A note to self: Write.

The people of my 2013

Here we go with the list of people who made a positive influence in my life the past year. They inspired me, stretched me a bit to love more, made me want to become a better person and just ignited my hope that because there are still good people on earth, this will still be a good place to be in. 

Bravehearts and Power of One

These are my two councils for my two coaching stints in 2013. 

L-R: J, John, me, Dancel

In the beginning of the year, my journey with Bravehearts, J, John and Dancel, taught me that life's imperfections are perfected by love. Collectively, they also taught me that no matter how difficult things may be, if one chooses to courageously love, nothing can hinder me from emerging to be a better person. It just takes a quick shift to see the world as an abundantly beautiful world! I am grateful that even after LEAP we remained friends. J continues to teach me to let go of anger. Instead, live life choosing to embrace love. John reminds me that I needed to be treated like a woman; that courage isn't just about being tough but it is just about knowing what you want and going after it. Lastly, Dancel taught me the value of family, the humility to seek forgiveness and own up to one's limitations. 

L-R: Dada, Paul, me, Jacq, Choo, Marius and Ricky

Toward the end of the year, I met six beautiful souls--Choo, Paul, Dada, Jacq, Marius and Ricky. They call themselves the Power of One. Truly they are a bunch of powerful people who journeyed together in discovering who they are and what they can do. They surely made me see my own power, taught me to own it and make great results in my life. I hope they learned from me as I did from each of them. Choo, reminded me about the gift of vulnerability; that it is the place where my truth and beauty springs forth; Paul, showed me the value of integrity of mind, heart and spirit; Dada, again reminded me a well-kept message from God that whenever I choose from love, I will never go wrong; Jacq taught me that it just takes a dose of honesty, love and perseverance to make that difference in my life and in the world. Marius showed me that life can be light and that I can choose to be a joy to others if I will just shine my light. Lastly, Ricky showed me that it is good to love with boundaries; that loving sometimes need to be tough but with a lot of gentleness and care. 

Ryan Flores

I met Ryan two years ago when I took my own LEAP program. He was a coach. I was a student. Our first encounter was somewhat peculiar because it "revolved" around a not-so-ordinary chair (which we later call, essence chair) in a bowling alley in Greenhills. From then, I was stripped of a lot of insecurities and pretensions. And I guess, that started our friendship. :) When I coached the first time, I was so exhilarated to find out that he will be my buddy in that journey. Ryan loved me dearly. He held my hand as I learn the ins and outs of coaching while letting me be. I just cannot contain my gratitude for sending me an angel in such a challenging time. His calm and collected nature balanced my feisty attitude toward life. He taught me that trusting the power of one's love truly creates miracles. I will forever love you, buds! :) 

Angie Siapno

Angie was my Head Coach when I took my own LEAP program. Then, she taught me the value of vulnerability which was completely unknown to me. She led me to get in touch with my true self and appreciate the beauty that I was made of. I am happy that even after my LEAP, we remained friends. She was my constant reminder of excellence, dedication and service. "If you gotta do it, better do it well", would be something she'd live by. Angie can be tough and brutally honest especially to those she cares and loves to the core. I guess, love needs to be like that--straightforward and real. But don't get me wrong, Angie isn't all tough, she's completely a darling too. :) 

Pol Medina

Even before I learned to read newspapers, I was already reading Pol Medina's comic strips, Pugad Baboy . I met Pol's works from a comic book my classmate brought to school and from then on, I was hooked on it's irony and sarcasm. I later followed his works in Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), which actually led me to reading newspapers when I was in high school. I found Pol's commentaries on the Philippines' political climate very candid and refreshing. Unfortunately, in the middle of 2013, a fairly forthright commentary on same sex relationships allegedly prevalent in an all-girl, catholic school became too controversial that resulted to his suspension. He later decided to resign from PDI. Personally, I thought it was unfair because of the freedom of speech and what have you. At the onset, I felt that will spell the death of Pugad Baboy but I was delighted to discover that he chose to be part of Rappler.com on June 16. I guess, the passion just cannot be asphyxiated. Pol taught me that if a roadblock comes before you (and it may not even be hurdled), turn around and just find another route. He just did! Now he is reaching a far greater audience and influencing the younger generation. Good job! 

p.s. Pol is a Thomasian. 

