BLOG KA NG BLOG

I'm back... but not quite

2009-11-17T23:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just check-in to see what's new with blogger and my.... after two years of not blogging (yaiks!) a lot of feature has been added. I'll come to use it maybe after a while of blogging again. I'm getting bored of facebook. Yes, I have a life after facebook. I just make it as a window of how my friends are doing... I dare not post more pictures because the low profile that I am, baka may mapaglarong spirito dyan na i-photoshop ako hehehe... just a wild wild thought..! I prefer to be a low profile individual, don't know why - midlife crisis? don't think so. I just need some time to think things over. Maybe more time to be spiritual, that's all.

Isang Linggong Headache, atbp

2007-03-10T01:37:00.000-08:00

Isang linggo mahigit actually masakit na ang ulo ko. Nandyang paggising ko palang may migraine na ko. Nandyan din namang pag uwi ko sa trabaho, masakit na ang ulo ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano nagti-trigger sa migraine ko kasi alam ko naman ang mga pagkaing iiwasan ko para di ito umatake. Isang hinala ko eh, stress sa trabaho. Pero kung iniisip ko naman, di naman yata ako ganon kaseryoso sa trabaho (minsan lang) para sumakit ang ulo ko - siguro partly work related ang headache na 'to, but I doubt it... Me, serious? Are you serious? :-) Anyhow, nung almost 2nd week nya na... nawala na. Salamat po, Dios ko, dahil pag ganyang more than a week na ang sakit ng ulo ko naaalala ko si Laura Branigan. Natatandaan nyo ba ang ikinamatay nya?

Few weeks ago naman, meron akong nagawang katangahan. Lumabas kami ng mga kaibigan ko para i-celebrate daw ang birthday ko. Di pa kami nagkasya pagkatapos kumain, punta pa kami ng starbucks. Gabi na non, about 10:30 pm na kami umuwi. Bago kami umuwi, may inihatid kaming kaklase ko na malapit din sa area namin. Ng finally nasa bahay na kami, hinahanap ko ang bag ko para kunin ang susi. Naku po, patay kang bata ka, wala kahit saan parte ng kotse ang bag ko! Nagalit na po si mister at sinermonan ako na dala daw ako ng dala ng bag pwede namang wallet lang. (Sa loob loob ko naman, may babae bang lumabas na wallet lang ang dala? Siempre lagi syang may dalang bag para lalagyanan nya ng kung ano-anong abubot nya, diba? Eh kung wallet lang dala ng isang babae, aba eh lalaki un) Anyway, nilunok ko ang sermon nya kasi kasalanan ko. Nung nasa Starbucks kasi kami isinampay ko ang bag ko sa upuan dahil siksikan kami sa table at naki-share nga lang ako ng chair. Eh pag labas namin, ewan ko ba what happened to me, hindi ko chineck kung may naiwan ako sa table or chair (which I usally do). Punta agad akong yellow pages at tinype ko ang Starbucks sa Pasadena. Shucks, sarado na - wala ng sumasagot ng phone! Nerbyos na ko. Di ako nakatulog that nite - siguro 2 hrs the most.

Paggising ko ng around 6 am tawag na ako sa Starbucks. Sabi wala raw silang nakukuhang bag duon at sabi pa nung kausap ko: "for sure nobody's gonna turn it in..blah, blah, blah!" Tumawag daw ako later at check ko daw kung may magbabalik. Hmp! Nainis ako, but I can't do anything but beg, kasi I am really at their mercy. Tumawag ung friend ko si Lev, kinakamusta na kung na-contact ko ang Starbucks. Hiningi nya ang telephone number at sya nga raw ang tatawag. Buti na lang meron akong mapagmahal at maasahang kaibigan na si Levy. Levy called me back to say, na mali pala ang tinatawagan kong number.... ngee! Sa Pasadena pala, 3 or 4 branches of Starbucks ang nandoon. Nabuhayan ako. To make the story short, na-recover ko ang bag ko, but this was after natawagan ko na lahat ng credit cards ko at dineclare ko na na lost sila. Kainis no... Wala namang nawala sa bag ko, thank God ulit, pero that was a lesson enough for me - hindi sa hindi na ko magdadala ng bag kundi hindi ko na isasabit sa silya ang bag ko whenever we go out to eat or anything. Lagi ko na sya kikipkipin.

Marami pa sana akong ikukuwento pero umaga na eh. Balik na lang kayo (kung interesado pa kayo)

"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full." ~ Henry Kissinger ~

2006-10-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Dios me after a year na pala bago ako uli nakapag blog. Kawawa naman 'tong site ko wala man lang bumibisita :) pero okay lang bubuhayin ko siya uli sa pamamagitan ng pag sulat uli kahit walang katuturan.

Kumusta na ba kayo? Long time no-write ako. Marami-rami na rin ang pinagbago ng isang taon.

Anyway, gusto ko subukan tong bagong feature nitong blogger. Pwede na pala mag attach ng image. Post ko dito ang paborito kong picture ng mga ka-opisina ko. Gusto ko 'to kasi sa lahat ng group pictures taken in my entire life sa trabaho, ito lang yata ng malinaw.
Kasi taken ito sa labas ng Sizzlers. Celebration ng promotion ng isa sa mga office friend ko.

O kung binabasa nyo ito pasensya na at pinost ko ang pictures natin. Ipopost ko pa ang iba para naman ma-aliw ang madlang people at bumalik balik dito sa blog ko.

Sige itutuloy ko to....

2005-09-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Abi sure loved the park. She didn't want to get out of the water! We had a hard time convincing her that the park was closing at 6:00 pm.

2005-09-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

In the mushroom falls...

2005-09-19T12:38:00.001-07:00

Kinda hazy weather that weekend.

2005-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the Hurricane Harbor ...

2005-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Hurricane Harbor in Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The kids loved the water! My mom came with us and she did enjoy the park, too.

Only in the Philippines

2005-06-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Can there be anything more amusing than these? Is there anybody wittier than a Filipino to think all of these names? Check it out. I was literally rolling-on-the-floor-laughing while I was reading it!

Only in the Philippines will you find such amusing names as:

Bread Pitt (a bakery)
Maruya Carey (a fast-food place selling turon and maruya in Greenbelt, Makati)
Caintacky Fried Chicken (an eatery in Cainta, Rizal)
Cooking ng Ina Mo (Resto in Mandaluyong)
Cooking ng Ina Mo Rin (Resto across the street from above!)
Mang Donald's (a burger joint at the Naga City Plaza)
Candies Be Love? (Can anything be sweeter than this ? )
Doris Day and Night (a 24-hour eatery)
Babalik Karinderia
Holland Hopia (Owned by Mr. Ho) and next-door neighbor Poland Hopia (owned by Mr. Po) in Chinatown
Miki Mao (a noodle house)
Tapsi Turbi (a tapa house)
Cleopata's (a manukan and bakahan)
Goto Heaven
Goto Hell (serves spicier goto)
The Fried of Marikina (a fried chicken house)
Wrap and Roll (a lumpia outlet in Quad, Makati)
Pansit ng taga-Malaboni (a panciteria on Boni Ave., Mandaluyong)
Side-saki (a side street eatery besides Mandarin Oriental in Makati)
Let's Goat-Together (a kambingan-cum-beer garden)
Meating Place (a meat shop)
Automobili Ko (2nd hand car buy and sell shop)
Meatropolis (another meat shop)
Isda best, Pusit to the limit, and Hipon coming back (entrees on the menu of a seafood restaurant)
Cinna Von (a laundromat)
Yo Wash Up (another laundromat)
Pier Carding (a tailoring shop in Pier, Manila)
Elizabeth's Tailoring
The Way We Wear (a boutique)
Curl Up and Dye (a beauty salon)
Goldilooks (a barber shop)
Goldirocks (a gravel and sand shop)
Sylvestre's Salon
Stomach Inn (motel in San Juan)
Bote Nga Sa 'Yo (used bottle shop)
Christopher Plumbing (your friendly neighborhood plumber)
Fernando Pe's Box Office Hits (a video rental shop in Palawan)
Leon King Video Rental (in Las Pinas)
Memory Drug (a clone of Mercury Drug)
Petal Attraction (a flower shop near U.P. Diliman)
Susan's Roses (a flower shop, but of course!)
Maid to Order (maids placement agency)
Kik-Mai-Balls (food cart selling kikiam, siomai and fishballs)

Amused and Bemused

2005-06-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

It was late Sunday night, and I decided to change into my comfortable sleepwear. As usual my 2-year old son, who btw is like a chick who goes whenever the mother hen goes, was at my back following my way to the bedroom. I slipped into my shorts because it was quite warm that Sunday night. Needless to say, my shorts were old and had torn hems, but besides that there's this noticeable hole (probably an inch big) at the left side that he saw and put his fingers through, as if making the hole bigger. I told him to let go of it or the hole might reach my waist, and then I continued my way out to the living room. Since our house is not that big, we do the folding of our laundered clothes in the sofa and later put it in their respective drawers. That night, there were still stack of clothes that I haven't had the chance to put in the drawers. My son went to the stack of clothes and found this black legging that I usually wear. He pulled it from the pile and gave it to me and said "mommy suot" (mommy wear this), and I was like... huh? Look at this boy, he is barely 2 but he has the sense to give me something decent to wear ...hehehe. I can't helped it and hugged my son. For him it was nothing, but for me it was some gesture that I will never forget.

Another incident was with my daughter. One Saturday afternoon, we were watching the TV and I wanted to sleep but I can't because my kids are up, and I already learned my lesson not to sleep on the job or you will wake up finding crumbs of cookies scattered on the entire floor of the living room... uhuh! that was an unforgettable lesson. Anyway, I was soooooo sleepy but kept holding it, that I found myself with a terrible headache. I kind of mention to my two kids in passing that I have a headache. My daughter, who is concerned all the time, went up to me and said "Don't cry, I am Dr. Miller" (Dr Miller is their doctor) and started massaging my head and asking me where it hurts. I chuckled and pretended to say "Oh Dr. Miller, I'm glad you're here" "This is where it hurts." She continued to massage my head. Kids say and do the darndest things, don't they?

Father's Day 2005

2005-06-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

"Me and you and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice
It had to be
The only one for me is you
And you for me
So happy together ..."

- The Turtles, Happy Together
Happy Fathers' Day to all Dads and GrandDads!

In and Out

2005-06-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

I didn't know these facts about In-N-Out. Got this from an editorial review of Las Vegas . Great tips! Good to know if you're a big fan of the famous burger joint.

Insider Tips about our favorite "In-N-Out"

Super Password
Try your burger "animal style" (code word for a burger with mustard massaged into the meat and topped with sauteed onions) or a four-by-four (four patties, four slices of cheese), if you're ravenous.

All Shook Up
Shakes come in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Can't decide? Ask for a Neapolitan and they'll mix all three together.

Well Versed
The Christian management shares their faith by placing Bible verses in unobtrusive spots on their paper goods. Along the inside of the bottom of the drink cups is John 3:16; shakes have Proverbs 3:5; hamburger wrappers sport Revelation 3:20

hello ka dyan...!

2005-06-18T01:47:00.000-07:00

Ang tagal ko ng dinownload itong software ng "hello" pero ngayon ko lang na-figure out kung paano sya mag work. Eh, hello! kayo na lang ang magbasa ng instruction kung paano magpost ng pix (that is, kung merong instructions). Ewan ko pero hindi naman siguro ako boba para di ko sya maintindihan (naku makes me think twice).

Anyway, stop muna dyan ang sampling ko ng pictures at baka mai-post ko ang buong barangay namin at kumalat sa internet.

Sila nga pala (pointing at the pictures below) ang aking pinagkakaabalahan ng husto kung bakit minsan quarterly ako mag post dito sa blog ko. Full time career woman, mom, and wife ang inyong yours truly, pero I still find time to surf... hehehe. Lalo na nga ngayon, niregaluhan ako ng aking butihing mister ng isang "kuaderno" Nag set up kami ng router sa bahay para kahit saan ay madala ko ito. Ito kasing aming desktop ay nasa loob ng kuarto. Itong aking "kuaderno" eh madadala ko sa kahit saang parte ng bahay at surf to death ako.

Naku, umaga na pala... good night muna and 'wag nyo pakatitigan ang mga kyut kong anak :-D Salamat...

2005-06-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

let's try another one

2005-06-18T01:39:00.000-07:00

waiting.... waiting...

2005-06-18T01:21:00.000-07:00

this is just a test of how "hello" works. let's see!

Update on Cristina Viguilla-Navarro

2005-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

In search of a picture of Cristina, I stumbled on a blog of a famous tenor, Rodell Aure Rosel. They performed together in late 2003. Here's an image of the poster of that singing engagement.

Pinoy Jokes

2005-06-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ewan ko ba pero iba ang dating ng pinoy jokes sa akin... Natatawa ako!!!! Siguro talaga lang mababaw ako pag dating sa mga ganito. May natanggap akong mga pinoy jokes sa e-mail ko at hanggang ngayon eh napapatawa pa ako. Basahin nyo...

Subject: Fwd: Pinoy Jokes

You'll never know who your REAL FRIENDS are....
Until you stumble and Fall and till you feel their hand on your
shoulder as they say: "AYAN, TATANGA-TANGA KA KASI!"

*******************************************
ANAK: Inay, buntis ho ata ako nahihilo ako.
INAY: Hindi ka buntis anak.
ANAK: Naduduwal ako Inay.
INAY: Hindi ka buntis.
ANAK: Buntis ho ata ako kasi gusto ko ng maasim.
INAY: @#$%*&! GUSTO MONG PITPITIN KO YANG BA*AG MO?!!!

*******************************************
ISANG ARAW, SIKSIKAN SA JEEP:
MISS:--Mama, usog naman dyan ng konti. IPIT NA ANG
PEARLY SHELL KO EH!
MISTER:-- Buti ka pa, ipit lang ang pearly shell mo.
Ako nga, BASAG NA ANG TINY BABOLS KO!

*******************************************
Here's this girl in a disco who walks to a man and asks:
GIRL:-- Marunong ka bang mag-SWING?
At this point, yumabang ang guy and says-
GUY:-- Bakit, mukha ba akong Dance Instructor?
GIRL:-- Hinde, mukha ka kasing UNGGOY!!

*******************************************
LET'S TALK ABOUT BABIES.....Kapag umiiyak ang baby- I-PAMPERS mo,
Kapag umiiyak pa rin, i-KIMBIES mo, Pag ayaw pa ring tumigil sa
pag-iyak aba'y........I-HUGGIES mo na!

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

Friend:-- "Wow, pare, ganda ng shoes mo, ah!"
Husband:-- "Oo. Surprise gift ng kumare mo!"
Friend:-- "Surprise? Ano occassion?"
Husband:-- "Wala. Nakita ko na lang sa ilalim ng kama namin kagabi!"

*******************************************
Iba-ibang sabon
Q: Ano ang sabon ng mga virgin?
A: Tender care
Q: Eh ang sabon ng mahilig paglaruan ang sarili?
A: Camay
Q: Eh ang sabon ng palagamit ng condom?
A: Safeguard
Q: Eh ang sabon ng call girl?
A: Dial

********************************************
City Language
Ikaw ka BAGUIO-BAGUIO mo pa lang dito ang dami mong CALOOCAN, kung
DAGUPAN kaya kita dyan eh nagkanda-ILOILO ka, tingnan mo nga yang
shorts mo NAVOTAS na.

********************************************
QUESTION: Ano ang difference between PANTY and Stage Curtain?
ANSWER: Ang Stage Curtain kapag binaba, tapos na ang
SHOW. Ang PANTY pag binaba, IT'S SHOWTIME!!

Cristina "Kit" Viguilla-Navarro

2005-06-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

My search for my classmates in ICAM is still on. Just recently, I found out that one of my classmates in grade school-- Ma. Cristina Viguilla, is now a famous name in the world of opera. She is now a colaratura soprano and lives in the US. According to her sister, Cristina or "Kit" as they call her, lived in Switzerland before, and now settled in the US. I remember her as one of the best in our school. She is a smart girl, but honestly, I didn't remember her showing her singing prowess during that time. She may have developed it in the latter years. If you search her name in any search engine as Cristina Viguilla, it will give you her name with Navarro as her married name, but it's still the "Kit" we now. Unfortunately, all the search engines wouldn't give any images of her, so I'm still wondering how she looks like now. All I had was a class picture with her in ICAM.

Naka-relate Ka Ba?

2005-05-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

May nagpadala sa 'kin nitong e-mail a few months back. Pinadala nn'ya sa luma kong e-mail add, kaya ayun, ngayon ko lang na-check. Maganda ha... ako naka-relate. I am glad at naranasan ko pa pala ang innocence ng isang bata. Tignan nyo kung kayo rin...

Subject: good ol days

Natatandaan mo pa ba yung mga kapanahunan naten? as in
yung mga panahon ng bagets, mga kantang Brother Louie
at mga kantang One Way Ticket at Xanadu?
Nakakalungkot isipin na lumipas na yung panahon na
kung tawagin ay the "good old days"...

Good old days? ano nga ba ibig sabihin nito? Kung
maapektuhan ka dito, malamang kasali ka sa amin nung
mga panahon na yon....Naaalala mo ba noon, pag gising
natin sa umaga at umuulan, ibig sabihin na nito, alang
pasok.. may bagyo na naman! hanep, may tsamporado na
naman tayo sa almusal! at syempre, hindi mawawala yung
tuyo!

Hahanapin mo na yung kulay pink mo na sweater galing
Baguio.. yung may burda ng dahon sa may tapat ng
dibdib? At syempre, walang pasok, may mga pauso
kayong mag-pipinsan na games na pang indoors lang...
magagalit sila nanay pag lumabas kayo, uso pa naman
ang sipon dahil tag-ulan. Noon kase, sipon lang at ubo
ang uso pag umuulan..ngayon, pati lintik na mga lamok,
may dala-dala ng sakit. Dati kase, hindi mo na
kailangan ng Off Lotion.

Kase meron namang kulambo.. pero pag natutulog lang
yon, kaya ang gamit natin noon, katol! yung elephant o
lion katol.. di ba yung abo nga non, iniipon pa naten
at tinitiris tiris naten ng katol stand hanggang sa
mahataw tayo ni nanay?

Naalala mo rin ba na nung minsan ay nag-lalaro tayo ng
piko, biglang magbabanta ng ulan.. aambon ng konte..
di ba ang ginagawa natin noon, magdro-drawing lang
tayo ng araw sa sahig kung saan tayo nag-pipiko sa
paniniwalang lalayo ang ulan dahil matatakot sa araw
na ginawa naten..at kapag nagpapatintero naman tayo,
ang pang-guhit naten ay tubig na galing sa
kanal... hi-hi-hi! Kadiring pakinggan, pero sa totoo
lang, di ba ang linaw naman ng tubig kanal dati?

Dun pa nga natin isinasawsaw yung nabibili natin mga
kaprasong papel na kapag nabasa ay may lumalabas na
numero habang kumakain tayo ng sundot kulangot.. ang
saya!

Alam mo, ang dami na ring lumabas na mga iba't ibang
klaseng sabon ngayon ano? ang pinaka-sikat kase dati,
safeguard, lifebuoy at irish spring...ah oo nga pala,
meron na rin noon na Camay at Palmolive. Naaalala ko
pa nga yung commercial ng palmolive noon na ginagaya
naten di ba? yung tuyong dahon na pinapatakan ng oil
tapos nagiging fresh na ulit yung dahon...ginaya natin
to noon... namumulot tayo ng tuyong dahon at napatakan
natin ng tubig tsaka natin kukuyumusin... naaalala mo?
Pero subukan mong balikan ang mga amoy ng mga banyo
naten noon karamihan amoy safeguard..Ang shampoo non,
Prell at Halo na powder. Oo! powder na shampoo..
mukhang imposi ble, pero talagang may powder na
shampoo. Magaling yon sa kuto. Tapos, nung tumagal
tagal, nag-labasan na ang mga ibang brands tulad ng
Kao-Biore at Gee your hair smells terrific shampoo at
kung ano ano pa. Basta ang alam ko lang, wala pang
secret na panglagay sa kilikili noon. Ang nakikita ko
kila nanay, Veto o kaya Mum. meron pa nga yung sa
avon, yung Quelch? Natatandaan mo? Pag gabi na, nasa
labas na tayong lahat kase maglalaro na tayo ng
tumbang preso, luksong tinik, Doctor Quack Quack,Pass
the Message,taguang bato at marami pang iba.. hindi
naman nakakatakot maglaro noon sa kalsada, bihira pa
kase ang mga sasakyan kaya malabong masagasaan ka.
Wala ring masyadong krimen tulad ng kidnapping at
patayan kaya panatag ang loob nila nanay kahit
mag-laro ako sa labas na ang tanging tanglaw ay ang
mangilan-ngilang ilaw sa poste at ang liwanag ng
buwan.

