my bunch of presents

More than the carols, the lights and the cool breeze, these people make the season more special. The laughter and the friendship will never be comparable. These guys are my presents all year long. :)

date with bunso

Went to the third sesh of the Feast this afternoon. Had late bfast/lunch at Megamall. Strolled. Had coffee to cap the day.

Ulitin natin to Kath. :) It was super fun. Alabyu. Hugs.

a strong sunshine is coming out

I would like to share today's reflection on Didache (A Catholic Reflection Guide published by Shepherds Voice Publication). It was written by George Gabriel, who also happened to be part of the singles ministry I am with now. It somehow described how I am feeling, especially now that I just finished a battery of tests for my (hopefully) last semester in law school. The following text is be the complete reflection (highlight in purple mine):

NATURE

 

… if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:17

 

I like what my friend Dinah once told me. “I woke up to the rain but then when I saw that it stopped and it became really foggy, I knew we’d have good weather,” she said. “Usually when it gets really foggy in the morning, to the point of zero visibility, strong sunshine comes after that. Don’t know if there is a scientific explanation but it’s always been like that here.” She’s based in New Zealand.

She knew, for sure, that good weather would follow. Why? It’s nature. I love how God communicates His love for us through it — through the natural occurrences of life. There was a time when I was so heartbroken and depressed. My darkness had blocked out God’s light and I couldn’t see His purpose for allowing me to experience that situation. I didn’t want to wake up the next morning to the same pain. I didn’t see the point of living another day. But after that point of zero visibility, the sun came out. I made it through. The Lord healed me and raised me up from my suffering to experience His glory once again.

Scientific explanation?

God is faithful.

And we can depend on it… because it’s His nature. George Gabriel

 

REFLECTION:

Just because the sun isn’t shining doesn’t mean it’s not there.

 

In the midst of the storm, I will be still and know You are God.

How comforting and assuring that after the rain, when all around you becomes foggy, the sun will surely be peeking out. After last night's examination in Civil Law Review 2, I knew the rain stopped, but a huge area of fog enveloped me. A tinge of doubt seeped into my heart. Would God allow me to graduate? 

Amid the voices that I hear inside my head, my soul rested on the truth that God is faithful and He makes all things work for those who love Him. My heart knows that God never fails His children. For whatever His answer will be, I know that it'll be for the best. All I need to do now is rest in His love and cast all my cares on Him. 

stressed?

something every woman should know

" I prefer to regard a dessert as I would imagine the perfect woman: subtle, a little bittersweet, not blowsy and extrovert. Delicately made up, not highly rouged. Holding back, not exposing everything and, of course, with a flavor that lasts. " Graham Kerr

***Saw this quote in the menu/photobook of Cocktales. Surprisingly, it was Nikko (Kath's friend and that guy who made my Student General poster back in UST) was the one who made the designs/logo/over-all appearance of the kiosk and paraphernalia. Good job! :)

something every woman should know

I prefer to regard a dessert as I would imagine the perfect woman: subtle, a little bittersweet, not blowsy and extrovert. Delicately made up, not highly rouged. Holding back, not exposing everything and, of course, with a flavor that lasts. ~Graham Kerr

***Saw this quote in the menu/photobook of Cocktales. Surprisingly, it was Nikko (Kath's friend and that guy who made my Student General poster back in UST) was the one who made the designs/logo/over-all appearance of the kiosk and paraphernalia. Good job! :)

One big THANK YOU.

I just turned twenty-something last Saturday, and up to now I am very much grateful. I knew that day how much the Lord loves me through the people who made it extra special.

I appreciate all those you greeted me through SMS and FB wall. People whom I haven't heard from in months remembered and I really, really appreciated that. Although, I had class in the morning (to which I arrived late because prayers are already being said), I was happy to spend half of my day with Fr. Jocis and the rest of the AMOE volunteers. My classmates gave me little presents, some brought in food for us to share. I love the cake! :) Am happy they loved the food I brought also.

