i was in kabacan, north cotabato for the weekend, to attend the wake of a dead relative. it is so ironic that if a family member dies, it is most often than not, the wake is made into a reunion. well, that is part of our custom and tradition i think. i was with my mom and dad because i have this need to go because i wanted to see relatives that i havent seen for quite some time.
how time really flies, because i saw cousins who are younger than me. i can remember that i took care of them when they were still toddlers. my only misgiving is that a couple of them has been married and seperated from their spouses. sad also that even though that we have a decade separating us they look older than me. maybe because of the problems they have. but who doesnt have one? that is what life is. it is a matter of perspective on how you see the situation. still i was so happy to see them. i didnt know i missed them so much.
what really made the weekend memorable was when we were served an array of all the kakanins of my childhood days. we had patupat, tupig, buchi, baduya and every color of biko you can think of. i have an ilocano ancestry and im vey proud of it. i have inherited their frugality and being industrious. then i surprised the people who were there because i still can speak the dialect though rusty and when i sang a lullaby ive learned from my grandma they were but happy and amazed.
i remember a long time ago every year, we always go to kabacan and spend the whole
summer there with all the cousins from davao. i still can recall my grandma ringing the bell everytime a meal is ready. having a nap after lunch was a prerequisite and that was the time lola sings her lullaby. god i miss her. though i was very young i miss the way she smells when she gives me a hug. her ample bosom was so soft and she always gives me a peck on the cheek without any reason at all. i was a favorite because i will sing and dance without any prodding.
then all of a sudden, an auntie saw me and uttered you really look like your grandma. it gave me the chills because i never thought that i will get her looks. and i also learned that she had an asthma as well. talk about genetics.
the whole night my cousins and i promise to get in touch because we were given an assignment by the elders to make a family tree. trace our roots 6 generations up. i know it would be a feat for us but we never turn our backs on a challenge. this has to be done in time for our reunion on april 2007 were my moms family is the host.
i know we can do this and it would be a learning experience to trace one's roots.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
lenten in camiguin
camiguin island - what a place, what an experience. i was there together with my family from maundy thursday to easter sunday. what made the visit worthwhile was i was able to climb an old volcano which they made into the 14 stations of the cross. so inspite of the asthma and vertigo, i slowly trod the way as jesus did in his way to golgotha. with all its twists and turns, i can feel my knees shaking and the shortness of my breath is apparent. well, maybe it is a sign that i have sinned the past year so i really tried very hard and did my best to go unto the top. it was an exhilarating experience. when i was in the 14th station, i sat down and prayed more. i prayed for peace, good health and happiness to all i can think of. i had my personal prayers for my family and i prayed for atonement of my sins.
then the adventure: first destination was the santo nino cold spring. it was a surprise because i was expecting a pool with cold water, but no it was a pool with cold flowing water. so the explanation maybe is as fast as the flow of the water then the counterpart of water springing from the ground was the same. i dont know about science but we had a nice dip. we went there thursday and went back after our climb of the via cruces.
saturday was a long day. we woke up 3am to be fetch by our service at 4am going to the white island. we arrived at the island by a motorized banca at 5am and gave instruction that we wanted to go back at 7am. we were the first to be there except of course for the stall owners. it was a very spectacular sight, the moon was still in the heavens and you can see the sun rising from the horizon. talk about nature triping. true indeed the sand was white and again we have a nice swim inspite of the cold water. well who are we to complain? amidst the sun, sand and sky we were like children playing in paradise.
third stop was the capital town of mambajao. we tour around, bought their famous pastel and had lunch near the parola.(lighthouse) then we proceeded to the katibawasan waterfalls. it was a sight to behold when i saw the falls. there was a rainbow forming in the middle of the drop. awesome. we hurriedly went into the pool and didnt dare go where the drop is, afraid that it would break our shoulder blades because of its strenght. the sprays and the mists was enough for us.
then the ardent hot spring. we were tired this time already but still we submerge ourselves to the pool that has 38 degrees in temperature. it was a change from the places weve been. the water was just right for our weary bones but we lasted for 15 minutes. we felt that we were soft boiled na. hahaha. then to the sunken cemetery memorial. you can see the limestone tombs underwater. they were the casualties of the first eruption of mt. volcan. then straight to the ruins of the old church. i have this eerie feeling when we were there. it felt like we were in a hallowed ground. some parts of the church is still standing against the test of time.
there were still places to go and sites to discover but alas, it was time for us to go home. what really is amazing is that there are group or bunch of people who has their panata to be in camiguin every lenten season. they walk around the island for 48 kilometers. you can see 14 big white crosses along the highway because it is their stations. they dont mind the harsh weather because day in and day out they keep on walking until they finish their own version of the via cruces.
so i made a decision that im going to have my panata too. it is going to be an annual sojourn for me to be in this island for lenten season. in the first place as the locals are saying, camiguin means "come again." yon na.
then the adventure: first destination was the santo nino cold spring. it was a surprise because i was expecting a pool with cold water, but no it was a pool with cold flowing water. so the explanation maybe is as fast as the flow of the water then the counterpart of water springing from the ground was the same. i dont know about science but we had a nice dip. we went there thursday and went back after our climb of the via cruces.
