I am in this case…and I am literally confused. This is disturbing. And this has made me sad. Three things are sure. 1.) I want to work. 2.) I want to help in the finances. 3.) I want to finish my graduate studies.

I always tell myself that everything has its own timing and everything should be done one step at a time. But sometimes I just can’t help but to regret the time wasted, that maybe if I “did” it then it will come out the other way around.

I know this stormy sails will sail smoothly. I just have to be positive. I know it will. (Maybe I have to stop thinking too much )

So anyway here this goes. I have a lot of thoughts in mind right now but I think I have to begin for this May 10 Election Day. Just a while ago, I was on my way home and the streets were much noisier than yesterday, as if there is a caravan or a fiesta somewhere. Flags, shirts, balloons, and campaign jingles were in the air as if it is saying…election day…here I come!!! This year’s election day I believe is the most exciting since I got aware of this thing. Exciting in a way that there is no such thing as an obvious winner – every candidate has his “probable” win (not to allow the survey as a basis of course – I don’t rely on it anymore either). That’s why I think every candidate has been campaigning twice or thrice times than usual, especially now that they’re heading to the final countdown.

Sure thing, I go for number 8…Green!!

We had a semi reunion last undas when my relatives (father’s) got together to visit lola and uncle Gerry’s puntod. Chikas were all over the place up to the point of remembering the years of 1960s – or my father’s childhood days.

There my titas proudly said how resourceful my papa was. How he diligently collected empty bottles to be sold in the nearby junk shop for him to have money. How businessminded papa was in his young age, selling sour balls (they said it is today’s YAKEE candies) or yema even to profit only of a little amount. How he was being scolded by lolo because he did not attend their recognition ceremony – he was suppose to receive his MOST PUNCTUAL ribbon – and lolo was waiting for him in school to award him of his ribbon. Well, it happened that there was a house just burnt to ashes and there he was, on his way for their recognition ceremony, neatly dressed on his white long sleeved shirt, took the “golden” opportunity to collect the remains of scrap metals to be sold in the nearby junk shop and forgetting his suppose to be main agenda of the day.

What lola was afraid of is if papa could not finish his schooling because of this mentality, that is what they said. Funny thing is, lolo only answered this: “Hangtod naay botelya, mabuhi ning bataa.” (Until there are bottles, this boy will survive).

Lola should not worry anymore, even though she did not saw all her children marched the aisle of graduation ceremony, but wherever she is, she should be much happy and of course with lolo now.

I cannot promise papa of so much more than to assure him that I will not fail him…as a daughter, as a friend, as a family.

One thing’s for sure, this is another journey to count for. And everyday, I know I’ll learn something worth sharing…something more practical…& something worth waiting to extend my hands to millions of those who’ll ask for help someday…somewhere.

God bless every one!!

I remember I was on my HighSchool days when the Meteor Garden was shown on TV and almost all of my classmates, particularly the children of Eve, were, if not hooked, then much more updated than the current news updates to of course the Shan Cai-Dao Ming Si love story. I don’t know what was on me but I couldn’t really find a single cell on me giving interest to that TV drama until now. I preferred to watch Slamdunk and Detective Conan than watching it during that time haha. I only got to know those characters and the story plot etc etc when their “songs” were aired on radios and TVs almost every minute and people were singing like parrots mumbling on ala foreign tongues but they didn’t even know what it means.

The funny thing is, I am now in the late blooming stage and is raising my right hand, pledging alliance to the positive response on the question, “Are you an avid fan and unquestionably hooked on the Korean version of Hana Yori Dango entitled Boys over Flowers?”.

Personally, I like this version more than the Taiwanese’s. The acting is more natural and the funny scenes are effective. I think the Koreans have this plus factor in making drama series. The dubbers also in Tagalog are quite fitted and have given more life and colors to the characters and the story as well.

So who’s with me now?

It was only last Sunday, May 13, 6th Sunday of Easter, 6 PM at the UCCP Bradford Church, Cebu City.  I still made the decision to go even though it was about to rain and darkness started to dominate the skies.  On perfect timing, I arrived at the church at the time the mass started.

So there came my favorite part, the part where the pastor will stand up in front of us and say something good and awakening.

Pastor: Have you ever felt that you’re unfruitful or unproductive?  Have you ever felt that you’re unsatisfied?  Have you ever felt that you’re a problem?

There I was, trying to digest the questions being asked and slowly answering myself with a big “YES, I sometimes feel that way”.  So I started to listen more.

Then the pastor read the book of John 15:16 which says, “You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”

In this world, we have been connected through Jesus as the vine, us as the branches and God as the gardener who takes very good care of us in His garden.  Then, if we sometimes feel that we become useless or unfruitful in our lives, then that are the times that we forget the connection we have in Jesus in this world.  We forget our purpose and we forget how special we have been taken good care of Him in every day.

