In My Mind

No Place Like Home

2010-07-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Time really flies so fast. My daughter is now 19 months. I have been here in America for 2 years and 4 months, and 6 months since I had last posted in my blog. In all these time, one thing never change, I am homesick. Homesick with my beloved Philippines.

I am sure, fellow immigrants here in the U.S. and other OFW share the same sentiments as I have. The smell of street food like fishballs, kikiam, shrimp balls, isaw and barbecue fills my nostril. How could one forget the famous balut, mani and kakanin. Halo-halo and the so called dirty ice cream cools me down on a hot weather. Organic food here in America is quite expensive and I now realized how I had taken for granted all the vegetables and fruits in the local market back home. Homemade dish that satisfy the palate. Children playing on the ground, People chattering, the simpleness of life in a small town, warmness of people and their hospitality. And the fact that you are being surrounded by people you love is more than enough to yearn for home.

Philippines has more than its share of flaws. But, it is home. And there's no place like home.

How to End Morning Sickness

2010-01-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

Last week I got the chance to talk to my best buddy in Canada. We reminisced about the past and she kept me updated with what's up on her life right now. All of us, in our circle of friends were almost married and most have children of their own.

Finally, the stork has landed in their household. She is pregnant! We are all so happy with the great news. The thing is, she has one dilemma. A dilemma that she shares with about 95% of pregnant women. MORNING SICKNESS! She hates the smell of anything fried or anything that is chinese food. She vomits, suffers headache and the like. And like the rest, she wants an easy remedy. Click Here! for tips and guides on how to end morning sickness. This is the time to say "goodbye morning sickness".

watch colts vs saints game live stream online

2010-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

Football fever is so high. At workplace, malls, and parties or simply everywhere, football is the topic to beat. Watch Saints vs. Colts game live stream online http://renrie23.wwwtv.hop.clickbank.net?id=live-football2-channel_com. Be updated and be cool.

Autism

2009-09-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Autism is just a plain word especially for those who never encountered one afflicted with it. Who cares? Other may say. When we were teenagers back in our lovely Philippines, when a friend is deep in thoughts and seemed to be not there mentally with us or preoccupied with something, we would say " here she goes again in her own little world" or "autistic kasi". Little did we know how serious it is.

I haven't paid much attention to AUTISM until, the two children - of a very good friend of mine, who's like a family - were diagnosed with autism. It is heartbreaking to know that these two lovely angels are struggling. Abigail and Brent are making that best that they can to help Elisha and Ethan. Abigail is the best mom I'd ever know. She sacrificed a lot for her kids. I can't imagine the pain they are in seeing their children struggling. They are always in tune for medical updates and breakthroughs for autism. I admire her for never losing hope and faith. If all people would help each other and be sensitive enough to help those in need, this world would be a better place to live. I don't know how I could help these two angels. But maybe, with you reading this, you could also help. Here is a link for Abigail's post asking for loan for Ethan and Elisha's initial DAN ( Defeat Autism Now). http://lend4health.blogspot.com/2009/08/elishaethanca.html. Thank you!

The Pacman Wins Over The Hitman

2009-05-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

The fight is over. It is a big victory for the Filipino people. The battle of the East and West is done in 2 rounds. Filipinos and other fans of Manny celebrates this moment. Surely, there is no doubt that Pacman is one of the best fighter ever.The legend continues for him.

Watch Pacquiao vs. Hatton

2009-04-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao is in Las Vegas now. Ever ready for his fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Once again, Filipinos are excited and proud worldwide as Manny represent every Filipinos in what to be predicted as match of the year with Ricky Hatton. The fight is represented by Top Rank and Golden boy.It can be viewed by pay per view in HBO.Let's all pray for Manny. Manny has put the Philippines in the map of the boxing world.

WatchThe Mentalist

2009-03-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is about a detective who analyzed the behavior of a bad guy through clues left behind at the crime scene. THE MENTALIST stars Simon Baker as Patrick Jane. He is a detective and the same time an independent consultant of California Bureau of Investigation. His track record of solving serious crimes through observation is so remarkable. He used to led a semi-celebrity life as psychic medium. Jane's role is highly valued by his fellow agents because of his solving high profile cases. But senior agent Teresa Lisbon (played by Robin Tunney) resists Patrick to be in her unit. She blasts him with his being happy go lucky trait and kind of narcistic. Watch it at CBS every Tuesday at 9:00 pm.

Watch Dancing With The Stars

2009-03-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

I love watching DANCING WITH THE STARS. I can't wait to see who will be the winner. And I think Steve will be the next one to leave. He seemed to try his best. But his best may not be enough. it's worth the experience though. Shawn, is the youngest contestant, she has the advantage of being a gymnast and dancing background.Will Belinda impress the judges with her rock moves? Denise has yet to polish her moves but she sure is one of the less shy contestants being so used in front of the camera. Melissa was ditched by Jason Of The Bachelor. I hope she won't be eliminated soon. We can never tell who will win, for now I don't have a favorite yet. Till the next episode.

Mama's Birthday

2009-03-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day. The most important woman in my life is celebrating her 61st birthday. I'll bake her a cake. Prepare all her favorite food. Organize a party for her. Bring family and relatives together, her friends too. It'll be a blast. And as a surprise gift for her, we'll travel around Europe and Asia. We both love to eat, read, stroll and just talk about anything and laugh. Girls having fun, mother and daughter bonding together.

Unfortunately, all of that were wishful thinking. You see, she passed away for almost 4 years now. I missed her so bad. 4 years seemed like eternity. I wouldn't feel her embraces and warmth, see her lovable smile, hear her comforting voice when I'm down. My best friend and idol was gone. Only the memories remains.

Mama, I love you so much. I pray and wish you're happy and at peace wherever you are now. And I know deep down, you've gone home and is now with our Maker.

AMBER DUBOIS...the missing kid

2009-03-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Barely fifteen minutes ago I browsed cbs8.com for the update of AMBER DUBOIS. She was missing without a trace since February 13. Witnessed last saw Amber at around 7am, walking 2 blocks north of Escondido High School. You can see AMBER ALERT signs anywhere in Escondido. One can't help getting paranoid and scared. Especially mothers who has daughters. Mothers or parents would do everything they can to protect their child. I can understand the anguish and sorrow the parents of Amber are feeling right now. I should know, I am a mother too. The thought of a child being scared, tortured and simply being in a hand of a bad guy is too much to bear. Away from the safe loving arms of their parents. Nobody could say when a missing child will appear in your front door knocking or if they would ever return.

My heart goes out to the family of Amber. May you be safe and be with your family soon. And to the person/persons who took her, may you have a change of heart and return her to her family. Think if it's your love one who is being taken what would you feel?

A Mother and A Wife

2009-02-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

2 months had fly so fast after giving birth last December. It's been a roller coaster ride. Suddenly, I can't find time writing my blog nor do my most fave thing to do, reading. Before I knew it, I am too exhausted to do other things aside from feeding and changing Janna's diapers. I would give an arm to get that precious sleep. It's not that I'm complaining. Motherhood is the best thing that could ever happen to a woman. Seeing my daughter smile at me and cooing erases the weariness of my soul and physical exhaustion. Now I know what my purpose is. To guide this precious child as she grows. The unseen bond of mother and daughter is irreplaceable and immeasurable. A mother would sacrifice all for a child. As time passes, things gets better. I really am looking forward to the coming months where I can enjoy Janna's company more and more.

On the other hand, going to the groceries, fetching our nephews and niece at school has become very important to my husband and me. This is the time that we can be alone, just the two of us.This has become our quality time, our happy time . Holding hands, toes touching, and looking at each others' eyes makes my heart flutter while our daughter is soundly sleeping between us.

Marriage need not be stressful and dull. It's a matter of how you look at things. Even in negative things one can see positively and be optimistic at things. And mind you, in-laws that understands helps. Being a mother is as important as being a wife. Time management is the key.

