Traditions and Food Trip

It has been a tradition that we see each other and celebrate our birthdays together over lunch or dinner with matching gift giving and tons of chikahan. For this year, we celebrated my birthday the whole day with the Marianna and Elline.

We first went to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) office at P. Paredes., Cor. Morayta St., Sampaloc, Manila and renewed our professional ID. There was a long queue getting inside PRC and we were lucky that Marianna and Elline did not queued very long to reach the main gate. I just waited for them in front of the gate, pakialam ng iba eh ayaw ko nga sa malayo, and we just flashed our old professional ID’s and off we go.


We finished the renewal process in less than an hour and spent a lot for the renewal fess. The only setback with PRC is that we have to return after three weeks to get our new ID. We really wish that they would acquire the quick release features of renewing a driver’s license at the LTO. However, it is another day for us to excuse ourselves from work and another day of chikahan.


9am on the clock and we head off for SM Mall of Asia. Upon arrival, we had a quick stop at Figaro for morning merienda of Iced Mocha and Blueberry Muffins. Good thing we had merienda since we really roamed around the whole lot of the said mall.


Literally, we completely checked out the two floors of the mall including the esplanade. The Filipinos are proud of the said mall because it is the third largest mall in the world behind the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Canada and the Golden Resources Mall in Beijing, China.


We had lunch at Crazy Roll and we tried their Omurice and various sushi rolls. After lunch we strolled some more and window-shopped. Some of the establishments are still under construction and many empty spaces but you can still feel relaxed and comfortable since the façade of the empty stalls are colorfully decorated. Maybe in a few more months, all stalls will be occupied and more choices for the shoppers.


Before heading home, we stopped for a quick afternoon merienda, a slice of a dark chocolate cake and fudge walnut brownies. Though we planned to watch a movie, we opted to roam around, no new movies yet and we agreed to wait for Superman and Pirates of the Caribbean.


One thing that I can say is that if you want to see Mall of Asia, be there early. Why? After our lunch, the crowd is already a plenty. Shoppers are everywhere. You also need to wear comfortable shoes so that you will not get tired roaming around. However, for senior citizens they offer rides in a golf cart and there is a free tram outside the mall.

My birthday treat now over, next in line is Elline. But before the 12th of September, we’ll head back to PRC for our licenses and another round of chikahan and foodtrip.

My 30th Birthday

That is right, 30 years ago on June 4, 1976; I was born in Olongapo City, Philippines. Like they say, time really does fly.

I would like to thank each and everyone for all the sweet thoughts, good wishes, and fervent prayers as I celebrated my 30th birthday.


It was nice to hear from all of you and you really made my birthday a memorable one.

Six Steps to Enjoying Your True Wealth

A good read.

How to Be More Emotionally Present to Your Family No Matter How Busy You Are: 6 Steps to Enjoying Your True Wealth
By Bo Sanchez

We were going to Hong Kong that day. I was going to preach for three days but had two extra days to be with my family. Picture us at the airport: My wife carrying our baby in her arms, my eldest son bouncing about like a rabbit and announcing to the whole world, Im going to Hong Kong Disneyland! And the poor skinny father? Straining to push eight massive bags on a wobbly cart with a stubborn right wheel. (I've noticed that these eranged carts supernaturally end up with me wherever I go.) That was when we heard the crying. Correction. Not crying. But spine-chilling, lung-busting screaming. Two kids were holding onto their mother. They were separated by four-foot tall steel bars. But to those distraught children, those steel bars represented two years of being without their mother the contract of a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Four small arms clutching, grabbing, not letting go. The whole world heard their pleading scream, Mommy, please don't go! Please don't go! I'll never forget the mother's pained, tortured face as though a knife was ripping through her body. My wife cried openly. I wept inside and held onto my kids more closely. That was two days ago. Yesterday, the story continued.

Those Small Arms Continue to Reach Out
Yesterday was Sunday. And I walked around Central. If you don't know Hong Kong, Central is where thousands upon thousands of Filipina Domestic Helpers congregate. They sit on sidewalks. They sit on overpasses. They sit by storefronts. I walked passed one woman who was reading a handwritten letter. The handwriting was obviously a child's penmanship. I walked passed another listening to a little cassette player not to listen to music but to a voice of a kid telling stories. But what broke my heart was the news given to me by Shirley, the head of one organization that tries to help them get financial education. I was shocked by what she said. Brother Bo, out of our 700 members who are married, 80% are already separated from their husbands. Families aren't designed for prolonged separation. They're not just made for that. We're supposed to spend time together.

Six Steps to Spending More Time with Your Family No Matter How Busy You Are
Bo, why are you telling me this? I'm not in Hong Kong. I'm living with my family under one roof. Listen. Yes, you're not in Hong Kong. But if you don't have time for your family and your heart is not focused on them you might as well be in another country. You could be physically present but are you emotionally present as well?

Let me share with you six important steps you could take to become more emotionally present with them.

Step #1: Be Close.
I'm still in Hong Kong as I write this piece. It's five in the morning as I type this article in bed. And my little family is literally around me because we're all sleeping on one bed. Yes, we've become one mass jumble of intertwined humanity, our limbs, legs and arms crisscrossing each other. And that's when I realize gosh, I don't know how blessed I am. Why? Here I am with my family. I feel their skin. I smell their scents. We're so close, I feel their breath. And yet I'm surrounded by 148,000 domestic helpers here in Hong Kong that have been away from their families for months, for years, for decades. And for those who've separated forever. Let me say it again: We don't know how blessed we are. We complain that our families are nutty. But we don't understand how blessed we are to have them close enough to experience their nuttiness. We complain about our petty quarrels, our cold wars, our dysfunctionality. But whose family isn't dysfunctional? I've talked to some people here in Hong Kong who would give anything to be with their families again even for just one day of nuttiness. The first step to be more emotionally present to your family is to actually be physically present to them. Be close! You need to know how precious your family is and treat them that way. You need to see them as your true wealth - that nothing is more precious than your relationships.

Step #2: Be Deliberate.
Because you need to protect this treasure or they get stolen from you. No matter how busy I am, I schedule a weekly romantic date with my spouse. Yes, I actually write it down in my appointment book and treat it like a meeting with the President of the Philippines. These weekly nights are blocked off for the entire year. Nothing can touch it, except some dire emergency. Why? Because if my marriage fails, everything else stands to fail as well: My ministry, my businesses, my soul So it is an emergency that I bring her out every week. I also schedule a weekly date with my kids. I believe parents need to do these one-on-one dates with each of their kids. Unless of course you've got 18 children and may need to bring them out by two's or three's. Sometimes my son and I just walk around the village and talk. It doesn't have to be big. But swapping stories and opening our hearts to one another on a consistent basis is already very big to them. It means they matter to you, that you value them, and you'll see their self-esteem grow.