After class, I immediately went straight to Megatent in Ortigas for SE6 Reunion. Funny thing though, the theme the class chose was children's birthday party. We had the works--balloons, party hats, children's songs, loads of games and children's party food! I remembered as I child I always wished for balloons during parties. I was happy spending the other half of the day to my Single's family. They gave me a huge birthday card and lots of blessings. I just have to leave early because Zeny was demanding I'd meet her. So, off I went.

Zeny told me we'll see a movie and eat dinner. Ok, I said, still quite clueless of who will be joining us. At around, almost 8 in the evening, she picked me from home. (with Kathleen). She drove to her condo. Still puzzled why we have to go there because, I thought if we will see a movie, we might miss even the last full show. Nevertheless, I kept quiet and stopped fretting in my head. I felt that having two of my "sisters" around is much more fun than movie or whatever. As Kathleen was telling her stories and I was intently listening while we are entering Zen' unit, I was really surprised to see Roan, Sheldon, Mik, and Gen as the lights were turned on. They prepared a little feast for us to share! As if to top the ice cream with cherry, I received the a gift I secretly asked God days before: A bouquet of flowers! I was utterly speechless and I even caught my self jumping! We had simple food and I had to blow another candle on a cake. It's another cranium night. Fr. Deng called and made the surprise more fun. I had to go home at 4am.

Surely, my birthday was fabulous! It was filled with much love from the people very dear to me. I remember asking myself, what good must I have done to have deserved such shower of love. Then, I was sure it was grace--something freely given; something not worked for. Perhaps, I am now ready to receive undeserved love. I do not refuse nor resist. I just opened my arms and accepted what was given to me for I knew immediately that it was Jesus who was showing me how much He loves me, through this people whom I share my love for Him.

To my friends, thank you for allowing yourselves to be God's conduit of sweetest blessings. More than the gifts and the surprises (which I appreciate a lot), you are my presents wrapped neatly in different shapes and sizes. :) Pray with me that we'll share more of God's goodness as I walk through another chapter of my life.

a letter from daddy

As if our tribute for our dear President Cory is not enough, I would like to share this letter which Ninoy wrote for Ballsy--the eldest of the Aquino siblings. Among all the five siblings, Ballsy was the one who certainly captured my admiration during the telecasts of the wake and burial of the last President. I remember telling my sister that she resembles Cory very much, from her demeanor even to the way she dresses. The following letter was sent to me through email by a friend and it certain filled my eyes with tears.

August 18, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
Makati, Rizal

Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.

An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!

I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.

The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.

I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections

From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.

Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.

Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors. Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.

Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so. Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all. You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.

Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.

I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.

I love you,
Dad

God's lovely maid

This morning, the morning news show which we frequently watch featured a segment speaking about the song dedicated for President Cory. Apparently, it was a poem which Ninoy wrote for her during the time he was incarcerated for opposing the Marcos government. Jose Mari Chan was requested by one of the supporters of the August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) put melody on the exultation.

I was intrigued by the title: "I Have Fallen In Love (with the same woman three times)" How romantic can it be! How noble for a man to fall in love more than once to the same woman. How praiseworthy it is for him to express it to his beloved. I was deeply drawn and moved by the lyrics as I listened to it. I felt the overflowing love of Ninoy for Cory. I also felt how much he must really felt blessed by God for picking Cory as his partner in a very meaningful life. He adored his wife. He saw that gentle courage in her--seeing her as the source of strength during the times of despair. With that, I had a glimpse of how much heart and grace Cory must have to have moved a very intellectual man. Ninoy unselfishly honors his wife saying:

I have fallen in love
with the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
of tearful joys..and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new..
she was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
when first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide..

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain..
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day..
’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope..
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life..

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid..
she is calm and composed,
she is God’s lovely maid..

I was reminded of the Proverbs wife (Proverbs 31: 10-31). It says:

¹⁰ The truly capable woman -- who can find her? She is far beyond the price of pearls.

¹¹ Her husband's heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit.

¹² Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax, she does her work with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls.