saturday was a long day. we woke up 3am to be fetch by our service at 4am going to the white island. we arrived at the island by a motorized banca at 5am and gave instruction that we wanted to go back at 7am. we were the first to be there except of course for the stall owners. it was a very spectacular sight, the moon was still in the heavens and you can see the sun rising from the horizon. talk about nature triping. true indeed the sand was white and again we have a nice swim inspite of the cold water. well who are we to complain? amidst the sun, sand and sky we were like children playing in paradise.
third stop was the capital town of mambajao. we tour around, bought their famous pastel and had lunch near the parola.(lighthouse) then we proceeded to the katibawasan waterfalls. it was a sight to behold when i saw the falls. there was a rainbow forming in the middle of the drop. awesome. we hurriedly went into the pool and didnt dare go where the drop is, afraid that it would break our shoulder blades because of its strenght. the sprays and the mists was enough for us.
then the ardent hot spring. we were tired this time already but still we submerge ourselves to the pool that has 38 degrees in temperature. it was a change from the places weve been. the water was just right for our weary bones but we lasted for 15 minutes. we felt that we were soft boiled na. hahaha. then to the sunken cemetery memorial. you can see the limestone tombs underwater. they were the casualties of the first eruption of mt. volcan. then straight to the ruins of the old church. i have this eerie feeling when we were there. it felt like we were in a hallowed ground. some parts of the church is still standing against the test of time.
there were still places to go and sites to discover but alas, it was time for us to go home. what really is amazing is that there are group or bunch of people who has their panata to be in camiguin every lenten season. they walk around the island for 48 kilometers. you can see 14 big white crosses along the highway because it is their stations. they dont mind the harsh weather because day in and day out they keep on walking until they finish their own version of the via cruces.
so i made a decision that im going to have my panata too. it is going to be an annual sojourn for me to be in this island for lenten season. in the first place as the locals are saying, camiguin means "come again." yon na.
Monday, April 10, 2006
solitary confinement
for two straight days i was in a solitary confinement. although mine is an isolated case, i felt like it was two weeks not two days. you see, i have this kind of asthma that depends on the weather situation, it is in extremes, if its too hot or too cold. i had mine because it rained for about 10 minutes and all the heat from the ground came out. that is the worst scenario for me. i don't have problem with pollens, dusts and the like before, but after my operation it seems i have developed the abhorrence for this. i know i don't like the smell of new mown grass because it gives me the sniffles and nonstop sneezing.
i have my share of tablets, syrups, puffer and nebulizer but still the asthma persist. as my brother who is a doctor told me, you wont die of the disease per se but of its complication. migod, what more complication do i need? i stayed in the bedroom with the airconditoner on for round the clock for two days. i hope i won't get another attack when my electric bill comes. heaven forbid!
now i know how ninoy felt when he was in the same situation as i had. whereas, his is for love of the country, mine is a measly reason of loving myself. i had only two days and ninoys incarceration was years. so this is how you feel when you are in detention for not doing your assignment and being a bully in high school and being grounded when you disobey a house rule. good thing i was a good student and a dutiful daughter. the funny thing is i loose my appetite when i have my "alaga" as i call the disease. so i shed off an unwanted couple of pounds everytime i have it. difficult for me because when did losing pounds while you can hardly breathe can be an easy task? i can say that my asthma is my waterloo. i only hope and pray that this borrowed life will be loaned to me for quite some time yet. i still have a mission to accomplish and lot of things to do in my life.
i want to to go around the world, be in oprah show, serenaded by christian bautista, look after my future grandkids, taste girard's red beans in spaghetti sauce(ewww!),go
to the ultimate destination which is amampulo, i have to perfect my yoga poses, i havent seen all my vcd and dvd collections, i have to open a gourmet restaurant and as gp said, davao could not live without my peanuts. also i have to do the impossible dream - i have to regain my prepregnancy figure. i have to contribute to my favorite foundation, have to attend the pinning ceremony of my youngest, be a ninang to the wedding of one of my favorite person, have to spend a lifetime of happiness with my husband and kids. is that a tall order?
im now free! the dreaded asthma is gone and i will go back to my idyllic life. i have to say nine sets of novena for it to go away even this holy week only. how can i enjoy the beautiful island of camiguin while under attack? please pretty please, not this time okay? i am armed with all the sunblocks, my caps, sunglasses , my medicines. i think i deserve this after the solitary confinement. a blessed holy week to everyone!
i have my share of tablets, syrups, puffer and nebulizer but still the asthma persist. as my brother who is a doctor told me, you wont die of the disease per se but of its complication. migod, what more complication do i need? i stayed in the bedroom with the airconditoner on for round the clock for two days. i hope i won't get another attack when my electric bill comes. heaven forbid!