Step #3: Be Expressive.
I tell my wife I love you seven times a day. I hug my kids countless of times a day. At night, I tell my kids, I'm so proud you're my son. I'm so proud I'm your Daddy. You're a genius. You're a loving boy. You're an incredibly gifted young man. This is true. I have met 40-year olds who long to hear these words from their parents -I'm proud of you, and feel an empty space - like a gaping wound in their souls because their parents have never told them this. Don't do that to your kids. And before I forget: Praise your kids seven times a day. And praise your spouse seven times a day. I'm not kidding. It will revolutionize your marriage. If I say, Criticize your spouse seven times a day, I bet you'd say, Kaunti naman. I do that already. But that's the problem. We don't realize that when we criticize our spouses, we actually destroy our marriage bit by bit — not just our spouses. But when you praise and honor your spouse — you build up your marriage. It can be very simple stuff: Ang sarap ng luto mo ngayon, Hon. I thank God He gave you to me. You're so hardworking. I love it when I see you play with the kids. You know how to make me happy. Ganda mo ngayon. Keep on doing this and you'll see changes in your life and your marriage, you thought were not possible. Let me say it again: Praise your spouse — and your children — seven times a day.

Step #4: Be Deep
Your weekly dates shouldn't just be watching movies, eating out and going home. Talk deep. Talk about your feelings. Enter into each other's worlds. Dive into each other's dreams, hurts, desires, worries, hopes and burdens. When you open yourself up to your spouse or your child, there are more chances for the other person to open up to you.

Step #5: Be Simple
Yesterday afternoon, I preached to 700 people in Hong Kong. I usually give my talks for 45 minutes. That's been my trademark. But yesterday, I gave a solid two-hour talk. Vein-popping, heart-pounding, passion-driven talk — because I had a burden in my heart. Because I preached on Financial Literacy. I challenged them, “Raise your financial I.Q.! I scolded them, “When you left the Philippines, you told your kids, "Anak, two years of separation lang 'to. After two years, Mommy will have saved enough and will go home and we'll be together again." But after two years, you go home and you haven't saved. Because you repainted the house. Because there's a new TV set in the living room and a new gas range in the kitchen. Because the kids have new designer rubber shoes. I taught them how to live simply and ruthlessly save 20% of their income. Because unless they do this, they will be forever trapped in Hong Kong. Look at your life. Are you living simply? Are you saving 20% of your income?

Step #6: Be Financially Intelligent
I also taught them where to invest. I told them, It's not enough to just save. You need to know where to put your money. Because savings accounts at 1% and time deposits at 5% won't do. Inflation — which is at 7% — will simply eat them up. So I taught them about mutual funds and other investment vehicles, including the ability to sell something and get into business. Here's the truth: The more you know about money, the less time you need to make money. So the more time you have for your family. Actually, a time should come when you don't need to make money. Instead, you let money make money. And that requires financial intelligence. Read. Attend seminars. Look for mentors.

Go Home.
After giving my talk, I took a deep breath and told my audience in Hong Kong. When you follow these principles and have saved enough, please go home. Please go home to your children. I made a lot of people cry that day. I'm telling you the same thing. Oh yes, you may be living with your family in one house, but it's possible that your heart is so far away from your spouse and kids, and they are far away from you as well. You need to let your heart go home. Go home my friend. Your heart belongs there.

I just wish a few persons that I love dearly could read this article… thoroughly.

Photographs and Memories

I do not know why but when I reached my parents house last weekend, a few pf my childhood pictures are in the kitchen bar. I gamely checked out the contents and I cannot keep myself from laughing and looking at the said photographs.

Yaya Helen was laughing so hard because she cannot correctly guess the girl in the pictures; she keeps on telling other names and Mom keeps quiet as she was fixing her groceries.

Want some doze of the laughter? Or the confusion if the girl in the photograph is really me a couple of years back?

Here are some of the photographs, do you agree that these are all ME?

with my Favorite Toy and I'm only 2 Months old

i have a big one of this in our living room

United Nations - Ms. India

Kinder Graduation

First Communion

between 1983 and 1984

Hmmm… tama kaya hula ko? Nagpapagawa ng Photo Mosaic si Mommy para sa 30th birthday ko? Yaiks! Mas marami pang magaganda sa album ah! Lab u, Mami!

Musical Q&A

I was tagged again and this time by the very gorgeous Bunny from Down Under. Let me try to see what the results are.

Instructions:

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it does not make sense. No Cheating!
4. Tag 10 people to play this game too.

Shuffle mode….

How are you feeling today?
Learn to Be Lonely – Minnie Driver
(I am currently sick with fever and flu… lonely talaga kasi I cannot do much and my throat hurts.)

How do your friends see you?
Angel of Mine - Monica
(I can easily say that for my real friends that they consider me an Angel, you can always check my Friendster testimonials.)

Will you get married?
Bump It – Nia Bop
(This made me laugh so hard, wala na ngang boses, natawa pa ako, lalong sumakit tuloy lalamunan ko.)

What is your best friend's theme song?
You've Made Me So Very Happy - Lou Rawls
(I have not seen Ruth for a long time. She has been busy with her “makibaka” activities and I miss our bonding moments. Sana she will be present next Sunday for my 30th birthday.)

What is the story of your life?
Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls
(Whew! I always stand proud and hold my head high and that each individual in one way or another is gorgeous.)

What was high school like?
A Smile in Your Heart – Ariel Rivera
(Napangiti na lang ako bigla.)

How can you get ahead in life?
What Good Is a Heart – Code Red
(Hmmm… mabait naman ako and with a big heart…. Hmmmm.)

What is the best thing about your friends?
Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko - Rico J. Puno
(Friends for real, friends for life!)

What is today going to be like?
No Me Ames – Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
(Kaiyak naman.)

What is in store for this weekend?
Breathe - Michelle Branch
(Yes! It’s my birthday weekend! Thank God, I am still breathing!)

What song describes you?
Feels Like Home- Chantal Kreviazuk
(Ultimate fave ni Jannice.)

To describe your grandparents?
(You Drive Me) Crazy (Stop Remix) - Britney Spears
(My grandparents really drive us crazy.)

How is your life going?
You Belong To Me - Jason Wade
(Kanino kaya? For real na ba ito?)

What song will they play at your funeral?
Pon De Replay - Rihanna
(Turn it up! He, he, he. The song is not only fun and upbeat; but it is nice to dance. Magsayawan raw ba silang lahat?! Sabagay, I want them to remember me as the energetic and bubbly Ralline and to dance the sadness away of my lost.)

How does the world see you?
Limang Dipang Tao - Barbie's Cradle
(Ganun?)

Will you have a happy life?
Better Than This - Kimberley Locke
(Does it get any better than this? We're into something beautiful. Bein' with you's as good as it gets. It doesn't get any better than this!)

What do your friends really think of you?
What I Did For Love (Broadway Original) - Chorus Line
(One of my favorite Broadway Musicals! Naku, magagalit sa akin si Maria!)

Do people secretly lust after you?
I Know - Yasmien Kurdi
(Tama ba namang kanta pa si Yasmien Kurdi. Sa malamang meron, actually kilala namin sila! Especially kapag nakalean si Madamme Ralline!)

