game. If only. But then some things are just not meant to be.

Funny how things turn out that way and how most of the time, we are caught off guard. For the past few weeks, I have been thinking of my past relationship and I wonder when we will ever become friends again. It must be due to the approaching Christmas season. God knows I did not mean to hurt him and I know he was caught off guard when I finally told him I wanted out. I honestly thought we were going to last forever too. We would have been together for more than 100 months. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like now had we stayed together. While I do not doubt his abilities to make our dreams come true, I am sure I would not feel as complete as I do now if I did not realize that he could not do my growing up for me.

I do not know why my instinct was to leave when I realized there was so much more I could be. I got scared of getting stuck - with him and with us - for the rest of my life. While he was always in support of my dreams, I never felt his enthusiasm. I never felt his wanting me to shine. He always knew the right words to say though. I remember when we were just starting, I could feel everything - that he liked me and that it was not just my imagination. But I did not want to rely on plain emotions and told him I needed to hear it from him. Maybe that is why he became more expressive through words and eventually fell short of 'making me feel it'. Sometimes I tell myself maybe I just underestimated him and his love for me. But then we were together for more than five years and still I felt that way.

I do not know why I am even doing this. I would like to think it is healthy for me to look back from time to time so I may always take the lessons with me. People might think it is because I am missing him. Well yes, I miss us being friends. He made me laugh a lot and I cannot deny the fact that I also learned a lot from him. I also have a few if only's and I am sure he does too. If only I was not too scared of disappointing him during those times when I said yes when I felt otherwise. If only I was brave enough to say how I really felt. If only I realized earlier that keeping quiet was doing more harm than good. But then some things are just not meant to be - very much like last night's basketball game.

Baby Love

2011-11-21T01:01:00.003+08:00

Ever since my nephew came into my life, it has never been the same. During his first few months and especially when he was brought here for a short vacation, I flooded my Facebook page with photos of him and updates about him that faraway friends could not help suspecting he was my son. It has also become a running joke between my officemates and me that my true calling is not to become a good wife but to be a good aunt. I am surprised at myself because I never thought I could love someone this big. Though I think I have to guard myself because I am already being overprotective of him even if we are continents apart. One time, I told my friend I did not want him eating chocolates. Oh no, I know.

But more than being obsessed with him, I believe that my love for my nephew has made me become more compassionate towards children in general. I now get easily attached to all the kids I meet. Because he is halfway around the world, I feel like I get to channel my love for him through them. It also helps ease my sadness a bit because I miss him everyday.

Though I have always had a soft spot for kids, there is totally a big difference with how I feel for them now. Caring for them has become more personal for me. Before it was just because it is the right thing to do and that they are the hope of the future. But now, it is only pure, genuine care and love for them just because they deserve it. Parents would know.

I consider myself lucky because the children I get to spend more time with now are those who are in need of this love and care that I have to offer. All thanks to our company's corporate sustainability program. I still get to teach reading lessons to first graders in a nearby public school. A few weeks ago, we taught the children of Bataan about caring for the ocean through a storytelling session. Just recently, we spent a morning making Chinese lanterns with the kids of SOS Children's Village in Alabang. I was especially touched by a little boy named Melvin who kept on sweeping the floors when the art materials we used had scattered all around the room. Unlike the other kids who had gone on to play after the activity, he stayed behind to, well...sweep some more. And when we asked why he was still doing it, he simply answered, "Madumi pa po kasi eh." My heart just melted right at that moment and I could not stop myself from crying. I was amazed by his selflessness and his concern for his surroundings.

It is during these times that I am reminded of the question on how we can make this world a better place for our children. I would very much love Melvin to continue being selfless but the community he will be in when he grows up will surely have a big impact on his personality. While I am aware that countless individuals and organizations have also made this their objective in life but in my own little way, I try to make my every encounter with the kids a truly memorable one for them. I am banking on the fact that they appreciate almost everything so I try to be generous with my touch, my hugs, my smile, anything that can make them feel special which I hope will stay with them. I know other people can also make them feel this way but just in case they get to a point wherein they will feel there is no more hope in this world, they can look back to that time when they felt loved and cared for. I hope that this will not only inspire them to move on but to give back as well.

I am amazed that with the arrival of my nephew, my ability to love other kids unconditionally was awakened. And I look forward to the bigger things this love will make me do.

Photo shows Jonalyn, one of the kids from

the SOS Children's Village

I will smile again

2011-11-19T22:32:00.000+08:00

Photo taken on April 2010 at Calaguas Island.

I look so happy here. Definitely having the time of my life. How about a replay, Big Man? :)

Marry You

2011-11-14T22:28:00.003+08:00

Years ago, it was birthday parties, then debuts, then graduations. Nowadays, it's weddings. Yes, my 'batch' has come to that point.

Blame it on the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine I borrowed from a workmate, I can't stop thinking about them and have come to a conclusion for my own wedding's theme. Forest. A Midsummer Night's Dream. Baby pink flowy, sheer chiffon dress - NOT white, NOT a gown. Floral headdress - WITHOUT a veil. White, dainty slippers. Green, green grass all around with the yellow sunshine contrasting beautifully against it. Light lanterns instead of fireworks. White vintage 'bridal bicycles'. Wooden tables and chairs. Pretty little flowers. Nature, nature, nature. I have picked my poisons.

I was thinking of doing a mood board but then I came across this wedding feature by the BridalBook.ph that captured the exact colors and the mood for the ceremony that I wanted. I'm not big on the reception venue as I prefer mine to be outdoors but I think the milk-toasting brought the house down.

Citrus drinks to help escape the heat

My perfect kind of invitation - not too formal.

Paper bouquets for the entourage! How smart is that?

Reception table

Treats for the guests while waiting

Parasols

The couple ate Oreos and drank milk

for the cake-cutting ceremony. Just genius.

For the whole article and more photos, click here.

Bounce.

2011-10-31T03:53:00.000+08:00

I was reviewing my blog posts from years ago and realized man, I used to always have something to say. With the advent of mini-blogging on Facebook and Twitter, I have learned to limit my thoughts to 160 characters or less. My writing experience nowadays has become limited to office correspondences, memos and if I get lucky, contracts. I'm not complaining though because it was a skill I was lacking in before and I get to hone that now. But I miss those times when it was easy for me to whip up something about the mundane things around me. It also encourages me to dig deeper into it. Now I have lost all the inspiration to write - for myself.

This has been going on for a long time already and I just did not want to admit it. With the way people are abusing social networking sites, it has caused me to re-think (rather too much, I must say) my purpose every time I write in here. I am not a fan of oversharing and since I have a lot of friends who do it, I am constantly checking on myself whether I too have become one of them. Sadly, it ends up with me not sharing anything at all.

So in an effort to revive that trait of 'always having something to say', I will write. Right now. Just right about anything.

It's 2:20AM and I am loving the silence. I am loving the absence of pressure of finishing this in a matter of minutes. I realized that the only time I get to clean my cellphone inbox is when I am in a salon, lying down and waiting for the attendants to do their thing on me. Uhh...I know that did not come out right but you get what I mean. Sometimes it takes me two days to reply to some friends. Either I am that busy or I have lessened my dependency on my cellphone.

I was never a fan of multitasking and have avoided doing it at all costs. Focus, baby. However, just recently, I found myself reading the newspaper while cleaning my ears! It was a bit fun actually but saddening at the same time. I could imagine I looked straight right out of a movie's opening scene wherein the characters rush in the morning to prepare for work. You could be asking me, "What's wrong with that?" Well, I am complicated that way. Or maybe not. Maybe some of you are like me who think that it is saddening to have a day of your life reduced to a moment so common that anybody can just portray it for you. I understand if you do not get me as sometimes I do not get myself either. Haha. As I end this paragraph, I am stopping in between sentences to surf other sites that could possibly give me an idea on what to write about next! I surely got it bad.

Being in the Manila Ocean Park is a sorry state for all the fish and other creatures forced out of their natural habitat. I would like to believe that the main purpose of the said park is to educate the humans on that world down under. But I absolutely abhor the fact that the some parts are turned into a bar. The jellyfish are kept in a dark room with colored lights illuminating their translucent frame. A pretty smart come-on and not to mention entertainment to party-goers but a very pathetic idea for a business. The thought is almost the same as the state of a poor young woman with very little choice for survival, forced to take on jobs at similar establishments that could take away their innocence. Hey, to the Manila Ocean Park administration, the city already has a lot of these, must you aim for the helpless jellyfish as well? Pathetic.

I do not want to end this post on a rough note but I am glad I can finally talk about these things again. I have been avoiding topics like this because I just want to relax my mind as much as possible when I am not at work. There are too many sad issues plaguing the country right now and they work me up so much that it is becoming stressful already. But then keeping mum about it is really not an option. We all have a duty to take care of our motherland and all of us should do our part in whatever way we can. And yes, this is my way.

My Tumblog

2011-08-28T01:23:00.000+08:00

It turns out I cannot live on just one blog. I realized I want to have something else wherein I can put all the new stuff I'm getting into lest this one becomes a smorgasbord. So I introduce Ssshhh... over at Tumblr. Pardon the less-than-creative title but it's exactly how I'm feeling towards the reason for that blog.

Everybody knows I'm getting into photography. Everyone would understand if one declares his love for music. But as I have previously mentioned, I have become more interested in fashion. What I never expected was that interest would grow stronger and stronger. I found myself following more fashion blogs, reading fashion articles, signing up on Polyvore, Looklet and Fashiolista. I'm seriously thinking of taking a fashion design class or just something that would teach me how to sew clothes because I know investing on a wardrobe can be expensive. BUT not unless I feel more confident about my style, I'll just keep quiet about it and hope no one from work teases me when they stumble upon my Tumblog.

I'm trying to learn as much as I can and it's been so much fun. I feel a completely different person. And it continues to amaze me because I once declared that fashion was something I would never get into. I was happy with my slippers (didn't even call it flip-flops!) anyway.

Oh well, life is full of twists and turns like that.

I think I'm ready

2011-08-21T01:28:00.001+08:00

...to move on. Life waits for no one and I know my old man. There is nothing in the world he would want to happen but for me to have the time of my life while I can. Thus this blog entry. I have missed my hobbies.

I will not anymore try to write about the enormous pain of losing my dad. Believe me, I tried but it is just too big for words. I have come to realize that my dad is still very much with me. When I look at my fingers, I see his. When I run those fingers through my hair, I feel his. When every morning, I have a hard time fixing my eyebrows, I have no one to thank for it but him. When my friends tease me about my chubby cheeks, I remember the gazillion times I have planted a kiss on those equally plump cheeks of his. When I get passionate about current events and certain issues, I feel the same strong love he had for this country.

I will miss a lot of things about my dad but I can just imagine what he would say about a similar situation - that it is a part of life and we should just accept it. I know that I should even be thankful that the Lord chose to take him back at a time when we can already stand on our own. And I am sure that my dad left with peace in his heart knowing he had taught us well. I can only hope that I could live out his ideals and continue to make him proud. I hope I would be as strong as him.

Now, welcome back to me :)

Picking up the pieces.

2011-05-08T19:05:00.002+08:00

Or more like trying to pick up the pieces.

Half of my life has just been taken away from me and I don't know how to make myself whole again. So this is how it feels like. It's too painful that it confuses me what to feel - whether it's hard to breathe or it's just numbing. What makes it harder is that I know the right words to say to myself, the right thinking to maintain, the right attitude but it still feels soooo wrong. I used to have a game plan for every challenge I encounter but this one I really don't know how to go about. Heck, I'm not even sure if I'm actually dealing with it. I don't know how I get through each day without losing it. It's all too pretentious.

I can't even name it.

I'm trying to comfort myself with the thought that a lot have been on this rough road already and that this too shall pass. But no amount of words can be so convincing at this point.

I still don't know how I'll get through this.

Photoblog: 52 Weeks

2011-01-22T21:43:00.001+08:00

I totally, totally failed in my Project 2010 last year. I knew the photo-of-the-day kind of thing was too much for me. So in an effort to ease back into it, I'm launching 52 Weeks. Here's what I got so far.

Week 1: Look to the sky.

Week 2: All work and no play makes a man dull.

Week 3: Food, great food.

Scoot over to my Facebook account for more photos.

Best of 2010, Even Better in 2011

2011-01-09T01:23:00.001+08:00

Now, was that 2010 that just passed by? It surely was something else! The experiences it gave me, the lessons that went with it and the kind of person it made me become are just too big for words. It's one of my memorable years because I hate it and love it at the same time. At the end of the day, you realize it only makes you stronger and hopefully, wiser. Some of the best highlights of this year:

I got my hair permed. Something shallow to start you, huh? But really, it was one of the great decisions I've ever made about my hair so far. I was growing tired of going against its wavy current and decided to just embrace it. True enough, everyday felt like I was going to a special event because I always looked made up. It suit me so well that a lot of times, I drew strength and beauty from my curls because it easily made me feel good about myself. I realized that if you will only learn to love what you were born with because God gave you that for a reason, it can turn you into your most beautiful person you'll ever see.

I had the best travels. Thanks to cheap airfares and travel groups, I was able to see, taste, touch, hear and feel some of the wondrous parts of the Philippines. Our country's untapped glory awakened my whole being. I've told you about the gem that is Calaguas Island, the mighty yet gentle waves of Bagasbas, and the vibrant colors of Pahiyas Festival. There's no telling how happy I was to finally set foot in my birthplace, Davao City, after 24 years. It had nothing of those awkward getting-to-know-you stage. I felt right at home. I know I have yet to see the best of Davao as I've only gone around the city and I plan to be back soon. And of course, there was Palawan which was recently handpicked by the National Geographic as one of the 20 Best Trips of 2011. Puerto Princesa - the capital of Palawan - and its people will always be dear to me because it showed us nothing but beauty and its sweet and gentle nature. Dubbed as the Philippines' last frontier and the "city in a forest" for managing to retain its greenery, it shows you how both man and environment can live in perfect harmony. It teaches us that even in the dark, like the Underground River with its all-natural, marvelous rock formations, you can still find equally amazing opportunities as well.

* I promise to write more about our Palawan trip!

I got promoted. I'm currently handling four staff with another one coming next month. When I got this promotion, I felt God telling me something. Because before it came, I had a lot of questions about my purpose in my current company. I almost believed I was done with it and has already learned everything I could. Four months into it and I couldn't have been more wrong. I'm learning the ropes of this thing called managing people and it's a new experience for me. I believe I've always been a team player but when you become answerable for the team as a whole, it spells a big difference. But more important than any lesson on leadership, I believe what God is telling me is to give back. I'm proud of the quality of work I do in the office and take pride in being called by my manager as the 'star performer' and it is also largely attributed to my mentors' capabilities. I know now I have not learned everything yet but I did learn a lot already and it's time for me to become somebody's mentor. I have also determined the kind of leader that I want to become - compassionate. This experience reminded me of the saying, "Bloom where you are planted." Life may take us to places where we don't want to be but we are there for a reason. And there's no better way to use our energy than to make the most out of it. The important thing is to never lose sight of what you really want.