now i know how ninoy felt when he was in the same situation as i had. whereas, his is for love of the country, mine is a measly reason of loving myself. i had only two days and ninoys incarceration was years. so this is how you feel when you are in detention for not doing your assignment and being a bully in high school and being grounded when you disobey a house rule. good thing i was a good student and a dutiful daughter. the funny thing is i loose my appetite when i have my "alaga" as i call the disease. so i shed off an unwanted couple of pounds everytime i have it. difficult for me because when did losing pounds while you can hardly breathe can be an easy task? i can say that my asthma is my waterloo. i only hope and pray that this borrowed life will be loaned to me for quite some time yet. i still have a mission to accomplish and lot of things to do in my life.
i want to to go around the world, be in oprah show, serenaded by christian bautista, look after my future grandkids, taste girard's red beans in spaghetti sauce(ewww!),go
to the ultimate destination which is amampulo, i have to perfect my yoga poses, i havent seen all my vcd and dvd collections, i have to open a gourmet restaurant and as gp said, davao could not live without my peanuts. also i have to do the impossible dream - i have to regain my prepregnancy figure. i have to contribute to my favorite foundation, have to attend the pinning ceremony of my youngest, be a ninang to the wedding of one of my favorite person, have to spend a lifetime of happiness with my husband and kids. is that a tall order?
im now free! the dreaded asthma is gone and i will go back to my idyllic life. i have to say nine sets of novena for it to go away even this holy week only. how can i enjoy the beautiful island of camiguin while under attack? please pretty please, not this time okay? i am armed with all the sunblocks, my caps, sunglasses , my medicines. i think i deserve this after the solitary confinement. a blessed holy week to everyone!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
thoughts on friendship
april 4, 2006
i have this nagging thought for quite sometime now. since i came home from a short visit in manila i was thinking that wow!, i have new found friends na. then, how do you define friendship? is it just being attached to another by respect or affection? or maybe being more than the level of mere acquaintanceship? or being a support or having favor someone from another? if this is so, how can i be a friend to those i haven't seen yet?
i have categorized my friends. i have my childhood friends whom i call my berks. my barkadas, are my classmates from high school and college. i have my sisters from the community where i belong, then i have my gym friends who in short time that we've known each other, we became like a one close knit family. i also have cousins from both side of the family who are friends and relatives at the same time. i have girard and mickay who is a different category from the above mentioned. they are friends and members of my family. and lastly, my cf friends whom i discovered just barely a month ago.
migs, whom i talked and chatted with before i even have the chance to meet, is a blessing. many good things came my way when he became an acquaintance. then when we saw each other the first time, it was like a discovery. i have a son. it was unexplainable but i have another addition to my flourishing brood. then how can i explain gail and dessie whom i met only during the nccc davao mini concert of ian and are fast friends already? frances who i haven't met but communicate throught text messages? they are all cfs from davao. then i have jehanna who is sixteen and from cotabato city. we chatted and text from time to time. in visayas, i have vivian from cebu and from bacolod, dayds, lits and phillip. then from laguna, charmaine and lately lorns from bulacan. then how about cha who is migs gf? how would i call all of them?
if i am going to adhere to the meaning then they are text mates, chat mates and merely an acquaintance. but no, i wouldnt settle for that. in the first place, we all have a common denominator. we are all cfs. so we are friends and one big family. almost all of them call me nanay and what can i do? respond to the term of endearment and lo and behold. they are all my children. a member of my tribe. hahaha. attention: national statistics office
so let me define friendship. it is a meeting of the mind and of the heart. it is not having to see each other everyday. it is just being there for a friend. even you havent seen them but the lines of communication is always open, then that is friendship. it doesn't have boundaries and limitations. you are a true friend when you overlook the failure and tolerate the success of another friend. ian, you are so lucky to have cfs all over the country and overseas as well. your cbr admin is a terrific bunch and hardworking at that. i hope you appreciate them as much as we do.
as for my other set of friends(you know who you are) thank you because all through the years you've been there. we seldom talk but when we meet it seems that there are no gaps to bridge and holes to fill. i love you guys. you are the best. and to you girard i miss the company,man. the companionable silence. ang ating paninirang puri sa mga taong walang kamalaymalay. the movies, the conversation albeit senseless, the late night coffee, the singing, the eating session everytime i cook and of course your being. the miles that seperate us is not a hindrance. we have established a bond that is indestructible. as you've said that the great gift of friendship is knowing that both of us would always find our way back to each other. love you friend.
and you mr. hipolito, i am looking forward that i will be your wedding sponsor so it will be official. di ba ang ninang is second parent na? and i will hold on to my promise about the gift. i am very happy to have known you and loving you. welcome to my fold. you are latest addition and i hope not the last.
in closing i want to share something i've discovered from an english poet.
