Name it and December 2013 can enflame it.
That is how I view this month as probably the highlight of 2013. There are always given dates that would stand out and I am very happy to have them. It is not yet the end of the year but we are expecting more for December and they are all the best.
Heartaches will always be there but the supremacy of happiness can never be denied just like what I wrote in my last essay. That's just part of it. We will never forget that this year Madame OA left us. As well as the heroes I mentioned in my last entry.
This month I was able to make it to Dasmarinas City Fiesta and attended the pontifical mass there. After that was a date with my nephew and two nieces Lizzeth, Lester, and Lianne. How can I forget that there was also the December 14 Christmas party of the company where we really had so much fun. We attended an after party night because that was also the birthday of Louie.
The day after December 14 is truly historical. Partially, I can say that it was the climax of December
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
I Hate Bidding Farewell
For sure, everybody doesn't want to leave and be left. In just a month we bid farewell to a number of special persons that we would never want to let go if only we can keep them. June Kiethley has been an inspiration to most media personalities during the 1986 revolution in the Philippines. She has been instrumental to documenting the restoration of polity democracy in the Philippines in a post Marcos transition.
We also said goodbye to Maestro Agripino Diestro this November. He is one of the most supportive artists that I have known. I was supposed to have an interview with him during my college days but because of a conflicting schedule I wasn't able to get into CCP on the day he would want me to be there. He is for me the father of instrumental festival. His persona is so festive that you will never remember him as a lonely person but always a joyous one. This attitude was being captivated by his son Jopi who does his craft in a very festive manner also.
The world mourned last December 1 when we heard about the tragic death of actor Paul Walker. He is not celebrated because he is an actor. People's heart were touch because he is a philanthropist. He is a person with a big heart and open hands. He is generous and he values non material realities. The story about Walker buying a $9,000 engagement ring for a groom-to-be who cannot afford it and gave it to his fiance,it is of some worth. The story about his unhesitation to donate goods to Filipinos after the storm surge as narrated by the people who are with him in ROWW. Walker is a saint in his own right.
Just when we thought everything is done and no one will follow, Nelson Madela, the icon of world peace and equity died at the age of 95. His life is indeed a life worth celebrating. He championed the rights of people not just of his class but humanity in general. When the black people took over South Africa, they intended to get even with the whites. However, it was Mandela who exemplified the true meaning of the equality he was fighting for. He never sow hatred for white people.
Yes, I hate saying goodbye especially if goodbyes mean we will let go of worthwhile memories and persons that lifts the dignity of human race.The fact that we are still here, gives a chance for a difference. We are as capable as Walker, Mandela, Diestro and Kiethley in terms of what they have proven to the world. We are all capable of making a difference. Just remember, Pope John Paul II died.It was a devastation to all faithfuls.But now, we have Pope Francis and this Pope, alive that he is, continues tomake a difference.
My Mom just met Katriz earlier. She gave the box of truffles which I pre-ordered. When we were in highschool I never thought that she will be a mother who will become a pastry expert and will make people happy by bringing sweet tastes to their buds. How are we going to make a difference? It is a question that will linger in my head as I attend the city feast of Dasmarinas City tomorrow. Christmas is just hovering around the ambiance. Carrying on the dreams that I had last year, I am just too glad that in just a year I made a lot of difference in my life and soon I am hoping to make some improvements to others' lives as well.
We also said goodbye to Maestro Agripino Diestro this November. He is one of the most supportive artists that I have known. I was supposed to have an interview with him during my college days but because of a conflicting schedule I wasn't able to get into CCP on the day he would want me to be there. He is for me the father of instrumental festival. His persona is so festive that you will never remember him as a lonely person but always a joyous one. This attitude was being captivated by his son Jopi who does his craft in a very festive manner also.
The world mourned last December 1 when we heard about the tragic death of actor Paul Walker. He is not celebrated because he is an actor. People's heart were touch because he is a philanthropist. He is a person with a big heart and open hands. He is generous and he values non material realities. The story about Walker buying a $9,000 engagement ring for a groom-to-be who cannot afford it and gave it to his fiance,it is of some worth. The story about his unhesitation to donate goods to Filipinos after the storm surge as narrated by the people who are with him in ROWW. Walker is a saint in his own right.
Just when we thought everything is done and no one will follow, Nelson Madela, the icon of world peace and equity died at the age of 95. His life is indeed a life worth celebrating. He championed the rights of people not just of his class but humanity in general. When the black people took over South Africa, they intended to get even with the whites. However, it was Mandela who exemplified the true meaning of the equality he was fighting for. He never sow hatred for white people.
Yes, I hate saying goodbye especially if goodbyes mean we will let go of worthwhile memories and persons that lifts the dignity of human race.The fact that we are still here, gives a chance for a difference. We are as capable as Walker, Mandela, Diestro and Kiethley in terms of what they have proven to the world. We are all capable of making a difference. Just remember, Pope John Paul II died.It was a devastation to all faithfuls.But now, we have Pope Francis and this Pope, alive that he is, continues tomake a difference.
My Mom just met Katriz earlier. She gave the box of truffles which I pre-ordered. When we were in highschool I never thought that she will be a mother who will become a pastry expert and will make people happy by bringing sweet tastes to their buds. How are we going to make a difference? It is a question that will linger in my head as I attend the city feast of Dasmarinas City tomorrow. Christmas is just hovering around the ambiance. Carrying on the dreams that I had last year, I am just too glad that in just a year I made a lot of difference in my life and soon I am hoping to make some improvements to others' lives as well.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Our Common Past
I am writing this entry here in Laguna. Just went home yesterday so I can be with my family and to be able to go to Batangas for a visit to most of my friends whom I haven't been reunited for quite a long time. I was supposed to go there with Vien. But the weather of Christmas lurking around, never permit us. So I stayed home. Recollecting and resting. This is rest. This is a sanctuary. Laguna has been a fortress of mine from fatigue and loneliness.
How was my week? Perhaps that Friday when JS and I were together explains the climax of this week. We share common dreams and interests. It was her birthday. She's now 26 just like me and earning her money much more than I perhaps because she's been long in the teaching profession now while I'm just starting with a company.
What did we do? I was in front of Adamson University at 5pm waiting for her. From then we had the LRT-MRT experience. It's always the same thing. I pity the people whenever I see them inside the train. The experience doesn't seem to suit her birthday.She almost got irate because of the long wait for the trains, you see they are always loaded and we can't get in because it would over load. She even dropped her shoes down the train rail. Oh no... it's a good thing I was tehre to take everything under control.
Where did we go? To Robinsons Pioneer where she bought her new tent which she will use Wednesday for the hike. She's really good in mountian climbing I am not. Something that we don't share in common. That day is also the first major dance concert of Enrique Gil I was able to see Araneta outside but we know that the best is inside. The adoration for Enrique is something we don't also share in common. Yes we are at Trinoma where we celebrated her birthday and after that bought a pen for Chad.
The interest for fitness and wellness. Something that Aizee and I share in common. Before I even go to JS' birthday, Aizee and I started that Friday with physical exercises and most importantly a long run. Jogging is a healthy habit and how I wish we can do it everyday not only to be well but to bond with each other. Yet we know that the schedule of work and loads to do will never allow us.
Who can forget that we watched "Catching Fire" last Sunday? Oh it's been a week. One thing that really stood out as cool is the experience last Wednesday in A Veneto, Clyde celebrated his birthday on the 27th and I bought him a cake and placed it in our locker. He was so surprised when he open it. CJ, EJ Jeel and I went to A Venetto to have our lunch there it was quite fun.
This Sunday is fun too. Raph visited me in the house and right after that, Lorraine and I went to SM San Pablo just to treat ourselves and bond together. I am now watching the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television where Rey Langit received his lifetime excellence award. Congratulations to all who won sapecially to Kim Chiu who was chosen star of the night.
Our common past is something we value with our friends. Tomorrow, my friend Chesk Jessa Silvestre will celebrate her birthday. She died 5 years ago without me even knowing where she was buried and laid. Our common past is treasured even more when people leave us. Today we say goodbye to June Kiethley who passed last week, an icon of democratic broadcasting. Also to Agripino Diestro who was hailed as the resident conductor of PPO. And just early today, to Paul Walker who just attended a fund raising event for the typhoon victims in Visayas.
What links most of us is not only our ancestry and tongues, we are linked and connected by our common hope, common visions, common dreams.
How was my week? Perhaps that Friday when JS and I were together explains the climax of this week. We share common dreams and interests. It was her birthday. She's now 26 just like me and earning her money much more than I perhaps because she's been long in the teaching profession now while I'm just starting with a company.
What did we do? I was in front of Adamson University at 5pm waiting for her. From then we had the LRT-MRT experience. It's always the same thing. I pity the people whenever I see them inside the train. The experience doesn't seem to suit her birthday.She almost got irate because of the long wait for the trains, you see they are always loaded and we can't get in because it would over load. She even dropped her shoes down the train rail. Oh no... it's a good thing I was tehre to take everything under control.
Where did we go? To Robinsons Pioneer where she bought her new tent which she will use Wednesday for the hike. She's really good in mountian climbing I am not. Something that we don't share in common. That day is also the first major dance concert of Enrique Gil I was able to see Araneta outside but we know that the best is inside. The adoration for Enrique is something we don't also share in common. Yes we are at Trinoma where we celebrated her birthday and after that bought a pen for Chad.
The interest for fitness and wellness. Something that Aizee and I share in common. Before I even go to JS' birthday, Aizee and I started that Friday with physical exercises and most importantly a long run. Jogging is a healthy habit and how I wish we can do it everyday not only to be well but to bond with each other. Yet we know that the schedule of work and loads to do will never allow us.
Who can forget that we watched "Catching Fire" last Sunday? Oh it's been a week. One thing that really stood out as cool is the experience last Wednesday in A Veneto, Clyde celebrated his birthday on the 27th and I bought him a cake and placed it in our locker. He was so surprised when he open it. CJ, EJ Jeel and I went to A Venetto to have our lunch there it was quite fun.
This Sunday is fun too. Raph visited me in the house and right after that, Lorraine and I went to SM San Pablo just to treat ourselves and bond together. I am now watching the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television where Rey Langit received his lifetime excellence award. Congratulations to all who won sapecially to Kim Chiu who was chosen star of the night.
Our common past is something we value with our friends. Tomorrow, my friend Chesk Jessa Silvestre will celebrate her birthday. She died 5 years ago without me even knowing where she was buried and laid. Our common past is treasured even more when people leave us. Today we say goodbye to June Kiethley who passed last week, an icon of democratic broadcasting. Also to Agripino Diestro who was hailed as the resident conductor of PPO. And just early today, to Paul Walker who just attended a fund raising event for the typhoon victims in Visayas.
What links most of us is not only our ancestry and tongues, we are linked and connected by our common hope, common visions, common dreams.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Giving Season
When I was in college, one of the good books I have read is entitled My Losing Season. It is about a basketball team meditating on how they weren't able to manage winning a peat in a basketball season. The author, Pat Conroy, tried to narrate in his memoir how as a starting pointguard, he was able to unveil some of life's secrets and pains. That in every losing season there is an opportunity for players to reflect what they have done wrong, strengthen the ties they have with each teammates and their coach and train harder so as not to disappoint themselves the next time.
My November 25 journal entry I chose to entitle "The Giving Season" and indeed it is. It is officially the start of Christmas carol trips, in just three more days we are about to remember the Thanksgiving Day of the Americans. In just a month we are about to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus and how His Father, our Father, gave His Son to us as the primordial act of giving.
Just today, ALicia Keys visited the typhoon victims to do the giving. To serve as inspiration so that the people can have something to hold on to. It is the same way with Manny Pacquiao winning his fight yesterday with Brandon Rios. It is the same way with artists mostly local artists sending the warmth of their loves to the typhoon victims as a way of giving back. How is it? Giving back, a project that I have always wanted to accomplish as I start working in a big company.
I want to giveback. It is a promise of everyone to their every self. It is rooted in the very nature of mankind to donate and offer. It is our way of sending gratitude to our maker.It has always been this way.
Yesterday, we were able to watch "The Hunger Games 2; Catching Fire" my friend Aizee was with his girlfriend Fericka who I have seen for the first time. We went to Alabang Town Center and enjoyed the window shopping and sight seeing there. Feeling the coolness and the ambience I had almost forgot that 1/10th of my people are suffering. There comes Hunger Games. A depiction of what futuristic world could be one day when we're gone. It is also a depiction of corruption, of betrayal of public trust, of deception, of malevolence and extreme poverty.
What was good about the movie? It never make you felt that the violence is around. It was overpowered by the outpouring of love and dedication manifested by the tributes. How sacrifice matters. How dignity is established by truth and how a person who uplifts the moral of the suffering can become an inspiration and icon to set things in a new world order. It is a search for humanity in each and every individual and did I not say, HOPE covered most of the plot.
HOPE. I believe it has been the core message of my blog all along. I always end my journal entries with sentences that looks up for a brighter tomorrow after reporting whatever happened in a particular day. It is also the same message that I found seven years ago as I waited in a tricycle near Brgy Palayan Liliw Laguna. I was waiting for my Empress. Then she came unexpectedly without warning. I was stunned and it lead into a lovely day. How lovely she is that day as she appeared in her magnificence riding in their van. I was looking at her in a close distance while the sky is beginning to shed her rain. It always rain in Laguna every November 25. November 25 2003, It also rained in Liliw and it was one of those days whose I cannot outgrow. I wouldn't want to. The day was a day of HOPE. Yet, more than that, it became a day of love.
LOVE. At the end of the movie, Catching Fire, one will notice how love encapsulated the entire underlying theme. Katniss, finally found love inseide her and probably was able to learn how to love others. Christmas is not just season of giving. More than giving and donating, It is a season of love. My former choral group used to sing "Seasons of Love" during caroling activities. I saw love yesterday as we celebrated the Christ The King Sunday, in the sacraments, the readings and the cooperation of people. I saw love yesterday in the hearts of FIlipinos sending their support to Manny. I saw love between Aizee and Fericka the same as with Dimitri and Zet. I saw love ten years ago and seven years ago. I saw love today in how our celebrities give back. I saw love during the wake of Tito Tony, in the eyes of the bereived. In the eyes of my uncle and aunths who visited us the last time I was home. I had my four day vacation and thanks heaven for that.
More of love I will be able to see in Batangas probably as Vien and I visits there next Sunday. Giving is not that significant without the heart beating for the receiver. Without love, giving is futile. It is a season of giving and we should not forget that it is first and foremost the season of love.
My November 25 journal entry I chose to entitle "The Giving Season" and indeed it is. It is officially the start of Christmas carol trips, in just three more days we are about to remember the Thanksgiving Day of the Americans. In just a month we are about to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus and how His Father, our Father, gave His Son to us as the primordial act of giving.
Just today, ALicia Keys visited the typhoon victims to do the giving. To serve as inspiration so that the people can have something to hold on to. It is the same way with Manny Pacquiao winning his fight yesterday with Brandon Rios. It is the same way with artists mostly local artists sending the warmth of their loves to the typhoon victims as a way of giving back. How is it? Giving back, a project that I have always wanted to accomplish as I start working in a big company.
I want to giveback. It is a promise of everyone to their every self. It is rooted in the very nature of mankind to donate and offer. It is our way of sending gratitude to our maker.It has always been this way.
Yesterday, we were able to watch "The Hunger Games 2; Catching Fire" my friend Aizee was with his girlfriend Fericka who I have seen for the first time. We went to Alabang Town Center and enjoyed the window shopping and sight seeing there. Feeling the coolness and the ambience I had almost forgot that 1/10th of my people are suffering. There comes Hunger Games. A depiction of what futuristic world could be one day when we're gone. It is also a depiction of corruption, of betrayal of public trust, of deception, of malevolence and extreme poverty.
What was good about the movie? It never make you felt that the violence is around. It was overpowered by the outpouring of love and dedication manifested by the tributes. How sacrifice matters. How dignity is established by truth and how a person who uplifts the moral of the suffering can become an inspiration and icon to set things in a new world order. It is a search for humanity in each and every individual and did I not say, HOPE covered most of the plot.
HOPE. I believe it has been the core message of my blog all along. I always end my journal entries with sentences that looks up for a brighter tomorrow after reporting whatever happened in a particular day. It is also the same message that I found seven years ago as I waited in a tricycle near Brgy Palayan Liliw Laguna. I was waiting for my Empress. Then she came unexpectedly without warning. I was stunned and it lead into a lovely day. How lovely she is that day as she appeared in her magnificence riding in their van. I was looking at her in a close distance while the sky is beginning to shed her rain. It always rain in Laguna every November 25. November 25 2003, It also rained in Liliw and it was one of those days whose I cannot outgrow. I wouldn't want to. The day was a day of HOPE. Yet, more than that, it became a day of love.
LOVE. At the end of the movie, Catching Fire, one will notice how love encapsulated the entire underlying theme. Katniss, finally found love inseide her and probably was able to learn how to love others. Christmas is not just season of giving. More than giving and donating, It is a season of love. My former choral group used to sing "Seasons of Love" during caroling activities. I saw love yesterday as we celebrated the Christ The King Sunday, in the sacraments, the readings and the cooperation of people. I saw love yesterday in the hearts of FIlipinos sending their support to Manny. I saw love between Aizee and Fericka the same as with Dimitri and Zet. I saw love ten years ago and seven years ago. I saw love today in how our celebrities give back. I saw love during the wake of Tito Tony, in the eyes of the bereived. In the eyes of my uncle and aunths who visited us the last time I was home. I had my four day vacation and thanks heaven for that.
More of love I will be able to see in Batangas probably as Vien and I visits there next Sunday. Giving is not that significant without the heart beating for the receiver. Without love, giving is futile. It is a season of giving and we should not forget that it is first and foremost the season of love.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
With Fervor Beneath Faith
This is the evening of November 14, 2013, when all the wailing are reverberating and Christmas carols seem to be postponed. Too many concerts were canceled but too many concerts being put up for the benefits of the tragedounts. This is the date when we are suppose to celebrate the birth of a great woman, Carmelita Te Veridiano, my Filipino teacher, but we just cannot do that. This is the day ten years ago when we ate as a group in a chicken soup house in Liliw Lagubna when there was no electricity current at all because of the typhoon. That was ten years ago, when students can roam around the other town despite the presence of a storm.