I lost weight - the safe and natural way. I knew I should've done something when every year for the past five years, my annual physical exam results always said I was overweight. But I didn't. I got the wake-up call when I started hating the way I looked in photos. For a camwhore like me, that's pretty frustrating you know. A small smile would make my face look like an ensaymada. My arms, which used to be my asset, was giving my weight away. The worst part was I couldn't fit into my college jeans anymore. I knew there was no easy way to get into shape and it proved to be a good opportunity for me to learn new things. I tried swimming and was able to conquer my fear of the water (well, almost but I'm getting there). I got my body in sync with the music when I attended Mickey Perz's hiphop workshop and performed at the company's Christmas Party last December. I pushed my body to the limit when I tried Barre 3 and Bikram Yoga. The sessions were a bit strenuous but it gave me the best feeling to know I was sweating all the fat and toxins out of my body. I was able to take my jogging to the next level when I joined our company's fun run. I never thought I'd be able to jog for a good 20 minutes or 6 kilometers straight. But I might have pushed myself too hard because I ended up having a sprained ankle after the run. At least I learned I was not doing it right. But the best I've done so far was to give up rice for two whole months. No easy feat but I knew was not only jeopardizing my weight but my health as well because when it comes to rice, I just don't have any self-control. My strategy was not to give up carbs at all. I just had to get it from different sources over which I can control myself. I also became more conscious of what I ate and what they're doing to my body. I have become open-minded to healthier options. I guess it worked because even I can see the difference. I learned that you just had to get to know your body better to find out which strategy will work best for you. It's the first time I actually had fun because I knew I was not only losing weight but being good to my body as well.

I joined my first photo competition. Nothing big and I didn't even win but it's a big step for me. I was not able to maintain my Project 2010 but I believe I took good photos this year. I'm seriously thinking of getting a DSLR especially now that I've realized a weekend photography job is so much better than rendering overtime in the office. But of course, I gotta have the right equipment.

I officially became an aunt and I'm loving the feeling to bits! Yes, my nephew arrived last August and our lives have never been the same ever since. Even though he's halfway around the world, we have so much love for him that it just fills up all the distance between us. It won't be long until we finally get to meet him. Oh, I love him so much.

That pretty much sums up my 2010. It was good but I can only imagine 2011 being better. I truly believe this is the year I will be set free. I have learned a lot of things about myself in the past year and now I'm ready to take the next steps. I'm done losing my mind over that thing called quarter-life crisis. I aim to be my best self this year and God willing, I hope to be able to carry out all my plans. I won't go into details yet but basically, I will shoot more, drive more, write more, read more, and learn more. I also would like to come up with my own 30 before 30 Project. I'm fully aware that I'm not getting any younger and one day, life will tire me out. It would be great to have all these memories to look back to.

So once more, game on.

Photoblog: Saint Augustine Parish Church

2010-12-13T21:22:00.000+08:00

Bantay, Ilocos Sur
The Philippines

Discover Kapurpurawan

2010-12-04T23:03:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone, I just entered my first photo competition ever and am using all means possible to advertise it! It's the Holiday Inn 'Stay Discovering' photo competition that asks for unique discoveries that you have made either on your everyday adventures or while traveling. The lucky winner will win the grand prize of a trip for 2 to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

As for my entry, here it is with the following description:

Everybody should see this amazing rock formation called Kapurpurawan in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Good things must have happened here for nature to shape it this way - and in pristine color! :)

I won't go around pretending I'm not going after the prize but more than that, I would really love for everybody to discover the Kapurpurawan Rock. It's been more than a year since I first saw it but the awe and amazement I felt still stay with me. Only Mother Nature knows how this very beautiful thing came to be.

So please, please, please vote for this entry here. Thank you in advance!

Back from hiatus

2010-11-20T21:08:00.000+08:00

I wanted to wait until December to do a one time-big time updating but lately, I'm starting to feel restrained on Facebook . I don't like the fact that I have to be conscious of what I was going to post all the time for fear that some people - specifically, my bossES - might misinterpret it. If only "unfriending" them would not cost me a good appraisal. Haha.

Anyway! Major, major changes were obviously done to this site (I'm totally digging this template!) as I intend to make this a one-stop shop. I'm making this my Facebook, Twitter and blog all at the same time. Let me take you on a short tour on some new sections that I've added.

At the very top is the menu bar for all the sites I'm frequenting nowadays.

Our Awesome Planet - this site's owner, Anton Diaz, remains to be my inspiration for the kind of blogger I've always wanted to become - dedicated and at some point, influential. Like what I've mentioned in my previous post, I'd like my blog to be of help to others. Whether it be about discovering good places to eat or shop or discovering new things about one's self. Obviously, I have to do better in updating more often!

Paulo Coelho - I never stopped reading Paulo Coelho ever since I discovered him. I truly believe he's a blessing to this world. Funny thing though, I was looking at photos of himself from way back and I forgot he used to be a young man too - awkward, the crazy hairstyle, happy-go-lucky.

The Blonde Salad and Style Scrapbook - lately, I've been taking more interest in fashion - something I never thought I had in me! Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad and Andy Torres of the Style Scrapbook are the two amazing girls behind these fashionate sites. Passionate about fashion, get it? Whenever I go out or go to work, I would often get irritated with my mom when she comments about how underdressed I am and how I should never go without a watch. I would often answer back that I'm not meeting anybody special anyway so I should not bother. I realized that it clearly reflects how low my expectations are of the things around me. These blogs inspire me to be more positive about my surroundings that it pushes me to always look my best. And that does not only refer to meeting someone special!

A bit lower to the right is where my shoutouts/status updates will be. Like I said, I'm making this a one-stop shop. Also, I might get lazy again to write a new post so I can use this to let you know I'm still alive. :) Right below the header are the tabs that will take you to my posts that discuss some of my interests. It will also serve as a reminder to me that I should be constantly pursuing these things.

Photos - I'm continuously learning about photography and I'll be glad to share them here. I'll be flattered if you'll find my photos good enough to publish somewhere else but as I'm guessing I might not be able to put watermark on them all the time, please be so kind to acknowledge me and link back to this blog.
Travels - One of the greatest discoveries I've made about myself is my love for traveling. I remember as a little girl being fascinated by the thought that there was that 'other side' happening at exactly the same time.
Advocacies - A reminder that I should constantly search for a reason to love why I'm doing what I'm doing. If I don't find it where I'm at right now, I'll find it somewhere else.
Reviews - I hope to discover a lot about this good life and share them with everyone.

Lastly, just right below these tabs is a slide show of some of my posts. Good memories, I must say.

Well, that's it for now! More updates are soon to come. This has been a fruitful year and I'm excited to write about them. In the meantime, I'm hoping you enjoy the new look as much as I am.

Thank God for Paulo Coelho

2010-11-15T23:45:00.000+08:00

"Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn't have the courage to say "yes" to life?" - Maria, Eleven Minutes

Third Quarter Storm

2010-09-03T09:46:00.000+08:00

We rallied against news of low pressure areas and explored the Philippine Islands. :) Not even the fact that it's the rainy season could dampen our spirits. So we were blessed with great weather!


July 28-August 02

August 24-August 26

August 30-September 02

Meet Sarah

2010-07-11T20:38:00.000+08:00

Sarah* is one of the children who have been abused physically and/or sexually receiving care and therapy at the Center of Hope in Biñan, Laguna. She's just two years old. Imagine what the owner of this so small a foot had to go through in the hands of her own family. We were told she could not remember anything about the abuse but her cries still sounded different. As if it was coming from somewhere dark and cold.

I don't know how many more Sarah's the Center and other shelters have to take in before the abuses stop. I wish I could be so all optimistic about it and say it will stop but it has to. The thought of having one more Sarah is sickening.

*not her real name and also because I'd like to think of her as Princess Sarah. :)

It's (still) a beautiful life

2010-06-27T16:03:00.000+08:00

This is one of the reasons why I often find it hard to update after a long while - I don't kow where to begin! I guess it's due to my conscious effort not to make my blog appear like a diary. Anyway, March got us off to a rocky start. My mom was hospitalized for two consecutive weekends, my sister got into a car accident - the worst in our family's driving history and I almost hit not one but two people - good thing one of them had good reflexes. To say it was overwhelming is putting it mildly but I couldn't be prouder of my family for having gone through them all in one piece. It reminded us of the simple things we often took for granted - our health, our home (the few nights we spent at the hospital were no fun at all!) and just the fact that you wished things would go back to normal fast could make you appreciate everything! I would often be bothered that I was soooo behind with my Project 2010 but there were just so many things to take care of.

It was one hell of a ride alright but looking back, I also realize that we may have been tested but we couldn't have done it without the Lord's help. We were getting so caught up with worldly things that He thought we needed a nudge. And yes Lord, we heard You.

So what else have I been up to?

Went beach bumming in Calaguas... Another unforgettable trip by The Travel Factor Pilipinas. This was one of the first things I looked forward to when March ended. Calaguas Island is two hours off the coast of Daet, Camarines Norte. A virgin beach, it is just what you need after being hammered and tattered by the city life. Almost everything were back to basics. Except for three beach huts, there were no resorts so we had to stay in tents, no electricity, and no running water but there was a pump nearby. The people of Calaguas are very well aware of what commercialization had done to Boracay so they exert the effort to spare their lovely island from such unfortunate state. And it's all worth it! The pristine, fine white sand contrast beautifully with the water in the coolest shade of blue. I had never felt so close to Mother Earth. We had to change into our swimsuits behind the tall dried grasses in a makeshift dressing room courtesy of JR's malong since the line to the only comfort room was "box-office hit"-like. The sun's welcome was so warm and we felt it piercing through our skin as we sought for cover under a young tree's shade. The first few hours were spent lazing on the sand under one of the beach umbrellas the TF group put up. It was beach bumming to the core. The water was so clean and the bed was just sand, sand, sand. Nothing to worry about anything underneath that could hurt your feet. Since it would take too much time and effort fetching water from the pump to the comfort room, my friends and I, still in our swimsuits, chose to take a bath by the pump. It must have been a pretty sight. Hehe. The crashing waves were the best lullaby and alarm clock.

...and surfing in Bagasbas! At last, another item off my bucket list. I never thought I'd have the courage to go surfing since I didn't know how to swim. Though I had been told many times one didn't need to be a swimmer in order to be able to surf, I still wasn't completely sold. But then it would have been such a waste so I went for it. Nothing to brag about, really. Hehe. I was wiped out a LOT of times and was able to stand for a couple of seconds only. It's still the effort that counts. And now I can say I've conquered my fear of the sea. Now make that two items off the list.

Sang my heart out with GLEE! It was well worth the wait and it's good to know the other characters were given more focus this time. I am looking forward to Charice's stint in the next seaason but I hope they don't forget to give Mike Chang's character more speaking lines. I'd also love to hear his solo!

Was tickled pink, yellow, blue, violet and all the other colors at the Pahiyas Festival! Also got a taste of the pansit habhab. It was tiring but fun. The crowd was bigger than that in Divisoria. The itinerary didn't go according to plan because of the super heavy traffic from the SLEX palang. I'm glad I was able to experience it but I don't think I'll be joining the next Pahiyas festivals for a while.

Tried and loved BARRE3! I've seen their ads a lot of times when I pass by The Spa at the Bonifacio High Street on the way home but always thought to myself it was just "one of those". Then I came across a newspaper article about Madonna loving the said workout and decided to give it a try. It was more for strengthening my arms (for surfing..hehe!) than for losing weight. The trial session comes free for first-timers and it's one frickin' good workout. It's not heavy on movements like running but the effects are just as tiring and sweat-inducing. I went back for a couple more sessions but for P750 each, it's quite expensive. In the meantime, it's back to jogging...

...and SWIMMING lessons by the Bert Lozada Swim School! Yes, my officemate and I finally pushed through with it. I'm loving the water more and more.

Celebrated my 25th birthday! Long ago, I had a plan for my 25th birthday party. I had already picked out the color motif, the theme, what I would be wearing, the program and all other details. I thought it was only right to have that big a celebration seven years after my last big party which was my debut. But then it remained just a plan because when faced with reality, it all seemed too good to be true. The primary reason being it's too lavish for me. But I did have several small celebrations - lunch with my officemates, dinner with the family, a SUPER surprise from our unit, dinner with my friends from my old department and a movie date with my best friend. Not too lavish but I felt special and blessed just the same.

Learned useful tips and tricks at the Mineraux mineral makeup workshop! I first learned about it thru Ate Hannah's blog and got curious. I had always been interested in mineral makeup but found it too complicated. I was easily intimated by its powder form. Our teacher, Melissa, was very accomodating and made sure we were having fun. Our classmates were pretty cool too and the session just felt like barkada bonding. Thanks to her, I've been getting compliments on the most complicated part of my face (thanks to the daddy genes!) - my eyebrows.

Spent a day at the Center of Hope in Biñan, Laguna. Kids, even those with dark past, can do wonders for any adult's spirit. Their innocence makes you feel genuine happiness, fills you with renewed hope and makes you look at life at a better angle.

Was tested again when after undergoing a breast exam, mom was advised by the doctor to go for a mammogram test last week. Praise God the results showed no sign of abnormality.

Took the first irreversible step to happiness! Finally, finally, finally, FINALLY!! I got to overcome my fear of the what if's and it felt liberating. As emphasized in the movie Kung Fu Panda, there is no secret ingredient. You just have to believe it's special. I must say that looking for that secret ingredient has held me back for so long. But I am now able to see endless possibilities and thank the Lord for shedding His light on me. Apologies as I cannot go into the details yet.

What else am I looking forward to?

My nephew - yes, my brother's got a baby boy! - will be born sometime in August or September. I'm excited and nervous at the same time to meet him. I'm nervous of the possibility that I could love this kid so much and would want a lot of things for him. It would be so frustrating if not all of them would come true.

To be honest, I thought about not going back to blogging anymore. I was content with keeping my thoughts to myself or to a few friends and I wanted a more personal and "real" interaction. But then I remembered that I put up this blog for a reason. That is to inspire people with my thoughts, no matter how shallow they could be. It's also one of the reasons why I stopped using my blog for business (i.e. Payperpost). I didn't want blogging to feel like work. Though I know it's not getting that much traffic (honestly, I'd like to keep it that way) but I'm ok with the thought that whoever might find this blog useful and even inspirational will somehow find his way here.

If there's one important lesson I learned after everything, it's to believe. Believe in Him. Believe in the power of prayer. Believe in yourself. Just believe.

It's here!

2010-02-24T22:34:00.000+08:00

It's really here!

I so want this but I'm apprehensive to go alone. Another thing I'm also watching out for is the fee. Silly me for thinking this is for free! (whattarhyme!)

Anyone interested?

Home alone

2010-02-21T19:35:00.001+08:00

So this is how it feels like. The whole family's in Baguio for the weekend to attend the annual PMA Alumni Homecoming. I decided to pass up this time because I had to take the bus if I was going to follow since I could not go on leave from work because of the staff swap. Just thinking about the long bus ride late in the night, getting there with only about three hours left to sleep and the day-long activities of the homecoming made me feel tired already. Besides, PMA is not my place anymore. Not that it ever belonged to me but there's no more reason for me to get all attached to it. At first it felt weird not attending the homecoming since it's already become a family tradition but yesterday when my mom was texting to update me, she told me both my siblings were still out with their friends. I thought of the possible people I could also go out with had I followed them there and I couldn't come up with anyone. I never got to explore Baguio like Ilocos, Cebu and Bohol because we only went there for a sole purpose. And since I never "belonged" to any class except for my dad's which, at this age, I'm starting to outgrow (my sister had friends with one batch since she took the physical exam with them), all the more I feel better about passing up.

