The Queen Comes To Town

It has been six years and eight months since the last time I saw my “Sister Taba.” A very long time indeed but communication was always present through long handwritten letters to emails to SMS. These became our bridge to our sixteen years of friendship.


Sister Taba or the Queen Bee in the famous Big Family of UP College of Baguio (now UP Baguio) is Maria Reyna C. Villacarlos. She’s the middle sibling from our elite group. Kuya is Atty. Menard Almazan and Ate is Bb. Jane Erese. You got it right, I am the Little Sister of the family.

Why the Big Family? Back then, we were all “BIG”. Even the other members of the family are also big and fabulous.


Now, Sister Taba is no tubby-tubby anymore. I totally did not recognize her when I fetched her at the Ayala-MRT Station last Wednesday. She got sick a few years back and went on a strict diet. In addition, being NGO worker affected her lifestyle. She’s now many pounds lighter but her face stayed the same. The bubbly smile even the voice was the same as I remember during our first days as blockmates.

We spent the whole day of October 8, 2008 together since I just came back from a previous engagement and she had to go back to Baguio before heading back to the Cordilleras for her work. I treated her to an Italian breakfast, two hours of pampering at a spa, strolled throughout the Greenbelt malls, a late American lunch and before sending her off back to Baguio, a sumptuous Filipino dinner.


For that whole day we spent together, we called the rest of the Big Family members – oops, only the ones that I have in my mobile phone. Some numbers were not anymore available yet we got lucky to call some of the big ones. We woke up Jane in Dubai, caught Menard in a court recess, Kit in a workshop, Peter on the way to Binondo and Alovel who just had dinner. It was fun even though we miss the rest of the Big Family. We tried calling Oli in Cambodia, Jojo in Singapore, Nhore in San Francisco and Joseph but all we got were voicemails. Sayang!


Maybe next time we’ll have a bigger Big Family reunion – we’ll get to see Cynch, Rhodz, Chris and also the rest of the EconBlock 3-A gang. (Hopefully on the 5th of December!!!)

But for meantime, I am treasuring the day spent with my Sister Taba. I just wish that we get to see more often rather than wait another six years.

Reyna, having to miss work for a day is incomparable to spending a day well spent with you.

Ice Cream Power

Last week Richard took his children to a restaurant. His six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As they bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby he heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, Richard’s son burst into tears and asked him, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As he held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at Richard’s son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" Richard’s son asked. "Cross my heart." Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, Richard bought his kids ice cream at the end of the meal. His son stared at him for a moment and then did something he will remember the rest of his life. Richard’s son picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already."

Do not let anyone tell you how to pray. Ask for what you want. Tell God why you want it and in the process of saying WHY you want something, you will already know a little more whether you will be getting your wish or not. And if the reason isn’t a good one, than sincerely change your reason, or change what you want.


And if you want ice cream, ask for ice cream. Personally, I like chocolate ice cream.

The Secrets to Happiness

Live beneath your means and within your seams.
Return everything you borrow.
Donate blood.
Stop blaming other people.
Admit it when you make a mistake.
Give all the clothes you haven't worn in the last three years to charity.
Every day do something nice and try not to get caught.
Listen more; talk less.
Every day take a 30-minute walk in your neighborhood.
Skip two meals a week and give the money to the homeless.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Be on time.
Don't make excuses.
Don't argue.
Get organized.
Be kind to kind people.
Be even kinder to unkind people.
Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
Take time to be alone.
Reread a favorite book.
Cultivate good manners.
Be humble.
Understand and accept that life isn't always fair.
Know when to say something.
Know when to keep your mouth shut.
Don't criticize anyone for 24 hours.
Learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present.
Don't sweat the small stuff.

We all should strive for happiness – but we all also need to WORK ON IT.

The Ten Conyo-mandments

Saw this from Meyan’s blog and forwarded the script to my cheeblings.

The Ten Conyo-Mandments
(taken from The La Sallian-Menagerie)

Conyo here, conyo there, conyo everywhere! Here at La Salle, conyospeak has become an unofficial language as a good chunk of the student body knows, or maybe even mastered the socialite tongue. However, one must never forget the basics of the conyo and we thusly bring you: The Ten Conyomandments.

1. Thou shall make gamit "make+pandiwa".
"Let´s make pasok na to our class!"
"Wait lang! I´m making kain pa!"
"Come on na, we can´t make hintay anymore!"

2. Thou shall make kalat "noh", "di ba" and "eh" in your pangungusap.
"I don´t like to make lakad in the baha nga, noh? Eh di ba it´s like, so ewww, di ba?
"What ba? Stop nga being maarte noh!"
"Eh as if you want naman also, di ba?

3. When making describe a whatever, always say "It´s SO pang-uri!".
"It´s so malaki, you know, and so mainit!"
"I know right? So sarap nga eh!"
"You´re making me inggit naman, I´ll make bili nga my own burger."