Today, it is very much different. An archbishop is asking for a day of prayer, fasting and silence after a calamity. International concerts like that of Matchbox 20 and Foxes were cancelled so as not to insult the mourning populace only to find out local communities are organizing benefit concerts as a form of empathy to people who were ruined by the typhoon surge. This happened after a massive earthquake struck the country not even a month ago. These are evident signs of a new world order, of a day after tomorrow scene, of apocalyptic premonitions.
Nonetheless, the magnitude of the storm is something which human science is still trying to explain and figure out. Most of the time it is bringing fear and tremble to my people, some are seeing this as a form of chastisement and others are stoic about this and believe that it is part of the natural order of things. I am calm knowing that Go dis in full control. The picture of a portion of humanity helping each others hands to lift the victims up from the horrors of yesterday makes you feel at ease about it. It is a lesson which we are learning over and over again. First, with Ondoy; second with the March 11 earthquake and Japan tsunami; with Haiti's earthshake; with habagat; with Pablo; with Boh-Cebu quake and now with the aftermath of Yolanda. Humanity has to stand as a race. Nothing should hold us down.
It is the same motto that comes to mind as I recollect the good old story that happened ten years ago. We were a whole batch gathered in Madre Ignacia hall for a career guidance spearheaded by the Rotary Club in Nagcarlan. They spoke about their careers. One of the speakers was Mr. Tubana, our own teacher. They inspired the entire batch of their stories amidst the rain that makes it hard for us to hear them. They answered most of our questions. I can remember how Mary Blanch ask them a question and bringing out her dilemma about what career path to choose. That was the birthday of Mrs. Veridiano. A rainy Friday. And still the group composed of Kevin, Jhoy, Jenna, Relmark, Daryl, Rene and me pursued a hang out after class. To eat somewhere in Liliw together. There was no electricity but still a happy moment for all of us. We are then aware that soon we will separate ways as we face our college lives. Nothing stopped us from bonding with each other. Not even the typhoon threat at that time. Not even the absence of electricity. Not even the consciousness that my Dad will hit me if I got home wet.
That's the spirit. The same spirit rooted in our being as members of the resilient Filipino offsprings. We are going to stand up no matter what. I want the world to know. I WANT my countrymen to remember that. I want us to prove it. I want the world to learn from us. I want to see happy and cheerful Filipinos composed after the tragic moment in our current history. I want us to SOAR!
Today, it is very much different. An archbishop is asking for a day of prayer, fasting and silence after a calamity. International concerts like that of Matchbox 20 and Foxes were cancelled so as not to insult the mourning populace only to find out local communities are organizing benefit concerts as a form of empathy to people who were ruined by the typhoon surge. This happened after a massive earthquake struck the country not even a month ago. These are evident signs of a new world order, of a day after tomorrow scene, of apocalyptic premonitions.
Nonetheless, the magnitude of the storm is something which human science is still trying to explain and figure out. Most of the time it is bringing fear and tremble to my people, some are seeing this as a form of chastisement and others are stoic about this and believe that it is part of the natural order of things. I am calm knowing that Go dis in full control. The picture of a portion of humanity helping each others hands to lift the victims up from the horrors of yesterday makes you feel at ease about it. It is a lesson which we are learning over and over again. First, with Ondoy; second with the March 11 earthquake and Japan tsunami; with Haiti's earthshake; with habagat; with Pablo; with Boh-Cebu quake and now with the aftermath of Yolanda. Humanity has to stand as a race. Nothing should hold us down.
It is the same motto that comes to mind as I recollect the good old story that happened ten years ago. We were a whole batch gathered in Madre Ignacia hall for a career guidance spearheaded by the Rotary Club in Nagcarlan. They spoke about their careers. One of the speakers was Mr. Tubana, our own teacher. They inspired the entire batch of their stories amidst the rain that makes it hard for us to hear them. They answered most of our questions. I can remember how Mary Blanch ask them a question and bringing out her dilemma about what career path to choose. That was the birthday of Mrs. Veridiano. A rainy Friday. And still the group composed of Kevin, Jhoy, Jenna, Relmark, Daryl, Rene and me pursued a hang out after class. To eat somewhere in Liliw together. There was no electricity but still a happy moment for all of us. We are then aware that soon we will separate ways as we face our college lives. Nothing stopped us from bonding with each other. Not even the typhoon threat at that time. Not even the absence of electricity. Not even the consciousness that my Dad will hit me if I got home wet.
That's the spirit. The same spirit rooted in our being as members of the resilient Filipino offsprings. We are going to stand up no matter what. I want the world to know. I WANT my countrymen to remember that. I want us to prove it. I want the world to learn from us. I want to see happy and cheerful Filipinos composed after the tragic moment in our current history. I want us to SOAR!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Two Ambassadress Spotlighted
Ten years after a wonderful experience of bonding with my highschool classmates for an annual retreat, I am writing this essay with all of them in mind; amidst the plight of my own people who were devastated by a massive earthquake in Bohol and Cebu; in the wake for storm alert which is suppose to hit the country tomorrow; and in the height of the senate hearing for the queen of all scams causing taint of integrity and questionable division in the bastion of senate.
Sometimes I want to wonder when will these all end in a country where all my former highschool friends are depending their dreams for a better life in the future. There was one person who asked me last week if I exercised my rights to vote last Barangay election [October 28, I answered no, because I was working that day for a double pay shift. I believed I contributed more for the country by working on that day than voting a Barangay captain and councilors whose impact for the country's growth is not even as large as the OFWs who give remittances almost every day.
Just recently, Sarah Asher Geronimo was named the NCCA goodwill ambassador for music and arts. There were certain objections for her installation. One prominent figure contesting her appointment is Olivier Ochanine, music director of PPO. Here's a quote of his facebook status about Asher...
"Here is a challenge for Sarah Geronimo.
Without searching the internet or any other sources, please answer the following:
1 - What piece(s) is Lucio San Pedro known for?
2 - What country is Gustav Mahler from?
3 - Give us the names of 2 successful Filipino pianists aside from Cecile Licad.
4 - Who wrote the Ring Cycle?
5 - Who wrote the 1812 Overture?
That's just a start. But I'll be very happy if our music ambassador can answer these correctly without searching the internet."
They were actually questiong the capacity of Asher to hold the post.
We also have Jessy Mendiola who was chosen by the Koeran government to be the an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. “I am very honored and thankful that the KTO chose me as ambassador. The Koreans are very nice to me when I visited their country and they instantly became dear to my heart,” said Jessy.
It is really good that both of these celebrities are being chosen as ambassadors. But I just remember, everyone is called to be ambassadors. Ambassadors of Christ.
____________________________________________________________________
Personally, I have so much of experiences that enabled me to grow happy and wise. October 27, one of those which really stand as my favorite as I commemorate previous events in the past that happened on that date.
October 30 was Katriz' birthday and I went to Laguna so as to give her my supposed gift and to reunite with my family for the All Saints Day. I wasn't able to give her the gift because of my busy schedule
October 31 became a great day compensating the remorse of 30. We went to San Pablo to treat my Mom and we were with Lorraine who enjoyed the trip also as we ate in Jollibee and bought Aizee my graduation gift.
The concert of Libera happened on October 29 and it had a repeat in Cebu. Just a day ago, One Republic had their concert in Araneta and tomorrow is the scheduled concert of Matchbox 20 which is also the birthday of Charry Vane. There is a news that the cocnert will be cancelled due to the storm. Enrique Gil, the dance prodigy of Star Magic will have his first ever dance concert in Araneta exactly on JS' birthday. They are really making his name big.
But as I am writing all these, two songs occupy my mind in a sentimental way---Zedd and Hayley William's "Stay The Night" and Bruno Mars' "Gorilla"
and so I sing....
Sometimes I want to wonder when will these all end in a country where all my former highschool friends are depending their dreams for a better life in the future. There was one person who asked me last week if I exercised my rights to vote last Barangay election [October 28, I answered no, because I was working that day for a double pay shift. I believed I contributed more for the country by working on that day than voting a Barangay captain and councilors whose impact for the country's growth is not even as large as the OFWs who give remittances almost every day.
Just recently, Sarah Asher Geronimo was named the NCCA goodwill ambassador for music and arts. There were certain objections for her installation. One prominent figure contesting her appointment is Olivier Ochanine, music director of PPO. Here's a quote of his facebook status about Asher...
"Here is a challenge for Sarah Geronimo.
Without searching the internet or any other sources, please answer the following:
1 - What piece(s) is Lucio San Pedro known for?
2 - What country is Gustav Mahler from?
3 - Give us the names of 2 successful Filipino pianists aside from Cecile Licad.
4 - Who wrote the Ring Cycle?
5 - Who wrote the 1812 Overture?
That's just a start. But I'll be very happy if our music ambassador can answer these correctly without searching the internet."
They were actually questiong the capacity of Asher to hold the post.
We also have Jessy Mendiola who was chosen by the Koeran government to be the an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. “I am very honored and thankful that the KTO chose me as ambassador. The Koreans are very nice to me when I visited their country and they instantly became dear to my heart,” said Jessy.
It is really good that both of these celebrities are being chosen as ambassadors. But I just remember, everyone is called to be ambassadors. Ambassadors of Christ.
____________________________________________________________________
Personally, I have so much of experiences that enabled me to grow happy and wise. October 27, one of those which really stand as my favorite as I commemorate previous events in the past that happened on that date.
October 30 was Katriz' birthday and I went to Laguna so as to give her my supposed gift and to reunite with my family for the All Saints Day. I wasn't able to give her the gift because of my busy schedule
October 31 became a great day compensating the remorse of 30. We went to San Pablo to treat my Mom and we were with Lorraine who enjoyed the trip also as we ate in Jollibee and bought Aizee my graduation gift.
The concert of Libera happened on October 29 and it had a repeat in Cebu. Just a day ago, One Republic had their concert in Araneta and tomorrow is the scheduled concert of Matchbox 20 which is also the birthday of Charry Vane. There is a news that the cocnert will be cancelled due to the storm. Enrique Gil, the dance prodigy of Star Magic will have his first ever dance concert in Araneta exactly on JS' birthday. They are really making his name big.
But as I am writing all these, two songs occupy my mind in a sentimental way---Zedd and Hayley William's "Stay The Night" and Bruno Mars' "Gorilla"
and so I sing....
Saturday, October 26, 2013
After Fox Says It
October 25 always proves best with all the lovely experiences that it presents. I had the day covered. The rest of the month is also good knowing that it enabled me to pursue friendship and acquaintances in the highest fashion.
October 24, It was a Thursday when the height of celebrating friendship began. We went to Klangs place as I made up for the other night's absence. I didn't drink while she is in the house last Wednesday. Well, that was after we went to PMMS. That was also my first to enter the college and see how everything else is going on inside. That is because it's enrollment week. I have seen where Aizee, Gino and Kyle are spending most of their academic days. All flipped into memories as they leave the college behind and enter a new phase of life.
Going back to the overnight stay in Klang's house, here are photos of that wonderful night with friends. And this caused my head to ache the next day.
The next day I spent time naman with Ismael and Khristine as we shop around Festival Mall and ate in there too. That's wonderful experience.
Would like to greet Kristine Dote too as she celebrates her birthday today. I also would like to turn back the pages of this blog to October 25 2010 and see what's in there. We had fun in the river wit my old friends.
October 25 wouldn't be this great if I don't remember what happened in 2005. The day my barkada became complete and the day I met Lara after a long time of wait.
This is October 25. Also the birthdate of my Ate Jovy. How will we ever celebrate it less dramatic?
October 24, It was a Thursday when the height of celebrating friendship began. We went to Klangs place as I made up for the other night's absence. I didn't drink while she is in the house last Wednesday. Well, that was after we went to PMMS. That was also my first to enter the college and see how everything else is going on inside. That is because it's enrollment week. I have seen where Aizee, Gino and Kyle are spending most of their academic days. All flipped into memories as they leave the college behind and enter a new phase of life.
Going back to the overnight stay in Klang's house, here are photos of that wonderful night with friends. And this caused my head to ache the next day.
The next day I spent time naman with Ismael and Khristine as we shop around Festival Mall and ate in there too. That's wonderful experience.
Would like to greet Kristine Dote too as she celebrates her birthday today. I also would like to turn back the pages of this blog to October 25 2010 and see what's in there. We had fun in the river wit my old friends.
October 25 wouldn't be this great if I don't remember what happened in 2005. The day my barkada became complete and the day I met Lara after a long time of wait.
This is October 25. Also the birthdate of my Ate Jovy. How will we ever celebrate it less dramatic?
Monday, October 21, 2013
As We Count Days Before Christmas
We just have few more days before its Christmas. Nearly few more days also before the year ends. There are too many foresighted moments that will fill the entire entry if I enumerate them. Some of which had lasting impact on the very next year to come.
Just this Friday, the PMMS group headed by Dexter and Ron celebrated the end of their semester with an overnight swimming in Circle Island in Dasmarinas. I had one of the greatest moments there and even before that as I go back and forth from Manila to Laguna. The day started with me traveling to Manila after attending a mass in San Pablo in honor of Saint Luke.
It is noteworthy that we went to Aizee's place for the first and there we prepared some food which will be consumed at the overnight. I wasn't able to stay longer. Just enough to fill my self with lasting memories. I have to catch the 2am ride and go to work at 3.30am and that is sharp.
There is a lot of happy memories before that. Receiving my first pay and going to SM and Puregold with Ron and Aizee to treat them. To spend quality shopping time with Mom as I buy her the things they need in the residence. That same day as we commemorate Lola's death day.
To watch Quen's movie for this year which is an offering in lieu of the 20th anniversary of Star Cinema. I was so happy I was able to do these all even in the midst of the hectic working schedules. Rain? Not so much of a mess this time.
I have so much in store for November but you see the Holidays are just around the corner. If I get myself caught up in the middle of these events, I might lose the gear to get up. Of course, we remember Mei and the promise of making it up to her once we are getting paid already but regret comes our way as our schedule don't meet to set up even just a date for Mei to congratulate us.
In the end only the way I set the schedule can make up for how anecdotes could be written. It may not be as organized as it once was but definitely more colorful that it was before. And sincerely, I am liking it.
Just this Friday, the PMMS group headed by Dexter and Ron celebrated the end of their semester with an overnight swimming in Circle Island in Dasmarinas. I had one of the greatest moments there and even before that as I go back and forth from Manila to Laguna. The day started with me traveling to Manila after attending a mass in San Pablo in honor of Saint Luke.
It is noteworthy that we went to Aizee's place for the first and there we prepared some food which will be consumed at the overnight. I wasn't able to stay longer. Just enough to fill my self with lasting memories. I have to catch the 2am ride and go to work at 3.30am and that is sharp.
There is a lot of happy memories before that. Receiving my first pay and going to SM and Puregold with Ron and Aizee to treat them. To spend quality shopping time with Mom as I buy her the things they need in the residence. That same day as we commemorate Lola's death day.
To watch Quen's movie for this year which is an offering in lieu of the 20th anniversary of Star Cinema. I was so happy I was able to do these all even in the midst of the hectic working schedules. Rain? Not so much of a mess this time.
I have so much in store for November but you see the Holidays are just around the corner. If I get myself caught up in the middle of these events, I might lose the gear to get up. Of course, we remember Mei and the promise of making it up to her once we are getting paid already but regret comes our way as our schedule don't meet to set up even just a date for Mei to congratulate us.
In the end only the way I set the schedule can make up for how anecdotes could be written. It may not be as organized as it once was but definitely more colorful that it was before. And sincerely, I am liking it.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Brilliant Musing
I am writing this today Monday
October 14 2013
at 9.31 pm RP time
Las Piñas City
Today I just receive my first pay. Supposedly the payday must be tomorrow but since tomorrow is a holiday, it was advanced for today. Finally, the feeling of having my own money. I missed this. When was the last time? 2011 was the last time I received my salary for employment. The first one was back in 2006 when I had my tenure in SM South Mall.
Now I'm back to SM South Mall to withdraw on my ATM. I was with Patty, Benson, and Ismael earlier and we just celebrated our first payday.
Honestly, the days are getting harder. Schedules are getting riskier and I know it can't be back to the same way as when I was having my grand hiatus.
My friends enjoyed my treat when I came back home. It is always a celebration at the boarding house. Their classmates are there playing cards and user games on Ron's laptop. Too bad, Aizee is not around today to celebrate the day with us.
Anyway, it is still October 14. Whether I have the money or not, we'll have to celebrate meeting the Empress 9 years ago when I visited her at the old campus. Things are pretty much different now after what happened that day. Nobody ever thought of this to happen. I knew we were separated then by a distance but never knew it would be this hard for the two of us.
For the longest time, I tried making October 14 as special as it can be. 2010 I went to San Pablo just to hang out and celebrate what happened 2004.
Tonight, the day is ending just as any other ordinary day. I didn't put much effort to make it extravagant. It is in my heart that I find the most special and things will fall into places as we follow the ordinary.
When I go to bed later, it will only take three hours of sleep and welcome the new Tuesday as early as 2am. The shift will start at 3.30am and things will go its ways without even remembering how special October 14 used to be.
Wherever she is... She must be full of joy. Never forgetting how special all the days I had with her until now.
October 14 2013
at 9.31 pm RP time
Las Piñas City
Today I just receive my first pay. Supposedly the payday must be tomorrow but since tomorrow is a holiday, it was advanced for today. Finally, the feeling of having my own money. I missed this. When was the last time? 2011 was the last time I received my salary for employment. The first one was back in 2006 when I had my tenure in SM South Mall.
Now I'm back to SM South Mall to withdraw on my ATM. I was with Patty, Benson, and Ismael earlier and we just celebrated our first payday.
Honestly, the days are getting harder. Schedules are getting riskier and I know it can't be back to the same way as when I was having my grand hiatus.
My friends enjoyed my treat when I came back home. It is always a celebration at the boarding house. Their classmates are there playing cards and user games on Ron's laptop. Too bad, Aizee is not around today to celebrate the day with us.
Anyway, it is still October 14. Whether I have the money or not, we'll have to celebrate meeting the Empress 9 years ago when I visited her at the old campus. Things are pretty much different now after what happened that day. Nobody ever thought of this to happen. I knew we were separated then by a distance but never knew it would be this hard for the two of us.
For the longest time, I tried making October 14 as special as it can be. 2010 I went to San Pablo just to hang out and celebrate what happened 2004.