Oh, the comfort-
the inexpressible comfort of feeling
safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thoughts,
Nor measure words-
but pouring them
All right out- just as they are-
Chaff and grain together-
Certain that a faithful hand will
Take and sift them-
Keep what is worth keeping-
And with a breath of kindness
Blow the rest away
Friendship
-Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
i have this nagging thought for quite sometime now. since i came home from a short visit in manila i was thinking that wow!, i have new found friends na. then, how do you define friendship? is it just being attached to another by respect or affection? or maybe being more than the level of mere acquaintanceship? or being a support or having favor someone from another? if this is so, how can i be a friend to those i haven't seen yet?
i have categorized my friends. i have my childhood friends whom i call my berks. my barkadas, are my classmates from high school and college. i have my sisters from the community where i belong, then i have my gym friends who in short time that we've known each other, we became like a one close knit family. i also have cousins from both side of the family who are friends and relatives at the same time. i have girard and mickay who is a different category from the above mentioned. they are friends and members of my family. and lastly, my cf friends whom i discovered just barely a month ago.
migs, whom i talked and chatted with before i even have the chance to meet, is a blessing. many good things came my way when he became an acquaintance. then when we saw each other the first time, it was like a discovery. i have a son. it was unexplainable but i have another addition to my flourishing brood. then how can i explain gail and dessie whom i met only during the nccc davao mini concert of ian and are fast friends already? frances who i haven't met but communicate throught text messages? they are all cfs from davao. then i have jehanna who is sixteen and from cotabato city. we chatted and text from time to time. in visayas, i have vivian from cebu and from bacolod, dayds, lits and phillip. then from laguna, charmaine and lately lorns from bulacan. then how about cha who is migs gf? how would i call all of them?
if i am going to adhere to the meaning then they are text mates, chat mates and merely an acquaintance. but no, i wouldnt settle for that. in the first place, we all have a common denominator. we are all cfs. so we are friends and one big family. almost all of them call me nanay and what can i do? respond to the term of endearment and lo and behold. they are all my children. a member of my tribe. hahaha. attention: national statistics office
so let me define friendship. it is a meeting of the mind and of the heart. it is not having to see each other everyday. it is just being there for a friend. even you havent seen them but the lines of communication is always open, then that is friendship. it doesn't have boundaries and limitations. you are a true friend when you overlook the failure and tolerate the success of another friend. ian, you are so lucky to have cfs all over the country and overseas as well. your cbr admin is a terrific bunch and hardworking at that. i hope you appreciate them as much as we do.
as for my other set of friends(you know who you are) thank you because all through the years you've been there. we seldom talk but when we meet it seems that there are no gaps to bridge and holes to fill. i love you guys. you are the best. and to you girard i miss the company,man. the companionable silence. ang ating paninirang puri sa mga taong walang kamalaymalay. the movies, the conversation albeit senseless, the late night coffee, the singing, the eating session everytime i cook and of course your being. the miles that seperate us is not a hindrance. we have established a bond that is indestructible. as you've said that the great gift of friendship is knowing that both of us would always find our way back to each other. love you friend.
and you mr. hipolito, i am looking forward that i will be your wedding sponsor so it will be official. di ba ang ninang is second parent na? and i will hold on to my promise about the gift. i am very happy to have known you and loving you. welcome to my fold. you are latest addition and i hope not the last.
in closing i want to share something i've discovered from an english poet.
Oh, the comfort-
the inexpressible comfort of feeling
safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thoughts,
Nor measure words-
but pouring them
All right out- just as they are-
Chaff and grain together-
Certain that a faithful hand will
Take and sift them-
Keep what is worth keeping-
And with a breath of kindness
Blow the rest away
Friendship
-Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
Saturday, April 01, 2006
going gaga over keanna
april 2, 2006
2:11 pm
i watched the big night last night of the pbb celebrity edition and i think i had an overdosed of keanna. i didnt watch the show since rustom opted for a voluntary exit. i believed that he was the core of the group. since the start of the reality show, i told myself that keanna should win. not for the monetary consideration, but for her self esteem. as the show progressed i liked what i saw her being close to rustom and john.
i liked the episode where she was having a conversation with the english speaking rico and a twang to boot. they were talking about losing hope. and true enough, keanna gave rico a piece of her mind that you should only lose hope when you are in the intensive care unit with your heart monitor having a straight line na. isnt it amazing that a woman who is unschooled, had a colorful past and belonging to the lower strata of the society is smarter than a professional nurse at that?
being an outrageous and loud individual doesnt make her a lesser person. i liked the way she admitted that she felt left out because her housemates were an english speaking lot. so it was so hilarious when she asks what watch was they were meaning to use, the relo or yong nanonood, at least she knows that "watch" has a lot of definitions. she surprised me also that she has more english word composed during a challenge than zanjoe whom i guess finished college. so to say that judging a book by its cover is true. and who could forget her verbal argument with mich? that was a classic since instead of saying ksp ka (kulang sa pansin) to mich she told her kfc, (wow thats free advertising) and momentarily stop to think that she said the wrong word. still having her steam she managed to laugh. wasnt that lovely of her?
she has a lot to thank for in the person of rustom. telling her of his innermost secret is an honor and priviledge. teaching her to be strong and showing her affection is a gift. what more than making her to have a decent life and start all over again. as keanna had uttered last night when she was declared the winner - " i am reborn". i trust she will cling into what she has learned and experienced inside the big brother house. i hope it would make her life better. i can say that being the big winner is the realization of her dreams. go keanna and enjoy the glory. as a woman, i am proud of you. as a mother, i emphatize with you, and as a human being you have my outmost respect. just please dont forget that there is someone higher than us and is longer than infinity.