4. When you are lalaki, make parang punctuation "dude", "tsong" or "pare".
"Dude, ENGANAL is so hirap, pare."
"I know, tsong, I got bagsak nga in quiz one, eh."

5. Thou shall know you know? I know right!
"My bag is so bigat today, you know."
"I know, right! We have to make dala pa kase the jumbo Physics book eh!"

6. Make gawa the plural of pangalans like in English or Spanish.
"I have so many tigyawats, oh!"

7. Like, when you can make kaya, always like. Like, I know right?
"Like it´s so init naman!"
"Yeah! The air-con, it´s like sira kase eh!"

8. Make yourself feel so galing by translating the last word of your sentence, you know, your pangungusap?
"Kakainis naman in the LRT! How plenty tao, you know, people?"
"It´s so tight nga there, eh, you know, masikip?"

9. Make gamit of plenty of abbreviations, you know, daglat?
"Like OMG! It´s like traffic sa EDSA."
"I know, right? It´s so kaka!"
"Kaka?"
"Kakaasar!"

10. Make gamit the pinakamarte voice and pronunciation you have para full effect!
"I´m like, making aral at the Arrhneow!"
"Me naman, I´m from Lazzahl!"

One Cheebling replied: “So loka tlaga, u knw. Its so lyk gawa ng Lazalista yan, ryt. Make pdala 2 my mail nmn s YM, its so kul kc. Pra pdala q s mga friendships q, u knw, my frendly frends”.

I had fun reading the whole set and receiving a reply from Cheebling No. 2. So funny naman, I’m making tawa-tawa na. Ha, ha, ha!

Words of Wisdom

I got this from Tita Carol…

Six Pinoy Words of Wisdom

1. Lahat ng problema may solusyon, kung walang solusyon, wag mo nang problemahin.
2. Always remember, kung kaya ng iba, ipagawa mo sa kanila. Don't force yourself, make life easy.
3. Hindi lahat ng gwapo may girlfriend ang iba sa kanila may boyfriend.
4. Don't face your problem if your problem is your face; umiwas sa lahat ng bagay na nakakaaninag- - salamin; microwave; stainless steel na kawali, kaldero, kutsara, tinidor.
5. Di bale ng tamad, di naman pagod.
6. Praktis makes perfect but nobody's perfect, so don't praktis
   

What do you think? True or False?

The Sand Castle

Hot sun. Salty air. Rhythmic waves.

A little boy is on his knees scooping and packing the sand with plastic shovels into a bright blue bucket. Then he upends the bucket on the surface and lifts it. And, to the delight of the little architect, a castle tower is created.

All afternoon he will work. Spooning out the moat. Packing the walls. Bottle tops will be sentries. Popsicle sticks will be bridges. A sandcastle will be built.

Big city. Busy streets. Rumbling traffic.

A man is in his office. At his desk he shuffles papers into stacks and delegates assignments. He cradles the phone on his shoulder and punches the keyboard with his fingers. Numbers are juggled and contracts are signed and much to the delight of the man, a profit is made.

All his life he will work. Formulating the plans. Forecasting the future. Annuities will be sentries. Capital gains will be bridges. An empire will be built.

Two builders of two castles. They have much in common. They shape granules into grandeurs. They see nothing and make something. They are diligent and determined. And for both the tide will rise and the end will come.

Yet that is where the similarities cease. For the boy sees the end while the man ignores it. Watch the boy as the dusk approaches.

As the waves near, the wise child jumps to his feet and begins to clap. There is no sorrow. No fear. No regret. He knew this would happen. He is not surprised. And when the great breaker crashes into his castle and his masterpiece is sucked into the sea, he smiles. He smiles, picks up his tools, takes his father's hand, and goes home.

The grownup, however, is not so wise. As the wave of years collapses on his castle he is terrified. He hovers over the sandy monument to protect it. He blocks the waves from the walls he has made. Salt-water soaked and shivering he snarls at the incoming tide.

"It's my castle," he defies.

The ocean need not respond. Both know to whom the sand belongs...

I don't know much about sandcastles. But children do. Watch them and learn. Go ahead and build, but build with a child's heart. When the sun sets and the tides take - applaud. Salute the process of life and go home.

Be child-like, not childish, but having the enthusiasm of a child who saw something or built something for the first time.

Red. Hot. Chili. Elline!!!

We usually don’t select a theme for our birthday celebrations but a few years back, we had Japanese for the whole year, then Chinese and then finally we got tired from the same cuisines. We experimented with fusions of dishes and yet we still craved for more. However, whatever the choice, it still is good as long as we are filled with good company and laughter.

For Ella Elline’s post birthday celebration, she craved for a Tex-Mex flare. Where else did we go but Chili’s Grill and Bar in Greenbelt One. The three of us cannot remember the last time we ate at Chili’s. We had a fun time guessing when but, at the end, we failed. (Now I have to check the big albums to know when.)