Karen Davila

I spend most of my mornings with his woman. Just when I get off the bed or start prepping for work, I would flick the telly on and have Headstart, her daily morning show on ANC, on the background. I love how brilliant she asks her guests questions that as a viewer makes me think more intelligently about the current affairs in government, politics and just your everyday life. I also admire her knack of just speaking her mind.

Atty. Chinky Santiago

I am so blessed to be mentored by CYS, as we call her in the office. She's a legal genius and I appreciate how she patiently guides me as I find my way in the legal circle. Last year, she went through a personal struggle and I was amazed of how resilient she was to fight her way to live a vibrant and meaningful life.

Kathleen Madula

This woman makes it to this list the second time already, and she just deserves it. This year Kath finally made a long time dream of migrating to Australia. Yahoooo! I soooo admire (and sometimes envy. Hihi) her courage and reckless abandon to life. She knows what she wants and finds her way to get it. I have the guts to say that she is Dora (the explorer) in real life. Haha! :) Seriously, as aptly put by our priest-friend, she just blooms wherever she is planted. I love you, bunso and I hope to get to visit you in Sydney! :) Off to the next adventure! :) 

You may find her online at http://kathmadula.com

Shakira Sison

taken from www.rappler.com

I am a sucker of prolific literature and Shakira is a blow of fresh air in modern day writing. She is a columnist in Rappler.com and her no-nonsense, down-to-earth articles inspired me to embrace my sexuality. Sometimes, she'd also push me to reflect on my belief systems, challenges them a bit and makes me break self-made boundaries. Some of her articles may be filled with sarcasm and may be distasteful to some but I applaud her grit for individuality, gender respect and self-expansion.

You can read her articles at http://www.rappler.com/move-ph and www.shakirasison.com.  
Follow her at  https://twitter.com/shakirasison

Pope Francis

He is unorthodox, out-of-the-box, and crazily admirable. He was dubbed as the Coolest Pope of All Time. How cool can that be? :)  In the beginning of his papacy, he showed the world his surprising simplicity by passing off unnecessary protocols. Perhaps, he wants to show the world that he, too, is but human who deserves no special treatment and that Church he leads can be humanly, but authentically good. His examples makes me more proud to be a Catholic. I hope the world will see Jesus in him and finally realize that there is really no gap between humanity and sanctity.

Mia Langas

Ate Mia is my sister from a different mother. She is my strong fortress every time I feel feeble. She is like a river running deep--refreshing, gentle and silent but surely not leaving the course unchanged. I am her constant house guest, which I enjoy because of the sumptuous food she generously serves and more importantly, the long convos and warm company. I am forever grateful for our friendship.

Denise Rebollos

There is more than what meets the eye.  Denise seems like a snob at first, but beneath this smokescreen is a loving and soft-hearted woman ready to give you the love you have always been wishing for. In the past years, she has shown how vulnerable she can be; how loving can be both gentle and tough; and how life can be breezed through by just being. She has allowed me to be myself and through a seemingly effortless way showed me how much I deserve to be loved.  

Yolanda

My heart breaks every time I hear fellow Filipinos callously bash the government with the seeming lack of action with what is happening in Visayas. I begin to wonder, what have these people done for them to feel they know better than the President, at the very least? Yes, we paid taxes, but sad as it is, we have to accept the obvious but evading truth that our money is not in the coffers anymore. The money was misspent and/or stolen by those selfish politicians we trusted and elected to post at some time. Of course, we should hold them responsible, but we have to park that for a while (and not forget).

I would like to console myself thinking that these bashers just feel too helpless and frustrated that if only our leaders did not betray us, we could have done something about the pitiful plight of our fellowmen. But then again, I go back to reality that perhaps, nature is already helping us see the truth that we have been forever running away from.

Just this morning, I heard a few educated people who were ranting about how the President could have ordered his men to anticipate the extent of Yolanda’s possible damage, the moment he knew it was coming. Someone even narrated the story of a nonchalant woman based in Tacloban whose son being a seaman told her to evacuate because he knew how dangerous a storm surge could be. The woman heeded her son's warning and was saved. They all agreed that the President should have known this because a “commoner” knew about it. Talk about expectations. As I was quietly listening to them, I thought: If only this man spoke up, or at the very least some other people who knew the extent of a storm surge (which was unknown to many of us, until it happened), perhaps, we could have saved a city.