Minsan nga, pag nakikita ko ang mga bata ngayon na
pulos hi-tech na ang libang an,iniisip ko kung unfair
ba to sa generation naten.. biro mo sila, ang titindi
ng laruan, computers, play station, gameboy, at may
mga cellphones na rin sila ngayon. Samantalang tayo
dati, mas masaya tayong puro lupa ang mga pwetan ng
damit naten at nagbabanil ang mga leeg natin sa dumi
sa paglalaro sa labas.Pero, parang hindi kayang
bayaran ng kahit magkano ang nagdaang panahon na yon.
Hindi ko ipagpalit sa mga computers at kung ano ano
pa.. mababaw man, pero iba ang saya na naidulot sa
ating lahat.. hanggang ngayon dala dala pa rin naten
sa alaala naten.. Masaya na tayo noon sa putoseko at
tira-tira o sundot kulangot kaya. Pero ang mga bata
ngayon? meryenda niyan, chips ahoy, mga mamahaling
juice o softdrinks, cakes, burger, spaghetti etc...
subukan mong hainan yan ng pandesal na may palamang
dairy creme na may asukal o di kaya ay pandesal na may
condensed milk, parang galit pa sa yo... ewan ko
ba... parang mas gusto ko pa yung buhay noon.. .simple
lang... pero masaya..Ngayon alam ko na... kawawa naman
pala yung mga bata ngayon... ni hindi nila magawang
mag-patintero sa kalsada, baka masagasaan... o
magtagu-taguan kaya, baka makidnap o mapag-tripan ng
adik, bawal din manghalihaw ng tubig kanal...sakit
ang makukuha... at saka ba't ang mga bata ngayon, may
mga malisya na... tatlong taon pa lang, alam na nila na
kailangan na nilang mag-suot ng short pants kung
lalabas...samantalang tayo noon, nakapanty lang tayo ng
may ruffles sa likod di ba? o yung mga panty na may
drawing sa harapan... kahit mga grade one na tayo
noon... balewala lang... talagang dinaanan natin ang
pagka-inosente sa kamunduhan... naisip ko tuloy, pwede
pa kayang ibalik ang ganitong buhay? yung simple at
masaya?

Kawawa naman mga bata ngayon... tsk... di man tayo
naging gifted child, dahil walang promil noon eh...
gifted pa rin tayo.. sa pagkilala sa tunay na kulay
ng buhay...

NAKA-RELATE KA BA?

After a long hiatus... part 2

2005-05-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hello and Good Blogging to you, who may be reading this "quarterly blog" of mine. God knows I've always wanted to put something in here, but I just couldn't find time. Today, I told myself I will put my thoughts in writing.

I am feeling very happy since yesterday for some shallow reason. I have been listening to Philippine radio stations that I discovered a few months back. The site is actually for Filipinos all over the world and it has this list of Filipino Radio Stations . I listen to 702 DZAS at work but for some reason I was getting a "404 Error" message. Everyday I try to click on it but to no avail. I gave it up for some time, thinking that some kind of a firewall at work is blocking the connection to the server. Last Tuesday, I tried again, expecting to get the same error message but I'll try anyway. To my surprise, I got connected to 702 DZAS and I was the happiest creature on earth! It is my favorite radio station in the whole world! (well, next to KKLA). I noticed that the webmaster has changed the URL for the Filipino stations probably because they are getting a lot of messages from listeners having a hard time connecting. The Lord has always been looking after me and my spiritual health. He knows I needed to hear from my favorite radio station to refresh me of HIS goodness.

This is it for now. I will try to update this boring blog with some pictures. "Will Try"... take note.

-----------

Lately, I've been attempting to connect to my old classmates in ICAM, short for Immaculate Conception Academy of Manila. I belong to batch '83 and whoever may be reading this, if you know someone from ICAM, or you actually belong to my batch, I've set up a yahoo group for us named ICAM_batch83. You can join there and we'll do some catching up.

I was able to connect to my classmate/barkada Lani Basco , who is now a dentist in Chicago, Illinois here in the US. So far, she's the only one I was able to connect with (on the phone and for a few minutes lang). Hopefully, this blog will be discovered by my classmates in ICAM.

The Story of My Life

2004-12-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

Kumusta na? Haven't blog in a while and heaven knows how I've been wanting to. There has been a lot of things that have kept me from blogging -- oh my computer crashed lang naman. I had to fix it -- buy another drive, format the thing, install all the softwares, recover a couple hundred pics from my old HD. No biggy.

Anyhow, 2004 is getting to a close and I haven't blogged a decent entry. From September 'til as of writing, my every day schedule seemed to be more hectic each passing day. The kids have become more active while their mom's growing old and is decreasing in stamina. They are in their formative years that's why I had to supervise them closely -- inculcate something good in them before they reach their 3rd year. It's very important that they recognize somebody loves and cares for them. They need constant admonishing so they know what's right and wrong. My daughter is on her 30th month and my son is on his 16th -- time flies fast and I have to double my effort in molding their characters.

My husband tells me I am a perfectionist. But that's not true. I just want everything in place. I want my kids to see that an organized place creates an organized mind. Simple lang di ba?

On Christmas, my kids got a lot of toys from their uncles and aunts. I was the one overwhelmed, not because of the huge sizes and different shapes of the toys, but the fact that after they play with it, where are we to keep them? Our house is not very big. Our house was a 1930's type of house with little compartments for clothes and what have yous. Yup, not much storage space. So my mind has been workin' a lot, thinking of how to increase storage space without compromising the size of the rooms. So much for that, another thing is the amount of clothes they have. Unimaginable! I have to constantly cull the ones they don't use and give it to the Salvation Army right away, not to mention my clothes and my husband's.

You think, so what does the husband do? He works two jobs. Babysitting fees could really slash your budget just like that. Sometimes, I wonder why in the Philippines, you didn't have to pay babysitters -- kasi naman most of them have either the maids or the lola to look after their apos. Here it's a different world. I am not complaining, naikukuwento lang. You do everything from laundry to cooking ... ahhh eh, cooking -- not really. I hardly cook these days. Most of the time we buy cooked food from the nearest local Asian store. Oh they are a big help! Thank God for "Nanay Gloria," "Arco," "Toto's Lechon" and "Isla Buffet."

So much for the story of my life, but it's really nice to be back.

Things Women Shouldn't Apologize For...

2004-09-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

1. Never apologize for pursuing what makes you happy. Even if you need to quit your job, transfer schools, or move across country, always do what you really want.

2. Never apologize for using proper English. Keeping it real doesn't mean speaking Ebonics.

3. Never apologize for giving your best in a relationship that just didn't work out.

4. Never apologize for being successful. Only haters want to keep you at their level.

5. Never apologize for crying. Wear waterproof mascara and express yourself.

6. Never apologize for ten pounds you need to lose. People who truly care about you will accept you as you are.

7. Never apologize for being frugal. Just because you save your money instead of blowing it on the latest fashion emergency doesn't mean you're cheap.

8. Don't apologize for being a single mom. Babies are a blessing.

9 . Never apologize for treating yourself to something special. Sometimes you have to show yourself some appreciation.

10. Never apologize for leaving an abusive relationship. Your safety should always be a priority.

11. Never apologize for keeping the ring even if wedding bells won't chime.

12. Never apologize for setting high standards in a relationship. You know what you can tolerate and what simply gets on your nerves.

13. Never apologize for saying NO.

14. Never apologize for asking for what you want in bed. If you don't, then who will?

15. Never apologize for wearing a weave. You bought it so it's yours.

16. Never apologize to your new friends about old friends. There's a reason she's been your girl from day one.

17. Never apologize for ordering dessert. Or more than one dessert.

18. Never apologize for dating outside your race. Just because you found Mr. Right across the color line doesn't mean you don't love your brothas.

19 . Never apologize for not knowing how to cook. Even if you can't burn like Grandma you know how to order good take out.

20 . Never apologize for your taste in clothes. It's your style.

21 . Never apologize for changing your mind .

22 . Never apologize for exercising your right to choose. It's your body and your right.

23. Never apologize for making more money than your man, you work hard and you deserve to get paid.

24. Never apologize for being you! "KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD"

source: forwarded e-mail

Hay naku...!

2004-08-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Both me & my husband didn't get to sleep all night Thursday. Our daughter and son are both sick. See, the thing is we brought both of them to the doctor, but actually it was only my son who has an annual check up for that day, but knowing life here in America, man, every penny counts. We didn't leave our daughter to the babysitter (so we didn't have to pay) 'coz we thought it was ok to bring her, and we always do. This time she caught a flu and has passed it on to her brother. My son was cranky all night and it was really a test of patience. He sleeps for a few minutes every hour from 11:30 pm of Thursday 'til 5 or 6 am of Friday. Every so often he would cry because his nose is stuffy ... well actually he has a runny nose, but then he still has problem breathing. On top of that he has a cough. All this happened in a matter of one day that we brought them to the doctor's office. That was lesson enough for us. We would still bring both of them during check ups but the other one not scheduled to see the doctor would stay outside the office. Yes, not even in the waiting room, were we suspected my daughter caught the flu. There were lots of toys in the doctor's office to entice every child that go there, oh but please if you can let them not play with it, by all means, do it. There is no "flu season" to these kids. When they get it, they get it, period.

I can't stress enough how hard it is for parents to see their kids getting sick and getting cranky. But them not getting sick is not the end of it. If they don't get the flu they get some other thing going on... say like, bumps, cuts, and bruises from playing. These, all parents would agree, are normal and a part of growing up. There is no way you can raise your child without them getting hurt once in a while. Getting hurt could give them benefits for their future, too. You just have to take it as one of life's trials.

Jumping to another story... this is one I would consider stupidly funny. I, yes me, was looking for one more precious CD online. I saw ebay has it so I went there directly. I was looking for the CD of the album of Chris Christian - Mirror of Your Heart. I had a cassette tape version of it, but I tell you, I luv, luv'd, the songs in it. Anyway, I got excited when I saw one ebay seller put it up for auction. But there was this "buy it now" icon beside the title. I didnt want to waste time bidding so I hit the buy-it-now button, and presto! I won the album. I got so excited to see that the price was only $2.99! Golly gee, I said to myself, what a bargain I got! I waited and waited for it to be shipped to me. Finally, on the 5th day, I saw this media mail in our mail box. I was surprised to see a 12" x 12" x 1" box, and I thought, this guy (seller), doesn't know what size to use ... I ordered a CD and he put it in a big box. "How stupid of him" I said, talking to myself. I didn't open it right away, although my excitement has got my adrenalins workin'. Finally, I found the time to open it. And what do you know ... "Nye! Plaka pala 'to!" LP pa kamo! So that's the reason why it was in a big box - it was a vinyl record! Stupid me (now it's me) didn't check to see the specs! I don't know what happened there, but it was there, all specifications and stuff, but my eyes run through it like it didn't read the fine prints! Ay tange! Hayan... sobra kasing excited. Instead of being happy, I was extremely dissapointed. I asked my bro who was an Ebay buyer/seller expert if I could possibly return it. He said no and asked "magkano mo ba nabili yan?" I said "$5.99" And my bro almost half laughing and half upset with me... sabi niya: "Diyos ko ka naman! $5.99 lang pala. It would cost you much higher to return it to ebay or the seller and besides when you use the "buy it now" button, you can't return it." Now I am stuck with a Chris Christian LP that I can not play in my entire life! Uso pa ba ang plaka ngayon? hehe.. ewan! Anyway, that was lesson number 2: Don't get too, too excited. Hay naku, Lora...

A boring revelation

2004-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

My bro bought 2 precious CDs for me (well, actually I told him to buy it and paid it, too). Kasi naman, I don't have the time to drop by Tatak Pilipino . They have online shopping and store here in Los Angeles. Anyway, my point is, these CDs are a treasure to me. These CDs, the PAPURI COLLECTION Vol. 1 & 2, bring me back in the days I first received the Lord Jesus Christ in my heart . A friend and classmate in college, Pearly, have been very patient in sharing all these wonderful things about the Lord. She was my "mother" in faith. She's a very strong-willed individual but very friendly. My parents didn't like the idea though, my friend teaching me all things and stuff, because they were afraid I'd change into a born again christian and being a born again is a bad, bad idea to them. They think being born-again is being a fanatic. They think being born-again contradicts everything the Catholic Church teaches. So they didn't like me to see my friend. That was sad. When I recall all the things that happened to me because the name of the Lord is involved.... ah! The bible is telling the truth. Persecution has started and has not ended even as I write. That was back in 1988 and I still feel I am being pulled away from being a Christian. I guess I don't have enough guts to say "hey this is what I now believe! This is between me and my Saviour" until now. I've opened up to my husband about my disbelief in the Catholic church. He understood me, but he is not going to go to a Christian church. I guess I'm just a weak Christian, not showing enough example to convert anybody to my beliefs. I must do something.... I know I must.

Anyhow, I kept playing those CDs over and over at work and I am getting "high" at times. Feeling repentant...feeling God's love embracing me.

My other Christian CDs include the Songs 4 Worship by various artist from Time Life.com, the entire collection. I also have the cd by Kathy Trocolli - Stubborn Love, the one by Steven Curtis Chapman , and Michael W Smith . Lovely cds. I have other Christian cd collection and all of them are dear to me. I think I'd rather buy them than a new pair of shoes :-)

I am not ashamed to admit this. I will not be ashamed of this. I love my Lord and I always will.

-----

Can You Reach My Friend

I got a call from an old friend
We laughed about how we had changed
But I could tell things wren?t going as well as he claimed
He tried to hide his feelings
But they only gave him away
The longer I listened
The more I kept wishing that
I knew the right words to say

So, Can you reach my friend?
Bring his searching to an end
Lord I know you love him
Help him understand
Can you reach my friend
You?re the only one who can
Help him give his heart to you

We talked for more than an hour
I smiled when he mentioned Your name
I said that I knew You
I told him the difference You made
But, He never thought He would need You
But maybe he?s changing his mind
As we said goodbye Lord
He told me that I had found
Something that he?d like to find

So, can you reach my friend?
You?re the only one who can
Lord I know that you love Him
Help him understand
Can you reach my friend?
Bring his searching to an end
Help him give his heart to you
Maybe he?s ready tonight

Lord, he said that he might need to call
You, oh, oh yes my Lord
I wanna know ? yeah
So, Can you reach my friend?
Bring his searching to an end
Lord I know you love him
Help him understand
Can you reach my friend
You?re the only one who can
Help him give his heart to you

Stubborn Love

2004-08-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

When I'm feeling low, I sing this old song by Amy Grant. It speaks to the heart.

I'm caught again,
Your faithless friend
Do you ever tire of hearing
What a fool I've been
Guess I should pray what can I say
Oh, it hurts to know the hundred times
I've caused you pain
Forgive me sounds so empty
When I never change
Yet you stay and say you love me
Still forgiving me time and time again

Chorus:
It's your stubborn love
That never lets go of me
I don't understand how you can stay
Perfect love, embracing the worst in me
How I long for your stubborn love

Funny me, just couldn't see,
Even long before I knew you, you were loving me
Sometimes I cry, you must cry too,
When you see the broken promises
I made to you, I keep saying that I'll tryst you,
Though I seldom do,
Yet you stay and say you love me
Still knowing someday I'll be like you

(Chorus)
It's your stubborn love that never lets go of me
I don't understand how you stay
Perfect love, embracing the worst in me
And you'll never let me go
I believe I finally know,
I can't live without, your stubborn love.

I hate KK!! ... I luv u DD...!

2004-08-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Siguro kung may taong galit sa Krispy Kreme, ako lang yon. Kasi naman ang tamiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssss tamiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssss nya. Kinikilig ang buo kong katawan kapag kumakain ako nyan. Nuong unang inintroduce ang KK, it was a sensation! Long lines every day sa mga outlets nyan. Ang sarap sarap daw. Naisip ko, what more could beat my favorite ever na Dunkin Donuts? So I keep watching my friends fall in that long line to buy the famous donut. Tapos pinatikim nila ako... Ngee... it tastes like the donut around the corner!?!?!?! Ano ang extra-ordinary dito? Dito pa naman sa LA area walang Dunkin Donuts kaya nafa-frustrate ako. Miss na miss ko na ang DD!

Anyhow, nito kasing umaga, may nagbigay dito sa opisina ng isang kahong Krispy Kreme. Pagka-announce ng boss ko na "Doughnuts for everybody!!" naku takbuhan na ang mga ka-opisina ko para maka kuha ng donut. Actually, the box was just in front of my cubicle pero I didnt respond to the announcement. I peeped, yes I did, pero just to see what kind of KK they gave us. My goodness, palagi na lang yung "original glazed" flavor ang pamigay nila. Di ko nga pinansin, although I didnt have breakfast that morning and I was really hungry. Pinabayaan ko na lang na dumugin nila yun. Buti na lang may baon akong pound cake from Costco... hehe. Saved by the bell ako.

Duon sa mga paborito ang KK, sorry mare I really dislike it to the point na kailangan ko talaga ito isulat dito just to make my point. Oh well...

Here & There

2004-08-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have lechon for lunch today (again?). Oo eh. Couple weeks ago I was just talking of getting tired of paksiw na lechon for 4 days straight... and now it's haunting me again. Well, the paksiw na lechon came about when we held our son's baptism. This lechon I had today was from my son's birthday. This time hindi ko na pinapaksiw kasi I'm having goose bumps just recalling the taste and smell of paksiw. Anyhow, 'twas good! Just dippin' the meat in Mang Tomas sauce is waaaaaaaayyyy yummy than paksiw.

......

Before I started lunch nga pala, my husband called me up just to tell me that I should be careful in giving our toddlers food specifically the popcorn. He read in the papers that a tot in New York was choked for eating popcorn inside the movie theatre. Apparently, the parents, particularly the Dad, got a promotion so he took out his family to see a movie to celebrate the occasion, but to their dismay, their 3-year old son choked on the popcorn it was eating and died. *Sigh* sad story but I want to share to all the parents out there to be more watchful of what and how their kids eat. Yun lang.

......

Few days ago, I got a surprise email from a long time IRC friend, Laraine! We used to chat in efnet and quarterdeck (servers). Her handle is LoKaReTTe, and she still is. :-) 'Twas really nice of her to have found me in friendster. I saw a few old friends in there, too. I am thinking, sana one time ay magkaroon ng reunion ang mga chatters ng Quarterdeck. How fun! To Larah, good to see and chat with you again.

Amazing Banana

2004-08-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Thought this will boost the banana industry....

After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at the Banana in the same way again!! In fact, I think I'll go get some today..

Doctors - Home Remedy If you want a quick fix for flagging energy levels there's no better snack than a banana. Containing three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION - According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. (Kat, take note)

PMS - Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA - High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE - This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER - 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION - High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS - One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milk shake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEART BURN - Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heart burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS - Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood s ugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES - Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES - Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

OVERWEIGHT and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS - The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness.. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in o ver chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER - (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

SMOKING - Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

STRESS - Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high potassium banana snack.

STROKES - According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine' eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

WARTS - Those keen on natural alternatives swear that, if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So you see a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. And bananas don't need a doctor's prescription, and I doubt there are many people who have been warned off of bananas by doctors; bananas are just another fruit in that popul ar food type.

So maybe its time to change that well known phrase so that we say, "A Banana a day keeps the doctor away.........

I Think

2004-07-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hahaha! I love Alanis Morissette! She made (or generated) this song for me. Cool. Try nyo! "Go on! Get Miserable!"

"I Think"

I Think feet are really a huge problem
I Think hair are too much on my mind
I Think fur! have got a lot to do with why the world sucks
But what can you do?

Like a red rain, beating down on me
Like a Lora line, which won't let go of my brain
Like nell's ass, it is in my head

Blame it on spiders!
Blame it on spiders!
Blame it on spiders!

I Think stripes are gonna drive us all crazy
And deadly sting make me feel like a child
I Think black will eventually be the downfall of civilization
But what can you do? I said what can you do?

Like a red rain, beating down on me
Like a Lora line, which won't let go of my brain
Like nell's ass, it is in my head

Blame it on spiders!
Blame it on spiders!
Blame it on spiders!

Like a red rain, beating down on me
Like nell's smile, cruel and cold
Like Lora's ass, it is in my head

Blame it on spiders!
Blame it on spiders!
Blame it on spiders!

Travelling Politicians

2004-07-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Got this in the email and thought it was funny.

Note: I don't know if any or all of these are true; but they make an interesting and funny reading articles though.

A friend has been a travel agent for 30 years. She says, of her 30 years of taking reservation requests from government officials, we are all in trouble. Here are a few choice reservation questions from these bright people:

Senator Tessie Oreta asked for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.

I got a call from ex-Mayor Joey Marquez, who wanted to go to Capetown. Explaining the length of the flight and passport information, he interrupted me with, "I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts." Without trying to make him look like the stupid one, I calmly explained, "Cape Cod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in Africa." His response ..(click).

Congressman Mark Lapid called, furious about a Florida package we did for him and tv star Kris Aquino. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to Explain that was not possible since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me. I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state!" (so he expected to see the ocean on both sides of the hotel?!)

Sen Ralph Recto's wife asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No." She said, "But they look so close on the map."

Senator Lito Lapid asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. I noticed he had only an hour lay-over in Dallas. When asked why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between the gates to save time."

Senator Jinggoy Estrada called last week. He needed to know how it was possible that his flight from Detroit left at 8:20 a.m. and got into Chicago at 8:33 a.m. I tried to explain that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but he could not understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told him the plane went very fast, and he bought that!

Congressman Ronaldo Zamora asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" He replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I'm overweight. I think that is very rude!" I looked into it and explained the city code for Fresno, California is (FAT), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on his luggage.

Former presidentiable now tv star Eddie Gil inquired about a trip package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, he asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California and take the train to Hawaii?"

I just got off the phone with Senator Bong Revilla who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these darn planes have numbers on them." VP Noli De Castro asked, "I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, FL. Do I have to get on one of those twin engine planes?" I asked if he meant fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane. He said, "Yeah, whatever!"