How can I make myself happy?
Come to my Window - Melissa Etheridge
(As long as si Keempee De Leon or si Josh Duhamel, game!)

What should you do with your life?
Cool - Gwen Stefani
(Yes!)

Will you ever have children?
Barely Breathing - Duncan Sheik
(Ay, ano ba ito!)

I am tagging everyone. Why? So that they will have a few minutes of relaxation and fun. Bunny, I had fun! Advance happy birthday to us! Miss you!

Daring and Funky

Black Horse & the Cherry Tree
Singer/Writer: KT Tunstall
Album: Eye to the Telescope
Release date: 10th January, 2005
Label: Relentless
Genre: Rock

Two, three, four

(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)

Well my heart knows me better than I know myself
So I'm gonna let it do all the talking.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
I came across a place in the middle of nowhere
With a big black horse and a cherry tree.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)

I fell in fear, upon my back
I said don't look back, just keep on walking.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
When the big black horse that looked this way,
Said hey lady, will you marry me?
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)

But I said no, no, no,no-no-no
I said no, no, you're not the one for me
No, no, no,no-no-no
I said no, no, you're not the one for me
(ooooo,woo-hoo)

And my heart had a problem, in the early hours,
So it stopped it dead for a beat or two.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
But I cut some cord, and I shouldn't have done that,
And it won't forgive me after all these years
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)

So I sent her to a place in the middle of nowhere
With a big black horse and a cherry tree.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
Now it won't come back , cause it's oh so happy
And now I've got a hole for the world to see
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)

But it said no, no, no,no-no-no
I said no, no, you're not the one for me
No, no, no,no-no-no
Said no, no, you're not the one for me

(ooooo,woo-hoo) (not the one for me, yeah)
(ooooo,woo-hoo)
Said no,no, no,no, no, no, no
You're not the one for me
Said no,no, no,no, no, no, no
You're not the one for me

Big black horse and a cherry tree
I can't quite get there cause my heart's forsaken me
Big black horse and a cherry tree
I can't quite get there cause my heart's forsaken me.

A breathtaking performance of Scottish performer KT Tunstall that is full of soul, passion, urgency and foot stomping.

Soul Patrol Rules!

Major congrats to Taylor Hicks -- he deserved it.

I am very happy for Taylor. He really is living the American dream

Katharine McPhee as well deserves a big congratulations, too. She worked hard as well. Kat was gracious.

As soon as Taylor won, Kat and Taylor hugged for a few seconds and then Ryan walked over and kind of led her away so Taylor could sing. Once the song was over, the confetti fell, and the other contestants mobbed Taylor and almost knocked him over.

It was a GREAT way to end the season!

One Fine Saturday

I promised dearest Maria Rachelle that I‘d bring her kids, Kyla and Axel to Tagaytay Highlands for a treat. Much as we wanted to go when she was in Manila, our schedules were not so cooperative.

Off we went last Saturday to Tagaytay Highlands with the rest of the Sistahud. Ella Elline drove to my parent’s house with her sister, Lyka and Mary Ann with siblings, Laurie and Renz. We took a van going to Biñan and fetched Axel and Kyla with my sister, Chloe and Mang Joe as our driver.

We were lucky, the Funicular and the Cable Cars were working that day and we took our time roaming around.

Lunch was great. Busog nga to the max as Axel said and he really enjoyed eating. The younger siblings went swimming while the other beauties enjoyed the view and as usual, we enjoyed making chika.


Merienda was great. Elline remembered the famous French fries and been craving for it since the last time I brought them to Highlands.

We really wished Rachelle were with us that day, mas nakakaloka for sure ang chikahan. Told her that we will do it again the next time she visits the Philippines. Mahirap nga naman kapag absent sa chikahan kasi kung sino ang wala siya ang napaguusapan. Ha, ha, ha!

Top Five

Five "Dream" Jobs:
1. Library of Congress Librarian
2. Louvre Museum Curator
3. World-Renowned Chef
4. Smithsonian Institution Exhibit Designer
5. Full Time Mom and Wife

Top Five Films I (Love To) Watch Over And Over Again:
1. Never Been Kissed
2. Love Affair
3. While You Were Sleeping
4. Kate and Leopold
5. 10 Things I Hate About You

Top Five Songs I Can Listen To Again And Again:
1. Buses and Trains
2. Out of Reach
3. Looking Through Your Eyes
4. Sway
5. Mamang Sorbetero

Top Five Shows I Love Watching:
1. Eat Bulaga
2. 30-Minute Meals
3. American Idol
4. Amazing Race
5. Will and Grace

Top Five Places I would want to Visit by the Age of Thirty-Five:
1. Ireland
2. Italy
3. Russia
4. Maldives
5. The Bahamas

Top Five Obsessions:
1. Sushi
2. Chocolates
3. Romance Novels
4. Photographs
5. Colored Pens

Top Five Beverages:
1. Iced Water
2. Hot Chocolate Drink
3. Green Tea
4. Chocolate Milk Shake
5. Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

Top Five Favorite Past Time:
1. Reading my Favorite Books
2. Watching Movies
3. Sleeping
4. Writing Letters
5. Playing the Piano

An Early Birthday Present

Dadi, thanks so much!


Hihirit sana ako nung similar sa N9210i para hindi na ako mahihirapan (wish ba na N9500 ang new phone) pero salamat po ulit!

Lab u!

Hooray for the Hippies!

Congratulations, BJ and Tyler! You deserve every bit of it.

The Frat Boys (Eric and Jeremy) seemed pissed at losing to the Hippies but they were so competitively strong that if they had won I would have accepted it. Nevertheless, I am glad the Hippies got it, they played superbly, and, of course, it helps if you are well traveled and actually travel to a country where you speak the language. That definitely gave them an edge.

It was very competitive to the end, and everyone played great. One of the best seasons and a great finish!

Magic in the Libraries

J.K. Rowling adds magic to libraries campaign

J.K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, hailed the public library yesterday as a "magical, mystical place, hushed and unhurried, where visitors could enter a thousand different worlds". [more...]
Source: The Guardian, UK

Happy Mother's Day!

By the time the Lord made mothers, He was into the sixth day working overtime. An Angel appeared and said "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered and said, "Have you read the spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not elastic; have 200 movable parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap that can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she stands up; have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart; and have six pairs of hands."

The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. "Six pairs of hands! No way!" said the Angel. The Lord replied, "Oh, it's not the hands that are the problem. It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!"

"And that's on the standard model?" the Angel asked.

The Lord nodded in agreement, "Yep, one pair of eyes are to see through the closed door as she asks her children what they are doing even though she already knows. Another pair in the back of her head are to see what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third pair are here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an errant child and saying that she understands and loves him or her without even saying a single word."

The Angel tried to stop the Lord "This is too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

"But I can't!" The Lord protested, "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the shower."

The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, "But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?" asked the Angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason, and negotiate."