I'm consciously assessing myself this weekend on how I'm doing when I have the house to myself. Hehe. One, I don't know how to cook. I survived this weekend by eating out. Well, today wasn't really eating out but I drove thru Jollibee when I had my sister-in-law's car gassed up. Two, the house could very well stay the same as my parents had left it. Three, I run the risk of gaining more and more weight.Not only once did I plan on stuffing our fridge with whatever food that came to my mind since I wouldn't be doing much anyway. Good thing I had enough will to resist it. Hehe.

My staff swap's almost over and while I'm thankful that things are going back to normal by Wednesday, I'm having qualms about leaving (the other department). My main task during this stint is to assist in the migration of certain responsibilities from one department to another. A staff has resigned and they only got me during her last two days - TWO DAYS for me to learn and absorb everything. It almost felt like a joke. Not to mention that the person they're turning over the tasks to - Ms J (whom I'm assisting) - has never touched MS Excel. No wonder they specifically requested for a "logical thinker". We were basically left on our own after those two days. There were deadlines to meet (!!!) when things had not even made sense yet! It was a lot of stress but also a whole lot of fun. Ms J is easy to work with, jokes around a lot and I immediately felt comfortable with her. Not to mention we share the same history with our exes! *wink* I'm also glad to have met other people and learned about the other processes of the company. It also makes me feel good knowing that I'm taking part in Ms. J's learning. She's been the company's telephone operator for the last 13 years so you could just imagine how her world turned upside down.

Her story's got me to thinking a lot. It was obviously her choice to stay in that job for this long but I wonder why. I've been wanting to ask her that but it might be a touchy subject for her. Regularly I give updates to our boss and when he asked me if he should replace Ms J, I immediately said no. I wanted this for her. I could see it in her that she wanted to learn even if she was having a hard time. It's beginning to feel a lot like work for her. She jokes about her excitement when she receives new files and when she learns something new about Excel. Suddenly she's not just using the company directory anymore. It's also good to hear when her teammates get jokingly excited about "using" her for similar tasks. It reminds me that it's not enough that you've already found your comfort zone. Learning about other things - no matter how small - will surely come in handy.

That's why I'm really dead set on taking swimming lessons next month! I realized I can take not being able to ride a bike for I know how to drive instead. But learning how to swim just doesn't have an alternative especially now that I'm also dead set on exploring our country's to-die-for beaches. Good thing I found an officemate who also wants to take lessons. Another activity I'm looking forward to is learning Parkour!

I got to know about this sport when Jessica Soho did a feature on them and immediately fell in love with it. I didn't know that all those stunts I used to imagine when I was a kid actually has a name! For the longest time, I contented myself with watching videos of it on the internet and was so thankful to have found parkour.ph. I almost gave up on learning how to do it since all their 'jams' are scheduled on Saturdays but recently I found out that their planning to give a workshop one Sunday this summer! I pray I gather enough guts to go to the workshop. In the meantime I have to gain my momentum again in jogging. I had to stop for a whole week since my shin wasn't getting any better.

Yesterday, my friends and I went to the 17th Travel Tour Expo at SMX (I surivived EDSA!) to search for Palawan tour packages. I believe we got a pretty good deal at P4950. We'll be touring around Puerto Princesa City, the Underground River, the mangroves and the Honda Bay. We would've wanted to go to El Nido but our flight back home is so early that the schedule couldn't fit anymore. Oh well, there's always the next piso fare promo. Camae also got a Corregidor Island tour for half a price. It was fun going around the booths and having an idea on the other places I've always wanted to go to. My bag of brochures and booklets made me feel like a law student! I also got to meet the James Cameron of Filipino bloggers ("I'm the king of the world!" hehe) - Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet! Yep, he now has a tours brand named Our Awesome Pilipinas which debuted in yesterday's expo. He was so friendly and even gave me tips on our Palawan trip. I'm just waiting for my photo with him from Camae. Hehe. Yesterday was also my first time to catch the sunset at Manila Bay! Too bad my camera's with my family in Baguio which also means I won't be able to perfect February again for my Project 2010! Sigh.

Being at the expo yesterday got me so excited for my other trips this year.

April - Calaguas and Bagasbas
May - Pahiyas Festival (a dream come true!!)
July - Cagayan de Oro with my sister (I'm hoping we can get our grandma to say yes to white water rafting and Camiguin!)
August - Davao and Palawan

With all these happening, I still have four days left of my leave credits and I'm trying to reserve it for Boracay sometime in December. Just to see what the fuss is all about.

Serious mode (read: student) na next year!

Photo of the day and beyond

2010-02-10T19:54:00.000+08:00

I'm now on my 2nd month of my Project 2010. I have to do better with it though. There was a week in January when I almost didn't have anything to add to it. I just wish that people would stop staring when I take photos. They look at me as if it's their first time to see a camera. Uh-huh, some people can be that rude.

Anyway, I'm on staff swap today until the 23rd. I'm assigned in another department and will be helping out in a particular project. Things were getting monotonous for me already so when this opportunity came up, I gladly volunteered. That's what's eating me lately. I've been questioning everything I do - particularly in my job - and it bothers me that I feel I'm destined for something greater because it makes everything I have now seem worthless.

When I found out that my friend is already working for two of my top three dream organizations, I felt challenged and immediately researched on MBA and which school would be best to take it. One thing led to another and the next thing I knew, I was reading about the GMAT and I was not only choosing among UP, Ateneo, La Salle and AIM. Suddenly there were also Yale, Harvard and Wharton among others. I know I can be a bit ambitious at times but knowing that the others were able to do it makes me feel it's not impossible (duh). And so I dreamt as far as my imagination could take me. But then I asked myself, "Do I really want this? Do I really want to take MBA in particular?" The main reason why I suddenly want to take my Masters is that I'm planning to cross industries. But knowing that my experience in banking won't be of much help, I knew I had to have something in my credentials that is particularly significant to that field.

Am I in the right path here? Please advise.

So the best option for me was a Masters degree but not MBA, I thought. I just felt all the more confused when my former supervisor - who's currently taking her MBA - told me that "MBA is general". I got confused because I also want to put up my own business someday. But I just really want to get into that field right now. It led me to ask myself, what is success really? Is it getting a fat paycheck? Or a top position in a multinational company perhaps? After that - what? It all felt like a dead end to me. Sure, those things are great and can even improve my lifestyle. I'll get to buy what I want and travel to a lot of places. But just thinking about it makes me feel empty. My mom mentioned that Mar Roxas also went to Wharton. I asked myself again, do I really want to be like him? Or do I want to be a politician for that matter? I guess that thought does not appeal to me anymore.

When I think about how I would want my next job to be like, I just want to go to a place assured everyday that whatever I'll be doing will give a positive impact in other people's lives. Or not just an impact but a difference - good difference. Especially to those who need it the most.

So help me God.

Alarmed

2010-02-02T19:37:00.000+08:00

Now I want to take my Masters more than ever! I browsed through one of my friends' profile in Facebook and was surprised to find out that he's already doing what I've always wanted to do! Shet! It made me realize all the time and opportunities I wasted and I sooo want to kick myself. Oh well, there's no use crying over spilled milk. I just take comfort in the thought that had I given in to mere pressure from my family to study again, I would have just slacked off and it would have been a really, really good opportunity to waste not just my money but my time as well.

Besides, I used to believe I was on the right track when I chose this field I'm currently in. It just so happened that midstream, I realized I wanted to forge a different career path. Hence my sudden desire to add something to my credentials.

Wish me luck, wish me luck.

Random thoughts

2010-01-31T21:32:00.000+08:00

1. Finally, I got that feeling of wanting to be a student again! Yay! My mom has been bugging me about it endlessly but I didn't want to do it just for the sake of doing it. I'm kinda stubborn pa naman when it comes to these things. I know that going for a Master's degree is no joke not to mention the tuition! So I told myself if I was going to do it, I would have to be damn sure. I'm looking at 2nd semester this school year since I'm already booked for a couple of trips on August. That would have to be the earliest.

2. I'm considering taking swimming lessons sometime in March. Fortunately, I found something at the Bert Lozada Swim School that could fit my preferred schedule. My snorkeling misadventure in Bohol last year still bothers me. I want to go back with a vengeance. Haha. I also want to give surfing a try. I know these activities do not require me to be a skilled swimmer but I want to be more adventurous with the water in order for me to conquer my fear.

3. I have to do better with my Project 2010! I have to go out more on weekends since I have very limited options on work days.

4. Speaking of going out on weekends, finally after two years, my college roommates and I got to see each other again! I got to see Lallie! It felt good to touch base with them. I've never laughed that hard in a long time. We also planned our UPLB getaway in February because it's Feb Fair season once again! We even plan to sit in some of the classes. I'm so excited!

5. I'm praying my boss approves my change in shift to 8AM-5PM. It feels good to go home with the sun still up and it's not yet too scary to walk all the way.

6. I want to lose weight! I want to lose weight! I want to lose weight! Haha!

7. I highly recommend The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron. It's a story so extraordinary to be true but it is. Makes you feel good about humanity.

What I'm loving now: more amazing web finds

2010-01-24T18:41:00.003+08:00

After more than a year of being perfectly healthy, I went down with the colds this weekend. Not really down but I've already forgotten how it feels to be sick so it's kind of new to me now. Anyway, I couldn't do anything with my runny nose so I thought of updating this blog (check out the new template *grins*) and hopped and hopped and hopped and found some really great sites. Here goes:

1. Lianne's One Snapshot at a Time

"Shutter-happy 26 year old, clicking away on a Canon 500D, Holga 120 GCFN, Supersampler and Vivitar UWS and sharing these special captured moments in my little corner of cyberspace."

2. Lantaw's Lantaw One Nook at a Time

"Lantaw" is a Hiligaynon word (one of Philippine's major dialects) which literally means "view", either "a view of a place" or "an opinion". The photos you will see here are my views from my little corner of the world.

3. The Outdoor Photographer
Outdoor Photographer is the premier magazine about outdoor photography. Our photography technique articles are geared to helping you capture the best wildlife, travel and outdoor sports photography. Review photography tips and keep up with digital photography as applied to nature photography; stay current with the latest in photography equipment. You can also explore our readers' favorite places that offer the best in photography locations.

4. David Bach's Live Rich. Finish Rich.
Start Over, Finish Rich contains the ten crucial moves you must make in 2010 to get back on track and recapture your dreams of a richer future.

Not crying because it's over, smiling because it happened

2010-01-23T19:55:00.001+08:00

My old department has transferred to Alabang! We've known about it since last year but it has yet to sink in. I still can't fathom the thought that a lot of my friends won't be there anymore when I'll go up to visit. It's been two years since I got transferred to another department but I would always and always go back there and everytime I did, it still felt like home. But come Monday, the floor just won't be the same. I dropped by last week and it was only then that it hit me - they were really going. All of their computers were already labeled and much of the documents were already in boxes. I felt worse when I realized they were the same boxes we used when we transferred to The Fort from Ortigas back in 2007!

For the last time, I tried to absorb everything. I just sat there staring at the workstations, the computers, the bulletin boards. I smiled at the thought of how almost everyone has celebrated their birthday with that department judging from the decorations their friends put up on their workstations. I was sad that this had to happen because the company is taking on a new path - the kind that we never thought they'd actually do. But one can only be thankful that he still has a job especially during these trying times.

I'm gonna miss those guys.

And then there'll be seven...

2010-01-17T16:22:00.004+08:00

..of us!

Photo from inmagine

Yup, they're pregnant! My brother and his wife, I mean. My kuya's going to be a daddy and I'm going to be an aunt! Up to now, I can't believe it. I still get overwhelmed at how things are turning ever since my brother got married. Maybe I haven't learned to let him go yet - the irritating, happy-go-lucky, typical bully Kuya. But I know he's happy and I can see it. And I'm confident he'll make a very good father. Congrats, big bro!

Looking back, moving forward

2010-01-16T22:23:00.008+08:00

I was ready to say goodbye to 2009 with the thinking that it has not been such a good year. With Ondoy and Pepeng, the Maguindanao massacre and all the other tragedies that served as the last hurrah, I can almost hear myself heaving that sigh of relief. At last, it's over. But I went through my old blog posts and I realized it wasn't so bad after all. A lot of good things also happened and it's only now I'm appreciating the lessons I've learned.

I got to travel to places I had never been before. Long ago, I was ignorant enough to think that I already knew so much about my country and that it was time for me to see the world. But being able to experience Cebu, Bohol and Ilocos made me crave for the Philippines more. These experiences also taught me that I could get out of my comfort zone if I wanted to. For 2010, with the help of Cebu Pacific's Piso Fare Promo, I will finally be able to go back to my birthplace - Davao City and be able to experience Palawan's Underground River. I was brave enough to book the trips only days apart. And if things go according to plan, my family's planning to go on a road trip to Cagayan de Oro on December. *cross fingers*

I met a couple of good men - Bohol's Manong Jerry and P&G's Jim Lafferty. I had long been wanting to write about Mr. Lafferty but never got around to doing it. The company invited him to talk about work-life balance and the man was amazing. He shared with us practical tips to ensure we don't neglect the very important things in life. It could not have come at a better timing when everything for me felt stressful and this blog was a witness to it.

I encountered several challenges at work. These challenges helped me stop and think what I really, really, really want to do in my life. Everything's much clearer now.

I became part of the Libby's group. Even though our plans didn't materialize due to unforeseen factors, it's good to have people to share your passion with. Besides, we didn't really part ways. All except one went into the loading business, we still share our ideas with each other once in a while, give advices when needed and the best part is we're not just ex-business partners, we're friends.

I became much more confident with my photography. The workshop in Ilocos helped me a lot. So for this year, I have my Project 2010. It's basically a photo-of-the-day kind of thing or photo-of-the-thing-that-made-me-smile-today but I don't want to pressure myself to take photos everyday thus the title. I highly recommend this project because it makes you realize that a lot of good things - even the simplest ones - are around us. I always find myself torn between several photos because I want to post them all - they all made me smile.

Thanks to Facebook, I realized the kind of person I don't want to be any day, everyday. I find it sad that I actually have some friends who post nothing but negativity when they update their status. Whether it be about their work, people in the malls (!!!!), or their love life, they have issues with everything. Ang bigat basahin lagi. Makes you think if you also emit the same kind of negative energy. So as much as possible I try to entertain only happy thoughts.

I was able to maintain my jogging in 2009 and am planning to double the effort this year. Adding Tuesdays aside from Thursdays, running 2-3 consecutive rounds before slowing down and I pray I gather enough courage to join a FUN run (with emphasis on fun. haha!). I also want to give other activities a try like simple mountain climbing (anyone?) , swimming. and eventually, surfing. Parkour still remains to be a dream but I will get there.

2009 was also full of changes. As I've previously mentioned, our team got transferred to another department though our relocation to the Alabang office didn't push through (luckily!). My sister-in-law came home to join my brother, an extension of our house became their humble abode and I finally got kuya's room! Yes, I have been sharing a room with my sister all our lives. While I don't mind the setup, I have been getting that "independence itch" the whole year. I fantasized about getting my own condo unit and moving out but my bank accounts were telling me otherwise so I thought maybe getting my own room could substitute for it. I'm almost done with it. It's such a small room but I couldn't go full blast with my spending since I started on it during the holidays. Bad move. The good thing about it though is that since it's the smallest room in the house, I'm forced to think minimalist. I have enough space left for a new wardrobe closet (sadly, kuya's old closet doesn't match with the rest of the furniture), a corner lamp and a lounge chair.