Tonight, the day is ending just as any other ordinary day. I didn't put much effort to make it extravagant. It is in my heart that I find the most special and things will fall into places as we follow the ordinary.
When I go to bed later, it will only take three hours of sleep and welcome the new Tuesday as early as 2am. The shift will start at 3.30am and things will go its ways without even remembering how special October 14 used to be.
Wherever she is... She must be full of joy. Never forgetting how special all the days I had with her until now.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Some Highlights For September 2013
I like to begin it with what happened tonight, just tonight. I watched Soapdish band perform in PADIS South Station for the Rock Fest at the Grill. They sang "Ewan Ko" and I suddenly realized that this is also the date when I first heard that song eight years ago. Yes I almost cried. This is like a gift for September 25. I always expect something good to happen every Sept 25. The date deserve to be dubbed as the Day of Serendipity.
I am still staying here in Las Piñas. Today is the birthday of Gino and of course little Lianne but none of them received my greetings personally. I wasn't able to come to their respective birthday celebrations because of tiresome works in the office. The truth is, Gino never had a celebration earlier because he still is sick. How unfortunate that he is sick on his very birthday. Most probably we will move the celebration to another date.
Whence for the professional life, it is probably the main highlight of September. However tiring it may be, the point that I have something to accomplish later and a salary waiting for the month of October makes this things worthwhile. To challenge myself to reach new heights is one that makes it even more exciting. The opportunity to meet new people and befriend them is another savory experience for September.
Watching an independent movie always has an impact to ones weekend or vacation days. I happened to view "Mga Alaala Ng Tagulan" in Gateway Cineplex and I enjoyed it. A lot of criticism can be given to the acting parts of the casts but the cinematography and the quality of presentation can never be outmentioned.
The experience of rain and wetness of roads is inevitable for the month of September. I always have this temptation of not going to work because of the bed and bad weather but I have to believe it is here to stay and be a discourager for every one who wants to improve, may they be students or professionals. All will have this temptation for absence.
At some point I may ask myself why the heck do I still need to work harder. I can just sit and look around. There are lots of people who accept me and love me even without a degree or a profession. I can just go on with life being sustained by people who believes that it is their vocation to support me financially. Still, I continue to fight in a metropolitan forest. I continue to strive and reach my highest potential.
--Because this is something that tells me I am worth the respect. This is part of me building my dignity. It validates me!
One time, as I was walking on my way home, I met a child collecting garbage on the road. He is a chubby one and he doesn't look like a street children or a beggar. He looks like he is from a middle class family and he has parents who are sending him to school. But still he has this cart and collecting trashes from house to house while it is night, raining. There must be a reason behind avoiding starvation. And if that little boy who must be around 10-11 years of age has reason to work at 10pm while it was raining collecting the garbage, then pity me if I don't have one noble reason.
September allowed me to enjoy experiences. More than that, September taught lessons from life. Lessons which will eventually prepare me for that wonderful future awaiting us. If there ever are better ways to culminate September then let it happen. With open arms we are praying for more happiness while learning the value that this new world must cultivate.
I am still staying here in Las Piñas. Today is the birthday of Gino and of course little Lianne but none of them received my greetings personally. I wasn't able to come to their respective birthday celebrations because of tiresome works in the office. The truth is, Gino never had a celebration earlier because he still is sick. How unfortunate that he is sick on his very birthday. Most probably we will move the celebration to another date.
Whence for the professional life, it is probably the main highlight of September. However tiring it may be, the point that I have something to accomplish later and a salary waiting for the month of October makes this things worthwhile. To challenge myself to reach new heights is one that makes it even more exciting. The opportunity to meet new people and befriend them is another savory experience for September.
Watching an independent movie always has an impact to ones weekend or vacation days. I happened to view "Mga Alaala Ng Tagulan" in Gateway Cineplex and I enjoyed it. A lot of criticism can be given to the acting parts of the casts but the cinematography and the quality of presentation can never be outmentioned.
The experience of rain and wetness of roads is inevitable for the month of September. I always have this temptation of not going to work because of the bed and bad weather but I have to believe it is here to stay and be a discourager for every one who wants to improve, may they be students or professionals. All will have this temptation for absence.
At some point I may ask myself why the heck do I still need to work harder. I can just sit and look around. There are lots of people who accept me and love me even without a degree or a profession. I can just go on with life being sustained by people who believes that it is their vocation to support me financially. Still, I continue to fight in a metropolitan forest. I continue to strive and reach my highest potential.
--Because this is something that tells me I am worth the respect. This is part of me building my dignity. It validates me!
One time, as I was walking on my way home, I met a child collecting garbage on the road. He is a chubby one and he doesn't look like a street children or a beggar. He looks like he is from a middle class family and he has parents who are sending him to school. But still he has this cart and collecting trashes from house to house while it is night, raining. There must be a reason behind avoiding starvation. And if that little boy who must be around 10-11 years of age has reason to work at 10pm while it was raining collecting the garbage, then pity me if I don't have one noble reason.
September allowed me to enjoy experiences. More than that, September taught lessons from life. Lessons which will eventually prepare me for that wonderful future awaiting us. If there ever are better ways to culminate September then let it happen. With open arms we are praying for more happiness while learning the value that this new world must cultivate.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Defenseless Against Violence
I know I may be the last person to write about what's happening around for the past days. Still, the thoughts count. For many, the world doesn't seem to be a better place when they cannot open their facebook accounts. Unfortunately, there are issues and concerns that are far more than that. There is crisis in Syria and here at home we have insurgencies in Zamboanga. A promising advertising manager was found dead in Silang Cavite and we are seeking justice for her. Justin Bieber's naked photos leaked in the internet and Miley Cyrus can be stopped from twirking. Seems like everything has gone wrong.
World governments are too busy quelling the military issues that will threaten national and international security but cases of poverty and crime doubled in number for the past week going unnoticed because of these big headlines.
There was a time when hopes are high with the Arab region. 2011 served as a year of liberation and new dawn for Arab governments who for the longest time were slaves of tyrannical governments. The youth, assisted by the social media, turned their nations 270 degrees by giving birth to a new rule. It was thought to be a rule by the people. Now it all looks like shattered dreams of mobocracy.
There was a time when we were so hopeful about Mindanao that we thought end is near for rebels to stop pestering the government. Just last year, the Bangsamoro group and the peace panel team of Malacanang signed a new memorandum of agreement before the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the formation of a new region which will soon be a sub-state. Now MNLF group shows their exceptance of the treaty by firing. The violence is contained in three brangays of Zamboanga. Still, the Department of Social Welfare and Development declared this phenomenon as a humanitarian crisis.
Several political analysts are saying that this happened only to cover up the heat of Janet Lim Napoles issue because the pork barrel saga includes names of senators whose political career may be damaged by the controversy. So before the rope crashed behind the walls, they are cooling it off with a more palpable sensation. What could be worse than political issues but a military one. Something which concerns humanity's safety.
The Vatican called for a one day of prayer for Syria. Amidst the threat of bio-mass distruction, fear of loosing people's lives in a highly diplomatic age is something that horrifies our future. The same thing is true with what is happening with Zamboanga as the Archdiocese of Manila begged the entire Filipino nation to pray for the release of the hostages and cease the battles between the rebel force and the military.
I am consoled by the fact that no one seem to associate this violence to religion. People have learned to respect Islam through the bloody experience of the past. No one seem to discriminate religion of any kind which should be the case indeed. Syrian crisis of today has nothing to do with the Muslims. It is a battle of political ambitions and never of religion. The same is true with Mindanao. MNLF is not fighting for Muslims. They are simply fighting for their ideology. The fact is, Muslim people in Mindanao are calling for the end of this morass.
Perhaps no other news about violence can top this segment than what happened about Kae Davantes, the young account manager of MRM digital group of McCann Phil. who was found dead one morning in Silang Cavite. While reading Kara Ortiga's column I learned that
"She was 25. She worked as a senior accounts manager for the digital group MRM under McCann Philippines. I used to work as an accounts manager for more than a year in an advertising agency, but I continue to surround myself with friends who still do, and the lifestyle paints a picture that is niche, specific and familiar. I do not know Kae, but I find it easy for me to slip into her everyday shoes.
"Her last Friday night, as time-lined through the details obtained by police investigators, would actually look exactly like mine. Hers would begin with a late clock-out from the office at 9:36 p.m. I would leave mine at around 7 p.m. Kae would proceed to enjoy Friday’s hot nightlife in the city, probably enjoying a few rounds of drinks with officemates, a weekly cap-off that is normal behavior in the advertising industry. I waited that same Friday night for my friends (girls still working in advertising as account managers) to finish their work, so we could catch up. Her Friday nights, I would imagine, included shared sentiments about agency life: frustrations about clients, rants about workload, lots of witty inside jokes. Her officemates said that Kae spent a night with them in a bar at the Fort Strip. I met up with my friends at a small restobar in a side street in Makati, one of our favorite after-work places.
"At around 1 a.m., three of her friends reportedly escorted Kae to her car in the Fort parking lot. She would drive off in her metallic beige Toyota Altis at exactly 1:06 a.m., according to police. I would leave with my friends from the restobar at around 2 a.m. We would first see my friend off to her condo unit across the street, and then separate to our respective cars parked somewhere at a view’s distance. The last Kae’s family would hear from her that night would be via text message that she was on her way to their home in Las Piñas. Meanwhile, mine didn’t even hear from me. I received a text message from my father asking me to come home that night, but I didn’t reply. Ninety-eight percent of my father’s texts to me ask, “Where are you? What time are you coming home?” I only reply to him about 50 percent of the time. The rest of the time, he would go to bed without hearing from stubborn old me. But he should find me safely in my bed the following morning, as he would that Saturday, the morning after.
"But that Saturday morning, Kae’s parents would not find her in bed. She would not come home that night, and her family would frantically be filing a report at 10 a.m. on Saturday, looking for signs of her from the Bonifacio Global City Police Community Precinct.
"Instead, her body would be found somewhere else, under a bridge by the riverside in Silang, Cavite; her mouth gagged with a “branded” handkerchief that didn’t belong to her, her hands tied using a car seatbelt. Police believe she was strangled with an electric wire, and stabbed with a six-inch kitchen knife, which lay beside her body. Autopsy results show no signs of sexual assault, and her clothes are reported to have been intact. Her possessions were nowhere in sight."
Violence, a deviance in culture which we all assume to be our safety's enemy. We are moving into a more violence friendly environment. A generation of new violent values. How our value system has gone wrong in the last two decades is evident in what Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus want to do and portray. But how about justice and peace? We are seeking peace in Syria and Zamboanga. We are seeking Justice for Kae Davantes and justice for what Janet Lim Napoles did with our taxes. It may not be so obvious that some of those who sympathizes with Kae Davantes would want her fate be transferred to Jeanne Napoles, the daughter of the Scam Queen.
World governments are too busy quelling the military issues that will threaten national and international security but cases of poverty and crime doubled in number for the past week going unnoticed because of these big headlines.
There was a time when hopes are high with the Arab region. 2011 served as a year of liberation and new dawn for Arab governments who for the longest time were slaves of tyrannical governments. The youth, assisted by the social media, turned their nations 270 degrees by giving birth to a new rule. It was thought to be a rule by the people. Now it all looks like shattered dreams of mobocracy.
There was a time when we were so hopeful about Mindanao that we thought end is near for rebels to stop pestering the government. Just last year, the Bangsamoro group and the peace panel team of Malacanang signed a new memorandum of agreement before the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the formation of a new region which will soon be a sub-state. Now MNLF group shows their exceptance of the treaty by firing. The violence is contained in three brangays of Zamboanga. Still, the Department of Social Welfare and Development declared this phenomenon as a humanitarian crisis.
Several political analysts are saying that this happened only to cover up the heat of Janet Lim Napoles issue because the pork barrel saga includes names of senators whose political career may be damaged by the controversy. So before the rope crashed behind the walls, they are cooling it off with a more palpable sensation. What could be worse than political issues but a military one. Something which concerns humanity's safety.
The Vatican called for a one day of prayer for Syria. Amidst the threat of bio-mass distruction, fear of loosing people's lives in a highly diplomatic age is something that horrifies our future. The same thing is true with what is happening with Zamboanga as the Archdiocese of Manila begged the entire Filipino nation to pray for the release of the hostages and cease the battles between the rebel force and the military.
I am consoled by the fact that no one seem to associate this violence to religion. People have learned to respect Islam through the bloody experience of the past. No one seem to discriminate religion of any kind which should be the case indeed. Syrian crisis of today has nothing to do with the Muslims. It is a battle of political ambitions and never of religion. The same is true with Mindanao. MNLF is not fighting for Muslims. They are simply fighting for their ideology. The fact is, Muslim people in Mindanao are calling for the end of this morass.
Perhaps no other news about violence can top this segment than what happened about Kae Davantes, the young account manager of MRM digital group of McCann Phil. who was found dead one morning in Silang Cavite. While reading Kara Ortiga's column I learned that
"She was 25. She worked as a senior accounts manager for the digital group MRM under McCann Philippines. I used to work as an accounts manager for more than a year in an advertising agency, but I continue to surround myself with friends who still do, and the lifestyle paints a picture that is niche, specific and familiar. I do not know Kae, but I find it easy for me to slip into her everyday shoes.
"Her last Friday night, as time-lined through the details obtained by police investigators, would actually look exactly like mine. Hers would begin with a late clock-out from the office at 9:36 p.m. I would leave mine at around 7 p.m. Kae would proceed to enjoy Friday’s hot nightlife in the city, probably enjoying a few rounds of drinks with officemates, a weekly cap-off that is normal behavior in the advertising industry. I waited that same Friday night for my friends (girls still working in advertising as account managers) to finish their work, so we could catch up. Her Friday nights, I would imagine, included shared sentiments about agency life: frustrations about clients, rants about workload, lots of witty inside jokes. Her officemates said that Kae spent a night with them in a bar at the Fort Strip. I met up with my friends at a small restobar in a side street in Makati, one of our favorite after-work places.
"At around 1 a.m., three of her friends reportedly escorted Kae to her car in the Fort parking lot. She would drive off in her metallic beige Toyota Altis at exactly 1:06 a.m., according to police. I would leave with my friends from the restobar at around 2 a.m. We would first see my friend off to her condo unit across the street, and then separate to our respective cars parked somewhere at a view’s distance. The last Kae’s family would hear from her that night would be via text message that she was on her way to their home in Las Piñas. Meanwhile, mine didn’t even hear from me. I received a text message from my father asking me to come home that night, but I didn’t reply. Ninety-eight percent of my father’s texts to me ask, “Where are you? What time are you coming home?” I only reply to him about 50 percent of the time. The rest of the time, he would go to bed without hearing from stubborn old me. But he should find me safely in my bed the following morning, as he would that Saturday, the morning after.
"But that Saturday morning, Kae’s parents would not find her in bed. She would not come home that night, and her family would frantically be filing a report at 10 a.m. on Saturday, looking for signs of her from the Bonifacio Global City Police Community Precinct.
"Instead, her body would be found somewhere else, under a bridge by the riverside in Silang, Cavite; her mouth gagged with a “branded” handkerchief that didn’t belong to her, her hands tied using a car seatbelt. Police believe she was strangled with an electric wire, and stabbed with a six-inch kitchen knife, which lay beside her body. Autopsy results show no signs of sexual assault, and her clothes are reported to have been intact. Her possessions were nowhere in sight."
Violence, a deviance in culture which we all assume to be our safety's enemy. We are moving into a more violence friendly environment. A generation of new violent values. How our value system has gone wrong in the last two decades is evident in what Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus want to do and portray. But how about justice and peace? We are seeking peace in Syria and Zamboanga. We are seeking Justice for Kae Davantes and justice for what Janet Lim Napoles did with our taxes. It may not be so obvious that some of those who sympathizes with Kae Davantes would want her fate be transferred to Jeanne Napoles, the daughter of the Scam Queen.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Sure We Do
Oh What's with you September 08?
Wasn't I suppose to be in Pangil Laguna to attend the town fiesta? What happened? It rained. And rain poured heavily giving us a cold and wet Sunday. It disrupted my schedules for the day.
Isn't this the birthday of the Virgin Mother? Yes it is. What happened? I woke up early to watch the reflection for the Sunday readings and intended to attend the mass at 8am but it rained and I postponed it to 9.30am after the phone call of Hildergarde and after watching the homily at Studio 23.
It is so nice to have DC at the house. The ambiance makes us even younger with the baby spirit hovering around the leaving room where his crib stays.
And to top it all, it is Mei's birthday. Unfortunate it was that if not for the text messages of my co-trainees I wouldn't even remember. So I texted her happy birthday and she thanked me back. I won't erase the sms I swear. I am truly glad that it is Mei's birthday even if I cannot celebrate it with her. She just doesn't know how much I feel for her as a friend and guide.
An icing on the cake is the absolutely stunning performance of Patti Austin and Lea Salonga at the The Voice PH. Oh it is really epic!
By the way, Geoffrey and I exchanged text messages earlier as well as Mae and Seph whose CCT will start tomorrow. Good luck to them. Hildergarde also called and texted. Oh as if this is the only way I spent my day. Oh wait. I bought myself a copy of the PDI broadsheet so I can read also and not just text all day.
It's rainy what can I do but watch and text? The news about last night's Star Magic Ball broke out in the news. They were heavenly with their gowns and suit.
And yesterday was a great Saturday with Lorraine as we went to 7 Eleven and toured the Liliw Poblacion while the sun is up.
How I miss Mei and how I miss my friends in Las Pinas. Aizee and the rest.
And we will stay happy the entire September
Sure We Do
Wasn't I suppose to be in Pangil Laguna to attend the town fiesta? What happened? It rained. And rain poured heavily giving us a cold and wet Sunday. It disrupted my schedules for the day.
Isn't this the birthday of the Virgin Mother? Yes it is. What happened? I woke up early to watch the reflection for the Sunday readings and intended to attend the mass at 8am but it rained and I postponed it to 9.30am after the phone call of Hildergarde and after watching the homily at Studio 23.
It is so nice to have DC at the house. The ambiance makes us even younger with the baby spirit hovering around the leaving room where his crib stays.