¹⁶ She sets her mind on a field, then she buys it; with what her hands have earned she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be.

¹⁸ She knows that her affairs are going well; her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ She sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle.

²⁰ She holds out her hands to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy.

²¹ Snow may come, she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed.

²² She makes her own quilts, she is dressed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She weaves materials and sells them, she supplies the merchant with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the day to come.

²⁶ When she opens her mouth, she does so wisely; on her tongue is kindly instruction.

²⁷ She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her.

²⁸ Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises:

²⁹ 'Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all!'

³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who fears Yahweh is the one to praise.

³¹ Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates.

I have seen through Cory, that a woman is indeed God's delicate handicraft--ordained with a special task to carry not only her children in her womb, but also her husband in her heart. If God then finds favor in one woman, he will certainly let her carry others in her heart as well. President Aquino is truly inspiring me--in her faith, as a Filipino, a leader, a friend, a wife and mother (if I will be) and ultimately as a woman abiding by God's design on how to live her life. I pray that by God's loving grace I will also be transformed to that woman He always desired me to be. May every woman discover her true identity and live it up. Together with that, I pray that every man will also celebrate the presence of every woman--the mother, sister, wife, friend, etc-- in their lives and how each influenced and shaped them.

Here is the song by Jose Mari Chan:

i have fallen in love (full song)

Be inspired. :)

tie that yellow ribbon again

Last Saturday, former President Corazon Aquino died from Colon Cancer. I only came to know about it when Father Anton (Pascual) offered the intention of her eternal repose during the opening mass of the LSE that morning. I was a little surprised, relieved and sad. I was surprised because probably, I too was hoping that her life will be extended a little more even if her death was something impending. I was relieved knowing that her physical suffering has finally come to an end. I have two close friends who's mom and aunt suffered cancer. I felt their pain from the discovery, to the treatment and until the death of their loved ones. It was something that although you have been preparing yourself for will just hit you with the same intensity. But I was sad because the Philippines lost a good political figure--one who exemplified integrity and good governance; one who delivered the Philippines from tyranny; one who became a beacon of hope.

I was still very small when the EDSA Revolution happened. I remember asking my parents one morning while they were preparing to leave, "San kayo pupunta?" They responded, "Sa EDSA." I immediately said, "Sama ako." I knew at my young age that EDSA was something big, something momentous. It excited me, more so, I wanted to witness what "EDSA" was myself. Of course, my parents did not heed to my request and I was left at home. Days later when things started heating up in Manila, I was brought to the province. I have only heard from the conversations of the adults that Marcos had left for Hawaii and the Philippines is finally free from his claws. Cory then became President. It was in the history books that I had fully understood more about why and how she became president, and I was happy she did.

I admired her courage for taking on the battle her husband left. A widow with five children could have chosen to mourn and be bitter with her misfortune, yet she did not. She shared in her husband's cause and believed it was noble and indeed worthy to be fought for. She fought head on to reclaim the leadership of the land even without any political experience. She knew her responsibility as a Filipino and used all the opportunities presented for the well-being of the motherland. She believed in her identity and fought for it passionately for the freedom of the country from the oppression of the Marcoses. I could surmise that her feat might have been stirred by a personal loss of the man she loves. Nevertheless, I salute her for using that pain to lead the Philippines out of misery of injustice and excessive human rights violation. She redeemed every Filipino's dignity by restoring democracy. Her greatest achievement as a political leader is the restoration of democracy and guarding it from any attack.

I admire her love for the Philippines. Just as the true essence of love, she sacrificed her comfort and took on a challenge that she had never took on ever in her life--only seek what is good for the beloved. One would see her integrity in service, when she did not sought for any extension in office neither taking on any position in government. All she desired was to serve the Filipinos by leading them in crossing over a new form of government where freedom exists.