My Birth Experience

2008-12-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

The past 9 months was like a roller coaster ride. Monthly check - ups with the gynecologist, not to mention the weekly check - ups on the 9th month, watchful diet consisting of mostly fruits and vegetables, milk and prenatal vitamins, and my daily exercise ( walking ). Both my CNM (certified nurse midwife) and doctor told me time and again that I am in the low risk pregnancy and about to give birth normally. Recently I've given birth to a healthy baby girl named Janna Gillyn.

Dec. 05 is an unforgettable date. This is supposedly the debut of my niece. Around 1:00 p.m. I had spotting, my sister-in-law told me it is time to go to the hospital. My husband and I rushed to the hospital which is barely 2 minutes drive. After the usual routine the nurse informed me I am only 3 cm dilated and have to go home. Around 8:00 p.m. the pain worsens so we called and informed the hospital, the thing is, this time there's no vacant room available so we have no choice but to go to the main Kaiser Hospital which is an hour drive from home. The pain was unexplainable. I was squeezing my sister-in-law's hands so hard with every contraction, I could almost feel it breaking. Around 10:00 p.m. the contractions came every 5 minutes and I was 5 cm dilated. Actual labor lasted more than 2 hours.I was given Epidural and somehow the pain subsided and I could only feel pressure now. I tried pushing so hard and i was wondering why the baby won't come out. it was then when the attending physician informed me the baby was faced up instead of face down. If I tried pushing longer it would cause fetal distressed so they need to do a caesarean delivery. At that time I was exhausted and more concern with the baby so I said do whatever is best. They transferred me to OR and at 2:56 a.m. of Dec. 06, I've given birth to a healthy baby girl. My husband was with me all the time and witnessed it all.

I guess, it made him appreciate motherhood in general. Elderly were right. You have repay your own parents once you become a parent yourself. Being a mom myself now made me quits with what I owe my own mom. My husband and I are starting with the journey of parenthood and sleepless nights is just the beginning.

My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2008-09-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is one of the best thing that can ever happen to a woman. That's exactly what I feel. I feel euphoric and relieved that I am not sterile ( my husband and I was trying for years to conceive). With pregnancy comes a series of symptoms and effects. I was lucky I never felt morning sickness and my clinician told me based on my battery of tests that I am at the level of low risk pregnancy. The thing is...I am suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. I encountered the word during my college days, but never imagined it to befall me.

Carpal tunnel happens when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.

Women could suffer carpal tunnel than man because women has smaller carpal tunnel. A lot of factors contribute to carpal tunnel. Some of these are hypothyroidism, work stress, rheumatoid arthritis or like my case, due to water retention because of pregnancy.

I started feeling pain and numbness down from my fingers up to my arms when I was in my 4th month of pregnancy. I couldn't sleep straight at night. I tend to woke up and shake my hands because of intense pain, and numbness. The pain would start from my fingers especially ny middle and ring fingers and would radiate to my elbow part. At times I cry. At first I dismissed what I'm feeling from my mind and say it'll go away. 2 weeks later, I eventually got an appointment with our primary physician and after some questions and tests he gave me a wrist support to wear during bedtime. That's a relief, I'm telling you. And more good news, he added it'll eventually disappear after I give birth. The bad news, I'm one of those few who suffer this during pregnancy. By the way, both hands are affected. And every time I wear those wrist support, My brother in law thinks I'm going to combat.

I slept better at night after that. I'm on my 7th month now, and recently, I noticed pain below my thumb that wasn't there before. I guess, It is due to more water retention and am praying it won't worsen.

Pregnancy certainly has it's ups and downs but the ups outweighs the downs. Simply looking forward to the birth of our "Janna" makes it all worthwhile.

WHoaaa! What Stress?

2008-08-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was out for a while. The reason was, my life turned a 360 degrees turn from my so called comfort zone. Since the arrival of my sister-in-law and her 5 children from the Phils. last June, things weren't the same anymore. I found myself dropping and picking 5 kids from different schools with about 15 minutes interval in between. What more my sis-in-law had a bout with depression.Everyone in the family tried everything to help her out. It can be stressing you know. So, in a way, my husband and I became the " substitute parents" so to speak. I had to juggle the time, add to the fact that I, myself attend classes in the morning. Things were up to my throat, but I missed blogging a lot. And I almost forgot to mention I'm in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
I guess, others have the same predicament as I have, or worst. One thing I realized though, never lose the sense of ME TIME...A time for oneself even for a brief 5 mins. to Taking time to smell the flowers, admiring a scenery,shopping, reading, talking to friends...the list is endless. It's one way of coping with stress and keeping the sanity intact. The highlight of all is looking forward to the birth of our daughter on December. This makes it all bearable. After all, life will never be complete without it's ups and downs.

amazing guitar player

2008-06-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

Isn't he amazing? He should be an inspiration to us normal people who has complete hands and everything. Yet we never used or try to attempt to do things and share God given talents we may have possessed. May he be an inspiration to us all.

Preggy..ME

2008-05-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Weeks ago my husband and I were ecstatic knowing we're going to have a baby soon. Members of the family are so observant of my actions. Kinda protective. Don't carry this, don't eat this because it's bad for you and the baby, just rest and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, etc. I'm overwhelmed with all the attentions. Not that I'm complaining. =)

Before, I've heard from friends and relatives that when you're pregnant, you tend to feel lazy. I thought that was exaggeration. Well, maybe, there's some truth in it. I have finished all the chores I've planned to do for the day, BUT...only in my mind.My mind's so willing but my body isn't. I even don't take a bath for 2-3 days in a row. When prior to pregnancy I can't let the day passed without taking a bath. Funny. And the food cravings..wow! It shifts to a 360 degrees turn. One moment I want some Burrito, the next eggpie, and on other times pasta, meat, and soda. I don't drink soda except when there's no choice, but now..the smell alone seems so appetizing. My weird cravings though is the smell of my husband. I can't seem to have enough especially his after work smell. hahaha! Then, it was the exact opposite. And a lot more. I love taking afternoon naps now. Maybe, it's the hormones working.

I feel luckier than the other though, I'm going 11 weeks on the way, but I never felt sick the others. I felt nauseous one time or the other, but not that worst as vomiting, and can't digest food. I thank God for that.

It will still be months away before the baby comes and I still a have a lot to learn and experience, it will be another journey. A journey we welcome the most.

Remembering Mama

2008-05-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Last friday night mama who passed away 3 years ago, came in my thought. Maybe, because mother's day was approaching. I felt the ache of missing her badly. That week also, it was confirmed I'm pregnant. It was also the reason why I'm emotional on that certain night. My husband and I are very happy of the good news and I was wondering what my mom's reaction would be if she's alive. I can feel her spirit that night. Watching over us and smiling as if assuring me everything will be okay. I cried for I know, there's no substitute for a mother's warmth and comfort when a child is in pain and the thought she won't be there to guide me when I give birth and raise my own child and my baby won't know his grandmother personally. It is heartbreaking, right? And a mother's wisdom is priceless. For sure, I'll feed him with stories about his grandmom and how good a person she was.That way, the memories will stay. And I can perfectly recall how excited she was of being a grandmother in the future. Unfortunately, she didn't experience it.

We offered prayers for her last mother's day, we can't visit her because we're thousand miles way. But I know, wherever we go she's still there guiding us along the way.

We love you so much ma! And we missed you so bad.

Shopping Life

2008-05-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

I mentioned earlier that my husband is a shopaholic. The very reason why he accumulated stuffs that he didn't even bother to use or wear.He is a newbie, and I can't help him either. All I know is browse through online store and that's it. Through surfing one can really compare what works better and user friendly. And when we stumble upon this ecommerce articles he became interested of how to be an online merchant.