And to top it all, it is Mei's birthday. Unfortunate it was that if not for the text messages of my co-trainees I wouldn't even remember. So I texted her happy birthday and she thanked me back. I won't erase the sms I swear. I am truly glad that it is Mei's birthday even if I cannot celebrate it with her. She just doesn't know how much I feel for her as a friend and guide.
An icing on the cake is the absolutely stunning performance of Patti Austin and Lea Salonga at the The Voice PH. Oh it is really epic!
By the way, Geoffrey and I exchanged text messages earlier as well as Mae and Seph whose CCT will start tomorrow. Good luck to them. Hildergarde also called and texted. Oh as if this is the only way I spent my day. Oh wait. I bought myself a copy of the PDI broadsheet so I can read also and not just text all day.
It's rainy what can I do but watch and text? The news about last night's Star Magic Ball broke out in the news. They were heavenly with their gowns and suit.
And yesterday was a great Saturday with Lorraine as we went to 7 Eleven and toured the Liliw Poblacion while the sun is up.
How I miss Mei and how I miss my friends in Las Pinas. Aizee and the rest.
And we will stay happy the entire September
Sure We Do
Friday, September 6, 2013
Birthday Within Another's Birthday
I stayed home for most of the day. If not for the First Friday Mass I would not leave the house the whole time. We know I have to be there for the mass as to give thanks to God for the wonderful celebration of Kuya Anthony's and Galan's birthday.
There was a time when I used to celebrate September 05 solely for Kuya Anthony's birthday, but when Galan came to my life as if my first daughter; I began to make the day a feast for both of them.
This is quite a long month of celebration. We started August with my NHT under Miss Mei. A whirlwind of happenings together with my IELTS classmates, they became the new circle of friends who coloured my life with vibrant hues. Not only that. While I have my NHT friends, I also established friendship with the PMMS classmates of my roommates. Standing out are Aizee, Kyle, Louie, CJ, Elaine, and Joseph.
This is followed by August 14 2013, which is the date I signed my contract for my job. I have a month to complete the requirements and am working on that up to now. Although August 19 to 22 became a tragic period for people in Manila, Cavite, and Pampanga, the circumstance tested our grips and relationships. it became an avenue for service and heroism. Everything that was wrought by calamities were forgotten when we celebrated the long weekend which is the celebration of our town fiesta and national heroes day. PMMS friends were here in Laguna to celebrate all the fun with us. It is probably the happiest in three years.
August ended with a positive bang as I went to Pasay August 30 to visit the family of my friend Alex. I stayed overnight because we reunited and shared laughter together this time again. August 31 even better as I visited Dasmariñas Cavite again and remembered how much a part of my life is the place. A lot of changes happened in just a span of four years and I am drop-dead surprised. I can't really imagined how Imus and Dasmarinas progressed in just a while and this is something that must have been expected. I just wasn't ready for the surprise. Raine and I watched the Mortal Instruments; City of Bones and enjoyed sight seeing in the mall for the entire afternoon of Saturday. And so August ended. I was happy.
September started with the birth of Daniel Coby, our newest baby, which was a day earlier that the birthday of Geoffrey which is September 02. It must have been better if the birth date fell exactly on Goeffrey's birthday but any date is great so long as the kid is healthy. And yes he is dealthy and cute! My September 1 is a god one although I wasn't there for DC in the hospital. I enjoyed the day sleeping and going to mass in the morning to afternoon then enjoyed the later part with Royce and Bogie and we went to SM South Mall for the 5 day sale. That night, we watched the Bling Ring which is a nice teenage movie I should say. I wnet home last Monday and God really surprised me big time because I didn't spent too much for the fare.
Lorraine and Dianne wisited me in the evening since I was all by myself in the house. They ate supper and watched a movie and TV shows until 9pm. By September 3, Daniel Coby is home already and I am so glad that I met him for the first time. Just yesterday, Galan blew her birthday candles and was one of the happiest girls in the world. I don't know with Kuya Anthony. I know Geoffrey was really happy during his birthday. I called him. We had a short phone conversation. He is texting me the entire afternoon as well as Aizee. Of course, it is not to say that Aizee is a temporary replacement for Geoff, they are two unique individuals with different vantage points and capacities.
I am liking what is happening in my world though not so much with "the" world. In just a few days I will be starting my work. I am excited for all these and I can't wait for DC to grow up. I wanna be with Galan and Santi. I want to be with Justine and Kenneth. All the persons who make me happy. Just that, Aizee, Elaine and Geoffrey are containing all the happiness and preventing it to burst. This happiness I am radiating to all of you!
There was a time when I used to celebrate September 05 solely for Kuya Anthony's birthday, but when Galan came to my life as if my first daughter; I began to make the day a feast for both of them.
This is quite a long month of celebration. We started August with my NHT under Miss Mei. A whirlwind of happenings together with my IELTS classmates, they became the new circle of friends who coloured my life with vibrant hues. Not only that. While I have my NHT friends, I also established friendship with the PMMS classmates of my roommates. Standing out are Aizee, Kyle, Louie, CJ, Elaine, and Joseph.
This is followed by August 14 2013, which is the date I signed my contract for my job. I have a month to complete the requirements and am working on that up to now. Although August 19 to 22 became a tragic period for people in Manila, Cavite, and Pampanga, the circumstance tested our grips and relationships. it became an avenue for service and heroism. Everything that was wrought by calamities were forgotten when we celebrated the long weekend which is the celebration of our town fiesta and national heroes day. PMMS friends were here in Laguna to celebrate all the fun with us. It is probably the happiest in three years.
August ended with a positive bang as I went to Pasay August 30 to visit the family of my friend Alex. I stayed overnight because we reunited and shared laughter together this time again. August 31 even better as I visited Dasmariñas Cavite again and remembered how much a part of my life is the place. A lot of changes happened in just a span of four years and I am drop-dead surprised. I can't really imagined how Imus and Dasmarinas progressed in just a while and this is something that must have been expected. I just wasn't ready for the surprise. Raine and I watched the Mortal Instruments; City of Bones and enjoyed sight seeing in the mall for the entire afternoon of Saturday. And so August ended. I was happy.
September started with the birth of Daniel Coby, our newest baby, which was a day earlier that the birthday of Geoffrey which is September 02. It must have been better if the birth date fell exactly on Goeffrey's birthday but any date is great so long as the kid is healthy. And yes he is dealthy and cute! My September 1 is a god one although I wasn't there for DC in the hospital. I enjoyed the day sleeping and going to mass in the morning to afternoon then enjoyed the later part with Royce and Bogie and we went to SM South Mall for the 5 day sale. That night, we watched the Bling Ring which is a nice teenage movie I should say. I wnet home last Monday and God really surprised me big time because I didn't spent too much for the fare.
Lorraine and Dianne wisited me in the evening since I was all by myself in the house. They ate supper and watched a movie and TV shows until 9pm. By September 3, Daniel Coby is home already and I am so glad that I met him for the first time. Just yesterday, Galan blew her birthday candles and was one of the happiest girls in the world. I don't know with Kuya Anthony. I know Geoffrey was really happy during his birthday. I called him. We had a short phone conversation. He is texting me the entire afternoon as well as Aizee. Of course, it is not to say that Aizee is a temporary replacement for Geoff, they are two unique individuals with different vantage points and capacities.
I am liking what is happening in my world though not so much with "the" world. In just a few days I will be starting my work. I am excited for all these and I can't wait for DC to grow up. I wanna be with Galan and Santi. I want to be with Justine and Kenneth. All the persons who make me happy. Just that, Aizee, Elaine and Geoffrey are containing all the happiness and preventing it to burst. This happiness I am radiating to all of you!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Feel Good Feast Day
This was written last night while recolecting thoughts of last three days celebration.
Three Days of Smile
I am the happiest. I'd like to think I am even if just for the last three days. I would like to express this sound gratitude I have for God. First, for bringing Rene Dacles to my life. I'd like to thank Rene Dacles for bringing the new set of friends to my life. I intent to name them here; towering above them all, Aizee Castro followed by Dexter Abuso, Louie Castilla, Royce Abiva, Bogie Tazo, Chester Benedict Arevalo, and Jonard Dollosa. As of today, they are the souls who vivify me. The souls who edify me. The souls who magnify me.
How I wish tonight, the town fiesta never ends. Yes they were here to celebrate the feast with us Nagcarleños. They were a little late arriving at the last minute of August 24, the night after their class. I was already down drunk because of the party at my former neighborhood. The joyful August 24 after 2010. I never enjoyed it this much for the last two years.
Grateful of what happened early that day, attending the pontifical mass presided fir the first time by Bishop Buenaventura Famadico; the amusement brought by teh community in our compound; and the sunny day of August 24, I thanked God for all that. But the greatest surprise of the day is when they came and made the celebration last for three days.
It was Aizee's first visit in Laguna for a town fiesta without his parents' company. I was deeply touched by that gesture. His coming was a surprise. So is Dexter's. They made me believe that they can't make it and almost turned my invitation to a failure. And so this is one occasion which stands historical. It is the first time my neighborhood experienced my friends' presence here in Laguna.
While we were having playful times for Dota games, picture takings in Liliw's parochial vicinity, and swimming along the cold river, the rest of the Filipinos in Luneta gathered to protest and practice their rights of assemblage. Expressing their disappointment for the government's mysterious spending and anomalous allocations of funds, activists and civil rights groups showed the power of the masses in stunning number of participants.
The busy-ness of the days disabled us to watch the VMA Awards which is another talk of the town. We are conscious that there is a typhoon but it is far from us and we can do the swimming activity with confidence in natures protection. All in all it is a 3 days of smile to remember.
I would like to greet Dianne a happy birthday and to my friends who were here to make me happy at least for the town fiesta, thank you all.
Three Days of Smile
I am the happiest. I'd like to think I am even if just for the last three days. I would like to express this sound gratitude I have for God. First, for bringing Rene Dacles to my life. I'd like to thank Rene Dacles for bringing the new set of friends to my life. I intent to name them here; towering above them all, Aizee Castro followed by Dexter Abuso, Louie Castilla, Royce Abiva, Bogie Tazo, Chester Benedict Arevalo, and Jonard Dollosa. As of today, they are the souls who vivify me. The souls who edify me. The souls who magnify me.
How I wish tonight, the town fiesta never ends. Yes they were here to celebrate the feast with us Nagcarleños. They were a little late arriving at the last minute of August 24, the night after their class. I was already down drunk because of the party at my former neighborhood. The joyful August 24 after 2010. I never enjoyed it this much for the last two years.
Grateful of what happened early that day, attending the pontifical mass presided fir the first time by Bishop Buenaventura Famadico; the amusement brought by teh community in our compound; and the sunny day of August 24, I thanked God for all that. But the greatest surprise of the day is when they came and made the celebration last for three days.
It was Aizee's first visit in Laguna for a town fiesta without his parents' company. I was deeply touched by that gesture. His coming was a surprise. So is Dexter's. They made me believe that they can't make it and almost turned my invitation to a failure. And so this is one occasion which stands historical. It is the first time my neighborhood experienced my friends' presence here in Laguna.
While we were having playful times for Dota games, picture takings in Liliw's parochial vicinity, and swimming along the cold river, the rest of the Filipinos in Luneta gathered to protest and practice their rights of assemblage. Expressing their disappointment for the government's mysterious spending and anomalous allocations of funds, activists and civil rights groups showed the power of the masses in stunning number of participants.
The busy-ness of the days disabled us to watch the VMA Awards which is another talk of the town. We are conscious that there is a typhoon but it is far from us and we can do the swimming activity with confidence in natures protection. All in all it is a 3 days of smile to remember.
I would like to greet Dianne a happy birthday and to my friends who were here to make me happy at least for the town fiesta, thank you all.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Systematic Flood Control
The Philippines is a tropical country. Filipinos are used to sunny days as well as rainy ones. Some may enjoy the rain but most of us don't. F or those who enjoy it, rain is the source of life; filling dams and nurturing agricultural lands. However, when torrential rains cause flooding, it is a great reason to dislike it.
What the Philippines experienced this week is a nightmare specially to Manileños and Caviteños whose lives were pestered by excessive rainfall. National Capital Region, Cavite and some parts of Laguna became instant water pool after Monsoon rain struck the Western portion of Luzon. Somehow, I can't help but think that the tropical climate contributes, if not the cause, to the ugliness of the country. Just the other night, I was watching "That Winter The Wind Blows" and saw how houses in South Korea are all built in bricks while in the Philippines people can settle in a "barong barong" without any architectural design and practically made simply as a shelter.
In the same way, urban planning in Metro Manila lacks systematic discipline. Structures are built practically just to have establishments to boast. Contractors disregard other requisites for beautification and usefulness of edifices. We cannot go on every year repacking donations for flood victims. There has to be an action from the government and urban planning community to prevent the clogging of our drainage structures. In a democratic government, the safety of the citizens more than anything else is paramount.
This circumstance only vindicated my perpetual stance on charter change. There is a clamor for the reformation of our government; from polity-presidential to a federal form of government. Now I am certain that a federal from of government will address this issue. Strengthening all regions of the nation so as to de-congest Metro Manila. There might be a huge chance that those who migrated to NCR will return to the provinces when job opportunities in rural areas are plenty.When Metro Manila becomes underpopulated, renovations can take place immediately.
It breaks our hearts to see celebrities on rooftop of the houses or stars riding the MRT because roads are turned into pools. For two days I've been texting and calling friends in manila just to know if they are safe. And it is not good. While it really is savory to spend time talking to relatives and friends on the phone, the situation is not conducive to a reunion. You rather have overtime classes than stay at home for a holiday knowing that your countrymen are suffering.
The Lord has been truly thoughtful when He sent me home last Saturday sparing me from the horror of deep city. Still, there are people whose only home is in Manila and Cavite, now they are calling evacuation centers as temporary homes...
And all these should never again happen in the future.
What the Philippines experienced this week is a nightmare specially to Manileños and Caviteños whose lives were pestered by excessive rainfall. National Capital Region, Cavite and some parts of Laguna became instant water pool after Monsoon rain struck the Western portion of Luzon. Somehow, I can't help but think that the tropical climate contributes, if not the cause, to the ugliness of the country. Just the other night, I was watching "That Winter The Wind Blows" and saw how houses in South Korea are all built in bricks while in the Philippines people can settle in a "barong barong" without any architectural design and practically made simply as a shelter.
In the same way, urban planning in Metro Manila lacks systematic discipline. Structures are built practically just to have establishments to boast. Contractors disregard other requisites for beautification and usefulness of edifices. We cannot go on every year repacking donations for flood victims. There has to be an action from the government and urban planning community to prevent the clogging of our drainage structures. In a democratic government, the safety of the citizens more than anything else is paramount.
This circumstance only vindicated my perpetual stance on charter change. There is a clamor for the reformation of our government; from polity-presidential to a federal form of government. Now I am certain that a federal from of government will address this issue. Strengthening all regions of the nation so as to de-congest Metro Manila. There might be a huge chance that those who migrated to NCR will return to the provinces when job opportunities in rural areas are plenty.When Metro Manila becomes underpopulated, renovations can take place immediately.
It breaks our hearts to see celebrities on rooftop of the houses or stars riding the MRT because roads are turned into pools. For two days I've been texting and calling friends in manila just to know if they are safe. And it is not good. While it really is savory to spend time talking to relatives and friends on the phone, the situation is not conducive to a reunion. You rather have overtime classes than stay at home for a holiday knowing that your countrymen are suffering.
The Lord has been truly thoughtful when He sent me home last Saturday sparing me from the horror of deep city. Still, there are people whose only home is in Manila and Cavite, now they are calling evacuation centers as temporary homes...
And all these should never again happen in the future.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Heavy Rains Again From Monsoon
Ang lakas ng ulan ngayong gabi. Ilang gabi bago mag piyesta. Sa piyesta muli akong babalik dito sa Laguna upang ipagdiwang ang matimyas na araw. Buong Linggo kasi akong mamamalagi sa Las Pinas para makumpleto ang mga requirements na kailangang i-submit. Mabuti na lang kamo pwedeng "to follow" na lang ang form 137 at ang birth certificate.
pero dahil jam pack ang schedule dito sa weekdays, hindi ko mapigilan na maging mas excited para sa Sabado. Kung matutuloy ang buong tropa sa pag uwi sa piyesta, sobrang saya nun! Sila Aizee, Kyle, at Lou pa lang solve na ang ingay eh. Ano pa kaya kung kasama sila TonTon, Chester, at si Jonard? Syempre hindi mawawala ang mga kasama sa bahay.
Hindi ko lang alam kung magiging katulad nung nakaraang Biyernes ng madaling araw ang inuman sa piyesta. Noon kasing Biyernes, naginuman sa bahay. Hindi ako kasali, kailangan ko kasi ng kumpletong tulog para sa medical ko noong araw na iyon. Hindi rin puwedeng may alkohol ako sa katawan. Nanood sila ng The Vow sa laptop. Si Aizee kasi nagpapagawa ng reaction paper kay Ron kaya in-upload yung movie sa laptop. Iyon marahil ang dahilan kaya naging sentimental ang mga lasing. Ang topic tungkol sa love ang pu***. Hindi na nga ako nakatulog. Nakisali na lang ako sa usapan. Nag share ng konsepto namin about love.
Kung iisipin mo, tama naman si Royce; hindi ka maaaring pumili ng isang "the best" sa mga naging love mo. Lahat sila the best in their own special ways.
Napakahalaga ng PREP. Ang problema sa inuman, hindi natatapos ang discussion kasi hindi nasusunod ang PREP method. Kapag naihain na lahat ng tindig, dapat mag wrap up na sa pamamagitan ng paglalagom. Sa inuman, walang tagapagbuod. Free flowing ang ideya. Puwede kayong magsolo ng kwentuhan ng katabi mo o puwedeng may magbangka. Asahan mong may sasabat sa'yo. Matatapos lang ang discussion kapag lugapay na ang mga nagtotoma. o kaya'y naubos na ang Empi Lights.
How I wish ako ang naatasang magbuod. Ipapaliwanang ko yung hindi nila pinansin na explanation ko about love. Na ang pagibig ang nagpapakatao sa tao. Kung hindi siya magmamahal, nagwawala siya. Samakatwid, para bagang, ang pagibig ang paraan upang makapagmeron ang isang tao.