I salute her for remaining to be a good mother despite the demands of her political obligations. I would like to believe that, indeed, she was able to raise good Filipinos in her children. Her moral values held her family together. Her youngest daughter, Kris' , failures might have been a national disappointment but Cory's motherly heart remained forgiving and I would rest to believe she made it a point that Kris will repair her life. In the various interviews that Kris will be in on TV, she will never fail in mention her mother and the pieces of advice she'd give her. My heart goes to her knowing that she will now be left to herself without a mother by her side.

Most of all, I see her deep faith in God and I would like to believe that she was very instrumental in order that God will be able to work for His Filipino people. Her faith kept her resilient amid the criticisms during her term as president. Her faith kept her wise and prudent in her actions. Her faith kept her family together despite the absence of a father.

Many would now call Cory a "Saint of People Power." I say, we leave that for the Catholic Church to decide. Undoubtedly, however, Cory is indeed an inspiration to most Filipinos. Let us not allow her efforts, and that of Ninoy, to die with them all in vain. I would like to quote, Jim Paredes when he said, that the overwhelming support and condolences of the people along the streets will be much more appreciated if we will keep it aflame until the next coming election in May 2010. I agree. Perhaps, if we do really love and appreciate President Cory (and Ninoy) let us continue fighting for democracy and good governance. It is also my prayer that the Philippines will have competent, committed and selfless leaders. EDSA I and II had already happened. Let us take on a new challenge by giving valuable meaning to of our right of suffrage.

Thank you, President Corazon Aquino. Thank you for restoring democracy and giving us the rights we now enjoy. You have lived by your name. You have become the heart of the Philippines and you will definitely remain in the hearts of every Filipino. May you rest peacefully in the bosom of our Creator.

Follow this link for the last part of her last State of the Nation Address in 1991.

first weekend of august.

day one

day two

meaningfully spent.

emulating mother teresa

The Final Analysis Prayer

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

sometimes, it's better said (and felt) in Tagalog

Nuong bata-bata pa ako, madalas kong naririnig at nababasa na importante ang pagkakaroon ng mga tunay na kaibigan habang nagkaka-edad ka. Sumang-ayon naman ako ng hindi ko lubusang naiintindihan ang tunay na kahulugan ng mga salitang iyon.

Marahil nga ay tumatanda na ako. Nag-iiba ang mga prayoridad sa buhay. Nagkakaroon ng kakaibang perspektibo.Mas lumalaki ang mga pagsubok. Ngunit napansin ko ang isang bagay: Sadyang mayroong mga taong itinalaga ang Diyos upang makasama mong tumawa, umiyak at maglakbay sa buhay dito sa pabago-bagong mundo. Ngayon, mas nabibigyang kahulugan ko na ang ibig sabihin ng mga katagang aking unang nabanggit.

Siguro nga'y sadyang pinagpala lamang ako dahil mayroong mga taong parating nakapaligid sa akin upang sumuporta at bigyan ng ibang kulay ang laban ng buhay. Napagtanto kong hindi naman lahat ng taong makikilala mo o makakasalamuha ay pipiliing mananatili at hindi ka iwan. Ngunit, sadyang mayroon lamang iilan na patuloy kang mamahalin at tatanggapin sa kabila ng lahat ng iyong kahinaan at kapintasan. Sila ang iilan na maninindigan para sa iyo; hindi ni minsang mag-aalinlangang tumulong; patuloy na papahid ng iyong mga luha; magbibigay ng ngiti sa iyong mga labi, o sadyang magbibigay lamang ng pag-asa.Sa gitna ng napakalakas na unos, pipilitin nilang palabasin ang araw upang magliwanag na muli ang iyong kapaligiran, o di kaya'y patilain man lamang ang ulan.