I came first so I got a good table, with a good view too -- the Legaspi Street and a very weird couple having early dinner. I wasn’t able to get a snack so I gladly ordered some appetizers and by the time I had company I was a little bit full. Elline arrived next and since Mary Ann was running late we availed of the Wi-Fi services of the restaurant. I gladly helped Elline solve her biggest problem to date and she savored the free Wi-Fi.


While waiting for Mary Ann to arrive, we were making fun of her. You might ask why, because she always came late whenever we have gatherings within the Ayala area. Why again, because she walks around the Makati Commercial Business District. Nevertheless, we salute her for her enthusiasm. How I wish I had the drive of Mary Ann!!!


It didn’t take long for Mary Ann to arrive. So when se did, we ordered our choices. While we enjoyed dinner and shared our stories, we missed another Sistahud. I just wish by the next celebration she’ll be able to join us, perhaps on her birthday. You know who you are and do visit us soon!

Before we parted ways, I gave them my “pasalubongs” and we gave Elline her birthday presents. We even checked our calendars for Mary Ann’s birthday blowout. Since I won’t be here for the Holidays, we’ll have an advance celebration for the Mary Ann Birthday and Christmas treat. Another Sistahud event that’s worth waiting for!

Elline – happy birthday to an ageless beauty! For the Sistahuds - let's do this again soon!

New Show Premiere Dates

I wonder what will make it till the end of the season...

Tuesday, Sept. 2
90210 (CW), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Sons of Anarchy (FX), 10 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 5
Samurai Girl (ABC Family), 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 7
True Blood (HBO), 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 9
Fringe (Fox), 8 p.m.
Privileged (CW), 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 10
Do Not Disturb (Fox), 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 22
Worst Week (CBS), 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 23
The Mentalist (CBS), 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 24
Knight Rider (NBC), 8 p.m.
Gary Unmarried (CBS), 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3
The Ex List (CBS), 9 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9
Kath & Kim (NBC), 9:30 p.m.
Eleventh Hour (CBS), 10 p.m.
Life on Mars (ABC), 10 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10
The Starter Wife (USA), 10 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 13
My Own Worst Enemy (NBC), 10 p.m.

My money's on 90210, Fringe and Knight Rider. Crossing my fingers.. very tight!

Fall TV Premiere Dates

Here goes...

Tuesday, Aug. 26
Greek (ABC Family) 9 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 1
Gossip Girl (CW) 8 p.m.
One Tree Hill (CW) 9 p.m.
Prison Break (Fox) 8 p.m. - 2-hour premiere

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Bones (Fox) 8 p.m. - 2-hour premiere

Sunday, Sept. 7
Entourage (HBO) 10 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 8
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox) 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 16
House (Fox) 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 18
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) 10 p.m.
Smallville (CW) 8 p.m.
Supernatural (CW) 9 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 22
CSI: Miami (CBS) 10 p.m.
Heroes (NBC) 9 p.m. - 3-hour premier
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) 8:30 p.m.
Two and a Half Men (CBS) 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 23
Law & Order: SVU (NBC) 10 p.m.
NCIS (CBS) 8 p.m.
Without a Trace (CBS) 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 24
Criminal Minds (CBS) 9 p.m.
CSI: NY (CBS) 10 p.m.
Lipstick Jungle (NBC) 10 p.m.
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS) 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25
ER (NBC) 10 p.m.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC) 9 p.m.
My Name is Earl (NBC) 8 p.m. - 1-hour premiere
The Office (NBC) 9 p.m. - 1-hour premiere
Ugly Betty (ABC) 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 28
American Dad (Fox) 9:30 p.m.
Brothers & Sisters (ABC) 10 p.m.
Californication (Showtime), 10 p.m.
Cold Case (CBS) 9 p.m.
Desperate Housewives (ABC) 9 p.m.
Dexter (Showtime) 9 p.m.
Family Guy (Fox) 9 p.m.
King of the Hill (Fox) 8:30 p.m.
The Simpsons (Fox) 8 p.m.
The Unit (CBS) 10 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 29
Chuck (NBC) 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 1
Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) 10 p.m.
Friday Night Lights (DirecTV 101) 9 p.m.
Private Practice (ABC) 8 p.m.
Pushing Daisies (ABC) 9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3
Ghost Whisperer (CBS) 8 p.m.
Numb3rs (CBS) 10 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 6
Samantha Who? (ABC) 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS) 9 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 30
30 Rock (NBC) 8:30 p.m.

Whew! Another season of Tivo-dependent shows! Just a few more winks and we're off!

On the Road

I am still in my one of my adventures right now and will be posting my pictures and stories soon! Wait for it.

I know you're waiting... you know you want it!

