pretty amazing grace

The Great Escape

2009-04-15T08:59:00.003+08:00

Acts 12:6-17

6The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

8Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

11Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."

12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"

15"You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."

16But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the brothers about this," he said, and then he left for another place. NIV. BibleGateway

Cartoon courtesy of Jeff Hayden from bible.org

The Slow Work of God

2009-01-21T08:04:00.003+08:00

More often than I’d care to admit, I find that I am in a hurry. Now, it’s not the typical kind of hurrying--rushing to get into the “15 items or less lane” at the grocery story, speeding through traffic, or running around juggling four or five tasks at a time. It’s more an inability to be present to my life as it is right now. So often I find that no matter the circumstances, I’m hurrying through, wondering or worrying, as the case may be, what is next.

This pattern of hurrying through life to the “next event” seems fairly typical and ingrained from a young age. When I was a child, I couldn’t wait to be a teenager. When I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to be in college. When I was in college, I couldn’t wait to be a graduate student. When I was a graduate student, I couldn’t wait to be a professional. I look back on those hurried days now, and lament that I rushed through them so quickly.

Of course, our efficiency-driven society doesn’t help our propensity towards hurrying through life. We live in an “instant” society, and our increasingly rapid technological developments only add to our impatience when things are not achieved instantaneously. While technology has greatly improved many aspects of our lives and I certainly wouldn’t want to go backwards, I recognize that my own propensity to hurry, coupled with a society that moves at ever-quickening speeds, can be very detrimental for the spiritual life. How often I find myself disappointed with God when my prayers are not answered instantly; how angry I become when the smallest glitch slows my achievement of personal goals; how frustrated and impatient I become with others when their own “improvement” doesn’t move at my break-neck speed.

The biblical picture couldn’t be more different from our hurried lives. God is never in a hurry. Abraham, for example, received the promise of an heir twenty-five years before he actually laid eyes on Isaac. Joseph had a dream as a seventeen year old young man that his brothers would one day bow down to him. Yet it was countless years and many difficulties later that his brothers would come and kneel before him, asking for food. Moses was eighty years old--long past his prime of life--when God appeared to him in the burning bush and called him to deliver the children of Israel. David was anointed king by Samuel as a young boy tending his father’s flocks, long before he finally ascended to the throne. And Jesus spent thirty years in relative obscurity, not involved in public ministry, and only three years announcing the kingdom and God’s rule in his life and ministry.

From our perspective, it is difficult to understand why God wasn’t more in a hurry rushing to accomplish the plans and purposes, not only in these individuals’ lives, but also in the plan of redemption. The Messiah was prophesied hundreds of years before he actually arrived on the scene. We cannot help but ask why God seems to move so slowly?

In his second letter, what is considered Peter’s last will and testament, he discusses the slowness of God in relation to the Second Coming. Many arose even in Peter’s time asking why God was so slow when it came to delivering on his promise of an eternal kingdom. They began to mock God assuming that “as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.” Not so, Peter argues, for the slowness of God is in fact our salvation. “The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance....Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation” (2 Peter 3:9, 14-15).

The long, slow, work of God is not to torment those of us who find ourselves in a hurry, wondering what’s next. Rather, God’s forbearance and patience with us--even those of us in a hurry--is for our good. God’s seemingly slow movement gives us ample opportunity to be present to our lives allowing the journey to shape us and mold us into the people we are designed to be. In addition, God’s timetable gives us more opportunity to be diligent in godliness not just for our own salvation, but so that our lives would give witness to others in need of God’s salvation. As we live in the realm of God’s patience, “looking” as Peter says, “for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells,” we live to enfold others into the forbearance of God.

Margaret Manning is a member of the speaking and writing team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Seattle, Washington.

A Slice of Infinity is aimed at reaching into the culture with words of challenge, words of truth, and words of hope. If you know of others who would enjoy receiving A Slice of Infinity in their email box each day, tell them they can sign up on our website at www.rzim.org/Slice

Copyright (c) 2009 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)

HSM3 (High) Fever Still On!

2008-10-30T10:42:00.019+08:00

Warning: May contain SPOILERS. So if you haven't watched the movie yet, dear, go to the nearest cinema first! :))

Whew, it's been already like 6 days already since HSM3 has been shown in the cinemas. Yep, October 24, 2008 it is! And I've already watched it two times! Imagine! Haha! I am such what you would call an adik! Oh yeah, me and Derf (well, I sorta forced him to watch it with me or I'll watch it alone, by myself, haha) watched it on Oct. 24 after office of course (and last full show I think) at SM North Edsa Cinema 6. There has been some technical problems along the way (audio problem, grr). I promised Dna I would watch it with her, she was just not available that Friday. So the following day, Saturday, October 25, we watched it (for me, again, hehe). *sighs* I can never get over it! Haha!

My favorite parts/ songs include:

Can I Have This Dance (East High Rooftop)
Performed by: Gabriella and Troy

Troy just asked Gabriella to be her prom date by asking her opinion on which tux to use. He asked if they're really to dance waltz during the prom. Gabriella showed Troy how to waltz through the song "Can I Have This Dance?"

Take my hand, take a breath
Pull me close and take one step
Keep your eyes locked on mine,
And let the music be your guide.

Won't you promise me (now won't you promise me, that you'll never forget)
We'll keep dancing (to keep dancing) wherever we go next

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

Take my hand, I'll take the lead
And every turn will be safe with me
Don't be afraid, afraid to fall
You know I'll catch you through it all

And you can't keep us apart (even a thousand miles, can't keep us apart)
'Cause my heart is (cause my heart is) wherever you are

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

Oh no mountains too high enough, oceans too wide
'Cause together or not, our dance won't stop
Let it rain, let it pour
What we have is worth fighting for You know I believe, that we are meant to be

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you (like you)
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do (way we do)
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

Can I have this dance
Can I have this dance

Can I Have This Dance Reprise (Stanford University)
Performed by: Gabriella and Troy

Ok, so, Gabriella won't be coming back to East High anymore because she could not afford another goodbye. No more senior prom, no more graduation. What did Troy do? Well, he just drove from Albuquerque all the way to Stanford to spend his prom with Gabriella, at Stanford. They waltzed (and sang) "Can I Have this Dance?"

Troy: You might be ready to leave East High, but East High isn’t ready to say goodbye to you.”
Cheesy, but cute! Hehe ;)

Sorry, no picture for this one; the song however is same as that of above.

Right Here, Right Now (Tree House, Bolton Residence)
Performed by: Gabriella and Troy

Wildcats' Victory Party at Troy's house. Troy and Gabriella decided to spend a few moments together. They shared thoughts about their future and wished that their last few moments at East High would not end, thus singing "Right Here, Right Now."

Both: Right Here, Right Now!
Troy: Oh, Right Now!
Gabriella: Lookin' At You, And My Heart Loves The View, Cause You Mean Everything!
Troy: Everything..
Both: Right Here, I Promise You Some how
Troy: That Tomorrow Can Wait,
Gabriella: Some Other Day To Be
Troy: To Be But Right Now
Both: There's You And Me.

Gabriella: Oh, We Know It's Comin'
Troy: Comin'
Gabriella: That It's Comin' Passed.
Both: But There's Always You and Me..
Gabriella: Oh yeah...
Troy: So, Lets Make This Second Last..
Both: Make It Last!

Troy: Right Here.. Right Now.. Yeah, Im Lookin' At You..
Gabriella: And My Heart Loves The View..
Both: Cause You Mean Everything! Right Here, I Promise You Somehow.
Troy: That Tomorrow Can Wait,
Gabriella: Some Other Day To Be
Troy: To Be! But Right Now
Both: There's You And Me..

Gabriella: Oh, We Know It's Comin'
Troy: Comin'
Gabriella: That It's Comin' Passed.
Both: But There's Always You and Me..
Gabriella: Oh yeah...
Troy: So, Lets Make This Second Last..
Both: Make It Last!

Just Want To Be With You (Music Room, Theater)
Performed by: Ryan, Kelsi, Gabriella, Troy, Sharpay, Jimmie

Indeed, Kelsi writes her most beautiful songs for Troy and Gabriella, and this is definitely one of them! There are actually different instances of this song. One was with Ryan and Kelsi when he asked her to be his prom date. And then, Troy and Gabriella did it twice, during the rehearsal and on the Act 2 of the musical. Sharpay and Jimmie sang the first Act which is sooo hilarious I loved it! Haha!

Ryan: Hmm, yeah, I've got a lot of things, I have to do, all these distractions, our future's coming soon, we're being pulled
Ryan & Kelsi: In hundred different directions
Ryan: But whatever happens....
Ryan & Kelsi: I know I've got you
Ryan: You're on my mind, your in my heart
Ryan & Kelsi: It doesn't matter where we are
Ryan: We'll be alright, even if we're....
Ryan & Kelsi: Miles apart!

*This is the same part that Sharpay (and Jimmie) sang.

Troy & Gabriella: All I wanna do, is be with you, be with you
There's nothing we can do, I just wanna be with you, only you
No matter where life takes us, nothing can break us apart
Troy: You know it's true
Troy & Gabriella: I just wanna be with you
Gabriella: Oooh
Troy: Just Be With You
Gabriella: Oh yeah

Troy: You know how life can be, it changes over night
Troy & Gabriella: The sun even raining, but it's alright
Gabriella: A friend like you
Troy & Gabriella: Always makes it easy!
Troy: I know that you get me
Troy & Gabriella: Every time
Through every up, through every down, you know i'll always be around
Through anything, you can count on me!
All I wanna do, is be with you, be with you
There's nothing we can do, I just wanna be with you, only you
No matter where life takes us, nothing can break us apart
Troy: You know it's true
Troy & Gabriella: I just wanna be with you! I just wanna be with you!

Walk Away (Gabriella's House, Stanford)
Performed by: Gabriella

Gabriella's goodbye song after deciding to finally go to Stanford for their freshman orientation.

I guess I should've known better
to believe that my luck could change
(luck could change) ooo
I lent my heart out forever
Finally learn each others names
(each others name)
I tell myself this time
it's different
no goodbyes cuz I
can't bear to say it
I'll never survive
the one that's coming
if I stay, oh no

[ Chorus: ]
Just walk away ooh
and don't look back
cause if my heart breaks it's gonna
hurt so bad
you know I'm strong
but I can't take that
before it's too late
ooh just walk away

walk, walk, walk away,
ooh just walk away
walk, walk, walk away
aye-aye yeah

I really wish I could blame you
But I know that it's no ones fault
(no one) no no no no ooh

A Cinderella with no shoe
and a prince that doesn't know he's lost
(know he's lost)
This heaviness feels so familiar
Each goodbye with just the same old song
But this time I will not surrender
Cause I'm gone
Oooh yeah!

[ Chorus: ]
Just walk away ooh
and don't look back
cause if my heart breaks it's gonna
hurt so bad
you know I'm strong
but I can't take that
before it's too late
ooh just walk away

walk, walk, walk away,
ooh just walk away
walk, walk, walk away
(whoooa)
just walk away

I've got to let it go
(ooh)
start protecting
my heart and soul
Cause I don't think I'll survive
A goodbye again
Not again!

[ Chorus: ]
Just walk away ooh
and don't look back
cause if my heart breaks it's gonna
hurt so bad
you know I'm strong
but I can't take that
before it's too late
(oooh before it's too late)
ooh just walk away

(walk, walk, walk away)
walk away walk away
yeeaah
(walk, walk, walk away)
walk away walk away
all right!
(walk, walk walk away, yeah, walk away!)
walk away walk away
(oh walk walk walk away)
walk away walk away
ooh, ooh

A Night to Remember (Musical Rehearsal, Theater)
Performed by: All Cast

This was after Taylor finally accepted Chad's offer to be his prom date. This was part of the musical (although wasn't played on the day of the musical itself, as only Tiara and Sharpay did few verses of this song). The production number was really extravagant! Focuses on preparing for the prom and the prom night itself.

Guess now its official
Cant back out, cant back out (no)
Getting ready for the night of nights
The night of nights, alright
Dont Panic (Panic!)

Now do we have to dress up for the prom?
Dude I dont think we have the choice
Yeah its the night of all nights
Gotta look just right
Dressing to impress the boys

Do I want classic or vintage or plaid?
Wheres the mirror?
I think this tux is too baggy
Too tight, it makes me look weird.

Should I go movie star glamorous, sassy or sweet?
Dont know, but no one better wear the same dress as me
Its the night of our nightmares
Its the night of our dreams
Its too late to back out of it.
Hey, makeovers, massages.
Dont know what a corsage is.
Been waiting all our lives for this.

Its gonna be a night (cant wait)
To remember (aw man)
Come on now, big fun (alright)
Its gonna be the night (I guess)
To last forever (lucky us)
Well never ever ever forget

Gettin Ready, Get Gettin Ready
Gettin Ready, Get, Gettin Ready
(Hey you been in there an hour man)
So, what should I do with my hair?
Wheres my shaver?
Ooh, I love it.
I look like a waiter.
Should I fluff it?
Its get later already should be there.

Her mother opens the door, Im shakin inside
Hes here, its time, the hours arrived.
Dont know why, her fathers staring me down
Wheres my purse? Lip gloss? Now Im really freaking out.
Then something changes my world
The most beautiful girl right in front of my eyes

Its gonna be a night (Oh Yeah!)
To remember (Thats for sure)
Come on now, big fun (Alright!)
Its gonna be the night (Yeah tonight)
To last forever (forever more)
Well never ever ever forget.

Whos that girl? (Shes so fine)
Whos that guy? (I dont recognize)
Whos that girl? (She looks so good, yeah)
Youll never really notice, but you probably should

Big fun, on the night of nights (alright)
The night of nights, tonight
Lets dance
On the night of nights
You know were gonna do it right

Its gonna be a night to remember
Its gonna be the night to last forever
Its gonna be a night to remember
Its gonna be the night to last forever
(Last Forever)
Its gonna be our night (you know it)
To remember (all time)
Come on now, big fun (big fun)
Its gonna be the night (love it)
To last forever (the rest of our lives)
Well never ever ever forget

Its gonna be our night (oh yeah)
All together (say it loud)
Come on now, everyone (thats right)
Its gonna be a night (yeah tonight)
To remember (hear the crowd)
And never ever ever never ever ever never ever never ever ever forget!