I am not defending the government. Partly, I agree that the government could have been more prepared for this eventuality. I am only wishing for a little more courage from Filipinos to care enough, stand up and do something.

As bleak as it is, I would like to believe that typhoon Yolanda came to send us very important lessons to learn. She came to unravel the truth we have always been trying to suppress. Gat Jose Rizal spoke of a social cancer during his time. Sadly, we haven’t really been courageous enough to take on the pain of social surgery to remove this illness and heal ourselves as a nation. I will dare to put a name on this evil and I will call it indifference—that apathy of staying in our own bubble of convenience and superficial concern to our fellowmen and our children, who will inherit the consequences of our choices. For the longest time, we contended in shutting our mouths and turning a cold shoulder in the injustice that has been looming around us. We deceived ourselves that we are powerless against our own government. We also misled ourselves in thinking that the problems will solve themselves. On the extreme end of it, there is righteousness, as some would rather endlessly talk emptily without lifting a finger. I would imagine them typing things away in social media in an air-conditioned room with a soda and popcorn beside them. Bottom line, we just did not care enough.

The aftermath of typhoon Yolanda did not only leave debris to clean up but it revealed a government that needs serious reflection and effective reforms. It also unveiled Filipinos whose love for the country seems questionable. If we continue with our cold-blooded indifference, there will come a point that we do not even need a super-typhoon to wipe out our existence. We will just kill each other.

Philippines, we are at a turning point—an edge of glory that if we could only embrace the lessons we are supposed to learn from this tragedy, we will emerge to be a better and stronger nation. Perhaps, with these lessons at heart, we can move forward valuing each other, our future and ultimately, ourselves.

Walang duda, babangon tayo. Ngunit sana’y bumangon tayong magkakasama ng may pagmamahal, pagdadamayan at pananampalataya. Baka sakaling pag natutunan natin ito, darating na ang tunay na pagbabago. (There is no doubt that we will rise up. But let us move forward in unity with love, cooperation and faith. Maybe by then, more lasting changes will take place.) 

Wear It Your Way with Wacoal

One cardinal rule I learned from my fashion mentors is to never, never wear undergarments that show. No to visible panty-lines. No dark underwear under light clothes. No to inappropriate bra cup sizes. Most importantly, no to showing bra straps! Undergarments are meant to be hidden (precisely why they are called undergarments). Breaking this rule is basically breaking your style. Although this might be a little cost-tricky for us women since we need to get at least one for each kind of bra there is for every outfit we have. 

My personal choice of good underwear will always be Wacoal. Ever since I started working I will always put away a few pesos just to save up for a nice piece of Wacoal undergarment. I tell you, it's always worth every penny! And now that they launched their Versatile Wear It Your Way bra, being stylish will not break our budget and gives us the freedom to wear whatever we want!

Wacoal's Wear It Your Way Bra.
You can wear it  1) the conventional way;
2) center- halter; 3) one-sided and 4) strapless! :)
 It also comes in blue. :)  

 

Now, I just need one bra to wear these three different outfits:

  

This halter top is great
for Friday night outs,
first dates and dinner
with friends.

A center-halter bra
is a must.

Top from Michael Kors
www.theoutnet.com

    

A venus cut dress like this is good

for a wedding or a cocktail.

A one-sided bra strap or a strapless

is just perfect!

Dress from Camilla and Marc

www.theoutnet.com

                      

Summer jumpsuits which 

are usually with thin straps 

need strapless bras. 

Silk jumpsuit from 

Stella Mccartney

www.theoutnet.com

 I think every girl should have this! ;) It's functional, fashionable and fun! :) 

Visit  http://www.wacoal.ph to know more! :) 

A bolt from the blue: a Labor Day project

Like a bolt from the blue, I decided to color my room's immaculate white walls. I chose blue. Midnight blue. 

Although my favorite color is red, I felt that coloring my wall red isn't a good idea. It just felt too fiery and aggressive. I wanted something that will calm me, something more serene and soothing. Hence, blue. 