The Coffee is Brewing

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

All the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself, adds no quality to the coffee in most cases, just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups...and then began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups... enjoy your coffee. Do not to get caught up in the trivial material side of life. Enjoying life’s abundances is a blessing, but don’t confuse it with the bigger picture.

Words...

... don't come easy to me - ha, ha, ha!

Thanks to Wordle!

Things to Say When Stressed Out

I like the last one!

Loss for words when the going gets tough? This ought to be your guide the next time:

• "Okay, okay! I take it back. Unfuck you!!!"
• "You say I’m a bitch like it’s a bad thing?!"
• "How many times do I have to flush before you go away?"
• "Well, this day was a total waste of make-up."
• "Well, aren’t we a bloody ray of sunshine?"
• "Don’t bother me, I’m living happily ever after."
• "Do I look like a fucking people person!"
• "This isn’t an office. It’s HELL with fluorescent lighting!"
• "I started out with nothing… still have most of it left."
• "I pretend to work, they pretend to pay me."
• "YOU!! … Off my planet!!!"
• "Therapy is expensive. Popping bubble plastic is cheap. You choose."
• "Practice random acts of intelligence and senseless acts of self-control."
• "Errors have been made. Others will be blamed."
• "And your cry-baby, whiny-assed opinion would be…?"
• "I’m not crazy. I’ve been in a very bad mood for 30 years."
• "Sarcasm is just one more service I offer."
• "Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed."
• "Do they ever shut up on your planet?"
• "I’m not your type. I’m not inflatable"
• "Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven’t gone to sleep yet."
• "Back off!! You’re standing in my aura."
• "Don’t worry. I forgot your name too."
• "I just want revenge. Is that so wrong?"
• "I work 45 hours a week to be this poor."
• "Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?"
• "Not all men are annoying. Some are dead."
• "Wait… I’m trying to imagine you with a personality…"
• "Chaos, panic, and disorder… my work here is done."
• "Ambivalent? Well, yes and no."
• "You look like shit. Is that the style now?"
• "Earth is full. Go home."
• "Aw, did I step on your poor little bitty ego?"
• "I’m not tense, just terribly, terribly alert."
• "A hard-on doesn’t count as personal growth."
• "You are depriving some village of an idiot."
• "If assholes could fly, this place would be an airport."
  

Those where the days… Wink, wink!

Thoughts on Time

I don’t know that the thoughts below are really "life lessons" or not, but it had a profound effect on me the morning it came to my mind. It made me realize just how short our lives are on this earth, no matter what age we reach. It made me realize that we are so consumed with “time” and that is the one element we have no control over. For no matter what we do, time keeps ticking by at an ever-increasing speed.

As I awake each morning, I glance at the clock to see what time it is. One morning as I was doing this, the thought came to my mind that when we are young we try to determine the time upon awakening because we live by the minute. As we mature, we seek to know what day of the week it is, because we live by the day. Then as we grow older, we seek to know what month it might be, for time has sped up and now we live by the month. Then as we grow into our senior years, we seek to know what year it is for now time is simply spinning out of control and we strive to just hang on and live by the year.

Do not waste any time in your life, whether it is a second, a minute or a year.

Happy Birthday, UP!

The University of the Philippines, the school that bred many of the nation’s leaders, artists, rebels, and of course – me and my sister, turns 100 years old today.


From the UP Diliman Information Office:

On June 18, the University of the Philippines will be celebrating its centenary with, among other activities, one grand community singing of the “Happy Birthday UP Song” in the university amphitheater to be led by no less than the UP, GHQ and Quezon City Symphonic Band, Dean Ramon Acoymo of the College of Music, the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, and the UP Staff Chorale. But prior to this, a parade by the UP constituents to the amphitheater will be led by the GHQ Band and the Quezon City Symphonic Band.

The celebration actually begins at the break of dawn around 5:30 AM with events that will lead up to the gathering in the amphitheater. The occasion starts off with a photo expedition at the Quezon Hall/Oblation Plaza featuring 100 UP alumni and residents donning fig leaves and emulating the iconic Oblation figure that has served as a monument to the institution’s undying service to the nation and the people. A flag-raising ceremony and a singing of the alma mater hymn UP Naming Mahal around the Academic Oval follows. UP Centennial President Emerlinda R. Román delivers an inspirational message soon after the UP community sings their beloved university happy birthday.

Other activities lined up after the flag-raising ceremonies include the oath taking of the new set of University Student Council (USC) officers and the launching of four commemorative stamps designed by UP College of Fine Arts alumnus Alfred Capiral. Afterward, the UP flag soars with the release of a hundred balloons that carries it into the air. One hundred significant university personalities lead the particular affair and made brighter by the unleashing of a hundred fireworks.

The USC also launches the Vinzons UPgrade renovation project that aims to restore and preserve the architectural heritage of Vinzons Hall. Modern designs are set to further emphasize its historical features and establish the structure as a genuine student center.