At dahil nga sobrang bigat ng nakaraang usapan kaya naging light ang tanghali ng August 16. Duamting si Seph at Tita Edna sa Aventus sa kalagitnaan ng araw habang hinihintay ko ang physical exam ko. At totoong pinagaan ni Tita Edna ang araw ko. Tawa lang kami ng tawa pagkatapos mai-submit ang B.I.R. form at medical.
Si Mei? Ayun, miss ko na siya. Ang teacher ko na mas bata pa sa akin. Hay... tama talaga si Steve Jobs. Darating ang panahon, isa isang masasagot ang tanong mo na parang linya sa mga dots na pinagdudugtongdugtong mo. Ngayon, nagsisimula na ngang masagot ang mga tanong kung bakit ang haba ng paghihintay ko bago ako nakalunsad. Kailangan ko pala talga maghintay dahil kung napaaga, hindi ko makikilala sila Aizee, Elaine, Seph, at Kyle. At hindi ko matatagpo si Mei na napakalaki ng naitulong sa aking pagunlad. Binuksan ang isip ko sa mga pagbabago at hinikayat ako na tumapang. Oo katulad kay Ma'am Nikki mahapdi ang ilang tagpo sa paghulma niya sa akin. Rough days ika nga. Pero mas nangibabaw yung respeto ko s akanya bilang tao at guro. At pangarap ko na mahigitan yun sa sandaling magkita kami ng scion ko.
Na-realize ko sa nagdaang buwan na ang sarap pa ring mag aral. At nakakatuwa na may clause sa contract na maaaring magpatuloy sa pagaaral ang mga empleyado. Oo, mag aaral pa ako. Hindi pa tapos ang hangarin kong matuto. Ang dami pang dapat makita at matutunan upang maging buo ako para sa mga anak ko, sa taong sasanayin ko, sa Pilipinas at sa sangkatauhan. Alam ko na tinawag akong maging bahagi ng kasaysayan. Pinanghahawakan ko iyon. At ang lahat ng ito, paghahanda patungo roon.
pero dahil jam pack ang schedule dito sa weekdays, hindi ko mapigilan na maging mas excited para sa Sabado. Kung matutuloy ang buong tropa sa pag uwi sa piyesta, sobrang saya nun! Sila Aizee, Kyle, at Lou pa lang solve na ang ingay eh. Ano pa kaya kung kasama sila TonTon, Chester, at si Jonard? Syempre hindi mawawala ang mga kasama sa bahay.
Hindi ko lang alam kung magiging katulad nung nakaraang Biyernes ng madaling araw ang inuman sa piyesta. Noon kasing Biyernes, naginuman sa bahay. Hindi ako kasali, kailangan ko kasi ng kumpletong tulog para sa medical ko noong araw na iyon. Hindi rin puwedeng may alkohol ako sa katawan. Nanood sila ng The Vow sa laptop. Si Aizee kasi nagpapagawa ng reaction paper kay Ron kaya in-upload yung movie sa laptop. Iyon marahil ang dahilan kaya naging sentimental ang mga lasing. Ang topic tungkol sa love ang pu***. Hindi na nga ako nakatulog. Nakisali na lang ako sa usapan. Nag share ng konsepto namin about love.
Kung iisipin mo, tama naman si Royce; hindi ka maaaring pumili ng isang "the best" sa mga naging love mo. Lahat sila the best in their own special ways.
Napakahalaga ng PREP. Ang problema sa inuman, hindi natatapos ang discussion kasi hindi nasusunod ang PREP method. Kapag naihain na lahat ng tindig, dapat mag wrap up na sa pamamagitan ng paglalagom. Sa inuman, walang tagapagbuod. Free flowing ang ideya. Puwede kayong magsolo ng kwentuhan ng katabi mo o puwedeng may magbangka. Asahan mong may sasabat sa'yo. Matatapos lang ang discussion kapag lugapay na ang mga nagtotoma. o kaya'y naubos na ang Empi Lights.
How I wish ako ang naatasang magbuod. Ipapaliwanang ko yung hindi nila pinansin na explanation ko about love. Na ang pagibig ang nagpapakatao sa tao. Kung hindi siya magmamahal, nagwawala siya. Samakatwid, para bagang, ang pagibig ang paraan upang makapagmeron ang isang tao.
At dahil nga sobrang bigat ng nakaraang usapan kaya naging light ang tanghali ng August 16. Duamting si Seph at Tita Edna sa Aventus sa kalagitnaan ng araw habang hinihintay ko ang physical exam ko. At totoong pinagaan ni Tita Edna ang araw ko. Tawa lang kami ng tawa pagkatapos mai-submit ang B.I.R. form at medical.
Si Mei? Ayun, miss ko na siya. Ang teacher ko na mas bata pa sa akin. Hay... tama talaga si Steve Jobs. Darating ang panahon, isa isang masasagot ang tanong mo na parang linya sa mga dots na pinagdudugtongdugtong mo. Ngayon, nagsisimula na ngang masagot ang mga tanong kung bakit ang haba ng paghihintay ko bago ako nakalunsad. Kailangan ko pala talga maghintay dahil kung napaaga, hindi ko makikilala sila Aizee, Elaine, Seph, at Kyle. At hindi ko matatagpo si Mei na napakalaki ng naitulong sa aking pagunlad. Binuksan ang isip ko sa mga pagbabago at hinikayat ako na tumapang. Oo katulad kay Ma'am Nikki mahapdi ang ilang tagpo sa paghulma niya sa akin. Rough days ika nga. Pero mas nangibabaw yung respeto ko s akanya bilang tao at guro. At pangarap ko na mahigitan yun sa sandaling magkita kami ng scion ko.
Na-realize ko sa nagdaang buwan na ang sarap pa ring mag aral. At nakakatuwa na may clause sa contract na maaaring magpatuloy sa pagaaral ang mga empleyado. Oo, mag aaral pa ako. Hindi pa tapos ang hangarin kong matuto. Ang dami pang dapat makita at matutunan upang maging buo ako para sa mga anak ko, sa taong sasanayin ko, sa Pilipinas at sa sangkatauhan. Alam ko na tinawag akong maging bahagi ng kasaysayan. Pinanghahawakan ko iyon. At ang lahat ng ito, paghahanda patungo roon.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Always Your Lucky Guy
Happiest day? Yes it is. I signed my contract yesterday. I am now officially a working class citizen. Not as prestigious as one may expect of a guy like me but there is a right time for everything. Definitely, a right time to be somebody. As of now, let's begin our way going to the top from here, from the bottom. There is nothing wrong with this. Vectors are always from one point to a better point. And I am not someone ignorant of vectors.
August 15. The day that I will forever love. We had our feast day celebration when we were in third year being part of the OLA class of 2002. That happened eleven years ago in Bukid Garden---a wonderful experience. Ma'am Jem and the rest of my classmates, ooh I can't forget. It happened exactly the same day as today---Thursday. The music of 2002 brought a lot of spice to the August memory. I'd Rather by Luther Vandross; Shoulda Woulda Coulda by Beverly Knight; I Need A Girl by Usher and P. Diddy; No Such Thing by John Mayer; Are You In by Incubus; Stigmatized by The Calling; Hero by Chad Kroeger; Rainy Days by Ja Rule and Mary J Blidge; Best of Me by Blue; Goodbye To You by Michelle Branch and It's Gonna Be Love by Mandy Moore... what else can be as exclaiming?
Last year, my August 15 was highlighted by the movie of Quen and friends---The Reunion. One of the best movies of that year. That Wednesday was rainy. Rainne made in Rainny. I just can't believe it is now one year after that. That evening, after spending an hour in a computer shop, I watched the finale of Glee Project where Blake Jenner was crowned winner. Then the phone call which lasted for the entire night and welcomed the dawn of Aug 16.
Better days ahead? We'll see. I can't say that it is not. I have a lucrative income now. That's a source of great joy and yes today is Our Lady of Assumption. However the quality of life that I will have to face starting September 16 is kind of rough. I will have to bear the sleepless nights and days without being a couch fanatic, where I can just eat pizza before the TV set. I am so happy that supportive friends came along and why do they all have to be younger. I do not know. Kyle, Aizee, Joseph, Kieth and even Elaine all ranges from 21-23. And I am not that young anymore. Fritz will join their club as he comes August 24. Are these all a sign?
Whatever it is. I am grateful for them coming into my life. A new zest perhaps and a new frame of mind to cultivate. Don't worry. God will be extremely generous to give the expected abundance.
August 15. The day that I will forever love. We had our feast day celebration when we were in third year being part of the OLA class of 2002. That happened eleven years ago in Bukid Garden---a wonderful experience. Ma'am Jem and the rest of my classmates, ooh I can't forget. It happened exactly the same day as today---Thursday. The music of 2002 brought a lot of spice to the August memory. I'd Rather by Luther Vandross; Shoulda Woulda Coulda by Beverly Knight; I Need A Girl by Usher and P. Diddy; No Such Thing by John Mayer; Are You In by Incubus; Stigmatized by The Calling; Hero by Chad Kroeger; Rainy Days by Ja Rule and Mary J Blidge; Best of Me by Blue; Goodbye To You by Michelle Branch and It's Gonna Be Love by Mandy Moore... what else can be as exclaiming?
Last year, my August 15 was highlighted by the movie of Quen and friends---The Reunion. One of the best movies of that year. That Wednesday was rainy. Rainne made in Rainny. I just can't believe it is now one year after that. That evening, after spending an hour in a computer shop, I watched the finale of Glee Project where Blake Jenner was crowned winner. Then the phone call which lasted for the entire night and welcomed the dawn of Aug 16.
Better days ahead? We'll see. I can't say that it is not. I have a lucrative income now. That's a source of great joy and yes today is Our Lady of Assumption. However the quality of life that I will have to face starting September 16 is kind of rough. I will have to bear the sleepless nights and days without being a couch fanatic, where I can just eat pizza before the TV set. I am so happy that supportive friends came along and why do they all have to be younger. I do not know. Kyle, Aizee, Joseph, Kieth and even Elaine all ranges from 21-23. And I am not that young anymore. Fritz will join their club as he comes August 24. Are these all a sign?
Whatever it is. I am grateful for them coming into my life. A new zest perhaps and a new frame of mind to cultivate. Don't worry. God will be extremely generous to give the expected abundance.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
That August When She Dreamed About Me
Hi August!!!!!
Finally, momentous and arduous July is over, leaving plenty of realizations behind. Now we want August to be nice to us. AUGUST seems to be my favorite month of the year in spite of the negative preconceptions about it. They say it's ghost month or the month of storms but I have a lot to be thankful about this/ every August.
It's the 14th day of the training. Technically, last day of classes. Next MONDAY is evaluation day. I am so glad 09 is declared a holiday because of eid'l. I am now at home, enjoying the breeze of the province. Just yesterday, Aizee surprised us about his birthday. And there is a plan of celebrating it next Saturday. That would be tomorrow. Aizee is a lover of music. We are currently enjoying almost all types of music together. What particularly links to him is the song Sa Langit which he introduced to me. Though I still can't get over the death of Dra. Andrea Veneracion or simply Ma'am OA.[ tomorrow will be one month after she died] I cannot write a tribute for her up to now because August became busier than July. So is actor turned singer Cory Monteith who also died days after Ma'am OA. Musicians and artist can say goodbye when it's July but the memory lives on. More festivals for music are now being done in honor of Ma'am OA. And tomorrow I'll be attending one which will be facilitated by Ryan Cayabyab.
I am excited to go out with either Wind or Vien one of these days. Even drink coffee with Jus after a meeting. Or simply celebrate with my wavemates after graduating from the training and before facing the working season.
There's a lot to do this week. A lot which happened last week. More to come by next month. There seem to be no space for me to play "TREASURE" or True Love by Pink. Robin Thicke is not yet part of the plan. Blurred Lines has never covered the entire world yet. But it never stops playing in my head. Good thing that I never really liked We Can't Stop because it may not stop also in my mind had I liked it. How can you love somebody when you are so in love with Maroon 5's "Love Somebody"? And how can you imagine the future if you keep on imagining Imagine Dragons? When you hear Icona Pop singing I Love It or Ciara with her Body Party, how do you feel?
No, I haven't mentioned that tonight is the concert of Fall Out Boys here in Manila. The front act would be Gabby Alipe's band Urbandub. FOB will be singing their latest hit which is really a wonder, My Song Knows What you Did in the Dark. I use to play this song after playing Rihanna's Stay. We are waiting for Mumford and Sons to do a concert here, singing their song Hopeless Wanderer. So also with Before YOU Exit who sings A Little More. Did I say that there is a new one from Kings of Leon called Super Soaker? They are great.
IT' AUGUST and it's music month. WE ALL NEED TO HEAR IT. As mush as we heard the music of long ago during this month.
By the way I am playing Over the Love by Florence and the Machine. [there is no way we can honor Ma'am OA than do as many musical acts as she wants us to when she was alive].
Finally, momentous and arduous July is over, leaving plenty of realizations behind. Now we want August to be nice to us. AUGUST seems to be my favorite month of the year in spite of the negative preconceptions about it. They say it's ghost month or the month of storms but I have a lot to be thankful about this/ every August.
It's the 14th day of the training. Technically, last day of classes. Next MONDAY is evaluation day. I am so glad 09 is declared a holiday because of eid'l. I am now at home, enjoying the breeze of the province. Just yesterday, Aizee surprised us about his birthday. And there is a plan of celebrating it next Saturday. That would be tomorrow. Aizee is a lover of music. We are currently enjoying almost all types of music together. What particularly links to him is the song Sa Langit which he introduced to me. Though I still can't get over the death of Dra. Andrea Veneracion or simply Ma'am OA.[ tomorrow will be one month after she died] I cannot write a tribute for her up to now because August became busier than July. So is actor turned singer Cory Monteith who also died days after Ma'am OA. Musicians and artist can say goodbye when it's July but the memory lives on. More festivals for music are now being done in honor of Ma'am OA. And tomorrow I'll be attending one which will be facilitated by Ryan Cayabyab.
I am excited to go out with either Wind or Vien one of these days. Even drink coffee with Jus after a meeting. Or simply celebrate with my wavemates after graduating from the training and before facing the working season.
There's a lot to do this week. A lot which happened last week. More to come by next month. There seem to be no space for me to play "TREASURE" or True Love by Pink. Robin Thicke is not yet part of the plan. Blurred Lines has never covered the entire world yet. But it never stops playing in my head. Good thing that I never really liked We Can't Stop because it may not stop also in my mind had I liked it. How can you love somebody when you are so in love with Maroon 5's "Love Somebody"? And how can you imagine the future if you keep on imagining Imagine Dragons? When you hear Icona Pop singing I Love It or Ciara with her Body Party, how do you feel?
No, I haven't mentioned that tonight is the concert of Fall Out Boys here in Manila. The front act would be Gabby Alipe's band Urbandub. FOB will be singing their latest hit which is really a wonder, My Song Knows What you Did in the Dark. I use to play this song after playing Rihanna's Stay. We are waiting for Mumford and Sons to do a concert here, singing their song Hopeless Wanderer. So also with Before YOU Exit who sings A Little More. Did I say that there is a new one from Kings of Leon called Super Soaker? They are great.
IT' AUGUST and it's music month. WE ALL NEED TO HEAR IT. As mush as we heard the music of long ago during this month.
By the way I am playing Over the Love by Florence and the Machine. [there is no way we can honor Ma'am OA than do as many musical acts as she wants us to when she was alive].
Friday, July 26, 2013
Corequisite
It's me here in Laguna. To lay my back once again and take a long rest from a busy week schedule that passed. it's day five of the course. We just finished our evaluation day. It's been a long week for me and for the others. It might be tiring, mind boggling, and trembling but all the while it is inspiring and fun. It has been a long time since I was inspired by a woman intellectually. The last time was in 2007 when I was still under the tutelage of Ma'am Nikki. Yet, my English instructor is just half the age of Ma'am Nikki. She's extraordinaire. Reaching this far at an early age. I can't help but envy her most of the time because we are just in the same age bracket and look where she is now and where am I. I'm her student, she my teacher. Now I am more enforced to imagine what if I immediately looked for a job after graduation. I could have had a car already or i could have married Faye last year or this year with enough money to realize her dream wedding. Not like this.
"Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid."
Now this lines from Invictus is becoming more meaningful to me. There are so many plans. There are so many uncertainties. There seem to be more shades of clouds on my way to finish line but I will make all those things my inspiration. Not to mention those persons who believe in me and a lending their hands now to help me. I will draw courage from them. My supportive Mom. My ever reliable best-friend [yes even in financial matters], my cute little ones {Trish, Alen, Santi and Galan], and the learning experiences I had from the sages [Sir Peter, Mr. Tubaña, Ma'am Nikki and Sir Arwin]. Perhaps, in the coming days i will draw more inspiration from my instructor. Given ample time, when she reach Ma'am Nikki's age, she might be able to outdo the CCP-PAD Primadonna.
The city is becoming my new home. My team mates now becoming the new set of friends. It used to be Rand, but Seph is now becoming my new clown. Uncertainties becoming my new hopes. Sometimes i'm afraid to ask myself so I'll just ask God. Where will the money for the rest of the program come from? Will I be present during the August long weekend feast? Will I be able to make it to the company? All these become hanging questions now. I resolve to just enjoy the days to come and accept whatever decision that may affect me. All with open arms and a hopeful spirit. Whatever happens I'll make sure I turn out to be a better person.
"Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid."
Now this lines from Invictus is becoming more meaningful to me. There are so many plans. There are so many uncertainties. There seem to be more shades of clouds on my way to finish line but I will make all those things my inspiration. Not to mention those persons who believe in me and a lending their hands now to help me. I will draw courage from them. My supportive Mom. My ever reliable best-friend [yes even in financial matters], my cute little ones {Trish, Alen, Santi and Galan], and the learning experiences I had from the sages [Sir Peter, Mr. Tubaña, Ma'am Nikki and Sir Arwin]. Perhaps, in the coming days i will draw more inspiration from my instructor. Given ample time, when she reach Ma'am Nikki's age, she might be able to outdo the CCP-PAD Primadonna.
The city is becoming my new home. My team mates now becoming the new set of friends. It used to be Rand, but Seph is now becoming my new clown. Uncertainties becoming my new hopes. Sometimes i'm afraid to ask myself so I'll just ask God. Where will the money for the rest of the program come from? Will I be present during the August long weekend feast? Will I be able to make it to the company? All these become hanging questions now. I resolve to just enjoy the days to come and accept whatever decision that may affect me. All with open arms and a hopeful spirit. Whatever happens I'll make sure I turn out to be a better person.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
New Discoveries About Me
It's when you are challenged by the detours that your true character is tested.