I'm glad I reviewed my blog posts. I had a happy year after all. And I know that with all the other trials looming in, there are still a lot of things to look forward to. I resolve to update this blog once a week. Who knows I just might fall in love again this year (teehee)? I might even have the guts to start with my Masters. GLEE resumes this year and I'm lovin' weekdays because of Jun-Pyo. Haha!

So game on, I'm ready.

Be back soon

2010-01-13T00:37:00.003+08:00

I hope to update this blog really, really soon. I'm still trying to gain momentum.

Grown-up stuff

2009-10-18T17:58:00.005+08:00

Been through several changes in a span of two months and I can say I did a lot of growing up. More and bigger changes will come towards the end of the year and I choose to look forward to them. You know what they say, what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

New department, new bosses

As I have mentioned in my previous post, I got transferred to a new department but this time along with the whole team. It wasn't that saddening after all. I realized I would be gaining more friends and learn a lot more. That's 3 different departments in 3 years for me. Our 3rd week starts tomorrow.

New room

I'm so excited for this one. Once my brother and his wife move in to their 'new' home, (which is actually just an extension of our house) I will be taking over their room. I plan to decorate it pink. I already got a new dresser and a new shoe cabinet and am currently scouting for someone who can customize my bed. I look forward to completing my 'little kingdom' because I sure will need it when we transfer to a...

New office

...in ALABANG! I'm getting better at talking about it. I really felt "suck-y" when I first learned about it and my initial reaction was to leave. But then I realized it has been a while since going to work felt like going to work and not just "going out for the day" with the nearness of our current office to our house. I also realized that it would be too bratty of me if I resigned because I remembered all my other officemates who either lived far south or far north and have been commuting every day. You win some, you lose some.

New venture (shameless plug coming up)

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For more info, kindly leave a comment.

Guaranteed worth reading.

2009-09-18T00:09:00.002+08:00

On Work
by Kent Nerburn

I often hear people say, "I have to find myself." What they really mean is, "I have to make myself." Life is an endlessly creative experience, and we are making ourselves every moment by every decision we make.

That is why the work you choose for yourself is so crucial to your sense of value and well-being. No matter how much you might believe that your work is nothing more than what you do to make money, your work makes you who you are, because it is where you put your time.

I remember several years ago when I was intent upon building my reputation as a sculptor. I took a job driving a cab, because, as I told people, "I want some job that I will never confuse with a profession." Yet within six months, I was talking like a cab driver, thinking like a cab driver, looking at the world through the eyes of a cab driver. My anecdotes came from my job, as did my observations about life. I became embroiled in the personalities and politics of the company for which I worked and developed the habits and rhythms of life that went along with my all-night driving shift. On the days when I did not drive and instead worked on my sculpture, I still carried the consciousness of a cab driver with me.

Whether I liked it or not, I was a cab driver.

This happens to anyone who takes a job. Even if you hate a job and keep a distance from it, you are defining yourself in opposition to the job by resisting it. By giving the job your time, you are giving it your consciousness. And it will, in turn, fill your life with the reality that it presents.

Many people ignore this fact. They choose a profession because it seems exciting, or because they can make a lot of money, or because it has some prestige in their minds. They commit themselves to their work, but slowly find themselves feeling restless and empty. The time they have to spend on their work begins to hang heavy on their hands, and soon they feel constricted and trapped.

They join the legions of humanity who Thoreau said lead lives of quiet desperation - unfulfilled, unhappy and uncertain of what to do.

Yet the lure of financial security and the fear of the unknown keep them from acting to change their lives, and their best energies are spent creating justifications for staying where they are or inventing activities outside of work that they hope will provide them with a sense of meaning.

But these efforts can never be totally successful. We are what we do, and the more we do it, the more we become it. The only way out is to change our lives or to change our expectations for our lives. And if we lower our expectations we are killing our dreams, and a man without dreams is already half dead.

So you need to choose your work carefully. You need to look beyond the external measurements of prestige and money and glamour to see what you will be doing on a day-to-day, hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute basis to see if that is how you want to spend your time. Time may not be the way you measure the value of your work, but it is the way you experience it.

What you need to do is think of work as "vocation." This word may seem stilted in its tone, but it has a wisdom within it. It comes from the Latin word for calling, which comes from the word for voice. In those meanings it touches on what work really should be. It should be something that calls to you as something you want to do, and it should be something that gives voice to who you are and what you want to say to the world.

So a true vocation calls to you to perform it and it allows your life to speak. This is very different from work, which is just an exchange of labor for money. It is even very different from a profession, which is an area of expertise you have been sanctioned to represent.

A vocation is something you feel compelled to do, or at least something that fills you with a sense of meaning. It is something you choose because of what it allows you to say with your life, not because of the money it pays you or the way it will make you appear to others. It is, above all else, something that lets you love.

When you find a vocation, embrace it with your whole heart. Few people are so lucky. They begin their search for work with an eye to the wrong prize, so when they win, they win something of little value. They gain money or prestige, but they lose their hearts. Eventually their days become nothing more than a commodity that they exchange for money, and they begin to shrivel and die.

I often think of a man I met on the streets of Cleveland. He was an assembly-line worker in an automobile plant. He said his work was so hateful that he could barely stand to get up in the morning. I asked him why he didn't quit. "I've only got thirteen more years to go to retirement," he answered. And he meant it. His life had so gotten away from him that he was willing to accept a thirteen-year death sentence for his spirit rather than give up the security it earned.

When I spoke with him I was about twenty. I was young and free; I didn't understand what he was saying at all. It seemed incomprehensible to me that a man could have become so defeated by life that he was willing to let his life die as he held it in his hands.

Now I understand too well. Lured by what had seemed like big money at the time, he had chosen a job that didn't offer him any inner satisfaction. He lived a good life, rolling from paycheck to paycheck and getting the car or the boat that he had always dreamed of having. Year by year he advanced, because businesses reward perseverance. His salary went up, his options for other types of employment went down, and he settled into a routine that financed his life. He married, bought a house, had children, and grew into middle age. The job that had seemed like freedom when he was young became a deadening routine. Year by year he began to hate it. It choked him, but he had no means of escape. He needed its money to live; no job he might change to would pay him as much as he was currently making. His fear for the health and security of his family kept him from breaking free into a world where all things were possible but no things were paid for, and so he gave in.

"I've only got thirteen more years to retirement" was a prisoner's way of counting the days until the job would release him and pay him for his freedom.

Most people's lives are a variation on that theme. So few take the time when they are young to explore the real meaning of the jobs they are taking or to consider the real implications of the occupations to which they are committing their lives.

Some have no choice. Without money, without training, with the pressures of life building around them, they choose the best alternative that offers itself. But many others just fail to see clearly. They chase false dreams, and fall into traps they could have avoided if they had listened more closely to their hearts when choosing their life's work.

But even if you listen closely to your heart, making the right choice is difficult. You can't really know what it is you want to do by thinking about it. You have to do it and see how it fits. You have to let the work take you over until it becomes you and you become it; then you have to decide whether to embrace it or abandon it. And few have the courage to abandon something that defines their security and prosperity.

Yet there is no reason why a person cannot have two, three or more careers in the course of a life. There is no reason why a person can't abandon a job that does not fit anymore and strike out into the unknown for something that lies closer to the heart. There is risk, there is loss, and there likely will be privation. If you have allowed your job to define your sense of self-worth, there may even be a crisis of identity. But no amount of security is worth the suffering of a life lived chained to a routine that has killed all your dreams.

You must never forget that to those who hire you, your labor is a commodity. You are paid because you provide a service that is useful. If the service you provide is no longer needed, it doesn't matter how honorable, how diligent, how committed you have been in your work. If what you can contribute is no longer needed, you are no longer needed and you will be let go. Even if you've committed your life to the job, you are, at heart, a part of the commercial exchange, and you are valuable only so long as you are a significant contributor to that commercial exchange. It is nothing personal; it's just the nature of economic transaction.

So it does not pay to tie yourself to a job that kills your love of life. The job will abandon you if it has to. You can abandon the job if you have to.

The man I met in Cleveland may have been laid off the year before he was due to retire. He may have lost his pension because of a legal detail he never knew existed. He may have died on the assembly line while waiting to put a bolt in a fender.

I once had a professor who dreamed of being a concert pianist. Fearing the possibility of failure, he went into academics where the work was secure and the money was predictable. One day, when I was talking to him about my unhappiness in my graduate studies, he walked over and sat down at his piano. He played a beautiful glisando and then, abruptly, stopped. "Do what is in your heart," he said. "I really only wanted to be a concert pianist. Now I spend every day wondering how good I might have been."

Don't let this be your epitaph at the end of your working life. Find out what it is that burns in your heart and do it. Choose a vocation, not a job, and you will be at peace. Take a job instead of finding a vocation, and eventually you will find yourself saying, "I've only got thirteen more years to retirement," or "I spend every day wondering how good I might have been."

We all owe ourselves better than that.

The Time Traveler's Wife effect

2009-08-21T13:36:00.006+08:00

Note: Post might be a spoiler.

It left me staring into space on the way home. Melancholic. Sad. Even as I write this piece, I still let out big sighs every now and then.

I've always had a problem with stories like this - be it on the movies or in books. I know it seems ridiculous when one gets carried away with the story but I just can't help it when it makes that inevitable turn. Because I know that no matter how impossible the story can get, when someone has to die, it has become real. While everything about the story could be made up, the death becomes the truth. Because it does happen in real life.

My problem is not in the fear of death. Though I can't really say that I'm not afraid to die, I guess some part of me is working that out. It is when you are forced to confront the promise of eternity broken, gone wrong, lost. In my world, such confrontations are abundant. I've seen friends struggle to move on and face the monster. I remember feeling relieved but scared at the same time. Relieved because the bottle had not yet pointed at me but also scared because I used to worry if I was going to be next. "Another one down," the monster said that a lot. I was afraid of my then future and even if I tweaked something a little to make the bottle spin some more, stories like Clare and Henry's still gets to me. Because I know that no matter what we do, death is still very much a part of this world. And the sad truth is here to stay - that everybody will have to confront that broken promise some time.

Already Gone

2009-08-16T20:14:00.002+08:00

by Kelly Clarkson

Remember all the things we wanted
Now all our memories, they're haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye
Even without fists held high, yeah
Never would have worked out right, yeah
We were never meant for do or die

I didn't want us to burn out
I didn't come here to hurt you now
I can't stop

I want you to know
That it doesn't matter
Where we take this road
Someone's gotta go
And i want you to know
You couldn't have loved me better
But i want you to move on
So i'm already gone

Looking at you makes it harder
But i know that you'll find another
That doesn't always make you wanna cry
Started with a perfect kiss
Then we could feel the poison set in
Perfect couldn't keep this love alive

You know that i love you so
I love you enough to let you go

I want you to know
That it doesn't matter
Where we take this road
Someone's gotta go
And i want you to know
You couldn't have loved me better
But i want you to move on
So i'm already gone

I'm already gone
I'm already gone
You can't make it feel right
When you know that it's wrong
I'm already gone
Already gone
There's no moving on
So i'm already gone

Already gone
Already gone
Already gone, oooo, oh
Already gone
Already gone
Already gone, yeah

Remember all the things we wanted
Now all our memories, they're haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye

I want you to know
That it doesn't matter
Where we take this road
Someone's gotta go
And i want you to know
You couldn't have loved me better
But i want you to move on
So i'm already gone

I'm already gone
I'm already gone
You can't make it feel right
When you know that it's wrong
I'm already gone
Already gone
There's no moving on
So i'm already gone...

*************

Music video here.

Changes

2009-08-09T15:31:00.005+08:00

...have a way of making me crazy. Come next month, I will be reporting to a new department. I know it's not so bad but I don't have a reason to feel ecstatic about it either. And I've got every right to feel sad about leaving. Not when I've already found my comfort zone and I'm still having the time of my life. Not when I've grown so attached to my friends. Not when I still haven't got my peak.

When my boss told me about it last Thursday, I couldn't help but cry. Though he did his very best to make me understand (and I truly did!) - like my job was originally to be part of that team, my function seems more apt to be under them, it would make everything more efficient - I still felt like shouting, "But I love it here!" But then at the end of the day, our loyalty to the company still comes first.

I only have three weeks left and I'm still on the process of counting the reasons why this is such a good thing. Only a few of us have been informed and it's still being kept a secret. I keep telling myself I can always visit them and I'll only be up one floor. Sigh. I pray that soon enough, I'll be able to say it again - that changes ain't so bad after all.

God's message for me today via Facebook

2009-08-03T20:14:00.002+08:00

"When the sun rises, it rises for you.

Yes, for you. Just for you. Only for you. You are it, everything, the whole universe with all the billion galaxies and stars. The separateness you feel is only a mask you have put on to enjoy this human form. Under the mask, your shape is All. How far can you now feel your self expand? To your parent?... to your child?... to your friend?... to a stranger on a street?... halfway around the globe?"

Reading this message made me realize I've already forgotten how good it feels to know that someone can be this dedicated to you. I've been nothing but pessimistic the past couple of weeks and slowly, I'm beginning to forgive myself.

It sure doesn't hurt to think of yourself after a hard day's work.

blue-eyed Mary

2009-08-02T01:16:00.009+08:00

"There is no innocence more dangerous than the innocence of age."
- Love in the Time of Cholera

One cannot pretend to be innocent now. At this stage, nobody can afford to hide under the guise of not knowing what's happening or worse, pretending not to know. Denial, more than anything else, has no room.

And so it would only be proper not to nurture it for doing so is tantamount to suicide. But one can only see perfection even before it reaches full bloom and reminds of the very few easy things in life. A thinking that only an exposed soul would understand. Oh, what agony it brings!

It is a door waiting to be opened and yet letting the sunshine in would bring forth a hellish circle. Taking comfort in not so much as obscure words with the ill-favored smell of the night lamp barely provides satisfaction in exchange for the headache it brings. In fact, one can only see more clearly that it is nothing more than the ways of the half-witted. Following the rules that no one had set but still found themselves established and more powerful than anything.

It sees to it to be always en garde to prevent its consumption for it firmly believes that falling into the same ravine twice is more than a disgrace to the race - whichever it belongs to. It could well be disguised by a new path, a different scenery and the perennial tricks of the nature's trade but dig deeper and it's the same stench, the same pool of mud and in one way or another, even scratches the same wounds.

One can only ask, how can something that achieved such perfection be perceived as a plague? Only a ravaged soul understands. Call it masochistic but what the hell, the ravine is still a heavenly place to be in. And you can only let out a big sigh when it was time to go back to the realities of the highway where everything passes by in a blur. Maybe someday, they can find a way to unite contradictions such as that in marriage.

But for now, the soul - exposed and ravaged as it is - has to content himself with nothing more than a few glances down with the same curiosity and excitement as if he had never been there before. It is anticipation brought about by feigned innocence and that is the danger of it all. For he knows that without each in its proper place, it can get so cold in there.