The entire day is set out to be an open house. All academic and non-academic units are enjoined to participate in the memorable occasion from beginning to end. The university units are to welcome various visitors and well-wishers into their homes. Everyone is invited to partake in the festivities, in the commemoration of UP’s hundred years of leadership in higher education, and expression of gratitude to an institution’s unflagging service to the country and indebtedness to the people working tirelessly to further propel UP to a hundred more years of significance and excellence.

Cheers to 100!

The History of Father’s Day

Contrary to popular belief, Father's Day was not established by Hallmark, American Greetings or others to grow the greeting card business. In fact, there were no Father’s Day cards when the holiday was contemplated.

Mrs. John Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children, by himself, on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. At about the same time, in various towns and cities across America, other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.

Do reach out to those special men in your life – fathers, grandfathers and role models, who have helped make you who you are today.

Wishing you all and the special men in your lives a Happy Father's Day!

How will you start today?

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new job relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to!

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with knowledge and adventure.

Today I can dejectedly murmur because I have housework to do or I can feel grateful for shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped, and here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. And I shall decide what kind of day I shall have!"

"How will you live TODAY?" Try reading this every morning for a week, and see how you feel afterwards.

32nd!

Where in the Philippines?

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Visit the site created by Eugene Villar and find out at Lakbayan.

I'm not really surprised about getting a C! I have not seen much of the Philippines, especially down south. You'll definitely laugh at my reasons. Just to give you one - it is way expensive to travel in our country rather than go to the nearest Asian country.

Though recently, I've been meaning to see the rest of the Philippines (hopefully!) before going to another country. Do you think I'll be able to add more places before the year-end?

So how much of the Philippines have you traveled? Tara na, biyahe tayo!

Yaya Juvelyn

Thank you for the wonderful care you give. It takes very special people like you to look after others with such kindness and concern. We want you to know you are appreciated!


You give so much of yourself, when you take care of us. Thank you for all you do for me, Chloe and Reyboy.

Have a wonderful 24th birthday, Juvy!

Keep Aiming Higher

Always aim higher than you believe you can reach. So often, you'll discover that when your talents are set free by your imagination, you can achieve any goal.

If people offer their help or wisdom as you go through life, accept it gratefully. You can learn much from those who have gone before you. But never be afraid or hesitant to step off the accepted path and head off in your own direction if your heart tells you that it's the right way for you.

Always believe that you will ultimately succeed at whatever you do, and never forget the value of persistence, discipline, and determination.

You are meant to be whatever you dream of becoming.

Always focus on growth, at any age. It is why we are here.

The Results

... are in, and...


David Cook is the winner of American Idol Season 7! He is completely overwhelmed and in tears, but pulls it together. He's so awesome.

Cook fans, pop some champagne and enjoy the night!

End of the Road

This is it, the end of the road for American Idol Season 7. It's either going to be David Archuleta, the teenage boy wonder, or David Cook, the 25 year old bartender. Ryan Seacrest said that, last night, 97.5 million votes came in last night. That's the biggest vote total by 23 million. One David received 56% of the vote, the other 44%. That's really not all that close.

Whew! 100 votes are from me for the Big David!

David vs. David

First songs were chosen by record producer Clive Davis, second songs were from the Idol songwriters contest, and third songs were chosen by the contestants (reprise or new song).

Call and vote now!! 1 866 43657 ##

DAVID COOK (Dial 01, 03, 05)
U2 - “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
Emily Shackelton - “Dream Big”
Collective Soul - “The World I Know”

DAVID ARCHULETA (Dial 02, 04, 06)
Elton John - “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”
Ryan Gillmor - “In This Moment”
John Lennon - “Imagine”

Which David are you voting for? I’ll be voting until the end of the designated time period! Shoot, the odd lines are totally busy!!!

Shikatatakitoku

What is my Japanese Name?

For the instructions, add your name on the list and simply spell out your name using the given Japanese letter- translations below. Tag six of your friends and inform them of the tag. Have fun.

Translation:

A - ka --- G - ji --- M - rin --- S - ari --- Y - fu

B - tu --- H - ri --- N - to --- T - chi --- Z - zi

C - mi --- I - ki --- O - mo --- U - do

D - te --- J - zu --- P - no --- V - ru

E - ku --- K - me --- Q - ke --- W - mei

F - lu --- L - ta --- R - shi --- X - na

The Names:

1. Juvelyn - Zudorukutafuto (parang masarap na puto! nyahahahaha)

2. Helen - Rikutakuto (yaiks, parang may kuto! nyahahahaha)

3. Ralline - Shikatatakitoku (what a name but cute! ^-^ )

I want to share this memes with: April, Michelle, Rachelle, Elline, Bunny and Kyla.

The Final Two

Who will win the “Idol” crown this week?

I’ve already placed my bet on David Cook, but of course tons are placing their money on David Archuleta.