I am embarking on a new journey. Loads are becoming heavier and familiar faces suddenly would disappear. Schedules which were too comfortable are soon to be depleted. I am not doomed, I am stretching a horizon. I am nervous, yes, but more eager than nervous. It is when you're looking at the same sun but on another floor of the house, on another side of the field.
Tuesday, I decided to give it all my guts and be in Manila to do what I must have done three years ago. It makes me sad that every Sunday now I WOULDN'T be able to see my unclaimed son as he sat a pew away from mine. It's quite unlucky that even breakfasts, lunches and dinners will now move away from where they were fixed in my clock. It's sad though that I wouldn't be able to comment to Jus' and Trish's status every single second of the day. Well, it is the new life. For whatever it's worth, I wouldn't be on my way up if I don't do this now. So better make use of this time for enjoying the preparation than use tomorrows fortune in fixing what was broken.
I am meeting new friends. I am learning new skills. I am familiarizing new avenues. Aren't they enough reasons to be grateful for despite the troubles that I am giving up for myself now?
And if I miss portion's of my favorite TV series, aren't the previous ones which I finished conclusively enough to suffice the lack? If I cannot be present where there are occasions to fulfill weren't I showed up in JanJan's wedding last Saturday to complete my bliss? If I won't have the chance now to meet Sheldon, Lorraine, Martee, Alen and my unclaimed son quite often or permanently, isn't this mess all for the future of my true sons and daughters? Or for the future bonding hang outs which I will have with them in the next next years to come?
A change in my environment doesn't necessarily mean a change in my entirety. I will still love the same persons and I will still value the same items and ideas. I will still be the person that I AM. Only that I am innovating my persona to becoming the better version you will ever find. I will not try to surpass my Master--- Mr. Tubaña's is too large a shoe to fill. I will not try to surpass him because I CANNOT. I will simply improve myself in the way enough for my proteges and future children to be proud of me.
I'm doing this for them, but mainly for me. I Should make it up for myself for all the times I wasted in hovering in Lara Faye's shadow. Who knows, in the end it may turn out like I did this for her.
I am embarking on a new journey. Loads are becoming heavier and familiar faces suddenly would disappear. Schedules which were too comfortable are soon to be depleted. I am not doomed, I am stretching a horizon. I am nervous, yes, but more eager than nervous. It is when you're looking at the same sun but on another floor of the house, on another side of the field.
Tuesday, I decided to give it all my guts and be in Manila to do what I must have done three years ago. It makes me sad that every Sunday now I WOULDN'T be able to see my unclaimed son as he sat a pew away from mine. It's quite unlucky that even breakfasts, lunches and dinners will now move away from where they were fixed in my clock. It's sad though that I wouldn't be able to comment to Jus' and Trish's status every single second of the day. Well, it is the new life. For whatever it's worth, I wouldn't be on my way up if I don't do this now. So better make use of this time for enjoying the preparation than use tomorrows fortune in fixing what was broken.
I am meeting new friends. I am learning new skills. I am familiarizing new avenues. Aren't they enough reasons to be grateful for despite the troubles that I am giving up for myself now?
And if I miss portion's of my favorite TV series, aren't the previous ones which I finished conclusively enough to suffice the lack? If I cannot be present where there are occasions to fulfill weren't I showed up in JanJan's wedding last Saturday to complete my bliss? If I won't have the chance now to meet Sheldon, Lorraine, Martee, Alen and my unclaimed son quite often or permanently, isn't this mess all for the future of my true sons and daughters? Or for the future bonding hang outs which I will have with them in the next next years to come?
A change in my environment doesn't necessarily mean a change in my entirety. I will still love the same persons and I will still value the same items and ideas. I will still be the person that I AM. Only that I am innovating my persona to becoming the better version you will ever find. I will not try to surpass my Master--- Mr. Tubaña's is too large a shoe to fill. I will not try to surpass him because I CANNOT. I will simply improve myself in the way enough for my proteges and future children to be proud of me.
I'm doing this for them, but mainly for me. I Should make it up for myself for all the times I wasted in hovering in Lara Faye's shadow. Who knows, in the end it may turn out like I did this for her.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Reign Beyond Sunshine
Humming happy birthday tune to Arthel as she turns a year older.
Ron Ron and his room mate just walked out from the house after a late night visit.
The soil recovering from the afternoon rain.
The drunkards dancing their way out from Banago highways.
You reading this.
Me contemplating before I sleep.
It's the most magical day of July. At least that's what I learned after ten years of gracing this date with planned parties and unreasonable occasions. You will always remember your first conversation with the one you love. You always try to relive whatever happiness you experienced out of that blessing.
I try reprinting some old notes, tried even to re-frame old photos. I tried singing old songs as old as ten. None will turn back the hands of time to relive the moment. I decided to go on and make new moments. Making new history is fun. You cannot be stucked with the old one. With the old brand new you.
If last year we had the Philpop finals night and David Cook's Concert in Manila, this year we lost a personality. Cory Monteith just died in his hotel room in Vancouver at least the breaking news of today. Aside from the fact that I am supposed to write about my July 14 experiences in the past, I can't remember any of newsworthy items for today. Only that, I so love being alive today.
Hopeful? Yes I am. It may not be a great day to rejoice after ten years but still a magical one. Next Saturday would be another D day.
Ron Ron and his room mate just walked out from the house after a late night visit.
The soil recovering from the afternoon rain.
The drunkards dancing their way out from Banago highways.
You reading this.
Me contemplating before I sleep.
It's the most magical day of July. At least that's what I learned after ten years of gracing this date with planned parties and unreasonable occasions. You will always remember your first conversation with the one you love. You always try to relive whatever happiness you experienced out of that blessing.
I try reprinting some old notes, tried even to re-frame old photos. I tried singing old songs as old as ten. None will turn back the hands of time to relive the moment. I decided to go on and make new moments. Making new history is fun. You cannot be stucked with the old one. With the old brand new you.
If last year we had the Philpop finals night and David Cook's Concert in Manila, this year we lost a personality. Cory Monteith just died in his hotel room in Vancouver at least the breaking news of today. Aside from the fact that I am supposed to write about my July 14 experiences in the past, I can't remember any of newsworthy items for today. Only that, I so love being alive today.
Hopeful? Yes I am. It may not be a great day to rejoice after ten years but still a magical one. Next Saturday would be another D day.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Notes Before July Comes
I came across some notes I wrote last year in my leadership diary. It has been a year since I started writing in there. I enjoy reading previous essays which I wrote.
A lot of things happened after June 15. I just came back from Manila last Saturday. Miami Heat just won the NBA Playoff Championship after winning back-to-back against San Antonio Spurs. Man of Steel is currently the hottest movie followed by World War Z and Monster University. Locally, we have Four Sisters and A Wedding as the first installment of the 20th year celebration of Star Cinema. We are at the moment waiting for the Cinemalaya Festival which will be next month.
We are bidding goodbye to June the wedding month, classes in schools are already gearing for momentum after an engine start.
What's in store for us this July? We never know. Only thing certain now is we can enjoy today. As I brave the rainy weather in Manila last Friday, I never let those silly moments ruined my visit. I tried my best to enjoy Ortigas in the finest of ways. I walked around Robinsons mall before going to Burgundy Tower with tyhe thought that my favorite historical drama in GMA just ended last Thursday. The next day is a contrast. Sunny Saturday for June 22. I stopped by South Mall area to amuse myself. See let's enjoy in spite of the derails.
True. The hardest part in life is waiting. Still, as we wait we can enjoy as much. It is your option if you will let disasters control you. Happiness is a choice. Now I'm beginning to fully understand this maxim.
A lot of things happened after June 15. I just came back from Manila last Saturday. Miami Heat just won the NBA Playoff Championship after winning back-to-back against San Antonio Spurs. Man of Steel is currently the hottest movie followed by World War Z and Monster University. Locally, we have Four Sisters and A Wedding as the first installment of the 20th year celebration of Star Cinema. We are at the moment waiting for the Cinemalaya Festival which will be next month.
We are bidding goodbye to June the wedding month, classes in schools are already gearing for momentum after an engine start.
What's in store for us this July? We never know. Only thing certain now is we can enjoy today. As I brave the rainy weather in Manila last Friday, I never let those silly moments ruined my visit. I tried my best to enjoy Ortigas in the finest of ways. I walked around Robinsons mall before going to Burgundy Tower with tyhe thought that my favorite historical drama in GMA just ended last Thursday. The next day is a contrast. Sunny Saturday for June 22. I stopped by South Mall area to amuse myself. See let's enjoy in spite of the derails.
True. The hardest part in life is waiting. Still, as we wait we can enjoy as much. It is your option if you will let disasters control you. Happiness is a choice. Now I'm beginning to fully understand this maxim.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
She Had Me
Raining still as I write this. I never really loved the rainy days but learned to live with it. As I grapple with the thoughts that it's June 15 once again, I can't help but think again of the times when she verily had me.
As in my mind, it is the wedding days of all wedding days. Church bells ring for the wonderful moment between the groom and the bride meeting after the long walk in the aisle. When I don't have bride to wed.
This is June 15, a Saturday, where all the world is busy preparing their surprises for Father's Day when I don't have a father to treat. Nor am I a father who doesn't have a son to treat me out.
I was thinking about many things. Some of them not necessary. This same moment when you would wish you are there but you can't be there. All these paroxysms that makes us lonely. But at this point I will have to decide, decide to be happy. It's June 15, my special day of the year. Shaira Mae, my niece just turned 15 last Tuesday. And it is June 15 when Julia's first episode for MMK will be aired. June 15 is the day I saw Her with much delight. I cannot let this pass by without being special.
I hope it will be as special as it was seven years ago. It's time to see her new tweets and make this day the best day.
As in my mind, it is the wedding days of all wedding days. Church bells ring for the wonderful moment between the groom and the bride meeting after the long walk in the aisle. When I don't have bride to wed.
This is June 15, a Saturday, where all the world is busy preparing their surprises for Father's Day when I don't have a father to treat. Nor am I a father who doesn't have a son to treat me out.
I was thinking about many things. Some of them not necessary. This same moment when you would wish you are there but you can't be there. All these paroxysms that makes us lonely. But at this point I will have to decide, decide to be happy. It's June 15, my special day of the year. Shaira Mae, my niece just turned 15 last Tuesday. And it is June 15 when Julia's first episode for MMK will be aired. June 15 is the day I saw Her with much delight. I cannot let this pass by without being special.
I hope it will be as special as it was seven years ago. It's time to see her new tweets and make this day the best day.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Free Living Upon Leaving Freedom
What an oxymoron that when you take out freedom in your mind it's actually the best time to feel free. Often, we substitute the reel for the real. We presume that what we want will make us happy, only to find out that what we need is not what we want. What makes us free are the guarded truths and not the permissive lies. It is not always about what we want to do but what we are suppose to do that sets us free. Now before I turn myself again into a mystic, let's savor the happiness of Independence Day and pre-independence day events.
June bride are here again to spice up the end of summer. Shaira just celebrated her 15th birthday and I can't be any happier. She's always that little baby that I used to carry in my arms and look now, even if I want the time halt and let her stay in childhood for a while, there's nothing I can do to stop her blossoming before all our eyes. A phone call from a friend officially closed my June 11 with the hope that even if apart from me, Shaira enjoyed her turn into 15. And I am certain that she will enjoy the rest of her 15 as it is the best part of one's life. To be 15 years old and be as excited as the teenage girls and boys about life. She doesn't wanna miss that.
Independence Day, truly a nice day for me. It's like feeling what I need to feel while filling what is there to fill. Myqeen's birthday was totally fun even without her here in the country. That's exactly how June 12 was for me. Ten days after Myx' birthday, it's Richard's birthday. Before getting into his celebration, I decided to visit Lee Harvey in his house, where he is staying in bed til 11am. Ah! What a great chance to bond with friends as MJ also came into Lee's place. What better thing to do when you don't have the channel that airs Heat vs Spurs' game........ Movie Marathon!!!!
We watched Iron Man 3. It is a spectacle. I never really like the previous installment. This one I liked so much. The we watched Oblivion. I have a lot to say about this movie. But I will reserve it until my next entry. Actually, both movies has a thought or two about freedom and independence... yes about human freedom. I encourage everyone to watch it for you all to find out. Another movie. This time a Filipino one. Coming Soon which starred Andi Eigenman and Boy 2 Quizon is a great movie about man's search for freedom and destiny.
As we Filipinos remember how our forefathers fought for our freedom, we are watching non-Filipino sports icon fighting for their NBA title. I am for San Antonio Spurs only for the reason that I really am not a Miami Heat fan. I can't take the fact that Miami again in the finals? Whew!
And as we wait for NBA results, who between Spurs and Heat will win, it seems like Julia Barretto is already wining her game as she stars in MMK Father's Day special this coming Saturday June 15. I am definitely happy seeing that gorgeous tenage girl come into the spotlight.
I heard "Brave" by Sara Bareilles last Tuesday night as Shaira is having her 15th birthday. It is one of the most wonderful music I have heard this year right after Millionaires by The Script and Love Somebody by Maroon 5. There are lots and lots about music this June and I ma planning to write a separate entry for it.
But as I said, June 12 is not all about freedom and independence. It is also about Richard's birthday. By 5pm, I went straight to Chad's place where the celebration is happening. And it was probably the best time to think less of freedom but just going with the flow of life.
It is when one is in total surrender to the weave of life that one finds true happiness and solace. Freedom is just part of the great quest. It is not the ultimate agenda of human life. But we can never go on without finding that real freedom.
If the Philippines is truly an independent nation, then why do the sons and daughters of OFWs feel they are not free to have their family whole and entire?
June bride are here again to spice up the end of summer. Shaira just celebrated her 15th birthday and I can't be any happier. She's always that little baby that I used to carry in my arms and look now, even if I want the time halt and let her stay in childhood for a while, there's nothing I can do to stop her blossoming before all our eyes. A phone call from a friend officially closed my June 11 with the hope that even if apart from me, Shaira enjoyed her turn into 15. And I am certain that she will enjoy the rest of her 15 as it is the best part of one's life. To be 15 years old and be as excited as the teenage girls and boys about life. She doesn't wanna miss that.
Independence Day, truly a nice day for me. It's like feeling what I need to feel while filling what is there to fill. Myqeen's birthday was totally fun even without her here in the country. That's exactly how June 12 was for me. Ten days after Myx' birthday, it's Richard's birthday. Before getting into his celebration, I decided to visit Lee Harvey in his house, where he is staying in bed til 11am. Ah! What a great chance to bond with friends as MJ also came into Lee's place. What better thing to do when you don't have the channel that airs Heat vs Spurs' game........ Movie Marathon!!!!
We watched Iron Man 3. It is a spectacle. I never really like the previous installment. This one I liked so much. The we watched Oblivion. I have a lot to say about this movie. But I will reserve it until my next entry. Actually, both movies has a thought or two about freedom and independence... yes about human freedom. I encourage everyone to watch it for you all to find out. Another movie. This time a Filipino one. Coming Soon which starred Andi Eigenman and Boy 2 Quizon is a great movie about man's search for freedom and destiny.
As we Filipinos remember how our forefathers fought for our freedom, we are watching non-Filipino sports icon fighting for their NBA title. I am for San Antonio Spurs only for the reason that I really am not a Miami Heat fan. I can't take the fact that Miami again in the finals? Whew!
And as we wait for NBA results, who between Spurs and Heat will win, it seems like Julia Barretto is already wining her game as she stars in MMK Father's Day special this coming Saturday June 15. I am definitely happy seeing that gorgeous tenage girl come into the spotlight.
I heard "Brave" by Sara Bareilles last Tuesday night as Shaira is having her 15th birthday. It is one of the most wonderful music I have heard this year right after Millionaires by The Script and Love Somebody by Maroon 5. There are lots and lots about music this June and I ma planning to write a separate entry for it.
But as I said, June 12 is not all about freedom and independence. It is also about Richard's birthday. By 5pm, I went straight to Chad's place where the celebration is happening. And it was probably the best time to think less of freedom but just going with the flow of life.
It is when one is in total surrender to the weave of life that one finds true happiness and solace. Freedom is just part of the great quest. It is not the ultimate agenda of human life. But we can never go on without finding that real freedom.
If the Philippines is truly an independent nation, then why do the sons and daughters of OFWs feel they are not free to have their family whole and entire?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Your Favorite Summer Hash-tags
Summer is soon to be over. Rainy season almost near. School boys and girls are getting ready with stuffs and uniforms. We cannot be as postponing as now. If only we can extend the holidays of summer or just be in this season for the rest of our lives. Every body is waiting for summer and just like that it is to end so quick.
I wanna reflect a little bit of how memorable summer has been for many of us. Where else can we trace the joy of the season but in the social network sites. Instagram has never been this demanding, this summer might be the largest of population added to the instagram community. Most of us taking pictures of our vacations in the beach or just in the pool or the out of town picnic, the summer concerts or the experiments we made at home just to quench our thirsts for summer foods like sorbets.
Throwback Thursday is the name of a weekly post theme that social media users participate in as part of a very general "throwback" activity for posting content.On Thursdays, people usually post photos on sites like Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook that are from the past. Photos can be from years ago or from just a few days ago. There aren't really any limitations, and it really just gives people an excuse to post more.
Definitely tThurs is just another innovation in the realm of #sentisabado if you can remember. But most of the hash-tags in twitter and instagram are containing that nostalgic theme.
#Richard or #LoveandLies can be your hashtags if you are following the latest suspoense drama in GMA. If your staying late after that and an avid of junky love stories, you might be tweeting about #QueenandI because of it's funny yet romantic color. #RobinDude or #Akihiro for TV 5 fans who enjoyed Akihiro Blanco's first ever stint as lead in a month long series. #Aerosmith if you are so into the concert of Aerosmith this month here in Manila or #JasonMraz who also did one. #PBACommisioner with teh recently concluded game between Brangay Ginebra and Alaska Aces where Alaska brought the trophy home. You may want to include #QuenGil or #MMMKJuanPonce if you liked the two part mini series of Enrique Mari Gil in MMK where he portrayed as the adolescent Juan Ponce Enrile.