I Want it All (School Cafeteria)
Performed by: Sharpay and Ryan, All Cast

If A Night To Remember has extravagant production number, this one is more extravagant! And the song is also nice, very kinda like Broadway! :)) Magnificent! The props, the dances... Very Sharpay-ish! Haha!

Imagine having everything we ever dreamed
Don't you want it?
Maybe
Can't you see it?
Kinda
Imagine first audition after college
I get the lead!
A part for me?
Well of course
Yeah right!
You gotta believe it
Keep talking
You and I all the fame
Sharpay and what's his name?
sound exciting?
Inviting
Let's do it then
Listening
Personal stylist, agent and a publisist
But where do I fit into this?
With you we can win

Win a part
Think bigger!
Become superstars
That's better
Don't you see that bigger is better
And better is bigger
A little bit is never enough
No, No, No!

Don't you want it all!
You want it, you know that you want it
The fame and the fortune and more
You want it all, you want it, you know that you want it
You gotta have your star on the door
You want the world nothing less, all the glam and the press
Only givng you the best to use.
Sing it!
I want it all
I want it, I want it, Yeah
My name in lights at Carnage Hall
I want it all!

Can't you see it
Yeah
They're gonna love me
Ahem
I mean us!
Red carpet, rose bouquets, crowd waiting back stage
I'm with her, don't stop me, I'm not the paparazzi
Invitations, standing ovations
Magazines
Yes please
Gonna be celebrities!
Photographs, fanclubs, give the people what they love
Now you're excited!
I like it
Let's do it then
Times Square, jet setters, sequels
Hey better
New York today, tomorrow the world!!

Sold out shows
Think bigger
And the oscar goes to....
That's better!

Don't you see that bigger is better and Better is bigger
A little bit is never enough!
No, No, No!

I you want it all!
I want it, I want it, Want it
The fame and the fortune..and more
I want it all
I want it, I want it, Want it
I gotta have my star on the door
You want the world nothing less, all the glam and the press
Only giving me the best to use.
I Want it all!
I want it, Want it, Want it, Radio, CD, Music Hall
We Want it all!!

Here in the spotlight we shine, look at who we are

When Broadway knows your name,

you know that you're a STARRRR!
Dance!

[Breakdown]
I want it, I-I I want it, I want it, I want it,
I-I, I want it, i want it, i want I-I I Want It!

I Want It All! I want it, I want it, I want it! (I WANT IT ALLL)
The fame and the fortune and more!
I want it all! I want it, I want it
I gotta have my star on the door
You want the world nothing less, all the glam and the press
Only giving you the best to use.
I WANT IT ALL!
Paris!
London!
Rome!
Toronto!
LA!
Sidney!
Buenos Aires!
Tokyo!
Moscow!
Bollywood!
Hollywood!
NEW YORK CITY!!
WE WANT IT ALL!!

Boys are Back (Riley's Auto Services)
Performed by: Troy and Chad

What I like about this song (and the video, of course) is the James Bond-ish effect it has (at least on me). And oh, I love that scene when after crawling under a car, 8-year-old Chad and Troy emerged! Haha! Verrrry cute! :))

Both: Take It Back To The Place Where You Know That It All Began.
Chad: We Can Be Anything We Wanna Be!
Both: You Can Tell By The Noise That The Boys Are Back Again!
Chad: Together Makin' History!
Both: This Is Our Town, And I'm Tellin' You All,

The Boys Are Back!
Gonna Do It Again!
Gonna Wake Up The Neighborhood!
The Boys Are Back! The Boys Are Back!
Climbin' Up The Walls, Anytime We Want!
The Word Is Out, The Boys Are Back!

Chad: Keep Dealing With The Right When We Fight Every Single Time! Undefeated Here In Our House, Yeah!
Both: We Can Rock, We Can Shock, When We Like.
Chad: Tonight We're Gonna All Out! I Think Its Time To Show How To Be A Superhero!
Both: This Is Our Town, And Im Tellin' You All!

The Boys Are Back!
Gonna Do It Again!
Gonna Wake Up The Neighborhood!
The Boys Are Back! The Boys Are Back!
Climbin' Up The Walls, Anytime We Want!
The Word Is Out, The Boys Are Back!

Troy: Here To Change The World!
Both: To Solve A Mystery, Fight The Battle, Save The Girl! No One Can Stop Us Now, We're The Ones Who Make The Rules!
The Boys Are Back!
Troy: No Need To Worry, Cause

Both: The Boys Are Back! The Boys Are Back!
Chad: Look Out Now!
Both: The Boys Are Back, Gonna Do It Again
Chad: And We Make It Look Good!
Both: The Boys Are Back! The Boys Are Back! Climbin' Down The Walls, Anytime We Want! We're Sure That You Know By Now, The
Boys Are Back!

High School Musical (Graduation Ceremony, East High Grounds)
Performed by: All Cast

The finale! Uhm, there's nothing more to say actually. You can almost feel the emotion of everyone (exaggerating!) in the movie, especially the last part where all six (Ryan, Sharpay, Troy, Gabriella, Chad and Taylor) walk down the field where a curtain closes off the graduation ceremony and turns into a stage. The High School Musical logo drops down as they do their signature jump pose, the camera pans a close up of each actor before taking their final bow and the curtain closes. Awww.. *sniff, sniff*

[Troy]: Whoo!
[Ryan]: Come On!
[Sharpay]: Alright!
[Chad]: Little Louder Now!
[Gabriella]: Hey!

(Troy & Gabriella):
Lookin' Forward From Center Stage, Graduation Day, Time To Get The Future Started!
What We Leave, What We Take With Us, No Matter What, It's Somethin' We're a part Of!
We Learn To Fly.
Together Side-By-Side. I Just Want The Rest Of My Life, To Feel As Good As My,

(Everyone):
High School Musical,
Lets Celebrate Where We Come From!
With Friends Who've Been There All Along, Just Like,
Our High School, High School Musical!

(Ryan & Sharpay):
Improvisation Without A Script, No Ones Written It, And Now We Have The Chance Too!
Someday We'll Be Lookin' Back,
Memories We've Had, All The Songs That We Lived Through!
The Best Of Times,
So Why Leave Them Behind. Why Cant The Rest Of My Life
Be Like My,

(Everyone):
High School Musical, Who Says We Have To Let It Go? It's The Best Part We've Ever Known, Step Into The Future! We'll Hold On to, High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From, With Friends Who've been There All Along, Just Like, Our High School, High School Musical!

(Chad & Taylor):
Now We Finally Realize
Who We Are, It Just Took Some Time
That You Learn And To Live To See The Truth
(Everyone):
Can't You See The Truth?
(Chad & Taylor):
Nothing's Ever Impossible, Into The Future With Every Fall. Until Forever We'll Always Have High School!

(Troy):
Turn the Party, Lets Celebrate!
(Troy & Gabriella):
Cause The Worlds One Big Stage, And In It What You Want, It Can Be Yours!

(Everyone):
Everybody Sing, Yeah!
(Troy):
Can You Show Us, Now We're Wanna Go?
(Gabriella):
It's Where The Status Is Here, Oh.
(Everyone):
High School, Lives On Forever More! High School, High School Musical!

(Everyone):
High School Musical,
Who Says We Have To Let It Go?
It's The Best Part We've Ever Known, Step Into The Future,
We'll Hold On to,
High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From,
With Friends Who've Been There All Along, Oh Yeah!

(Gabriella):
I Wish My Life Could Feel Like A,

(Everyone):
High School Musical,
Who Says We Have To Let It Go?
It's The Best Part We've Ever Known,Step Into The Future!
We'll Hold On to,
High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From,
With Friends Who've been There All Along, Just Like,

High School Musical!

Haha! Looks like I did like almost all of the songs! :) But honestly, since this is really a feel good movie, why not enjoy it for what it's for! Feel good! :D The best High School Musical installment! And I'm not yet over with it! Got a Right Here, Right Now ringback. Haha!

Words in bold are my favorite lines; words in italics on the other hand are my comments/ opinion. ;)

Sources:
HSM3 Official Site
Images from Google
Lyrics from Google
Wikipedia

Bakit gusto ko ng chocolate?

2008-10-15T10:27:00.003+08:00

Gusto ko ng chocolate! Gusto ko ng chocolate! Gusto ko ng chocolate!

Bakit ko gusto ng chocolate?!

Hmm, bakit nga ba? Basta, gusto ko ng chocolate!

O siya, sige, mag-chocolate ka dyan! Nyahaha!

Ricoa Flat Tops

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 3 pieces
Servings per Container 3

Calories 80	Calories from Fat 50
	% Daily Values*
Total Fat 5g	8%
Saturated Fat 5g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 3mg	1%
Sodium 30mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 8g	3%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Sugars 7g
Protein 1g

Vitamin A 0%	Calcium 4%
Vitamin C 0%	Iron 0%

* Based on a 2,000 Calorie Diet

Nestle Chuckie

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 250 mL
Servings per Container 1

Average Consumption	Per Serving	% RENI*
Energy, kcal	195	13
Protein, g	7	19
Carbohydrated, g	30
Fat, g	5
Calcium, mg	278	50
Vitamin A, mcg RE	139	35
Vitamin D, mcg	2.5	50
Phosphorus, mg	275	55

* Based on 2002 RENI Children: 4-6 years old

Tobi Chocolate Peanut Butter

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 30g (2 tablespoons)
Serving Per Container about 10

Calories 180	Calories from Fat 110
	% Daily Values*
Total Fat 13g	19%
Saturated Fat 3g	14%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 9g	3%
Dietary Fiber 4g	17%
Sugars 5g
Protein 7g

Vitamin A 0%	Calcium 0%
Vitamin C 0%	Iron 3%

* Based on a 2,000 Calorie Diet

Wehehe! Gusto ko pa din ng chocolate! Haha!

Excerpt from About.Com: Chocolate - Health Benefits

What is it that makes chocolate so irresistible? A large part of chocolate's allure, of course, lies in the taste - a deliciously rich concoction that satisfies the most intense craving. But several chemical reactions are also at work. For one thing, chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasureable sensation similar to the "runner's high" a jogger feels after running several miles.

Chocolate also contains a neurotransmitter, serotonin, that acts as an anti-depressant. Other substances, such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, have a stimulating effect. However, the truth is that scientists are still not positive how the over three-hundred chemicals contained in chocolate make us feel so good.

...scientists are beginning to disprove some common myths about the dangers of eating too much chocolate. For example, it is not true that eating chocolate can cause acne or make it worse. Nor is chocolate the threat to healthy teeth that it was once thought to be. While both cocoa and chocolate contain sugar, they also have properties that work against sugar's tendency to produce the oral bacteria that eventually leads to dental decay. In fact, researchers at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York, have concluded that milk chocolate is one of the snack foods that is least likely to contribute to tooth decay, since it contains phosphate and other minerals.

Furthermore, while chocolate may not be the most healthy snack around, it does contain a number of nutrients. High in potassium and magnesium, chocolate also provides us with several vitamins - including B1, B2, D, and E. As for calories, no one is going to claim chocolate is the quintessential diet food. Still, the average chocolate bar contains approximately 250 calories - low enough for a dieter to enjoy one as an occasional treat. Besides, indulging your chocolate craving from time to time can help prevent the bingeing that is a dieter's worst enemy.

From Momscape

But On The Negative Side...
1. Chocolate may trigger headaches in migraine sufferers. --> Oops, bulls eye! Haha!
2. Milk chocolate is high in calories, saturated fat and sugar.

Excerpt from WebMD

Dark Chocolate Is Healthy Chocolate By Daniel J. DeNoon

Aug. 27, 2003 -- Got high blood pressure? Try a truffle. Worried about heart disease? Buy a bon-bon.

It's the best medical news in ages. Studies in two prestigious scientific journals say dark chocolate -- but not white chocolate or milk chocolate -- is good for you.

...But that's no license to go on a chocolate binge. Eating more dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure -- if you've reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure, say the researchers. But you have to balance the extra calories by eating less of other things. - Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Cologne, Germany

...Dark chocolate -- but not milk chocolate or dark chocolate eaten with milk -- is a potent antioxidant, report Mauro Serafini, PhD, of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome, and colleagues..."Our findings indicate that milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate ... and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate."

...What is it about dark chocolate? The answer is plant phenols -- cocoa phenols, to be exact. These compounds are known to lower blood pressure.

Chocolates made in Europe are generally richer in cocoa phenols than those made in the U.S. So if you're going to try this at home, remember: Darker is better.

Just remember to balance the calories. A 100-gram serving of Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 531 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If you ate that much raw apple you'd only take in 52 calories. But then, you'd miss out on the delicious blood pressure benefit.

A hint: Don't replace healthy foods with chocolate. Most people's diets have plenty of sweets. Switch those for some chocolate if you're going to try the truffle treatment.

Great, great! Let's all eat chocolate! DARK, please.. Hehe..

on buses and trains

2008-10-14T11:20:00.002+08:00

Hey Mom, why didn't you tell me?
Why didn't you teach me a thing or two?
You just let me go, out into the world,
You never thought to share what you knew.

(Chorus):
So I walked under a bus,
I got hit by a train,
Keep fallin' in love,
Which is kind of the same,
I've sunk out at sea, crashed my car, gone insane,
And it felt so good, I wanna do it again.

Hey Mom, why didn't you warn me?
'Cause about boys there's something I should have known,
They're like chocolate cake, like cigarettes,
I know they're bad for me but I just can't leave 'em alone.

(Repeat Chorus)

Hey Mom, since we're talkin',
What was it like when you were young?
Has the world changed or is still the same?
A man can kill and still be the sweetest fun.

(Repeat Chorus)

Sung by: Bachelor Girl from Lyrics Mode

HURRY UP and WAIT!