The scripture says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Indeed and perfectly said.  When God answers prayers, He grants it unselfishly and even more than what you had asked for.  He even told us to ask for anything.  Yes, but of course with pre-requisites.  He grants prayers but with a promise for ourselves to commit on His commandments and in His doings.  And one more thing, He appoints us to bear fruits that will last.  I think we should examine our prayers this time, if what we were aking will last.  If we asked for a new car, will that car last?  If we asked for possessions, will that possessions last?  If we asked for a position, will that position last?  I don’t think so.

Two “ask” were then proposed which for me are perfect and should be asked everyday by everybody.  Why not try asking God for us to be more friendly - to our parents, to our kids, to our partners, friends, and to others.  Friendship lasts and money can’t buy it neither.

The second and the last one, why not try asking God for us to be more loving.  Friendship and love.  Two simple words but create a very very big impact not only to ourselves but also to others, to our community, and to the whole world. 

To me, I’ll start it with a smile, and I know the whole world smiles back at me.

Now, spread the LOVE and be a FRIEND to all.

I was riding shotgun with my hair undone
In the front seat of his car
He’s got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel
The other on my heart

I look around, turn the radio down
He says, “Baby is something wrong?”
I say, “Nothing I was just thinking
How we don’t have a song?” and he says

“Our song is the slamming screen door
Sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window
When we’re on the phone and you talk real slow
‘Cause it’s late and your mama don’t know”

“Our song is the way you laugh
The first date man, I didn’t kiss her and I should have
And when I got home, ‘fore I said amen
Asking God if He could play it again”

I was walking up the front porch steps
After everything that day
Had gone all wrong or been trampled on
And lost and thrown away

Got to the hallway, well, on my way
To my lovin’ bed
I almost didn’t notice all the roses
And the note that said

“Our song is the slamming screen door
Sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window
When we’re on the phone and you talk real slow
‘Cause it’s late and your mama don’t know”

“Our song is the way you laugh
The first date man, I didn’t kiss her and I should have
And when I got home, ‘fore I said amen
Asking God if He could play it again”

I’ve heard every album, listened to the radio
Waited for something to come along
That was as good as our song

‘Cause our song is the slamming screen door
Sneakin’ out late, tapping on his window
When we’re on the phone and he talks real slow
‘Cause it’s late and his mama don’t know

Our song is the way he laughs
The first date man, I didn’t kiss him and I should have
And when I got home, ‘fore I said amen
Asking God if He could play it again
Play it again, oh, yeah, oh, oh, yeah

I was riding shotgun with my hair undone
In the front seat of his car
I grabbed a pen and an old napkin
And I wrote down our song

WALKATHON

Since we ran out of resources (and I mean financial ones), we made use of our feet as our prime assets in order to arrive at our very priced destinations.  We were somewhat affected then of the global crisis since 7 pesos, which is today’s minimum fare, seems to be million for us thus, saving money was really the top priority.  The motto of the day would be, “Kung madala ug lakaw, lakawon.” (“If it is still walkable, then we rather walk.”  So if the nearest photocopy center offers you 2 pesos per sheet, then you better give your feet again a try walking the streets of M.J. Cuenco and search somewhere else where per page costs only 50 centavos.

LESSON: Money saved.  10,000 steps were made that day – claimed to be good for the bones if done daily.

RAIN

Raindrops did fall on our heads and ended up not only walking but running as fast as we could to shelter ourselves from the feiry rain.  Gross as you’d think, but the combination of sweat plus the rain did mix undetermining which is which…good excuse for someone with sweaty under arms hahaha!  By past twelve, raindrops did not anymor occur.  It was actually its big brothers and sisters turn to make a wonderful performance showering the city with our presence.  So a slight drops of rain did turn into “bunok” (heavy rainshower) – very well choreographed weather intervals…it can really make us sick.

LESSON: Whenever Professor Clouds give us the “dark” signals, bring with you the necessary tools for protection.  Just remember the battered GF RnB singer Rihanna and we’ll surely dance with her…”don’t forget to bring your umbrella, ella, ella, eh..eh..eh..eh..e.”

“GIRL THING”

Uhmm…the monthly cycle? you know… !*&%#@!!

It checked its attendance for this month.  A very good timing huh.  It actually made my feet feel much more worse than the others plus the fact that it came unexpectedly?  I should get immediate attention..call 911..EMERGENCY!!!!

Good thing I wore a jacket.  It covered the stain perfectly where exactly it was.  Good thing also I was born a scout…”Laging Handa” (Always Ready), otherwise, I had killed myself in the middle of the battlefield.

LESSON: Don’t panic & use your initiative.

= NOT FEELING WELL

Give sentiments to the one who had been equated with the perfect formula for muscle pains and soon to be fever. * APPLAUSE*

It wasn’t that bad at all, I just feel exhausted.  I even want somebody to walk at my back just to give it a very nice crunch…ahhhh…so nice to hear that cracking sounds of the bones….I feel relieved with it.

Well…I just need a sleep.  I think it will surely help.  Have to go to school again tomorrow for the final interview requirement.

Goodnight everyone!!!