No place like home

2009-07-13T21:48:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, I had the golden opportunity (yes, golden!) to go back to my home away from home - UPLB. It was short but sweet. I would have wanted to stay longer but my sister and I were only on 'side trip' from a family reunion in a nearby private resort.

I vowed to go back there next month hoping my roommates would go with me. I wanted to take a lot of photos but I felt I was catching too much attention for all eyes were on me. It was kind of weird when I got a bit conscious when at the same time I felt right at home. Or maybe I don't look so much like an "ELBIzen" anymore? Uh-oh.

Gawd, I miss LB.

Jaded

2009-07-05T17:33:00.008+08:00

I don't like it when suddenly I can't do anything because of stress. Maintaining this blog seems like a Herculean task nowadays. That's why I'm writing anything that comes to my mind right now in an effort to get back on track. I had been meaning to write about several topics before but then the unexpected happened and all my thoughts just went swoosh. I'm scared because the past couple of weeks, I've been showing signs of workaholism. There was even a time when I was the third to arrive at the office and the second to the last one to leave! Eight hours of work didn't just seem enough. I'm lucky the systems I use don't allow me to bring some work home.

I really, really hope I could get some balance back into my weekdays soon.

Photo from http://www.inmagine.com

dual purpose

2009-06-25T23:00:00.003+08:00

My old department called me back today!

It seems that the outlook on meeting the monthly targets is grim so they're needing the 'oldies' to help them until the end of the month. I was excited at first. I kinda miss my old job but as reality took its toll (read: performing all my tasks for both jobs!), I realized I'm fine just missing it. Haha. But I'm glad to be of help.

Like what my mom said, "Buti nga yan, in demand."

What I'm loving now: amazing web finds

2009-06-20T15:40:00.010+08:00

"There's just so much out there," my English professor once said, referring to the internet. And yeah, I couldn't agree more with her. Usually, my net surfing sessions are only made up of checking Facebook, Friendster (yeah, I still maintain that one. a lot of my friends still haven't discovered FB), my email accounts,this blog, and if I remember it, internet banking. And when I'm faced with a Yahoo homepage with nothing else to do, I hop.

Here are a few sites I've discovered while clicking from one site or blog to another. You might find them interesting too.

1. Patty Laurel's blog Oohhh..LaLa!!!

Everyone knows who she is but would you believe it was only through her blog that I got to know she's with Atom Araullo? I discovered her blog last year. I love this girl's energy in everything that she does and her entries are just so full of it. I particularly watch out for her travelogues. Grabe, she got to camp na at the Sahara desert!

2. Jeklog Kreations Poetry in Frozen Motion
Talk about blog hop. I discovered this site when Jeklog commented on Patty Laurel's blog. Obviously, I came to like it because of photography ('street photography' he termed it) but I am more interested in his take at raising awareness on what goes on around us, specifically those we often take for granted.

3. suite101.com The genuine article. Literally.
I don't know how I bumped into this site. I guess it was one of those lazy surfing days and the next thing I knew I was reading articles on how to groom your eyebrows. This is actually an online magazine with articles featuring topics on business & finance, travel, technology, politics & society and a lot more.

4. barenaturals The Healthy Makeup
Teehee. I know this is so not me but hey, a girl's got to have some balance in her life, okay? I got to know about Barenaturals when it was featured on a TV show. I immediately went online to check it out and my eyes feasted on their wide collection of mineral makeup and brushes which promises that au naturel look.

Crossing my fingers

2009-06-18T23:32:00.004+08:00

Someone from the office confirmed his mom and his sister were diagnosed with A(H1N1) flu today. And I actually had a close 'encounter' with him this morning. He came to my desk to confirm something with me and we talked for about five minutes or less. So that somehow makes me exposed to the virus. I guess I'm going to have to ditch that diet for now. I need all the nutrients I can get. I'm not really scared because the Department of Health assured that it's something curable and that dengue is even more dangerous. I just don't want people getting scared of me. And A(H1N1) or not, being down with the flu is too much of a hassle. :-)

Hope this won't turn into something bad, really bad.

Ooops!

2009-06-14T01:04:00.005+08:00

Photo from http://www.inmagine.com

- while in the elevator with our SVP for HR, he asked me, "Where do you go home?" i answered, "Yes." when he gave me this sort of puzzled look, i realized I heard him wrong. i thought he was asking me if I was going home already.

- before proceeding to my desk every morning, i developed this habit of checking myself in the elevator doors instead of in the comfort room because I don't want my boss to think that I arrived later than I did. one morning, I forgot to check which floor the elevator was in already so there i was, busy fixing my hair when the door opened revealing a lift full of employees.

i don't know why but i love laughing at myself. makes my day brighter. :-)

That's what I'm talkin' about

2009-06-13T23:47:00.002+08:00

For fear of being accused of copyright infringement, just click HERE.

Blue

2009-06-11T20:41:00.004+08:00

Photo from http://www.inmagine.com

I really don't like it when you're forced to set a certain kind of exclusivity when things haven't even gone on full swing yet. What ever happened to 'being there for each other'? Just get it over and done with.

-----------------------

**trying to "un-blue" myself**

Two days ago, I was glad to see Ted Failon back on TV Patrol! I actually thought it was going to take him a longer time before he could go back on air. Good job, sir.

Maria's tale

2009-06-03T23:30:00.036+08:00

Maria was not the type to make a big deal out of love. While typical little girls dreamt about their fairy tale weddings, she was busy thinking what car she would like to have someday, which of her friends she would share a house with, what kind of system she would implement in her own house and all the others things that screamed independence. For her, falling in love was just a bonus - some kind of reward you'd give to yourself when you're done with everything else.

A contradiction of sorts, you can call her that. She loved the security of her planner, like it was an assurance that she was actually doing something worthwhile with her time. But spontaneity also gave her adrenaline rush. She was a self-confessed nonconformist but also took pride in following rules and regulations religiously. She loved the powerful feeling she got that made her think that nothing - most especially, no one - could tell her what she can or cannot do. Although she found the thought of falling and caring for someone to be nice, she still did not want to be defined by a relationship or worse, by one person. There was just too much pride in her.

However, despite all these, Maria still fell in love - twice. Call her a hypocrite but heck, she loved it. She loved falling in love. And each time she did, she loved her man and gave it her best shot. Somehow she allowed herself to get lost, to indulge, to wallow.

Like all the other 'young loves', Maria and the boy's story started in school. Theirs was a roller coaster. There was too much denial but at the end it happened. Still, eyebrows were raised and as if it was some sort of a challenge, she thought there was no turning back. But like them, the love was immature. She would have wanted to fight longer but thought he was not worth it. The boy was after all a boy. Pride in herself came back and she ended it with a heavy heart. Though she found herself wishing everyday that he would regret letting her go, she knew deep inside her there was no way she was going to allow him to hurt her again. The boy did ask her to come back. It was a glorious day for proud Maria because albeit late, she still emerged as the winner. And what better time to turn him down for she finally found herself a man.

Everything about the man was different. The boy ruined all of Maria's beliefs in love but the man brought it back for her. Suddenly she was referred to as "Maria and the man" or "the man and Maria". He loved her like there was no tomorrow. He worshipped the ground she walked on. He gave her everything he could. She loved the feeling of belonging and security that he gave her. She got lost, indulged and wallowed. Forever did not seem so far away. But Maria was ready for many things that the man was not so she had to learn to detach herself when needed and go back just in time. The situation wore her out and she was detaching herself more and finding it hard to go back. One day, she woke up realizing she just wanted to be called "Maria" - no more, no less. With an even heavier heart, she had to say goodbye and did a lot of soul searching. She knew she already had everything she wanted with the man but she was craving for more. At one point, she felt her attention being drawn to this guy. The kind she once swore she would never fall for. But she caught herself just in time. She knew the guy was not the answer.

Maria did the things she was too afraid to even try before. She totally loved the freedom and she felt more in control. Then it hit her. The answer had been there all along, she just had to touch base with her old self. One night she was able to put into words what she would like to become:

"A woman enriched with the experience from the different places she has seen, people she has been with, cultures she has tasted and mistakes she has learned from. A woman who knows where she is going and why she is doing what she is doing. A woman so complete she is not afraid to share herself with others especially her beloved."

All photos from http://www.inmagine.com

Angels and Demons

2009-05-26T21:33:00.006+08:00

Surprisingly, I liked it. All it took was a little mind conditioning. Haha. I wasn't actually planning to watch it. But when Camae asked if I wanted to go with her and Gerald, I thought, what the heck the week could get more stressful so better destress while it's still Monday! Besides it's always nice to go out.

The movie was - surprise, surprise - so Dan Brown. I wasn't able to watch the book but I did read The Da Vinci Code. And it's the same plot wherein the antagonist is just right under their noses. But more than the story, the setting kept me awake. It's Italia, baby, one of my dream destinations. And as always, Tom Hanks is...what can I say?

What I'm loving now: a lot of things!!

2009-05-24T15:42:00.018+08:00

Lately, I've been on a high. That certain kind when you just feel so blessed and can't help but be thankful for everything that's coming your way. One thing I like about myself is that when something or someone gets me excited, I don't hide it. I squeal and jump with glee like there's no tomorrow. Aside from the beach that I've already gushed about in my previous post, here are a few more reasons why:

Weekends! Weekends mean pure R and R (sleeping in, anyone?), getting that much needed replenishment at church and simply not caring about the time!

Feel-good songs! I've always believed in music being a quick pick-me-upper. My current favorite is Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me. It's such a cute song and the video is too. When I go online, I always log on to You Tube to watch it.

Dancing! like no one's watching. A great way to wake up those endorphins and shake off all those fat!

Single-blessedness. No one to monitor your whereabouts, no one to worry about when you're out later than usual, no one to explain to when you're with somebody else who's purely just a friend.

My new pair of Chuck Taylors! Yes, yes, yes! I've been drooling for this shoes for two years now and today, I finally had the guts to buy them! I have this weird case of being a cheapskate over things except food. If the price goes beyond P500, I start having second thoughts. And in my standards, these Chucks are not cheap! But hey, I realized I've been working so hard and it's about time I reward myself. Now I can finally give my feet a treat and let my stilettos rest during Fridays.

Hershey's Kisses! when they're huddled in a group like this. Don't get me wrong, I looove all kinds of chocolates. But I just get a certain kind of excitement when these delicious Kisses are grouped together.

My pink Nalgene water tumbler from my best friend! We were together earlier this afternoon at the mall. While checking out stuff at the North Face, little did I know she was observing me to find out what I wanted for my birthday. She took her cue when I gushed about this darling of a tumbler and sneaked to the counter.

Bonding time with my best friend! It's becoming more and more precious to us because of her super busy schedule that's getting busier and busier now that's she's on her last year in medical school. After today, we're not even sure when we'll get to see each other next. But we know we're still there for each other. STILL I miss her and I'll miss her more.

Found: my long lost love

2009-05-23T19:28:00.007+08:00

...for the B-E-A-C-H!!!

Maira-ira Blue Lagoon

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte

Montemar Beach
Bagac, Bataan

Breathe

2009-05-21T21:38:00.002+08:00

Never wanted this, never want to see you hurt
Every little bump in the road I tried to swerve
But people are people and sometimes it doesn’t work out
Nothing we say is gonna save us from the fall out

It’s two a.m.
Feeling like I just lost a friend
Hope you know this ain’t easy, easy for me

- Breathe by Taylor Swift ft. Colbie Calliat

To you,

I don't know until when I'll have to explain everything - why I did what I did.

Me

24 today

2009-05-20T20:47:00.006+08:00

Happy birthday to me!

Photo from http://www.inmagine.com

While today was generally the same as the other days, I still have a lot to be thankful for. I just realized that as you grow older, you become responsible for making your birthday special. Unlike when you were still a kid, your mom and dad did it all for you. Gone are the days when everything stops because it's supposed to be your day. So when I had to take my lunch at 3PM already and still had to render overtime until 7PM, that mindset made it easier for me to accept my fate. BUT! I had a special surprise from my teammates today in the guise of a meeting. Pizza, blueberry cheesecake and chunky choco chip ice cream replaced our notebooks and pens. My cellphone inbox, social networking accounts, both personal and office emails were flooded with greetings.

My 23rd year was a roller coaster. I was a lot braver, big changes happened, more blessings were given to me. I gained more friends and learned new things. I finally figured out what I want and found my voice. I'm starting to live my dreams. I finally got the guts to drive and eventually got my license. Last New Year's, I resolved to travel to at least two destinations. But apparently, the Lord wanted more for me. I was finally able to go back to Tagaytay last January. Would you believe the last time I was there was in second grade? Baguio in February was a default but heck, it's still traveling! Cebu, Bohol (March) and Ilocos oh Ilocos (April) were the highlights. Last weekend, I was in Bataan for the company outing. I had a good year. I laughed hard but I also cried buckets.

This birthday isn't also just about me. When my mom greeted me this morning, I felt this was also her day. It was 24 years ago when she "braved the odds" and went under the knife for the second time to give me this life that I hope I'm not screwing up. And of course, how can I forget my dad who, also for the last 24 years, have been telling people how ecstatic he was because he finally got his wish to have a daughter? I've got such crazy but great, great parents and I love them to bits. And I know that unconsciously, I do things with hope that I'm making them proud.

I can only look forward to more of everything for my 24th year.

What I'm loving now: Boys Over Flowers!

2009-05-14T22:42:00.008+08:00

Recently, I learned that the San Cai-Dao Ming Si (pardon the spelling) love story ain't so bad after all! Well, that's basing on how it's going so far in ABS-CBN's newest addition to their list of teleseryes - Boys Over Flowers - Korea's version of the hit TV series Meteor Garden.

As part of my being "anti-social" when I was in college, I did not so much waste my time going to our dorm's TV area every 5:30 in the afternoon, joining legions of my dormmates (believe me, they were A LOT) to catch Meteor Garden. I could not understand the craze either. Maybe I just wasn't too big a fan of guys with long hair no matter how good it looked on Jerry Yan.

But because of the recent stress I've been experiencing at work, I get home just in time to catch Tayong Dalawa's credits and right after it is the Boys. I was surprised at how Jun Pyo looks so much like the original Dao Ming Si! Thanks to the several times that Jerry Yan came to the Philippines, the long hair does not bother me so much anymore. Jan Di is a far, far, far cry from San Cai's looks but has a different charm. I like the original Wa Zi Lei (pardon the spelling again, it's spelled as I hear it!) better but the Boys' last two members are way hotter than the original.

But I think what's really got me hooked is the script. It's doing a lot of justice to the girl's personality. It's just too bad I'll have to say goodbye to the series so early. Come Monday next week, it will be swapped with the Pinoy Bingo Night's earlier time slot at around 6PM in response to the "insistent public demand". How about that for a double dose of Kris Aquino one after the other? Tayong Dalawa + Boys Over Flowers + Pinoy Bingo Night + SNN. Do the math.

Missin'...

2009-05-08T23:56:00.003+08:00

*in no particular order*

...my car! My brother has it for almost a month now. He's somewhere in the north for a special training and since he gets to come home every other weekend or so but still needs to go back to camp the next day, commuting to and fro can be taxing not to mention expensive. Plus it proved to be a good armory. *wink* I miss the convenience it gives me when driving. Though we have my dad's car, it still needs some tune-up. It got kind of neglected when I bought mine. Also it literally is pawis-steering! Though I must say I love that feeling when I get to park it in our complicated garage - pawis and all.