The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like You have a leak with this model. I told You that You were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak." the Lord objected. "That's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the Angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment, her pain, her loneliness, her grief, and her pride."

The Angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything for this one. You even created the tear!" The Lord looked at the Angel and smiled and said, "I'm afraid you are wrong again. I created the woman, but she created the tear!"

Thank you, Mami...

For the special memories through the years,
For the smiles and the laughter,
The comfort and support,
For wiping away the tears,
For giving your best advice,
And for giving the love that only my Mami can give.

Love you, Mami!

Simple Pleasures

I was tagged again and this time by the Bubbly Harriet!

Instructions: Name ten of life's simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick ten people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

My ten simple pleasures would be:

1. My Yayas
2. Yummy Desserts
3. Sistahud and Real Friends
4. Outings and Luxurious Travels
5. Telecommunications
6. Tech Toys and Gadgets
7. Air-Conditioning
8. Ice Cold Water
9. Home Deliveries and To Go’s
10. Hearty Laughs

Now I am supposed to tag 10 people, so I am tagging:

1. Adina
2. April Daisy
3. Bunny
4. Cynch
5. Elinore
6. Jannice
7. Kyla
8. Meyan
9. Moises
10. Rachelle

For Harriet… wishing you a fun and happy day!

What... Me, 30?!

In 31 days and 12 hours, I will be turning 30 years old.

I wonder if it is the time for me to look toward the uncertain future with anxiety and anticipation or for me to start anew. To face questions about my so-called career, my relationships, my physical appearance and overall youthfulness is really a tough task.

What I know is that come my 30th birthday it should be a special time. It means living another year and another year to grow and for me to continue making every dream come true.

So, before I hit the Big 3-0, I have so many things to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my family and my yayas, who has always been there for me. I am thankful for my friends, who have been accommodating and understanding in every aspect of my life. I am thankful for my doctors and nurses, who keep a close eye on me. Most importantly, I thank God for giving me the life I have. I am thankful to have seen another year. I am thankful to be alive.

On that special day, I will definitely eat lots of cake and ice cream; I hope to get many presents, many well-wishers and lots of dancing!

Interesting Modern Philosophies

• If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
• A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.
• Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
• For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
• He who hesitates is probably right.
• Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
• No one is listening until you make a mistake.
• Success always occurs in private, and failure in full view.
• The colder the X-ray table, the more of your body is required on it.
• The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread.
• To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.
• To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.
• Two wrongs are only the beginning.
• You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive. (The corollary is: You never learn to pray until your kids learn to drive!)
• The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.
• Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7th of your life.
• The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.

It's a 'Bad Day' indeed!

Bad Day
Performed by: Daniel Powter
Released: Warner, 28 July 2005

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Will you need a blue sky holiday?
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oooh.. a holiday..)
Sometimes the system goes on the bling
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

(yeah...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day.

You cannot deny this song's appeal. It actually has sad lyrics, but it is set to inspiring music.

Jannice Francisco Bautista

Ja, keep your chin up! Hang in there… things will get better soon.

Don't let today's troubles
bring you down,
or allow you to question
your ability.

Don't let life's little obstacles
keep you from trying,
or become the reason
for defeat.

Don't let your fears
keep you from dreaming,
or from chasing
your dream.

Don't give up for any reason.
Believe in yourself,
and in yourself,
you'll find strength.

Just hold on, I know you can do it!

How to Get a Life

It is never easy to overcome a serious Internet addiction, or a hard-core computer gaming habit, but here are some easy steps to recovery!

Difficulty Level: Hard
Time Required: Years

Here is how:

1. Let go of the mouse.
2. Turn off the computer.
3. Play a game of solitaire with a real deck of cards.
4. Eat something other than taco chips.
5. Get some sleep in bed rather than on your keyboard.
6. Next time you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, do not tell everyone on your buddy list about it.
7. Open a window without turning your computer back on (yes, it is possible).
8. Very gradually expose your eyes to increasingly bright light so as to avoid damage or permanent sun blindness.
9. If you see someone, say "Hi" to them instead of trying to make the modem connect sound.
10. Visit a friend that you have not spoken to in years because they don't have an email address.
11. Have ".com" officially removed from behind your name.
12. Go on a date with someone you did not meet in a chat room.
    

Happy Earth Day!

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.

The Past, Present and Future

Be In The Present:

When you want to be happier and more successful:

Focus On What Is Right Now.
Respond To What Is Important Now.


Learn From The Past:

When you want to make the present better than the past:

Look At What Happened In The Past.
Learn Something Valuable From It.
Do things Differently In The Present.


Plan For The Future:

When you want to make the future better than the present:

See What A Wonderful Future Would Look Like.
Make Plans To Help It Happen.
Put Your Plan Into Action In The Present.

Life is a balance of honoring the past, be excited to be in the present, and plan to make your future even greater.

Happy Easter!

Easter is a time for thinking of those who have a special place in our hearts… Special people like you.

Chryseis Vivienne Santos

Bunny Bun Buns… you are leaving!

It's not goodbye for good... it is just a little so long for now.

Blockmates and The Big Family

Elinore Perez-Currington, my blockmate from UP College of Baguio way back 1992 and my “anak” in the Big Family, arrived from the United Kingdom last week for a month long holiday. She is married to a half Pinoy-half Brit based in Derbyshire and has been going home once a year in Manila.

This time around, before she left for Manila, we planned a get together with our blockmates and the members of the Big Family. I immediately sent an email and SMS to all and everyone was excited.

We really wanted to see each other because it has been awhile since our group last met. I cannot even remember the last time I saw Nhore personally. However, we continue to chat and exchange emails, I still long for the human factor of meeting up.

It was sad that she could only make it on a Sunday night and at the start of the Holy Week. A number of our blockmates wanted to go but since most of them are already married and have kids, they had a hard time going out on weekends.

We had dinner at Saisaki Glorietta 3 and drinks at Pier One at The Fort. Dinner was great and even the drinks went okay. Most of us haven’t seen each other in a long time and yet it was like we never really parted. We could still remember our Freshman Days, our first professors, the original love teams and the tons of laughter we all shared that year at UP College of Baguio.

Though most of us (Oli, Joseph, Peter and Moi) left UPCB and transferred to Diliman after a year, we still have the bond that certainly tied us for good.

I had a blast with the conversations and the laughter and reminiscing the carefree days. How I wish that we were still Freshmen and still competing for the Freshmen Night. It would be a blast if we could perform once again and compete with the rest of the Freshman Blocks. I can still hear Kuya Aldrin telling us what to do and what not to do. So much fun!

Nhore is still childless; however, she is busy with her career in UK and now sporting long locks. One of us has gotten his marriage annulled and now on with his third wife; yet he is successful with his own business. One has created a mark in the advertising world and is still sweet as ever. One is busy with corporate matters at a Vet Med firm and will forever be the “kilabot” of the block. One is busy with managing a Chinese restaurant in Binondo and very much good looking as before. One is still the Big Sister for everyone and still reminds me of the girl version of Erap. One is still the ever-quiet person but when he talks he could turn the house down and I know they still have the magic with my “anak”.