Congressman Dilangalen called and had a question about the documents needed to fly to China. I reminded him he needed a visa. "Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those." I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this, he said, "Look, I've been to China four times and everytime they accepted my American Express!"

Senator Miriam Defensor called to make reservations, "I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York." The agent said, "Are you sure that's the name of the town?" "Yes, what flights do you have?" replied the lady. After some searching, the agent came back with, "I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere." The lady retorted, "Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!" The agent scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, "You don't mean Buffalo, do you?" "That's it! I knew it was a big animal," she said.

Now you know why the Phil Government is in the shape that it's in."

Piolo, Piolo I love you....

2004-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Pinahiram ako ng ka-opisina ko ng Otso-Otso at Spaghetti ... CD. Paulit-ulit kong pine-play sa boombox ko sa opis kasi nakakagana magtrabaho kapag mabilis ang tono ng kanta. Napapasayaw tuloy ako saka minsan hindi ko namamalayan naha-hum ko na pala siya. Kahit sa kotse ay dala dala ko itong mga CD kasi ito ring panganay ko, sobrang lab ang otso-otso, as in umiiyak pag itinitigil namin ang pagpapatugtog hehehe. Anyway, ingat lang ako sa pagkanta ng otso-otso at spaghetti lalo na sa elevator kasi meron palang na-reprimand na government employee sa pagkanta nito, grabe.

Ang galing galing ng mga composer ng mga songs sa album na yan. Minsan nga naiisip ko, paano kaya nila nako-compose yun, nakakatawa ang mga lyrics. Sabi naman ng aking husbandry, binibili daw nila ang mga lyrics na yan sa iba't-ibang tao na may talent mag-compose pero hindi naman kilala. Minsan yata nasobrahan ako sa pakikinig ng CD na yan eh, yung kanta ni Mahal at Mura ang kinakanta ko.. yun bang "Wala ng mura sa panahon ngayon... lahat na ay mahal..." saka yung "Ayoko na sa'yo, ayoko na sa'yo... Break na tayo, Yan ang gusto ko ... Ayoko na sa'yo, may balitang ... Lalaki ang type mo!" "Piolo, Piolo, I love you, Aga,Aga I like you, Jimboy, Jimboy, I hate you... Eh kasi naman... niloloko mo ako.." Ano nga pala balita kay Jimboy at Mahal... sila pa ba or break na sila...? Hehe just wond'rin' 'no. Wala kasing TFC sa bahay. Mahal magpakabit. Sana kung $10-15.00 lang yan, nagpakabit na kami. Kasi naman kailangan mo pang mag subscribe sa isang buong cable provider, let's say, Direct TV, $49 tapos plus $10 pa para maka-access ka naman sa Filipino Channel. Tapos naman kung magsu-subscribe naman ako sa TFC... eh di Filipino Channel lang ang mapapanood ko for $35 sabi nila. Which is cheaper ba? Siguro manghihiram na lang muna ako ng tapes.

Handbook for Parenting

2004-07-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Got this excerpt in my e-mail box and I thought I'd share this with you. This is not only for parents but for everyone wishing to understand the "why" of a human being.

Points of the Compass: Advice from Experienced Parent Leaders If you asked successful parent-leaders what standards they've tried to live by, and what they'd pass on as helpful advice to younger parents, this is what they would say....

(1) Don't look for recipes or formulas for raising children; there are none. And don't expect perfection from your spouse, your children, or yourself. Instead, set a realistic ideal for your children as adults, and then strive to work with your spouse in unified parental leadership. Ask each other from time to time: "What do you need from me to be more effective, to feel more lovingly supported, and to have greater peace of mind?"

(2) Be confident of your rightful authority, and insist that your children respect it.

(3) Remind yourself often: you're raising adults, not children.

(4) Give your children time, not money.

(5) When you think of your children's futures, picture their character, not just their careers.

(6) Teach the great character strengths as the points of your compass: sound judgment, a sense of responsibility, courageous perseverance, self-mastery, faith, hope, and charity.

(7) Teach your children the four great pillars of civilized dealings with others: "please," "thank you," "I'm sorry," and "I give my word...."

(8) Remember, the whole of moral development means moving from self to others. Your  c hildren will not grow up when they can take care of themselves; they will grow up only when they can take care of others, and want to.

(9) Teach them what real love means: sacrifice--including risk-taking--for the welfare of others.

(10) Raise your children to be producers, not just consumers. Let them put their powers up against problems to solve them, and thus grow in self-confidence. We humans are born to serve, not to shop. Show them that real happiness comes from doing good, not feeling good.

(11) Direct, but don't manage, your older children's work; don't do their work for them unless and until they've tried their best. Push for personal best effort, not just results.

(12) Make your children wait for something they want, and if possible make them earn it.

(13) Make your kids feel needed and appreciated; make praise as specific as blame.

(14) Teach your children the meaning of the word "integrity." Integrity means unity of intention, word, and action--that we mean what we say, we say what we mean, and we keep our word.

(15) Trust their integrity, even if you must sometimes mistrust their judgment.

(16) Show them how to recognize materialism when they see it, and to shun it. Materialism is not merely the pursuit of things. It means putting things ahead of people. It leads to seeing and treating other people as things.

(17) Keep the media--your rivals--under your discerning control. Permit nothing in your home that offends God, undermines your lessons of right and wrong, and treats other people as mere objects.

(18) Lead them to practice charity. Charity does not mean giving away old clothes; it means mostly compassionate understanding. In family life, insist on apologies and forgiveness. Make your kids let others off the hook, forgive and forget.

(19) When you comment about people outside the family, especially in public life (in government or the media), give example of charity. Distinguish between the individuals and their faults, even grievous  m oral flaws. We strive to "hate the sin but love the sinner." That is, we deplore people's wrongdoing but bear them no personal ill will.

(20) Lead kids to learn from their own mistakes and the mistakes of others.

(21) Lead them to be savvy about people's values--that is, people's priorities in life.

(22) Use literature, t.v., and movies to teach about people's ideals, achievements, and mistakes.

(23) Teach your children to manage time--that is, to control themselves.

(24) Teach them courtesy and "class": to have eyes for the needs of those around them.

(25) Cultivate family honor, the spirit of "We..."

(26) Let your kids know what's expected of them. Make standards and consequences clear.

(27) Listen to your children. That's listen, not obey. Let kids contribute "input" to family life--but in weighty issues, you make  the decisions.

(28) Where appropriate, give your children "loving denial"--for "no" is as much a loving word as "yes." If kids don't hear "no" from their parents, they cannot say "no" to themselves. The power of self-control is built from the outside in.

(29) Practice "affectionate assertiveness" in disciplining your children. Correct the fault, not the person; hate the sin, love the sinner. Show your children you love them too much to let them grow up with their faults uncorrected.

(30) Treat punishment as "memorable correction"--action needed now to avert later troubles and sorrow.

(31) Take corrective action without showing disrespect. Respect your children's rights as people.

(32) Explain, but don't argue.

(33) Don't let your ego come ahead of truth or justice; when you've done wrong or gone too far, apologize.

( 34) Don't let them infringe on the rights of others. Remember, the way they treat their  s iblings is an apprenticeship for the way they'll treat spouse, children, colleagues, and others in their lives.

(35) Appeal to the children's sense of fairness and capacity to forgive. Make them apologize, and accept apologies.

(36) Make dinner a sacred time: no arguing or squabbling. Start dinner with a prayer.

(37) Encourage a reasonable level of athletic involvement; use athletics to teach sportsmanship and exerting best effort as well as staying in shape. But put first things first. Don't let organized
sports and outside activities conflict with dinnertime or otherwise wreak havoc in family life. Frantic running around steals time and peace of mind. Sports should energize family members, not exhaust them. If you sense that things are getting out of hand, cut back.

(38) Remind yourself: Busyness is not a virtue. Kids (like adults) occasionally need silence and time to think. They need stretches of time to chat and play and daydream together with brothers and sisters--to know and love each other better as they grow up together.

(39) Don't let them drive a car until they've really grown up. See maturity as growth in responsibility--that is, active concern for the rights and feelings of others.

(40) Teach them indifference to being "different."

(41) Teach them that beer is not a kind of soft drink with a buzz. Alcohol is a drug, drunkenness is a grave sin, and intemperance often  leads to other grave sins, even tragedies.

(42) Teach kids to cope with reasonable adversity, not to escape.

(43) Lead your children to treat the opposite sex with respect.

(44) Have faith in later results; see your sacrifices as investment.

(45) Keep your priorities straight: when you're vexed with a problem, ask yourself: "How important will this be a year from now, five years from now, or even next month?"

(46) Beware the temptation to fret overmuch about your children's flaws and shortcomings. Since children's defects and backsliding are so annoying, they cause us to exaggerate and overreact, that is, to stress the negative. So, take time occasionally to appreciate what's good in your children, the qualities they were born with and the virtues you see growing inside them. Remember, people's greatest need, at all ages, is to be appreciated.

( 47) Be affectionate with your children. Do this frequently and on  p urpose. Listen with your eyes. Make the time to have fun with them; let them see how much you enjoy just being with them. When they're teens, actively seek out chances to talk and laugh with them as "best friends"--late-night talk sessions, lingering over dinner, swapping jokes and reminiscences, going to games and shows with them. All their lives, your children's hearts will return home, to the place where they knew affection.

(48) Remember that your children may forget most of the details of what you teach them, but they will remember what was important to you. For most of us, the lifelong voice of conscience is the voice of our parents--God speaking to us through the memory of what our parents lovingly taught us.

(49) When your children leave home for college or work, tell them: Don't forget that God is watching over you with love, as He has since your childhood. Do not offend Him, and do nothing that would betray what you learned in our family. We will pray for you every day. Remember that God commands all of us, "Honor your father and mother." And the way we honor our parents is this: we adopt their values as our own, live by them all our lives, and then pass them on to our own children as our family's sacred heritage.

(50) Treat your children the way God treats all of us: with high standards, loving protection, great hopes for the future, affectionate understanding, readiness to forgive, and never-failing
love.

Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this material for private use. It is taken from the Website of James B. Stenson, educational consultant: ParentLeadership.com.

Bored, I am

2004-07-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am at work and very bored. So I check on Sister Rosetta whose advices I've always wondered if were all true. She's simply hilarious (at least that's what I think). Nevertheless, I am still bored. It's Friday and I want to go home ... NOW!

Grrrrr....!@#$%^&*()

2004-07-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

I am mad as hell today! I just learned that my email account in eudoramail has been migrated to a new provider which is lycos. Well, I'm ok with that, the thing is, my address book was completely gone! *sipa!* Eudoramail kept telling me ... "we will be migrating your email to a new provider, blah, blah, blah" and didnt even mention about the address book! Now I've lost a list of my contacts. For the nth time I am going to change my email address... tsk, tsk! >:( (why did I ever signed up with them? - got blinded by their 5mb capacity. now, yahoo is the one for me.)

Paksiw na Lechon atbp.

2004-07-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ilang araw ko ng baon baon for lunch ang paksiw na lechon. I think after the 4th day that I've been having it for lunch, I want to swear the thing off my list of favorite viands. We still have 1 1/2 tray to finish and I don't think I can bear to even give it a look. Bakit ang dami naman, you will ask. Well, when my son was baptized, we had lechon as a main dish and it was barely finished after the occasion. My m-i-l's (mom-in-law) suggestion was to turn it into paksiw, and so she did. We've already given it out as "pabalot" but still it was just a lot, lot, lot! If you want some, tell me and I'll email to you the direction to our house :D Really now....

/

Yesterday, I was giving my daughter a bath, and I don't know how our topic landed on spanking. She just suddenly quipped in her gibberish way "idi lalu elas." And I was like, "huh?" "Idi lalu elas" means Ely spanked me with a slipper. I kept asking her if she's telling the truth and she kept saying "eee-yeah" Hmmm.... our babysitter is very well-known in the neighborhood for years as a good bs, but why would a toddler (2-y.o. only) say she was hit by a slipper by her. At first I didnt want to believe because I might just have misunderstood her or she's just making it up. Do you think toddlers who can barely make complete sentences could possibly lie already about something that really has not happened at all? Moms out there, help me!

/

My brother will kill me when he learns about this. Sorry, talagang gusto ko lang matawa! We were talking on the phone about buying an mp3 player for my sister. I told him to look for something with a GB or gigabyte capacity. He saw one but he said it was only about 64 MB and then he said... "Ano ba yung MB? milli-byte?" (ROTFL!!!!!) I nearly fell of my chair when I heard it! Hehehe hindi ka naman nila kilala kaya okay lang na sinulat ko to.

Victory!

2004-07-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

God's done it again! HE is still in control and that's what I know, have proven, and will always believe. The email I got from the American Center for Law and Justice proves it.

Dear Lora,

By now you may have heard that the Supreme Court of the United States has DISMISSED the Pledge case - and REMOVED a lower court's decision that declared the phrase "under God" unconstitutional.

This is a important victory!

And you have helped us stay involved in this case since the beginning....

The ACLJ filed a major brief on behalf of 68 members of Congress and more than 260,300 Americans like you - including approximately 2,600 school-age children, many of whom attend public schools and desire to recite the Pledge.

In our brief, we contended that Michael Newdow, a California atheist who filed suit challenging the Pledge, LACKED LEGAL STANDING in the case and did not have the right to control her education.

The high court did not address the merits of the case. But it is clear that the Pledge of Allegiance and the words "under God" can continue to be recited by students across America.

By dismissing this case and removing the appeals court decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has removed a dark cloud that has been hanging over one of the nation's MOST IMPORTANT AND CHERISHED TRADITIONS:

The ability of students across the nation to acknowledge the fact that our freedoms in this country come from God, not government.

THANK YOU AGAIN for your prayers and support in this important legal battle!

American Center for Law and Justice
P.O. Box 64429
Virginia Beach, VA 23467
Phone: (757) 226-2489
Fax: (757) 226-2836
www.aclj.org

Padala Galing Pinas

2004-07-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sa mga kababayan kong nasa Pinas, I don't know how true is this, but it doesn't hurt to heed this kind of reminders, diba? Somebody forwarded this message to me and I was like "goodness gracious! ang dami ko pa namang binilin sa kapatid kong mga CDs para ipakidala sa kaibigan kong papunta dito!" Now I have to think a cheaper way to get those CDs... hmmm. Any suggestions? I don't want to jeopardize my friend's trip, if ever.

Just a friendly reminder: if you have plans of going to the U.S., please take precautionary measures on all "padalas" especially those containing fake/pirated compact discs/DVDs. US Embassy employees have been given an advisory that "as US Gov't employees, we should abide by the U.S. laws, including Intellectual Property Rights (anti-piracy) laws. As an additional incentive, the Consular Section recently received a report that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) searched the bag of a Filipino entering the U.S. on NW 72 in Detroit. During the search, 70-80 compact discs,30-40 empty DVD jackets and 10-20 DVDs were found. Since the travelers were not American Citizens, their visas were canceled and they returned to the Philippines. If they had been Americans, they could have been subjected to arrest and criminal prosecution in addition to civil fines and penalties."

Please remember even ONE pirated item can jeopardize your trip. Also, the fingerprinting system has successfully been instituted in all port of entries. I suggest you bring extra identification cards in addition to your passport to facilitate your entry in the US Immigration.

However, not only pirated VCD/DVD are on the hot list. Please be informed that the American Association of Publishers (AAP) has also alerted the American customs officers to check out for pirated books. This information was given to me by Paricia Judd of the AAP. Please warn all nursing graduates who plan to take the NCLEX and CGF exams in the states not to bring in these pirated books because there will be a penalty of automatic deportation as violation of intellectual property rights.

I hope this is helpful to you. Thanks and regards.

Thess Q. Sula
U.S. Commercial Service
American Embassy Manila

Why Drinking & Driving Don't Mix

2004-07-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is rather late, but I don't think it hurts to remind everybody every now and then that driving and drinking really can not go together. This is The Jaqueline Saburido Story which you have probably seen and heard about a hundred times or perhaps haven't heard at all.

She was only 20 when she got hit by a drunk driver back in 1999. The rest is history. Complete story here .

"TxDOT also has set up a special Web site for parents who want pointers on how to talk to their kids about drunk driving or about the new television commercials. The Web address is http://www.texasdwi.org/" (quote unquote from Texas Hard-Hitting Anti-DWI Campaign )

How was your 4th?

2004-07-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched the movie "ALL MY LIFE" that starred Aga Mulach & Kristine Hermosa by the recommendation of my sis-in-law. I'd say, the movie was okay, but I'd rather watch "Otso-Otso" and laugh all day. The movie was not a happy ending because Aga passed away, and all he left was a son with Kristine. In my opinion, the plot was not that extra-ordinary. I noticed, too, that Aga is rather getting old. His face shows it, although he still looks "hanSAM" (that's the name of the yatch he was renting out in the movie). Maybe if the movie was based on a true-to-life story, I would like it more. I like documentary movies like I love non-fiction books. If you've seen the movie MILAN by Piolo & Claudine -- that's more like it because it portrays a true account of the life of Filipinos in Italy.

Another movie that I saw was "Beauty & the Beast" thru the recommendation of my daughter :-) She's only 2, but she looks like 4 (tall girl). Her mind is that of a 4-year old, too, or so I think. She insisted that we see the old movie by Disney for a couple times.

I know I didn't mention about going to 4th of July sale at Macy's or JC Penny or the outlets for that matter. Our house rule is "Do not buy something on sale just because it is on sale. You have to have a need for it before you buy it." Tough, eh? Kailangan eh. We ended up going to Costco to buy milk and pampers for the kids, and oo nga pala, IKEA to buy some stuff we "need." They went on tax-free that weekend which was a good marketing strategy. They must have grossed hundreds of thousands on Saturday alone, probably millions pa nga.

Anyhow, that was all about it. Today's back to normal.

Itagalog mo nga ito, plis

2004-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

This will test the flip in you. I had a hard time acing it and I thought I was already good in tagalog (ehem). You got to try it if you know how to speak tagalog or is learning how to speak the language. Tell me your score. Have fun!

Itagalog mo nga ito, plis?

PS I just got this in the email and whoever did the macro should get the credit. The comment column is not intended to offend anybody... in other words... joke lang po :-)

I live for the weekends

2004-06-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

I feel like a monday today after i had a three-day weekend. We took our daughter Abi out on her 2nd birthday which I will blog later. I want to post some of her photos. Meantime, I really love this cartoon of the work week. So true to me...

Because

2004-06-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

"Because"
by Bishop T.D. Jakes

Just because someone may not have realized what a gold mine you are, doesn't mean you shine any less.

Just because someone may not have realized that you can't be topped, doesn't stop you from being the best.

Just because no one has come along to share your life, doesn't mean that day isn't coming.

Just because no one has made this race worthwhile, doesn't give you permission to stop running.

Just because no one has realized how much of an awesome woman you are, doesn't mean they can affect your femininity.

Just because no one has shown up who can love you on your level, doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs.

Just because you deserve the very best there is, doesn't mean that life is always fair.

Just because God is still preparing your king, doesn't mean that you're not already a Queen.

Just because your situation doesn't seem to be progressing right now, doesn't mean you need to change a thing.

Keep shining, Keep running, Keep hoping, Keep praying, Keep being exactly what you are already . . .COMPLETE!!

Kids Stuff, etc...

2004-06-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

During the past few nights, I've been immersed in kids' videos mainly due to my 2-year old daughter who doesn't want to watch anything but them. There was also a time, I remember, that I can lipsynch the entire movie of "Finding Nemo" and my husband would just give me a quizzical look. Believe me, there are more lessons we can learn from these movies and sing-a-longs than reading the Cosmopolitan or Mademoiselle. Like these morning, I found myself humming to the tune of "When you wish upon a star."

"If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star as dreamers do ..." (that's the part I like)

Btw, I highly recommend Baby Einstein DVDs. My husband bought a set for the kids about a year ago from Costco and did not regret buying it... ever! Why? Nothing... my Abi just learned how to talk and identify things around her without us even teaching her... yun lang naman! I recall the first day that I opened that Baby Einstein package (it came with 12 DVDs for roughly $99.00). The first DVD that I opened was a language lab. Kids at the age of 0-36 months are being taught to say greetings, colors and names of toys in various languages (French, Japanese, Russian, etc). I was like ... whoa! If my kid doesn't turn into an genius, I'd make a refund! Anyhow, I'm trying to immerse my 11-month old son with these videos, too. You bet he won't turn his head to anything other than food when he's watching Baby Einstein. The moment he hears the intro music, he jumps and ignores everything around him. One more thing is that, these videos uses classical music as their background. Mind you, you wouldn't find the music boring at all. T'was arranged in such a way that it synchs with the toys that are shown. Enough of the endorsements. They didn't pay me to write these but this is just a mark of a well-satisfied customer.

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

Got this one in my inbox today. Very true indeed...