2008-10-14T09:28:00.002+08:00

One Step at a Time
Sung by: Jordin Sparks

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus:]
We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's
Supposed to happen and we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused, you got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

Source: AZLyrics.com

Papay Nongnong

2008-10-10T07:56:00.003+08:00

What I will remember most from my Papay Nongnong was his independence. He's the second in 4 siblings, my mother being the eldest. I don't know if he's been in any place aside from Bicol. I think from the family, he's the one who has never been to Manila. He enjoys being in the field, being in the salog, might be because it's more comfortable to be near nature. A very hard-working man. He has been Papang and Mamang's constant help in the affairs of the coprahan and abaca. When I was in high school, he would help in the setting-up of the sound system whenever there are barayle in our barangay, and even in other barangays, as he is a staff of Munoy Narcing's lights and sounds. He would come home very early in the mornings (already) during these times. These rakets was aside from helping in the coprahan. He was the one who took charge of Papang and Mamang's house in the salog when Papang had to be in the hospital a lot of times, especially when he had an operation for appendicitis. That was when Papay Ahmel was still in Saudi and Mamay Ely was in Manila working. *sighs*

2008. For a span of 10 months, we've already had 2 births -- Arjhen (Jenny and Arnel's) and John Luis (Novie and Erwin's) -- and 2 deaths -- Papang and Papay Nongnong. How ironic. But I guess that is how life really goes. May nawawala at may dumarating. And death is one of the surest thing in this world. Eventually, we all will die. I was just saddened by the fact that I was not able to convey the message of salvation to both my Papang and my Papay Nongnong (and especially to Papay Nongnong, as I am not that close to him and I'm here in Manila during the times he's in the hospital). When Papang was in the hospital, I was able to visit him. And in a way, ministered to him. We prayed for him. It really pains me to see them all going and me, still waiting for the right time. When is the right time? What if something happened to all of them? The past months, there has been constant earthquake in Patag, and I don't know where this is coming from. It breaks my heart to see my family going through all these and I'm still covered in my shell for fear of rejection and persecution.

This morning, out of nowhere, while walking to the office, I was singing Paglisan. The lyrics just pierced through me.

Kung ang buhay ay isang umagang nakangiti
At ikaw ay ang lupang sinusuyo ng bituin
Di mo man silip ang langit
Di mo man silip ito'y nandirito pa rin
Kung ang lahat ay may katapusan
Itong paglalakbay ay makakarating din sa paroroonan
At sa `yong paglisan Ang tanging pabaon ko
Ay pag-ibig
Hmmm

Sa pagbuhos ng ulan Sa haplos ng hangin
Alaala mo ay nakaukit sa pisngi ng langit
Di man umihip ang hangin ahhh
Di man umihip ika'y nandirito pa rin
Kung ang lahat ay may katapusan
Itong paglalakbay ay makakarating din sa paroroonan
At sa `yong paglisan Ang tanging pabaon ko
Ay pag-ibig
Ay pag-ibig
Ay pag-ibig
Ooh ooh ooh ooh**

Maybe, I was just in the mood for mourning. As was the weather (it was raining when the sun should have been). I'm even wearing all black, I just realized. A lot of things are really happening already. And maybe, this is a wake-up call. And I really have to do something about it. If only all this will be gone after I cried. Then it would be very easy. And life, is not easy.

** Paglisan. Color it Red. Lyrics Download.

Maynilad Advisory

2008-10-07T11:45:00.001+08:00

Maynilad customers now have another convenient way of paying their water bills.

Effective this month, customers can use Megalink ATM terminals to pay their Maynilad water bills. This after the company availed of the bills payment services of Megalink Inc., which has 22 member banks and over 11 million cardholders nationwide.

The additional payment channel, according to Maynilad’s Treasury head Aurora Canape, will help to eliminate the need for customers to queue in the company’s Business Area offices just to make their payments.

“As long as they have a Megalink ATM card, our customers can start making water bill payments in specified ATM terminals. This is just one of the many payment options that Maynilad is providing to ease the business transaction process for our customers,” she said.

The following Megalink ATM terminals are now ready to accept Maynilad water bill payments: Planters Development Bank, Pacific Ace Savings Bank, United Coconut Planters Bank, Premiere Development Bank, ENCASH, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank, Philippine Veterans Bank, Union Bank of the Philippines and Queen City Development Bank.

Other payment channel options for Maynilad customers include over-the-counter payments at PNB, Banco de Oro (BDO), East-West Bank, RCBC Savings Bank; phone banking through BPI Express Phone Banking; credit cards of Metrobank and BDO; Internet ATM banking through BPI Express Online, PNB, BancNet, East-West Bank; Mobile Phone Banking through Globe G-Cash and Smart Money; and Payment Centers such as LBC, 7-11, RCPI, Cebuana Lhuillier, Robinsons Department Stores and SM Department Stores.

MAYNILAD ADVISORY

2008-10-03T08:38:00.000+08:00

MAYNILAD Water is upgrading its pipe network in Manila as part of its continuous effort to improve service, resulting in a temporary water supply interruption in some areas starting from 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, until 9 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2008.

The service improvement project involves the replacement of a 750-mm gate valve along C.M. Recto corner Legarda, Manila.

This will result in water service interruption in portions of Sampaloc, Sta. Cruz and Quiapo area bounded by Lacson, España, Lerma, Andalucia, Bambang, Rizal Ave., Pasig River, Nepomuceno, and Legarda.

Maynilad is advising residents in these areas to store water good for the duration of the water service interruption. They may also call Maynilad Water Hotline 1626.

Sailor Moon RPG: The Moon Child

2008-09-30T13:29:00.004+08:00

I am currently playing a new game! Hehe.. Nagsawa na ata ako sa kakauli-ulit ng Ahriman's Prophecy. Hehe.. While browsing through the forums in Amaranthia, i found a thread about homemade games, at nakita ko nga si Sailor Moon RPG. Hehe.. I'm playing version 5.2. So far, I already have Usagi (Sailor Moon), Ami (Sailor Mercury) and Rei (Sailor Mars) in my party. I'm on the verge of saving Makoto (Sailor Jupiter), but I got stucked. Hehe!.. I can't go past the Sailor Jupiter statues. (I'll post screenshot when I got home). I've been playing the same scenario for I think 3 hours already. Hehe.. When I was able to get Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars in a span of 2 hours?! Hehe. *sighs* Can't wait to go home!

Pretty Anime

2008-09-26T14:55:00.002+08:00

I've always been an anime fan since grade school. And taught myself how to draw anime people. Haha! La lang, I found this pretty anime girl in my space. I just wish I could draw this good! Haha!

MyNiceSpace.com

If only life is as beautiful as an anime drawing. Haha!

Maynilad will implement FCDA increase starting Oct. 1

2008-09-24T16:38:00.002+08:00

MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. will implement an average of P0.30 per cubic meter or 1.3 percent of the Basic Charge (P23.05 per cubic meter) increase in its Foreign Currency Differential Adjustment (FCDA) charge starting October 1, 2008.

This translates to an increase of P5.52 in the water bill of a family of five consuming an average of 30 cubic meters of water per month.

The increase in water tariff for Maynilad customers for the last quarter of 2008 is due to a slight upward adjustment in the FCDA, following the depreciation of the peso against the dollar and other foreign currencies.

The FCDA is a tariff mechanism used by utility companies to allow it to recover losses or give back gains from the fluctuating movements of the peso against other currencies. Due to a weaker peso, Maynilad’s FCDA charge will be adjusted from -P0.40 per cubic meter in the previous quarter to -P0.10 per cubic meter.

Maynilad pays foreign-dominated Concession Fees to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), as well as loans to fund projects that will expand and modernize water and sewerage services for its more than 900,000 households, commercial and industrial consumers.

The company is implementing a systematic and well-funded program to recover lost water and bring it to the underserved or unserved sectors in the West service area. Maynilad has also focused its attention on complementing its programs for sewerage and sanitation to accelerate provision of related services.

This rate will be effective from October to December 2008.

Advisory courtesy of:

Ahriman's Prophecy

2008-09-22T16:57:00.004+08:00

Warning: This is very addictive! Beware! Haha! ☺

I love this game!My first try in playing RPG games. And I love it! Nakaka-adik nga, truly! I like the story, yung mga twists, the soundtract (still ringing in my ears, hehe), the characters, and everything in it! And it's free to donwload! Grabe, galeng, galeng talaga! Dalawang beses ko nang inulit from the start tong game na to. And most probably, uulit-ulitin in the near future. Sarap pantanggal ng stresses.. Haha!

All praises!

Download this game HERE.

Great Book Fair Finds at OMF Lit

2008-09-04T07:50:00.004+08:00

The thing about a good book is that you never want to keep it to yourself.

You're in a bookstore, scanning titles, browsing first pages. Then one
book piques your interest. Before you know it you're taking home your own
copy, or sitting on the aisle to finish the last chapter.

That's the kind of book you just can't wait to tell your friends
about--and they tell their friends, and their friends tell more friends, and
so on.

When you know the perfect place to find a good book,
you can't keep it to yourself, either.

So share the news: the biggest book event in the country is just
around the corner! Bring your friends along to the---

29th Manila International Book Fair
September 12-16, 10am-8pm
SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex

Tell your friends about the Book Fair and get a new book--FREE!

Enter to win a FREE hot-off-the-press book from OMF Literature! Just
post this image in your blog, Multiply, or Facebook with a link to
www.OMFLit.com and send the webpage link to Promo@OMFLit.com. We'll randomly
select 5 winners who will each get to pick one newly released book of their
choice.

Manga-mazing!
Isn't manga amazing? Tell us three reasons why you like manga! The
first 30 to email Promo@OMFLit.com get 30% off on Tomo graphic novels at the
Book Fair! Click here for details.

Tune in to Jam 88.3 on Thursday (September 4), 7-9pm. DJ Lana is
featuring the Tomo graphic novels on her show, Shelve It. Plus, she's giving
away five copies of Tomo Volume 1!

Listen to 98.7 DZFE and catch Ardy Roberto and Grace D. Chong read
excerpts from their latest books, The Heart of Healing and Gifts of Grace
Book 3.

Want free tickets and other freebies at the Book Fair?
Download and print this flyer to get free entrance plus a free book
upon purchase!

Just a reminder: we'll honor one flyer per person per day only.
Hurry! Limited number of free books per day!

Visit the OMF Literature Bookshop!

Metro Manila
776 Boni Avenue corner Pinatubo Street
Mandaluyong City
(02) 531.6635 | 531.0141
Inquire@OMFLit.com

Metro Cebu
Units 111-112 Marijoy Bldg.
F. Ramos Street
(032) 412.5543 | 253.1525
OMFLitCebu@OMFLit.com

Metro Davao
G/F Mitaji Bldg.
Tionko corner Mapa Streets
(082) 221.3416
OMFLitDavao@OMFLit.com

Shop online at OMFLit.com!

interview anxiety

2008-08-08T09:26:00.002+08:00

it's my interview with the VP for CHCOD today at 1:30 pm.. i am having anxiety attacks right now, haha! hope i will be confident enough.. confident is not a very familiar word to me.. i feel so cold already, and am shaking.. (must be the aircon, haha).. i just hope i wouldn't ruin it.. and hope that i would be shortlisted.. and accepted eventually, hehe.. derf has been telling me since yesterday that i can do this.. *sighs* can i forward the time to tomorrow, or tonight, so i wouldn't have to go through this whole ordeal anymore? haha! escapist perspective.. this is my first time to be really interviewed, my first time to be interviewed actually for a job position.. haha! that's why i'm so anxious.. i have no background or anything to compare with at all.. first time.. i hate these butterflies.. haha! i use to love butterflies.. but i want seeing them, not lurking around and over my stomach and heart.. haha! am i prepared enough? i have been researching for various interview questions.. and i practiced answering just this morning in front of my small mirror.. haha! but it's really different when it's actual.. of course, it should be different.. because i would not be talking to myself anymore, and not talking to a mirror, but a person (with high standard and integrity), an executive more accurately.. i also have to practice sitting straight and talking loud enough.. and i put a little make-up on my face which i've been practicing since i found out i am scheduled for an interview, and which got me a few pimples on my face (although i am not sure if this is make-up related, hehe).. i have another dilemma.. i have a skirt here to go with my long sleeves and blazer.. but i'm not sure if the skirt if formal enough for an interview.. although it looks like one to me.. hehe.. i just hope it will look like formal also to the one who will interview me.. grr, i really feel cold.. and i'm wearing a blazer already, and i have stockings, and i'm still on my slacks.. i'll just change into my skirt later.. 3 more hours and 30 minutes..

The Job and the Interview

2008-07-29T12:45:00.003+08:00

Preparing for my job interview, scheduled tomorrow, 9:00 AM...

The Attire: Old Rose/ Pink Long sleeves, Blazer, Slacks, Closed Shoes
The Look: Corporate (with make-up and all)

I should have bought the business suit "set" I saw at Trinoma Cinderella the last time we were there. It was just that I am not sure whether I will be scheduled for an interview so I had doubts buying the item. Now, I don't know how will I be able to buy the whole set, don't have enough money to buy it. Or maybe, I'll just buy the long sleeves. Anyway, I have my reliable blazer with me. And the slacks, I have a number of slacks to choose from anyway. Fair enough. It's a good thing though that I bought that closed shoes we saw at Landmark.

The only thing I have to trouble myself with right now is my soft speaking voice, and my low self-confidence. I have to appear relaxed and calm (even if my stomach is tumbling upside down or my heart is banging its loudest). I have to answer the questions fluently and articulately. I should sleep early tonight. I hope I can sleep. Normally, on one of these situations, I have a trouble sleeping because of all or any of these: tension, anxiety, fear, nervousness, excitement, etc.

I have to learn the basics of make-up tonight(!!!) since I normally don't apply make-up when I go to office. And I don't have a make-up kit (!!!), I don't even have blush-on which I think is the basic thing. Now, I have to really dig into Trinoma to look for even the basic make-up kit.

I am having anxieties already, even now. This is not good. I know. I have to constantly remind myself that I am not alone in this endeavor. That He who brought me here will continue to work and be with me, always. That I can bring glory to His name even in this simple job interview.

My battlecry!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:6-9

amazing

2008-07-28T08:53:00.003+08:00

When my sister in Bicol, who's in fourth year right now taking up computer programming texted me last Friday that she badly needs a personal computer for her thesis and stuffs (and the fact that she's taking up computer programming), I couldn't help but say how absurd she is to ask for me that thing when I cannot even save for my wedding.. But lo and behold! I was amazed once again of the wonderful grace that is of God's alone. Amidst all the hustles of looking for a very cheap second-hand PC in all the places I could think of, and places referred to me, God provided, and I didn't even realize it. Thanks to a very willing donor who so generously offered her PC for the price I can afford. Ate Anj. Thanks!

My Wedding Blog

2008-07-25T10:25:00.002+08:00

I created a wedding blog where I will be placing various announcements (regarding my wedding, of course) and where I will be sharing a lot of things that I am learning and relearning, things that are keeping my mind busy and things that I am feeling during all the hustles and bustles of this wedding preps.