2:11 pm
i watched the big night last night of the pbb celebrity edition and i think i had an overdosed of keanna. i didnt watch the show since rustom opted for a voluntary exit. i believed that he was the core of the group. since the start of the reality show, i told myself that keanna should win. not for the monetary consideration, but for her self esteem. as the show progressed i liked what i saw her being close to rustom and john.
i liked the episode where she was having a conversation with the english speaking rico and a twang to boot. they were talking about losing hope. and true enough, keanna gave rico a piece of her mind that you should only lose hope when you are in the intensive care unit with your heart monitor having a straight line na. isnt it amazing that a woman who is unschooled, had a colorful past and belonging to the lower strata of the society is smarter than a professional nurse at that?
being an outrageous and loud individual doesnt make her a lesser person. i liked the way she admitted that she felt left out because her housemates were an english speaking lot. so it was so hilarious when she asks what watch was they were meaning to use, the relo or yong nanonood, at least she knows that "watch" has a lot of definitions. she surprised me also that she has more english word composed during a challenge than zanjoe whom i guess finished college. so to say that judging a book by its cover is true. and who could forget her verbal argument with mich? that was a classic since instead of saying ksp ka (kulang sa pansin) to mich she told her kfc, (wow thats free advertising) and momentarily stop to think that she said the wrong word. still having her steam she managed to laugh. wasnt that lovely of her?
she has a lot to thank for in the person of rustom. telling her of his innermost secret is an honor and priviledge. teaching her to be strong and showing her affection is a gift. what more than making her to have a decent life and start all over again. as keanna had uttered last night when she was declared the winner - " i am reborn". i trust she will cling into what she has learned and experienced inside the big brother house. i hope it would make her life better. i can say that being the big winner is the realization of her dreams. go keanna and enjoy the glory. as a woman, i am proud of you. as a mother, i emphatize with you, and as a human being you have my outmost respect. just please dont forget that there is someone higher than us and is longer than infinity.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
ang nagagawa ng miles
March 27, 2006
12:30 pm
what miles can do to your life? not so extraordinary but special. seeing your kids even for a short visit, meeting at last your newest addition to the family, talking, having dinner and drinking coffee with your loved ones to name a few. what really gave me palpitatation was when my eldest introduce me to her girlfriend. its not that i dont like her but i can not see myself to be a grandma in the near future. pleease anak. not in two or three years. okay?
i still feel groggy cause i took the red eye trip from manila. i only slept for a couple of hours since i arrived and im not in my nicest mood. but then, you read your text messages and suddenly it is alright. what friends can do to your boring and unexciting life is worthwhile.
yesterday i had a close encounter again with mr. bautista himself. a countless thanks to migs.i was in teatrina in greenhills to participate in the grands fans day of christian. i was sitting by myself when suddenly migs texted me to join him backstage. and there he was.... bigger than life watching asap in his laptop. when i handed him my pasalubong na durian tarts, he immediately opened the box and uttered thank you and that he was hungry. so while, munching he talked about nothing in particular and that was enough. i can say that i am passed the gushing and screaming phase when it comes to ian. it is not that the magic or fantasy has gone but it is different when you feel that the barrier has been broken. it is not a fan to idol relationship but its a person to person kind of thing. but still he made my day.
my only regret is that i didnt have the chance to finish the affair since i have to buy pasalubongs pa and to meet my daughter and a friend whom i missed very much. i've been to eastwood for the first time so i still have the option to go and see market market and esquinita . maybe for the next miles to come?
12:30 pm
what miles can do to your life? not so extraordinary but special. seeing your kids even for a short visit, meeting at last your newest addition to the family, talking, having dinner and drinking coffee with your loved ones to name a few. what really gave me palpitatation was when my eldest introduce me to her girlfriend. its not that i dont like her but i can not see myself to be a grandma in the near future. pleease anak. not in two or three years. okay?
i still feel groggy cause i took the red eye trip from manila. i only slept for a couple of hours since i arrived and im not in my nicest mood. but then, you read your text messages and suddenly it is alright. what friends can do to your boring and unexciting life is worthwhile.
yesterday i had a close encounter again with mr. bautista himself. a countless thanks to migs.i was in teatrina in greenhills to participate in the grands fans day of christian. i was sitting by myself when suddenly migs texted me to join him backstage. and there he was.... bigger than life watching asap in his laptop. when i handed him my pasalubong na durian tarts, he immediately opened the box and uttered thank you and that he was hungry. so while, munching he talked about nothing in particular and that was enough. i can say that i am passed the gushing and screaming phase when it comes to ian. it is not that the magic or fantasy has gone but it is different when you feel that the barrier has been broken. it is not a fan to idol relationship but its a person to person kind of thing. but still he made my day.
my only regret is that i didnt have the chance to finish the affair since i have to buy pasalubongs pa and to meet my daughter and a friend whom i missed very much. i've been to eastwood for the first time so i still have the option to go and see market market and esquinita . maybe for the next miles to come?