A number of our blockmates and Big Family members are still based in Baguio City. We wanted to meet with them but due to our own hectic schedules, we cannot afford to go back to Baguio. I wish that one day; we could all see each other again and enjoy the good company.

Given the span of years of not seeing each other and just having a few emails/chats over the years, I am very much delighted that we still have the ties that bind us together. The friendship that we’ve created in 1992 still lingers and will continue wherever we are.

Pocs and Nhore

Oli, Jojo, Jane, Nhore, Rallsh, Joseph and Peter

Baking a Cake

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times, we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But He knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! Whenever you want to talk, He will listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.

Send me your favorite recipes... recipes for life that is!

Facts and Hints about Hugs

There is no such thing as a bad hug;
There are only good hugs and great hugs.
Hug someone at least once a day and twice on a rainy day.
Hug with a smile; closed eyes are optional.
A snuggle is a longish hug.
Bedtime hugs help chase away bad dreams.
Never hug tomorrow someone you could hug today.
You cannot give a hug - without getting one.

How to attain Wisdom

One day Socrates was among the people teaching his wisdom when a young man walked up to him and requested that Socrates teach him. The great philosopher pondered for a moment, then agreed. "Meet me by the ocean tomorrow morning," he told his new pupil.

The next day, Socrates and the young man walked out into the ocean until they were chest deep. Socrates turned to the young man and pulled him underneath the water until he passed out.

Socrates dragged him to shore and waited until he regained consciousness. When the young man woke up, he asked Socrates why he had almost let him drown.

"Boy, when you were underwater, what did you want more than anything?"

"Well, I wanted air!"

"Boy, until you crave wisdom and knowledge as badly as you craved that air, it will never come to you."

Even the greatest thinkers and scholars had to work very hard to even obtain their gifts, yet alone develop them; so start craving.

My Latest Goddaughter

It was Julia Louise L. Foronda’s Christening Day last April 2, 2006 at the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Marikina.

May the baptism be just the start of a life filled with blessings! Welcome Child of God!

Julia is Leevhi and Jomar Foronda’s first child!

2005 Bar Results

Hats off to Atty. Marcelino “Mars” C. Arias Jr.

Blockmate!!!

A round of applause for your outstanding achievement!

All I Need to Know About Life...

... I learned from drinking Coffee...

· I am productive! I am productive! I am productive!
· Better latte than never.
· A day without coffee is like night...you sleep through it.
· We all have to do the daily grind.
· Espresso yourself.
· Automatic drip defines most people's personalities.
· Stand your grounds.
· If the spoon doesn't dissolve, it isn't coffee.
· I love the caffeine; it's the rich taste I could do without.
· Don't stop till you're shaking.
· Impatience is a virtue.
· Take two cups and call me in the middle of the night.
· Who needs sleep when you've got coffee?
· There's no rest for the caffeinated.
· Decaf is for sissies.
· Man cannot live by coffee alone - donuts are pretty essential too.
· There is no such thing as a free refill.
· It's okay to be full of beans sometimes.

2006 Graduation

There is a good reason they call these ceremonies "commencement exercises." Graduation is not the end; it's the beginning.
~ Orrin Hatch

Sta. Catalina College at Biñan, Laguna
25 March 2006

Tita Ralline, Axel, Mama Rachelle, Kyla – The Valedictorian and Tita Mary Ann

8 Certificates and Five Medals

Axel (First Year High School – Top 10) and Kyla

The Bedia-Toletino Family

Mama, Kyla, Axel and Atty. Amador “Ador” Tolentino

Each One Counts

An old man was walking along the beach, when he came upon a part of the sand where thousands of starfish had washed ashore.

A little further down the beach he saw a young woman, who was picking up the starfish one at a time and tossing them back into the ocean.

"Oh you silly girl," he exclaimed. "You can't possibly save all of these starfish. There's too many."

The woman smiled and said, "I know. But I can save this one, " and she tossed another into the ocean, "and this one", toss, "and this one..."

Saving one life is equivalent to saving the world. Each act of caring, each act of kindness is critical. Never stop from doing what you know to be the "right thing" because you think you can't make a difference. Because in effect you are.

Spring is in the Air!

Laugh out loud with liveliness,
Smile a smile full of happiness,
Live your life with joyfulness!

Happy Spring!

Internet Addict Recovery Program

1. I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my newspaper like I used to, before the Internet.
2. I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing.
3. I will get dressed before noon.
4. I will attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the Internet.
5. I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are Internet-deprived.
6. I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Internet.
7. I will read a book...if I still remember how.
8. I will listen to those around me and their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music on the Internet.
9. I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email.
10. I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.
11. I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy on the Internet.
12. Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime ... and the Internet will always be there tomorrow!

Have a Lucky St. Patty's Day!

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
- An Irish Blessing

God bless you with the joy of His love on St. Patrick's Day and always.

Congratulations, Kyla!

Embark on a New Adventure
Unfurl your Wings
and Soar towards a Horizon of Hope.

Angelica Rossana Bedia Tolentino
Class Valedictorian,

Sta. Catalina College

San Antonio, Biñan, Laguna

It is nice to see good things happen to someone so deserving!

Tagged!

I have been tagged twice by April and Bunny!

Did you know…

Four Jobs I've Had In My Life
1. Information Analyst
2. Knowledge Officer
3. Tax Information Officer
4. Trainings and Tax Library Consultant

Four Movies I Could Watch Over And Over
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
2. Cutting Edge
3. Love Affair
4. Never Been Kissed

Four Places I've Lived
1. Makati City
2. Olongapo City
3. Montreal, Canada
4. Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, California

Four TV Shows I Love To Watch
1. Eat Bulaga
2. House, M.D.
3. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Las Vegas, Miami, New York)
4. Reality Shows (American Idol, Amazing Race)

Four Websites I Visit Daily
1. Yahoo!
2. Friendster
3. Tsinoy
4. Wizard News

Four of My Favorite Foods
1. Chicken (Yum!)
2. Dark and Belgian Chocolates (considered ba ito?)
3. Shrimps (Yum Yum!)
4. Sushi/Sashimi

Four Places I've Been On Vacation (fave vacation places na lang)
1. Canada
2. Hawaii
3. Thailand
4. The Netherlands

Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now
1. Atlantis Paradise Resort, Bahamas
2. Florence, Italy
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
4. Panglao Nature Island Resort, Bohol

Four People I Wanna Tag
1. Agri
2. Jannice
3. Rachelle
4. Tuesday

Julian Lava Callao

From the Australian grapevine…

Jaja Lava (Jheannie’s sister) is very thrilled to announce the arrival of John and Jheannie’s pride and joy, Julian Lava Callao. Born on March 10, 2006.

For John and Jheannie... our congratulations for the new baby boy!

For Julian... we're very excited to meet you!

For Jaja… thanks for the info and keeping touch.

May your home glow with the warmth and love of Julian. Congratulations!