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
Time, Words & Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace, Hope & Honesty.
Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love, Self-confidence & Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams, Success & Fortune
Three things that make a man -
Hard work, Sincerity & Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Wine, Pride & Anger
Three things that are truly constant -
Father, Son and Holy Ghost

It's All About Them

2004-06-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

There's nothing more amusing to me than observing my two bundles of joy grow and develop. A lot of people of say that my daughter is my exact copy even when she makes faces. They call her little Lora. I call her LJ (Lora Junior for short... hehehe). Her personality, though, is the exact opposite of mine. She's bubbly, always smiling, and seldom has bad moods. Well... I am not bubbly, at least not that bubbly. I try to smile, and I will have these moods maybe once a month (when my visitor is coming *lol*). Lately, it's like everything that these people say is true. I don't know if I should call my daughter a loner ... well maybe she just enjoys older people's company. Last weekend, there was a little get together in the house. All her cousins were there... and I tell you when they meet, they stick to each other. Abi would stick to them for a little bit then little by little would later be in the company of her grandma or aunt. I keep telling her to go and play with her cousins. She would oblige but only for a little time then come back to her own thing of discovering things. I don't really see anything wrong about it... it just makes me think... it makes me see myself with a little bit of that "anti-social" personality. I don't know why I don't easily feel comfortable with people, maybe because I can secretly tell the aura of a person the moment I talk to him or her. I don't know, it's just it always turns out that my gut feeling is true. I can also tell if a person is genuine or not just by shaking hands with them. I am not a psychic nor a fortune teller. It's something I probably have developed over the years trying to look from the top.

Anyway, what I really wanted to say is that my two kids are everything to me. Ganuon pala pag nanay ka na... you think of them first. You let them eat first even if you have nothing to eat later. You make sure they are comfortable when they sleep even if you have to sleep at the very edge of the bed just to make sure they have enough space. You wake up countless nights when they cry. You can't stand to hear their cry, you got to get up and check what's wrong... even if it's 2:30 in the morning and you are very sleepy and you have work in the morning, too. A lot of sacrifices on the parent's part. But I don't have regrets. It's ok if I can't go to the movies for now or wake up late on weekends. I think I would die if I loose them. *Sniff*

Brown Bag

2004-06-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Every now and then in the office, we would go out and have lunch at various restaurants in downtown. They didn't have any problem asking me coming with them, but today, it was different. Early this year, when we started paying for the mortgage of our house, I felt the crunch of having to stick to a budget - no ifs no buts. We have two kids and living in California is just very much like living in Hawaii, cost-of-living-wise. I have to let go of some of the "luxuries" in life - the cable (it was hard to let go at first), buying or eating out every lunch time, a new cellphone, trips to the mall (now I just go there when I need to buy something, better yet, I go downtown!), and I could go on and on with the list. I became a member of the "soup" club - you eat instant soup at lunch ( I have a stash of them in my drawer). I literally became frugal. Being frugal is not bad (as long as you know how to carry yourself).

My boss was telling me, "Now, Lora, come with us for lunch. Life is too short. Enjoy it." He's a spinster and I told myself as far as I know I've enjoyed life already... hehehe. I'm actually happy with what I have. I've got 2 bundles of joy, a loving husband and a very supportive family. What else can I ask for? Sure, I can use a little money to buy material things, but that's not all there is to it. You have to feel happy, too. Happy with what you have. Happy, I still have my health, my kids' health, my husband's.

Yes, I brought my lunch today and will bring it everyday.

Go Christians!

2004-06-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

This is what I've always wanted to see and hear.

Keep this moving, it speaks for itself.

Samuel Thompson wrote: "I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December." I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution. Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. "But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. And we are in the Bible Belt. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches out number all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome...

"But what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of earplugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer. Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us "to pray without ceasing". Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well...just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long... it's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard, that the vast majority don't care what they want...it is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray, you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right... but by golly you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back...and we WILL WIN! After all, the God you have the right to denounce is on our side! God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. Still the greatest nation of all... God bless our servicemen who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God...

May 2004 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.

Keep looking up... In GOD We Trust.

Runny Nose and Helen Keller

2004-05-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

The title seem a bit odd, doesn't it? You may ask, "huh?, where's the connection?" Wala naman talagang koneksyon ang dalawang yan.

This is the story of the "runny nose." I was off from work for a couple of days this week because we do not have a babysitter. It's very stressful when the babysitter (an old lady in her 60's) has to visit her doctor, because it means to both of us to either call-in sick the next day or file for a vacation leave. Anyhow, I asked Yahoo and Yellowpages' help for a list of daycare facilities in our area. I found one close by. We took our two kids with us while the director of the facility gave us a short tour. She showed us all the rooms that our kids would possibly be occupying, until we got to the playground. Our son is in the stroller, while our daughter who is now almost 2 was enjoying prancing on the ground. While our son was happily seated in the stroller, a group of "adventurers" is how they call them, boys and girls of about 4-6 years of age came circling around touching our son. "She's so cute!" blurted one. Hehehe, we have to remind them, our son is a boy! Kasi naman he really looks like a girl, ayan tuloy, everybody calls him a "her", or a "she." Besides his hair is past shoulder lenght, he was wearing a pony tail that day, too. One girl I noticed kept touching his pony tail, then suddenly sneezed for no reason. Then I thought, oh my goodness, please don't let it happen. By the time we went home and time for my babies to sleep my son has caught a cold. Poor thing, he was so cranky and his nose runny. Anyway, I think I caught the cold, too.

I downloaded an e-book on the life of Helen Keller. 243 pages, downloaded it at work (bad girl) shhh... and couldn't stop reading it. The gist of the story here.

It's Time To Take A Stand

2004-05-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

When I heard in the news that the state of Massachussets had legalized same-sex marriages, I was very sad and disappointed. I cannot stress more the fact that not only me, but my children will be affected one way or the other by this issue in the future. I have nothing against homesexuals but...

It's Time to Take a Stand

Four ways Christians can respond to the gay marriage debate.

By Dennis Rainey
May 2004

Rosie O’Donnell, the former television talk show host turned gay activist, shared an interesting personal story with Diane Sawyer on ABC’s “Primetime Live.” Rosie told how her 6-year-old son, Parker, asked, “Mommy, why can’t I have a daddy?”

Stop for a moment and consider the implication of little Parker’s question. Here’s a boy who will never know the joy of being raised by a father. He’ll never experience a dad tucking him in bed at night, reading him a book, wrestling him to the ground, or tossing him a football. Why?

Rosie—and those who advocate the reckless move toward same-sex marriage—appears to be more concerned about a personal agenda rather than what is best for the child. Rosie’s son longs for a father but has two mothers instead.

Rosie’s response to her son’s question? She said, “Because I’m the kind of mommy who wants another mommy.”

Rosie’s gain is her son’s loss.

Tragically, America is standing on the threshold of raising a generation of children in same-sex homes where there will be either no father or no mother to love, care or provide a model for masculinity or femininity. This is indeed about “human rights”—a child’s “rights.” A boy and a girl ought to have “the right” to feel the whiskers of a father and the soft, smooth skin of a mother when he or she gets a good night kiss on the cheek.

However, on May 17 in Provincetown, Mass., hundreds of same-sex couples will legally be married. It is my understanding that flowers in that city cannot be purchased in florist shops because there are so many “same-sex” weddings. Some are going so far as to nickname Provincetown the “Gay Niagara Falls.” Just a mere decade ago, this would have been unthinkable in America.

The battle over same-sex marriage will redefine marriage and family and therefore redefine our nation. As the moral standard bearer of the culture, the Christian community dares not to be silent. We cannot abdicate our responsibility to be “salt and light” by allowing a vocal few to steam roll the masses. I believe now, more than ever, is the time for the church to let its light shine before men in such a way that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

There are those who think this issue does not affect them or their families. This notion is unfortunately inaccurate. Let me give you just three examples how I believe life in America will change in the months and years:

First, expect educators who will insist that the pictures in your child’s textbooks be changed to show same-sex couples as “normal.” Your child will likely be required to attend “sensitivity training” classes to relate to children who are raised in same-sex homes. I believe private schools will not be exempted from this process.

Second, churches and pastors will legally be restrained from taking biblical stands against the practice of homosexuality. Such prophetic pronouncements will be declared intolerant and discriminatory. There could be a day in the not-too-distant future when churches are forced to provide same-sex weddings.

Third, same-sex marriage will not be the last stop on this runaway agenda of those who would socially reconstruct America. As Americans adjust to the new reality of gay marriage, these social engineers will lobby for polygamy, group marriage, and open marriage.

At this rate, we are going to experience the deconstruction of the most basic unit of our nation—marriage. Dr. Carl Zimmerman studied the civilizations of history and in 1947 wrote a powerful book, History and Civilization. As a Harvard sociologist, his research documented that what took place in the family also impacted the civilization at large. When the family began to fall apart, that civilization unraveled. He noted that the last phase of a family was marked by sexual perversions of all kinds and a redefinition of marriage. This generally represented the final stage of societal disintegration.

We’re already seeing this downward spiral in Scandinavian countries. Marriage has fallen out of favor as a trusted institution. Statistics report that 60 percent of all the children being born in Scandinavia are born out of wedlock. These children will not know what it means to grow up in a home that has a mommy and a daddy in a committed relationship called marriage and family.

I confess, I used to be one of those who thought I wouldn’t see the deconstruction of the family in my lifetime. But after talking to a few friends across the country and taking the time to learn more about the issue, I can see the snowball is rolling downhill and picking up speed. This progression of a decomposing family structure will have a profound impact on my family and yours.

There will be no escape for our children and grandchildren. Or you.
· What are you going to do when your new same-sex neighbors and their kids begin to call your kids to come over and play at their house?

· What will you do when the evening news shows two men or two women kissing, again as though it is normal?

· What will you do when your child is forced to take classes that teach tolerance and acceptance of a wide range of alternate lifestyles?

· What will you do when your daughter brings home a young man she’s in love with who grew up in a home with a lesbian couple? As a young man, how could he possibly know how to treat his wife?

Now is the time for the Christian community to take clear, courageous action.

First, if you’re not fully informed about what’s happening, get informed today. In many regards, the battle for marriage has just begun. Learn how this watershed moment in our history is going to impact your children, your communities, and your nation.

Second, help educate others. We at FamilyLife have created the Preserving the Family brochures that you can hand out to friends and insert into your church bulletin. The brochure explains God’s design for marriage and why the definition of marriage should not be changed. It also provides direction on how to respond to the same-sex marriage movement. Click on the Preserving the Family brochures 20 pack pictured under recommended resources in the right hand margin or call 1-800-FL-TODAY to order.

We have also provided a downloadable PDF file of the brochure on our website (click on the link to the right) with printer-ready art that you can share with your pastor to put in the bulletin. Let me challenge you to download the information now, and take it with you to your church on Sunday and ask your pastor to use this information as a bulletin insert.

Third, pray. The message of the Bible from beginning to end has always been that our God is the God Who’s in charge. He is the Sovereign Lord of the universe. Isaiah 59:1-2 says,
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

As we pray, some of us may need to begin with a prayer of repentance over our attitude toward the sin of homosexuality and people who practice it. There has been hatred, anger, a failure to be compassionate, and a lack of proactive love in reaching out to victims of AIDS who are in the homosexual community. Ask the Lord for forgiveness and then ask Him to show us how to be compassionate and to love those who do not yet know Him.

Finally, we need to step up and stand for the truth. Isaiah 59:14-15 warns,
Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. Yes, truth is lacking; and he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.

If we do not press back against that which is evil, and if we do not lovingly and compassionately confront the darkness with the truth, we (our marriages, families and children) will be preyed upon by the very evil that we were meant to conquer. Indeed, it is time to take a stand.

Will you join me?

A Filipino Wins It Big In London

2004-05-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here's something all Filipinos can be proud of . . .

By Alfred Yuson
The Philippine Star 05/16/2004

Patricia Evangelista, a 19-year-old, Mass Communications sophomore of University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, did the country proud Friday night by besting 59 other student contestants from 37 countries in the 2004 International Public Speaking competition conducted by the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London.

She triumphed over a field of exactly 60 speakers from all over the English-speaking world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, reported Maranan.

The board of judges' decision was unanimous, according to contest chairman Brian Hanharan of the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC).

PATRICIA'S SHORT SPEECH WORTH READING....
------------------------------------------
BLONDE AND BLUE EYES

When I was little, I wanted what many Filipino children all over the country wanted. I wanted to be blond, blue-eyed, and white.

I thought -- if I just wished hard enough and was good enough, I'd wake up on Christmas morning with snow outside my window and freckles across my nose!

More than four centuries under western domination does that to you. I have sixteen cousins. In a couple of years, there will just be five of us left in the Philippines, the rest will have gone abroad in search of "greener pastures." It's not just an anomaly; it's a trend; the Filipino diaspora. Today, about eight million Filipinos are scattered around the world.

There are those who disapprove of Filipinos who choose to leave. I used to. Maybe this is a natural reaction of someone who was left behind, smiling for family pictures that get emptier with each succeeding year. Desertion, I called it. My country is a land that has perpetually fought for the freedom to be itself. Our heroes offered their lives in the struggle against the Spanish, the Japanese, the Americans. To pack up and deny that identity is tantamount to spitting on that sacrifice.

Or is it? I don't think so, not anymore. True, there is no denying this phenomenon, aided by the fact that what was once the other side of the world is now a twelve-hour plane ride away. But this is a borderless world, where no individual can claim to be purely from where he is now. My mother is of Chinese descent, my father is a quarter Spanish, and I call myself a pure Filipino-a hybrid of sorts resulting from a combination of cultures.

Each square mile anywhere in the world is made up of people of different ethnicities, with national identities and individual personalities. Because of this, each square mile is already a microcosm of the world. In as much as this blessed spot that is England is the world, so is my neighbourhood back home.

Seen this way, the Filipino Diaspora, or any sort of dispersal of populations, is not as ominous as so many claim. It must be understood. I come from a Third World country, one that is still trying mightily to get back on its feet after many years of dictatorship. But we shall make it, given more time. Especially now, when we have thousands of eager young minds who graduate from college every year. They have skills. They need jobs. We cannot absorb them all.

A borderless world presents a bigger opportunity, yet one that is not so much abandonment but an extension of identity. Even as we take, we give back. We are the 40,000 skilled nurses who support the UK's National Health Service. We are the quarter-of-a-million seafarers manning most of the world's commercial ships. We are your software engineers in Ireland, your construction workers in the Middle East, your doctors and caregivers in North America, and, your musical artists in London's West End.

Nationalism isn't bound by time or place. People from other nations migrate to create new nations, yet still remain essentially who they are. British society is itself an example of a multi-cultural nation, a melting pot of races, religions, arts and cultures. We are, indeed, in a borderless world!

Leaving sometimes isn't a matter of choice. It's coming back that is. The Hobbits of the shire travelled all over Middle-Earth, but they chose to come home, richer in every sense of the word. We call people like these balikbayans or the 'returnees' -- those who followed their dream, yet choose to return and share their mature talents and good fortune.

In a few years, I may take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way. But I will come home. A borderless world doesn't preclude the idea of a home. I'm a Filipino, and I'll always be one. It isn't about just geography; it isn't about boundaries. It's about giving back to the country that shaped me.

And that's going to be more important to me than seeing snow outside my windows on a bright Christmas morning.

Mabuhay and Thank you.

The Incorruptibles

2004-05-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

While at work, I don't recall how we've arrived at the topic on the incorruptibility of some saints. Somehow, it was a topic that I find really interesting even back when I was in college maybe because of my Catholic upbringing. I have a book entitled "The Incorruptibles" showing how the bodies of a lot of saints have been preserved over the years. One that struck me most was the preserved body of St. Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes, France.

Source: visionsofjesuschrist.com

The site of the Catholic Pilgrims is a very good source of information if you want to learn more about St. Bernadette and the other saints.

My Last Will

2004-05-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

Somebody said, "live your life everyday as if it's your last." This is a good axiom to live by. That's my reason for making up my last will. Whoever finds it strange, may not find it so in the end.

For all the material things I possess, which I don't think is a lot, I leave it to my husband and children. Anyway, when I die and go to heaven, I won't be able to bring it with me. Besides, it's no use holding on to it. It will just make my trip slower and heavier. I wouldn't like that.

For all the happy moments I was given with my family, I leave it to the people of broken families who are in the verge of giving up. May they find the light at the end of the tunnel.

For all the trying moments my husband and I have to undergo and later on conquered it, I leave it to all the couples who are in the verge of divorce. May they see that there is not a perfect person on earth and that it's okay to forgive.... then "forgetting" will follow.

For all the sad moments I experienced on the loss of loved ones, I leave it to the person who has never experienced how to love and later lose the one they love. It's a sweet sorrow.

For all my dreams that never materialized, I leave it to all to the children of the world. It's okay to dream and not get what you want. Dreaming alone is a sacred place where you become what you want and everything falls in the right place. Just be certain to wake up and make it into reality.

These are all my possessions. Not much to hold, but it's made up of me.

You Are So Blessed

2004-05-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

This poem comes from an old email which a lot of you probably have received one way or the other but this made me realize so many things that I have always taken for granted. I don't think there's anything wrong in sharing it again. This might just remind you to be thankful for everything, every day like it did to me.

If you woke up this morning
with more health than illness,
you are more blessed than the
million who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced
the danger of battle,
the loneliness of imprisonment,
the agony of torture or
the pangs of starvation,
you are ahead of 20 million people
around the world.

If you attend a church meeting
without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death,
you are more blessed than almost
three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof over
your head and a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank,
in your wallet, and spare change
in a dish someplace, you are among
the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive,
you are very rare,
especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile
on your face and are truly thankful,
you are blessed because the majority can,
but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them
or even touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you can
offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message,
you are more blessed than over
two billion people in the world
that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways
you may never even know.

The Crucifixion

2004-05-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

I got an e-mail from my sister telling me that she was into tears when she watched "The Passion of the Christ." I told her I felt the same, and I think everybody did. As I was telling her, long before the movie came out, I have already stumbled on an article about a physician that had analyzed the Crucifixion of what supposed to be the medical explanation of what Jesus endured on that day. I read it all over again and I must admit I have to stop and recover from shortness of breath. Frankly, going back to the movie, I have to shut my eyes on some parts because it was just too much to bear. This is what Jesus did to redeem us from sin and truthfully, we have nothing in our possession to pay Him back - nothing.

Surprise Call

2004-04-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier at lunch time I got a call from my boss from a former job. I thought she has forgotten me since it's already been 10 years since I have worked for them. My job with them was the very first I have had since I came to the US. Anyway, I almost didn't recognize her voice, much so the phone number that appeared on the caller ID. Earlier this month I called and left her a greeting on her voicemail because it was her birthday. I didn't expect the president of the company to give me a call back for I know how busy it is to be in that position --- but she took time to remember me and gave me a ring. I am so glad to hear from her! I hope to visit her at the new office in Pasadena. Thank you Mrs. Yatman!

ICAM

2004-04-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Just recently, my sister sent me pictures of our old school in Balut, Tondo Manila where we spent our elementary and secondary education. When I saw the photos, it's like saying "beam me up, Scotty", I was immediately transported back to the days when I was in kindergarten -- my classmates, the playground, the acacia tree, the nuns, the drinking fountain, the old bookstore, the field, the gate .... the building. So clear, so vivid. No matter how much improvements and buildings were added to our school, still it was the old ICAM that I know -- block section, my classmates & schoolmates for 14 years, the slippery pavement, the mass, the hard education, the field trips....

My sister and I talked endlessly over the Yahoo Messenger about anything we could remember about those days... and then there was this classmate of her's who passed away in 1997. Let's call her "M". She was my sister's barkada. Apparently, "M" was a victim of witchcraft. "Nakulam" as we would term it. Bakit nakulam? "M" had a relationship with a married guy, whose wife hired a witch to torture her as vendetta. "M" died 3 days after the torture. During her last hours, "M" apparently had a voracious appetite and ate and ate and ate until her mom could not keep up in giving her food. Her mom said if she only knew that her daughter was going to pass away that night, she would have spent more time with her... "Nagbabaon na pala para sa kabilang buhay", she told my sister. Later pa, when the guy found out that the mastermind of this was his wife, he gave a big punch at the door because he later realized that the same thing happened to his parents. His parents were also victims of witchcraft. To top it all, his wife was dating his cousin. Eeek...!! sad and tragic story.

Anyway, that was just a part of the conversation we had as we reminisce our days at ICAM. Sadly, ICAM has no website pa. Maybe in the future?

Bridal Shower

2004-04-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we gave a bridal shower for my bro & sister-in-law to be. Wala lang, I just wanted to say how my mom-in-law was impressed how our house turned out over the weekend. We moved to this house early this year from a bachelor's pad. (Imagine how we fit in that single apartment before -- my hubby, ako, and my 2 kids... ako rin nagtataka) Anyway, the point that I was trying to come up is... first of all...you wouldn't believe how much things we've accumulated before we moved, kasi no matter how we try to put things in place, there are still boxes left unopened and to be sorted. It took us 4 grueling months before we can get rid of those boxes when all it takes is hosting a party para maayos ang bahay... you know what I mean? Paano naman, just taking care of the 2 - an infant and a toddler is already a full time job. Actually, we didnt get rid of the boxes... we just put them in the garage to free up space in the house. I dont encourage anybody before to go to our house kasi they might not see us because of the towering boxes, hehehe, pero ngayon siguro pwede ng pagtiyagaan.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten

2004-04-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

- an excerpt from the book, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Maya Angelou

2004-04-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

I got this in my inbox today. Inspiring, witty, funny...

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Maya really is a marvel who has led quite an interesting and exciting life. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring everyday...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words.

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. "

Maganda.org

2004-04-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday nga pala, I stumbled upon a very nice website by Christine. I like her sketches and web design.