...my roommate Lallie! I miss her sunny disposition, a polite way of saying I miss her kabaliwan. Laughing is different when I'm with her. I miss those times when I felt I could do anything and nobody would mind. I miss our Friends moments!

...UPLB! I knew it wouldn't be as easy to go back anymore when my sister graduated. But it's definitely on my list when I go on leave again in October.

...my bestfriend Sweet! It's been ages since we last saw each other. I can't even remember if I have already updated her with my kwentos. Life's getting busier and busier for her since she's already on her last year in med school and is currently doing community internship in Antipolo. But ah, we'll see each other at church today!

...Ilocos! I told you I'll never get over it. Ilocos will always have a place in my heart.

...Ortigas! Discovery Suites, The Podium, Megamall, St. Francis, the Asian Development Bank. With the rainy days upon us again (not for long I hope!), I am always reminded of my first few months of working. It was during the rainy season but I don't remember ever feeling the hassle of commuting. In fact, it was fun to play the "MRT game" - how soon you could find a seat, how good you are at balancing when you don't, and how good you are at guarding your bag. Never mind if I was too lazy to change into my flats, I still felt comfortable in my stilettos. I was also able to formulate a theory on which line to the ticket terminals was the fastest as proven by my countless observations. Nowadays, I admit I'm getting too bratty. Wherever I am at The Fort, I always have to ask my dad to fetch me.

...being free of obligations/responsibilities! Need I say more?

Please pray for the Libby's group!

2009-05-03T11:40:00.003+08:00

We're still on the process of thinking a better name but please do pray for us. We're taking on our first endeavor and we really, really hope and pray things go according to plan. Though we've already done a bit of a SWOT analysis but we just can't afford mistakes yet. And I mean afford in a literal way. And please do support us when it goes on full swing. I guarantee we all have your welfare in mind!

More updates soon to come!

Blog about One Tama : DONE!

2009-05-01T15:35:00.004+08:00

Because actions speak loudest when shared, so the One Tama campaign is born. As stated in their website: One Tama is a campaign that asks a very simple question: If all of us say we want a better country anyway, why don't we try it out for one day?

One Tama advocates for a better country by doing one positive task each day. It aims to encourage as many people as possible that will ultimately lead to a big impact. I personally think this was a great idea since most, if not all, of us want a better country but feel too "powerless" to initiate anything. But the campaign addresses that issue directly. You don't necessarily have to be a politician or a lawmaker to make a difference. After all, they're only but a small percentage of the whole population.

Anyone can participate in the campaign by simply signing up in their website and there you will see loads of actions being suggested everyday by the members themselves. I was overwhelmed not by how hard the actions are to do but by how serious the members are about it. It was good to know that a lot of us still believe in our country and have not given up. From the simple flushing of the toilet after using it to unplugging appliances when not in use to discussing national issues among your friends, it reminds you that whatever you do, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, it does have an impact - most especially when shared!

So far, I have 71 actions in my trackboard and have already completed 15 of them, this blog post being the 15th. You can even suggest an action yourself. I have yet to donate old school books/organize a used book sale, visit a historical monument, pick up a piece of litter and throw it in the garbage bin, REGISTER FOR THE 2010 ELECTIONS and many more. New actions have been added but I plan to complete them first. I will get there. We will get there.

To a better Philippines!

lazy Labor Day

2009-05-01T14:40:00.003+08:00

I think I deserve it though. Last week was pretty hectic. I just thought it was kinda naughty of Him to do that because I remember praying last Sunday evening, thanking Him for all the blessings and for giving me a comfortable life. Come Monday, the stress just wouldn't stop. Workload was the same but heavier than usual, meetings here and there and people following up on their requests. Nevertheless, I loved the challenge and the week ended with me learning a lot.

I rewarded myself with a Spanish Labor eve with my friends. Actually, the "theme" was just a coincidence. First, we went to dinner at this great-but-expensive Spanish restaurant called Basty's. After which we proceeded to Indigo Bar to join some more of our officemates. Little did we know that there was going to be free salsa lessons. We had a lot of fun. I was reminded of my ballroom dancing classes back in college. Aside from my all-time favorite swing, rumba and tango, salsa was also my favorite. We would have wanted to stay longer but my friends needed to catch the MRT.

I'm making the most of this long weekend. One of my teammates will be on leave on Monday and I will be relieving for him (hello, double workload!). A big credit test will also be rolled out that day and I will be the one to operationalise it. That and all the other reports we have to prepare for the month of April.

I think I'll have an early lunch again. I can do this.

Happy to be with

2009-04-26T12:24:00.040+08:00

I've been with the company for almost three years now and I won't deny the fact that thoughts of resignation had already come to me countless times. It wasn't because of disappointment over the company but more of my search for change. Over time, I realized that my childhood dream of being holed up in the office doing paper works won't get me anywhere if I wanted to change the world. But then it has also become my comfort zone more so when we transferred here at The Fort and became just five minutes away from our house. However aside from the comfort, far more important reasons make me stay: the people and the company's continuous effort to give back to the community.

The people

I hate saying goodbye. I'm emotional and I don't like the fact so much that I easily get attached. Even though commuting to Ortigas could be so draining back then, I still miss it. I remember it with fond memories of eating out at The Podium, St. Francis, packed chicken sisig lunch at 7-11, sportsfest at the Meralco Gym and because you're almost at the heart of the city, everything and everywhere was accessible. Having the Asian Development Bank nearby also helped remind me about what I really wanted to do.

But I find it hardest saying goodbye to people. Letting go of memories with them and thinking of the possibility of not being able to be with them anymore are not my cup of tea. When I got transferred to a new department last year, I had qualms about meeting my new officemates. I was worried they wouldn't measure up to my friends in my old department. But they proved me wrong. I experienced new things with them that made me discover new things about myself. We have such a lot in common that it stirred those interests in me that have been raring to come out.

The effort to give back to the community

The company is big on helping transform communities, save the environment and empower through education. I'm happy to say that I've taken part in all three. On several occasions, I've volunteered to teach reading lessons to Grade I students of the Pembo Elementary School as part of the company's Read with Me program. Last week, we also held the Elementos event to help raise funds to be donated to the World Wildlife Fund and the Children's Environmental Awareness & Action Foundation. I think we're looking at over a million pesos.

And just yesterday, half of the department trooped to the Tahanan Sta. Luisa to have lunch, halo-halo and play games with abused and exploited girls. I didn't mind skipping church because I knew it was also a way to worship the Lord - by giving love and hope to those in dire need of it. The therapy being given to them must be working because at first glance, you wouldn't see that the girls had been through hell. I won't disclose their stories anymore lest I put the Tahanan in big trouble with the DSWD. This activity had the biggest impact on me because I was more involved in the preparations compared with the other activities I've joined. Also because this, so far, had been the most eye-opening experience for me to the darker side of the Philippine society. Of course I knew the abuse, prostitution and exploitation were happening but it brought me closer to that biting reality.

At first, the girls were a bit shy to introduce themselves but eventually they loosened up and looked like they enjoyed the games. They were friendly without being too assuming. It was also exciting to hear the girls commenting that lunch was so good and that the halo-halo was "Hindi sya nakakasawa pero nakakabusog." I guess we can consider that synonymous to masarap, right? :-)

Soon it was time to go home and the girls sure had a lot to say. It was nice to hear their words of gratitude and appreciation but it was amazing to hear them wishing that more blessings be given to us by the Lord so that we could also help out those in the same situation as theirs. These girls had already been through a lot and a lot has also been taken away from them and yet, they knew they were not the only ones suffering in this world. Their experiences sure forced them to grow up so fast. I was close to tears because I could not remember the last time I was told that I was a good person. I could not remember the last time I felt good about myself. The girls will always have my prayers.

Experiences like these make it harder for me to leave. But I learned that there's nothing wrong with moving on - especially if it's about searching for your happiness. Memories will always be there to look back to, either to remind you how far you've gone or how little you have done. And I know that should I finally decide to leave, it is to put into practice what I've learned. To pursue greater things so that I could give more of myself to more of those in need and maybe get a little closer to healing - not changing because I know the Lord created it that way - the world.

Libby's/Tuesday Talks

2009-04-25T17:15:00.006+08:00

Photo from http://www.inmagine.com

If Bianca Gonzales has life talks with her friends, I have Libby's Talk with Camae and Hannah every Tuesday! We're hoping Gerald finds the time to join us regularly. It all started two Tuesdays ago after work when we accompanied Camae to claim her free Krispy Kreme doughnut and coffee at Bonifacio High Street. Since both of them live far south, we were thinking of staying just for a few minutes and leave after finishing off our doughnuts.

But who would have thought we'd have one of our most intimate and enlightening conversations that the next time we looked at our watches, they just read 10PM? We talked about a lot of things (you know how those conversations just jump from one topic to another) but it was mainly about our finances. And why Libby's Talk? you may ask.

I was a freshman in college and while shopping for groceries, I suddenly missed home and craved for Libby's corned beef. Even though it wasn't included in my budget for that week, (the wonders of living the dorm life!) I went ahead and bought it. Back at the dorm, while I was transferring the corned beef to a container, one of my dorm mates came into our room and got curious about what I was doing. The label of the can looked new to her and asked me how much it was. So I answered "P66". I was a bit shocked at how shocked she was at the price and how she would tell everyone who came into our room that I just bought a can of corned beef worth P66.00. I felt bad that all the others were shocked too. I felt bad for giving in to my impulses just because I missed home. I felt bad because I knew I didn't have to feel that way, I just happened to have a slightly bigger allowance than my friends. But that's what exactly made me feel worse. We were all living in the same dorm, away from our families, living the same UP student life but they were still surviving even though they had less. I didn't buy that Libby's corned beef again.

That story had such a big impact that we decided to name our Tuesday sessions after it. We planned to meet up weekly to share rakets and update each other. But don't get us wrong, we still touch on topics other than money. In fact, we talk about A LOT of things that Tuesdays are still not enough. If only going home late is not so dangerous. Haha. Next time, slumber party na!

Globe Telecom sucks

2009-04-23T01:16:00.003+08:00

BIG TIME!

For the nth time, our phone line and broadband internet connection suddenly went bonkers last weekend. And it could not have come at a better timing when we badly needed both! I was booking a flight for my uncle online when I was asked for my credit card password. Since I had not been using my card for online booking for a long time already, I've forgotten all about it. So I tried to access my account thru internet banking but was told by a message prompt that I needed to call the customer service.

Of all days, it had to be that weekend when my uncle really, really needed to fly out the next day. It didn't help that flight schedules could change in a snap with everybody booking theirs online. Good thing my internet banking decided to cooperate the next time I accessed it so I was able to change my password and proceeded with the transaction. The headache didn't stop there though. It turned out I could not check right away if Cebu Pacific had sent the e-ticket already since - surprise, surprise - I could not access Gmail!

As if that wasn't enough, my grandmother whom we were expecting to arrive from Cagayan de Oro at around lunchtime, was already calling my uncle at 11:30 because she was already waiting at the airport. But he was still stuck in traffic somewhere in Bacoor (Camae, Traffic Capital of the Philippines talaga. haha!) and my mom could not rush to the airport either because my dad was already out for a Sunday breakfast with his classmates. We could have called a cab but practically the whole village had dead phone lines. My dad had no choice but to cut short his time with his friends.

After lunch, my uncle and I went to Netopia to check if the e-ticket had been sent already. Imagine nalang my stress when we still had not received anything and had to use Netopia's business phone just so I could make a follow up.

Nice one, Globe. Really nice one. Your services don't just die out on your customers especially if they've been loyal to you for more than a decade already! I even stopped using their unlimited text service for almost a year now because on the day when your UNLITXT is supposed to expire, your remaining prepaid load "expires" with it.

I understand that the rapid advancement of technology really has its pros and cons but are we really the ones to blame? I'm sure that when they spent millions in their research and development, this is not what they had in mind (not unless they're really just a bunch of greedy corporate geeks). And of course, when we signed up for their services, this is not what we had in mind. So give us our money's worth.

Ilocoholic!

2009-04-18T00:57:00.008+08:00

Photo by Cedric Valera

It's almost 1AM and I still can't sleep because 1) IT'S SUPER DUPER HOT!!! A far cry when I'm in the office and my hands even turn ice-cold because of the airconditioning 2) it's the weekend so no worrying about waking up early tomorrow 3) everyone at home is already sleeping and I figured this might be the perfect time to whip up that much delayed post about my Ilocos trip. No one to bug me about hurrying up.

So what now?

I totally loved Ilocos!! It was definitely a dream come true for me to have finally walked along the cobblestoned Calle Crisologo, actually made tambay when we got tired already and even went back for a night shoot. But hey, that's just icing on the cake. Ilocos is all that and more. Aside from being able to preserve much of the structures that tell of the place's rich history, the Ilocanos also bank on what they have now to make Ilocos a dream getaway for many. And they're getting more and more successful in it!

I learned a lot from this trip. The photography workshop given by Ced Valera caused me to look deeper into things and into people not just through the lens of my camera but also through my heart. I learned that photography shouldn't just be about aesthetics and that everyone, everything has a story. And can I just say that The Travel Factor is THE coolest group ever? It really is! Super efficient pa. Everything was delivered right and on time.

The first lecture was the longest but was also the most important. Ced couldn't have emphasized enough having the spirit of adventurism and willingness to take risks! It was our guide to everything that we did, saw and experienced. It also helped me keep an open mind and just go with the flow. I realized it's more fun and enjoyable that way. And of course, how can I forget my "dare to exceed my capacity" mantra? ;-)

I think I did a good job at making the most out of it. Wherever we went, I dared myself to get closest, to climb the highest (well, except for the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The line was just so long!), to stay where the waves were strongest, to smile my best (our really nice batchmates were more than happy to take us as their subjects) and of course, to get down, dirty, wet and all tanned.

Though everything we experienced here was unique, I also have a few standouts:

- staying in more-than-a-decade-old Villa Angela Heritage House in Vigan became so much more when my imagination was at its wildest especially when all the lights were turned out, I got a bed closest to the door and not too far was the mirror.

- while "on the throne" at the Palalay Resort & Hotel in Burgos, a maniac of a chameleon decided to join me and even played hide and seek! I felt bad when one of the staff killed him but hey, he violated my rights. Haha.

- and didn't I complain about the scarcity of waves in Bohol? Well, Ilocos gave me just that. Until now, I still squeal with excitement when I remember how I "rode" the waves with Hannah. It made me want to give surfing a try!

We went straight to work when we got back to Manila. Luggage was heavier this time not just because of the Marsha's delicacies, chichacorn, sukang Ilocos, Vigan longanisa and bagnet. We brought back with us a different kind of energy despite the lack of sleep.

It's already been two weeks and I'm still not over it. I don't think I'll ever get over Ilocos. It charms its way into your heart without really trying - the places, the people, the food, EVERYTHING! Just be yourself, it tells you.

PS. Pics are in my Multiply site.

scarrry

2009-04-16T22:42:00.003+08:00

Got this article from Yahoo! News.

*****

Baby pythons escape during flight in Australia

Wed Apr 15, 11:40 pm ET

MELBOURNE, Australia – Four baby pythons escaped from a container aboard a passenger plane in Australia, leading to a search that forced the cancellation of two flights, the airline said Thursday.