Madalas kong isulat ang mga ganitong bagay. Marahil kung minsan ay nakakaumay, ngunit sadyang hindi ako hihinto sa pagpapasalamat. Una, sa Diyos dahil siya ay tunay na mabuti. Siya ay marunong sapagkat sinadya niyang piliin ang mga taong itinalaga niya sa buhay ng bawat isa sa atin. Sila ay nariyan, dahil mayroon silang dapat gampanan. At ikalawa, sa mga taong hinayaan ang kanilang mga sariling maging daluyan ng pag-big at kabutihan ng Diyos. Hindi man ako makapanukli, dalangin ko't hiling, nawa'y pagpalain kayo ng Panginoon ng puspos at umaapaw dahil kayo mismo at biyaya ng maituturing. Marahil bukas, mayroon din akong maliit na gawang maiaalay sa inyo.

one miracle

We pray for miracles when we feel that human efforts will fall short or when our perspectives start to turn bleak. We tell God, “Lord, I can’t handle this anymore. Please take over.” Normally, this is an expression of resignation, or through time, we learn to surrender as an act of faith (hopefully even before we exasperate ourselves by relying on our frail human efforts). Miracles sometimes happen by taking us by surprise like an avalanche of overwhelming, supernatural blessings. While often times they happen unnoticed falling in our lives in trickles. Nevertheless, they impact our lives just the same.

Miracles happen daily, every second even. Even in moments when we feel that nothing seems to happen, grace still abounds, working to give grant our heart’s deepest desires.

Today, I woke up with an apparently small miracle. However, this is something I have always prayed for all these years. Although I have always whined to God whenever I’ve felt He just kept on turning a cold shoulder on my request, I was embarrassed to discover how He have actually put things together all this time. It amazed me. He wasn’t turning a cold shoulder, He was working His way!

Once again, I realize that miracles aren’t all the big things, they also thrive in the small details of our lives. God indeed cares about what’s trivial. Miracles are in everything! We live a life of miracle and we ourselves are miracles because life happens not by our efforts alone but by God’s grace. Through all the asking and waiting, one thing remains: God is faithful to work miracles in our lives.

after breakfast at tiffany's on a valentine's day

Paul Varjack: Holly, I'm in love with you.

Holly Golightly: So what?

Paul Varjack: So what? So plenty! I love you. You belong to me.

Holly Golightly: No. People don’t belong to people.

Paul Varjack: Of course they do

Holly Golightly: Nobody’s going to put me in a cage.

Paul Varjack: I want to love you.

Holly Golightly: It’s the same thing.

Paul Varjack: No, it’s not, Holly!

Holly Golightly: I’m not Holly. Im not Holly. I’m not Lula Mae, either. I don’t know who I am! I’m like cat here, a no-name slob. We belong to nobody, and nobody belongs o us. We don’t even belong to each other.

xxxx

Paul Varjack: You know what’s wrong with you, Miss Whoever-you-are? You’re chicken. You got no guts. You’re afraid to say, “Ok, life is a fact.” People do fall in love. People do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness. You call yourself a free spirit, a wild thing. You’re terrified somebody’s going to stick you in a cage. Well, baby, you’re already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it’s not bounded by Tulip, Texas or Somaliland. It’s wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself.

25 Random Things About Me (was tagged by Trina, Trissy and Hazel)

NOTE: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (the link is at the right hand corner of the app) then click post.

My List of 25 Random Things, Facts, Habits, and Goals

1. I want to own a property by the beach, preferably in a cove. The house will stand on higher ground to have a perfect view of the sea and the sky.

2. I wasn't very fond of the beach until I stayed in Tita Joy's beach house in Nasugbu. It completely changed my perspective. (Just as Tita Joy always do... Hehe.)

3. I wanted to become a band lead singer. In fact, when I was in first year college, I jammed with some Engineering students in one of the recording studios in Manila. Now, I just strut my stuff on videokes. Never let me hold the microphone....never.

4. I love Casa Reyes' Brazo de Mercedes. Perfect!

5. When I was still inside my mom's womb, my dad wanted a baby boy. Since ultrasound wasn't popular during those times, he was surprised and simply uttered: "My son is a girl." when I was delivered.

6. I miss working because of the hefty pay check at the end of each month, plus all the perks at goes with it.

7.I watch Betty La Fea because of John Lloyd Cruz. Whenever he's on screen, the dialogues start to muffle and all I can focus on is his face. Yes, I so crush him!