Tax Season Again

2004-04-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

I finally got to finish doing our tax return! Grabeh, 2:00 am na ako nakatulog. I had to wait for my kids to slumber... yeah my son slept around 11:30 pm. Abi slept around 10:45 pm. Not too bad. That's my normal sleep time nowadays. I have to put them to sleep first so I can concentrate on our income tax return. Mind you, though, I am not a CRAMMER, but I can tell you when you have 2 kids, I will admire you if you can stay on top of things... in everything. Wow!.. that is now just a dream for me. So I don't encourage you to go to our house... magulo eh. Geez, I don't even have time to get a haircut! ... pero ha, I can still blog, hehehe.

I am so sleepy this morning at work, kaya heto, I keep munching on chocolates to keep me awake.

Anyhow, I got my first copy of Guideposts . April issue. So excited ako kasi I've been waiting for this for so many weeks. Actually, I saw a copy of this in the waiting room of my OB many months ago and I got hooked to reading it. Very informative and enlightening issues are there. Try nyo. (No, they didn't pay me to endorse them ;-) )

Holy Alphabet

2004-04-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

I was blessed when this "holy alphabet" greeted me in the morning. I hope it does the same to you...

A -lthough things are not perfect
B -ecause of trial or pain
C -ontinue in thanksgiving
D -o not begin to blame
E -ven when the times are hard
F -ierce winds are bound to blow
G -od is forever able
H -old on to what you know
I -magine life without His love
J -oy would cease to be
K -eep thanking Him for all the things
L -ove imparts to thee
M -ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N -o weapon that is known
O -n earth can yield the power
P -raise can do alone
Q -uit looking at the future
R -edeem the time at hand
S -tart every day with worship
T -o "thank" is a command
U -ntil we see Him coming
V -ictorious in the sky
W -e'll run the race with gratitude
X -alting God most high
Y -es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z -ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

Coke Izzit

2004-04-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this . Interesting.

Random Thoughts

2004-04-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Please dont mind me if this entry seems to jump from one topic to another. It's just that I want to write whatever's in my head -- and also to see the flow of thoughts in my mind. I want to know if I will be able to come up with one topic with sense.

We finally decided to collect money from all people who drinks coffee in the morning - particularly those who use the coffee pot by the sink. There are at least 10 people, including me, who cannot stand to work without getting a coffee fix. We used to just bring whatever supply is running low, but a lot of times some people just get coffee and don't think that they have to contribute anything. Some just don't get it, and a lot of times, they are the ones with big coffee mugs who fill it up to the brim. Tsk-tsk...

I slept at about 1:30 this morning. I was doing my taxes.... well, actually before I was able to set my hands on it, I need to make sure my kids have had their dinner, spent my quality time with them by watching tv or playing with them two active toddlers, washed the dishes, get those feeding bottles washed and filled with milk, do a little folding of the laundry, issue checks for the bills, get mine and my husband's clothes ready for tomorrow, fix the bed where my babies will be sleeping, check my e-mail for a few minutes.... then do my taxes. After3 hours I woke up to take a bath and get everybody up and about to get ready and head for work. My eyes feel sandy right now. *yawn* Did I get to finish doing my return? .... nope.

A few times have I heard that one person got laid off from work and then days later won the lottery. Do you also speak to God and say, "Lord, when is my turn to win? Don't you want me to win because I won't be able to handle it? I promise to keep my feet on the ground, promise." Anyhow, I keep buying the Lotto in the hope of not only getting rich but to be able to pay all our debts and the debts and mortgages of my siblings and in-laws, or so we can send our kids to a good school, better yet, home school them. When?

Facts of Life

2004-04-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

1. At least 5 people in this world, love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you, in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you, can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6.You mean the world to someone.

7. Without you, someone may not be living.

8. You are special and unique, in your own way.

9. Someone that you don't know even exists, loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned it's back on you, take a look, you most likely turned your back on the world.

12. When you think you have no chance at getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, you probably sooner or later will get it.

13. Always remember complements you received, forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone how you feel, then they'll know.

15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they're great.

Oh No!

2004-04-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Nitong nakaraang linggo ay nagpunta kaming mag-anak sa mall upang tumingin ng damit na isusuot ko at ng aking mag-anak sa kasal ni bayaw. Ilang buwan na rin palang di ako napupunta ng mall, ah. Kung wala rin lang kasi akong bibilhin ay ayaw kong magwindow shopping at ako ay nasasabik lamang. Anyway, ang gusto ko talagang sabihin ay ang hirap magpigil ng pagkain!!! (grrr!) Dumampot na kasi ako ng nagustuhan kong damit sa department store upang isukat, kaso ang natirang sizes duon ay 4, 10, at 12 na lamang. Hmmm, sabi ko, baka 4 pa rin ako ah.... So pick-up ko yung size 4. Heto na ang sales lady, "Can I help you choose a dress?" I obliged and said "sure" Nakita niyang size 4 ang aking dala dala, napahinto siya. Tinignan ako at sinabi niya, "Let me look at the other sizes because I think you are a size 10." Accck! (Oo nga pala ano, feeling thin pa rin ako, eh dalawa na ang anak ko!) So sabi ko, "ah yeah, the only sizes left are 10 & 12, and I think I am a size 4 'coz before.... " "Here, just try on both of them" Sabi ko, sige na nga (kaba) baka size 10 na nga ako..acckk! Pasok ako ng fitting room. I started slipping on the size 4. (sa loob loob ko, "Mariosep! ayaw yata ako magkasya! Impossible ito... noooOOooooOOOooo!!!") Tapos try ko yung size 10. OMG! nagkasya siya without labor ha! ...( tanggapin mo na kasi na lumaki at tumaba ka na!... sabi ng konsiyensya ko) *buntunghininga* Ayun, buking na ang aking size... I am 2 size larger now. Pakonsuelo naman ni mister, "Di bale, may anak ka naman, 'no. Normal 'yan." Napatigil ako at nasabi ko sa sarili ko, buti pa si husband marunong tumingin sa bright side. (Bright side nga ba or para matahimik na lang ako?) Hindi ako dati ganito mag isip. Dati rati sinasabihan ako ng aking ina na para daw akong blade sa payat (90 lbs lang kasi ako nuon, ngayon 'wag nyo na tanungin) Namomoblema ako nuon paano tumaba man lang ng konti, kako para naman may korte. Ngee... be careful of what you wish for, you might just get it. Tutoo nga.

Anyway, I am not crying over my weight naman. Wala pa naman nagsabing ke taba-taba ko pero miss ko na yung mga luma kong damit bago ako nagka-anak. Ayun sila, nasa kahon na at tila namamaalam na ng permanente sa akin. Ako lang naman itong umaasang papayat pa ako to a whooping size 4! Pwede ba, get real, 'no?

Kaya kayong mga dalaga, ingatan ang magandang katawan. Kahit may asawa na o wala pa, ingat na lang sa mga kinakain para 'di matulad sa 'kin.

Milan

2004-03-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

Nagkaraoon ako ng chance na mapanood sa DVD ang pelikulang MILAN nitong weekend. Ng malaman ko kung sino ang mga aktors ay parang wala akong ganang panoorin ito. Kako baka "it's just another love story" na gawa ng pinoy na para bang iisa ang tema. Sabi ko baka iyakan na naman ito, sigawan, sampalan, pero sige na nga mapanood na rin at makapahinga naman sa busy kong buhay. Mahilig naman din ako sa drama (fan nga ako ng MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) eh. Anyway, humanga ako sa pelikulang ito in the end kasi it's about the plight of the Filipino migrants and OFWs sa Italy. Sabi ko, aba relate na relate ako dito, although, honestly, I didn't cross the border to get where I am right now. May mga kaibigan kasi akong ganito ang sinapit at sinasapit ngayon. Pinakikita duon sa pelikula kong ano ang mga ugaling pinoy. Tipikal na tipikal sa samahang pinoy ang magtulungan. Tipikal din ang kayod ng kayod ang mga pinoy para may mapadala sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay sa Pinas. Nanduong graduate pa ng Saint Paul's ang karakter ni Claudine Barretto duon and yet, DH siya sa Italia. Nanduon ding may mga pinoy na alam na pilipino ka and yet, nagmamangan-maangang 'di marunong ng tagalog kung kausapin ka, at ni ayaw kang tulungan kahit nakikitang gipit ka na. Tutoong tutoo lahat ng pinortray nilang mga karakter duon - pinoy na pinoy!

Panoorin niyo ang pelikulang ito at tignan niyo kungdi tutoo ang aking sinasabi.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

2004-03-30T07:58:00.000-08:00

From my e-mail box to yours

(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Ugaling Pinoy

2004-03-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Ako ay nagtatrabaho sa isang opisinang malaki ang porsyento ng mga pilipino. Lalo na sa accounting department na aking kinabibilangan, humigit kumulang 58% ay pinoy. Natutuwa ako kasi marami ang nagsasabi na masarap daw kasama ang pinoy sa trabaho, kasi nga maaasahan, mabilis, at masipag. Minsan lang may ugali tayong hindi natin mapigilan ang managalog kahit ang nakapaligid na sa atin ay hindi tayo naiintindihan. Nandyang ang lakas lakas pa ng kuwentuhan sa hallway ganuong ang tahi-tahimik ng buong kuwarto. Hilig pa ng iba ay sumitsit kapag may gustong tawagin sa malayo. Diyan nga nalalaman kung ang isang tao raw na nakatalikod ay pinoy o hindi. Sumitsit ka at kapag humarap, kahit di siya ang tinatawag, siya ay pilipino. Tunay nga naman. Subukan niyo.

Mahilig din tayo sa handaan. Kamakalawa ay cinelebrate ng aming department ang mga may birthday pamula Enero hanggang Marso. Breakfast treat ang kanilang ginawa. Daming handa! Hanggang tanghalian na ay may pagkain na kami. Nandiyaang may nagdala ng fruit salad, butchi, empanadita, donut, eggpie, buko pie, pandesal at cheese pemiento roll ng Valerio's, keso, hamon, shanghai, siopao, siyomai, at marami pang iba. Nasambit tuloy ng ka-opisina kong Indian (taga Fiji Islands), "I should've married a Filipina" kasi nga daw masarap magluto saka hindi mabunganga katulad ng asawa nya ngayon. "Too late" may sumagot sa kanyang likuran, "we're all taken."

Kapag tanghalian, sa lunch room, naku lalong ang ingay pag nagkasama-sama ang mga pinoy. Namamango ang loob ng kuwarto sa mga baong lutong bahay. Halos lahat sila ay may baon kahit isang sandwich lang. Mahilig pa niyan ay magyaya kumain kahit sino ang mapadaan sa lunch room. "Tara lets, kain na tayo!"

Pero bakit ganuon, miss ko pa rin ang Pilipinas kahit lahat halos ng paborito kong ulam, tulad ng kare-kare ay nakakain ko naman dito? Bakit miss ko pa rin ang Pinas kahit halos ng nakapaligid sa akin ay pinoy. Siguro kasi nasa Pilipinas pa ang aking mga magulang. Mas gusto daw nila duon. Hindi raw nila makasundo ang pamumuhay dito... iba daw. Hindi ko sila masisisi, iba nga talaga. At yuon ay ibang chapter na ng buhay dito.

AMERICAN GEOGRAPHY

2004-03-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

A test of the American Geography . Try nyo. Di ako pumasa.

Health Concious

2004-03-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Nagpunta kami sa isang children's party kamakalawa (Sabado). Maraming bata ang nanduon at may mangilan-ngilang teen-agers. Isa sa mga binatilyo ay aking nakausap. Isa siyang 14 na taong gulang na lalaki, about 5'4", at guwapo. Kamag-anakan ni mister. Binibida ng kanyang ina na kamakailan ay hindi nagkakakain ang batang ito. Ayaw kumain ng kanin. Naging mahilig sa gulay, at lahat ng kinakain ay binabasa ang "nutritional facts" sa likod ng bote, lata, or balot ng kanyang pagkain. Namangha ako at tinanong ko siya kung bakit ang bata-bata pa niya ay masyado na siyang concious sa pagkain niya. Sabi ko, "lumalaki ka pa naman, kailangan mo ang mga pagkaing iyan. Kumain ka ng kanin." Sabi niya, "Ayaw ko po, teen-ager na ako eh. Kailangan mag-ingat na ako sa kalusugan ko." Sa loob-loob ko, nuong ako ba'y ganitong gulang, naisip ko na ba kung ano ang cholesterol, high blood, heart attack, diabetes, atbp? Hindi yata ah. Bakit ang mga bata ngayon parang bukas na bukas na ang pagiisip sa mga isyung tingin ko ay pang matanda lamang. O baka naman ako lang ang ganito mag-isip? Nuon kasi 14 years old, wala ka pang kamuwang-muwang sa mundo. Kain ka lang ng kain. Hindi mo iniisip ang benepisyo ng pagkaing pinapasok mo sa katawan mo. Naglalaro ka pa nga ng manyika at baril-barilan sa gulang na iyon. Ni hindi pa pumasok ang salitang "ligawan" sa isip mo. O baka naman ako lang ang "late bloomer." Ibang-iba na ang mundo ng mga kabataan ngayon. I wonder kung ganito rin ang mga bata sa Pilipinas... hmmm....

Buhay sa Amerika

2004-03-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Masayang malungkot ang buhay sa abroad. Nung una ay natawa ako sa pinadalang email na ito sa akin. On the other hand, ay napabuntunghininga na lang ako ng ma-realize ko na mayroon siyang "shade of truth." Tunghayan ninyo ang...

BUHAY SA ABROAD

Registered nurse si Maria sa States. Kasama nya ang kanyang ina na nagpagamot din doon. Namatay ang ina nito. Dahil sa kamahalan ng pamasahe pabalik sa Pilipinas, nagtipid si Maria. Pinauwi na lang niya ang kabaong ng kanyang ina na mag-isa. Pagdating ng kabaong, napansin ng mga kapamilya niya na dikit ang mukha sa salamin ng ataul. Nagkomento tuloy and isang anak, "Ay, naku! Tingnan mo 'yan... hindi sila marunong mag-ayos ng bangkay sa Amerika!" Upang ayusin ang itsura ng bangkay, binuksan ang kabaong. Aba! May sulat sa dibdid ng ina. Kinuha nila ito at binasa. Ang nilalaman ng liham na mula kay Maria:

"Mahal kong tatay at mga kapatid:

Pasensya na kayo at hindi ko nasamahan ang nanay sa pag-uwi riyan sa Pilipinas dahil napakamahal ng pamasahe. Ang gastos ko pa lang sa kanya ay mahigit $1,000 na. Ayoko nang isipin pa ang eksaktong halaga. Anyway, ipinadala ko kasama ni nanay ang mga sumusunod..."

"Nasa likod ni nanay ang dalawampu't apat na karnenorte. And adidas na suot ni nanay ay para kay tatay. Ang limang pares ng de-goma ay nasa loob ng dalawang asul na Jansport na backpack na inuunan ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo. "Ang iba't-ibang klase ng tsokolate at candy ay nasa puetan ni nanay. Para sa mga bata ito. Bahala na kayong magparte-parte. Sana'y hindi matunaw ang mga ito. "Ang pokemon stuffed toy na yapos-yapos ni nanay ay para sa bunso ni ate. Gift ko sa first birthday ng bata."Ang itim na Esprit bag ay para kay Nene, Ate, nasa loob ng bag ang pictures ni inay, japanese version ng pokemon trading cards at stickers."

"Suot ni nanay ang tatlong Ralph Lauren, apat na Gap at dalawang Old Navy t-shirts. Ang isa ay para kay Kuya at tig-iisa ang mga pamangkin ko. Maisusuot ninyo ang mga iyan sa fiesta. "Suot din ni ina ang anim na panty hose at tatlong warmer para sa mga dalaga kong pamangkin. Isuot nyo sa party. "May isang dosenang NBA caps sa may paanan ni nanay. Para sa inyo, itay, kuya, dikong, Tiyo Romy. Bigyan nyo na rin ng tig-isa 'yung mga pamangkin ko at 'yong isa ay kay Pareng Tulume. Ang tigdadalawang pares ng Nike wristband at knee caps na suot-suot din ni nanay ay para sa mga anak mo, diko, na nagbabasketball."

"Tigdadalawang ream ng Marlboro green at Winston lights ang nasa pagitan ng mga hita ni nanay. Apat na jar ng Skippy Peanut Butter, dalawang dishwashing liquid, isang Kiwi glass cleaner at tig-aanim na Colgate at Aqua Fresh ang nakasiksik sa kilikili ni nanay. Hati-hati na kayo, huwag mag-aagawan. Isang dosenang Wonder bra na gustong-gusto ni Tiya Iska, suot-suot din ni nanay. Alam kong inaasam-asam nyo 'yan, tiya."

Maria

PS. Paki-bihisan na lang si Nanay.

Something to think about

2004-03-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

The most destructive habit......................................................Worry
The greatest Joy......................................................................Giving
The greatest loss.....................................................................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work..........................Helping others
The ugliest personality trait......................Selfishness
The most endangered species..................Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource.................................................Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"................................................Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome..........................................Fear

The most effective sleeping pill.................Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease.............Excuses
The most powerful force in life..................Love

The most dangerous pariah.....................................................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer.....................................The brain
The worst thing to be without.... ............................................ Hope

The deadliest weapon..............................The tongue
The two most power-filled words.............."I Can"
The greatest asset...................................Faith

The most worthless emotion....................................................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire..........................................................SMILE!
The most prized possession......................... ...........................Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication........................Prayer
The most contagious spirit......................................................Enthusiasm

'Wag Kang Suplada

2004-03-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Malaki talaga ang nagagawa ng isang sanggol o anak sa isang tao. Ganito kasi yun: Mayroon akong ka-opisina. Mataas na rin ang posisyon. Babae. Systems Analyst namin. Siya na rin ang tumatayong head ng kanilang department. "Suplada yan, hindi ngumingiti" laging banggit ng iba, at marami pang bulung-bulungan tungkol sa kanya. Nung siya ay mabuntis, mas lalo yata naging hindi palakibo. Siguro dahil na rin sa bigat ng dinadala, minsan ang sagot nya sa telepono ay pasigaw. Hanggang isang araw ay binigyan siya ng baby shower na imbitado ang buong department namin. Tanong ko sa mga ka-opisina ko... "pupunta ba kayo sa baby shower ni D?" Maraming umayaw sabay simangot, "hus!... di naman namamansin yan." Nagpunta na rin ako, kasi ako naman medyo kinakausap niya dahil nung nagdadalantao ako ay panay ang tanong niyan sa kin...kung mahirap daw ba magbuntis, etc. Mula noon ay naguusap na rin kami kahit pasanda-sandali. Kakaunti ang taong nagpunta sa baby shower niya. Ang iba ay hindi nagbigay kahit pera, anila, "marami ng pera yan, di niya na kailangan ang ibibigay natin." Kahit nung nag maternity leave siya, ni wala yatang nakaisip magtanong kung kailan ang kanyang balik.

Makalipas ang 3 buwan, bumalik na si "D". Aba, malaki ang pinagbago niya, lagi ng nakangiti at naging palabati. Pag ako ang nakakasalubong niya ay laging kinakamusta ang aking mga anak at eager (nakalimutan ko ang tagalog nito) pang makita ang mga litrato ng aking mga anak. Lagi raw niyang naaalala ang kanyang anak at sana nga daw ay makapiling pa niya ito ng matagal-tagal pa, ibig sabihin, sana ay mas matagal pa ang maternity leave niya. (3 months, mahaba na iyon ano...!)

Na-figure out ko, napagbago siya ng pagkakasilang ng kanyang anak. Nag-iba ang kanyang pananaw sa buhay at naging maaliwalas ang kanyang mukha sa tuwing siya ay ngingiti.

Tutoo ang ang kanyang nararanasan. Ako man, madalas, sa gitna ng kahit na anong dami ng aking trabaho ay bigla na lang sisingit ang alaala ng aking dalawang anak.... kapag kami ay naglalaro... nagtatawanan. May kanta si Bette Middler sa pelikula niyang "Beaches" na ang pamagat ay Baby Mine . Napakagandang kanta. Lagi ko itong kinakanta sa aking mga anak. Nais kong ibahagi sa inyo ang lyrics. Alay ko ang kantang ito sa lahat ng mga magulang at anak. Kung hindi ninyo alam ang tono ay maririnig ninyo ang midi file sa ni-link ko dito:

Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart,
Never to part, baby of mine.

Little one, when you play,
Pay no heed what they say.
Let your eyes sparkle and shine,
Never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew all about you,
They'd end up loving you, too.
All those same people who scold you,
What they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your hair down to your toes,
You're not much, goodness knows.
But, you're so precious to me,
Sweet as can be, baby of mine.

Pwede ninyong i-download ang mp3 file dito.

Immigrant Stories

2004-03-15T00:40:00.000-08:00

Matapos kong basahin ang blog ni Tatang Retong at Gino, bumalik sa aking alaala ang sarili kong karanasan nung ako'y unang tumuntong dito sa bansang Amerika. Halos lahat yata ng aking mga pinsan ay sumundo sa amin sa airport. Sabi ang oras daw ng aming pagbaba ay 5:30 pm. Eksakto nga, 5:30 nag-touchdown ang eroplano namin sa LAX pero 8:00 pm na kami nakalabas! Sobra ang haba at tagal ng pila sa mga bagong immigrants! Paglabas namin ay sumalubong ang aking mga kapatid (ate ko at bunsong kapatid) at pinsan. Niyakap ako ng aking kapatid at pinaiko-ikot. Masayang-masaya kami nuon. Mga ganitong panahon kami dumating. Spring time nuon ngunit para sa 'kin ang pakiramdam ko ay winter pa rin. Naka-medyas pa ako kung matulog palagi, na ikinatatawa nila dahil hindi naman daw talaga ganuon kalamig para mag medyas pa. Payat kasi ako nuon kaya ayun lamigin. Una kaming dinala ng ate ko sa Vons dahil kailangan kaming mamili ng aming kakainin para bukas. Manghang mangha ako sa dami ng prutas at "PX" na nanduon. Wow, naisip ko, nasa amerika na nga ako!