I just cant wait project done ASAP, and so... I did it myself! Yes, this is my first "major" DIY project! Woohoo! I must really be starting to nest. I have been itching to transform my space. Below are some photos of the project to its completion. 

Paint and Roller

First (uneven) coat

Tadaaaa! 

I am so happy and proud to see my blue wall! :) Weeee! And because of that... I decided to clean up my room and redecorate it altogether. Seeing that some thing has changed in my little space made me want to re-arrange everything else in it and make my room more pleasing to live in. I deserve a beautiful space, right?

I pulled out some old photo frames (and bought some new ones), have photos printed and voila! I have finally put up a pretty kinda-of-montage.

Neat! I am almost done. :)  

Now, I feel I  have an old-new room..and yes, it is calming. I get more peaceful sleeps at night. It feels like there are a lot more to be done, but I am perfectly happy with this. :)  

Yellow arrows on the platform

I do have a love affair with trains and today, after a long while, I rode one again. 

More than the convenience of a quicker travel, I love having a different perspective of the metro while I am on board trains. This experience leads me to reflect on a lot of things about myself and about life in general. Deep, right? Funny as it is, I seriously do get these thoughts perhaps because in these rare occasions I get to observe people and what is supposed to be the daily grind of an ordinary city commuter. 

Today, I boarded a train from GMA-Kamuning station in Quezon City and upon setting foot the escalator, I already noticed a sign saying: "Stand on the right. Keep left side open for rushing commuters." I was amused that finally Filipinos are reminded of public etiquette. There were several violators (foreigners at that!) but I was fairly impressed that this rule is observed by most of us. As I looked up, I wondered if commuters are more disciplined up there by the platform. 

Upon reaching the platform and waiting for my train to come, I noticed that arrows were painted on the floor where the door of the train was supposed to stop. I remember seeing these arrows in Hong Kong in order to  control the influx of people in and out the trains. 

My satisfaction was quickly interrupted when I noticed a girl to my left, also waiting for the train but was inside the yellow box where the arrow points downwards. It must just be the OC stickler for rules in me that wants to pull her to where I was standing. But then again, I held back. In just a few more seconds, people were lining behind her already!!! It was annoyingly funny! Then our train arrived.

Then I thought that indeed, our laws are good, but it is really the lack of discipline that sets us off track as a society. But then again, we fail to recognize that. Instead, we point fingers and don't take responsibility for our actions.

Then I remembered that elections is just a few days away. We will be relinquishing a portion of our freedom to people we, in fact, barely now from Adam. I just hoped every Filipino has grown a little bit wiser. But with my experience in the train station with that lady (and her followers), I can just remain hoping. :)

Bravehearts

I have recently crossed out one item on my bucket list -to become a life coach. I am grateful to be given a chance to join OCCI's LEAP Team 55 which we dubbed, "One Love". 

More than a dream, I feel that this is a calling, as if your soul is yearning to share a huge part of who you are to people you barely know and choose to support, grow with and ultimately love with no conditions. And I guess, the last one was the meat of it. 

In this journey, I met four souls who definitely changed my life forever. :) To J, John and Dancel, I am so proud of the three of you. You will always be 'my barakos' who taught me to love to the core! And to Kaye, who chose to take another path right after we drove through a few curbs together, I hope you find your bliss. Carry my love with you wherever you go.

Together with a kiss, I will seal the journey that was with this letter:

My dearest Bravehearts,

In this journey to One Love, you have proved that love is never for the faint of heart. Our journey was indeed filled with a lot of challenges but out of these challenges love, courage, compassion, abundance, responsibility and commitment were born.  As your coach, it was a joy to witness how you have transformed from your old selves filled with hesitation, anxieties and fears to men of character. Perhaps, this is the mark of a true Braveheart--one who rises every time he falls, one who chooses virtue in the midst of vice and one who keeps trying...and trying until the prize is won.

Thank you for constantly choosing your greatness despite difficulties.Thank you for inspiring me to keep on choosing love, especially when there seems nothing else left to love. Thank you for teaching me that life's existence is enriched not only by familiar things but by welcoming changes.  I can say that in this journey, your presence in my life changed in a very different way.  In fact, my heart was stretched and formed to love in a bigger and better way.