8. I am so lazy today. Post-midterms low.

9. I grew up not having anyone of my age in both sides of the family. Either they are 10 years older or 5 years younger. Good thing, I didn't grow up being a loner. Or perhaps, that is why I think beyond my age.

10. ...and because I was surrounded by mostly older people, I know a lot about the 80's--personalities, songs, movies. Should I say I was an avid fan of That's Entertainment? Love the Tuesday and Friday Group.

11. When I was in Grade 4, my friend Mapet (and her mom) tagged me along to audition for Ang TV. It wasn't a spectacular experience, tell you.

12. I ballroom dance. I do that better than modern.

13. I am blessed with friends, true friends at that. ;)

14. I have sorts of nicknames. My dad calls mePache (I told him I wanted the name Michelle. I suppose he mixed up Fatima and Michelle to come up with Pache). My mom calls me Fatima (She never gave me a nickname). My friends from elementary call me Fatty (which I've always refused, because I was never fat when I was younger). My best friend in second year high called me Leng (never knew why). My classmates from AB Gen, calls me Che, a variation of Pache, which they learned from a friend. Faith was given to me by a classmate from high school. She happened to have a cousin whose name is Fatima and her nickname was Faith. That is the nickname which stuck. Although, some close friends from Arellano Law calls me Faithie.

15. I love traveling. I love window seats in airplanes. I love figuring out maps and riding trains when am abroad.

16. I am a very good navi. Give me a general direction of a place and I can find my way around. I think I was born with an internal compass.

17. I am so fascinated with anything Japanese. Japanese food gives me the high every time. I studied Hiragana for a time. I watch Kabuki. But I was never a fan of Anime.

18. And because of my fascination, I prayed to God that the first foreign country my feet should step on is Japan. It happened! And I mean literally step on! It was only a stop over to Canada. Hahaha! Then I realized how specific prayers work.

19. I love wearing red nails.

20. Whenever my nails start to chip off, I remove them all using my nails. :) I can finish them off in an hour or so.

21. I love Pakbet and Kare-Kare.

22. I was a fan of Princess Diana, ever since she was married to Prince Charles. My aunt who's based in London brought home a photo book of the Royal Wedding and I've always wanted to have one like that.

23. The other day, I thought of marrying a wealthy businessman or a surgeon, or better yet a surgeon who happens to be a wealthy businessman. Hahaha! Seriously, occupation isn't much of an issue. I have a non-negotiable list to abide though. :)

24. I wanted to become a Pediatrician when I was younger. But when I saw a group of med students pulling their trolleys of books for Revalida, I told my Mom: "Ma, I don't want to become a doctor anymore. They've got so much to read." And here I am in law school... still with much to read. Darn!

25. I want to travel around Europe, South East Asia and Africa.

Top 10 Brain Damaging Habits

I came across this article somewhere in the net. Natawa ako habang binabasa ko. Kumusta naman ang mga law students?!?

No Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast is the first chance the body has to refuel its glucose levels, also known as blood sugar, after eight to 12 hours without a meal or snack. Glucose is essential for the brain and is the main energy source. People who do not take breakfast are going to have lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

(Buti nalang, I eat breakfast. Sabi nga ng nanay ko, wag ka na kumain ng ibang meals, wag lang kalimutan ang breakfast. Buti nalang din nakinig ako sa nanay ko. Hehe.)

Overeating

The brain works closely with the stomach. If the digestive organs experience weakness, depression or congestion due to hunger-related ailments, it gives signal to the brain for help. In return, the brain aids the digestive organs by telling you "it's time to eat". But when overeating happens, the brain-nerve energy is benumbed and becomes almost paralyzed. It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

(Oooppsss... guilty. Sarap kasi kumain, lalo na lately na-observe ko sobrang takaw ko)

Smoking

Did you know that a single cigarette stick contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known carcinogenic (cancer causing) compounds and 400 other toxins, some of it known to man? These toxins causes numerous ailments which include heart attacks and stroke brought to by the blocking of the carotid artery, thus cutting the blood supply to the brain cells. It also includes emphysema, cancer and multiple brain shrinkage that may lead to Alzheimer disease.