Sabi ng ate ko okay lang daw na wala pa kaming trabaho for 3 months, pero hindi na ako nakatiis. Isang buwan pa lang ay nagtrabaho na ako. Hindi ako pinilit ng aking ate ngunit dahil sanay na rin ang aking katawan sa trabaho sa Pinas, nagkusa na akong maghanap ng trabaho. Madali akong nakakakuha ng trabaho as clerk sa isang billing/collection agency. Madali akong naka-adapt sa environment duon. Sige lang ako sa kaka-ingles. Impressed pa nga sila at paano daw ako natuto ng ingles eh diba nga tagalog ang salita natin sa pinas. Sabi ko, kinder pa lang ingles na ang mode of communication sa mga eskuwelahan sa min.

Akala ko noon okay na maintindihan ko ang ingles nila. Mayroon din pala silang tinatawag na "lingo." Nung minsan ay inutusan ako ng aming boss na i-alphabetize ang mga papeles sa kanyang mesa. Rush yuon kasi gagamitin daw nila sa meeting nila in a few minutes. Ako naman sige lang sa pag-alphabetize. Binabasa kong maige ang mga pangalan at account number ng mga papeles dahil maliliit ang print nung iba. Siguro ay minamasdan ako ng aming boss. Maya-maya nagsimula na ang meeting ay nag-aalphabetize pa rin ako. Sabi ni boss umiiling "Lora, not tomorrow..." Ako naman ay napatingala at sinabi ko..."ha? Oh, I'm sorry I can't work tomorrow." Marahil ay gusto ng humalakhak ng boss ko at ng kanyang mga ka-meeting, dahil nakita ko ang mga pigil nilang ngiti. Nagtaka ako. Nung ako'y nakabalik na sa aking upuan iniisip ko pa rin kung bakit ganuon ang reaksyon nila. Mayamaya na lang na-realize ko ang ibig pala niyang sabihin ng "not tomorrow" ay bilis bilisan ko at hindi bukas ang meeting nila. *LOL* Sampung taon na ang nakalilipas mula ng mangyari yon pero pag naaalala ko siya ay napapatawa pa rin ako.

Anyway, kahit yata gaano na ako katagal dito ay mayroon pa rin akong hindi mauunawaan, hindi lang sa pananalita, ngunit lalo na sa kultura ng mga kano. Ang buhay ko dito ay isang tuloy tuloy na paga-adjust pa rin.

Lay-off

2004-03-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Matagal ng may bulung-bulungan tungkol sa layoff sa aming trabaho. Marami ang kampante at hindi nabagabag dahil wika nila ... "ah hindi nila tayo basta basta matatanggal, mahabang proseso yan, etc, etc." Marami ring nagsasabi na hindi naman eksaktong tatanggalin ka, kundi irere-assign ka lang. Tutoo ang kumakalat na balitang ito. Nagpalabas na nga ng memo ang mga kinauukulan mahigit kumulang isang buwan na ang nakakaraan. Tinanong ang lahat ng mga empleyado tungkol sa kani-kanilang "work history." Kinabahan ako dahil 5 taon lamang ang tutal ng aking serbisyo, ngunit ang mga kasamahan ko ay tila duon na yata ipinanganak! Napapikit ako ng bigyan ako ng kapirasong papel - naka-seal pa at may tatak na "confidential." Dahan-dahan kong binuksan. Buong akala ko ay ako lamang ang nakatanggap... lahat pala kami. Medyo nakahinga ako. Hindi naman pala ito liham na nais kaming tanggalin kundi listahan ng mga petsa ng aming serbisyo. Mahigit na isang buwan ang nakararaan ng matanggap ko iyon. Kahapon nga ay isang ordinaryong araw lamang sa akin... ngunit binago ito ng isang e-mail na natanggap namin sa aming principal accountant. Kalalabas lamang daw niya ng meeting kasama ang aming general manager. Magkakaroon nga daw ng layoff! Binasa ko pa ang mga susunod na linya.... "other departments will have a layoff but ... NOT US!!!!" Whew! Salamat Panginoon!!!!!!! Iyon na yata ang pinakamagandang balitang natanggap ko ng hapon na iyon. Naiba ang aking paningin sa kahalagahan ng aking trabaho. Merong araw na tila hinihila ko ang sarili ko na bumangon at pumasok, pero pag naiisip ko, swerte pa rin ako at may trabaho akong pinapasukan, hindi tulad ng iba na hirap na hirap makahanap ng mapapasukan.

Maswerte pa rin ako dahil sa tatlong departamentong nag-offer sa akin ng trabaho, itong departamento ko ngayon ang aking pinili.... God really moves in mysterious ways.

Ano bang nangyayari sa mundo?!?!??!

2004-03-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Malaki ang paniniwala ko sa freedom of speech, press, & religion, pero ano na naman itong nais nilang i-petisyong ilagay sa batas na tanggalin ang pagbabasa ng salita ng dios sa himpapawid? Ano na ba ang nangyayari sa bansang ito? Naging matagumpay na sila sa pagtanggal ng pagdarasal sa mga eskuwelahan o bigkasin man lang ang salita ng Dios, ngayon heto pati radio at telebisyon nais nilang salakayin. Ano ba yan? Hindi ba nila alam na kaya meron tayong ganitong uri ng sociedad eh dahil pilit nating isinasara ang mata, tainga, at puso sa Dios? Kaya ayan, kaliwa't kanan ang divorce, murder, gangster, juveniles, etc. Tsk tsk.

Sabi nila, huwag daw mag banggit ng salitang DIOS (or GOD) sa pledge of allegiance kasi nakaka-offend daw sa ibang tao na hindi naman Kristiyano. Tanggalin daw ang 10 commandments kung saan naka-display ito sa federal buildings. wth!?!?!?!?

Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang susunod nilang tatanggalin pagdating sa mga bagay na may kagagawan sa Dios.

Narito nga pala ang kopya ng liham na natanggap ko sa internet tungkol dito. Sana ay kopyahin ninyo at inyong ipangalat. Maraming salamat.

Dr. Dobson is going on CNBC to urge every Christian to get involved. I hope you will think about signing this and forwarding to all your family and friends. Dr. James Dobson, with Focus on the Family, pleads for our action. An organization has been granted a Federal Hearing on the same subject by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington, DC. Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave the way to stop the reading of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, on the airwaves of America. They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand! If this
attempt is successful, all Sunday worship services being broadcast on the radio or by television will be stopped. This group is also campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools!

You as a Christian can help! We are praying for at least 1 million signatures. This would defeat their effort and show that there are many Christians alive, well and concerned about our country. As Christians we must unite on this. Please don't take this lightly. We ignored one lady once and lost prayer in our schools and in offices across the nation.

Please stand up for your religious freedom and let your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference in our country while creating an opportunity for the lost to know the Lord.

Please press "forward," CLEAN UP THE MESSAGE, and forward this to everyone you think should read this. Now, please sign your name at the bottom (you can only add your name after you have pressed "Forward" or cut and paste the text). Don't delete any other names, just go to the next number and type your name.

Please do not sign jointly, such as Mr. &Mrs. ... Each person should sign his/her own name.

Please defeat this organization and keep the right of our freedom of religion.

When you get to 1000 please e-mail back to: "Lisa Norman"electric_yello@hotmail.com

1. Jimmy R. Lovinggood Elberton, Ga
2. Angela Childs Elberton Ga.
3. Russell Childs Elberton Ga.
4. Dustin Burleson Elberton Ga.
5. Robin Burleson Elberton Ga.
6. Peggy Eaves Elberton, Ga.
7. Darlene Kent Marion,N.C.
8. Doris Robinson Marion, NC
9. Lat Robinson Marion, NC
10. Marietta Ross,Marion, N.C.
11. Tom Ross Marion,N.C..
12 Betty Moody, N.C.
13 Leonard Moody, NC
14. Barbara Walden, NMB, SC
15. Charles Walden, NMB, SC
16. Jennifer O'Brien, NC
17. Eddie O'Brien, NC
18. Tammy Stedman, SC
19. Teresa Jones, Greer, SC
20. Dana Morris, Pickens SC
21. Eric Wall, Greer, SC
22. Phyllis Porter, Inman, SC
23. Jeff Porter, Inman, SC
24. Carla Owings, Inman, SC
25. Barbara Chastain, Spartanburg, SC
26. Mike Chastain, Spartanburg, SC
27. Sonya T. Hawes Spartanburg, SC
28. Diane Hines, Inman, SC
29. Carol Hines, Inman, SC
30. Stanley West, Spartanburg, S.C.
31. Bill Monogan, Charleston, S.C.
32. Debbie Spencer, Summerville, SC
33. Amy Marler, Huntsville, Al
34. Sharon J Head, Hartselle, Al
35. Bobby G Head, Hartselle, Al
36. Dianne D Head, Hartselle, Al
37. Valerie Pinion, Hartselle, Al
38. Dennis W. Pugh, Reform, AL
39. Charlotte T. Pugh. Reform, AL
40. Kristel E. Pugh, Reform, AL
41. Judy J. Cummins, Columbus, MS
42. William L. Cummins, Columbus, MS
43. Annette Butler, Columbus, MS
44. Thurston Butler, Columbus, MS
45. Donald Flynn, Sulligent, Al
46. Bonnie Flynn, Sulligent, Al
47. Raines Patricia Pensacola Fl.
48. Malinda Causey Mobile, AL
49. John Causey Mobile, AL
50. Anthony Causey Mobile, AL
51. Brenda Ewing Oscar, LA
52. Brenda Summers Ventress, La.
53. Randy Summers Ventress, La.
54. Gerard Theriot Denham Springs La.
55. Carol Theriot Denham Springs La.
56. Robert Theriot Denham Springs La.
57. ERNIE LANDRY-DENHAM SPRINGS LA.
58. Lauren Morales-Nashville, TN
59. Joe &Azelia Efferson, Hot Springs Village,Ar.
60. William A.& Margaret Efferson, Baton Rouge,La.
61 Robert Morales
62 Beverly Morales
63. Stephanie Lopez, Crosby, Ms
64. Tony Lopez, Crosby, Ms
65. CINDY OWENS, GLOSTER, MS
66. Mary Margaret McGraw, Woodville, MS
67. Jamie Longmire, Crosby, MS
68. Luke Longmire, Crosby, MS
69. IDA WHETSTONE,WOODVILLE,MS
70. CLIFFORD WHETSTONE, WOODVILLE,MS
71. ZACHARY WHETSTONE, WOODVILLE,MS
72. DUSTIN WHETSTONE, WOODVILLE, M
73. kimberly harrell, brandon ms
74. robert harrell brandon ms
75. hannah harrell brandon ms
76. colby harrell brandon ms
77. betty garner brandon ms
78. donald garner brandon ms
79. nancy johnston, brandon, ms
80. ronald johnston, brandon, ms
81. Elaine Johnston, Pearl MS
82. Jackie Manuel, Pearl, MS
83. Bobby Manuel, Pearl, MS
84. Ashley Manuel, Pearl, MS
85. Michael Manuel, Pearl, MS
86. Jeff Johnston, Pearl, MS
87 [Logan McPhail]
88. Janet Gibbs, Hermitage, TN
89. Alan Jeffrey Law, Mt. Juliet, TN
90. Ida Reding Law, Mt. Juliet, TN
91. Adam Nicholas Law, Mt. Juliet, TN
92. Erin Nicole Law, Mt. Juliet, TN
93. Michael Law, Nashville, TN
94. Kimberly Law, Nashville, TN
95. Ellen Cook, Danville, PA
96. Sarah Clugston, Elizabethtown, PA
97. David Hawthorne, Elizabethtown, PA
98. Janet Hawthorne, Elizabethtownrier New" Columbus, MS
99. Ed Staub, York, PA
100. Tib Staub, York, PA
101. Kelly Kaufman, York, PA
102. Jeremy Kaufman, York, PA
103. Katie Kohler, York, PA
104. Nancy Brooks, Hanover, PA
105. Donna Ressler, Conestoga, PA
106. Elizabeth Gehr, Washington Boro, PA
107. Janelle Funk, Washington Boro, PA
108. Dan Funk, Washington Boro, PA
109. Robert M. Keyes, Brevard, NC
110. Patricia A.J. Keyes, Brevard, NC
111. Myrtle Lamond Palmer, Alaska
112. Twila Charles Wmspt, PA
113. Michelle M. Hyschak, Lock Haven, PA
114. Jeff Lindo, Cheswick, PA
115. Douglas C. Simoncic Tarentum, PA
116. Lori A. Simoncic Tarentum, PA
117. Jerry Lape, Monroe, NC
118. Carolyn Lape, Monroe, NC
119. LINDA REICHART,Charlotte NC
120. Brian Yerger, Buena Park, Ca.
121. Carol Ruffolo, Anaheim, CA
122. Chad Brown
123. Heather Brown
124. Wayne Brown
125. Jean Brown
126. Sharon Haynes
127. Harvey Haynes
128. Toni Haynes
129. Ema Davis
130. OLA MAE BROCK TEX.
131. Roy McDowell
132. Terry McDowell
133. Pat Downing
134. Beckie Mahan
135. Courtney Paxton
135. Todd Moore
136. Amber Horton
137. Johnny Horton
138. Bert Byrd
139. Debbie Byrd
140. Kynan Sturgess
141. Troyce Sturgess
142. Todd Firkins, Canyon, TX
143. Holly Firkins, Canyon, TX
144. Darin Hofferichter, Friona, TX
145. Kim Hofferichter, Friona, Tx
146. Darrin Thompson, Canyon, TX.
147. Suzanne Thompson, Canyon, TX.
148. Lisa Adlong, Amarillo, TX
149. D. Sharp, Amarillo, TX
150. John Sharp, Amarillo, TX
151. Bettye Parish
152. Terry Parish
153. Vicky Dearing, Lewisville, TX
155. David Dearing, Lewisville, TX
156. Jacqueline Johnston, Dallas, Texas
157. Jay Johnston, Dallas, Texas
158. Jordan Johnston, Austin, Texas
159. Jedd Johnston, Lubbock, Texas
160. Jake Johnston, Lubbock, Texas
161. Jared McQuary, Dallas, Texas
162. Jack McQuary, Hot Springs, AR
163. Jill McQuary, Hot Springs, AR
164. Cecile Chappell, Stinnett, Texas
165. Linda Noelke, San Angelo, Texas
166. Bill Noelke, San Angelo, Texas
167. Debbi Meads, San Angelo, TX.
168.Ron Meads, San Angelo, TX.
169. Carol Mooney, Dallas, TX
170. John Hilyer, Plano, TX
171. Tammy Hilyer, Plano, TX
172. Larry Kelso, Richardson, TX
173. Francey Kelso, Richardson,TX
174. Marcia Reeves, Mc Kinney, TX
175. Virgimai Abel, Jonesboro, AR
176. Jim Abel, Jonesboro, AR
177. Cliff Garrison, Conway, AR
178. Jim DeVazier, Jonesboro,AR
179. John Ken Beadles, Jonesboro,AR
180. Michael Isbell, Mississippi
181. Tasha Isbell, Mississippi
182. Caleb Isbell, Mississippi
183. Mary Jane Covington, Mississippi
184. David Covington, Mississippi
185. Amber Covington, Mississippi
186. Barbara P Padgett, Hattiesburg, MS
187. Margaret Powell, Hattiesburg, MS
188. Micah W Mayfield, Mississippi
189. Jo Lynn Cook, Mississippi
190. Tom Webb, Baton Rouge, LA
191. Mary Webb, Baton Rouge, LA
192. Brenda Snyder, Garland, TX
193. Debbie Cofield, Henderson TX
194. Keith Cofield, Henderson TX
195. CJay McClenan, Henderson TX
196. Rusty McClenan, Henderson TX
197. Chelsey Cofield, Henderson TX
198. Beth Hurley, Henderson TX
199. Shane Hurley, Henderson TX
200. Madison Hurley, Henderson TX
201. Joyce Jones, Laneville TX
202. Dale Jones, Laneville TX
203. Donna Hollingsworth, New London, TX
204. John Hollingsworth, New London, TX>
205. Kay Castleberry, Cushing, TX
206. W.T. Castleberry, Cushing, TX
207. Wanda Williams, Alexander City, AL
208. Wayne Bagley, Carthage, Tx.
209. Linda L. Bagley, Carthage, Tx.
210. James Hill, San Antonio TX
211. Bama Hill, San Antonio TX
212. Kenneth Friar, San Antonio TX
213. Sherry Friar, San Antonio TX
214 Tim Carpenter, Waco TX
215 Janet Carpenter, Waco, TX
216 Jerry Rich, Oklahoma City,Ok
217 Donna Rich, Oklahoma City,Ok
218 Dalycia Phipps, Tulsa OK
219 Tim Phipps, Tulsa OK
220 Travis Hewuse, Tulsa OK
221 Heidi Hewuse, Tulsa OK
222 Lindsey Hanson, Apple Valley, MN
223 Ryan Hanson, Apple Valley, MN
224 Wendy Willman, Rosemount, MN
225 Dave Willman, Rosemount, MN
226 Joanne Foreman, Duluth, MN
227 Debra Isaacson, Eleva, WI
228 George Isaacson, Eleva, WI
229 Patricia Skoglund, Watford City, ND
230 Glen Skoglund, Watford City, ND
231 Robert Hanneman, Denver City, TX
232 Resa Hanneman, Denver City, TX
233 Rodney Hanneman, Denver City, TX>>
234 June Hanneman, Denver City, TX
235 Elmer Hanneman, Denver City, TX
236 Verneice Wilcox, Shafter, Ca.
237 Martin Wilcox, Shafter, Ca
238 Jack Tait
239 Niti Tait
240 Tara Bennett, Carlisle, AR.
241 David Bennett, Carlisle, AR.
242 Andrew F. Armstrong, TX
243 Carol Kraemer, AZ
244 Andreas Kraemer, AZ
245 Amanda Colpean, TX
246 Timothy Colpean, TX
247 Zachary Colpean, TX
248 Austin Colpean, TX
249 Glenn Rehm Sr.,TX
250 Ramon Rodriguez Jr. Tx
251 Deanna Rodriguez, Tx
252 Madison Rodriguez, Tx
253 Mackenzie Rodriguez
254 Hayden Rodriguez
255 Leigh Ann Whitman, Houston, TX
266 David Whitman, Houston, TX
267 Jenna Whitman, Houston, TX
268 Abigail Whitman, Houston, TX
269 Christy Gallaher, New Braunfels, TX
270 Otto Gallaher, New Braunfels, TX
271 Mallory Gallaher, New Braunfels, TX
272 Riley Gallaher, New Braunfels, TX
273 R.P. Hodges, New Braunfels, TX.
274 Linda G. Hodges, New Braunfels, Tx
275 Jessica Leigh Hodges, New Braunfels, Tx
276 William Slater Hodges, New Braunfels, Tx
277 Sarita Anne Hodges, New Braunfels, Tx
278 Leonel H. Laurel, Corpus Christi, TX
279 Melissa H. Laurel, Corpus Christi, TX
280 Jonathon M. Laurel, Corpus Christi, TX
281 Cameron M. Laurel, Corpus Christi, TX
282 Mona Forsyth, Highlands, TX
283 Morgan Forsyth, Highlands, TX
284 Clinton Forsyth, Highlands, TX
285. SuSu Vancil, Kingwood, TX
286. Loyd Vancil, Kingwood, TX
287. Pete Allbritton, Huntsville, TX
290. Stella Milam, Huntsville, TX
291. Ellis Milam, Huntsville, TX
292. Catherine Tobias, Huntsville, TX
293. E. D. Toby Tobias, Huntsville, TX
294. Nedra L. Cole, Huntsville TX
295 JB Cole, Huntsville TX
296. Ray Atchison, Panama City, FL
297. Jane Atchison, Panama City, FL
298. Nadine Brown Panama City Beach FL.
299. Frank Brown Jr. Panama City Beach, FL.
300.Cy Brown Panama City Beach Fl.
301. David H Brown Panama City Beach, FL.
302 FRances Spurlock Port Charlotte Fl.
303. John C. Spurlock Port Charlotte
304 Teena Spurlock Port Charlotte Fl.
305 Johnny C Spurlock, Jr. Port Charlotte FL.
306 Glenda Ethridge, Dothan, AL
307 Linda Smith, Dothan, AL
308 Paul Goodson, Dothan, Al.
309. Laurie Goodson, Headland, AL
310. Jeff Goodson, Headland, AL
311. Marty Looney, Anderson, SC
312. Mark Looney, Anderson, SC
313. Amy Cromer, Anderson, SC
314. Amy Heard, Anderson SC
315. Joel Heard, Anderson SC
316. Betty Ramey, Anderson, S. C.
317. Jimmy Ramey, Anderson, S. C.
318. Freda Burdette, Anderson, SC
319. Brenda McKee, Anderson, SC
320. Elaine Compton, Anderson, SC
321.JanStone, EAsley SC
322.Ernie Stone, Easley, SC
323.ALicia Stone, EAsley SC
324.Milton Trotter MAuldin SC
325.Miriam Trotter Mauldin SC
326.Bernice Trotter MAuldin SC
327. Donna Granger. Easley, SC.
328. Miriam Alexander Simpsonville, SC
329. Virginia Shamburger, Montgomery, Al
330. Kay Maddox, Meridian MS
331. Lance Maddox, Meridian MS
332. Tommy Bucurel, Meridian MS
333. Keri Bucurel, Meridian MS
334. Becky Amato, Toomsuba, MS
335. Leonard Amato, Toomsuba, MS
336. Nikki Hornsby, Toomsuba, MS
337. Mickey Hornsby, Toomsuba, MS
338. Erin Shaw, Toomsuba, MS
339. Balyee Shaw, Toomsuba, MS
340. Kaye Bryan
341. Earlene Lindsey, Alabama
342. Jay Lindsey, Alabama
343. Dorothy Boyd
344. C. Add Boy
345. Rose Rolison
346. L. T. Rolison
347 ANGELA LEWIS
348 NORMAN LEWIS
349 REED NIXON
350 NICKI NIXON
351 BRANDY LEWIS
352 HUNTER LEWIS
353 John Lewis Demopolis, AL
354 Diane Lewis Demopolis AL
355 John Lews, Jr. Demopolis, AL
356 Jamie Lewis Auburn, AL
357 Zach Pratt Demopolis, AL
358 Samantha Pratt Demopolis, AL
359 Jack Cooley Demopolis, Ala
360 Patsy Cooley Demopolis, Ala
361.Lonnie W. Cummings - Trussville Ala.
362. Carol Haas - Hixson, TN
363. Jerry Haas - Hixson, TN _
364 Ruby Brown, Manchester, TN
365 Johnnie Brown, Manchester, TN
366 Lynda B. Pender Tullahoma,, Tn
367 Carlos A. Pender, Tullahoma, TN
368 Martha A. Pender, Tullahoma, TN
369 Jeffrey A. Pender, Tullahoma, TN
370 Stephen M. Pender, Orlando, FL
371 Lynn Hayworth, Deland, Fl
372 David Hayworth, Deland, Fl
373 Wm Jewett, Deland, Fl
374 Mattinee Jewett, Deland, Fl.
375 Dorothy Cairns, Deland, Fl
376 Kenneth Cairns, Deland, FL
377 Hazel Bryngelson, DeLand, Fl
378 Ben Bryngelson, DeLand, Fl.
379. Denise Adkinson, Ocilla, Ga
380. David Adkinson, Ocilla, Ga
381 Linda Wingate, Macon,GA
382 GAYLE JOHNSON - MACON, GA
383. Jennifer Slade, Macon,GA
384. Steve Slade, Macon,GA[
385. Rita Braswell, Bainbridge, Ga.
386. Missy Belcher, Bainbridge
387. Woody Belcher, Bainbridge
388. Becky Posey, Climax, Ga
389. Tracy Posey, Climax, Ga
390. Ashley Posey, Camilla, Ga
391. Tanya Posey, Camilla, Ga
392. Larry Posey, Climax, Ga
393. Sara Posey, Climax, Ga
394. Joey Posey, Climax, Ga
395. Gail Gause, Bainbridge, GA
396. Mia Gause, Bainbridge, GA
397. Wayne Gause, Bainbridge, GA
398. Brandon Gause, Bainbridge, GA
399. Martha Cross, Bainbridge, GA
400. Charlie B. Cross, Bainbridge, GA
401.Catherine Ellison, Bainbridge, GA
402. Diane J. Mills, Bainbridge, Georgia
403. Alice Strickland, Bainbridged, GA
404. Brenda Davis, Bainbridge, Ga
405. Brandon Davis, Bainbridge, Ga
406. Blake Lewis, Bainbridge, Ga
407. Stephanie Lewis, Bainbridge, Ga
408 Charlene Knight, Bainbridge, Ga.
409 Thomas Knight, Bainbridge, GA.
410 Kimberly Knight, Bainbridge, GA.
411. Wayne Kirkpatrick, Jr. , Hawking, TX
412. Linda Kirkpatrick, Hawkins, TX
413. Betty Bird, Hawkins, TX
414. Rodney Bird, Hawkins, TX
415. Ronda Bird, Canton, TX
416. Rick Parker, Mabank, TX
417. Shelly Wilson, Troup, Tx
418. Ross Wilson, Troup, Tx
419. Julia Larsen, Alameda, CA
420. Robert Larsen, Alameda, CA
421. Kay Phelan, Menlo Park, CA
422. Cheryl Smith, East Palo Alto, CA
423. James Smith, East Palo Alto, CA
424. Sharita Smith, East Palo Alto, CA
425. Keyana Fountain, East Palo Alto, CA
426. Joyce Smith, Lawndale, CA
427. Gayle Hall,Los Angeles, CA