You may be saddened by the season finale of #GleeSeason4 and disappointed by the results of #AmericanIdol12 which also concluded it's season early this month. You may want to tweet about the #SantaCruzan in your Barangay or #kALOKALIKE which may be your favorite Showtime segment. #iTweetMOAkoSaAraneta is another favorite hashtag because of the successful concert of Jomari Viceral in Araneta.
What's your favorite summer hashtags? The NBA Playoffs Conferences already started. Miami just won the night over Indiana Pacers. Still I am going to join the club of Pacers believers. I may be posting a lot about it in my home pages. What about you? You may be following the controversy of Ai Ai de las Alas' frustrated marriage, then tweet about it.
Summer is soon to be over. Sadness may take control over ones predisposition if one has nothing left to remember about the summer that passed. It is good to take more photos of summer escapades and share it to the world. Actually, sharing it to your self in the future when the truth is you can browse it anytime tomorrow when you are missing yesterday.
I wanna reflect a little bit of how memorable summer has been for many of us. Where else can we trace the joy of the season but in the social network sites. Instagram has never been this demanding, this summer might be the largest of population added to the instagram community. Most of us taking pictures of our vacations in the beach or just in the pool or the out of town picnic, the summer concerts or the experiments we made at home just to quench our thirsts for summer foods like sorbets.
Throwback Thursday is the name of a weekly post theme that social media users participate in as part of a very general "throwback" activity for posting content.On Thursdays, people usually post photos on sites like Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook that are from the past. Photos can be from years ago or from just a few days ago. There aren't really any limitations, and it really just gives people an excuse to post more.
Definitely tThurs is just another innovation in the realm of #sentisabado if you can remember. But most of the hash-tags in twitter and instagram are containing that nostalgic theme.
#Richard or #LoveandLies can be your hashtags if you are following the latest suspoense drama in GMA. If your staying late after that and an avid of junky love stories, you might be tweeting about #QueenandI because of it's funny yet romantic color. #RobinDude or #Akihiro for TV 5 fans who enjoyed Akihiro Blanco's first ever stint as lead in a month long series. #Aerosmith if you are so into the concert of Aerosmith this month here in Manila or #JasonMraz who also did one. #PBACommisioner with teh recently concluded game between Brangay Ginebra and Alaska Aces where Alaska brought the trophy home. You may want to include #QuenGil or #MMMKJuanPonce if you liked the two part mini series of Enrique Mari Gil in MMK where he portrayed as the adolescent Juan Ponce Enrile.
You may be saddened by the season finale of #GleeSeason4 and disappointed by the results of #AmericanIdol12 which also concluded it's season early this month. You may want to tweet about the #SantaCruzan in your Barangay or #kALOKALIKE which may be your favorite Showtime segment. #iTweetMOAkoSaAraneta is another favorite hashtag because of the successful concert of Jomari Viceral in Araneta.
What's your favorite summer hashtags? The NBA Playoffs Conferences already started. Miami just won the night over Indiana Pacers. Still I am going to join the club of Pacers believers. I may be posting a lot about it in my home pages. What about you? You may be following the controversy of Ai Ai de las Alas' frustrated marriage, then tweet about it.
Summer is soon to be over. Sadness may take control over ones predisposition if one has nothing left to remember about the summer that passed. It is good to take more photos of summer escapades and share it to the world. Actually, sharing it to your self in the future when the truth is you can browse it anytime tomorrow when you are missing yesterday.
Monday, May 20, 2013
However Democratic This World Maybe
This is the Philippines, three times colonized by various imperial powers for four centuries. Never the oppressor. Always the oppressed. Victim of cultural inferiority. The country which until now never really appreciated its own culture and historicity, hence adores the culture of the west with utmost guilty pleasure.
This is the Philippines where Hayden Kho can do feminine desecration and come out in public with his own brand of perfume as if he's one of the most fragrant guys on earth. Where Raymart Santiago and Eduardo Atilano can beat an old media man at the airport and have a primetime TV show after 6 months. Where a president accused opf plunder, sentenced and overthrown from office can become a presidential candidate again and almost won now the proclaimed mayor of the state capital. This is the Philippines. a country which never get tired and will never get tired of Kris Aquino's real life drama. A country very much different from that of Australia, France, New Zealand or Sweden. This is the country where Nancy Binay can win a senatorial race and tramp Milagros Magsaysay and Risa Hontiveros on a national election. A country in need of axiological more than political and economic reforms.
There are times when no one can blame you for being too hopeless, you feel you have all the reasons to pack your stuffs and migrate to another country where opportunities for financial and professional stability are lurking.
A little sense of foolishness can be found in our frenzy for the election season. We love voting for law makers who will legislate the regulations of the land but it seems that very few of us have the interest in obeying laws. No less than the largets religious institution in this country misreads the provision on the separation between the Church and state. Until now, the battles is neck to neck between prolife and pro RH with both political and religious color. The media, another outfit which seem to disregard the Fair Elections Act Sec 6.7-6.8 when MMK Kampanyaserye hit the television serving the interests of the candidates whose very lives were portrayed in the episodes within the campaign and pre-campaign seasons. Th elikes of Grace Poe Llamansares played by Erich Gonzales; Alan Peter Cayetano played by Gerald Randolph Anderson Jr.; Leni Robredo played by Kaye Abad and just two weeks before the election, the life of Jackie Enrile's octagenarian father Juan Ponce Enrile in a two part mini series played by the charming Enrique Mari Gil, all benefited from the show.
I will never find an answer as to why the Philippines is like this. None of us will ever make it alone. Yet rather than asking the questions from where these things originated, the country should start working on a solution to definite sociological problems. And the senatorial election is very much an influential factor to finding an answer. Imposition of laws that can forge order and proper discipline are engines of sophisticated political anbd economic prosperity. If we have the right persons in the government, hotly now, the senate, then we can be a bit secure that necessary laws will be enacted and implemented.
The first thing, incumbent senators must allot a budget for their crash course in European and Asian Studies. Visit the nations in Europe and Asia which are ahead of us like the United Kingdom,Singapore and South Korea then study what measures are applicable also in the Philippines. Scrutinize it. Do not just experiment. Becasue we are wasting a lot of money in testing a system which is not 100% sure to be working. Create jobs and opportunities. Make our people healthy not just fed and then they will be ready to be educated. Voters education should top the list if we want to avoid another Nancy Binay the next time to enter the picture.
Whenever I see the faces of my once brilliant professors and my mentors, I know there is hope in this country. That though Nicanor Abelardo, Raul Manglapus, Claro M Recto, and Ninoy Aquino had long gone by there is assurance for some individuals like them are still alive. Whenever I see photos of me with youth participants who attended my powerpoint lectures on youth leadership, I know there is a spark of brighter tomorrow in this archipelago. I am always encourage to continue doing what I do to the kids who will one day take over our posts or perhaps one day be the names to shade in my ballot.
I'm sure I can do no more with the folks who championed Nancy Binay a senate seat but there is a lot to be done forming the intellectual makeup of the youngsters who are potential leaders of the destiny being honed. And if ever the Philippines has her own destiny to boast, then I like being part of its fulfillment. Even if it means a stockpile of powerpoint CDs and workshop modules.
This is the Philippines where Hayden Kho can do feminine desecration and come out in public with his own brand of perfume as if he's one of the most fragrant guys on earth. Where Raymart Santiago and Eduardo Atilano can beat an old media man at the airport and have a primetime TV show after 6 months. Where a president accused opf plunder, sentenced and overthrown from office can become a presidential candidate again and almost won now the proclaimed mayor of the state capital. This is the Philippines. a country which never get tired and will never get tired of Kris Aquino's real life drama. A country very much different from that of Australia, France, New Zealand or Sweden. This is the country where Nancy Binay can win a senatorial race and tramp Milagros Magsaysay and Risa Hontiveros on a national election. A country in need of axiological more than political and economic reforms.
There are times when no one can blame you for being too hopeless, you feel you have all the reasons to pack your stuffs and migrate to another country where opportunities for financial and professional stability are lurking.
A little sense of foolishness can be found in our frenzy for the election season. We love voting for law makers who will legislate the regulations of the land but it seems that very few of us have the interest in obeying laws. No less than the largets religious institution in this country misreads the provision on the separation between the Church and state. Until now, the battles is neck to neck between prolife and pro RH with both political and religious color. The media, another outfit which seem to disregard the Fair Elections Act Sec 6.7-6.8 when MMK Kampanyaserye hit the television serving the interests of the candidates whose very lives were portrayed in the episodes within the campaign and pre-campaign seasons. Th elikes of Grace Poe Llamansares played by Erich Gonzales; Alan Peter Cayetano played by Gerald Randolph Anderson Jr.; Leni Robredo played by Kaye Abad and just two weeks before the election, the life of Jackie Enrile's octagenarian father Juan Ponce Enrile in a two part mini series played by the charming Enrique Mari Gil, all benefited from the show.
I will never find an answer as to why the Philippines is like this. None of us will ever make it alone. Yet rather than asking the questions from where these things originated, the country should start working on a solution to definite sociological problems. And the senatorial election is very much an influential factor to finding an answer. Imposition of laws that can forge order and proper discipline are engines of sophisticated political anbd economic prosperity. If we have the right persons in the government, hotly now, the senate, then we can be a bit secure that necessary laws will be enacted and implemented.
The first thing, incumbent senators must allot a budget for their crash course in European and Asian Studies. Visit the nations in Europe and Asia which are ahead of us like the United Kingdom,Singapore and South Korea then study what measures are applicable also in the Philippines. Scrutinize it. Do not just experiment. Becasue we are wasting a lot of money in testing a system which is not 100% sure to be working. Create jobs and opportunities. Make our people healthy not just fed and then they will be ready to be educated. Voters education should top the list if we want to avoid another Nancy Binay the next time to enter the picture.
Whenever I see the faces of my once brilliant professors and my mentors, I know there is hope in this country. That though Nicanor Abelardo, Raul Manglapus, Claro M Recto, and Ninoy Aquino had long gone by there is assurance for some individuals like them are still alive. Whenever I see photos of me with youth participants who attended my powerpoint lectures on youth leadership, I know there is a spark of brighter tomorrow in this archipelago. I am always encourage to continue doing what I do to the kids who will one day take over our posts or perhaps one day be the names to shade in my ballot.
I'm sure I can do no more with the folks who championed Nancy Binay a senate seat but there is a lot to be done forming the intellectual makeup of the youngsters who are potential leaders of the destiny being honed. And if ever the Philippines has her own destiny to boast, then I like being part of its fulfillment. Even if it means a stockpile of powerpoint CDs and workshop modules.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Paragon
I always wanted to find a perfect word to describe Mr. Tubaña and it feels like even the word Paragon would never be enough to encapsulate the entirety of his being. There would be nothing perfect for a student to express the influence and impact that his master made into his life. The impact is absolutely incredible.
The drive to be always at par with his accomplishments is definitely rooted from the inspiration which he brought into me. And today we are celebrating my master's birth anniversary, wherever he is, we can only send him our prayers, and only the best for him.
I am astounded by the fact that this is not the sole reason to be happy. April 27 is a great date for a lot of reasons. We are one with all the Liliweños in their observance of the tsinelas Festival. As we visit Liliw for another great occasion, that of Rene's anticipated birthday treat. We could have been happier if all of us have enough resources to attend Paula Arnuco and Edison Reyes' matrimonial ceremony. I can only wish teh best for both of them. Paula has been a long time friend and had done a lot of favors for me in our teenage days. My prayers would be long tonight! [hahaha!] Just a trivia, Comm Rufy Biazon and Cheryl Cosim were principal sponsors.
Speaking of wedding, today too, we are remembering Tita Rita and Tito Maning's wedding anniversary. I guess it's their 30th year. Clsoe Up Summer Solstice is another event that the pop fanatics are really excited of. In our television sets we rejoice with the entire nation as we watch Vic Sotto's birthday tribute in Eat Bulaga. We have the PBA Semi's with Alaska Aces and San Mig fighting for the slot. Airing of the 50th anniversary of German Moreno will be tonight. The same is true with Juan Ponce Enrile's life story as we enjoy it tonight at MMK.
There could have been a perfect April 27 and perfection is such an obscure word to define. Let's find another word.
Maybe, I'm beginning to understand why Mr. Ronald Tubaña was born April 27.
The drive to be always at par with his accomplishments is definitely rooted from the inspiration which he brought into me. And today we are celebrating my master's birth anniversary, wherever he is, we can only send him our prayers, and only the best for him.
I am astounded by the fact that this is not the sole reason to be happy. April 27 is a great date for a lot of reasons. We are one with all the Liliweños in their observance of the tsinelas Festival. As we visit Liliw for another great occasion, that of Rene's anticipated birthday treat. We could have been happier if all of us have enough resources to attend Paula Arnuco and Edison Reyes' matrimonial ceremony. I can only wish teh best for both of them. Paula has been a long time friend and had done a lot of favors for me in our teenage days. My prayers would be long tonight! [hahaha!] Just a trivia, Comm Rufy Biazon and Cheryl Cosim were principal sponsors.
Speaking of wedding, today too, we are remembering Tita Rita and Tito Maning's wedding anniversary. I guess it's their 30th year. Clsoe Up Summer Solstice is another event that the pop fanatics are really excited of. In our television sets we rejoice with the entire nation as we watch Vic Sotto's birthday tribute in Eat Bulaga. We have the PBA Semi's with Alaska Aces and San Mig fighting for the slot. Airing of the 50th anniversary of German Moreno will be tonight. The same is true with Juan Ponce Enrile's life story as we enjoy it tonight at MMK.
There could have been a perfect April 27 and perfection is such an obscure word to define. Let's find another word.
Maybe, I'm beginning to understand why Mr. Ronald Tubaña was born April 27.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Height Froze Believer's Might
You wake up in the morning and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best friend you have ever known. It's Dan's birthday and I have all the reason to enjoy the Wednesday.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
After March Sizzling Fever
Getting even hotter this time even a month post experiences from last month's events.
1. LFVC celebrated her 22nd birthday
2. Equinox and commemoration of LFVC graduation ceremony in 2007
3. Summer trippings with family happened at the last Saturday of March, and bonding moments with a lot of friends, Rene and Ric Jayson in particular.
You know it. I know it. March is too hot to be true yet real in all sense. However, I will always be expectant of the month of April for several adorable reasons. That includes the birthday of specials persons in my life. The celebration of rural festivals in this province, particularly in this district.
You know it. I know it. March 2013 is forever etched in my memory as I try to contemplate on what already transpired for the month of April. Awesome experiences even without really visiting of places on my part. We know that I have this grand plan of visiting friends in Manila or having some trips of my own to learn new places this summer. We are also waiting for the arrival of Rene's classmates who wants to enjoy Laguna at it's best this vacation season.
Ooh there are lots of exciting things to look forward. To everyone happy April long to all of you. Brave the heat!
1. LFVC celebrated her 22nd birthday
2. Equinox and commemoration of LFVC graduation ceremony in 2007
3. Summer trippings with family happened at the last Saturday of March, and bonding moments with a lot of friends, Rene and Ric Jayson in particular.
You know it. I know it. March is too hot to be true yet real in all sense. However, I will always be expectant of the month of April for several adorable reasons. That includes the birthday of specials persons in my life. The celebration of rural festivals in this province, particularly in this district.
You know it. I know it. March 2013 is forever etched in my memory as I try to contemplate on what already transpired for the month of April. Awesome experiences even without really visiting of places on my part. We know that I have this grand plan of visiting friends in Manila or having some trips of my own to learn new places this summer. We are also waiting for the arrival of Rene's classmates who wants to enjoy Laguna at it's best this vacation season.
Ooh there are lots of exciting things to look forward. To everyone happy April long to all of you. Brave the heat!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Putting My Faith In Love Line
We cannot discount the fact that moving is such a personal problem only because the March 15 birthday celebrant is still a heart occupant.
Ides of March we call it, the day Julius Ceasar died, but for me it is one of the best day a lover can celebrate. March 20 only comes second. March 20 is the day she graduated in highschool. A miraculous day when I had the chance to see it and celebrate it right there with her. March 2, the day I've learned that Sheena Orolfo exists. it was that summer of 2007 when Lara passed her diadem to Sheena as she leaves our high school academy. Always a great day after celebrating her birthday is the day she along with Rizzel, Chona and other young maidens receive her diploma.
If March 15 is the ides of March, a fire prevention day, March 20 is known as the vernal Equinox. It is the date when day and night are of equal proportion in terms of hour.
As we move closer and closer to March 23 and to the Holy Week, the week where there is less twitter updates and fb statuses, I want to re-assure myself of one promise; that next year's March 15 and 20 will be even better.
Yes, I sacrificed the beauty of the dates this year due to unanticipated circumstances. I must say that there should have been more glory days if have had enough savings and on-the-time allowances but it never happened exactly the way I planned it. Now that we are waiting for Lawson to invade Manila and Demi Lovato singing for Filipinos here tonight. I cannot swallow that easy that here I am spending those days in the ordinary when in fact she wanted me to spend it this way.
Last Monday, I was supposed to be in UP. The Script will have their concert March 31 this year. There's a lot of work and events to attend but I only have me instead. graduation ceremonies are here again. Please, heaven shine on me and bring me Lara. Because anywhere and anytime with her is a spacial date. I don't have to wear new socks nor coat. I don't even need to shave or bathe thrice. I don't need to buy expensive foods and busy myself with a different routine in a different location with a different persona. i only need to love her. I only need to be with her coz everyday and everyplace with her is paradise.
That's how she is to me. That is why she was born. To make everyday a special day.
You don't need to wait March 15 when you're with the one you love. You just need to love. To be. And let her BE. ///
Ides of March we call it, the day Julius Ceasar died, but for me it is one of the best day a lover can celebrate. March 20 only comes second. March 20 is the day she graduated in highschool. A miraculous day when I had the chance to see it and celebrate it right there with her. March 2, the day I've learned that Sheena Orolfo exists. it was that summer of 2007 when Lara passed her diadem to Sheena as she leaves our high school academy. Always a great day after celebrating her birthday is the day she along with Rizzel, Chona and other young maidens receive her diploma.
If March 15 is the ides of March, a fire prevention day, March 20 is known as the vernal Equinox. It is the date when day and night are of equal proportion in terms of hour.