Twelve non-venemous Stimson pythons were being transported Tuesday on a flight from Alice Springs to Melbourne in the plane's cargo area in a bag inside a plastic foam box with air holes.

When the flight landed, it was discovered that four snakes had escaped from the package, a Qantas spokeswoman said in a statement.

A reptile expert searched for the 6-inch (15-centimeter) -long snakes but did not find them. It was not known if the snakes were still on the plane or if they had somehow escaped outside after the plane landed.

In the meantime, the plane missed two flights it had been scheduled to fly and the passengers were transferred to other flights.

When the snakes were not found, the airplane was fumigated and it returned to service on Wednesday.

Stimson's pythons, which can grow up to three feet (one meter) long, live in western and central Australia and are not an endangered species.

*****

And I thought it only happens in the movies. Scarry talaga.

Because it should not stop at Earth Hour

2009-03-31T00:00:00.005+08:00

Elementos: CARNAVAL
Festival of the Elements
Join Up, Celebrate and Save the Earth

"On Saturday, 18 April 2009, HSBC will hold Elementos: Carnaval or Festival of the Elements. Elementos: Carnaval will be an all-day fundraising event featuring family-friendly activities, food, and game booths by HSBC employees, non-stop entertainment, and a concert by the legendary rock band Bamboo."

Our beneficiaries:

http://www.hsbcelementoscarnaval.com/

*****************

Yes, I voted for Earth last Saturday for the second time and renewed my commitment to joining the fight against climate change. Now this. Like what I said, it should not stop at Earth Hour. It should be incorporated in our lifestyle. Turning off our lights for 60 minutes was easy but just how far are we willing to go to save our planet?

For Manong Jerry!

2009-03-29T11:22:00.004+08:00

Manong Jerry with Monica at the Tagbilaran Port

I promised Manong Jerry I would advertise about him "sa Friendster ko". Friendster because that's the only social networking site he knows. Now I'm keeping my word not just because he also promised me a 5% commission whenever I'd find guests for him. ;-)

Guys, should you want to take a tour of Bohol with super corny jokes (so corny you'd burst out laughing nalang) and punchlines every now and then, there's only one person to call - Jerry Gonzales! Seriously, aside from the jokes, there were the occasional tidbits about Bohol's current events. He taught me about the mangroves. He also saved my ass when John (Shem's American husband) asked me what the Blood Compact Site was for! Hey, those raja's names we had in elementary history were really confusing, ok?

He values his guests' schedules. Aside from being punctual, he was also keen in closely monitoring if we were going beyond our ten-minute schedule for each stop. Of course we were not able follow that so he just said, "Ten minutes pala ah." :-)

He's every shutterbug's best friend. He understood my requests for certain stops so I could take photos and even suggested some himself.

"Oh ayan, picture!"

"Ito nalang para mas malinaw."

He's always alert to assist his guests. He went with us to the supermarket when we bought our groceries and even went out to buy the calamansi when we couldn't find lemons to go with the tequila. During the tour, he was quick to always open the van's door for us even if he was already comfortable waiting at the driver's seat.

And the thing I loved most about him - he's observant. Well, according to him, "Row 1 ako noh!" Basta it's our (Monica, him and me) little secret.

You can contact him at 09067443531 or 09097621560

Ayan Manong, complied na! See you again!

better late than never

2009-03-28T16:10:00.010+08:00

Dare to exceed my capacity.
Try out new things.
Go back to my music and books.
Travel.
Immortalize good memories and
look at the world from a whole new perspective through
good photos.

* I actually waited until I got to do some of these before writing about it. Gotta walk the talk. It's not so hard after all. In fact, I can do it forever. I know the first two are kinda vague but I think I like it that way. Sky's the limit, baby!

Cebu-Bohol escapade

2009-03-22T23:29:00.006+08:00

Last December 25, when I was going through a turbulent time in my life, I received a text from Chabs asking me if I wanted to go to Cebu this month together with our other high school friends. I was at that point where I wanted to get away from everything so I immediately said yes. Surprisingly, my mom just nodded her head in approval. Or maybe she was also "empathizing" with me that time and felt I really needed a break. Minutes later, Chabs informed me we were already booked at Cebu Pacific's seat sale that only damaged us by P56.00. Yep, that's fifty six pesos ONLY. No plus plus, round trip already. I myself couldn't believe it until I saw our e-tickets. Shem, John (Shem's husband) and Joey (our Korean friend) were going to fly in the next day.

Fast forward to March 1, 2009.

3:30AM - I met up with Chabs and Mon at the nearby Starbucks. Mom and Dad drove us to the NAIA Terminal 3.

"Bakit naman ang aga ng flight niyo?", mom asked.

"Para po masulit," Chabs answered.

4:50AM - estimated time of departure/ETD. I think there were only about 20 of us in the plane. Mon even caught the couple behind us making out. Haha and duh.

45 minutes later - touchdown! Hello Cebu!!

At about 6AM, we were already on board a cab going to the South Bus Terminal for our first stop - the Kawasan Falls! I thought Mon and Chabs would still be so tired and would want to catch up on some sleep. But no, they wanted to go to Kawasan right away. I forgot mga lakwatsera nga pala mga kasama ko. Haha. But I'm glad they are! Still with all our backpacks and the pasalubong my mom sent to my uncle and a family friend , we went on an almost three-hour ride (read: NO AIRCON BUS!) to some 98kms southwest of Cebu to look for that gem hidden somewhere in the woods of Brgy Matutinao in the Municipality of Badian. Kawasan has three falls. The first falls is the biggest and a 15-30 minute trek from the highway while the second one is another 5-10 minute hike up a veeeery steep trail.

One thing I learned from this trip: because it's a tourist spot, bawat galaw, bayad. First was the super mean charge of P200 by the cab's super fast meter going to the terminal and another P107 for the bus fare to Badian. Would you believe that the cab driver even wanted to charge an additional P10 if he was going to drop us inside the terminal compound? The nerrrrrve. Then our guide to the falls charged P100. BUT you can opt not to have a guide anymore. The trail to the first falls is well-maintained and simple, you need not make any turn. Entrance fee was P10, free for 7-year old and below. Cottage rent depends on its kind and size, we got ours for P200 flat rate. The balsa ride was P300/hour (with the same guide) and the life vest was rented out for P30 per person.

We chose to stay at the second falls since our guide told us that the water there is more shallow compared to the first one. And because I had only known about the Kawasan plans that morning, I wasn't prepared to go for a swim (read: ONLY prepared for Bohol. haha). Besides, I didn't want to carry heavier stuff because of wet clothes on the way back. I found out later that my backpack weighed 7 kilos!

Mon and Chabs didn't go for that balsa ride anymore since it was only our first day and our budget was already being drained! They also spent about an hour at the third falls which was another hike up. Since there wasn't a signal available, I was busy either taking photos or reading the magazine I got from the plane. But from time to time, I'd look up and get amazed at that majestic thing on my right. "Grabe, hindi nauubos ang tubig." I thought to myself. Ang lakas pa! I realized I've spent too much time in the city, concerning myself with 'city matters' for the past years that I've forgotten about the more amazing things the countryside still has to offer. Not everything is push-button but when it's God who turns on the switch..ah, amazing.

The ride back to the city took the longest. Again, no aircon bus. I think we spent almost an hour at just one stop. It was around 7PM already when we got off at the Osmeña Circle, bought milk for Chabs' nephew at the nearby Mercury Drug then took another cab to her relative's house in Consolacion where we were going to stay for the night. We couldn't help laughing at ourselves when we looked in the mirror. Our hair was all disheveled and felt like we used all the spray-net in the world, sobrang dudungis ng mga mukha namin and I even looked like I had a mustache! Taking a bath never felt so good.

After dinner, Chabs' cousin took us to TOPS! Or the TOPS Skyline Garden for long, hehe. Overlooking Cebu City, the way to the top, er TOPS, is very much like Kennon Road (only with much, much better road) or going up Palace in the Sky. If you're taking a cab, one driver told us they usually charge a little over P1000. Entrance fee is P100 per person. There's not much to do except to make tambay, have a few drinks, enjoy the Tagaytay-cold winds with the breathtaking view of the city lights. Mon and I were craving for ice cream, so ice cream we had!

We got back to the house at 12 midnight and were completely zonked not long after.

Day 2, March 2. We set out early because Chabs' relatives wanted to buy their goods already to bring back to Manila. Also so that we can meet up with Shem and the boys on time. Our first stop was a church whose name I forgot then to R&M to buy the dried mangoes. We also stopped by a mini-Gaisano mall to replenish our already depleting funds (that's how expensive our first day was!) and wherein Mon and I had ice cream again!

Looking for a Shamrock outlet ate up a lot of our time and the next thing we knew, Shem and the boys had already arrived. We met up with them at this place called TONGS in Marina Mall near the airport wherein they had a seafood buffet for only P189 per person. After eating, Chabs' relatives dropped us off at the pier because we were going to Bohol!

Things didn't go exactly as planned though. We were going to stay in Panglao but we heard that the ferry trip to Tubigon was 50% cheaper than the Tagbilaran trip. Even though Tubigon was almost a two-hour ride away from Panglao compared to Tagbilaran's 30 minutes, we thought it was still ok since someone from the resort we were going to stay in was going to pick us up at the port. We were counting on getting a trip as soon as we got at the pier uno only to find out the ferry just left minutes ago. Since the next trip wasn't scheduled for another hour and a half, we decided to check out the other shipping lines at pier tres which was a 10-minute walk away. We sure felt like contestants in Amazing Race (complete with the bags, man) when Chabs brought out the trip schedule she got at the airport and realized that the next ferry would also be leaving in ten minutes! I'm sure those people at the pier got a kick out of watching us. And sure enough, we didn't catch them all by just a matter of minutes. Sucker. We had no choice but to take the more expensive 3:35 PM Tagbilaran trip which fortunately had a promo that slashed a hundred pesos on our trip back to Cebu. It was already past 5PM when we disembarked at the Tagbilaran port and were met by a man holding a sign that said, "WELCOME MONICA. From Tropical Villas" After some getting-to-know-yous with Mang Jerry, who turned out to be the coolest driver and tour guide ever, we were more than ready to start our Bohol adventure.

It was already dark when we got to the resort since we had to buy our groceries first. THE villa was a winner! Panglao Tropical Villas is a winner! They only have three villas for rent and we got to stay in the second biggest one. Though the beach is just a few meters away, they also have a couple of swimming pools - a kiddie one and another for the adults that's about 10-ft deep. We knew we were starting our summer quite earlier than the rest and it proved to be a good thing since we had the whole resort to ourselves. Shem and I took a short walk to check out the beach and were surprised to see the lowest of low tides. We prayed for something better come next day. Dinner was adobo courtesy of Chabs' expert cooking skills. It was about 1AM already when we decided to get out of the pool because we were suddenly talking about aswang and also because we set an early appointment with Mang Jerry for the city tour!

Day 3, March 3. True to his word, he was already at our doorstep a little before 6AM. Since Chabs had just cooked breakfast (you got that right, she was our lovely little cook during our whole stay), we decided to eat in the van. We also bargained if Mang Jerry could drive a little faster (hehe) because we wanted to be done with the tour as early as possible for us to have ample time to enjoy the beach. He made a deal - he will drive faster but we shouldn't also stay very long at each stop, say 15 minutes only. "Ten minutes!" we assured him.

For P4500 excluding the entrance fees and/or donations, Mang Jerry brought us to:

- The Punta Cruz watchtower
- Sagbayan Peak (the newest view deck for the Chocolate Hills)
- Chocolate Hills in Carmen (the original view deck)
- Simply Butterflies Conservation Center
- Manmade forest
- Hanging Bridge
- Loboc River cruise (where we had a buffet lunch for P300/person; not included in the P4500 also)
- the tarsiers!
- Bohol Python (si Prony! This is where we also bought our peanut kisses because according to Manong Jerry, they were being sold here at factory price. As if naman we know the difference. haha)
- Baclayon Church
- Blood Compact Site
- Hinagdanan Cave
- Dauis Church (literal na dumaan lang kami, as in wala nang bumaba because we were itching to go back already)

We arrived at the resort around 4PM and quickly changed into our swimsuits. The thing with Bohol beaches is it goes on low tide so early in the afternoon and goes back on high tide at around 11AM. Quite ok narin for me since I haven't gone to the beach for six years already. Ayaw siguro ng dagat ma-shock ako. Hehe. But I would have loved to see more waves. We got bored eventually and decided to just use the pool.

Day 4, March 4. We had to wake up early again because we were going to Balicasag Island to watch the dolphins and to snorkel! Our breakfast was again taken to the boat with us. It sure was a therapy watching the dolphins but it was during the snorkeling when I really made a fool out of myself. Haha.

Cowardice got the better of me so I didn't want to let go of our guide even for a second. I know, I know. Lulutang naman ako with the life vest on. But I didn't want to take a risk. Haha! I got out of the water 10 minutes ahead of my friends so I experienced being rocked left and right in the small boat. The motor boat that we used for going to the island was not allowed in the snorkeling area since it was too big. So we had to rent that "manual" boat at P100 each including the guide's services. Shoes were also for rent at P150 a pair.

Anyway, so there I was, chatting up our guide (yup, he only got to rest when I decided to get on the boat) when suddenly I felt the need to puke. The other guide got protective when he heard me joking about throwing up in the water. "Wag ka naman dyan sa tubig, ma'am!" he exclaimed. I thought I'd be able to hold it in until we went back to the resort but no, I just had to reach for a plastic bag while my friends were discussing our "bill". Ugh.

Next stop was the Virgin Island! It was magnificent! The very white sand complemented very well with the blue water. We were told nobody lives there because a huge part of the island disappears with the water during high tide. We only stayed for a few minutes though because we still had to catch our 11:35AM trip back to Cebu. We got to the pier with only five minutes to spare for the check-in. Mang Jerry wasn't available this time because he was already out for another tour.

1:30PM - back at Cebu! Grabe, dinumog kami ng mga taxi drivers. Shem, John and Joey went straight to the airport because they had an earlier flight while the three of us walked to the highway. We rode a jeepney until we got to a church (can't remember its name) and walked again to look for the Sto. Niño church and Magellan's Cross. I really put my shoulders and feet to good use this time. Not to mention it was soo hot.

After resting for a while at a convenience store, we started asking around for directions to Tabo-an where Chabs and Mon were going to buy their danggit. Tabo-an is very much like our Quiapo here in Manila. They even got the kalesa! That's where they have rows and rows of stalls selling the danggit. Tip lang: The "naturally salty" (or alat dagat as they call it) danggits are a lot cheaper than the "washed up" ones (for those who do not like theirs salty). And also beware of smellling like danggit. I didn't buy any pasalubong in Cebu because my uncle took care of it already.

We took a cab going to SM where we were going to meet up with my uncle. We didn't care if we looked like we had just come down from the mountains with our "fresh from Bohol" complexion as my uncle termed it and our backpacks. Chabs even had our leftover rice with her. After our lunch at Shakey's, Uncle Ben drove us back to Consolacion where we left some of our stuff and the pasalubong my mom told me to give to him. We also dropped by the Shangri-La hotel. Eh wala lang, gusto lang namin mag-sightseeing. At 7PM, we were already at the airport to meet up with one of my brother's mistahs because I haven't finished with the distribution of my mom's pasalubongs yet. Two hours went by so quickly and soon we were taking off to go back to Manila. My ever-reliable Daddy picked us up at the airport at 10:30PM.