(Buti nalang ulit tinigilan ko na ang bisyong ito. Hehe. =) Friends, nakakaubos ng brain cells.)

High Sugar Consumption

True to what was mentioned in the first habit, glucose (which we can also get from sugar) is essential for the brain and is needed to fuel the body. Regulation is the key here. Too much sugar can cause the release of adrenal hormones (called "sugar high") that squeezes stored sugar from the liver, sending blood sugar levels up. This will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with the brain's development.

(Naku, guilty nanman ako. Good bye chocolates na ba ito? Wag naman. :( Huhu.)

Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air (with nanoparticles) causes inflammation and abnormal protein deposits in brain tissue, decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency. A latest research claimed that fine particles like those found in air pollutants can switch on the tumor genes that some people inherited, thus, jump-starting the disease process which results in brain tumor.

(Patay! Pano yan, commuter ako at nakatira ako sa Maynila? Sana kung sa probinsya ako nakatira na maraming greeneries diba? Makapagtanim na nga ng mga puno.)

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is needed to refresh certain parts of the body, especially the brain, for it to function optimally. Long term deprivation from sleep causes neurons to malfunction, diminish mental performance and accelerates the death of brain cells. People who regularly do not get enough sleep becomes less sensitive to insulin. This increases the risk for diabetes and high blood pressure -- both serious threats to the brain.

(Eh nagkukulang na din tulog ko e. Average 6 hours na nga lang ako lately. Dati I still can afford to have full 8-hour sleep. Good luck talaga sa law at med students.)

Head Covered While Sleeping

Are you fond of wrapping your whole body (from head to toe) with the blanket? Or simply covering your head with a pillow for reasons of shutting off unnecessary sound or light? Well, take note that sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide on the covered area. With it, decreases the concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

(Naku, ako ulit to! Tsk, tsk.)

Working Your Brain During Illness

Have you observed that when attacked by an ailment, you cannot think properly? All you seem to think about is the sickness that you are feeling or having -- this stresses the brain. All the more, working hard or studying with sickness surely leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the brain, as well as, damage the brain.

(Bakit? Pag may sakit ka ba tumitigil ang recits at exams? Di naman diba? Lalo na pag prof mo ang prof ko sa umaga. Hmpf.)

Lacking In Stimulating Thoughts

Have you heard of the phrase "mental growth"? Thinking is the best way to train and develop our brain. Activities such as constant communication, socializing, and reading are good in keeping our brain stimulated. A lack in brain stimulation thoughts or activities may cause brain shrinkage -- making it dull.

(Thinking...thinking...thinking....)

Talking Rarely

It is a common notion that when you rarely talk, it means you don't care about the subject or you have no idea about it, at all. In relation to the ninth habit, intellectual conversations promote the efficiency of the brain. It stimulates and trains the brain to find reasons and answers amidst questioning and provoking.

(Eh, pag nagbabasa ka at lahat ng kasama mo sa coffee shop o library e nagbabasa rin. Panu un? Pag kinausap ko ba sarili ko, pwede yun?)

let the change begin

I failed to see the live feed of Obama's inaugural speech over the news channels on Monday night. Nevertheless, I was very pleased to see it on CNN online the following morning and have been itching to blog after which.

I admit that I did not follow the US Presidential Elections Campaign. Although, I remember having commented how brave this African-American candidate was for running for the highest post in the American government where in fact, his color is largely different from the majority. His platform was change--one which I surmised he used to suit his distinction from the previous Presidents because of his skin color, and also to arrest the issue on the Americans getting tired of Bush (who unfortunately left White House with a very unsatisfactory performance rating).

I thought that either Obama has a savior syndrome or he simply has passion burning inside him which makes him see beyond the barriers. Perhaps, I thought, he knows his identity as an American so he carries it on his chest like a badge. And he does. More so, he contaminates his people with such awareness by reminding them the travails of how America--democracy--was fortified. With this my skepticism starts to break.