It gives him a clear idea of how to start it up like a pro without the hassle. He has a sense of security because of its secure ecommerce software. A compelling place to start business with. And the buyer will have a great time shopping online with their shopping cart even for first timers. I will definitely help him with this one because i like this idea of having this business, having a store of my own, where a shopper became a merchant.

The enthusiasm indeed is contagious.

My Husband's Shopping Cart

2008-05-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Women in general, simply love to shop. It's a way of releasing stress or plainly enjoying it. And you can rarely see a man who is addicted to it right? And mind you, MY HUSBAND is one of those you can call who has shopaholic syndrome.. There's no weekend that passes by without spending on clothes, gadgets and electronics and whatever he fancies on that certain moment. He won't buy one but pairs only to stock it up in the closet and give it away to relatives or friends.

There are times I just want to stay at home and relax. He wants it too, but sometimes the urge is strong that he has to make me come even if it means dragging me to store. Two months ago, we had the internet installed in our home. While browsing, the curiosity of shopping online makes me surf through it. And why not try it? The idea of online shopping is totally new and kinda bizarre. I called my husband and together we shopped from one shopping store to another and visited their shopping cart. The following day, we stumble into something good build an online store.They have this great and secure ecommerce software and shopping cart software. It helps us shop with ease and such fun for a first timer like us.

My husband, literally enjoys it. He can now shop at his own leisure in the comfort of our home. Without carrying the stuffs. He is even thinking of being a merchant too.

My Simple Life....

2008-04-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

The past days has been slow for me. I'm in a new country for barely two months. Doesn't know my way around, no friends except for the family and a few acquaintances introduced by family.

I feel like I'm a bird lost and a one in a cage at that. Anxious to spread my wings and curious to the things around. In a way, I'm leading a monotonous life.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my life playing the role of a housewife. But wouldn't you think it'll be better if I land a job or go back to school? I want to help my husband (not that he can't feed me, he takes care of me good and we live comfortably)...who doesn't welcome the extra bucks right? And you know, typical of a Filipino abroad, aside from helping out my immediate family, I also want to help those less fortunate relatives in any way I can

Actually, I started applying online, unfortunately nobody has called yet =(. I haven't have my own car yet, so I have to contend myself with the online stuffs. And I'm about to get my behind the wheel exam on the 1st week of May.

My routine on weekdays are, prepare stuffs for my husband, prepare his food ( I'm glad my mother in law helps me in this area), eat, walk, do household chores, watch tv, do laundry once every two weeks. And every now and then, mom and I go to the nearest mall. On some nights after my hubby came from work he lets me practice driving around.

And on weekends, my husband and I go to malls, eat, takes to noticed the simple joys in life and spend quality time with each other . Bring mom to her senior citizen club and visit my sis -in -law afterwards.

We're leading a typical simple life. You don't have to have everything in order to be happy. It's enough to have wonderful people around who shows love and encouragement. If you feel lost, look back and immersed yourself in the support of people who matters and you will eventually find your bearing.

Human Fetus Soup..Anyone?

2008-04-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I received this e-mail two days ago, and it reminds me of what I saw in the television ( I forgot what show it was)last year featuring exotic food in China. I was shocked when they featured human fetus as soup. I'll share some of the pictures to all of you.

The act is so barbaric. UNICEF should investigate this thing. It is a violation of human rights.

In one of the town in Canton, they call this BABY HERBAL SOUP or Spare rib Soup ( local code for baby soup).It is a delicacy whereby expensive herbs are added to boil the baby with chicken meat for 8 hours boiling/steaming. This is supposed to increased health and sexual stamina. The cost in China currency around $ 4000.

Parents sell their unborn child or those who die naturally for 2000 in China currency. Placentas were also sold for a few hundred dollars.

We should all pray for this to stop.

My Friend Who Had Bad Credits

2008-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who sometime in his life earn more than we could ever earn. He thought it has no end. They spends extravagantly on things not necessary. Whatever his children and wife wants they get it easily without much ado.And the thing is they just keep on renting a house. I could not imagine why they never buy their own house, and I never asked. He never saved money. He owned every credit card there ever was. He loaned and loaned if ever there was a chance. Until recently, he found out he could not cope with the payments and interest of some of his credit cards. Thus, he felt he was doomed, he had bad credit credit cards.

With more foreclosures everywhere, their family considered to buy a house, and this is the best time to own one. But when they checked, lenders won't approve them because of bad credit loans.

He was desperate, until he heard about bad credit loans. Suddenly he felt a new energy bursting from within. He can have the second chance he needed. It is so unique, it caters to different people with different needs and payments could be done at their own pace. This way, the borrower could slowly but steadily stand on their feet again and have the chance to redevelop their future.

Right now, this acquaintance of mine has changed. He now thinks of the future instead of today. Think of the others who will be given the second chance.

$20 of Time

2008-04-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

A small touching story mainly for professionals. ..

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.
SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a
question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what it is?" replied the man.
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
SON: "I just want to know.. Please tell me, how
Much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."
SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow $10.00 ?"
The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march
yourself straight to your room and go to bed.
Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behaviour."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down,and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy. "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier" said the man." It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $10.00 you asked for."
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his
money, and then looked up at his father. "Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled. "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you." The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working So hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time With those who really matter to us, those close to Our hearts. Do remember to share that $20.00 worth of your Time with someone you love. If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to have time for our family.

ASWANG

2008-04-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Have u heard about ASWANG? In the Philippines, the story about aswang has circulated for centuries. This Filipino folklore is associated with Panay Island in particular. Aswang is known as ghoul in the west. It is a human being that can transform into a pig, sigben (a very big black dog) especially on a full moon. Its other names are tik-tik and wak-wak. They eat the heart and liver and suck the blood. They have a long slimy tongue and reddish eyes. Ready to attack an unwilling victim.

I've never seen a real aswang, nor would I dream of seeing one. I was growing up hearing a lot of stories about these aswangs. How they would smell from a distance if there's a pregnant living in a certain house or if there's a new born baby in a certain barrio. There are also tales how a child would die of drowning in a river or some unexplained accident and would replace the dead body for a banana trunk. In our hometown, some acquaintance of ours would relay a story over and over again. According to them, About an hour after a drinking spree and just letting the time passed, one of them took a glance at the window. He thought he was just hallucinating so, he asked the others to take a look and couldn't believed what they saw. It was a pig with a bandana and wearing a bakya ( native sandals) walking side by side with a duck in eyeglasses. We wouldn't buy their but a classmate of ours who witnessed that incident swear to us that indeed it was really true.

Tinyente Gimo story of Duenas is the most famous of them all. He rules the barrio, all of them related to one another. He sends his daughter to the city to study and every fiesta, the daughter invites a classmate or a friend and bring her home. That friend becomes the sacrificial offering. Tinyente Gimo's counterpart is Vlad lll Dracula of Transylvania.

The stories of aswangs are countless. Who knows if they truly exists or not. But one thing I know, it gives Panay Island a mysterious appeal to outsiders. Old and young pays attention when the topic about aswang is brought up. Sometimes, it becomes the ice breaker to newly acquainted persons. I should know, I am a Capiznon. And proud to be one.

In memory of Reagan and Jocko

2008-04-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

I was watching OPRAH a while ago. The topic is about dogs. It is Oprah's tribute to her dog Sophie who had been with her for 13 years. Her dog passed away last month. In the show, I saw dogs being rescued from puppy mills. I just can't imagine how other people would treat animals so cruelly especially when they have no use for them.