Meatless Meals

Health experts have long been advising us to eat less animal protein as a way to lower their intake of saturated fats and avoid environmental toxins. If you need some simple ideas to get your family or yourself started on a lifestyle that reduces or eliminates animal protein, try the following:

1. Use meat as a side, not as the main dish.
2. Prepare meatless meals that you are familiar with, such as bean burritos and pasta salads.
3. Eat meat less frequently. Start with breakfasts that are meatless, then incorporate meatless lunches as well.
4. Substitute fresh vegetables for meat in recipes. Vegetarian chili can be just as delicious as the meat version.
5. Try meat substitutes. Many supermarkets carry a variety of soy and grain alternatives to hamburger, hot dogs and lunch meats.
6. Try new types of cuisine. Many ethnic cuisines offer meat-free dishes; you may not miss the meat when you have new flavors to entice you.

While they advocate less animal protein intake, they also recommend a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which come from sources such as salmon and sardines.

A healthy, varied, balanced diet that works with your lifestyle is what is most important. Remember you are what you eat...

Always Remember

Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But don't forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget
The troubles that have passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.

Happy Women's Day!

On March 8, it's the International Women's Day, and time to celebrate being a Woman! Well, importantly enough, it is not just about BEING a Woman; it's also about KNOWING a Woman! So then, whether you BE a Woman or you KNOW a Woman, you're licensed to celebrate International Women's Day and pay tribute to all those women who have through the ages stood courageously against all odds to elevate the status of women around the world- striving towards the goal that one day all women will stand on an equal footing with men.

Come to think of it-today, women have come a long way, but there's still ground to cover. Hope shines bright! Its flame burns stronger every March 8 on International Women's Day.

International Women's Day is a day for women to reflect upon and celebrate their struggles, their achievements and remember with pride all the women who helped bring women up the ladder to the stair they are on today. And what can be a better occasion to honor them, as much as you honor all the deserving others and make them feel special? None, in fact!

On International Women's Day, let each woman raise a toast to herself and to all the other women in this world, to their courage and determination. Woman-today's the day you and your sisters, the world over, take stock of your present position with regard to your equality with men. So be it. Appreciate the efforts, the sufferings and the glory of every small victory on her path to her goal. (Source)

Through The Eyes

The park bench was deserted
as I sat down to read,
beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.

Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
for the world was intent on dragging me down.
And if that weren't enough to ruin my day,
a young boy approached me,
all tired from play.

He stood right before me
with his head tilted down
and said with great excitement,
"Look what I found!"
In his hand was a flower,
and what a pitiful sight,
With its petals all worn –
not enough rain, or too little light.

Wanting him to take his dead flower
and go off to play,
I faked a small smile
and then shifted away.
But instead of retreating
he sat next to my side
And declared with overacted surprise,
"It sure smells pretty
and it's beautiful, too.
That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."

The weed before me was dying or dead,
not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red.

But I knew I must take it,
or he might never leave.
So I reached for the flower, and replied,
"Thanks, just what I need."
but instead of him placing the flower in my hand,
he held it mid-air without reason or plan.
It was then that I noticed
for the very first time
that weed-toting boy could not see~
he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver,
tears shone in the sun
As I thanked him for picking
the very best one.
"You're welcome,"
he smiled,
and then ran off to play,
unaware of the impact
he'd had on my day.

I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.
How did he know
of my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart,
he'd been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child,
at last I could see
The problem was not with the world;
the problem was me.
And for all of those times
I myself had been blind,
I vowed to see the beauty in life,
and appreciate every second that's mine.
And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose
And smiled as I watched that young boy,
another weed in his hand,
about to change the life
of an unsuspecting old man.

Thank Heaven for Friends

For all the little friendship things
between just you and me.
For the closeness way down deep that comes
with trust and honesty.

For the ordinary, everyday,
"just-called-to-say" surprises,
For promises you keep
and "cause-you-love-me" compromises.

For "I care so much about you",
and "I'll be there till the end."
For God who blessed my life with such special friends.

Julia Louise Labanda Foronda

Jomar and Leevhi are thrilled to announce the arrival of their pride and joy, Julia Louise Labanda Foronda.

Born last February 28, 2006 at 4pm at 6.1 lbs.

For Jomar and Leevhi... my congratulations for the new baby girl!

For Julia... Ninang Ralline is very excited to meet you!

Things to Remember

Twenty-Four Things to Always Remember and One Thing to Never Forget

Your presence is a present to the world
You're unique and one of a kind
Your life can be what you want it to be
Take the days just one at a time

Count your blessings, not your troubles
You'll make it through with whatever comes along
Within you are so many answers
Understand, have courage, be strong

Don't put limits on yourself
So many dreams are waiting to be realized
Decisions are too important to leave to chance
Reach for your peak, your goal, your prize

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying
The longer one carries a problem
The heavier it gets
Don't take things too seriously
Live a life of serenity
Not a life of regrets

Remember that a little love goes a long way
Remember that a lot goes forever
Remember that friendship is a wise investment
Life's treasures are people together

Realize that it's never too late
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way
Have health, hope and happiness
Take the time to wish upon a star

And don't ever forget
For even a day
How very special you are.

The Fab 5 in Manila!

First, there was Kyan and Thom . . . now; it is all Fab 5 of them!

Manila adored TV’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Kyan Douglas and Thom Filicia in June 2005 when the “Grooming Guru” and the “Design Doctor,” strutted their stuff in SRO demos at the Ayala Malls.

Come March 10 and 11, they will be back—and with the rest of the world famous reality program’s Fab 5! No doubt, it will be five times the fun when Douglas, Filicia, “Food and Wine Connoisseur” Ted Allen, “Fashion Savant” Carson Kressley and “Culture Vulture” Jai Rodriguez dispense their trademark advice and wit at the Ayala Greenbelt, Glorietta and Alabang Town Center Malls.


The group’s schedule of live appearances is as follows: March 10, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Glorietta Activity Center, and 7 to 9:30 p.m. at a fashion show by the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines at the Greenbelt 3 Park; and March 11, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alabang Town Center.

May We Have...

Enough happiness to keep us sweet;
Enough trials to keep us strong;
Enough sorrow to keep us human;
Enough hope to keep us happy;
Enough failure to keep us humble;
Enough success to keep us eager;
Enough friends to give us comfort;
Enough wealth to meet our needs;
Enough enthusiasm to look forward;
Enough faith to banish depression;
Enough determination to make each day better than yesterday.

She's Married!

From this day forward,
You shall not walk alone.
My heart will be your shelter,
And my arms will be your home.
- Author Unknown

Racel Bernadette D. Ochoa and Menardo “Nardie” Z. Sy
Sunday, 19 February 2006
Transfiguration Chapel
Caleruega, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

May you two grow old together… Congratulations!

Mona Lisa Lu-Pascual, Rae, Racel and Nardie, Zarah Suzanne E. Villanueva and Moises G. Visperas III

Someone Special

Once and awhile someone comes along,
who fills your heart, with an endless song.
They make the sun shine on darkest days,
and paint a rainbow, over the cloudy greys.