Monday, March 20, 2006
alone again, naturally
march 20, 2006
7:45 pm
silence in the house. you can't hear anything but the sound of the computer keys. yes, i am alone but not lonely. not at all. this is so because i just had an overseas call from my husband, i chatted with my kids, biological or otherwise, talked with my eldest on the phone and kissed by my youngest. how could life be better than that?
my youngest came home just to eat and leave again to practice play for a school requirement. it is being written that being solitary means sad and secluded. . well, i beg to disagree because i am not. though it's a horrifying thought that your kids will leave you eventually when they raise their own family, i am not worried. they were given roots the moment they were born and i gave them wings as a gift. wings so they can spread and discover what life is in store for them. roots - so they will come back to where they came from.
i am lucky to have a husband who is a good father and provider. well my kids, they have different personalities but i can gauge their temperaments, and sad to say they can't beat mine. hahaha. the priviledge of being a mother. oops, i have a message its from girard to say hello and how i've been. see? who says that i am alone. another message now from bambi who is my inaanak sa kasal. he is in cebu working, and just texted to say hi. god, what a feeling i have right now. unexplainable!
i have a theory and i practice it. family is not about blood. it's about commitment. when you commit yourself to a certain individual and give love, then that is family. sure you will miss them when they go but as the rate it is going right now, i am confident they will come back in time and we will be in each others' arms again.
the title of my blog is from a song by the irish crooner gilbert o' sullivan in the 70's. it topped the us charts for weeks. the chorus goes like this - " it seems to me that there are more hearts broken in this world that can't be mended left unattended what do we do what do we do." well, if i could mend just one heart then i will be happy to oblige, but then i would not stop at one. i will try to love as much as i can so even in this small act of kindness towards another human being, will heal the problems the country is facing right now. it is suppose to be for the greater good. then maybe, maybe we will not be alone but one. . . . .
7:45 pm
silence in the house. you can't hear anything but the sound of the computer keys. yes, i am alone but not lonely. not at all. this is so because i just had an overseas call from my husband, i chatted with my kids, biological or otherwise, talked with my eldest on the phone and kissed by my youngest. how could life be better than that?
my youngest came home just to eat and leave again to practice play for a school requirement. it is being written that being solitary means sad and secluded. . well, i beg to disagree because i am not. though it's a horrifying thought that your kids will leave you eventually when they raise their own family, i am not worried. they were given roots the moment they were born and i gave them wings as a gift. wings so they can spread and discover what life is in store for them. roots - so they will come back to where they came from.
i am lucky to have a husband who is a good father and provider. well my kids, they have different personalities but i can gauge their temperaments, and sad to say they can't beat mine. hahaha. the priviledge of being a mother. oops, i have a message its from girard to say hello and how i've been. see? who says that i am alone. another message now from bambi who is my inaanak sa kasal. he is in cebu working, and just texted to say hi. god, what a feeling i have right now. unexplainable!
i have a theory and i practice it. family is not about blood. it's about commitment. when you commit yourself to a certain individual and give love, then that is family. sure you will miss them when they go but as the rate it is going right now, i am confident they will come back in time and we will be in each others' arms again.
the title of my blog is from a song by the irish crooner gilbert o' sullivan in the 70's. it topped the us charts for weeks. the chorus goes like this - " it seems to me that there are more hearts broken in this world that can't be mended left unattended what do we do what do we do." well, if i could mend just one heart then i will be happy to oblige, but then i would not stop at one. i will try to love as much as i can so even in this small act of kindness towards another human being, will heal the problems the country is facing right now. it is suppose to be for the greater good. then maybe, maybe we will not be alone but one. . . . .
Sunday, March 19, 2006
close encounter with christian bautista
march 16, 2006 11:30 pm
i have to write this down or else i can't sleep. the euphoria is still high and my heartbeat is not normal. i really had the chance to talk and have our pictures taken with christian bautista.
at first, me and the rest of the cf's in davao (there were only four of us) after waiting for two hours were disappointed, because we were not allowed to go at the backstage. so per migs intruction, i went to look for ian"s pa jhune, and name dropped. eureka! we were allowed to have a chat with ian and of course, picture picture. i had a grand time because he really accomodated us while waiting for his turn to sing at the mini concert. i will never forget this encounter and i have to thank migs for texting ian about us. hanggang sa susunod anak ha? i really owe you a lot na.
when he was called at the stage you can hear the screaming fans and i bet it reverberated at the whole ncccc mall. since it was an open place, im not sure how many were there but the cds that they were selling was sold out. he sang at least six songs and the audience was enthralled by all of it. the crowd can't still get enough of him and they waited for the autograph signing of the cds. i made daya kasi even though he signed mine backstage i still had a page in his completely album signed so that i will have the chance to kiss him.(oh ha? migs documented ito so you might as well believe it) we said our goodbyes and beso beso uli. i thanked him and jhune for this wonderful and unforgettable night. i can die happy na. mr bautista you are such a trouper and a marvelous person. for sure i still can picture it in my mind, how it was to have a close encounter with the person i admire most and the thought of it will linger forever. until i see you again, until my hearbeat goes abnormal, until another euphoric feeling. it was a pleasure to be with you even for a short time. until we meet again. . . . . .
i have to write this down or else i can't sleep. the euphoria is still high and my heartbeat is not normal. i really had the chance to talk and have our pictures taken with christian bautista.