I am a dog lover. Watching Oprah, I remembered REAGAN. He's our pet dog. He is a german shepered. A trained dog. He may be tough to strangers but to us he was our baby. I recall an incident wherein a friend jokingly raised his hand in an act to slap me. Without any hesitation he nearly leaped over my friend. That is how protective he is of us. And we treat him like a family. Reagan was an intelligent dog. There was incident when my uncle brought him to the city. They lost track of him and was looking for him for two days. At last they found him in the park just walking around. Uncle immediately gave him some food and water to drink, then he passed out. People who saw him relayed that there are strangers who gave food to him but won't eat even a bite of it no matter how hungry he was. Reagan, I guess, believed that Uncle will return to look for him and bring him home. He was with us for four years when he passed away, I still missed him a lot. I could still picture him vividly wagging his tail when we arrived home and how he sits beside us when we feel company and nobody would be there.

Now comes Jocko, months after Reagan died. He's an askal. My mom got him on the way home from a vacation in Masbate. Mom took pity on him, you see Jocko was the smallest of the brood. But as he grew up he was the biggest dog in the neighborhood. He was a very active and friendly dog. He is what you can call a sociable dog and thus became everybody's friend in the whole neighborhood. Everybody seemed to know him. There were times my friends won't passed by in our house because he would run and leaped to them. That would be alright if he doesn't get dirty hehehe! Everytime we would ride in the car he'll goes in first. And what I don't understand is , unlike Reagan who loves to bathe, Jocko was the exact opposite. He would know hours before if you're planning to give him a bath, and he will never be in sight. He was with us for more than five years when we found him dead in the street. Jocko was a victim of hit and run. We were deeply hurt and missed him sooo bad.

Those are some of my memories of our two beloved dogs. They are indeed man's best friend. They will be with you until the very end and loved you unconditionally. Please let us be vigilant in watching people who maltreated dogs and other animals as well. Humans, animals...we can all coexist in harmony.

The Irony

2008-04-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

When I was younger and still in the Philippines. We all loved imported things, imported food, just almost anything as long as it is imported. And what I've noticed then which I could say up to the present, people think if you're working abroad, particularly here in the US of A, you've got tons of it. As if you're lying in a bed of money...

What they don't really know is, their love ones work themselves to death, to earn every single cent they could ever find, to send back home. They sacrificed a lot, they don't even splurge on clothes lest of all food. Double jobs and if they could only work 24/7 they will do just that. There's no time for recreation. Sleeping is even a luxury in itself that Pinoys working abroad could hardly afford for the buck that would be earn.

And here comes the love ones back home, spend all they can and act like it has no ending. I'm not saying everybody is doing it, but SOME of them. Be it the wife, husband, children, parents, siblings, etc. They spend it on almost anything, latest gadgets, cars, parties and gimmicks, dining in expensive resto and some on gambling. No savings, no investments, nothing. They became lazy. And ohhh so love to brag about their imported things.

That's the irony of it, the OFW won't buy things unless it's ON SALE. Would rather stay at home than be tempted on things and waste the hard earned bucks. And will only eat inexpensive, processed, artery clogging food in order to save.

Then, they wake up one day. All of it vanished in thin air. OFW comes home, older, no savings because they send every penny back home and was thinking the extra money was safe in the bank. Voila! They're back to their old life. Electricity was cut,food scarce, and heavy in debt.

Would you want that to happen to you?

Driving Exam

2008-03-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

I took a written exam for class C driver's license last Monday at DMV in Escondido. I read the driver's handbook a bit but that was more than a week ago. I kind of taken it for granted. I was confident. I say, it's only chicken because back in the Philippines I can drive. And they say, when you can drive in the Philippines, you can drive anywhere in the world. Come examination day, I had a hard time. I underestimated the test. For once, they have tricky questions add to the fact that I haven't reviewed the handbook. The result?...What else but 14 errors out of 36 items. That is bad or what? The passing score is 6 errors or less for first time applicant.

I vowed to myself, I'll study the handbook harder. Otherwise, it'll get me nowhere and another payment if you failed the test the 3rd time. Much prepared now I retake the exam this morning. I PASSED! 3 errors only ! =)

Driving here in the USA is very different from the Philippines. I had the opportunity to drive for a short distance after receiving my temporary license. I feel like a novice driver. You just can't simply make a turn and cut if you want to. I had a hard time adjusting. And who say driving here is easy =) . Maybe in due time, I'll get adjusted and knows every turn in the neighborhood.

Every country has it's own driving rules and regulation. Always obey the rules, read handbooks and study.that is the caveat.

Images of a Mother

2008-03-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is how a child view her mom accdg. to age..=)

4 YEARS OF AGE My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE My Mother doesn ' t really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE Naturally, Mother doesn ' t know that, either!
16 YEARS OF AGE Mother? She ' s hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE That old woman? She ' s way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE Before we decide, let ' s get Mom ' s opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE Wish I could talk it over with Mom. . .

Mama

2008-02-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

She's one sweet gal, strong, vibrant and she prays a lot. She has the biggest heart and no mean bone in her body. She shares to those who are in need. She helps in every way she can. I'm not saying this because she's my mom. I'm saying this because I have great respect for her and so the people who knew and love her.

She was a teacher by profession. Despite all the heartaches and hardships she encountered in her married life, she stood tall and never let it affect her, maybe that's what she wants to project in front of us, her children. She's our pillar when we felt weak, a light in the dark. Her touch is our balm when we're in pain. She taught us to seek for God's word when our spirit is down the pits.

She's not perfect. She's as human as you are. my mom has her share of temper and tantrums too. But I never hear her speak ill against anybody even if that person hurt her one way or the other.

I call her my angel in disguised,my superhero. I simply cannot imagine life without her.

All soul's day of 2003, while we were in the cemetery, she felt sick. My Grandma called a quack doctor and she " diagnosed " that the spirits of our dead relatives were visiting her. After the "luy -a luy - a treatment" my mom felt better and so we believed that the spirits visited her. See? she's all so human.

Valentine's day 2004, while attending my friend's wedding, my mom felt sick again, she was running a fever. We stayed for a while because she was a ninang and I, a maid of honor. While on the way home she's already chilling and doesn't look good. She's turning jaundiced. I told her that we proceed to the hospital. Several tests were done. Ultrasound, blood tests,etc. Ultrasound showed an impression of tb of the liver or amoebiasis of the liver. She respond well to the medications. But her attending physician urged her to seek a second opinion in Manila.ASAP!

We want to go to Manila so bad for that second opinion. Money was a problem. I know we were racing with time though unsure yet of the real illness that befall her. Mom's condition is far from okay. She losts pounds. You can feel her fear. I cried at night, praying to make her well. The thought of losing her is too much to bear. You see, I never see her sick until now. The urged to bring her to Manila's so great but can't do nothing about it, I was jobless then. Papa, loaned money from a relative so we could go to Manila.

Four months later, we were in Manila. The Doctor confirmed my mom's fear. She has a big C. Hepatocellular Carcinoma. And the doctor explained to us the methods of combating the disease. Sad to say, she doesn't qualify to any. That was a very devastating news. I was in denial, I want to shout. There's a lump in my throat. I was trembling. We, her children are young to be mother less, my youngest brother is only 18, ryan is 21 and I 28...it can't be! The irony of it was, my mom was very composed , as if it's nothing. Perhaps she doesn't want me to see her crumble. Later, she confessed, she was terrified.

The coming months would test my endurance and patience. I took care of her, feed and bathe her. Waking up several times at night for medications.There are times she badly wants to eat only to vomit it out minutes later.At times she doesn't want to take medicines reasoning out that it doesn't alleviate the pain at all.The painful part was seeing her in pain.I know it was VERY painful but she endured the agony in silence. At times I caught her crying. There are times I wished it was me instead of her who's suffering. With all this happening, in between, she diligently write her notes, a little memoir of her for us to remember her by. it is still with me, and I'll treasure them forever and share it with my brothers.I got closer with mom, I'm already close to her but her illness made us closer the more. She never stops dreaming and wishing to travel and see her future grandchildren especially with jaran and me. When with others, she put a facade of being alright. But with me, it was totally different, as time passes, I became the mother and she, the daughter.Her pain, my pain. I drew strength from her.