Culture Shock

2004-03-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Siguro kung ang Dios lamang ay makakababa at makapagpapakita (which magagawa naman Nya in all HIS power) dito sa mundo ngayon, siguro marami na siyang nabatukan sa atin dahil sa mga baluktot nating gawa. Hindi ako nagmamalinis dahil lahat naman tayo ay makasalanan, pero ang same sex marriage ba ay kailangan pang mangyari para tuluyang baliwalain natin ang Diyos? Gusto ba nating mangyari uli ang istorya ng Sodom at Gomorrah? Baka sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na natin mapakiusapan ang Dios.

Ito ay sa ganang akin lang, opinyon kung baga. Nalulungkot lang ako at kahit saang balita ay malungkot yata ang hatid na mensahe. Don't get me wrong, it's not getting into me. Siguro, I just can't get use to American culture . Honestly, I'm still in the state of culture shock.

Sumalangit Nawa

2004-03-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Napakalungkot naman yata ng linggong ito. Dalawang nakalulunos na balita ang tila bumulaga na lamang sa aking harapan. Ang lalo pang malungkot nito ay ilang araw na ang nakararaan bago ko pa ito nabalitaan. Hindi ko naman mga kamag-anakan ang mga nasasangkot dito sa aking ilalahad sa inyo, ngunit di ko maunawaan kung bakit ganuon na lamang ang aking pagkalungkot.

Una ay ang Pilipinang si Marie Pilar "Pipay" Cruz. Una kong nabasa ang kanyang pangalan ay sa isa sa mga forwarded e-mails sa akin na humihingi ng tulong ang kanyang pinsang si Theresa na ipangalat ang e-mail na may nakakabit na litrato ng dalaga dahil may ilang araw na itong nawawala. Natanggap ko ang email nuong Abril 13, 2003. Taga New York si Pipay, Financial Analyst ng Barclays Capital, 35 anyos lang. Ipinasa ko ang e-mail sa lahat ng kilala ko, pilipino man o hindi, taga New York man o hindi. Pagkaraan ng sampung buwan ay nabanggit sa akin ng aking asawa na nabalitaan nya sa TFC (The Filipino Channel) ng ABS-CBN ang balitang natagpuan na nga si Marie Pilar sa Newark, New Jersey. Ang malungkot nito ay natagpuan sya sa isang maleta sa bahay na ibinenta na pag-aari ng isang hindi lisensyadong doctor.

Nakakatakot na nakalulungkot ang sinapit ng dalagitang ito. Sa tuwing maalala ko ang sinapit nya, nalulungkot ako dahil napakaganda ng pinanggalingan ng taong ito para laman sapitin ang ganito, at hindi pa man din sa kanyang bansa. Isa syang edukadong tao at katatanggap pa nga lang yata niya ng MBA sa Fordham University (ito ay ayon sa unang email na aking natanggap). Ang buhay nga naman ng tao... hindi mo masabi kung hanggang saan, kung hanggang kailan...

Pangalawa sa malungkot na balita ay ang pagpanaw ng aking doctor na si Dr Gregory Dantzler nuong ika-4 ng Pebrero sa gulang na 48. Sa tuwing ako'y pupunta sa aking monthly check-up nuong ako'y nagdadalantao pa lamang sa aking unang anak (at kahit sa pangalawa), ay laging may handang ngiti at marahang pag-tapik sa aking balikat si Dr. Dantlzer. Lagi niyang ikinukuwento sa akin ang kanyang asawa na isa ring doctor ngunit mas pinili ang magsilbi sa Dios bilang isang Pastor, at ang kaisa-isa nilang anak na musician. Lahat sila ay aktibo sa kanilang simbahan. Lahat lamang ng alaala ko kay Dr Dantzler ay maganda. Hindi yata ako nagpunta sa opisina nya na siya ay mainit ang ulo o naging marahas magsalita. Lagi siyang kung baga ay "in good mood" Ang traydor na "heart attack" ang kumitil sa kanyang buhay.

Sabi-sabi nga ng mga matatanda, "ipinapanganak ka pa lamang ay nakaguhit na ang iyong kapalaran". Malungkot, ang dalawang taong ito ay maiksi lamang ang inilagi sa mundo. I hope they lived a good life... and I have a feeling, they did.

Mga Panaginip

2004-03-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

Kababasa ko lang ng Sunny Side Up Blog ni Ellen, or Tweety as we fondly call her back in IRC days. Nagulat ako kasi meron din pala syang mga panaginip na hindi nya maipaliwanag kung bakit ganoon or ganito ang nangyari, etc. Yun nga lang meron syang dream journal... ako ay wala. Pero meron akong panaginip na paulit ulit ang characters. Napapanaginipan ko sila every now and then kahit hindi naman sila ang laman ng aking isipan. Ang tinutukoy ko dito ay ang mga kaibigan ko sa Pilipinas na tatlong magkakapatid na babae. Kasamahan ko sila sa choir at hindi ko naman maituturing na malapit kaming magkaibigan pero naging magkakaibigan din kami dahil ang aming mga magulang ay magba-barkadang samahan sa simbahan. Anyway, hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin maipaliwanag kung bakit madalas ko silang mapanaginipan. Wala na kaming contact ngayon, pero ang huling balita ko ay nasa New York na rin sila kasama ang mga magulang nila. Isa sa kanila ay nanirahan sa Australia. Hmmm... Tweety, or kahit sino sa inyo... baka naman maipaliwanag nyo sa kin ang ibig sabihin nito. Ano kaya ang nais nilang ipahiwatig? As far as I know, wala naman akong utang sa kanila :-) or anything for that matter.

Naranasan nyo na ba ito? I wonder...

US Sixty Cents

2004-02-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

Pagkatapos ng mga isang buwang pag-aaral ng US History & Government ay naipasa ko ng maluwalhati ang aking interview for citizenship. Dapat ay nuon pa ako nag file ng application matapos ang sampung taong paninirahan dito pero ang hindi ko maintindihan ay kung bakit hindi ko feel i-give up ang aking pagka pilipino. Nag-iisa ba ako sa nararamdaman kong ito? May pinsan ako after 20 years saka lang din nag file ng citizenship, at yun ay bunga pa ng pagtulak sa kanya ng mga kapatid nya.

Pagkatapos sabihin ni Officer Evans sa akin ang expectation ng bansang ito sa isang tulad ko, yes na lang ako ng yes. (Eh kung hindi ako mag-yes baka pinalabas niya ako sa kuwarto 'no) Expected ba nila eh ipagtatanggol ko daw ba ang US sa mga gustong sumakop dito, or if possible and necessary to bear arms against it's enemies. Sabi ko "Yes Ma'am, if necessary." At marami pang tanong ek ek ... "Congratulations, you're application has been approved." Hindi naman nya ako kinamayan. Sabi lang, "Please wait for the notice in the mail within 60 days for the oath taking ceremony." Dapat tumatalon na ako sa tuwa, pero ng mahimasmasan ako ng lumabas ako sa opisina nya, parang na-miss ko ang Pilipinas biglang-bigla. Gusto kong umuwi, para makita ko ang mga magulang at mga kapatid ko duon. Gusto kong umuwi, para makita ko din ang sitwasyon ng ating bansa.

Ah, hindi ko pa yata tunay na nai-give up ang aking Filipino citizenship. Tagalog pa rin ang aking pananalita, isip at gawa. Eh bakit ba ako nag citizen pa? Eh... just because, saka para sa mga anak ko.

FOR ALL THE MOMS I KNOW

2004-02-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

Araw-araw na lang ay napakarami kong natatanggap na e-mail na jokes, inspirational, informative, etc. Mayroon akong natanggap na e-mail na muli kong ipa-publish dito with permission from whoever wrote this ... the credit is yours.

FOR ALL THE MOMS I KNOW

We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of 'starting a family.' "We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking.

"Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a souffle or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighted against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother. Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child.

That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years - not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor. My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings. This blessed gift from God...that of being a Mother.

Happy Valentine's Day

2004-02-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Nadampot ko lang ito sa mga padalang e-mail sa akin. Tamang-tama daw ba sa Valentine's Day?

5 Secrets to a Perfect Relationship

1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.

3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.

4. It is important that a man is good in bed and loves making love to you.

5. It is extremely important that these four men don't know each other.

A Soulful Relationship

2004-02-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

Nalalapit na naman ang araw ng mga puso. Kung sine-celebrate nyo ang okasyong ito, mararamdaman nyo na naman ang pagmamahal sa inyong paligid, galing man sa inyong mister, misis, girlpren, boypren, kaibigan, kapatid, kamag-anak, atbp., lalo na kapag nakatanggap kayo kahit isang maliit na card galing sa inyong mga minamahal. Pero hindi lahat ng tao gustong sumapit ang Valentine's Day sa maraming kadahilanan. May natanggap akong magandang email na sinulat ng isang nagngangalang Rev. Ronald McFadden. Inyong basahin at sigurado akong kayo'y mabibigyan kahit paano ng panibagong pagtingin sa inyong mga minamahal:

A SOULFUL RELATIONSHIP
by Rev. Ronald McFadden

If you're not married yet, share this with a friend. If you are married, share it with your spouse or other married couples and reflect on it.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye."

Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem, make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really important.

Once you decide to commit to someone, over time his or her flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together. Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.

If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain.

Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship! Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong?

Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note).

Leave a nice message on the voicemail or send a nice email.

Sharing common goals and interests. Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless.

Don't put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion.

The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you put the i.

Ingat sa sakit

2004-01-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

Salamat Tatang Retong sa pag encourage nyo uli sa kin sumulat bilang nanay. Kayo lang yata ang naringgan ko na interesado sa buhay ng isang ina. Marami kung sa marami ang dinaranas ng mga nanay sa araw-araw na pag-aruga nila sa mga anak nila. Nandiyang nagkasakit ang dalawa kong anak na matatawag ko pang mga sanggol. Awang-awa ako at hindi naman nila masabi kung ano ang masakit sa kanila. Ikaw na lang ang bahalang damahin kung ano ba ang masakit sa kanila.

Nuong ako'y dalaga pa, hindi ko iniintindi kung may sakit ang mga pamangkin ko (sa pinsan). Sabi ko noon, lagnat lang yan, lilipas din. Pero higit pala duon ang nararamdaman ng isang ina kapag may sakit ang kanilang mga anak. Parang gusto mo ikaw na lang ang masaktan, magkasakit, hindi makahinga, madapa, mauntog, magutom 'wag na lang ang mga bata. Napakalungkot pag sila ay walang gana at hindi makapaglaro, parang hinihiwa ang puso mo.

Kayo sanang mga nagbabasa nito, ina man kayo o hindi ay mag-ingat na lang na magkasakit. May kumakalat na namang flu at kung ilan na ang namatay...sadly, panay bata pa.

The Road Not Taken

2003-09-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference

It's A Boy!

2003-08-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sa awa ng maykapal ako ay ligtas na nakapanganak nuong ika-5 ng Agosto. Isang malusog na 7.5 lb baby ang kaloob sa amin ng Panginoon. 20 inches ang kanyang haba- lalaki. Kundi ba naman wala na yata talaga akong mahihiling pa sa buhay (bukod sa manalo sana sa lotto at makabili ng bahay at lupa) dahil may isa na rin akong anak na babae. Heto nga lang at ako ay nagpapagaling dahil ako ay binuksan (ackk! C-Section daw ba?) Last year din sa aking anak na babae ako ay binuksan nila (acckk uli!) Anim na linggo bago ako maka-recover pero mind you, masakit pa din pag lipas ng mga araw na yan, yun nga lang hindi na sing-sakit nung unang araw. Paglipas ng anim na linggo, medyo (medyo lang ha) mabilis ka na lumakad saka makakabuhat ka na rin ng mga labada, pinamalengke, 5-gallon na timba ng tubig, 22 lbs na toddler, at not to mention ang makapagsuot ka na rin ng damit at salawal mo by yourself. O di ba achievement na yun ng isang na-operahan?

Sabi nga ng aking isang kaibigan, dapat daw ay nasa fear factor ako dahil pangalawang beses ko na itong na C-Section and I dont even mind the pain anymore. Kasi naman I know what to expect already although yung sakit eh talagang masakit with a capital P! Sabi naman ng aking tiyahin na dumalaw dito nung nakaraang linggo, hindi raw ako nakaranas ng labor kaya parang hindi din daw ako nakaranas manganak. Sa loob loob ko, pareho kong dinanas yun (masyado na nga lang mahabang ikuwento dito, pero peks man, labor at operasyon ang pinagdaanan ko sa pareho kong anak). Pero 'wag ka ha, di ko kaya ang mga ginagawa ng mga nanay nuon na pito ang anak, siyam ang anak, sampu ang anak, o minsang mahigit pa sa labindalawa! Biruin mo yun mag labor ka taon-taon? My golly, para kang mapu-pupu sa pag labor na hindi mo maintindihan. Yung mga nanay na dyan, alam ko, alam nyo ang aking sinasabi di ba?

Saka dito sa 'Merika, hindi pwede ang maraming anak kung ang kita mo ay maliit lamang. Mahal ang mag-paaral - yan ang palagi ko ng naririnig sa mga magulang na malalaki na ang anak at nasa kolehiyo na. Mahal ang halaga ng isang anak dito. Siguro sa pagkain di ko iindahin eh, pero yung damit - damit na damit lang ang mamahal dai! Kung pwede nga lang dalhin ang Blumentritt at Divisoria dito para makamura ako gagawin ko.

Ganyan lang naman ang buhay dito, maraming gustong makarating sa "land of opportunity na ito or land of milk & honey" pero mahirap din ang buhay... that is kung di ka magsisipag.

After a long hiatus...

2003-08-02T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hala ano ba ang nangyari sa kin? Napatagal ang hiatus ko. Magta-tatlong buwan na pala akong wala sa limelight. Kundi ko pa nakita ang mga taong nagtiyaga magbasa ng outdated kong mga postings di pa 'ko magigising. Ganuonpaman, salamat sa mga bumabasa nito. To Yves & Arnold, thank you.

Maraming nangyari nuong mga nakaraang buwan, mostly naman between me & my baby lang. Nag-bonding kami ika nga. Saka aaminin ko na nga... naging antukin ako kasi yata ganuon talaga ang mga buntis. Pag tambol ng alas siete ng gabi kailangan nakahiga na kami ng anak ko. Madali ka ng mapagod, pero ang lakas mo kumain. Ayun tuloy bumalik ang 30 lbs kong na-loose ko na nuon. Sabi nila di naman daw mukhang nagdagdag ako ng timbang. Sa loob-loob ko, di kaya nagiging magalang lang sila kasi ang tingin ko sa salamin eh tatlo na ang aking baba. Paano mo ba naman tatanggihan ang ice cream halos gabi-gabi tapos prutas, gatas, juice, at panay pa ang aming kain sa labas. Pero sana samahan niyo ako sa pagdarasal na maging malusog ang aking nasa sinapupunan. Kahit di na siguro ako manalo ng lotto basta malusog lang si dayunyor, higit pa yung sa lahat ng pera sa mundo.

Speaking of pera, tumaya naman ako sa lotto kanina. $50M ba naman ang pot. Baka sakali lang. Kundi naman manalo ayos din. Ang aking adhikain sa buhay eh "dont expect so you dont get disappointed". Simple lang naman yan, kung wala kang inaasahan, di ka mabibigo. Basta ba sige lang ng sige .. taya ng taya, ipon ng ipon. By the time na naka dos mil ka na ng taya... mananalo ka din. Sabi nga always think positive and good things come to those who wait - hayan pinagsama ko na.

Sana ito na ang simula ng pagbabalik ko dito. Malamang yan kasi mawawala ako sa opisina namin ng dalawang buwan para magluwal. Baka sakaling pag tulog na ang dalawa kong tsikiting, sisingit ako ng internet. Sayang na lang ang binabayad ko sa ISP ko kada buwan pag di ko sya ginamit, diba? O hala, alas dos lang naman ng umaga dito (tulog ba yan ng isang buntis? eh kasi naman nakatulog na ako kanina :-) ... ) Hanggang sa susunod na kabanata. Ito ang inyong... Tia Dely... (nagulat ba kayo kasi nabuntis pa si Tia Dely?)

Filipino Factoids

2003-04-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Kung ikaw ba ay pilipino at nakatira sa ibang bansa tulad ng Estados Unidos, Europa, Middle East, Australia, atbp, ipinagmamalaki mo ba ang iyong pagiging pinoy? O ipinagmamalaki mo na ang pagkakapalit ng iyong citizenship ng bansang iyong ngayon ay tinitirhan at kinabibilangan? Marahil ay dapat nating malaman ang ilang "Filipino Facts" para maging proud tayo sa 'ting bansang Pilipinas. Tutoo, minsan gusto mo ng talikuran ang bumalik pa roon pero hindi ka makaliligtas sa katotohanan na ikaw ay isa pa ring pinoy, pinoy, pinoy! ok? Siguro pag nabasa mo ito sasangayon ka na:

In the Philippines, Filipinos were introduced to the English language in 1762 by British invaders, not Americans.