I am not yet a fan though, but I was impressed by his inauguration address. Eloquent and inspiring. I didn't feel any hint of pretense nor any promise of false hopes (unlike those we hear from our Presidents). I was drawn by his demeanor as a leader. It is devoid of self-loathing, instead he involves his people to work on things with him. His speech motivates yet in effect sends out a command to the people to "pick themselves up, dust their selves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." He realizes that he cannot work on rebuilding America's glory from the shambles it has created without the people whom he is to faithfully represent. The fact that he capitalizes on the support that he gathered from in Washington, shows how an intelligent leader he is.

He exudes an aura of confidence and he appears to have a battle plan. I was telling my brother last night that it seems to me that Obama knew from the start that he wanted to become president and he took sure steps to get there--silently, slowly and surely. Though there seems to be a few who believed, he persistently pursued his vision and later made other believe and share this with him. May his vision hopefully brings America and the rest of the world to flight all over again.

Yes, Obama is now president of the "most powerful and prosperous" state--the United States of America. So what do we care as Filipinos? How will it affect our daily lives considering we are not citizens of US? Many political analysts and the learned from the fields of economics, political science, public administration, etc., says that Obama's taking over the presidential post will greatly define the socio-economic sphere of the whole world. Especially because of the current global economic crunch, Obama might not have enough time to take his sweet time to savor his victory.

I do not know if my admiraton over Obama's inaugural address will be sustained. I hope, and I also hope Obama performs well.

As for the Filipino people, especially our politicians, let us find in ourselves out identity as Filipinos and let is work together towards one goal of rebuilding the Philippines. May the huge crowd that gathered in Washington, serve as a reminder that democracy will work only is the people work for one purpose. May our leaders abandon lip service, instead perform their jobs with utmost integrity and sincerity. Still I hope to see that one day divisions and factions in Philippine politics is over; that poverty is alleviated; that there is quality education for our children; that each Filipino family will live comfortable lives together without need of anyone of them working abroad. As Obama, puts it: "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, (America): They will be met."

Hopefully, they will.

Here is the full inauguration address clip, courtesy of CNN Online

i've got a third brother

He isn't my parents' son, nor am I his parents' daughter.

But somewhere deep in my heart, I know we're born to be siblings. I am supposed to be the older sister, which I try to be--protecting and looking after him. While there are times he acts as my Kuya, saying just the right words and knowing better. Often times, in his quiet ways, he sensitively reads the cues, and responds to them appropriately.


Over time I am not sure if I have let out a loud thank you for all the things you have done. Little as they may have seemed, each are greatly appreciated and carefully held. Ro, I can never be thankful enough for never failing to assure me of your friendship, a shelter I can always run to even if am being crappy. You make me believe all the more that you (with all the girls and Padre) are God's sweetest blessings.

'Love you, bro! :) (Eeekkk! I know you're gonna hate me for that... hehe. Sorry, I can't help but be mawkish. Hehe.) Here's to forever, even if things continue to change. :)

first blah of the year

Just a few days ago, I received a text message from Butet. It read: "A wise man once told me that the antidote to depression is gratitude." Simple. Timely even.

I wasn't as vocal as I was about how I have been feeling lately (except about my nasty tonsilopharyngitis). I have to admit that I ushered 2009 with a heavy heart. Perhaps, one is because of the condition of my health. As for the other reasons, I rather keep them to myself. Although I am not entirely sulking, I just felt disconnected inside.

Until the SMS.

I was reminded that instead of whining over things that I am impatiently waiting to arrive, I should be rejoicing with what is at hand; that there are so much more in my hands over those that I wait to come; That no matter how imperfect the people around me are, I am blessed that there are those you bear with my idiosyncrasies; That while I am disappointed with the mistakes I committed, I am given the chance to improve; that it dawned to me that learning to let go is always easier than holding on.

Perhaps, I just needed to change my spectacles.