Bathing time!

2009-03-22T00:18:00.004+08:00

Saw this family while on the way home from church. Is that a drainage right there? Uh-huh. But my mom thinks it's not really the drainage water they're using. She said the mom won't do it. Something must have caused a leak in there. Well, I sure hope so.

Because you have to share the PC with the family...

2009-03-21T14:13:00.007+08:00

...let these pictures tell the story - for now.

UP profs, oh UP profs

2009-03-16T23:39:00.006+08:00

Bias aside, UP professors always leave me speechless. Among those quoted below, I was honored to have attended Sir Gene Navera's Speech Comm class. I can still remember when I just finished with my persuasive speech on Bayani Fernando's then policy of disallowing vendors on the sidewalks. Of course I was pro-taxpayers. And then he asked me, "Are you in any way related to Bayani Fernando?"

And that lambasting-his-student's-speech thing, I was there! :-D

Read on and enjoy! Ang ma-schock, quiet nalang. Haha.

———–

“you know, if you really wanted to pass this class, you have to appreciate real beauty… so look here in front rather than your seatmate’s low neckline..”

-spcm1 (comm3) prof, sir navera (uplb) to a classmate who kept looking at this pretty classmate

“kung iu-uno nyo subject na ‘to, mapupunta kayo sa World Bank at CitiBank NY… pag tinake 2 mo nmn, pwede ka ng maging congressman. ..” (referrring to now Senator Miguel Zubiri)
- prof jimmy williams from cem (uplb)

“I am a liar… if you believe me, you’ll go to hell.. “
-Prof Dwight Diestro (uplb)

“The aim of policy making is to invoke action! Because action speaks louder than words! You do not just say I love you. You say: If you love me, enter me! “
- Dr. Alfonso Pacquing

“Class, next week na lang ung result sa exam nyo. I am having a hard time checking it. I will seek first the divine guidance on what to do about it. Class dont worry about your grade. Let me worry about it.”
- Sir de jesus, envi sci 1

(valentines day)
“Ano ba yan? Students ba kayo ng UP? Bakit ang bababa ng scores niyo? Siguro wala kayong date ngayong valentines kaya ganito kayo. Losers!!! When i was your age i had a date. Hindi ba naapektuhan ng UP FAIR
euphoria ng grades niyo? Parang di kayo masaya…”
(sabay matching tapon ng quizzes sa sahig)
“I won’t record this. Go find a date.”
(sabay walk out.)
- Sir Doliente, BA

Ma’am: Many people believe that we, psychology graduates can read minds…
(silence)
Actually, we can.
Class: Weh.. Sample..
Ma’am: Right now, you think that I’m bluffin
- Ma’am Chei Billedo, Psych

“I don’t give surprise long exams. all exams are announced. Halimbawa, Class, mageexam tayo, NGAYON NA!”
- Ma’am Chei

“The human body is 70% water. Kaya wala kayong kasaysayan lahat. Pag may kaaway ka, sabihin mo sa kanya, TUBIG KA LANG!!!
- Dr. Recio

“Oo, nagpapaulan ako ng uno… baket? aanhin ko ba nun? di naman ako yayaman dun.”
- Sir Atoy Navarro, histo I (uplb)

(commenting on a thesis of a senior student)
‘Yang thesis mo? .. Mamamatay ka!! Mamamatay ka!!’
- Dr. llanes, UPM.

“Nasa bandang gilid ang fallopian tube. Kaya kung gusto niyong magka-anak ng asawa niyo, dapat nakatagilid kayo habang gumagawa.”
- Ma’am Meggie, Zoo 10

“Last sem was the first time that I gave a grade of 5, and it felt good!!!”
Prof Goldie, Comm II, circa 1998, first day of class

atheist ako, pero pag nasa bahay, nagro rosary kami ng Nanay ko, eh kung magalit sa kin yun.
- Socio 11 Prof

“you do not fall in love; you rise in love. That’s how you love rationally.”
- Dr. FG david

“Try to die! Try to die!”
- sir billones, on a student who is palpitating while taking the exam.
He claims that after incident refreshed na lagi yung estudyante. If I know, pag naaalala ng estudyanteng yun yung moment na yun, kaya siya laging refreshed, kasi natatawa siya pag naaalala niya iyon.

“Anong molars? You don’t say molars because it is an adjective! Do you say beautifuls?”
- ma’am ilao, to a student who said “n molars”

“Kahit magpakamatay ka pa di mo masasagot yang problem set na yan dahil pang-157 (phy chem II) yan!”
- ibid

“Do not memorize! Analyze!”
- doc nic telling her students never to memorize reaction mechanisms

“Kaya nga ideal eh, hindi siya nangyayari sa totoong buhay. Pero an approximation is good enough”
- sir engle, on ideal and real systems

“Don’t take the BAR and yourselves too seriously. baka mabalitaan nalang namin na nag-o-oral summation kayo sa Luneta. O lumulutang-lutang sa Pasig River. Enjoy yourselves, relax, and read at least 15 hours a day. Nakakabobo ang sobrang tulog. MAg relax ka habang nagbabasa. Magrelax habang nagmi-memorize. “

“Pag nananaba ka sa oras ng exams, ibig sabihin di ka papasa.”

“Oh the BAR isn’t scary. It’s terrifying. It might even kill you.”

“Wow. Rape-able.”

“Stand up Miss ___ so that I might see the contours of your body.”

“Mga engineers? Nako. Bihira pumapasa sa BAR.”

“UP ka nag-undergrad? Bright ka ba?”

“Sa mga taga-UP lang ako bilib eh. Pagpasok nila sa lawschool, hindi sila disoriented. Bilib ako sa study habits na meron yang mga batang yan. Some of them look like they eat kamote thrice a day, pero ang
utak, di ututin!”

sabi ng aming dean who is 80 yrs old, “class you’re laughing now, but i will predecease you all”

prof: O, meron na bang nakapunta sa inyong XXX
class: (tahimik)
prof: (medyo nadisappoint) Ano?! Puro na lang ba kayo aral? Aral na
lang kayo ng aral, ha? Wala na kayong napupuntahan kakaaral niyo!

same prof: Nakita niyo na ba ang Hoover dam?
class: (tahimik uli)
prof: Hehehehe, ang yabang ko talaga!

Second day of classes
Same Prof: (kinuha ang box ng colored chalks) Ano ba naman ito…
(tapos iniitsa sa lamesa yung mga dark colored chalks)
class: (tahimik na nagmamasid)
Prof: Class, sulatan niyo ang manufacturer ng chalk na ito, at sabihing tanggalin na ang mga walang kwentang kulay na ito…. brown, green, violet. hindi makikita ito sa board. Convince them
class: (tahimik at gulat)
Prof: and .25 incentive sa final grade niyo!

terror prof after an exam (last day na din ng class..): ok class.. see you next sem!

“IE? Di naman engineering yun e”

-Thesis adviser

Classmate: Ma’am, pwede po bang next week na kami mag report?
Ma’am: Alam mo, God is good. And I am God. So yes, pwede next week.

galing kay sir U eliserio during creative writing class…
“try everything once except incest”

one day pumasok ng room, galit na galit. hinagis ang bag sa table, nagwawala sa harap ng room dahil hindi daw nasagot ng previous class niya ang question niya. kaya dapat daw masagot namin, ang makasagot
may plus points. kapag walang makasagot, lagot kami. ang tanong….
“class, sinong lalaking artista dun sa TV show na wonder years”?

“Mamatay na mangopya…saka ang hindi maka-100, bobo!”.

“im gay. so gay i could show you my penis because it is but an accessory to my body”
- gene navera, spcm1 (uplb)

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES: “Kung may boyfriend o girlfriend kayo na hindi taga-UP, hiwalayan niyo na agad. Walang pupuntahan yan. Hindi kayo magkaka-intindihan. Tapos yung mga anak niyo, magiging bobo. Gusto
niyo ba yun?”

ANOTHER PROF: “Hoy girls, wag kayong kukuha ng boyfriend dito sa UP. Pare-parehas tayong mahirap dito. Kumuha kayo ng mayaman. 80% of the child’s intelligence comes from the Mother naman eh. Kayo guys, wag
kayo kukuha ng bobong babae. Kahit matalino kayo, magiging bobo anak niyo.”

sa PHILO: ”I THINK THEREFORE I AM FROM UP!”

“Class, kaya mahal ang bayad sa mga professors sa ibang school kasi ang bobobo ng mga estudyante dun. Dyuskoh, I used to teach there… at lumuluha talaga ako ng dugo bago maintindihan ng mga students yung
sinasabi ko. Ang mahal nga ng bayad, magkakasakit ka naman sa panga kakaulit ng lessons! Wag na lang! Dito na ko sa UP, at least nagkakaintindihan tayo. Diba?”

The following quotes are from Dr. David:

“Meanings we find are the meanings we make.”

“WHAT YOU LEARN IN UP IS TO GO ON AND NEVER GIVE UP. THAT IF THERE BE ONE PERSON LEFT STANDING, LET IT BE ME. LET ATENEO FALL FIRST BEFORE UP…”

“The measure of a man is how many doors he has opened to other people, especially to those he doesn’t know.”

“To be born is to die. In between they grow and multiply like flies.6.2 billion people in the world. Kadiri, ano?”

“Why not life? Why call it soul? Call a spade a spade.”

“Earth is the only heaven we can know.”

“religion is a successful economic institution”

“Do not live long enough to be worthless.”

“Domestication of the human male is one of the greatest achievement of the human race.”

“I do not know many. I only know enough to teach my classes.”

“We do not accept anyone here in class except for those who are members of a certain minority group. For example, gays are part of a minority group, bakla ka ba? If you admit to this class that you are gay, then I’ll admit you”
- Prof “hail to the chair”, to a guy student na nagpre-prerog

“kapatid ng sinungaling ang magnanakaw.
“ergo, gma’s marriage to mike arroyo is null and void ab initio.”
consti law class, 1st sem, AY 2005-06

“running for summa ka? mapapagod ka lang.”

“Si Miriam, crush ko ‘yun dati. Muntikan na maging kami, kaso nasiraan ng ulo, kaya ‘yun, iba ang asawa ko.”

“Class, gusto ko kayong i-train na mag-English, so when you’re here in class, magsalita kayo ng English! Ako lang ang exempted dahil matanda na ako at ako ang teacher!”

Ma’am Vitriolo (2nd to the last meeting)

Okay class, next week, we start the lecture proper.

more of Ma’am Ilao:
“Hindi mahirap makakuha ng UNO sa class ko. yung gumradweeeyt last year na Magna Cum Laude ng Biochem, uno siya sakin sa Chem 18″

Sabi ng Prof dahil may kaklase akong recite ng recite w/o raising her hand
“I think this is the first time i have a student w/ tourette in my class…”
Recite parin ng recite yung student
“Wow the ejaculatory comments just don’t stop!”

from a socsci1 prof: “Birds of the same feather FLOCK together…don’ t forget the L”.

“I’ll strangle you, strangle you really hard, smack right in your jugular (pause ng mga 5 seconds), you do know where your jugular is?”

“Be ready with your speech because I am going to lambaste you!”
-sir navera spcm 1 (uplb)

‘bakit parang napakaligaya ng klase niyo? maging sad naman kayo, 5 mins.’ - prof sa math 100.

“well of course when you sell your soul you have to make an elaborate justification to make yourself feel good.”
-Sir Walden Bello, Socio 127,

“look at me i’m 43 years old pero ang lakas lakas ko pa. eh kung walang gulay eh di kakain na lang ako ng damo. kung wala eh di tubig, kung wala mag-ipon na lang ako ng laway.”
-Sir Tiamson, Italian 11

When you graduate, then you begin to live.
-Dr. Carmen Jimenez, Psych 118

Prof:”Mr. Gatbunton, why are you late?!”
Student:”Sorry Mam, galing pa ako Las Pinas.”
Prof: “Ladies, don’t marry somebody from Las Pinas because they have
bamboo organs!!” -Prof Soresca in spanish 1

“there are only two countries who still use Fahrenheit.. the United States of America and Liberia… a pathetic country in africa”
- Sir Argete

Marx is more Christian than Christ and Christ is more Marxist than Marx.
- Sir Lanuza.

Class: Sir, sa exams po ba nagbibigay kayo ng partial points?
Prof: Hmm, if I see partial wisdom.

“It’s okay to smoke inside my class. As long as you don’t breathe it out.”

-Dr. Obsioma, Biodiversity

“Oh, this is good. It’s poetic because it’s perfectly stupid.”
-Ricardo de Ungria last week on my classmate’s work.

Prof: Did I remind the class last meeting that we’re going to have an exam today?
Class: (dead air)
Prof: Ok, it seems I forgot to remind the class that we’re going to have an exam today. I’m giving you five minutes then to buy a bluebook. We’re going to have an exam today.

sir tiamson (span 11)

“ayan, di ka makasagot. yung bakal sa ngipin mo naapektuhan na yung pagsasalita mo”

After Cebu and Bohol

2009-03-15T22:01:00.004+08:00

I'm going to Ilocos! I'm going to Ilocos!

Yeah yeah, I know I still haven't finished my entry about our Cebu and Bohol escapade last March 1-4. Things have been pretty hectic lately and sometimes you just can't get the momentum right. STILL! I'M GOING TO ILOCOS!! :-)

I've always wanted to go there and experience walking along Calle Crisologo, getting the feel of how it was like during the Spaniards' time. But through time, I've learned that Ilocos is more than that and all the more it became appealing. The opportunity came right after I've drained my budget for Cebu and Bohol but it was a traveling experience and a photography workshop rolled into one. I knew I had to go. I even kept myself from writing about it several times because I felt it was just too good too be true. But now that everything's been paid for...*err..singing voice* I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it!

The money will be replenished later, I have the rest of the year to go back to my original complexion (you can't imagine my mom's dismay when I came back from Cebu) but the opportunity and experience...ah, just can't wait.

Ilocos, here we come!

PS. I'm going with my officemates this time.

I've moved...

2009-03-14T16:11:00.004+08:00

For personal reasons, I've decided to change blogs. Apologies for this site is still under construction.

But it feels good and liberating. Like you can be whoever you want to be. You'll still see the 'old' ME - the pinkness of the template and the pen name I'm using here was coined by one of my highschool bestfriends, Caloy, with an innovation on the spelling to accommodate my 'new' nickname Anj. But I move here with a whole new attitude on things. Like what it says in my title - because i said so - I want to deal with things with more courage and bravery.

One of my 2009 resolutions is to do the things I've always wanted to do. A recent event in my life has got me to thinking that it doesn't hurt to love yourself once in a while.This might impress a big change on the people around me but as they say change is good. I've learned not to bother myself with superficiality. I want to learn more. I want to travel to new places. I want to take good photos. I want to help people. I want to help make this world a better place. I want to BE more.

Why? Because I said so.

In this blog, I'll write about things without wanting to explain why I think like this. Comments and/or violent reactions are always welcome, lurking even. My own opinions may change from time to time as a result of my continuous learning. So just be a friend and bear with me.