Budget was down the drain with expensive medicines, admission to hospital from time to time and with two college boys to send to school. There's a time we can't afford even a single medicine for her. It drives us crazy. Pa, sold my car. which is a graduation gift from him. We were highly in debt.Strangely, help came pouring in. Relatives abroad send monetary assistance.God is so good. He sends us angels in disguised. With all that's happening around we never questioned God. It is in this point that my mom returned to the Catholic fold. Thanks to the help of paping, a msgr. who's a family friend and the the Divine Mercy members who never get tired praying for her. You see, my mom was born and raised a catholic but sometime in her forties she was converted as an adventist.

We can feel that mom won't be with us that long. I should know, I'm with her round the clock. I can see her deteriorating. I just kept on praying that her pain be light and if God want her to go let her not suffer too much.

I was with mom when the time came. Even in deathbed she shows how much she loves us by holding on. I whispered to her, "go now, I know you're tired, don't be afraid Papa Jesus will be there to meet you. Don't worry about us we'll be okay. I love you". I think that's the signal she was waiting for. Minutes later, she was gone. She was 57 years old.

I don't know why I wrote this. Maybe, I want you to take a peek of who my mother was. Maybe,someday, someone who have the same plight as we have, would read this and can relate to the experience. Or maybe,I want to unload the feelings that have been here for too long in my heart. And maybe again,just want to share the feelings and the experience and to want to let u know you're not alone.

And to kids out there, no matter how old or young you may be, NEVER, ever take your mother for granted. Let her how how special she is to you. Say out loud how much you love her 'coz you'll never know when she'll be gone. Sometimes, it can be with a blink of an eye and leave us in oblivion.

Death, is not the ultimate end. It signify a new leash in life. To have a better appreciation of the things and persons that would enter our life. God, shows us how vulnerable we are. And only if we learn to trust Him and let him rule our life, everything will turn out right. Things happen for a reason. It's unwise to question Him. In His time He will reveal the answers one at a time.

Right now, I know, mama is happy wherever she is now. She's home.

And I felt light hearted. =)

Rules of Happiness

2008-02-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

A 72-year-old, petite, well-poised and
proud man, who is fully dressed each
morning by eight o'clock, with his hair
fashionably combed and shaved perfectly,
even though he is legally blind, moved
to a nursing home today.

His wife of 70 years recently passed
away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in
the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled
sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the
elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including
the eyelet sheets that had been hung on
his window.
'I love it,' he stated with the
enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
just been presented with a new puppy.
'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room,
just wait.'

'That doesn't have anything to do with
it,' he replied. 'Happiness is something
you decide on ahead of time. Whether I
like my room or not doesn't depend on
how the furniture is arranged. It's how
I arrange my mind. I already decided to
love it. 'It's a decision I make every
morning when I wake up. I have a choice;
I can spend the day in bed recounting
the difficulty I have with the parts of
my body that no longer work, or get out
of bed and be thankful for the ones that
do. Each day is a gift, and as long as
my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day
and all the happy memories I've stored
away. Just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account. You
withdraw from what you've put in. So, my
advice to you would be to deposit a lot
of happiness in the bank account of
memories!
Thank you for your part in filling my
Memory bank. I am still depositing.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

A Shared Tag and Award for Me

2008-02-29T05:11:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the start of another weekend, and a beginning of a new life in another country.So I want to end and begin this week sharing the awards and tags which I received from my cool friend Hye. Actually this award and tag is two weeks overdue. ( My apologies)....Thank you!!!

This is called Chain of Friendship. Thanks for being my friend Hye :D I am glad I am included in your circle of friends :D
The second award is called Friendship Gift . Many thanks again :D I really appreciate you for visiting me often through thick and thin :D
And the third ......

Done with the awards, next is the tag and it is called Rules of Four. Here it is:

4 jobs I have had:
Receptionist, Product Assistant, Admin Assistant, Manager

4 movies I watched over and over:
Ten Commandments, A Walk To Remember, Fools Rush In, Jesus of Nazareth

4 shows I watch:
American Idol, Discovery Channel, Mickey and Friends ( I'm a child at heart), Amazing Race

4 places I have been:
Never been to any place outside my country but I will, starting tomorrow and is looking forward to it :D ( I'll let u know)

4 people who email me:
Spammers, friends, family, and spammers again

4 favorite things to eat:
Cake, Ice Cream, Chocolates, Marang

4 places I would rather be:
Venice, Spain, Italy, New Zealand

4 things I look forward to this year:
Joining my husband, have a baby,resignation of my country's President, buy my own house

Now, let's move to the SHARING PART. I want to share these awards and tag to my readers and newly met friends namely: Shannonxj, Lucel Juliana, Themixgrapevine, Lotusflower.

(If your name is not included, I am sure you had been tagged and received these awards from someone else. Don't be sad.) Happy tagging and sharing!!!

Shared By Renrie23 at 9:35 p.m.

Do You Believe in Angels?

2008-02-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

Angels by definition means:

A Guardian Angel is a divine or semi-divine being who is able to work with humanity for a number of purposes.

An Angel is celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth.

An angel is a kind and lovable person; one who manifests goodness, purity, and selflessness.

We have heard and read about encounters with angels. Each one of us has an assigned guardian angel since the moment we were born.Others believed that they indeed exists, while some do not. But, do u believe in one?

Personally, I do believe in angels. I Haven't seen one in reality though. Figuratively speaking, angels are being depicted as a holy beings with wings. And they can come in disguise too, so to speak.

I'll share with you my personal experience and my mom's story of her encounter with an angel... angel in disguise. Maybe, you could compare your experiences with mine. You see, man became so busy and fails to notice little things in life. How things and persons happen to be in one place in the right moment even when they shouldn't be.

1. I was in Manila two weeks ago, an aunt of mine invited me to come to their place in Muntinlupa City. We talked over the phone and she instructed me the direction and reasoned out that if I can read then I sure will know how to go to their house. Being a typical probinsyana, I'm not familiar with Metro Manila in general. I Kept my fear at bay and prayed while commuting. I prayed To God, that would He please send me a guardian angel in disguise to guide me so I won't get lost.
On my way to my destination, I dropped by at the Baclaran church. After hearing the mass, I decided to ask a guard to point me where I could get my next ride to Alabang. As I'm approaching the guard, he was smiling and asked me if I'm from President Roxas, turned out he was from the same place and recognized me. Of all the people to asked direction from, what are the chances of bumping into a kababayan?Boy, was I shocked!
While, walking to the terminal, I prayed again that would He be so kind to let me sit in the front sit so I could freely ask the driver for another direction. You bet, I did sit in the front sit. And on my last ride, I fervently prayed for a fellow passenger to stop by the municipall hall as I don't know where it is located ( by this time, I was shy to ask the driver). A passenger beside me handed her fare and said "munisipyo ho".

There you go, my guardian angels in disguised was the guard, driver and a fellow passenger. Was it a coincidence at that time? Or some Divine intervention in my way?

2. Forty years ago, my mom already in 3rd year college then, went home for the weekend. One fateful monday morning while on her way back to the city, the brake of the bus she's riding malfunctioned. The bus fell in a deep ravine. In an instance, she saw dead people lying around, wounded passengers scattered. She herself seemed at lost. There was no single house nearby to ask help from.A man wearing white appear from nowhere and help her get up. He let her sit in a big stone . He told her," just wait, help will be coming soon". Then he disappeared. That was also the time, mom discovered she has a fractured arm. She didn't feel any pain at all.
When she regained consciousness, she was already in the hospital. She recalled the man who've helped her. She said, the man was not a fellow passenger ( my mom has a keen memory) and he simply disappeared as fast as he appeared. Could he be an angel sent by God?