As we move closer and closer to March 23 and to the Holy Week, the week where there is less twitter updates and fb statuses, I want to re-assure myself of one promise; that next year's March 15 and 20 will be even better.
Yes, I sacrificed the beauty of the dates this year due to unanticipated circumstances. I must say that there should have been more glory days if have had enough savings and on-the-time allowances but it never happened exactly the way I planned it. Now that we are waiting for Lawson to invade Manila and Demi Lovato singing for Filipinos here tonight. I cannot swallow that easy that here I am spending those days in the ordinary when in fact she wanted me to spend it this way.
Last Monday, I was supposed to be in UP. The Script will have their concert March 31 this year. There's a lot of work and events to attend but I only have me instead. graduation ceremonies are here again. Please, heaven shine on me and bring me Lara. Because anywhere and anytime with her is a spacial date. I don't have to wear new socks nor coat. I don't even need to shave or bathe thrice. I don't need to buy expensive foods and busy myself with a different routine in a different location with a different persona. i only need to love her. I only need to be with her coz everyday and everyplace with her is paradise.
That's how she is to me. That is why she was born. To make everyday a special day.
You don't need to wait March 15 when you're with the one you love. You just need to love. To be. And let her BE. ///
Friday, March 15, 2013
I'm Stuck
I'm Stuck because I cannot move on with my life
I'm Stuck because I still dream about her whether I'm asleep or I'm awake
I'm Stuck because she remains a constant part of my life
I'm Stuck because I still mark March 15 in my calendar and it's her birthday
I'm Stuck because when I think of marrying she's the first woman that enters my imagination wearing the bridal gown with a veil of white.
I'm Stuck because whenever I hear her favorite songs, I move back down
I'm Stuck because I am happy when I hear her name
I'm Stuck because it's always fun to see her wacky pictures
I'm Stuck because I always want to get back to the time when we were still wearing our high school uniforms and I am doing everything I can just for her to take notice.
I'm Stuck because I cannot write a song about another girl
I'm Stuck because no one in this world can massage my back when it aches and i don't dare anyone touch it if not she
I'm Stuck because I still put two plates in the dine and cook two spams for morning meal
I'm Stuck because her pillow remains in my huge bed thinking that anytime of the night she'll come by and take a night of sleep though she has a home of her own.
I'm Stuck because I cannot speak of love if it's not consecutive to her
I'm Stuck because her number is the first name you can dial from my phone book
I'm Stuck because I am waiting another van ride hoping she'll be there sitting next to me
I'm Stuck because I still want to name a girl daughter if ever... Lauren Stacy ...
I'm Stuck because every season I want to know how she feels
I'm Stuck because I cannot mention the word "Darling" and "Sweety" when there is another girl not she
I'm Stuck because all roads lead to Lara Faye./
and so to you who makes my life a complicated life...
Happy 22nd Birthday!
I miss you and may I be stuck here forever and melt with you.
I'm Stuck because I still dream about her whether I'm asleep or I'm awake
I'm Stuck because she remains a constant part of my life
I'm Stuck because I still mark March 15 in my calendar and it's her birthday
I'm Stuck because when I think of marrying she's the first woman that enters my imagination wearing the bridal gown with a veil of white.
I'm Stuck because whenever I hear her favorite songs, I move back down
I'm Stuck because I am happy when I hear her name
I'm Stuck because it's always fun to see her wacky pictures
I'm Stuck because I always want to get back to the time when we were still wearing our high school uniforms and I am doing everything I can just for her to take notice.
I'm Stuck because I cannot write a song about another girl
I'm Stuck because no one in this world can massage my back when it aches and i don't dare anyone touch it if not she
I'm Stuck because I still put two plates in the dine and cook two spams for morning meal
I'm Stuck because her pillow remains in my huge bed thinking that anytime of the night she'll come by and take a night of sleep though she has a home of her own.
I'm Stuck because I cannot speak of love if it's not consecutive to her
I'm Stuck because her number is the first name you can dial from my phone book
I'm Stuck because I am waiting another van ride hoping she'll be there sitting next to me
I'm Stuck because I still want to name a girl daughter if ever... Lauren Stacy ...
I'm Stuck because every season I want to know how she feels
I'm Stuck because I cannot mention the word "Darling" and "Sweety" when there is another girl not she
I'm Stuck because all roads lead to Lara Faye./
and so to you who makes my life a complicated life...
Happy 22nd Birthday!
I miss you and may I be stuck here forever and melt with you.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Brighter Future Awaiting Neo-Classical Music
Paving the way for a more vibrant proliferation of the arts in this country are the social networking media; the efforts of National Commission for Culture and the Arts; the fusion of traditional media outfits and academic institutions envisioning a more cultured environment for Filipino youth.
It is not anymore a surprise that amidst the inviolation of internal and external socio-economic and political problems, local artists are never wary nor discouraged to promote a culture of international aesthetic ties and local activities cum festivities that concerns exhibitions of heritage and passionate talents.
I am forever a slave of the arts. I am forever indebted to arts. I am forever in support for the arts. In as much as I am convinced that it is a form of leisure and entertainment, I am also pursuant of educating people of its intellectual, sociological, and spiritual relevance. If we are simply watching Italian films to be entertained then we are missing the point. Film is an art as much as it is a vehicle of communication. A screenplay wright wants to communicate something to the populace yet his avenue is thru script writing. And as the director reads the script, he augments the idea of the screenplay and develop a more vivid concept, this concept is then translated into a film.
Last year, plenty of foreign film festivals graced mega Manila. Not to mention the exclusive premiere of Bourne Legacy which is purely mainstream, Instituto Cervantes in cooperation with the Cultural Center showed Indie Spanish films to the delight of Filipinos. Cinemalaya is already an institution in the Philippine Cinema. Yearly, it is one of the most anticipated festival by movie enthusiasts.
On my part, more than the explosion of local and foreign film festivals, Filipino audiences were enthralled by the versatility of theater and broadway arts. 2012 will forever be known in history as the first ever visit of Phantom of the Opera. One cannot describe how busy the CCP was upon hosting the most famous production in broadway. While all these are happening in CCP, the King and I was gracing the Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila. Indeed, RWM is a valuable development in stage drama and broadway arts.
To top it all, we have the classical music,that of the orchestra and choral arts most welcomed last year by Filipino concert goers. The institution of ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra might have been a gamble for the ABS CBN Corporation but nonetheless, the reception of the masses is absolutely overwhelming. Moreover, we have Maestro Olivier Ochanine at the helm of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra playing excellent works every month of 2012 outdoing the accomplishments of his predecessor. These and more for the orchestra community this year. My conscious update tells me that more and more college students will be encouraged to shift in music courses if they really want to because they are seeing now that music is a lucrative profession. Thanks to ABS CBN, I have this feeling that other networks will soon follow the trend.
Who will forget that January of last year the Capella of Calvin College under the tutelage of Maestro Joel Navarro PhD. visited Manila for a one night concert at the Church of Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University. I happened to be there and I really enjoyed the celestial sonority of the choral knowing they have different techniques alien to Filipino chorale groups. This March 18, Klaus-Jurgen Etzold will hold a master class in choral arts at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium of University of the Philippines Diliman. I will be attending the once in a life time workshop and hope that this early it will be one of the highlights of the choral music events in the Philippines.
Really? We are moving into a direction where more and more and falling in love with the classical music of old and the new school. The revitalization of choral arts and orchestra music is called neo-classicism. I will continue more of this analysis on my next journal entry but for the mean time, we'll have to wait for more upcoming events to fill the ambiance with fresher air and classical music to be incorporated in our daily playlist.
It is not anymore a surprise that amidst the inviolation of internal and external socio-economic and political problems, local artists are never wary nor discouraged to promote a culture of international aesthetic ties and local activities cum festivities that concerns exhibitions of heritage and passionate talents.
I am forever a slave of the arts. I am forever indebted to arts. I am forever in support for the arts. In as much as I am convinced that it is a form of leisure and entertainment, I am also pursuant of educating people of its intellectual, sociological, and spiritual relevance. If we are simply watching Italian films to be entertained then we are missing the point. Film is an art as much as it is a vehicle of communication. A screenplay wright wants to communicate something to the populace yet his avenue is thru script writing. And as the director reads the script, he augments the idea of the screenplay and develop a more vivid concept, this concept is then translated into a film.
Last year, plenty of foreign film festivals graced mega Manila. Not to mention the exclusive premiere of Bourne Legacy which is purely mainstream, Instituto Cervantes in cooperation with the Cultural Center showed Indie Spanish films to the delight of Filipinos. Cinemalaya is already an institution in the Philippine Cinema. Yearly, it is one of the most anticipated festival by movie enthusiasts.
On my part, more than the explosion of local and foreign film festivals, Filipino audiences were enthralled by the versatility of theater and broadway arts. 2012 will forever be known in history as the first ever visit of Phantom of the Opera. One cannot describe how busy the CCP was upon hosting the most famous production in broadway. While all these are happening in CCP, the King and I was gracing the Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila. Indeed, RWM is a valuable development in stage drama and broadway arts.
To top it all, we have the classical music,that of the orchestra and choral arts most welcomed last year by Filipino concert goers. The institution of ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra might have been a gamble for the ABS CBN Corporation but nonetheless, the reception of the masses is absolutely overwhelming. Moreover, we have Maestro Olivier Ochanine at the helm of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra playing excellent works every month of 2012 outdoing the accomplishments of his predecessor. These and more for the orchestra community this year. My conscious update tells me that more and more college students will be encouraged to shift in music courses if they really want to because they are seeing now that music is a lucrative profession. Thanks to ABS CBN, I have this feeling that other networks will soon follow the trend.
Who will forget that January of last year the Capella of Calvin College under the tutelage of Maestro Joel Navarro PhD. visited Manila for a one night concert at the Church of Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University. I happened to be there and I really enjoyed the celestial sonority of the choral knowing they have different techniques alien to Filipino chorale groups. This March 18, Klaus-Jurgen Etzold will hold a master class in choral arts at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium of University of the Philippines Diliman. I will be attending the once in a life time workshop and hope that this early it will be one of the highlights of the choral music events in the Philippines.
Really? We are moving into a direction where more and more and falling in love with the classical music of old and the new school. The revitalization of choral arts and orchestra music is called neo-classicism. I will continue more of this analysis on my next journal entry but for the mean time, we'll have to wait for more upcoming events to fill the ambiance with fresher air and classical music to be incorporated in our daily playlist.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
No Precious Time When Resigning
This article was written February 15 2013
Last Monday, feast of the Our Lady of Lourdes and two days before Ash Wednesday [official start of the Lenten Season] the Holy Father Benedict XVI renounced his papacy. A news that shocked not only the Catholic faithful community but even more, the media.
With questions of stability a midst the scandals hovering the Church today, the resignation of Pope Benedict is too much a burden for the college of Cardinals and a sources of uncertainty to weakening Catholic population.
It is true in the sense that for most Catholics, papal resignation is next to impossible if not a taboo. It is the first time in our generation that a Holy Pontiff of Rome resigns from his post. During the early history of the Church such phenomenon may occur as a normal consequence but not at this point. When a Church so stable that it is known as the largest of all eldest institutions, this act is saliently hypothetical.
A lot of questions arises after the news broke out from international media. The morning of February 12, messages from my friends flooded my phone as the brouhaha around the issue continues. My friend, Kevin Roy Castillo asked me bravely, "Papacy. Is it a job or a role?" Definitely neither of the two. It is a ministry. And it will forever be one. A service to Christ and to His Church. When somebody sees himself no longer fit for the ministry, it is with utmost prudence that he leaves it vacant for another worthy person to fill.
It is, as expected, given that several Vatican critics would compare and contrast Benedict XVI with his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. The latter may be the most accomplished papal of the yestermillenium. And I am well certain that Benedict is more than conscious of that. I would like to stress, that they are two different persons with different theological and prysbeterial backgrounds but with only one faith and ministry. While Pope John Paul II may be too charismatic and known to be possessing a paramount degree of emotional quotient, Benedict is a man of high intellect and formed by simplistic way of Christian Catholic life. The legacy of the man [Benedict] is more inclined to his dialogues with the secular and agnostics and in the strengthening of Christian catechism and doctrines.He will be known in history as the first Roman Pontiff who opened a twitter account, who stepped down from office in a stable period of the Church [the previous popes who resigned were of dramatic circumstances], and the first pope who will kiss the ring of his successor while witnessing the shattering of his own.
The next thing that came into my mind is the problem of protocol. Since this is first in a systematic way, with less drama of course, we do not have a precedent of how things are to be done after the abdication in February 28. Definitely, we are not seeing a camerlengo hitting the former pope with a hammer on his forehead. How will he be addressed? As to what I know, he will be called Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger episcopos emeritus of Rome. Will he still be infallible? Not anymore, for the pope is only infallible when speaking "from-the-chair" or ex cathedra. And since Bendict is no longer at the Chair of Saint Peter, his declarations and beliefs will not be infallible anymore. His power will be that of the same as the ordinary and will affect all the affairs of the Vatican office no longer.
It is very saddening O know, but to trust Benedict with his decision is the most we can do. After all, Benedict XVI is a theologian, an intellectual at that, whose immense ideological framework can be described as that between Jurgen Habermas and Yves Congar. Truly, a German thinker of his own right. His decision is premeditated and since a pope, it is a decision we presume to be guided by the Holy Ghost.
This brings us to another point, that of a successor. However, I'll leave it to the experts as to how they will bet for the future pope of the Church. It would be to early to claim a particular personality stepping into the throne of Church's noble. What is clear to me? The fact that because of age problems Benedict resigned, the College of Cardinal would elect a pope at the prime of his age so that the new pontiff would not be sabotaged by an ailing age problem as impediment to his ministry. I know that most of those expecting a younger Cardinal might thought of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. He is after all a great theologian with immeasurable piety, exuberant youthfulness and charisma plus the fact that he is the second of the collegiate benjamins.
Again, too early to be certain. I know that Cardinal Chito possesses the qualities we are looking for a pope who will reign in a post modern post American world. He is from a third world country, the first probably from Asia who will take full responsibility of the flock on earth. Asia, Africa and Latin America are the new breeding ground of vocation. Europe is now finding their way to re-Christianize their continent. It is a high time for an Asian pontiff. But so too for an African pontiff. And Cardinal Turkson is one of the most visible contender. Whoever he may be, the new pope must take the responsibility of strengthening the ecclesiastical stability which is mildly shaken by this resignation.
Last Monday, feast of the Our Lady of Lourdes and two days before Ash Wednesday [official start of the Lenten Season] the Holy Father Benedict XVI renounced his papacy. A news that shocked not only the Catholic faithful community but even more, the media.
With questions of stability a midst the scandals hovering the Church today, the resignation of Pope Benedict is too much a burden for the college of Cardinals and a sources of uncertainty to weakening Catholic population.
It is true in the sense that for most Catholics, papal resignation is next to impossible if not a taboo. It is the first time in our generation that a Holy Pontiff of Rome resigns from his post. During the early history of the Church such phenomenon may occur as a normal consequence but not at this point. When a Church so stable that it is known as the largest of all eldest institutions, this act is saliently hypothetical.
A lot of questions arises after the news broke out from international media. The morning of February 12, messages from my friends flooded my phone as the brouhaha around the issue continues. My friend, Kevin Roy Castillo asked me bravely, "Papacy. Is it a job or a role?" Definitely neither of the two. It is a ministry. And it will forever be one. A service to Christ and to His Church. When somebody sees himself no longer fit for the ministry, it is with utmost prudence that he leaves it vacant for another worthy person to fill.
It is, as expected, given that several Vatican critics would compare and contrast Benedict XVI with his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. The latter may be the most accomplished papal of the yestermillenium. And I am well certain that Benedict is more than conscious of that. I would like to stress, that they are two different persons with different theological and prysbeterial backgrounds but with only one faith and ministry. While Pope John Paul II may be too charismatic and known to be possessing a paramount degree of emotional quotient, Benedict is a man of high intellect and formed by simplistic way of Christian Catholic life. The legacy of the man [Benedict] is more inclined to his dialogues with the secular and agnostics and in the strengthening of Christian catechism and doctrines.He will be known in history as the first Roman Pontiff who opened a twitter account, who stepped down from office in a stable period of the Church [the previous popes who resigned were of dramatic circumstances], and the first pope who will kiss the ring of his successor while witnessing the shattering of his own.
The next thing that came into my mind is the problem of protocol. Since this is first in a systematic way, with less drama of course, we do not have a precedent of how things are to be done after the abdication in February 28. Definitely, we are not seeing a camerlengo hitting the former pope with a hammer on his forehead. How will he be addressed? As to what I know, he will be called Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger episcopos emeritus of Rome. Will he still be infallible? Not anymore, for the pope is only infallible when speaking "from-the-chair" or ex cathedra. And since Bendict is no longer at the Chair of Saint Peter, his declarations and beliefs will not be infallible anymore. His power will be that of the same as the ordinary and will affect all the affairs of the Vatican office no longer.
It is very saddening O know, but to trust Benedict with his decision is the most we can do. After all, Benedict XVI is a theologian, an intellectual at that, whose immense ideological framework can be described as that between Jurgen Habermas and Yves Congar. Truly, a German thinker of his own right. His decision is premeditated and since a pope, it is a decision we presume to be guided by the Holy Ghost.
This brings us to another point, that of a successor. However, I'll leave it to the experts as to how they will bet for the future pope of the Church. It would be to early to claim a particular personality stepping into the throne of Church's noble. What is clear to me? The fact that because of age problems Benedict resigned, the College of Cardinal would elect a pope at the prime of his age so that the new pontiff would not be sabotaged by an ailing age problem as impediment to his ministry. I know that most of those expecting a younger Cardinal might thought of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. He is after all a great theologian with immeasurable piety, exuberant youthfulness and charisma plus the fact that he is the second of the collegiate benjamins.
Again, too early to be certain. I know that Cardinal Chito possesses the qualities we are looking for a pope who will reign in a post modern post American world. He is from a third world country, the first probably from Asia who will take full responsibility of the flock on earth. Asia, Africa and Latin America are the new breeding ground of vocation. Europe is now finding their way to re-Christianize their continent. It is a high time for an Asian pontiff. But so too for an African pontiff. And Cardinal Turkson is one of the most visible contender. Whoever he may be, the new pope must take the responsibility of strengthening the ecclesiastical stability which is mildly shaken by this resignation.
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