Click HERE to visit the site, leave a comment/ message, and run over my links.

Thank you!

fear and anxiety

2008-07-23T17:17:00.002+08:00

I am BS leader tomorrow. Topic is fear and anxiety. I am not so confident even in the very act of leading, more so with a topic that I myself am having trouble conquering. I am a worrier, forever anxious and always afraid with a lot of things (even very small things). *sighs* And leading? Even this is getting me anxious... I just hope everything turns out fine. This is not about me anyway. Ok, a little of me. And a bunch of God's. Hehe...

DIY Wedding Make-up

2008-07-22T16:18:00.003+08:00

For a bride, creating a makeup look is a challenge. You want to look beautiful all day and you need to be photogenic for pictures that will last a lifetime, but you still require a look that is "touchably" soft so you don't scare your groom!

Bridal makeup artist Sally Van Swearingen says it's possible to achieve all that, even if you do your own makeup for your special day. Sally has put together Studio Essentials for the Bride, a kit that contains must-have makeup and an instruction booklet. However, you can use your own makeup if you prefer.

Here, she offers tips on achieving your own perfect wedding-day makeup:

Before you begin, apply antishine liquid powder to chin, nose and forehead, and moisturizer to the rest of your face. Van Swearingen offers Matte Maker in her Studio Essentials line.

Brides in their 20s and 30s should go for a natural, glowing look using sheer color.

Brides over 40 need a more neutral look using monochromatic shades.

The key to creating a flawless look that lasts all day is in the way you apply concealer, highlighter and foundation. "I recommend you get cream-based concealers in two shades (see color tips below for individual skin tones), and then use only the barest amount of foundation," says Van Swearingen.

Use concealer under the eyes and on reddened or darkened areas to even skin tone. Use the highlighter around the eye area, at the brow line and around lips, the sides of the nose and in the cleft of the chin. Gently stroke it on with a makeup brush specially designed for concealers and highlighters (an acrylic artist's brush works great). Then blend with a sponge. You'll notice how your face begins to brighten. Now you will need less foundation.

Use a sheer foundation that matches your skin tone, but use a very small amount, as heavy foundation will accentuate imperfect skin. Use a cream or stick foundation for normal or dry skin and matte liquid for oily skin. A good makeup artist's rule is to apply about five drops of foundation to your face -- one on each cheek, the point of the nose, the middle of the forehead and the chin -- then put the container away and blend what is on the face.

Experiment with lashes to open the eye and add drama. A great way to get that "A-list" star look is to use a strip of faux lashes or individual lashes. This is something you want to spend time practicing before your wedding day. To get the most natural look, pick lashes with an invisible band and trim them to the length of your eye. "Many professional makeup artists prefer individual lashes," says Van Swearingen, "as they look the most natural. However, lash strips are easier to apply when you are designing your own makeup." When applying individual eyelashes, pull them in at the outer corners to "lift" the eye rather than applying directly to the lash line. Always use black glue.

For a youthful glow (if you're under 40), you may want to try the new creamy luminescent shadows, blushes and highlight sticks. I use two shades that work on any skin tone: mauve and golden bronze. The lighter mauve color is used to highlight the top of the cheekbone and brow bone, and as a light eye shadow base. The bronze color has many uses, from contouring the cheekbone and jaw line to bronzing the décolleté and adding depth to the eyelids. Don't forget to apply a "gleaming" blush to the apples of the cheeks.

If your skin tone is yellow based:

Don't use a pink- or white-based makeup. Use a concealer and highlighter with a warmer, amber base. "Asian brides glow when they use neutral and warm tones," says Van Swearingen. "Latina brides look beautiful in rich, bold colors, but they must be applied sparingly and blended well."

A light dusting of a warm-based powder will set the look and balance the complexion. (It's a good idea to assign powdering duty to one of your bridesmaids for reapplication throughout the day.)

To keep lips kissable yet camera ready for hours, first start with a light application of lip sealant. Take the brush out of the bottle and dab a little on the back of the hand. From there, dip your finger into the sealant and stipple onto your lips. Apply sparingly to keep your lip color from cracking. Next, dab on a little bit of highlighter or concealer, blending well. Finally, apply lip liner pencil to the entire lip.

As for lip color, don't choose a bright color that will detract from your eyes. Use rich, deep shades, like mauve browns, burgundies or classic reds.

Get brows professionally shaped about a week before your wedding, and check for strays two days before. "You don't want to pluck brows the morning of your wedding," says Van Swearingen. "You could create redness or irritation."

For an elegant look, further define your brows by shading in at the top of the brow, using a very narrow brush with a slanted cut and matching brow powder. If you have sparse brows, you may want to darken them a shade or two by having them tinted at a local salon a few days before your wedding.

To apply eye shadow, use three colors -- light, medium and deep. The light shade goes on the lid from lash to brow line. The medium shadow goes in the crease or just above the crease. And the deep shade goes on the outside corner of the eye and can be used as an eyeliner. Tip: Never line around the entire eye unless you have huge eyes. Lined eyes will look smaller.

Apply two coats of waterproof mascara. For a beautiful, elegant look, use more mascara near the base of the lashes and less at the tips. Hint: Deep navy mascara brightens the whites of the eyes.

To prevent shine, apply an antishine liquid powder to your nose, chin and forehead. (You may want to use a little on the groom too, for the pictures.)

If you're over 40, always use gloss layered on top of any lip color, which gives a youthful look. Avoid matte lipstick because it can be aging.

Don't forget your best beauty feature on your wedding day... SMILE!

For more information, check out studio-essentials.com, where Sally offers a video called "Multi-Beauty Techniques" that will teach you how to apply makeup to African-American, Asian, over- 40, Caucasian and teenage skin.

Excerpt from http://weddings.ivillage.com/bridalbeauty/makeup/0,,rgtn,00.html

Elements of a Filipiñana Wedding

2008-07-18T16:07:00.002+08:00

For the wedding gown, wear a modernized Maria Clara complete with panuelo.

The groom, the male entourage and wedding guests should wear a barong tagalog.

The wedding invitation should be in Filipino/Tagalog.

Choose a turn-of-the-century venues for the ceremony and reception. Intramuros comes to mind.

Instead of a bridal car, hire a horse-drawn carruaje or kalesa.

Have the Nuptial Mass in Filipino. Say your vows in the vernacular.

Use Sampaguita (our National flower) and other local blooms for the bouquet, confetti and decors.

Hold an heirloom rosary with your bouquet as you march to honor your Catholic heritage.

Let the choir sing Tagalog Liturgy songs for the ceremony
and OPM lovesongs for the communion, piacture-taking and recessional.

Upon exit at the church or during Grand Entrance at the reception, have the bestman exclaim: “MABUHAY ANG BAGONG KASAL!!!“

Create a Barrio Fiesta atmosphere in the reception.

Serve an all-Filipino buffet with a lecheon (roast pig) as a central part of the handaan.

For December weddings, have a puto bungbong and bibingka stall
to get the guests into the Christmas mood.

Dress up the ceiling of the reception hall with banderitas instead of drapes.

Instead of flowers, use tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, rambutan, atis, etc. ) as table centerpieces.

Hire a rondalla instead of a string quartet.

Play the guitar and serenade the bride with a harana.

Do the money dance. It’s a Filipino tradition!

Never miss the details.
Have a cake topper with the groom in a traditional barong than the usual tuxedo.

Instead of champagne, propose a toast with lambanog.

Gather the single ladies and play agawang-panyo or hang several blooms on a pabitin instead of doing the traditional bouquet toss.

Gather the single men to play pukpok-palayok instead of the garter toss.

Our native delicacies and local handicrafts are perfect as wedding favors.

Source: www.weddingsatwork.com

Genesis 2:21-24

2008-07-18T15:15:00.000+08:00

So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Ngayon at Kailanman

2008-07-18T15:12:00.001+08:00

Ngayon at kailanman
Sumpa ko'y iibigin ka
Ngayon at kailanman
Hindi ka na mag-iisa
Ngayon at kailanman
Sa hirap ko ginhawa ka
Asahan may kasama ka sinta
Naroroon ako t'wina
Maaasahan mo t'wina
Ngayon at kailanman

Dahil kaya sa 'yo ng maitadhanang
Ako'y isilang sa mundo
Upang sa araw-araw ay siyang makapiling mo
Upang ngayon at kailanman
Ikaw ay mapalingkuran hirang
Bakit labis kitang mahal
Pangalawa sa Maykapal
Higit sa 'king buhay

REFRAIN:
Sa bawat araw ang pag-ibig ko sa 'yo liyag
Lalong tumatamis, tumitingkad
Bawat kahapon ay daig nitong bawat ngayon
Na daig ng bawat bukas

Malilimot ka lang
Kapag ang araw at bituin ay di na matanaw
Kapag tumigil ang daigdig at di 'na gumalaw
Subalit isang araw pa matapos ang mundo'y nagunaw na
Hanggang doon magwawakas pag-ibig kong sadyang wagas
Ngayon at kailanman

REFRAIN:
Sa bawat araw ang pag-ibig ko sa 'yo liyag
Lalong tumatamis, tumitingkad
Bawat kahapon ay daig nitong bawat ngayon
Na daig ng bawat bukas

Labis kitang mahal (ngayon at kailanman)
Langit may kasama ka (ngayon at kailanman)
Ngayon at kailanman

Sung by: Basil Valdez

I am a Technician?!

2008-06-23T13:14:00.001+08:00

I am getting bored, again.. Look what I stumbled into?! Haha!

Career Inventory Test Results

Extroversion	\|\|\|	10%
Emotional Stability	\|\|\|	10%
Orderliness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	23%
Altruism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	56%
Inquisitiveness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%

You are a Technician, possible professions include - surveyor , fire fighter , private investigator, pilot, police officer, purchasing agent, chiropractor, medical technician, securities analyst, computer repair person, race car driver, computer programmer, electrical engineer, legal secretary, coach/trainer, commercial artist, carpenter, paralegal, dental assistant, radiological technician, marine biologist, software developer.

Take Free Career Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

I wouldn't mind being a private investigator, computer programmer, and/or software developer either! I would love to be one! Hehe.

i don't feel well today...

2008-05-05T16:13:00.004+08:00

I think I have sinusitis. I have "colds" for two to three weeks now. Decolgen, Neozep, Ascorbic Acid and (really) lots of water just won't work. How do I get rid of this???
*break*

I need a part-time job. I don't know where I can get one. The ones on-line seem to be not working (a scam! ^_~).
*break*

Really liked the Great Taste Caffe Chocolat Iced Coffee! Tasted very good! (Although, I'm not allowed to drink coffee, haha).
*break*

I can't seem to get my mind on something more "important" to write. I have a very bad case of head ache and "coldness" right now. I want to go home and rest.
*break*

Back to sinusitis:

Sinusitis*

You're coughing and sneezing and tired and achy. You think that you might be getting a cold. Later, when the medicines you've been taking to relieve the symptoms of the common cold are not working and you've now got a terrible headache, you finally drag yourself to the doctor. After listening to your history of symptoms, examining your face and forehead, and perhaps doing a sinus X-ray, the doctor says you have sinusitis.

Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, but this gives little indication of the misery and pain this condition can cause. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States. Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms.

Sinuses are hollow air spaces, of which there are many in the human body. When people say, "I'm having a sinus attack," they usually are referring to symptoms in one or more of four pairs of cavities, or spaces, known as paranasal sinuses. These cavities, located within the skull or bones of the head surrounding the nose, include the frontal sinuses over the eyes in the brow area; the maxillary sinuses inside each cheekbone; the ethmoids just behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes; and behind them, the sphenoids in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes.

Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus, and each is joined with the nasal passages by a continuous mucous membrane lining. Therefore, anything that causes a swelling in the nose -- an infection or an allergic reaction -- also can affect the sinuses. Air trapped within an obstructed sinus, along with pus or other secretions, may cause pressure on the sinus wall. The result is the sometimes intense pain of a sinus attack. Similarly, when air is prevented from entering a paranasal sinus by a swollen membrane at the opening, a vacuum can be created that also causes pain.

Symptoms

Sinusitis has its own localized pain signals, depending upon the particular sinus affected. Headache upon awakening in the morning is characteristic of sinus involvement. Pain when the forehead over the frontal sinuses is touched may indicate inflammation of the frontal sinuses. Infection in the maxillary sinuses can cause the upper jaw and teeth to ache and the cheeks to become tender to the touch. Since the ethmoid sinuses are near the tear ducts in the corner of the eyes, inflammation of these cavities often causes swelling of the eyelids and tissues around the eyes, and pain between the eyes. Ethmoid inflammation also can cause tenderness when the sides of the nose are touched, a loss of smell, and a stuffy nose. Although the sphenoid sinuses are less frequently affected, infection in this area can cause earaches, neck pain, and deep aching at the top of the head.

However, most patients with sinusitis have pain or tenderness in several locations, and symptoms usually do not clearly define which sinuses are inflamed.

Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sphenoids (or other sinuses) down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat and can irritate the membranes lining the larynx (upper windpipe). On rare occasions, acute sinusitis can result in brain infection and serious complications.

Causes

Most cases of acute sinusitis are preceded by virus-induced "colds." These viral "colds" do not cause symptoms of sinusitis, but they do cause inflammation of the sinuses. Both the "cold" and the sinus inflammation usually resolve without treatment in two weeks. However, the inflammation might explain why colds increase the likelihood of developing acute sinusitis. For example, the nose reacts to an invasion by viruses that cause infections such as the common cold, flu, or measles by producing mucus and sending white blood cells to the lining of the nose, which congest and swell the nasal passages. When this swelling involves the adjacent mucous membranes of the sinuses, air and mucus are trapped behind the narrowed openings of the sinuses. If the sinus openings become too narrow to permit drainage of the mucus, then bacteria, which normally are present in the respiratory tract, begin to multiply. Most healthy people harbor bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, in their upper respiratory tracts with no ill effects until the body's defenses are weakened or drainage from the sinuses is blocked by a cold or other viral infection. The bacteria that may have been living harmlessly in the nose or throat can multiply and cause an acute sinus infection.

Sometimes, fungal infections can cause acute sinusitis. Although these organisms are abundant in the environment, they usually are harmless to healthy people, indicating that the human body has a natural resistance to them. Fungi, such as Aspergillus, can cause serious illness in people whose immune systems are not functioning properly. Some people with fungal sinusitis have an allergic-type reaction to the fungi.

Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages (rhinitis) also can lead to sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever (discussed below) may be complicated by episodes of acute sinusitis. Patients with allergic rhinitis also often have chronic sinusitis. Vasomotor rhinitis, caused by humidity, cold air, alcohol, perfumes, and other environmental conditions, also may be complicated by sinus infections.

Acute sinusitis is much more common in certain patients than in the general population. For example, sinusitis occurs more often in patients with reduced immune function (such as patients with immune deficiencies and HIV infection) and with abnormality of mucus secretion or mucus movement (such as cystic fibrosis and diseases of abnormal cilia (Kartagener's syndrome)).

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that continues for at least 3 weeks, but often continues for months or even years.

As noted above, allergies are frequently associated with chronic sinusitis. Patients with asthma have a particularly high frequency of chronic sinusitis. Inhalation of airborne allergens (substances that provoke an allergic reaction), such as dust, mold, and pollen, often set off allergic reactions (allergic rhinitis) that, in turn, may contribute to sinusitis. People who are allergic to fungi can develop a condition called "allergic fungal sinusitis."

Damp weather, especially in northern temperate climates, or pollutants in the air and in buildings also can affect people subject to chronic sinusitis.

Like acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis is more common in patients with immune deficiency or abnormalities of mucus secretion or movement (e.g., immune deficiency, HIV infection, cystic fibrosis, Kartagener's syndrome). In addition, some patients have severe asthma, nasal polyps, and severe asthmatic responses to aspirin and aspirin-like medications (so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs). These latter patients have a high frequency of chronic sinusitis.

Diagnosis

Although a stuffy nose can occur in other conditions, like the common cold, many people confuse simple nasal congestion with sinusitis. A cold, however, usually lasts about 7 to 14 days and disappears without treatment. Acute sinusitis often lasts longer and typically causes more symptoms than just a cold. A doctor can diagnose sinusitis by medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and if necessary, MRIs or CT scans (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography).

Treatment

After diagnosing sinusitis and identifying a possible cause, a doctor can prescribe a course of treatment that will reduce the inflammation and relieve the symptoms.

Acute sinusitis is treated by re-establishing drainage of the nasal passages, controlling or eliminating the source of the inflammation, and relieving the pain. Doctors generally recommend decongestants to reduce the congestion, antibiotics to control a bacterial infection, if present, and pain relievers to reduce the pain.

Over-the-counter and prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays, however, should not be used for more than a few days. When used for longer periods, these drugs can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages.

Most patients with sinusitis that is caused by bacteria can be treated successfully with antibiotics used along with a nasal or oral decongestant. An antibiotic that fights the bacteria most commonly associated with sinusitis is the initial treatment recommended.

Many cases of acute sinusitis resolve without antibiotics. However, patients with underlying allergic disease, and infectious sinusitis, need to be treated to relieve their allergy symptoms. Patients with asthma and infectious sinusitis often have exacerbations of asthma which need to be treated. Many physicians feel that some patients with severe asthma have dramatic symptom improvement when their chronic sinusitis is treated with antibiotics.

Doctors often prescribe steroid nasal sprays, along with other treatments, to reduce the congestion, swelling, and inflammation of sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis is often difficult to treat successfully, as symptoms persist even after prolonged courses of antibiotics. In general, the treatment of chronic sinusitis, such as with antibiotics and decongestants, is similar to treatment of acute sinusitis. However, the role of bacterial infections, and hence the usefulness of antibiotics in treating chronic sinusitis, is debated. Steroid nasal sprays are commonly used to reduce inflammation in chronic sinusitis. Although these nasal sprays are occasionally used for long-term treatment for patients with chronic sinusitis, the long-term safety of these medications, especially in children, is not fully understood, and the benefits and risks need to be balanced. For patients with severe chronic sinusitis, a doctor may prescribe oral steroids, such as prednisone. Because oral steroids can have significant side effects, they are prescribed only when other medications have not been effective.

Although sinus infection cannot be cured by home remedies, people can use them to lessen their discomfort. Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or a hot cup of water can soothe inflamed sinus cavities. Another treatment is saline nasal spray, which can be purchased in a pharmacy. A hot water bottle; hot, wet compresses; or an electric heating pad applied over the inflamed area also can be comforting.

When medical treatment fails, surgery may be the only alternative for treating chronic sinusitis. Studies suggest that the vast majority of patients who undergo surgery have fewer symptoms and better quality of life. In children, problems often are eliminated by removal of adenoids obstructing nasal-sinus passages. Adults who have had allergic and infectious conditions over the years sometimes develop nasal polyps that interfere with proper drainage. Removal of these polyps and/or repair of a deviated septum to ensure an open airway often provides considerable relief from sinus symptoms. The most common surgery done today is functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in which the natural openings from the sinuses are enlarged to allow drainage. This type of surgery is less invasive than conventional sinus surgery and serious complications are rare.

Prevention

Although people cannot prevent all sinus disorders -- any more than they can avoid all colds or bacterial infections -- they can take certain measures to reduce the number and severity of the attacks and possibly prevent sinusitis from becoming chronic.

Many people with sinusitis find partial relief from their symptoms when humidifiers are installed in their homes, particularly if room air is heated by a dry forced-air system. Air conditioners help to provide an even temperature, and electrostatic filters attached to heating and air conditioning equipment are helpful in removing allergens from the air.

A person susceptible to sinus disorders, particularly one who also is allergic, should avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. Inflammation in the nose caused by allergies predisposes a patient to a strong reaction to all irritants. Drinking alcohol also causes the nasal-sinus membranes to swell.

Sinusitis-prone persons may be uncomfortable in swimming pools treated with chlorine, since it irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses. Divers often experience congestion with resulting infection when water is forced into the sinuses from the nasal passages.

Air travel, too, poses a problem for the individual suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis. A bubble of air trapped within the body expands as air pressure in a plane is reduced. This expansion causes pressure on surrounding tissues and can result in a blockage of the sinuses or the eustachian tubes in the ears. The result may be discomfort in the sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. Doctors recommend using decongestant nose drops or inhalers before the flight to avoid this difficulty.

People who suspect that their sinus inflammation may be related to dust, mold, pollen, or food -- or any of the hundreds of allergens that can trigger a respiratory reaction -- should consult a doctor. Various tests can determine the cause of the allergy and also help the doctor recommend steps to reduce or limit allergy symptoms.

*Source: US National Institute of Health. Sinusitis. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/sinusitis-allergies May 5, 2008, pp. 1-5.

a surprise visit

2008-03-31T13:57:00.002+08:00

Derf and I spent 13 hours in a bus last Wednesday. The bus took on a night trip to Sorsogon. We arrived exhausted (from lack of sleep and uncomfortable position, imagine sitting all 13 hours in the bus with only ONE stop-over in Lucena, Quezon the night before!) Our main goal is to visit my lolo who is in the hospital for the past two weeks and who no longer desires to eat food, has been sick since he had an apendicitis surgery and is now having kidney trouble and high blood pressure. That's why I decided to go home. Because I feared I will no longer be able to see him in his warm body. And because I wanted to share to him how he will be able to have eternal life.

We didn't even have a time to sleep. Right after we set foot on Sorsogon City, we went immediately to Sorsogon Provincial Hospital where he was confined. We stayed there (all of us suffering from seemingly hot and humid weather, Me, Derf, my mother, my lola and my lolo who was asleep the whole time; the only time he opened his eyes was later that afternoon, he recognized me and Derf, and I saw a tear fell). At 3:00 PM, we rode a jeepney to a 2-hour trip to my hometown, Irosin. Only to return to the hospital at 8:00 PM. We spent all night fanning my lolo because we didn't bring any electric fan with us and the electric fans we saw at Robertson's were really expensive!

The next day, March 28, 2008, we planned to go back to Irosin so Derf could visit my lolo and lola's farm where my aunt and uncle are currently piling up "ripe" coconuts for copra and so we can have a sip of fresh buko for free and as much as we want to. With all the concerns I had since the time we arrived, I even forgot this is our Monthsary! How dare me forget this day. **sighs** Anyway, after we had our breakfast (at Jollibee, hehe), we went to LCC to purchase grocery for my siblings in Irosin who are left alone because my mother is in the hospital. Thanks to my sister Vanessa, everything is going fine at our house. Eventually, we arrived at Irosin at 11:00 AM, which is already very late for a trip to salog (as we fondly call my lolo and lola's farm and is Bikol word for "river" because their farm are very near the river) that we just have to cancel that and spend the rest of the remaining hours with my siblings. At 2:30 PM we shall be going back to Manila. And so we did.

This is by far the shortest time I had in Sorsogon. I usually stay there for at least one week before I go back t Manila. But, we also have things to do in Manila that's why we can't afford to stay more than we planned to stay (even if we really wanted to, just so we can have a break from the polluted city and the stresses of work).

On the bus going to Manila, we were able to capture a few scenes we sure will miss in Sorsogon, and something which will bound us to go back over and over again. **I'll post the pics next time, I can't upload image right now.**

the stormy weather

2008-03-18T10:14:00.008+08:00

I am uber stressed these days. For some unknown reasons I tend to change my mood at the blink of an eye. This is not PMS (or is it). Or was it because I seem to have a lot of problems these days, and mostly, family problems. Sometimes, I do have this feeling that everytime my mother or any relative would text me, it be another cause to worry. And indeed, my guess has not failed me since. It started last year, and until now, we are still under recovery and is still striving to recover from the various "storms" (both literally and figuratively) that hit us. First, my sister was ill and have to undergo an operation, and then my brother's arms were fractured, and then my two sisters having a baby and getting married, another brother's arms fractured, my getting sick, my grandfather being rushed to the hospital, and the financial, emotional, physical crisis that went with it.

There were just so many things to think. I haven't have a peaceful sleep since last week. And if this continues, I might need the help of a sleeping pill so I could at least sleep (and not wake up every hour after I drowse off to dreamland and dream of endlessness).

Yeah, I know there's God. The source of all peace and wisdom and provisions. I know. I might have to tell myself that truth every second, every breath to continuously remind my worrying nature and my quitter brain that there is someone bigger than all these. Even though sometimes I have to hammer this promise to my head in order to really sink in. Even though it's harder to wait for the rainbow to arch its way into this stormy weather.

What an opportuned time to reflect on God's goodness demonstrated on the cross!

[1]"When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with you above the storm.
Father You are King over the flood,
I will be still, know You are GOD."

Please help me be still and know that You are in control Lord.

[2]Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Sources:

[1] www.lyricsdownload.com

[2] www.biblegateway.com

two weddings and a baby!

2008-03-12T10:50:00.005+08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Nuñez

My fourth sister, Novie, and her husband Erwin in their wedding last March 8, 2008!

Arnel and Jenny

My third sister, Jenny, and her husband Arnel in their wedding last December 26, 2007 (not the date indicated on the picture, hehe)!

First Apo!

And....
Introducing...
For the first time ever...

My sister Jenny's very beautiful baby (yet to be named)...
Born on March 7, 2008, 10:00 PM...
My parents' first apo...
And my grandparents first apo sa tuhod!...
Lovely! Lovely!

my time...

2008-03-07T12:47:00.006+08:00

Courtesy of Janna's fairytale...

WHO'S IT GONNA BE: My American Idol 12

2008-03-07T08:56:00.005+08:00

Well, well... Tonight's the night... I'm equally excited to learn who's gonna be in the top 12!... But before anything else, I would like to share my very own (subjected and biased) top 12... Hehehe

BOYS:

David Archuleta: he has been very consistent with his performances...
Jason Castro: though he had "bad" times, he's very talented, he deserves this spot...
David Cook: also one of the very consistent performers...and very good...
David Hernandez: only started to notice him later in the competition, but he have to make it this far, he's very good...
Michael Johns: i think he already has made a couple of followers already with his unique personality/style...
Chikezie: i think it will be a tough choice between Chikezie and Danny Noriega...although, it COULD be Chi's win...*sighs* i don't know...i'm just guessing anyway...

GIRLS:

Carly Smithson: she's definitely gonna be in!
Brooke White: her signature sweet and innocent performances can make her through...very consistent also...
Kristy Lee Cook: she's just starting to make her personality shine but she's got a lot more to show...
Ramiel Malubay: she'd had "average" performances lately compared to her "very high notes and big vocals" before, but she'll be in and will prove to be something more...
Amanda Overmyers: she's also very consistent in all her performances...and she's Simon's choice for last night...she have to be in the top 12!...
Asia'h Epperson: i'm having a tough decision between Asiah and Syesha though...i'm not so sure with this, but i like Asia'h more than Syesha...

I so regret having to miss Kady Malloy...But i think if ever she wont be able to make it to the top 12, she'll have a lot of chance to make it big some time later...She could be the next Broadway star...Her "so theatrical" performances has been very evident...But her performances for the last week has rather been weak...

That's it folks! Let's see if my "bets" will make it to tonight's announcement of the top 12... Or if there be more surprises! *winks*

on marriage

2008-03-06T13:05:00.003+08:00

another sister will get married this saturday...sometimes, i admire them for their courage to do that...hindi ko din naman sila masisisi, alam ko naman din na there is a higher factor in their decision to get married, that is, to be able to somehow, make something for their babies...well, they have something more than getting married...
they say marriage is one of the biggest event in someone's life...that's why it's so important...but nowadays, when the age of people getting married is getting younger and younger (my two sisters were 18 and 19), i wonder if this very hifalutin view of marriage change a bit...

did it lose its wonders...did it diminished in importance...

we all know about the first marriage literally made in heaven...that of adam and eve...on the garden of eden...now, that's something...surreal...classic...

i believe the concept of marriage somehow did decreased in quality, in state, and people's viewpoint...

i believe that what used to be very sacred and superb then is becoming very practical and very ordinary nowadays...the overwhelming number of people getting involved in premarital sex and especially those who get pregnant at an early age (teens, that is) seem to indirectly states the current trend when it comes to this thing called marriage...although, there are those who say that people are becoming more mature these days (that say they want to get married at a later age, 25 and up), i think this is just a minority compared to those get married (either willingly or because of circumstances) at an early age...

why am i bothering these things anyway...maybe because i'm still pondering upon the thoughts two of my younger sisters are already married (two this coming saturday)...and because i just feel like talking about it...and because our topic last teaching session at dcbc was about marriage, divorce and remarriage...some biblical perspectives on these three...

someday soon, i too could well be getting married also...might as well, think about these now, than later on...
but i do hope that my sisters' marriage will be successful...my parents' are...i think...well, they're still together now...i'm one of those gifted people who were raised in a complete family...although, my father have to work far from us so he could sustain his growing family...i still think we were a happy, complete family...of course there are several things that was taken for granted, because we are a biiggg family...so not all of us one way or the other were satisfied on how it was done...but that's another story...i still think that God has been very kind to us by making our family intact amidst several other concerns...

so i cannot really relate to those who came from a broken family...but i've have glimpses of how it is...hard and emotionally heartbreaking and physically tiring and spiritually trying and all sorts of things...though i cannot really sympathize in a way of putting myself in their shoes because i did not experience that...i can always say i sympathize with them but not to that extent though of putting myself in their shoes...it's harder to put yourself in somebody else's shoes: knowing, feeling the same way...

i'm just thinking...i hope my sisters' marriage will be equally successful as my parents...at least successful in a way that they will still be together even after nearly 25 years of marriage...and i also can hope that my own marriage someday will be like that and even more...

tago

2008-03-05T20:19:00.001+08:00

One of the reasons why I wanna quit this job is not because I'm having a hard time keeping up, but because there has been a number of ill feelings regarding this job that I try very hard to hide.