They can make you smile when you frown,
knowing how to lift your spirits, when down.
Their shoulders are broad, and freely given,
until troubles weighing you down have risen.

They listen intently, to all you need to say,
then find the words, to ease your pain away.
Their words of comfort, dry all of your tears,
and renew your strength, to calm your fears.

Whenever you need someone they are there,
just wanting you to know, that they do care.
In knowing this, it makes your world brighter,
and any troubles you face, that much lighter.

When this special someone finds your heart,
they touch your life, and become a big part.
It's a blessing you are given from God above,
as it brings to your heart, a special gift of love.

Valentine's Day Thought

In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.
~ Janos Arnay

Hope you have a Valentine's Day of everyday joys and unexpected pleasures.

Friends Too

Valentine's Day is not just for couples,
It is for friends too....
It's a special day set aside,
To say thank you for all they do,
And to let them know how grateful we are,
To have friends like you....

There have been many times,
That they were always there,
Without a moment of hesitation,
With a caring heart so rare,
To show us support and friendship too....
Our lives have been touched by the Angel in you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Clear Horizons

When we refer to a "beautiful day," we are often describing a day that is sunny, clear, and without a cloud in sight to mar a sky that is a brilliantly perfect blue. We find ourselves bouncing along, light in spirit, free from worries, and enjoying the moment. That is, until the clouds begin to form. The sky may turn grey, and a fog may roll in. Puffs of white take on whimsical, darker shades, and our beautiful day disappears along with the sunshine... or so it seems.

A clear blue sky often inspires in us good cheer, bringing on a lighter, more carefree day. We may find ourselves spending time outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and basking in the warmth of the sun. Yet should clouds appear to wash the sky with shadows, we may let this change of weather decrease our energy and enthusiasm, pulling us into our own cloudy funk. Darker days are just as much a part of life as are the days graced with sunshine. They show us a different perspective of our world, while helping us appreciate the moments of illumination that inevitably follow. A rainy day with clouds helps to clear the air, washing away stagnation.

Still, it is hard not to feel gloomy or think that the day has been ruined when there are clouds hanging over us. Yet if you can remember that these shades of grey will not last forever, and that hidden behind the clouds is the blue sky, you will find that the beauty of your day is merely playing a game of peek-a-boo with you. Like the mishaps and interruptions that occasionally block the brilliance that is our own lives from shining through, clouds eventually clear away so we can open up to a brighter horizon.

The next time you wake up to a cloudy day, remember that these shades of grey in life are there just for the moment. And that no matter how hard the rain falls or how chilly the fog is, the clouds will go away, the sun will break through, and you will be able to see the sky that has always and forever been a beautiful and brilliant blue.

Luna Lovegood and the OOP Cast

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix starts shooting next week. Casting for Luna, Tonks, Umbridge and Bellatrix announced."

London, February 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Principal photography will commence February 6 at Leavesden Studios on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter novel series.

Directed by award winning British filmmaker David Yates (The Girl in the Caf�, Sex Traffic, State of Play), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is produced by Harry Potter film series producer David Heyman and David Barron, from a screenplay by Michael Goldenberg (Where the Wild Things Are, Peter Pan, Contact).

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as close-knit teen wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The production also welcomes back production designer Stuart Craig, costume designer Jany Temime, creature effects supervisor Nick Dudman, special effects supervisor John Richardson and visual effects supervisor Tim Burke. The director of photography is Slawomir Idziak (King Arthur, Black Hawk Down) and the editor is Mark Day (The Girl in the Caf�, State of Play).

Joining the stellar cast are Imelda Staunton (Nanny McPhee, Vera Drake) as Dolores Umbridge, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; George Harris (The Interpreter, Black Hawk Down) as Kingsley Shacklebolt; Helen McCrory (Casanova, Enduring Love) as Bellatrix Lestrange; Natalia Tena (Mrs. Henderson Presents, About a Boy) as Nymphadora Tonks; Kathryn Hunter (All or Nothing, Orlando) as Mrs. Figg; and 14 year-old newcomer Evanna Lynch, who beat over 15,000 hopefuls at an open casting call to win the role of Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw student who becomes an important ally of Harry, Ron and Hermione's.

Does she look like you imagine Luna to look? Yes - she is just how I imagined Luna to be.

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community is in denial about the teenager's recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort, preferring to turn a blind eye to the news that Voldemort has returned. Fearing that Hogwarts' venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort's return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge's Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves "Dumbledore's Army," Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released in 2007. [Official Press Release]

3G and Nokia 6680

3G is here!

"3G is short for �third generation� (Third Generation Wireless) mobile communication technology. A 3G phone can be used to transmit text, voice, multimedia data, and emails, and be able to connect to the Internet. The much-hyped service for 3G mobile was video telephony.

In finding out about 3G phones one will encounter an array of acronyms of up to seven letters representing standards and protocols, and whose spelled-out meanings would not make sense to the average person. Ay, but that is how engineers come up with tech terms.

Anyway, 3G communication ushers in a new wave of services from providers and software developers.

A 3G phone basically has a camera; several ports for various purposes; a variety of connectivity options that would include Bluetooth, Infrared, and Internet access; miscellaneous applications to perform certain tasks, and extended memory. 3G standards provide globetrotters international roaming services. It is short of saying that a 3G phone is a loaded phone.

Since it is packed with features, do not expect it to come cheap. But its uses will only be limited by one�s understanding of the technology.

A 3G phone is more than a smartphone. It earlier could be used for videoconferencing and can be connected to a TV set or projector. Aside from having the connectivity options mentioned above, it allows for MP3 and MPEG4 playback.

With a 3G phone, you can put your laptops and iPods aside.

3G phones come with office applications like word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, and notepads, and they can be connected to other devices like projectors, printers, fax machines, and computers either through Bluetooth, IR, or cable.

And since a 3G phone is also a multimedia phone and is capable of providing Internet access, one can download all sorts of materials: documents; applications; music, which has been proven to have a strong demand from customers; games; ebooks; images; and even movies.

Call it an all-in-one pocket size gizmo.

More than a business or social tool, 3G phones have their educational uses, too.

More than just using a 3G phone for presentations, it can be used for interactive videoconferencing � from mobile phone to a desktop computer � greatly enabling distant education.

With the price and the capability of a desktop PC, 3G phones offer mobility, flexibility, entertainment, convenience, and a lot of other benefits in one handy unit, one just couldn�t ask for more from a cellphone. And there will surely be a phone model to suit your taste, lifestyle, and needs."

I already have my 3G phone and getting ready to take part in the rush.

The Love Month

Love is in the air!
It is here... the day to celebrate "Love"!
Thirteen days to go and Yes!

It is Valentine's Day!

Wishing everyone showers of love on Valentine's Day!

Treasures

There are treasures in life,
but owners are few
Of money and power
to buy things brand new.

Yet you can be wealthy
and feel regal too,
If you will just look
for the treasures in you.