Both have incredibly strong fan bases. Good luck to both!

Julianne's First

More than a month prior to the birthday party, my very good friend, Evangeline “Vangie” O. De Jesus-Cruz was already informing me about her daughter’s first birthday celebration.

Julianne whose exact birthday is May 8 celebrated her first birthday with a Hawaiian themed party at the Poolside of Legaspi 300 Towers in Roxas Boulevard. They flew in to Manila from their home-based, Macau, on the day of the birthday. The family decided to celebrate the event here with close family and friends.

Since it was a Saturday and I have plans every Saturday morning, I told Vangie that I’ll be late since I’ll be coming from the other side of the city. Just as I told her, I was late – big time! Traffic was bad and some parts of the Metropolis were experiencing a terrible rainfall.

I arrived with my sister just in time with the blowing of the Lilo-inspired birthday cake. It was great. Julianne or Lianne is such a cute girl though she doesn’t like being passed around to visitors – good thing when I was talking to her Mom she gladly came to me even for just a few seconds.

The food was good since Vangie’s family catered the event as well but since I was late I only took just a few bites and spent the rest of the time chatting with my so-called twin.

Sad part was it rained and most of the guests were seeking cover in the tent. Since I still have to meet with my brother and my parents, we left and said goodbyes.

To Julianne, happy birthday! To Vangie, it was just like old times. To Vangie and Jayson, congratulations and wishing you all the best during this happy, happy time.

For Mami!

You’re always the first to say how lucky you are to have such wonderful kids. But it takes a mom like you to raise a family as good and strong as ours.

You’ve done so much to contribute to everything we’ve done and become. And today you should get the credit you deserve.


You’re an amazing woman – a woman of so many talents, so much generosity, and so much love.

And you know what?


We’re the lucky ones…lucky to have a mom as truly wonderful as you.


Happy Mother’s Day! Lab u, Mami!

Women Have the Strength of Men

Women have strengths that amaze men....

· They can carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

· They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

· They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice. They are in the front row at PTA meetings.

· They stick a love note in their husband's lunch box. (If not – start doing it) They do without new shoes so their children can have them. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

· They love unconditionally. Women are honest, loyal, and forgiving. They are smart, knowing that knowledge is power. But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point.

· They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

· A woman's touch can cure any ailment. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

· She can make a romantic evening unforgettable. They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

· The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin (and most men’s hearts spins as well).


Cheers to all the mothers out there!

Happiness is Very Personal

This is a true story. Some years ago the following exchange was broadcast on an Open University sociology TV program.

An interviewer was talking to a production-line worker in a biscuit factory. The dialogue went like this:

Interviewer: How long have you worked here?

Production Lady: Since I left school - about 15 years.

Interviewer: What do you do?

Production Lady: I take packets of biscuits off the conveyor belt and put them into cardboard boxes.

Interviewer: Have you always done the same job?

Production Lady: Yes.

Interviewer: Do you enjoy it?

Production Lady: Oooh Yes, it's great, everyone is so nice and friendly, we have a good laugh.

Interviewer (with a hint of disbelief): Really? Don't you find it a bit boring?

Production Lady: Oh no, sometimes they change the biscuits...

It is better not to assume that what motivates you is what motivates others. It is also important to recognize that sources of happiness may vary widely between people.

The Greatest Pain

The greatest pain in life is not to die, but to be ignored.
- To lose the person you love so much to another who doesn't care at all.
- To have someone you care so about so much throw a party... and not tell you about it.
- When your favorite person on earth neglects to invite you to his graduation.
- To have people think that you don't care.

The greatest pain in life, is not to die, but to be forgotten.
- To be left in the dust after another's great achievement.
- To never get a call from a friend, just saying "hi".
- When you show someone your innermost thoughts and they laugh in your face.
- For friends to always be too busy to console you when you need someone to lift your spirits.
- When it seems like the only person who cares about you, is you.
- Will people ever care about each other, and make time for those who are in need?

Each of us has a part to play in this great show we call life.
Each of us has a duty to mankind to tell our friends we love them.
If you do not care about your friends you will not be punished.
You will simply be ignored... forgotten... as you have done to others.

If these hurt you, then they hurt others as well.

A Centennial Change

Today marks yet another milestone in the history of the University of the Philippines (UP).


After a 16-year struggle, the University of the Philippines (UP) will have a new charter that signals a new opportunity to arrest the declining quality of education in the country's premier state university. This as the entire UP community anticipates the signing of its new charter today by President Arroyo in Cebu City. The historic event will take place this morning at the Conference Hall, Library Building of UP Visayas Cebu College.

For the whole UP Community, 2008 is a double header – Centennial Year and the new UP Charter. Way to go, UP!

Classmate Sighting

Last Saturday afternoon, as I was walking to the Clubhouse of Casa Milan I saw a familiar face. I literally screamed her name… Cathy Cariño!!!