at first, me and the rest of the cf's in davao (there were only four of us) after waiting for two hours were disappointed, because we were not allowed to go at the backstage. so per migs intruction, i went to look for ian"s pa jhune, and name dropped. eureka! we were allowed to have a chat with ian and of course, picture picture. i had a grand time because he really accomodated us while waiting for his turn to sing at the mini concert. i will never forget this encounter and i have to thank migs for texting ian about us. hanggang sa susunod anak ha? i really owe you a lot na.
when he was called at the stage you can hear the screaming fans and i bet it reverberated at the whole ncccc mall. since it was an open place, im not sure how many were there but the cds that they were selling was sold out. he sang at least six songs and the audience was enthralled by all of it. the crowd can't still get enough of him and they waited for the autograph signing of the cds. i made daya kasi even though he signed mine backstage i still had a page in his completely album signed so that i will have the chance to kiss him.(oh ha? migs documented ito so you might as well believe it) we said our goodbyes and beso beso uli. i thanked him and jhune for this wonderful and unforgettable night. i can die happy na. mr bautista you are such a trouper and a marvelous person. for sure i still can picture it in my mind, how it was to have a close encounter with the person i admire most and the thought of it will linger forever. until i see you again, until my hearbeat goes abnormal, until another euphoric feeling. it was a pleasure to be with you even for a short time. until we meet again. . . . . .
Sunday, March 12, 2006
the gift of love
i want to begin why i named my blog as nurturer-serendipity. nurturer, because a friend called me as such. im daw a person with nurturing spirit. serendipity because i believe that i have the knack of finding valuable thing or person not being sought for.
when i was still based in tarlac, i was a religious adviser for a group of high school students from don bosco school for boys and the college of holy spirit for girls. i didn't treat them as students but friends and some as member of my family. surprisingly, the love and the affection i gave to them was well received because up to this day they still are around to keep in touch and call if they want some advice. god. im so fullfilled and happy everytime they do so.
now, through the cfs (that's christian bautista friends) i have another set of friends and maybe in time if we have the chance to see and know each other, i can consider them as my family as well.
some of them call me nanay na, and its the highest form of endearment one can call me. its a music to my ear and a lift to my spirit. my family members have flourished and i shuddder to think what the national census would say of me having a lot of kids. i know i love myself and i've got enough love to share and give to those who need them.
at the moment, the biggest boost i got is from a friend who is now working in makati. he gave me a note that summed all what i think is the end result of loving someone without condition and
restriction. im so lucky that i have the pleasure of knowing him and the previledge of loving him.
the power of love knows no bounds and i am looking forward to see and meet my new family, the cf's so that i could extend to them what i have the most. the gift of love.
your no. 1 in my list migs. . . .it's alway a pleasure talking and chatting with you. see you when i see you. thank you also ian because through you i met all these wonderful friends that i can cherish for a lifetime.
when i was still based in tarlac, i was a religious adviser for a group of high school students from don bosco school for boys and the college of holy spirit for girls. i didn't treat them as students but friends and some as member of my family. surprisingly, the love and the affection i gave to them was well received because up to this day they still are around to keep in touch and call if they want some advice. god. im so fullfilled and happy everytime they do so.
now, through the cfs (that's christian bautista friends) i have another set of friends and maybe in time if we have the chance to see and know each other, i can consider them as my family as well.
some of them call me nanay na, and its the highest form of endearment one can call me. its a music to my ear and a lift to my spirit. my family members have flourished and i shuddder to think what the national census would say of me having a lot of kids. i know i love myself and i've got enough love to share and give to those who need them.
at the moment, the biggest boost i got is from a friend who is now working in makati. he gave me a note that summed all what i think is the end result of loving someone without condition and
restriction. im so lucky that i have the pleasure of knowing him and the previledge of loving him.
the power of love knows no bounds and i am looking forward to see and meet my new family, the cf's so that i could extend to them what i have the most. the gift of love.
your no. 1 in my list migs. . . .it's alway a pleasure talking and chatting with you. see you when i see you. thank you also ian because through you i met all these wonderful friends that i can cherish for a lifetime.
Friday, March 10, 2006
A DAY IN A LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL BUM
that's me a bum. not the dirty or an uncouth one but a bum nonetheless. bum is defined by pareng daniel as a person spending time umemployed and wandering. ako yon. unemployed and sometimes wandering. today i spent it with friends in a private island aboard a speedboat that you can only see in the movies. i was fetched at the house by chauffer driven range rover and feeling sikat cause im in the company of the rich and the elite. but they are good friends so they are excused from my hatred.