There has been a number things I've expected that has not been met, and until now, whenever I think about it, my ill feeling keeps on coming back. I applied for a support specialist position, and that is where they hired me. Unfortunately, things had not been properly coordinated with the human resources department that I ended up not getting the position I applied for with a much lower position, and eventually, with a lower salary compared to my contemporary. Really, I don't mind starting in a lower position. It's just that, they should have told me in the first place about it. So I wouldn't expect greater than what they told me I would get. I only learned about these things actually when I was actually already working. But I only kept quiet. Because I thought there's nothing else I can do about it. But eventually, I started to speak up and relayed my situation to the authority. But unfortunately again, even after 4 times renewal of contract, and for almost a year now, my position, nor my salary did not change. And I am still holding back these feelings, and trying to keep them on my own. Although I wanted to bad to act something about it because they are being unfair to me, my previous actions did not earn me anything anyway, and so I stopped saying anything, only harboring more ill feelings. From time to time, every pay day that is, when I am reminded of this "injustice" that I felt they have incurred to me, this feeling grows even bigger. And the desire to get out of this place grows stronger also. Although, I don't know if my efforts have not been strong enough or if God is really making me stay in this place. Because until now, I still have nowhere else to go, and so I have to stay here, until I finally find a new place to start things again.

Now that I am seriously considering settling down anytime soon, the more I have this feeling to get out of this place to somewhere far better. Although I don't know yet where that far better is. Because as of this very moment, I don't think I can go on living like this for the rest of this contract.

I just hope that things will really work out for me in my attempts to seek for new and bigger things outside the four corners of this office.

new project

2008-03-05T20:18:00.004+08:00

I have a new project. This'll probably be the biggest project I will ever make thus far. This'll affect not only my entire career, but in my entire life as well. Proposed implementation will be 9 months from now.

"Delight yourself in the Lord,
And He will give you the desires of Your heart."
~Psalm 37:4

The AI Episode

2008-02-27T16:40:00.008+08:00

My American Idol favorites, as of today: (in random order)

Kristy Lee Cook: I love her audition where she sang "Amazing Grace" and how she sold her horse just so she can go to the auditions and her face and eyes are very pretty! :)

Ramielle Malubay: Well, she's Filipino-American. Hehe, go Pinoy!...

Kady Malloy: I so love her Britney impersonation!!! Hahaha! And she even looked like Britney sometimes!

David Archuleta: Very charming and very young at 16, and very talented! Considering he had a vocal chord problem before.

Asia'h Eperson: I don't like her at first, but I kinda' developed a liking to her slang. And I liked her last performance (their first performance, actually).

Jason Castro: I liked his last performance. I like his style of music.

Carly Smithson: Amidst her "strong" facial features, I like her even from the start (her auditions). So do Randy!

I find Amanda Overmyer very insteresting. And she's consistent with her choice of musical genre. Rock on!

I liked Alaina Whitaker's rendition of "More Today than Yesterday". I hope she'll keep the energy in all her remaining performances.

Brooke White has also managed to stick to my mind since her auditions. Maybe it's her very soft and very "pure" image. Let's see if her staying in the "light side" keep her until the choosing of the 12 (even with Simon daring her to go to the "dark side"). Haha!

Hmm.. Who else? **think, think** I think, that's it for now. Let's see in the days to come if there'll be changes (additional and/or erasures)..

Tonight is their second performance night. I'm really excited to see how things will be!

Performance Night
Wednesdays and Thursdays
6 PM at QTV 11
with replays on 8 PM

Elimination Night
Fridays
6PM at QTV 11

Restart

2008-02-26T10:05:00.012+08:00

Start >> Shut Down >> Restart

It is amazing when you realize at times that there are a lot of things in this world that operates in the same way as life does. And how we tend to use jargons of a different field to signify a stage or a part of our life that could very well fit into that category. For example, "low batt" is cellular phones mean low battery; but can also be used to describe a physical state, wala nang lakas or wala nang energy, low batt na! It could be that the person has had too much activities for the entire day already that he/she don't find more energy to continue what he/she is entailed to do. What he/she could do is to re-charge either by eating or sleeping or simply by taking a rest.

I find it easier to relate my life to computer terms lately. Maybe because my current job exposed me to, well, computers. It could be a factor really, being in front of the computer 8 hours a day for 5 days.

I STARTed in my newfound faith very eagerly, very joyful, very positive. I enjoyed every minute of fellowships and wished I could go on attending these gatherings and not mind of other things anymore. I cherished the quiet moments with God; early mornings or late nights. I savoured the new learnings, new knowledge, the new person I am. Everything is just so fresh, so exciting!

But I've had my share of downs. My time in the university kept ticking, and my motivation to finish just kept on going low, low, low. The fellowship trimmed down to just was me and a sister and God. The flames of serving burned-out. Misunderstandngs and torn relationships here and there (both from among the Christian family and outside). My officemates seem to be not to friendly as they appear to be. Many times, I tend to SHUT DOWN just so I could have my time alone, where only me matters, or at least, where only me and God exists.

But the process does not stop in shutting down, in turning off.

The best part of it is we can RESTART our lives and pick up the broken pieces of our self and just start anew. Everytime I had moments of shutting down, I know that one day, among the darkness of the surroundings, a light will shine; where you will be able to start again from where you have fallen.

>>> Windows is starting...

>>> Please wait...

cafe, chocolat and meaning

2008-02-24T22:43:00.009+08:00

I have always been fond of eating chocolates and drinking coffee. But it's only when I'm at this point in my life that I was able to see a deeper sense of meaning on these two. And it's quite funny how people tend to attach more meaning to very simple things (or food, for that) just so it could affect them in a very personal way. I think that's just what I did with coffee and chocolate. It is my way of putting them in my own perspective. It's my way of making them my own. Of course, coffee and chocolate are everywhere, and in many different forms. But when we attach a meaning into it, something that we have attached to it on our own, we tend to believe that it is ours. But actually, there may also be a thousand more people out there who think the same way. Very interesting!

We are in a world where the meanings and symbolisms are rather used frequently, in an attempt to discover a new sense of being. They are an important aspect of human life (or human nature) I guess, and there is indeed something very much we could learn from the symbolic interactionists. Hmm, I guess I have to review my theories one of these days. Have to practice your sociological brain cells every now and then to not loose those very perspective I've tried to understand for 5 or 6 years.

I'm just in a thinking mode I guess. Nothing much to tell, although my brain is wacking me up these days, with all the pressures and everything! I have much to tell really, only, it's much easier to say something that's not bothering you rather than about what's occupying your mind. At least you have a time off from thinking those things. **winks** But of course, it's just a rather small amount of time. Upon clicking the "Publish Post" button, all these philosophizing or sociologizing will disappear because I have more important things to attend to.

senses

2008-02-15T15:10:00.010+08:00

Just want to sit down, relax..

Feel the fresh air..

See the sun rise and set..

Hear the songs of the wind and the trees..

Taste..

Smell..

..the sweetness of life!

unwritten

2007-12-21T09:58:00.003+08:00

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I’m just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you can not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you can not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
But the rest is still unwritten

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten

By: Natasha Bedingfield

Footnote: The rest is still unwritten in my life... There's more to come!

Garlic Chicken

2007-09-04T13:55:00.004+08:00

Chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic and chili paste in this easy stir-fry.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:

1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry

Other:

4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 green onions, finely chopped on the diagonal
a few drops sesame oil
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1/4 teaspoon chili paste
Oil for stir-frying

PREPARATION:

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Place in a bowl, mix in the marinade ingredients and marinate for about 20 - 25 minutes.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the garlic and green onions.

Combine the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sherry and chili paste in a bowl and set aside.

Heat wok and add oil.

When oil is ready, add the marinated chicken.

Stir fry briefly on high heat, then add the garlic and green onion.

Add the remaining ingredients and combine (total cooking time should be about 5 minutes).

Serve hot with rice.

Serves 4.

Source: http://chinesefood.about.com/od/poultryreceo/r/garlicchicken.htm

comfort in solitude

2007-08-24T14:42:00.006+08:00

temperaments have their own share of ups and downs..and right now, i just feel the "need" of being the melancholic me..i want to be alone..meditate on the things that are going on in my life..ponder upon the next steps to take..think hard on how i would be able to really enjoy every day of my life..i think i have been too pressured (stressed, even) of the situations in my family right now..there's just a lot of things going on in the office (thank God it seems to be going smoothly now) and here it is again..my sister had been on and off in the hospital because of stomach aches..now, she's in there again..but this time, they said it has something to do with her kidney..my mother did not elaborate it so i don't know exactly what's going on there..i called her the other night and she was just crying and saying she's having a hard time there..my sister is a special child..she was born premature, 7 months..and even the few weeks after my mother gave birth to her, she has been to different hospitals..she is very much vulnerable to sickness when she was a child and she has asthma..back then, i have no idea what is a special child..she was not able to learn to walk, and when she talks, she is stuttering..even now, she constantly needs attention because she can not do the things most of us can..while i was talking to my mother the other night on the phone, i can hear her heavy breaths and mumbling..it has been almost 2 years since i went back home..the last time i was there was during new year's break of 2005..these are the moments i would want to take the next bus to sorsogon and see for myself what's happening back home..but as far as i want that, i also know that i need to go to work so i will be able to help my parents in taking care of the expenses..i just hope and pray that things will soon be a-ok so i could also quiet my mind which is almost always wondering and wandering about them..the other night also, i told derf i wanter to be alone for a while..but he did not insist on that..instead he stayed by my side and let me cry..but there are still tensions that i need to pour out..more tears i want to let go..and i think, i just think, that i could do that in solitude..only me..and God...

when things...

2007-08-17T14:46:00.003+08:00

I planned this day to be full of things to take care of because I really need to apply for clearance, transcript and get my diploma in the university registrar. But instead of this, I am here, blogging, surfing the net, out of the office and at somebody else's home. What happened was that the offices has been canceled for the rest of the day because of the typhoon Egay.

I thank God that even though I wasn't able to do the things I planned to do, I have time to rest as well.. I've been really stressed the past months and there hasn't been enough time to rest. Although I sleep every night, there's always the thought that tomorrow I will be waking up early again because I have to prepare myself for another workday. So this is really a long weekend for me. Friday to Monday since Monday is a holiday and the Madam President declared no office and no school. I just hope that I can really use this time to refresh and replenish whatever I've overused the past months of my life.

Actually, I'm still thinking how to spend my long weekend in a way that I would really be nourished when Tuesday comes. Hmm... I was hoping ideas would pop-up in my head before it's too late so there's also time for preparation and all (if necessary). I thought of going to Sorsogon but I guess this is not a good time for that, anyway, my mother is supposed to come here hopefully next week for her check-up and medications. So that option has already been dealt with. I'll just wait for my mother here. And go to the province this Christmas? No accurate plans yet, but I know I will be in my hometown this Christmas break, because I wasn't able to go last year.

I've been listening to alternatives right now. Kind of Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, even Bob Marley, U2 and Eraserheads. Derf is sleeping and this is his lullabye, so I guess I have no choice but to play it, and I'm kinda liking it anyways. Perks up my mood. So much for a lullabye. We're here at Ate Flor's. The original plan is to just leave here the laptop and some of out things and then go to the registrar. But (thank God I called first) I was told that classes (and offices) has already been suspended. So we just stayed here. Me doing the one thing I love, blogging and well surfing the net, and him, sleeping. Shhh... And Vangie sipping a cup of coffee.. Very enticing. Maybe later, I'll make myself a cup. Great, so now I can't seem to last the day without a cup of coffee? Tsk, tsk... It's becoming a habit now. But they say coffee is good. On moderation. Is one cup a day still on moderation? I think so, I hope so.

Anyway, it's now time to play SIMS.. Haha!

if i never knew you...

2007-08-16T15:29:00.002+08:00

eyes on me

2007-08-16T15:17:00.000+08:00

"did you ever knew, that I had mine on you..."

Source: www.youtube.com

Amen...

2007-08-14T16:20:00.000+08:00

Draw me close to You

Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You

You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near

Sources:
http://wallpaper.diq.ru/45__Fall_Red_Rose.htm
http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/a/australiahillsongs8787/drawmeclosetoyou492827.html

Dilemma

2007-08-13T13:38:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, we really come to a point in life where God lay down several difficult choices so we will learn not to lean on our own wisdom, not on our own knowledge, but to fully trust Him, and to depend on Him...

I don't know what to think right now... I don't know what I'm feeling... It's just so unclear... Things had been very much blurred to me these days... I know I need to decide on things soon but I'm afraid of what it would do to me so I constantly procrastinate my decisions... And so, until now, I'm still being bothered by these things I need to ponder upon.! I don't know what to do? Still the same question, over and over again...

God, please show me the way...Right now, I can really say, "I am standing on Your grace, and Your grace alone!"

Thank you www.the-infinite.org

Fever

2007-08-10T10:51:00.000+08:00

A rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection.