Now, roses and its kind are indeed everywhere & chocolates are being neatly displayed on the corner stands, paired with huggable teady bears or a pre-written love notes of sort.  Seems like Mr. Cupid is now on duty, wandering around the metropolitan and suburbs  while waiting for the right timing to do his “job” once again. 

Question:  Have you ever been strucked by the love-potion-filled arrows of his?

I’m pretty sure others have been with this magical and never-will-be explained experience some long long time ago and cherishing this wonderful moment with their partners for how many years already. 

Luckily(fortunately..but I believe by God’s lovingly plan) your’s truly has found also the one who she’s been waiting for years, started the love story perfectly, and handled rough and stormy times together without finding each other raising the white flag.  And that’s a “V” for me…V for VICTORY.

As I am sitting here alone in my room and staring at the empty spaces here in my ceiling (no lizard visitors this time), I’m beginning to realize how lucky I am to be one of those people on earth who have been with a man who is genuinely in love with his partner.  *Cheeks blushing, hands sweating, and heart beating like a drum*  Feels that way for the nth time.

To all the Single Ladies (literally)…time may not be for now, but patiently wait and please please please please never act so desperate, ‘coz soon you will finally find this someone who will do these some things (to list a few) just for you: 

1.) He calls you/sends you messages asking you how you are, just making sure he keeps in touch with you.

2.) He makes sure you will eat together as much as possible, because a meal for him – no matter how cheap – will be more enjoyable if spent with you.

3.) He tries to crack a joke even though he knows he’s not good on it while carrying your things just to make you smile and makes you feel relaxed on this very stressful day.

4.) He is always a call/text away.  He’s immediately available and always has an alibi at work to escape just to see you whenever you call for an emergency. 

5.) He stares at you for no reason at all, touches your face, and kisses you while telling you how he’s in love with you without getting tired of it.

6.) He cooks food for you.  Isn’t it sweet? Of course, and he is very happy to serve you and doing things for you.

7.) He is proud to introduce you to his family and friends, and proud to bring you along with him wherever he goes.

8.) His plans about the future includes you.

9.) He listens to you and opts to keep silent whenever you’re mad and loosens control.  His patience exceeds China’s Great Wall and doesn’t yell at you in front of many people when arguments arises.  Instead, he will talk with you in private to discuss the problem.

10.) He will love you for everything and doesn’t care about anything, or to anyone anywhere.

The list still goes on up to infinity yet the bottom line falls on to this crazy little thing called L-O-V-E …of its pureness, coz with its presence, everything will surely follow and create a magical effect to both lovers.

To everyone who’s in love, ..

• Dedicate your relationship to God and for sure He will shower you with blessings and guide you all throughout. 


• Continue to love each other unconditionally and selflessly. 


• Continue to value everything that your partner has and NEVER EXPECT too much from each other. 


• When your partner has done something for you – whether it’s small – LEARN TO APPRECIATE. 


• When misunderstandings come along the way – BE PATIENT.


• Learn to LISTEN – give each other a chance to explain and never interrupt.


• Two things:  1.) Don’t talk when you are angry, and 2.) Don’t decide when you are in doubt.


• Learn to accept mistakes.  If you love the person and you know that you are the one to blame, then, sorry is not anymore the hardest word to utter.  Isn’t it nice not to allow your arguments sleep with you?


• Make everyday your anniversary letting yourselves feel special in one way or another.  Tell him/her how special he/she is and how lucky and blessed you are to spend your life with him/her.


• LEARN TO SACRIFICE. And,


• Don’t forget to pray…and just love each other.

To those who are broken hearted, don’t loose hope and learn to love once more.  Learn to love yourself and others will learn to love you for yourself in return.  Just be patient as well ‘coz true love starts somewhere at anytime, and always ask the One above for guidance ( I’m quite sure He reserved the “this is it” person for you…He’s just plotting the right love story that is bound for your meeting)…He always surprise us and make everything perfect especially with this thing anyway.

I think I’ve said toooooooooooo much…

Anyway…Happy HEARTS’ DAY..V-DAY..LOVING DAY (whatever it is…..in advance) EVERYONE!!!!

I wonder how it is like to pose in front of a camera with lights all around you taking effect on the background and eyes of anonymomity looking at you?  This isn’t like a modeling career or a mall tour via showbusiness of sort – can’t imagine those things either.

What happened this morning was a step of the many to visualizing and realizing my March 2009 graduation candidacy, ehem!! * interruption – my fan’s helicopter-like noise is distracting me right now*  Back to the photo session thing, we did pose in front of the lens of “Manong Kuya taas pa ang linya sa nagpapicture?”.  It was part of the requirements actually in our application form as candidates for this incoming graduation to have our photos taken to be used in our Transcript Of Records (TOR).  For record purposes as they say, but as to me, it was like a reserved photo intended to be used to scare rats wandering the university.

Anyway, we finally submitted our application forms after how many days of struggle from the crowd of our own kind.  It was such a relief…char! (murag true).

And so I am now a certified GRADUATING.  Makes me feel proud to answer the question…

TAW: graduating na ka day?

AKO: OO