it so happened that a group of my friend friends were invited. they are delegates of the district convention of the rotary club. there are americans from the group and i told myself goodness im going to run out of my savings of the english language. they are professional businessmen from nebraska so their expertise and adeptness of the dialect can be seen. also they are reeking of wealth because while the younger one was wearing a rolex watch the older of the two was wearing an audemars piguet. wow! all those nights that i was reading all those american magazines has good results. i can identify expensive wristwatches now. lunch was sumptuous. oh all those food glorious food. our host is really fond of eating thats why when he has a party expect to be full until you drop. i was at the same table as the americans and they were surprised by our knowledge of their history and geographical location. when i told them that nebraska's capital is lincoln and they are in the midwest and near the square states, amazement is the next reaction. well, it doesnt mean i have brown skin that i am clueless of whats in the other side of the world. everybody had a good time but thats not all. our host decided that we pass by the pearl farm and have picture taking. then to the waterfront hotel coffee house to cool a bit and have halo-halo. i was thinking, lucky me, to be in all these people and surrounding considering i have only 100 pesos in my pocket. well, if im being defined by my status in life, it doesnt matter that im a bum but im rich, no filthy rich because i have friends who are always there when i need them and give comfort when the going gets tough. right gie? i wish you were there so with mickay. kulang ang line up. im here posting this blog and the phone rings. . its another friend inviting me to join her to go to the spa and have a massage, at her expense of course before i could say that i dont have money. aren't i lucky? so that's me - a bum.
it so happened that a group of my friend friends were invited. they are delegates of the district convention of the rotary club. there are americans from the group and i told myself goodness im going to run out of my savings of the english language. they are professional businessmen from nebraska so their expertise and adeptness of the dialect can be seen. also they are reeking of wealth because while the younger one was wearing a rolex watch the older of the two was wearing an audemars piguet. wow! all those nights that i was reading all those american magazines has good results. i can identify expensive wristwatches now. lunch was sumptuous. oh all those food glorious food. our host is really fond of eating thats why when he has a party expect to be full until you drop. i was at the same table as the americans and they were surprised by our knowledge of their history and geographical location. when i told them that nebraska's capital is lincoln and they are in the midwest and near the square states, amazement is the next reaction. well, it doesnt mean i have brown skin that i am clueless of whats in the other side of the world. everybody had a good time but thats not all. our host decided that we pass by the pearl farm and have picture taking. then to the waterfront hotel coffee house to cool a bit and have halo-halo. i was thinking, lucky me, to be in all these people and surrounding considering i have only 100 pesos in my pocket. well, if im being defined by my status in life, it doesnt matter that im a bum but im rich, no filthy rich because i have friends who are always there when i need them and give comfort when the going gets tough. right gie? i wish you were there so with mickay. kulang ang line up. im here posting this blog and the phone rings. . its another friend inviting me to join her to go to the spa and have a massage, at her expense of course before i could say that i dont have money. aren't i lucky? so that's me - a bum.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
having 140/100 bp for ten pesos
jesus h. christ! i am sorry if it sounds like a profanity. why wouldnt i? came across the net about the ten peso fare promo of cebu pacific for their 10th year anniversary. pinatulan ko and decided to book and buy because thats the catch of the promo. take note that the book and buy is from march 3-8 and travel period is from june 20 to october 18. filipino that i am went on the last day and nabigla sa bumulaga sa akin. the ticketing office was filled to the rafters with people in all shape and size. so i took the queue and sa awa ng diyos after standing for almost 4 hrs. i was served at 5pm na. i was not only hungry, tired and irritated but alas! the girl behind the counter was to do my ticket mano-mano since their machine conked out. my blood was really boiling because she took her sweet time in doing so. well i can't blame her kasi i bought drum roll please, tickets for ten passengers. haha. we are a funny lot kasi mahilig tayo ng promos, midnight sale and the ukay-ukay. as my son who was taking my bp said,"nanay naman eh may pera ka naman bakit mo pinapahirapan ang sarili mo." i told him my boy, its not the price it is the challenge of haggling and getting away with it. 2256 for round tripticket to manila? that is cheap and to hell with 140/100. i went home tired and hungry but satisfied.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
my first but not my last
March 7, 2006
i finally made it. im a blogger. i should have thought of this a long time ago. after all i have all the time in the world.
being a mother of four grown up kids give me the luxury of just being a person of nothing to do with my time but read, watch tv and movies and text twist. now i can add posting blogs to kill time. for a while i worked in australia with my husband but after almost four years of doing so, the call of motherhood comes first. i have to go home to be with the kids to support and just be there for them. now, three have finished their respective degrees, and the youngest is still in his second year in college. it's so fulfilling to see your kids grow up to be good persons and having values that you instill to them when they were still young.
technology is a blessing. i am thankful computer illiterate that i am,i can share my thoughts and feelings through this blog. i dont want to dwell longer on my initiation but i feel liberated ciao!
i finally made it. im a blogger. i should have thought of this a long time ago. after all i have all the time in the world.
being a mother of four grown up kids give me the luxury of just being a person of nothing to do with my time but read, watch tv and movies and text twist. now i can add posting blogs to kill time. for a while i worked in australia with my husband but after almost four years of doing so, the call of motherhood comes first. i have to go home to be with the kids to support and just be there for them. now, three have finished their respective degrees, and the youngest is still in his second year in college. it's so fulfilling to see your kids grow up to be good persons and having values that you instill to them when they were still young.
technology is a blessing. i am thankful computer illiterate that i am,i can share my thoughts and feelings through this blog. i dont want to dwell longer on my initiation but i feel liberated ciao!
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