Synonyms: febricity, febrility, feverishness, pyrexia

I've been very upset and stressed by what is going on in the office lately. I am very much troubled because I felt that these things concern me a lot as well as my performance and much more, my relationship with them. Of course, I really want to be in good terms with everybody, on the contrary, that is not the case.

I felt that everything I do right now is being judged as to whether it is in favor or against someone. The more I wanted to, as much as possible, please them, the more my actions are being used against me. Help! What should I do?

These are the times when I really wanted to escape these harsh realities of life and return to solitude. I have been thinking about these a couple of times now. And I felt that I really should think about it and pray about it really, really well. I don't know if this really is part of my escaping, but I believe my relationship with my co-workers matters a lot with my performance at work, especially when the projects I am handling needs to be constantly discussed with these people. So I am really having a hard time thinking and deciding whether I pursue leaving this or just face them all. Of course, facing them is one thing I am struggling about and my best option (or shall I say, escape) thus far is really to get out of here and go to somewhere else. But where is somewhere else? *temperature rising*

Last Song Syndrome sa Jollibee

2007-07-31T16:46:00.001+08:00

Every time we have our breakfast in Jollibee Philcoa, I never fail to hear this one song in their playlist. I know it is an MYMP song, but I never really knew the lyrics, until now..

SA'YO LAMANG

Sa bawat araw na nilikha
Nagtatanong ba’t di makita
Ang magpupuno ng ligaya
Kapiling tuwing nag-iisa
Sa tuwing lungkot ay magbabanta

Di akalain na ako’y mahalin
Di napansin ng ako’y iyong sagipin
Ng pag-ibig mong tunay
Nawalay ang lumbay
Ngayong kapiling ka sa buhay

[chorus]
Sayo lamang panatag ang loob
Sayo lamang umibig ng lubusan
Panalangin, ito’y panghabang-buhay
Pagkat sa piling mo
Ramdam ng puso ko
Sayo lamang ang buhay ko’y buo

Di akalain na ako’y mahalin
Di napansin ng ako’y iyong sagipin
Ng pag-ibig mong tunay
Nawalay ang lumbay
Ngayong kapiling ka sa buhay

[repeat chorus]

Di ko hinanap
Dumating ang siyang pangarap
Wag ng mawalay pa
Tadhanang kay ganda

[repeat chorus]

Pagkat sa piling mo
Ramdam ng puso ko
Sayo lamang ang buhay ko’y buo

Now I know..
Thanks to this site: http://lyrics.rebelpixel.com/albums/mymp-new-horizon/

Vanity!

2007-07-31T16:33:00.000+08:00

I bet you have also been wondering what your name means?..
I just wanna share mine. *winks* That's the vain part!..

Salve is a Roman greeting. It is an interjection, a playful expression. There exists a subtle difference between "Salve" and "Buon giorno" (Good morning). One cannot say "salve" to a superior or to a senior, as one is confidential with him. "Salve" is the second person of the imperative of the verb "salvere", which means "being well", "being in good health". In the case of more people, one uses the second person of the plural imperative, "salvete". Examples: "Salve Piemonte" (Carducci); "Salve regina, mater misericordiae".

Salve was a common greeting in Latin during the Roman Empire period. "Salve" addresses a person whereas "Salvete" addresses a group. Other common Latin greetings, like "civis", were common responses. Its usage carries on in modern Italian today.

I like this meaning more than the first one, though.. *winks again*

Salve is a medical ointment used to soothe the head or other body surface. A popular eye medicine known as "Phrygian powder" was one of Laodicea's sources of wealth. The medical school at Laodicea was famous for the preparation and use of this eye salve.

A Drawing salve is a salve used to treat boils, ingrown toenails, splinters, etc. It is also known as Black Ointment, or Icthyol Salve. The main ingredients are often ichthammol, phenyl alcohol, or arnica montana, and several familiar herbs such as echinacea or calendula.

I like the second one more because of its healing prowess.. *winks* Kinda make me feel good.. I just wish I would be what my name implies.. Of course, not literally heal sickness, but maybe, I can with my words or actions.. It's a big responsibility!.. That's the challenge!.. *smiles*

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salve

HAIRCUT!

2007-07-28T12:11:00.000+08:00

I cut my hair!..
I really did cut my hair!.
Short!
I can't believe this..
I'm so sorry hair..
If I have to cut you..
I think I'm just out of my mind..
For a moment..
*Sighs*
I'm just having one of those days I guess..
I know not what to do..
So I put all my frustrations on my poor hair..
It's not really a big deal..
Maybe it is..
For me..

Adhikain Daw..

2007-07-22T16:51:00.000+08:00

On that same day, while we were sending notes and discussing about things of the past, we were also discussing political thoughts which started when I broke out the news about President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Monday,.. The following conversations occurred:

M: ... gusto ko na magfriday..hehe

S: gusto ko na magbakasyon.. inggit ako kay derf kasi wala silang pasok sa monday, SONA kasi,. tapos may sembreak pa sila.. huhuhuhuhu.. kainis.. bakit tayo, walang ganyan?..

M: punta tayo congress

S: kelan?..

M: sa sona...syempre

S: hindi nga pwede, kasi may pasok tayo..

M: pwede....bakit hind tayo pwedeng makibahagi...mamamyan din naman tayo ng ating bansang tinubuan...ito ang tahanan ng ating lahi...tayo ay kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan upang maging malakas, maligaya at kapakipakinabang...bilang ganti...ay diringgin ko ang sona ni pangulong arroyo upang malaman ang mga bagong proyekto nang sa gayon ay maging mabuting mamamayan ako sa isip sa salita at sa gawa...

S: maganda sana ang iyong adhikain.. subalit, minsan, lalo na sa mundong ating ginagalawan kung saan ang mga tao ay unti-unti nang nabubulag sa mga masasalimuot na nangyayari sa kapaligiran, unti-unti na ring nawawala ang pagmamahal sa sariling bayan.. tingnan mo tayo, naturingang isang kompanya na nagbibigya ng serbisyo publiko sa mga mamamayan ng Maynila, pero hindi naman tayo maaaring makadalo sa ganung mga pagtitipon dahil lamang maraming mga bagay pang iniatang sa atin.. Kahit man lamang isang araw na maipahayag natin ang ating pagmamahal sa ating bayan sa pagdinig sa SONA ng ating pangulo, hindi natin magawa dahil sa mga proyektong ito.. Ganito ba ang sinasabing paglilingkod sa mamamayang Pilipino???!!!

M: ngunit ano pang halaga kung tayo ay tunay namang nagigng mangmang sa mga bagay-bagay ukol sa adhikain ng ating mga pinuno....at lalo namang anong halaga kung tayo ay mamamalgi sa silid na ito? Maaaring ang ating mga katawan ay naririto subalit ang atin namang mga isipan at gawa ay nakikibahagi sa mga walang kabuluhang bagay....tulad na lamang ng ginagawa natin sa mga sandaling ito. Ako ay lubos na sumasang-ayon na mayroon tayong mas mahahalaga pang bagay na kailangang harapin bilang bahagi ng butihing institusyong ito...Datapwa't sa ganang akin kung wala rin lamang kabulastugan ang ating gagawin...mas mainam na nmakibahagi sa labas...

S: Maging ang mga katulad nating nakulong sa isang ganitong uri ng sistema ay nararapat lamang na bigyan din ng kalayaang makibahagi sa mga nagaganap sa labas ng apat na sulok ng silid na ito.. Tunay ang iyong mga tinuran.. Sapagkat tayo man, ay nagmamahal din sa ating Inang Bayan. Hindi lamang naman ang silid na ito ang ating lalakbayin, at hindi lamang naman tayo dito mananatili hanggang sa tayo ay tuluyan nang malagot.. Kung kaya naman, malugod kong inaayunan ang iyong mga tinuringang pananalita na tayo ay patuloy na makibahagi pa rin sa ating mga kapuwa Pilipino na patuloy na umasa na sa lalo't madali ay patuloy nang maibangon ang bayang ito sa lugmok na kaniyang dinadaanan. Tila baga ito'y isang panggising sa ating mga nagpapawis at nagpapagod na patuloy na magsumikap sa ating mga gawain, hindi lamang upang patuloy na paunlarin ang ating sariling mga kapakanan, nang sa ganun, tayo rin ay maging bahagi sa mga layunin ng ating pamahalaang patuloy na maayos at mapabuti ang kalagayan ng bawat Pilipino..

M: ako ay tunay na nagagalak at kata ay lubos na nagkakaunawaan sa ganang ito gayundin dahil sa ang ating mga hangarin sa inang bayan ay napakainam....Kung sana lamang ganito ang lahat, disin sana'y ang inang bayan ay isa na ngang bansa ng pagkakapatiran at pag-uunawaan.....na patuloy na lumilipad tungo sa kaunlaran at kaginhawaan. Kung gayon...wala nang mga nagsisiphayo at nagpapagal...lahat ay mabibiyayaan nang nararapat sa kanya. Subalit nakakalungkot isipin na hindi ganito ang inihahain sa atin ng katotohanan. Tunay na nakakalungkot. Mataman kong isipin ang solusyon sa malaon nang suliraning ito....alam ko na ako ay nagsasayang lamang ng panahon at lakas. Ang batang katawan na ito ay hindi ko maaaring aksayahin sa mga bagay na alam kong hindi basta-basta nasosolusyunan dahil matagal nang naka-ugat sa ating sistema. Hangad ko man na anyayahan ang lahat na pagmalasakitan ang bayan....mas mainam na lamang siguro na maging piping modelo.

S: Di nga ba't malaon na ring nahayag ang ganyang damdamin ngunit magpahanggang ngayon, tila patuloy pa rin namang pipi at bulag ang nakararami sa reyalidad na patuloy na kumukulong sa bayang ito. Marahil, mainam din ang pananahimik, at hindi pagkibo.. Ako man, nakakaramdam ng pagkaligalig sa tuwinang ako'y may masisilayang isang abang nilalang na nahahapo na sa pagtanim datap'wat ang aanihi'y hindi naman sapat. Ano mang aking naisin na sila'y mabigyang kalayaang mamuhay ng maginhawa, sa katayuan ko ngayon, nakikinita kong hindi rin magiging madali, sapagkat ako man, may mga hinaing din sa tila baga hiindi patas na sistema.. Paano kung gayun? Hindi ko maarok sa kasalukuyan. Bagaman, bukod sa aking katahimikan, marahil, marahil sa darating na panahon, nang ako'y ibayo nang nahasa sa pamamaraan ng buhay, pasasaan ba at malalaman ko rin ang kasagutan; at marahil, matututo ring magbahagi sa mas nakararami..

M: sa iyong palagay....kung ako ay iyong mabibigyan ng mainam na payo....may magagawa ba ako kung ako ay maglilingkod sa bayan sa pamamagitan ni G. T___? Sa aking pagninilay-nilay....naisip ko na sa uri ng gawain mayroon ako sa araw-araw...napakalayo ko upang marinig....at pakinggan. Nguni't kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon....marahil mas magkakaroon ako ng boses kung ako ay magiging mababang alagad ng isang mambabatas (kahit na sa kaibuturuan ng aking puso alam kong kapwa lang kami manggagamitan -- ako sa kanyang salapi, impluwensya at ang isa'y nalalaman mo na; siya sa aking dunong, talino at kakayahan).

S: Siguro nga, marahil, hindi malayong mangyari. Naniniwala rin naman ako na ano pa man ang kinalalagyan natin sa ngayon ay maaaring magamit upanga tayo ay patuloy na makaambag sa patuloy na ikagaganda ng sinasabi nating sistema. Kung sa iyong palagay, mas lalago ka at mas magagamit ka sa ganoong uri ng pakikibaka, wala na akong ibang hangad kung hindi ay ang iyong patuloy na pag-unlad. Dili nga ba't lahat tayo ay may kani-kaniyang lugar sa mundong ito na kailangang punuan at gampanan upang ito ay patuloy na uminog nang maluwalhati. Gayunman, maaari ring tayo ay nasa isang punto nang ating batang isipan na tayo ay patuloy pa ring naghahanap ng isang bagay na maaari nating masabing pinuhunanan natin. Upang sa ating pagtanda, may maipagmalaki tayong naibahagi natin sa abang bayang ito..

M: Maraming salamat sa iyong payo. Panalangin ko na sana..dalhin ng Bathala ang ating mga paa sa dapat nating kalagyan nang sa gayon ay magampanan natin ang mga tungkulin na malaon namang naiatang sa ating mga pagal na balikat.

Gustuhin ko man na ipagpatuloy ang pakikipagtalastasang ito, ikinalulungkot ko na kailangan na nating itong tapusin. Kaya ng lahat ng bagay sa mundo, ang lahat ay nalalagot....kung ito ay panumandalian lamang......isang araw...ang ating mga pag-iisip ay muling magtatagpo upang punan ang mga isipan nating laging uhaw sa karunungan...Salamat at isang magandang araw.

S: Hanggang sa muli..

"Nostalgic Thoughts"

2007-07-22T16:32:00.000+08:00

Everyone seems so lazy that morning in the office. M asked me if I know about a certain Dear Paul by Barbie's Cradle. I said yes, and sent to her a line or two from that song (using TNote*).. And so this conversation starts...

S: "don't you know, eleven years is a long time, to break a heart. Eleven years is long enough, to make agirl insane.. you make a girl insane Paul.. you make a girl insane.."

M: so just what are you trying to insinuate?

S: hehe.. nothing.. funny just how a line or two can make you think sometimes.. hahaha!

M: funny just how a line or two can make me fall in a deep nostalgic thoughts....sigh! DARN!!!!

S: oh so true! funny indeed! hahaha!

M: oh my dear friend, yesterday we were just trying to decipher the mysteries, nay, funny behaviour of the male species...we were quite enganged into an intellectual conversation....But now, it's as if the godess of love has just showered her gift of bitter love, thence, making us fuss over a song quite apt for hopeless romantic damsel whose love has long been gone......(hahaha! kakabasa ng romance pocketbook)

S: how deep the thoughts.. how lonely a song can get.. *sighs* i believe, we should get past this abstruse longing for love of long ago dreaming.. (shocks! it's so hard.. hirap mag -english.. haha!) can't find the words to say..