Life itself, is stranger than fiction. We only have to pay attention to feel the presence of our angel. God loves us so much that aside from giving His beloved son to us, He assigned a guardian angel to each one of us to guide and guard. You only need to have faith and their presence will envelope us especially in need.

Why The Filipino Hell Is So Popular

2008-02-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Received this in my email one time. Sharing is loving, so, I'm sharing it with you.

Q:Why is the Filipino Hell sooo popular?

A: because.....

A Filipino dies and goes to hell. There he finds that there is a different hell for each country. He goes first to the German hell and asks "What do they do here?" He is told, "First they put you in an electric chair for an hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. Then the German devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day."

The man does not like the sound of that at all, so he moves on. He checks out the US , Spanish hell as well as the Russian hell and many more. He discovers that they are all more or less the same as the German hell.

Then he comes to the Filipino hell and finds that there is a very long line of people waiting to get in. Amazed he asks, "What do they do here?" He is told "First they put you in an electric chair for an hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. Then the Filipino devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day."

"But that is exactly the same as all the other hells - why are there so many people waiting to get in?"

"Because there is always a brownout, so the electric chair does not work.
Somebody stole all the nails to sell it per kilo. And the devil used to be a government official, so he comes in, punches his time-card, shakes hands with
all the people waiting there and then goes back home."

Why girls are Better Than Boys

2008-01-31T00:14:00.001-08:00

Little Johnny and Jane are playing in the garden when they start having an argument about whether boys are better than girls.

After a while Johnny stands up and pulls down his shorts saying, "Boys are better than girls 'cause you haven't got one of these!" Jane looks at him in astonishment as she knows that she hasn't got one of those between her legs. She bursts out crying and rushes inside to her mother. A little while later she comes back out with a big smile on her face.

"My mum says girls are better than boys," she says.

"No they're not," says Johnny pulling down his shorts, "You haven't got one of these!"

Jane looks at him, then raises her skirt, pulls down her panties and says, "My mum says that as long as I've got one of these, I can have as many of those as I want!"

In the Mind of A Pinoy Kid

2008-01-30T04:36:00.000-08:00

One night, my aunt made some mango juice. His 5 year old son came in the kitchen and ask for a glass of the mango juice. He told me, "Ate, have some it's sooo delicious....even though it has no taste".
My 4 year old nephew-in-law and I were watching pictures from my cellphone. We stumble upon my mom's picture and asked me who she is. I told him," she's my mom,your lola baby". "where is she now" he asked me back. "In heaven", I said. He paused for a while and look at me earnestly and said " Why are you still here and not in heaven?".

Urinals

2008-01-27T23:13:00.000-08:00

I was in Manila last week. I can't help noticing the urinals for men put by the MMDA on certain areas especially in the Municipality of Parañaque. The good side of it is, men won't just pee anywhere they like when the urged comes because of these urinals. The downside is...it STINKS!!! The urine has no proper outlet or drainage thus the foul smell.I bet people passing by especially tourists can't help but grimace with annoyance. I just can't imagine who is the brain of these pink urinal.Just take a look at the picture. What do u say? Only in the Philippines ehhh?=)

A Wonderful New Year's Resolution

2008-01-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

What amazing gifts the new year
brings! An entire
year's worth of wonderful
opportunities, given to us
one sunrise at a time. Many of the
moments ahead will
be marvelously disguised as ordinary
days, but each one
of us has the chance to make something
extraordinary
out of them.

Each new day is a blank page in the
diary of your life.
The secret of success is in turning
that diary into the
best story you possibly can. Have
pages on understanding
and tales of overcoming hardships.
Fill your story with
enthusiasm, adventure, learning, and
laughter. And make
each chapter reflect time doing these
things:

Follow your dreams. Work hard. Be
kind. Do what you
can to make the door open on a day
that is filled with
inspiration in some special way.
Remember: Goodness
will be rewarded. Smiles will pay you
back. Have fun.
Find strength. Be truthful. Have
faith. Don't focus on
anything you lack.

Realize that people are the treasures
in life, and
happiness is the real wealth. Have a
diary that
describes how you're doing your best,
and... the rest will take care of
itself.
- by Douglas Pagels

Estudyante Blues

2007-12-24T20:26:00.001-08:00

Sa Math Class...
Teacher: Banong, kung meron akong 1 piraso ng karne at hinati ko ito, ilang piraso na?
Banong: 2 po mam!
Teacher: At kung hnati ko pa pareho?
Banong: 4 na piraso po!
Teacher: Hinati ko ulit.
Banong: 8 piraso po.
Teacher: Hinati ko pa.
Banong: 16 po mam.
Teacher: Hinati ko pa?
Banong: 32 piraso na po!
Teacher: Kung hinati ko ulit?
Banong: 64 po! (nakangiti)
Teacher: At hinati ko pa? 2 beses ko pang hinati?
Banong: Ay susmaryosep mam! GINILING napo! GINILING!!!
==================================================
TEACHER: okay class our lesson for today is science. What is science?
PEDRO: ako ma'am! Ako ma'am!
TEACHER: okay Pedro, what is science?
PEDRO: science is our lesson for today.
====================================================

TEACHER: ano ang pambansang ibon?
BOY: chicken?
TEACHER: hindi! kulay brown ito!
BOY: fried chicken!
TEACHER: hindi! mas maliit ito sa chicken.
BOY: knorr chicken cubes!
TEACHER: get out!
====================================================

STUDENT: ma'am, pagagalitan niyo po ba ako sa bagay na hindi ko naman ginawa?
TEACHER: natural hindi.
STUDENT: good, di ko po ginawa assignment ko!
====================================================

TEACHER: mga bata, alam niyo ba na ang bawat butil ng palay ay galing sa dugo't pawis ng mga magsasaka?
MGA BATA: eeewwww!
====================================================

TITSER: ba't ka na-late?
EDWARD: nawalan ho kasi ng 500 yung lalaki.
TITSER: tinulungan mo siyang maghanap?
EDWARD: hindi po, tinapakan ko lang hanggang umalis siya.
====================================================

1. Trulalu.
2. eklavu
3. eklavu.
4. trulalu
5. eklavu
6. trulalu
7. trulalu.
8. eklavu
9. trulalu
10. trulalu
-batang bading nagsasagot ng true or false na quiz.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR & BEST WISHES. Start the day with a smile. =)

Christmas Quotations

2007-12-22T03:45:00.000-08:00

1. "Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example.To yourself, respect." -- Oren Arnold

2. "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." -- Burton Hillis

3. "A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small." -- Eva K. Logue

4. "It is not even the beginning of Christmas unless it is Christmas in the heart."
-- Richard Roberts

5. Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown

6. Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
- Peg Bracken.

7. There are no strangers on Christmas Eve." - Adele Comandini

8. Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."
- Charlotte Carpenter

9. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone. - Taylor Caldwell

10. Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God. - George F. McDougall

Prayers...Wishes ........to Jesus

2007-12-10T06:49:00.001-08:00

Months before christmas I already have my long list of wishes and prayers to Jesus. In this uncertain world and trying times, prayer is my constant armor. Praying to Him up above is one thing I'm sure of that won't be left unanswered. He may not answer instantly, it can take days, months, or years.But He certainly will, not in our own time, but in His time. Deep in my heart He will grant them.

These are some of my list to Jesus.=)

1. I fervently pray that my husband would be home for the holidays or before the year ends. (He stay in the US and me stays here in the Phils. Unexpected expenses make it just impossible for him to come home.)
2. I wish we could be together in attending the retreat of the Flock of Divine Mercy.
3. My friend Begie's special child, Lisha will get well soon (Lisha is autistic). Please grant the whole family deeper understanding and longer patience.
4. Please grant Tata Diod endurance in battling homesickness. She badly wants to go home. And may her papers be okay the soonest time possible.
5. I pray for world peace.