What is the world's 3rd largest English-speaking nation, next to the USA and the UK? The Philippines.

The USA bought the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam from Spain in 1898.

The Filipino-American Independence War from 1898 to 1902 ensued, killing 4,234 Americans and how many Filipinos? 16,000 were killed in action and 200,000 died from famine and pestilence. (The Philippines lost and was colonized until 1946.)

Los Angeles, California was co-founded in 1781 by a Filipino named Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, along with 43 Latinos from Mexico sent by the Spanish government.

What antibiotic did Filipino doctor Abelardo Aguilar co-discover? Hint: Brand is Ilosone, named after Iloilo. Erythromycin.

The one-chip video camera was first made by Marc Loinaz, a Filipino inventor from New Jersey.

The first ever international Grandmaster from Asia was Eugenio Torre who won at the Chess Olympiad in Nice, France in 1974.

This son of two Filipino physicians scored over 700 on the verbal Portion of the Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) before age 13 - Kiwi Danao Camara of Punahou School, Hawaii... Edward Sanchez, a Mensa member, bagged the grand prize in the first Philippine Search for Product Excellence in Information Technology.

Who was the Filipino-American dancer who scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT? Joyce Monteverde of California.

Who invented the fluorescent lamp? Thomas Edison discovered the electric light and the fluorescent lighting was thought up by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores (a Cebu man named Benigno Flores of Bantayan Island, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer), a Filipino scientist.

Americans helped then-Philippine leader Ramon Magsaysay to develop it for worldwide commerce. (Yes! Many foreigners have noted that the Filipino population has Asia's highest rates of inventors and international beauty queens.)

Two Filipina beauties, Gloria Diaz and Margie Morgan, chosen as Miss Universe in 1969 and 1973.

Pure- or part-Filipino celebrities in American showbiz include Von Flores, Tia Carrere, Paolo Montalban, Lea Salonga, Ernie Reyes Jr., Nia Peeples, Julio Iglesias Jr., Lou Diamond Phillips, Phoebe Cates and Rob Schneider.

The first Filipino act to land a top hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in the 1960s was the group Rocky Fellers of Manila. Sugar Pie de Santo (father was from the Philippines), The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (according to the October 1984 article "Prince in Exile" by Scott Isler in the magazine Musician), Jaya, Foxy Brown and Enrique Iglesias followed.

Pure Filipinos who made success in minor charts were Jocelyn Enriquez Aka Oriental Madonna, Buffy, Pinay and (Ella May)Saison.

Latina-American pop star Christina Aguilera lost to Filipina vocalist Josephine Roberto aka Banig during the International Star Search years ago. In a mid-1999 MTV chat, she said that competing against someone of Banig's age was "not fair."

Besides gracing fashion magazine covers, this international supermodel from Manila had walked the runways since the 1970s for all the major designers, like Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Donna Karan, Gianni Versace and Yves Saint Laurent - Anna Bayle.

Who is the personal physician of United States Pres. William Clinton? Eleanor "Connie" Concepcion Mariano, a Filipina doctor who was the Youngest captain in the US Navy.

The first Filipino-American in US Congress was Virginia Rep. Robert Cortez-Scott, a Harvard alumnus.

Distinguished British traveler-writer A. Henry Savage Landor, thrilled upon seeing a Bicol landmark in 1903, wrote: "Mayon is the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen, the world-renowned Fujiyama (Mt.Fuji) of Japan sinking into perfect insignificance by comparison." Mayon has the world's most perfect cone.

Filipinos had their first taste of Mexican chili and corn during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade (1564-1815). In return, Mexico's people had their initial taste of tamarind, Manila mango and a Filipino banana called racatan or lakatan.

Founded in 1595 by Spaniards, the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines is older than Harvard and is the oldest university in Asia. University of Santo Tomas in Manila, established in 1611, is Asia's second oldest.

Who's the Filipina senator popular for her colorful jargon, delivered in a mile-a-minute speed and in a weird Harvard-meets-Ilonggo accent? Atty. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (now a Senator).

The first female president of the Philippines sworn into office in 1986 was Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. Her maiden name is Chinese...

In a March 31, 1997 article, The New York Times reported that the CIA manipulated Philippine elections: "(CIA operative Col. Edward Lansdale) essentially ran the successful presidential campaign of Defense Minister Ramon Magsaysay in the Philippines in 1953."

Who was the first Asian and/or Filipino to snatch America's Pulitzer Prize? Philippines Herald war journalist Carlos P. Romulo in 1941. (He was also the first Asian to become UN President.) The first two Filipino-Americans to garner the same award 56 years later were Seattle Times'Alex Tizon and Byron Acohido, who is part-Korean.

Filipino writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2, and grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French and Chinese. What were his last words? "Consummatum est!" ("It is done!")

"What's still most impressive to me about the Philippines is the friendliness of the people, their sense of humor...," wrote Honolulu journalist John Griffin in a 1998 visit to Manila.

Be Proud to be a Filipino!

2003-03-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Sa katagalan ko ng di pag-login dito sa aking blog ay muntik ko na yatang nalimutan ang password ko *yaiks!* Salamat nga pala sa mga fans ko na patuloy na bumabasa nitong aking "quarterly blog" :-) Sana ay 'wag kayo magsasawa. Nandito lang ako sa tabi-tabi. Duon sa mga gusto ako i-link, okay lang, go ahead. Sana ako rin pasilip... I mean pasilip naman din sa website ninyo. Pwede ko rin ba kayo i-link kung saan man yan? 'Lamat ha. Siyanga pala, maghahanap ako ng tag-board para madali raw mag-usap as suggested by Kakay.... Velasquez?

Napatagal ako ng bakasyon dahil sunod-sunod ang aking engagements - sleeping engagement, mother-wife-career engagement, cooking engagement, spring-cleaning engagement at kung ano ano pang engagement na pwedeng daluhan ng mga nanay. Pero mind you ha, 'di biro ang maging nanay. Meron akong job description ng nanay dito... baka gusto nyo mag-apply: (medyo ingles sya)

POSITION: Mother, Mom, Mama

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.

Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Panawagan

2003-03-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

Nag-sign up ako sa alumni.net this week. May isa kasi akong kaklaseng napanaginipan ko nung isang araw at gusto ko siyang hanapin. Tamang-tama naman naka-sign up din siya sa alumni.net at duon ko siya natagpuan. Lately ay napapanaginipan ko ang mga kaklase ko nung ako'y high school. Ilang beses na nangyari ito - paulit-ulit ang mga characters pero iba-ibang sitwasyon. Ngayon ay alam ko na kung bakit. Baka gusto nilang mag-reunion. Wala akong nababalitaang reunion ng mga nakaraang taon ng aming high school batch o college man lang. Masarap sigurong makipag-kita sa kanila isang araw at makipag-kuwentuhan lang ng mga pangyayari sa aming mga buhay-buhay. Sana kahit isa man lang sa kanila ay sulatan ako.

Si Dan Taga-Bicol

2003-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Sa aking mga fans (yeah rite!) bigay nyo naman ang link nyo para happy tayo lahat :-) Ms taklesa gusto ko sana i-link din kita at okay lang din ba? Gusto ko sana lumaganap pa ang aking mga kaibigan sa ibat-ibang panig ng mundo. Siyanga pala Ms Babie, okay lang din ba i-link kita dito para naman masilayan nila ang byuti mo at malaman nilang meron pala akong kaibigan na sobrang talented.

So much for the panawagan, meron akong kuwento. Luma na 'to. Ang iba nga sa inyo ay malamang na narinig na ito o nabasa na sa kani-kanilang natatanggap na email pero natutuwa kasi akong basahin itong kuwento ng isang balikbayan. Makatotohanan kasi ang pangyayari na ito dito sa Amerika. Heto siya:

Si Dan, tiga Bicol. Dumating si Dan sa Amerika sa tulong ng kanyang kumpare na may kontak sa immigration sa Pilipinas. Medyo tagilid ang papeles niya kaya masyado siyang maingat (TNT baga). Ayaw man lang lumabas ng bahay si Dan kung hindi kasama ang kanyang kumpare.

E minsan, nagsawa na ang kanyang kumpare sa kaaalalay sa kanya. "Pareng Dan," sabi ng kumpareng tinatago ang inis, "Heto ang susi ng kotse at mga credit cards ko. Magshopping ka naman sa Mall para malibang ka." "Kung may problema ka, tawagan mo ako sa telepono.

Papasok na ako sa opisina." Dahil siguro sa hiya ni Dan, kahit nerbiyos na nerbiyos siya, sinubukan niyang lumabas.

Tuwang-tuwa si Dan sa pamamasyal sa mall. Nakapili siya ng mga damit na gusto niya. Ngunit pagdating sa cashier, biglang nataranta at natakot si Dan.

Tanong ng cashier, "Visa or Master Card?" Karipas si Dan palabas dahit sa takot! "Aba, hinahanap ang visa ko! Baka nabisto na ako! Syet!"

Sakay kaagad siya sa kanyang kotse. Harurot. Kaso, halos wala ng gas ang sasakyan kaya huminto siya sa isang gas station.

Nang maglalagay na siya ng gas, biglang nagsalita ang cashier sa speaker, "Sir, pay first, please."

"Naku, patay! Papers daw! Hinahanap ang papers ko!"

Nagtatakbo si Dan sa mga eski-eskinita hanggang makakita siya ng pay phone.

Patago-tago siyang lumapit sa payphone.

"(Hingal) Kailangang matawagan ... ko si kumpare... para masundo niya ako rito (hingal)."

Pagtaas niya ng handle ng telepono, narinig niya, "AT&T how can I help you?"

"Aba, anak ng putakteh, alam na TNT ako! Buking na ako!"

Pagbaba niya ng telepono, may Amerikanong nakatayo sa likod niya, tanong ba naman, "Are you done?"

Napahandusay si Dan sa phonebooth. Biglang bulalas, "Buray kan ina!, alam pa ang pangalan ko!"

Nagulat ang tisoy, "Hey, be cool, man ."

"Naku! Alam pa kung taga saan ako!"

"Is that your green car parked in the red zone?"

Hihimatayin na si Danny Boy! "Hinahanapan pa ako ng green card"!!!!!

Kaya sa matinding takot, nagpahuli na lang si Dan.

Ngayon si Dan ay nasa Bicol na muli at binansagan na "Dan Balikbayan."

Ningas Kugon

2003-01-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

Ano na ba ang pinaggagawa ko nitong mga nakaraang araw at matagal bago nasundan itong aking talaan ? Sa tutoo lang marami, baka 'di magkasya dito, pero kung susumahin ang aking mga ginawa ay gawaing nanay. 'Yan ang mapait at matamis na katotohanan ng pagiging nanay. Nuon 1996, pagdating ko sa trabaho, pindot ng computer, check ng email, punta sa tambayan ng #manila (yung mga nakaka-relate diyan, o diba ganuon din kayo?), kain ng konti, tapos chat uli. Araw-araw 'yan. And it was like that for at least 3 years (for me, ha). Ang payat-payat ko nuon ('di ko lang alam kung nangangalumata ako), dami kong kaibigan, cyber & real. Ang weekend namin eh magkita-kita sa karaoke sa may Vermont, or di kaya ay mag-bowling, kumain, or mag-hang around lang. Kung may time akong natitira ay ina-update ko ang aking website sa geocities na ngayon ay dinissolve na nila!! (sniff!) Ang dami dami kong pictures and links duon. May ala "Lovingly Yours," pa akong section duon. Na-inlab kasi - ayan napabayaan na! Sa tutoo lang naman ng magsimulang magkita kita kami ng mga ka-chatchatan ko, nagsimula ng dumalang ang pag-log-on ko sa computer. Kumbaga ay narating na namin ang 2nd level of friendship - mas close na kami and we prefer to see each other na lang, although pag napasok minsan sa chat room ay nagwawala pa rin at sumisigaw ng "HI!!!!" *hugs* *hugs* - o diba?

Ngayon, year 2003 na, wala na yun. Nanay at tatay na rin ang iba sa amin. Inaanak ko pa nga ang ibang chat babies diyan. Yung iba, I've lost contact - totally, while some still linger. Natutuwa ako kasi yung iba talagang naging barkada ko na. Sa ngayon, bising-bisi na rin sila sa mga tsikiting nila tulad ko. Si prinsesita ko nga, isa palang siya pero siya na yata ang aking mundo. Mula pag-drop off namin sa kanya kay biyenan hanggang sa ipipikit ko na lang ang mga mata ko sa pagtulog si prinsesita pa rin ang may hawak ng oras ko. Pag-uwi namin galing trabaho, eto ang routine ko: (medyo boring kaya tiagaan nyo na lang sa pagbasa) papalitan ko siya ng lampin, pupunasan ko ang buo niyang katawan para presko sa pagtulog, pupulbusan, ipagtitimpla ko ng gatas kung humihingi siya, lalaruin ko (hanggang mapagod), tatabihan ko sa pagtulog dahil gusto nya nadadama nya ang init ng hininga ng kanyang mommy. O, si prinsesita ang pinaguusapan natin dito ha, hindi si Bugoy _*lol*. Pag nakatulog na si prinsesita, saka ako magluluto (kung may lulutuin, maglalaba kung may lalabhan, mag-aasikaso ng bills, manonood sandali ng tv, mag-aayos ng maliit naming dampa - lahat ng ito gagawin mo ng tahimik kasi baka magising si prinsesita. Pagkatapos pag tingin mo sa oras 11:30 pm na! Kailangan mo na matulog kasi may pasok bukas at para hindi ka aantok antok sa trabaho. 'Yan ang aking daily routine. Mga nanay diyan, pamilyar ba?

Nakaw na mga sandali

2003-01-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

Haay sa wakas nagkaroon din ako ng oras para makipagblog-blogan... hehehe. Ilang araw din kaming bc nung nakaraang pasko at bagong taon. Meri Krismas ena Hapi NuYir 2 Ol nga pala! Daming natanggap na regalo ni prinsesita ko, kailangan makapagpadala man lang ng maliit na note na thank u card sa mga nagbigay.

Nagkita-kita nga pala kaming magkakaibigan last yr - babatiin ko sila dito..hello to Dex, Raquel & Patrick! Mini reunion lang yan sa bahay ng matagal ko ng hinahanap na kaibigan sa apat na sulok ng Pasadena - si Dex! Dex, musta na uli? Mag-comment ka naman sa ibaba.. hehe. Gusto ko rin batiin si La-arni, Earle, at ang inaanak kong si Liezl at ang kanyang lil bro na si Real. Hindi kami nakapagkita last NuYir's Eve kc sa dami ng pupuntahan namin nila Bugoy, di na namin maisiksik ang pagkakataon na yun. Di bale magse-set ako ng date, oki? Meron akong regalo kay Liezl eh. Batiin ko na rin si Babie dito kahit di nya ito mabasa. Kumusta ang NZ mare? Hapi NuYir! meron bang Nyu Dir? hehe j/k!

Minsan nag-iimagine ako na makapag-reunion sana ang mga taong nakilala ko back in Quarterdeck days. Miss ko na sila. Wala lang, gusto ko lang makipag-chikahan at malaman kung napaano na sila since tumigil kaming mag-chat back in the late 90's. Meron pa rin naman akong mga kaibigan na nakikita ko pa ng personal tulad ng nabanggit ko kanina: si Dex, Raquel, La-arni, Yanny, Grems, Kuya, Poly, Ian, Cheryl hmmm.. sino pa ba? ah si Pam... kasulatan ko pa rin sya sa email. Aba marami-rami pa rin pala. Masarap gunitain minsan ang "chat days" namin noon. Nandyang, tumawa ka, umiyak, magdabog, makipag-kaibigan, makipag-bolahan take note sa pamamagitan lang ng pagta-type ha! Minsan bumabalik ako sa chat room pero hindi na Quarterdeck. Nagpupunta ako minsan sa abs-cbn na server at sa #Manila nila... lungkot ko... iba na ang crowd na bubungad sa yo. Aaminin ko medyo mas bata sila (medyo lang ha!) pero iba pa rin yung mga nakilala ko noon - parang mas friendly - mas simple - and most of all safe makipagkita sa kanila. Pinoy lang lahat ng kinikita ko... 'yoko muna sa foreigner... takot ako eh. Dami ng balita dyan na na-rape o hinostage dahil sa pakikipagkita nila ng one on one sa mga ka-chat nila. Sad diba? Sana lang mabalik ang mga araw namin nuon ... wish ko lang...

Meri Krismas

2002-12-26T15:09:00.000-08:00

Walang pasok kahapon (Pasko eh!) Meri Krismas to all. Punta kami sa mga biyenan ko bandang 1:10 pm na. Almost kumpleto na ang magkakapatid ng mister ko. Nakakain na nga ang iba. Na-late kami (as usual, hehehe) dahil puyat nung bisperas. Luto dito, luto duon ginawa ni Bugoy ko tapos nagbalot ng regalo, pinaliguan si baby, hinanda ang gamit ng prinsesita namin, na iyak na ng iyak ng ma-realize yata nya ala-una na 'di pa kami umaalis ng bahay samantalang sinabi ko... "sige anak, 'wag na mainip, aalis na tayo" na as if ay naintindihan nya. Alas onse nuon nung sinabi ko yun. In short, nakalayas din kami ng bahay, nai-lock na ang pinto... ng *ting!* me nalimutan pa rin. Balik na naman sa bahay si Bugoy para kunin ang ice cream cake na pinagawa nya na may picture ni prinsesita. Ang ganda ganda po kung nakita nyo. Itong si Bugoy ko di yan gumagastos ng gaano pero pag duon sa anak nya, singkwenta dolyares na ice cream cake ay di na nagdalawang-isip bilhin. Kailangan dito sa tate, tipid ka ng tipid kung gusto mo makabili ng bahay at lupa. Tulad namin, nangungupahan pa rin kami pero hopefully makabili na ng bahay sa loob ng isa o dalawang taon. Super pagtitipid pa rin pag nagsimula ng mag-aral si prinsesita. Kaya ngayong sanggol pa siya (anim na buwan lang) ipon tudamax na kami. Heniwey, masaya pa rin naman ang naging pasko namin. Daming regalo sa prinsesita ko! Mula damit, hanggang laruan, kanya lang. Masarap magluto si biyenan kaya dami ko ring nakain. Nanduon ang "dila" o "lenggua", escabeche, cream corn soup, tahong, krispy pata, at sari-saring kakanin! Magaling silang gumawa ng cake, take note. Pagkatapos kumain, nagkodakan na at nagbukasan ng regalo. Pagkatapos ay nag-bingo pa! Bandang alas-7 ng gabi, sagsag naman kami papunta sa mga bros ko. Ganuon din, kainan, kuwentuhan, nood ng video, kodakan, until it was time to sleep. Naghihilik na nga yata kaming tatlo pagdating ng bahay dahil sa pagod. Moral lesson: Dahan-dahan ang kain pag holiday season, kundi, magagaya kayo sa 'kin... hirap magpapayat!

Pinoy style

2002-12-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Ano ba yan? Kainan na naman! Kahapon lang inilabas kami ng boss ko para pakainin sa isang Jap restaurant, ngayon naman may nagdala naman ng pork bun, butchi, at custard cake! Ganito din ba sa opis nyo? Ganito kasi palagi dito (well, halos palagi). Ang department namin ay 75% Filipinos yata kaya konting kibot... ayun may dala para sa lahat! 'Di ako naiinis... ang kinalulungkot ko ay, ala na kong pagasang pumayat!!! Sarap sarap naman kasi palagi ng pagkain dito. Isang umaga, apat na kahon ng KRispy Kreme, minsan isang Biyernes, isang latang chocolate dahil yung isa naming co-worker ay nagpuntang Hawaii o Canada. Tapos ngayon, may na-promote naman, kaya ayun... pakain na naman! Ganyan ang mga pinoy pansin nyo ba?... maliit na okasyon palaging may rason ipagdiwang. Maganda naman yun kasi halos libre na minsan ang breakfast mo, lunch at merienda. *burp* Bukas December 24 may breakfast potluck naman! wooohoooo!!!! daming tsibog! Nga pala dadalhin ko baby ko bukas dito sa opis para makuhanan sya ng picture kasama si santa.

Unang Ka-Blog!

2002-12-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hello! Ikaw ba ay pinoy o pinay? Kumakain ka ba ng balut? Ang kapitbahay mo ba ay kumakain ng aso? Nagsisimbang gabi ka ba? Mahilig ka ba sa puto bumbong at bibingka? Napapalingon ka ba kapag may narinig kang sumusotsot? Nagtatanggal ka ba ng sapin sa paa kapag papasok ka sa ibang bahay? Nagmamano ka ba sa matatanda? Kaunti lamang ito sa mga ika nga eh "signs" ng pagiging pinoy. Kung sumagot ka ng "yes" kahit sa isa sa mga tanong na ito, ikaw ang tamang tama sa blog na ito. Isa akong pinay na nais makipag kaibigan sa mga kapwa ko noypits kaya sali na! Mag-koment ka lang ng kahit ano, ayos na yan. Diyan nagsisimula ang balitaktakan, kaya ano pa hinihintay mo?? Game k n b?