These treasures in life
are not hard to find
When you look in your heart,
your soul, and your mind.

For when you are willing
to share what's within,
Your fervent search
for riches will end.

The joy and the laughter,
the smile that you bring;
The heart unafraid
to love and to sing.

The hand always willing
to help those in need;
Ones quick to reach out,
to labor and feed.

So thank you for sharing
these great gifts inside;
The caring, the cheering,
the hug when one cried.

Thanks for the energy,
encouragement too,
And thank you for sharing
the treasures in you.

I do not have to name them but they know who are my jewels! Yes, they will will always be part of my Treasures.

To Inquire from Within

So many of us are in the habit of looking "Out There" for our answers, invalidating our own inner wisdom by assuming that, in some magical way, others may be wiser than we, even about what is good for us. We become other-directed rather than self-directed. One of the biggest reasons for this behavior is that we are terrified of making mistakes. If we follow someone else's counsel, then it is his or her fault if things go wrong. But if we are to take charge of our own lives, we must have the courage to inquire within, find our own answers, and make our own mistakes.

Some times my friends say, "I don't know" when I ask what they want or need in order to be able to make changes in their lives. To free them from their own inner pressure to give the perfect answer I ask, "Well, if you were to take a guess, what would it be?" Almost always they have an immediate and right-on "guess". We are our own best experts. We know what we should do. We are only afraid we do not know or afraid that our knowing will be wrong. It takes courage to listen to ourselves and act on what we hear.

We can learn to trust ourselves by inquiring within. To practice doing this, sit quietly, close your eyes, and for a moment focus your attention on your breathing. Gently visualize your inner wisdom as a graceful butterfly. Admire her beauty, and encourage your butterfly to sit on your shoulder and whisper her wisdom in your ear. Be still and listen. We do now what we want and need, and we can have the courage to accept the results and the rewards of inquiring within.

Sometimes...

Sometimes� even the best of us get stressed out.
Sometimes� we could all use a break.
Sometimes� laughter can solve the problem.
Sometimes� a light heart can save the day.
Sometimes� a carefree attitude can free the soul.
Sometimes� a smile can warm the coldest of hearts.
Sometimes� the right words can change the situation.
Sometimes� it is just not enough...
Sometimes� there is nothing you can do.
Sometimes� you just have to pray.

Always�

God will listen!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Loyalty, Honesty, Truth, Justice, Inspiration, Compassion

Year of the Dog

May all of us receive the very best the year has to offer.

A Good Woman

This applies to all the women in the house�

A good woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, or does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love, therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration, a dabble of endurance. She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them. A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future.

A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons, meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love.

Cheers to all my girlfriends! Much love from me to you!

Look for the Hidden Blessings of Difficult Situations

The people whom I admire most in the world say without reservation that the hardest things they had to face, cancer, the death of a child, a bankruptcy, or job loss, had been their greatest teachers and that they were grateful for the lessons. For Rachelle it has been dealing with pain.

When Rachelle was a senior in college, she injured her back. It was the first time her body ever betrayed her. Until then, Rachelle always considered it just a handy container to take her mind where it wanted to go. However, suddenly she could not move, and she had to pay attention to it.

It has been twenty years since then, and her back continues to be one of her greatest teachers. Rachelle has learned a lot about patience (a hard lesson for her) and impermanence (just because it hurts like blazes today does not mean it will hurt tomorrow). Rachelle have learned the value of physical discipline ("No time to do those boring back exercises?" her body says, "I'll show you!"). Rachelle have learned that she cannot push herself beyond limits that often she still do not recognize until after she have exceeded them. That even doing everything "right" is no guarantee she will be free from pain. She have learned to let go of her wanting it to be better, and she have learned about how much she still exist even if she is able to do absolutely nothing. Now, in theory, Rachelle could have learned these things some other way, and perhaps she might have. Nevertheless, the truth of her life is that she has learned them through her pain -- and she is grateful for the lessons, if not for the pain.

Just a suggestion: write down the ten most difficult things that ever happened to you. As you look over the list, can you see the gifts that each of them brought? When you are suffering from some difficulty whose blessing is invisible to you, try saying the following: �I am willing to see the gift in this experience. May the lessons be revealed to me, and may I become stronger and clearer�.

My Cookies

At an airport one night
With several long hours
Before her flight,
She hunted for a book
In an airport shop,
Bought a bag of cookies
And found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book
But happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her,
As bold as could be,
Grabbed a cookie or two
From the bag in between,
Which she tried to ignore
to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies
And watched the clock,
As the gutsy cookie thief
Diminished her stock.

She was getting more irritated
As the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, "If I wasn't so nice,
I would blacken his eye."

With each cookie she took,
He took one too,
When only one was left,
She wondered what he would do.

With a smile on his face,
And a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie
And broke it in half.
He offered her half,
As he ate the other,
She snatched it from him
And thought.... ooh, brother!

This guy had some nerve
And he's also rude,
Why he didn't even show
Any gratitude!

She had never known
When she been so galled,
And sighed with relief
When her flight was called.

She gathered her belongings
And headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back
At the thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane,
And sank in her seat,
Then she sought her book,
Which was almost complete.

As she reached in her baggage,
She gasped with surprise,
There was her bag of cookies,
In front of her eyes.

If mine are here,
She moaned in despair,
The others were his,
And he tried to share.

Too late to apologize,
She realized with grief,
That she was the rude one,
The ingrate, the thief!

How many times have we absolutely known that something was a certain way, only to discover later that what we believed to be true... was not?

Always keep an open mind and an open heart, because you just never know...."You might be eating someone else's cookies!"

Four Seasons: The Measure of Life

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no -- it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but ONLY one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are--and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life -- can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it is winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and fulfillment of your fall.

Do not let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Do not judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.

Keep Your Chin Up!

On difficult days,
When you feel like giving up,
Try to shed a smile and remember,
That you are not alone, but loved,
You have friends that care for you,
And wish you the best too...
And when you need a hug,
Or a little pick-me-up...

Just remember I am here...
With a heart full of cheer,
To throw your way...
On those difficult days.

Tuesday, keep your chin up!
Everything is going to be okay.

Reducing Stress Naturally

Stress is often a matter of how we frame a situation, rather than the situation itself, and how we react to potential stressors is greatly influenced by our internal reaction to external situations. Although the components that make up stress can be complex, simple steps can help reduce stress.

Try avoiding the following common stressors and see how you feel after a week or two:

Caffeine and other stimulant drugs. Often these make us more jumpy, anxious and fearful, and interfere with relaxation, rest and sleep.

Sound. With a penetrating influence on the nervous system, it is no surprise that some kinds of sound increase our level of arousal and make us tense and anxious.

News. News reports can profoundly affect your mental state, increasing anxiety and possibilities for worry.

Agitated minds. Being around others who are agitated can easily affect your level of agitation. Whenever possible, stick to interacting with those who are centered and calm.

Reducing stress is one way that we can keep our health in balance and prevent illness .