I have a long, long, list of prayer. And I know He will never turn me down. Because I'm His child and so are you. Try praying and He won't let you down. Try for yourself and you'll see.

Jesus will be celebrating His birthday. It should be us who must give and offer gifts to Him. But the fact is he gave me an early christmas gift instead. My number 1 and 2 prayer had been answered already. My husband arrived last december 6, it was a last minute decision. God made my mom in law instrument so they could go home.hehehe! And last saturday, December 8 which coincides with Mama Mary's birthday, we all attended the Divine Mercy retreat.

Isn't that sweet of Jesus? Surrender everything to God and He will do the rest. Just keep believing. Let us praise and glorify God.

The Essence of Christmas

2007-11-30T02:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. And every year the essence of christmas has been commercialized all the more. What is indeed the true meaning of christmas? Hope this story would touch you as it had touch mine. I got this from a friend. =)

It was the night before Christmas, I
hurried to go to the supermarket to
buy the remaining gifts I didn't
manage to buy earlier. When I saw all
the people there, I started to
complain to myself: 'It is going to
take forever here and I still have so
many other places to go...'

'Chris tmas really is getting more and
more annoying every year. How I wish I
could just lie down, go to sleep and
only wake up after it...'

Noneth eless, I made my way to the toy
section, and there I started to curse
the prices, wondering if the kids
really play with such expensive toys.
While looking in the toy section, I
noticed a small boy of about 5 years
old, pressing a doll against his
chest. He kept on touching the hair of
the doll and looked so sad. I wondered
who this doll was for. Then the little
boy turned to the old woman next to
him: 'Granny, are you sure I don't
have enough money?'

The old lady replied: 'You know that
you don't have enough money to buy
this doll, my dear.'

Then she asked him to stay here for 5
minutes while she went to look around.
She left quickly.The little boy was
still holding the doll in his hand.
Finally, I started to walk toward him
and I asked him who he wanted to give
this doll to.

'It is the doll that my sister loved
most and wanted so much for this
Christmas. She was so sure that Santa
Claus would bring it to her.'

I replied to him that maybe Santa
Claus will bring it to her, after all,
and not to worry. But he replied to me
sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can not bring
it to her where she is now. I have to
give the doll to my mother so that she
can give it to her when she goes
there.'
<>His eyes were so sad while saying
this. 'My sister has gone to be with
God. Daddy says that Mommy will also
go to see God very soon, so I thought
that she could bring the doll with her
to give it to my sister'

My heart nearly stopped. The little
boy looked up at me and said: 'I told
daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I
asked him to wait until I come back
from the supermarket'

Then he showed me a very nice photo of
him where he was laughing. He then
told me: 'I also want mommy to take
this photo with her so that she will
not forget me.' I love my mommy and I
wish she doesn't have to leave me but
daddy says that she has to go to be
with my sister. Then he looked again
at the doll with sad eyes, very
quietly.

I quickly reached for my wallet and
took a few notes and said to the
boy. 'What if we checked again, just
in case you have enough money?' 'Ok'
he said. 'I hope that I have enough.'I
added some of my money to his without
him seeing and we started to count it.
There was enough for the doll, and
even some spare money.

The little boy said: Thank you God for
giving me enough money' Then he looked
at me and added: 'I asked yesterday
before I slept for God to make sure I
have enough money to buy this doll so
that mommy can give it to my sister.
He heard me' 'I also wanted to have
enough money to buy a white rose for
my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God
for too much. But He gave me enough to
buy the doll and the white rose.' 'You
know, my mommy loves white roses'

A few minutes later, the old lady came
again and I left. I finished my
shopping in a totally different state
from when I started. I couldn't get
the little boy out of my mind.

Then I remembered a local newspaper
article 2 days ago, which mentioned a
drunk man in a truck who hit a car
where there was one young lady and a
little girl. The little girl died
right away, and the mother was left in
a critical state. The family had to
decide whether to pull the plug on the
life-assistin g machine, because the
young lady would not be able to come
out of the coma.

Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the
little boy, I read in the newspaper
that the young lady had passed away.

I couldn't stop myself and went to buy
a bunch of white roses and I went to
the mortuary where the body of the
young woman was for people to see and
make a last wish before burial.

She was there, in her coffin, holding
a beautiful white rose in her hand
with the photo of the little boy and
the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place crying, feeling that
my life had been changed forever.

The love that this little boy had for
his mother and his sister is still, to
this day, hard to imagine.

And in a fraction of a second, a
drunken driver had taken all this away
from him.

FRIENDS ARE LIKE ANGELS, WHO HELP US
FLY WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE FORGOTTEN HOW

SUKOB

2007-11-30T01:42:00.000-08:00

Almost all the countries in the world has its own share of superstitious beliefs. So does the Philippines. If you'll count them, the list would go endless. The Philippines had been colonized by the Spaniards for more than 300 years. Arabs,Chinese, Japanese, Americans are only some to mention who had contributed and made the Filipino culture rich and truly unique. Colonization, intermarriages, friendship,and business influenced our beliefs, customs and traditions over time. Superstitious belief or old wive's tale is an irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. SUKOB is one of them.It is a superstition that two siblings should not be wed in the same year or a wedding must not be held after a death of a member of the family.

I really don't believe in superstitions. Especially in sukob.I don't know if this is a mere coincidence or what. A cousin of my husband got married last may of this year. Then about September his elder sister got married too. Prior to that, a grandmother of them passed away last january days after our wedding.So, indeed IT IS two siblings getting married in the same year and more.The elders in my husband side was saying it's sukob sa taon and it should not happen.

End of October this year, the eldest brother of the siblings who got married died. Two weeks after, a great grandmother died also. And a day after the great grandmother was buried, one of the cousins died of stroke. And it happened only yesterday. You can't imagine how anguish the family is. One after the other they fall like leaves falling on autumn. Until when this will end?It is eerie to think of.

Coincidence or not. That we'll never know. All I know is things happen for a reason. And He up there alone knows everything. All of us die. He never gives trial that we can't bear.

Prayers is our best weapon. Evils lurk everywhere and always in disguised to divert us away from God. With all that are happening in our lives...good or bad...we must put our complete trust in Him. And He will never let us hit the ground.

Thoughts...

2007-11-27T03:57:00.000-08:00

These are some of the thoughts in life sent by a friend and would like to share them to you to ponder about.

1. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

2. What other people think of you is none of your business.

3.Time heals almost anything. Give time.

4. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

5. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

Filipino Traditional Massage... HILOT

2007-11-16T04:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was fortunate to be invited by a friend to have a complimentary massage at KASANAG WELL-BEING CENTRE.

Before the 90 minute massage would start, the owner gave us a brief summary of what to expect and the benefits that we would gain.

The treatment we received was not your usual swedish or shiatsu massage. It's a fusion of the traditional Filipino massage..."HILOT" and other related healing services as a means of body, mind and soul rejuvenation.

I didn't realized how badly stressed I was before the treatment. Our body is capable of healing itself but with the hustle and bustle of modern living combined with the food we eat, problem of day to day life, no wonder our body accumulate toxins. And the body cannot cope with the pressure. Illnesses, MPS (myofascial pain syndrome), body aches that suddenly occur out of the blue are only some of the causes of stress.

Healing and relaxation is what people look for ,thus ,the emergence of wellness centers.

HILOT, is something that a Filipino can claim its very own. Given a chance it could be at par with the world's standard with its unique style.

HILOT is an ancient traditional Filipino massage based on the Universal Law of Nature. It uses banana leaves to determine energy flow obstruction, hold changes in the temperature and prevents external factor like cold and wind from entering the body. Sometimes, virgin coconut oil or olive oil mixed with different scents is used for the massage.