Yes, after all these years, I was able to see in person Atty. Cathy Cariño in a summer getup. She’s still the same; petite and beautiful.


I was so excited that I completely forgot to ask for her mobile number, but nevertheless, she’s just an email away.

See you again soon, Cathy! Hopefully with the rest of our fellow UP Baguio Batchmates!

Greatly Appreciated

For all you do, Gobbie -

For sending forms and fixing files,
Poring through the paper piles,
Completing tasks with time to spare,
Keeping track of what goes where,
Placing orders for supplies,
Staying calm when tensions rise,
Typing e-mails and reports,
Handling crises of all sorts,
Taking calls throughout the day,
And being great in every way...

For all these things and lots more, too, it’s time to thank and honor YOU!


Happy Administrative Professionals Day, Geraldine!

A Prayer for the Earth

Dearest Lord, we thank Thee
And so to you we pray
For all the things that you provide
Throughout each and every day...

For the sun that shines and warms our hearts,
For the flowers and the trees,
For blue skies and oceans
And the wind's cool, gentle breeze.

Thank you for the nutrients
In all the things we eat.
We thank you for giving us shelter
And for the ground beneath our feet


We thank you for the rain that falls
Upon this wondrous land,
And for the fresh air that we breathe,
All created by your hand.

We pray that you'll protect our natural resources,
So that for generations to come
Your many children may still enjoy
All the blessings of your kingdom.

Amen.

Natural Highs

As I sit by myself waiting for all the attendees of the seminar-workshop, I was ticking off ways to spend a perfect week. Listed below are natural highs that I think everyone will agree.

• Falling in love.
• Laughing so hard your face hurts.
• A hot shower.
• No lines at the supermarket.
• A special glance.
• Getting mail. Getting email. Getting SMS. (Getting Facebook/Friendster/Multiply Messages)
• Taking a drive on a pretty road.
• Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
• Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
• Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
• Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
• A bubble bath.
• Giggling.
• A good conversation.
• The beach
• Finding a money in your office blazer.
• Laughing at yourself.
• Looking into their eyes and knowing they love you
• Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
• Running through sprinklers.
• Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
• Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
• Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
• Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
• Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
• Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
• Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
• Playing with a new puppy.
• Having someone play with your hair.
• Sweet dreams.
• Hot chocolate.
• Road trips with friends.
• Swinging on swings.
• Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
• Making chocolate chip cookies.
• Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
• Holding hands with someone you care about.
• Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
• Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
• Watching the sunrise.
• Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
• Knowing that somebody misses you.
• Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
• Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Do you have other “highs” in mind?

I-S-O What?

In preparation for a future take-over of a critical position in a company, I had been busy attending seminar-workshops about ISO 9001 for the past two weeks. It was a very interesting experience mind you.

Yes, I am proud to say that our firm is an ISO 9001:2000 certified organization and the first in our line of business (saan ka pa?) which is why the need and interest to pursue the much-controversial ISO training for the betterment of the company’s quality implementation. Oh well that will see the day!

During my I-think-I-already-know-what-this-is training, I learned new ideas (surprisingly!!) and it broadened (once again) my knowledge on the different requirements of ISO 9001:2000 (even if this is completely new!!) and the application of each requirement to our own firm.

The training provided hands-on activities, role-playing and lively exchange of ideas from the participants. That really got me going! Even if the food was not at par with my previous trainings. He! He! He!


So suma total, not only did I learn a lot from the sessions, I also gained new friends.

Guess what, after all the sessions, I am now a threat to we know who! Ha, ha, ha!

I scream… Ice Cream!

Usually whenever we crave for ice cream we go to Crepes & Cream located at 26th Crescent West Park at the Global City, Fort Bonifacio. Mom loves the variety of flavors and her ultimate Banana Split.

A few weeks ago, we went back to satisfy our thirst for ice cream and I found out that they changed ice cream suppliers. Even the prices of the ice cream changed and I asked what happened – simply put they changed suppliers. Though the new supplier is still good, we still crave the old familiar taste of the Raspberry Ice Cream.

Good thing that I remembered the brand of the old supplier and the other day, I brought my Mom and sister to the newest creamery place in the metropolis.

FIC Ice Cream Bar is now open to the public at the Ground Level of the Joya Tower in Rockwell. It is the same location of Santi’s Deli and beside Figaro. The place is bigger that the Crepes & Cream store and they serve short meals aside from ice cream and yogurt.

Mom was very happy with her Banana Split, the Sister loved her Malt Chocolate Milk Shake and I was very quiet savoring my Choco Mallow Parfait. Yummy!


Now, we have two options. One in Rockwell and another one in the Fort – yippee!

Another Send-Off

In a few days, one of my parent’s classmates from elementary and high school will be leaving for another country and will pursue greener pastures.