M: indeed, for one's mind can only fathom so much and then wonder forever! (MY GOSH BAKIT NGAYON LANG KASI DUMATING TO>>NASIRA TULOY MOMENTUM KO....IN fairness nakakaaliw. dugtungan mo pa para gumaling tayo sa english)

S: and wander it goes.. just like the song.. while playing, so the memories come.. but as it ends, even the memories can not bring to an end the longing for a heart that has been captured by some mysterious power that has caused the mind to go on wandering.. and dreaming.. until more and more, we reach into a sight of things that should have been there; although in reality, nothingness..

M: Madam...i suggest that we halt for a while....to make way for some more things to be accomplished, perhaps like filling our stomach...for our mind cannot make such an inteelectual conversation if our stomach are indeed lack of nourishment...

*break*

S: "We can try to forget tomorrow, or make it last forever.." As the dawn of the new beginning arises, there is no assurance that old memories will no longer haunt you.. For just as the songs of the yesterdays keeps on coming back, so too these reminders of the past even if they are kept in the deepest parts of our being.. Until someone might once again bring back the feelings you've been wanting to let go since that beginning..

M: you speak your mind with so much eloquence it's as if you have been dugged from the deepest of your emotions all these melancholic thoughts...much to my surprise. i wonder have you gone through with the very same experience as mine? have, somewhere in the past, you lost someone so dear to you, dearly enough to make you decide nirvana is where you want to be with him?

S: Nay, my friend. Although sometimes, the language of the song makes you feel as if you have been through all this, and makes you feel so vulnerable to these kind of emotions of the heart. Although, I should say, never had I been like you, and what you might be feeling right now I may not have gone through.. I may have experienced a longing as such but feeling seemed to have left me the day I realized that there's another mystery unfolding right before my eyes.. And this mystery I now am part of has taught me to put back things of the past and instead long forward, even unto the uncertainties of the time yet to come...

M: I'm glad, very glad indeed, that the "mystery", which you have just referred to, has given you the eagerness to face each morning with so much vigor, and pleasure and hope....How I wish I may be able to have a taste...even for a while (or perhaps forever) of such sweet thing..or should I say..love...for I know it is the feeling of being in love that shall steal me from this misery, which from such a long time now shattering me into pieces. I confess, it still breaks my fragile heart even though 11 sweet years of agony had already dawned on me. Too bad, that it is still him who owns me... albeit I'm quite missing the feeling of not being able to calm myself because of a new welcoming feeling is tickling my heart.....

S: A new welcoming feeling, may I ask? For we are not to live in the past, as is your wish to free yourself from this bondage, I pray also that in a perfect time, this new welcoming feeling would reveal to you the depth of a new life that is wanting to grow more and more each day. The feeling that something that precious shoudl be nourished each day with all the care, all the joy, all the wonder of this life. Alas, it is with such great sorrow that we sometimes have to let go of our longing for the past in order for us to fully experience this new welcoming feeling..

M: May I let myself clear, the "new welcoming feeling"....well...perhaps I am elaborating much when I want to mean love as something refreshing yet such a nuisance to my sane mind and sober heart....my sincerest apology. At the same time, I am deeply touched by your concern for my feelings....I am very much grateful...please receive my hugs and kisses, which I sealed with this note, as my way of expressing how thankful I am. And yes, I, myself pray to the ONE who knows more than we do that in due time, true love will unmasked itself to make me forget of that most lamentable yet sweetest piece of my past...If only I could drag the time so quickly for that much awaited moment

S: Waiting is as much painful as letting go is. For who would enjoy waiting, not knowing if something such lovely a gift as genuine love would come our way and if indeed that love would stay with us for the rest of our life. Who knows when a butterfly will fly unto our open hands? Who knows how long will that butterfly will stay in our hands? Or if it will go, when? How could we make it stay? See how this deep emotions have brought us into this conversation. What more if that reality of love has dawned to us face to us..

M: I so much agree with you. Nevertheless, I am quite happy and contended of having the liberty of living my life according to my own will as of the moment thus I'm in no haste to chase a butterfly..what only bothers me is that I am not quite sure yet of how to free myself from the cold prison walls of the past....If only I knew how then I could be freed from my misery and be totally gay. You see the memories of that knight-in-shining-armor-turned-ogre still haunt me.....I want the remedy much in a hurry so that I won't waste too much time denying myself of true happiness, There's more to life than the foolish thoughts of him, I know....Life is too short to live it just for him. Hush!

How I wish we could engage in this conversation much longer...however, there are other things that need attention. In as much as I want to discuss with you anything under the good 'ol sun, I am afraid, this has to cease.....but not for long..For tomorrow is yet another day of sweet talk...a day to demystify the beauty of being alive.
Thank you for such a wonderful day...Until then...Ciao!

S: Thank you for your kind words and honesty. It has indeed been a time! Until then..

Special Mention:
Dear Paul by Barbie's Cradle
Come A Little Bit Closer by Brandy

* TNOTE (TM) or TurboNote is a handy little program for Windows 95 or later that lets you "stick" notes to your screen and send them to others. Use them for reminders, for messages, for telephone notes, to-do lists, Web and email addresses, office memos or anything else that occurs to you. For more information, visit http://TurboNote.com

Love Alone

2007-07-15T10:14:00.000+08:00

No one will love me if they knew all the things I hide
My words fell to the floor as tears drip to the telephone line

And the words I've seen raised to the sky
Not waving but drowning all this time
I'll try to build the ark that they need
To float to you upon the crystal sea

Give me your hand to hold
Cause I can't stand the cold
And love alone is not enough to hold us up
We've got to touch your rope
So swing your rope down low
Swing your rope down low

Prince of despair's been beaten you know but the losers still fight
Death's on a long leash stealing my friends to the night

And everyone cries for innocence
They say to love the guilty too
And I'm surrounded by suffering and sickness
So I'm working tearing back the roof

And the pain of the world is a burden
And it's my cross to bear
And I stumble under all the weight
I know your Simon standing there
And I know you're standing there...

(C) Love Alone. Caedmon's Call.

this life of mine

2007-07-14T23:13:00.000+08:00

When was still in college, I would often wish I could turn the time forward to when I am already working, already earning for myself, already out there in the world on my own.. Just to escape the readings I have to finish in time for the exam, or the papers I have to pass in the morning..

Now, I'm in that world I've been looking forward to, and boy, it's not as easy as I thought it would be.. I thought that because I'd only be thinking of my work from 8 AM to 5 PM, I would no longer be obligated to spend my nights doing more work, as we often do when we were students with all the homeworks and papers and reports to do. The past months when we were so busy with a lot of projects at hand and with only me and Maya and our boss manning our department, it has been very very toxic. Derf has been prodding me to make it a point to go home by 5 PM.. But that is easy to say. Of course I could always say yes, I will go home by 5, but with all the work you still have to attend to at the end of the day, who cares if it's already 5 o'clock, as if I don't have all the time in the world, cause I really don't have all the time in the world; next day, new projects will arise as if to continually load us up and then we'll all be under the questioning of this very demanding users and your wanting to really make it a point to finish your projects well and excellent!

Whew! I want a break from all of these. I want a time out of this world.. If only I could spend even just one whole day without thinking of the problems at work or even the problems in my life and just indulge myself with a beautiful, relaxing, nature-binding experience.. I want to go somewhere I've never been to. I want to go somewhere full of trees and water (even though I don't swim, I just wanted to hear the sound of waves and rocks clashing together).. I want to sleep in a quiet room, no vehicles. I want to smell the freshness of God's creation, no smoke, no smelly canals or dirty pavements..

*sighs* Where? When? How? I don't know.. Only time will tell..

First Blooms

2007-04-09T17:35:00.000+08:00

I saw the first blooms of sunflower while walking along the Univesity Avenue a while ago. Reminded me of summer, of the sun and of graduation. Reminded me of nature, of God, and of life...

Finally, I am done of college and off to my new path in the corporate world. I'm happy that after long months of waiting (starting November last year after I passed my thesis), I now have what I could call a job. It is really a blessing, considering I didn't really do something with it, and I would say God really gave me this one. I remember, after I took the examination, I was so frustrated with myself because I felt I did not do my best. But here I am. Only by grace.

This week has been a rest for me, with the long weekend -- Holy Week and Araw ng Kagitingan. And once again, I was reminded of how my life has been really nothing except that a man hanging on a cross loved me enough to die in my place. Continually, I struggle to live a life worthy of His calling, but there is the assurance that even though I fall and get wounded and scratched along the way, He is there to help me stand and lead me to His path.

The first blooms of the sunflower: a new beginning. Stepping into a new future of working and hopefully applying what has been learned all through out the years spent in the university... Perhaps, a new hope, renewed strength, revived inspiration. Just like a flower in bloom, living the life he or she has been so purposely made by the Creator.

Refine Me

2007-03-16T14:54:00.000+08:00

I come into this place

Burning to receive Your peace;

I come with my own chains

For wars I fought for my own selfish gains...

How often we are led astray by our own selfish ambitions? And how often we pray to God that He lead us back to His own will, back to His loving arms? How often do we ask Him to restore our souls, restore our lives, restore our brokenness? How often do we seek follow Him instead of our own ways of doing things?

My heart can't see,

When I only look at me

My soul can't hear,

When I only think of my own fears...

Most of the times, we rely on our strength when we are faced with things we think we need to deal with. What happens after are more frusrations, more disappointments, more discouragements for we think we have not done our best, and because our efforts are not enough. Just because we have thought we can do it on our own when the truth is we can't really. We are but one creation in this equally created world. And the best "Person" who could actually help us is when we turn our eyes to the Creator of all things. Who else but Him have the answer to our every query? Who else but Him have the strength, the wisdom, the power to do things according to its best purpose? Who else knows the next best thing? Who else have love enough to sacrifice His own Son for His rebellious people to be reconciled to Him; and with that same love grants forgiveness to everyone who ask for it, and who gives grace and mercy and compassion to those who need it the most -- His people, His children.

Lord, come with Your fire

Burn my desires refine me

Lord, my will have deceive me

Please come and free me

Come rescue this child,

For I long to be reconciled to You..

Lord, we praise You for You are the God of love, You are love, and it is You who continue to love us in spite of our shortcomings. You are our Lord, our Saviour; You are ever-present help in trouble, You our our help in times on need. By Your grace, we are saved from the penalty of our sins, which is death, and through Your Son, who died on the cross for us, we can have life eternal. Forgive us dear Lord for heeding our own ways, forgive us for focusing our minds on the things of this world. Forgive us for satisfying ourselves with our own accompplishments, thinking that they can make us feel worth it, thinking that they can even make us happy. But You alone O Lord satisfies us even with our deepest longings. You alone can give us everlasting joy. And in You alone we feel our very worth, our very purpose here on earth. For indeed, without You, we are nothing, apart from You, we are mere creations wandering into the darkness. You are our only Way, our Truth, and our Life. You are the One who lights our paths and guides us in our daily walks, who directs our steps and gave meaning to our very being. May You give us wisdom O Lord in every decision we would make. May You give us strength in every trial that we are facing. Comfort us when we feel discouraged and frustrated about circumstances in life, even with people and help us to also forgive, help us to give the love which You have showed to us first and foremost. Lord, may You continue to reveal to us Your will in our lives, direct us to places You are calling us. Lord, may every thing in our life be according to Your Divine will. May we continue to shine Your light, may our lives be Son-reflectors; just as the moon reflects the light coming from the sun, may we be the moon for You. Thank You dear Lord for this privilege of coming to You in prayer. To You alone be the glory, praise and thanksgiving. This I pray, in Christ's precious name. Amen.

It's all I can do,

To give my heart and soul to You and pray

And pray, oh I will pray.

* Thank you to Jennifer Knapp's Refine Me.

xx crossroads xx

2007-03-12T16:36:00.000+08:00

Once again, I am at a crossroad. After graduation, what's next? I had been applying for jobs the last days and weeks of my life, to no avail. Sometimes, it's so easy to just give up. But I could not just do that. I could not just give up. I could not ust give in to the pressure, to the luring of depression, and to my mistakes in the past. Past is past. And we should not be its prisoners; it will only bring us down and down, until we could no longer move forward. Too much self-pity that I did not gradaute on time or that I should have done my best in terms of my academics. The time is time when I should be concerned of what's now, what's here, of the present. Because it is through this present that my future is being made up.

And although I am not sure what will happen to me in the days to come, I have this assurance. That my God, the Lord of the Universe holds me at the palm of His hand, and that along the way, wherever I will be or whatever will become of me, He will never leave nor forsake me. He is the same God yesterday (who had always saw me through), today (continue molding me into being like His Son), and tomorrow!

A Day in Life

2007-03-07T15:05:00.000+08:00

Goodbye's certainly not the sweetest word to say. Sometimes, I hate saying goodbye. Because I wouldn't know what's next. Especially if I don't know what will happen next. It's not that it's really the end. It's just that it looks or feels as if it is.

Once again, I am alone in my room. Nobody but me and the music playing in the background. No Sarah or ying goodbye. Alicia to talk to. No Sarah or Alicia to tell you how their day has been. No Sarah or Alicia to say "Hi" or "Hello" to. For twice already in this room, I had been left behind. And suddenly, I feel so lonely looking at the empty bed, the empty table and cabinet around me.
These are the moments..

Just this morning I was restless, nervous and excited over my exam to a job I've been applying (I even forgot my resume at home? Imagine. Good things my Derf is there to get it for me). Yeah, good things Derf is here. I just thank God for having him here. Certainly, something to be cheerful about. Just knowing he's there for me ease the pain of parting and saying goodbye.

*Smile*

Start of Something New!

2007-03-03T14:26:00.000+08:00

I like changes, but am not fond of them. Why? Well, for once, I like changing myself, more like and hope so, for the better. But most of the times, I can not adspt well to the changes happening around me, especially situations, circumstances, and the likes. I like it when the year is changing, new hopes, new visions, etc. I like it when the day is changing, new day, new opportunity, and the likes. But when it comes to big changes such as going from one phase of life to next, argh, I am having a hard time coping with it. Most of the times, I end up being pressured by the things I need to do in order to keep up with the flow of events. And being pressured is not one of the joyous things in my life. Maybe, I just have a tme for myself. Maybe, not the perfect time for those people around me, but I know when I can fully function well, at a certain time I know and feel like it. Maybe, it takes a time. But I know I will do it everntually. Oftentimes, this is not the case because well, I don't have all the time in the world. Duh, it's revolving around the sun and rotating around its axis without any force or whatsoever coming from me, so why would it wait for me? What should I do? As if there's a lot of choices. Of course, I have to run with it!

Got to go!