The benefits of HILOT are psychological and physical. Touch, the most natural way to comfort people of all ages, offers the feeling of security. It has a natural way based on gut of easing pain and aches in the body. Most of all, it stimulates the body,aids digestion,neural communication,improved blood circulation, relaxes muscles and prevents it from stiffness and spasms. It speeds up skin exfoliation and promotes cell regeneration.

Different people has different preferences and hilot is only one of those. Whatever method is use, one thing is for sure, it recharges the energy back to our body. Can't wait for another massage session, and transport myself back in the air and feel like a new person again...=)

Comfort Food...Anyone?

2007-11-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

Everybody has their so called comfort and eccentric favorite food especially when feeling down. I had a series of my own comfort food and eccentricity while growing up.

To date, I simply love my sister - in - law's "binakol", a mixture of chicken feet ( adidas ) and neck which she cooks with lots of chopped tomatoes,ginger,onion, et. and cover it with banana leaves. Simply picturing it out makes my mouth watery hehehe.

Also, there's this sea snake we call " puyoy" and i guess it can only be found in our hometown. You can either grill or fry it, sometimes cooking it adobo style is...yummy!I bet others will say, GROSS! Don't forget the FLYING FOX BAT too. Sooo, delicious. More so than the taste of chicken meat. But I had stopped eating it years ago, when I learned it's in the danger list of extinction.

On simpler and rainy days, i love eating instant pancit canton lucky me brand hehehe. There goes the all time favorite CHOCOLATES...never mind the brand, sometimes I DO hide them, eat slowly savoring every bite and cookies...like Oreos, you know, twist a little, separate, lick and bite.

Generally, there are days, I like eating using my bare hands and the food never tasted sooo good.

There are so many to mention and the list can go endless.So can you share and tell me yours? Thinking about it makes me hungry.

nbi encounter

2007-11-07T00:32:00.000-08:00

I had an encounter with the NBI when I had my clearance renewed last July. The NBI clearance is one of my requirements for travel abroad. They gave me the clearance about a week after I applied for it. But when I received my copy I noticed I forgot to changed my previous address to my present one. So, a month after,there I go again to the NBI Regional Office in our area. They told me to return after a week since I got a lot of namesakes. The week had passed and to my dismay they informed me the system got off line and try to check from time to time. Imagine the time,effort and money wasted to get that clearance to no avail. Two weeks later i asked favor from my brother in law if he could get my clearance on my behalf. He was led to the office area and was informed that I ( of course it wasn't me!) has a pending warrant at the different branches in Quezon City Trial Court. My brother-in-law relayed to me that I have to go in their office in person because of the alleged woman bearing the same namesake is wanted and at large.

The following day, i went to the NBI regional Office in Iloilo. They led me to the investigator's office. Minutes later they led me to another room, where there's only me and the 3 NBI guy. At first, they were asking questions like, have you experienced working in Quezon City? Or if you ever experienced working in an educational institution? I answered No to both. Then they showed me the copy of the so called cases against my namesake. There are 20 something cases filed in different branches of Quezon City Trial Court. Qualified Theft is the case. When they handed me the paper I saw the name Rhea P. Samson. So Immediately I told them that Rhea P. Samson is not me. I showed them my I.d. but they won't look at it. My I.d. bears the name of Rhea D. Samson.Not quite the same,right?I'm even willing to provide other documents to prove my identity.They're saying I have to go to Manila and clear my name. I was adamant in saying I won't and is there any way they can suggest of how to clear my name without going to manila? They say, they don't.I'm already holding my emotions and temper. And this has been going on for more than 30 minutes already.I told them, YOU are the NBI you have all the power in the world to verify the middle name of that girl. They don't have access they say and that they ONLY RELY to what is being forwarded to them. I suggested further why, don't you contact the Quezon City Trial Court where that case was filed ask for assistance to contact the lawyer of the complainant and surely they know what that P stands for. They asked me one last question, if when will I need my clearance.I said ASAP. I added I wanted to talk to the Director and perhaps he can help me.They retorted that the Director will suggest the same thing also. I simply won't budged.I felt threatened and harassed at that time, and told them, I'll sue you for emotionally harassing me.They looked at each other and their expression and tone of voice changed as if we're suddenly friends. They said ..we're your allies here not your enemies, return tomorrow at 10 A.M.with an affidavit of denial and bring all documents pertaining to your identity.

After hearing them say those things I wanted to erupt. I asked for suggestions earlier and got nothing. And after saying a bluff of suing them, they provided me with an answer. What is their point? It made me think they're only aftering for the "lagay". (I just hoped I'm wrong!)

The following day, I secured the affidavit . I proceeded to the NBI and waited for more than two hours. Those guys never appeared.One of the investigator on duty at that time took pity on me and led me to see the head of the operatives. When he saw the affidavit and saw that indeed the Rhea P. Samson is different from Rhea D. Samson he gave me the clearance.

I regretted I didn't report them to their boss. I guess I was overwhelmed receiving my clearance.

NBI - National Bureau of Investigation. The name should speak for itself. Why can't they not know the the middle name of the alleged woman.Even a grade 3 pupil can distinguished the letter P from the letter D. I hope they'll serve the common people the best way they can and in the most speedy process . No wonder a lot of people is exasperated with the system.

You see, a relative of mine had the same experience under different circumstance.They in fact gave money to speed up the release of the clearance. They later found out that the clearance had been printed out two weeks before and it was only sitting in their office.

I'm just wondering, why some of the "guys" make it appear as if it's our "utang na loob" when they do something for us, when in fact IT IS THEIR DUTY to serve us. We pay them with our taxes. I don't generalize the people in the NBI. It's some of their men who do dirty tricks that tarnish the reputation of NBI and the government.

Let us be vigilant. Small action as this cause ripple effect, another form of GRAFT and CORRUPTION.

Jaren

2007-10-24T22:21:00.001-07:00

I was praying to God one day,
For Him to send my way,
A God-fearing, responsible and family oriented man I say,
You see, I'm tired of searching, it's like searching a needle in the hay.

Out of the blue,
He sends you,
The exact answer to my prayers and more,
From attraction to love it penetrates my core.

You're my knight in shining armor when distressed,
You save me all the time and you don't know how grateful I am,
In silence your presence is like a balm,
And you eased everything by ending it with a kiss.

In your own way you make me laugh,
Especially when at times my heart would break in half,
You put color and meaning to my existence,
You're the air I breath that flows to my senses.

Being separated by distance tore my heart in two,
To be reunited will cure my heart so blue,
I can't imagine life without you by my side,
Together we will ride the tide of life.

DEBTS

2007-10-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Why is it people who needs to loan money from another person would do anything just to let them have that much needed loan? Visitations, constant communications, bringing some magazines or a little food here and there. Like a man courting a woman. And yes, the lender would give in and lend money.Some lends without interest or in some cases they give it heartedly.

Eventually, the debtor will get that coveted loan. And after agreeing on the terms and conditions both parties go on their merry way.

What I cannot understand is this, some debtors after getting the loans seemed to have a certain case of amnesia. Sometimes they vanish in thin air, never to be heard or seen again. At times when both parties paths crossed, the person who owes the debt would simply ignore the lender as if he's only some strangers he met.

I cannot imagine myself doing this to the person I owed something. I hope people guilty of such would wake up and be responsible enough for the actions he make. Just imagine yourself in the shoes of the lender. One bad action you make can cause ripple effect. If comes a time you need money badly, nobody would ever let you borrow.

Don't be such a pain in the ass. It's your loss debtor.The world will be a better place without you.

In My Mind

2007-10-07T01:32:00.000-07:00

Why blog? I dunno. My brother urged me to try it. I saw my friends doing it...What the heck, I got lot of things running in my mind. They're waiting to explode, unfold....the thoughts simply want to be deciphered.

I love to read, I used to like writing in my younger days, not that I am so old hehehehe! My brain kinda got haywire so I really don't know what to write. I'll start from here for now.

Till next time.