Tita Norma will be joining her other siblings in the United States and will be surely missed by her two sons and one grandson. I, for one, will definitely miss her. She’s so sweet and thoughtful and very helpful to my family and she cares for our welfare. She is there for every big event in our family and does not fail to make sure we are doing alright!


I know my Mom, Tita Mercy and the rest of Batch ‘70 will miss her but I know that the bond of their friendship is greater than any distance.

We had lunch with Tita Norma and her son, Darwin, a few days ago and as usual, I was teary eyed. Good thing my Dad was also available and it was a good send-off.


I told Tita Norma as we were leaving the restaurant that we’ll have constant communication and we’ll definitely touch base with her whenever we are near her area.

Tita Norma: Bon Voyage and have an amazing time!

SCTEX

Last Sunday, we passed by the famous and long-anticipated SCTEX on the way to Subic and Olongapo. And to tell you honestly, it was worth the trip. It only took us 38 minutes from Clark to reach SBMA. A very smooth route for the 55 kilometers travel.



SCTEX or the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway was again open for another test run from April 6 - 9, 2008 and is open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m and it is absolutely free of charge. The SCTEX Exit is a few meters after the Dau Exit of the NLEX and ends right at the entrance of the Subic-Tipo Tollway.



I do hope everybody will get a chance to see the fascinating view of the rice fields, mango orchard and the mountains. Happy driving!

Mango Madness

I got an early call from Tito Rolly and he mentioned that he’ll have something delivered before I leave for the weekend. Guessing if it was Suman from Batangas or home-cooked pasta made me hungry while waiting for the messenger.

Lo and behold, I got a big basket of green mango from Pangasinan. Seventy-one big ones. Sarap! Thanks, Tito Rolly and belated happy birthday too!


I will give Mom half of the mango and I’ll prepare pickled mango and wait for some to go yellow for my cheeblings favorite.

Now, let me get a knife and I’ll start sampling a big one!

How to Kill Creativity...

1. Always pretend to know more than everybody around you.
2. Get employees to fill in time sheets.
3. Run daily checks on progress of everyone's work.
4. Ensure that highly qualified people do mundane work for long periods.
5. Put barriers up between departments.
6. Don't speak personally to employees, except when announcing increased targets, shortened deadlines and tightened cost restraints.
7. Ask for a 200-page document to justify every new idea.
8. Call lots of meetings.
9. Place the biggest emphasis on the budget.
10. Kill any idea that is not your own

Creativity is what keeps things growing, keeps the mind sharp and keeps people enthusiastic in all their endeavors, from home to work to personal life.

So next time you have the opportunity to stifle creativity – Don’t – whether it is in the workplace, the kitchen, or from a smiling 3 year old.

Thinking out of the box is what brings society its leaders. Restricting creativity only hurts oneself.

Life Explained

On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Happy Easter!

In one warm, gentle, spring breeze,
Easter reveals all the impossible wonders and beauty hiding within -
As if all creation smiles and whispers, "Life is good!"

Wishing you all a springtime of tiny amazements.

Happy St. Patrick's!

May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel
So nothing can harm you...

Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you,
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Mini Oble

The Oblation has always been for me the symbol of being a true UP student in which nakedness is not about the lack of clothes but instead the freedom to embrace ANY culture, perspective, race or tradition because in UP, you open your mind and emotion to everything about life and that has taught me very important lessons.

I got my Mini Oble from Gobleth Moulic, a batchmate from UP.


Thanks to Emerson Cuyo for he was the one who facilitated the Baguio-Manila transfer of our precious.

This treasured Mini Oble is beautifully done by Kigao Rosimo of Baguio City. I hope his works will always be a reflection of his creativity and artistry.

From one UP student to another...

Tagged... again!

I AM… desperately trying to finish Turbo Subs while waiting for my brother.

I WANT… to be rich enough to buy me a Mr. Right.

I HAVE… no idea where to go for St. Patrick’s Day.

I WISH… I could go to the mall and get whatever I want.

I HATE… those people who only remember you when they need something.

I FEAR… never being able to do everything I’ve wanted to do.

I SEARCH… for the perfect man. Seriously, I am looking out for that person who will see through me and love me for who and what I am.

I WONDER… if things would have been different if I was not fat.

I REGRET… not exceeding my worth.

I LOVE… my siblings.

I ALWAYS… pray before going to bed.

I AM NOT… as tough as I appear to be.

I DANCE… as long as my feet can hold my body.

I SING… with the i-Pod in full blast.

I CRY… over happy endings and sad movies.

I WRITE… long letters to keep in touch with friends.

I WON… a weekend stay at a five-star hotel.

I AM CONFUSED… about the state of our country.

I NEED… to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.

I SHOULD… start getting serious with my job.

THE LAST THOUGHT YOU GO TO SLEEP WITH IS… Thank you Lord for another day.”

April, Bunny, Rachelle, Kyla, Rhea and Tuesday – your turn.