 Now, as you set foot to fulfill new misssions in your lives, it is my prayer that you will carry with you everything that you've learned in this journey. Always remember that you are Bravehearts and now, much braver to face on whatever comes your way, much braver to win your battles and much, much braver to love.

Your names will forever be etched in my heart. :) I love you.

Love,

Coach Faith

Dancing our culture away

Reading a status message of a friend and batch mate from high school on my news feed on Facebook disturbed me. 

It was a disappointed comment about the opening number performed by Sarah Geronimo in her weekly show, Sarah G. Live! aired last Sunday, 12 August 2012 on ABS-CBN (Channel 2, on UHF). Sarah danced Singkil, a Maranao cultural epic dance, while singing adaptations of a number of novelty songs. I wasn't able to see it live, but I was too alarmed that I had to search for it online and verify. True enough, the pop star was doing a "modernized" version of Singkil. (Watch the video here.)

I shared my friend's (who by the way spent and devoted years to various forms of dance) sentiment. I felt that in as much as I want to assume that the show was promoting Filipino culture, it went overboard that for me affected the integrity of Singkil.

As the water rises

For the past weeks, the Philippines have been experiencing strange and intense calamities.

On 1 August 2012, a storm surge during the onslaught of Typhoon Gener was experienced along the coasts of Manila Bay. This stretched from Roxas Boulevard in Manila to some towns of Cavite. Roxas Boulevard was left flooded and closed for traffic. Worse, tons of garbage were washed to shore as if the sea was spewing back to us the garbage we improperly threw away.

Skinfatuated ™ with VMV

Like a teener who blushes every time her crush's name is mentioned, I flush when I talk about VMV.  I giggle and I just talk non-stop about it. (My friends can attest to that.) No, VMV is not a pseudonym, it is a brand of skin care products.

I met VMV Hypoallergenics through a small blue box in Christmas of 2009. My best friend gave me an Id Buff-buff Clarifying soap to help erase my bacne (back acne). It worked, but I was nonchalant about it, because I wasn't very conscious about skin care then. 

Fast forward to January of 2011. While preparing for the 2010 Bar Examinations, I was plagued with acne due to stress. I never had as many breakouts my entire life and it sadly did not go away until VMV came to the rescue, just like a knight in shining armor. From then, our love affair blossomed that I want to spend the rest of my life with VMV. 

Birthday Project: 30 at 30. Thirty trees for thirty years.

Lately, we have been experiencing Mother Earth behaving like a bipolar or better yet having her seemingly "menopause' episodes, swinging for sunny to rainy then scorchingly hot the next minute. Sadly this is an effect of global warming. 

Next month, I will be celebrating a milestone birthday. I will be turning three-oh! :) A beginning of a new decade. A beginning of new adventures. I felt that instead of throwing a party or going on a trip, it is best to give back to Mother Earth so she can have few more additional decades to live. 

In cooperation with Haribon Foundation (in support of its Road to 2020 Project), I created the project which I call:  

MIlky and Sunny: Breakfast Lovin'!

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. More than the health benefits I get out of it and the comfort of the morning sun while eating, it's the food choice that I love the most. From tinapa to bacon to stacks of pancakes and corned beef, name it! I definitely love 'em. In fact, my obsession for breakfast made me want to have an all-day breakfast resto, which unfortunately to date is still at bay. 

In the mean time, I content myself in hopping from one breakfast resto to the other. I love the old Heaven and Eggs and Flapjacks. Of course, let us not forget the breakfast buffet in hotels. :) Yuumm!

Last month, I was able to visit a soooper interesting restaurant called Milky and Sunny. It prides itself as serving comfort food with a whole lot of lovin'. I have heard about it previously but I can't remember why I was not able to swing by and try it out. So, when my friend Mia and I (joined by Denise) had a day out, we decided to treat ourselves a brekky-dinner and give Milky and Sunny our verdict. Being breakfast food lovers, this resto must be ready. Here are some of the pieces of evidence: 

Upon entering the resto, this very bright wall will great you.
A super pretty blue, glass chandlier hangs right atop it.

Faith

People closest to me would know that I grew up with the nickname “Pache”. It was a morphed version of “Fache”, which was coined by my dad after annoyingly mixing “Fatima” and “Michelle” together. That came up because at five, I grew fond of the name Michelle after hearing the Beatles sang their song with the same title. I loved that song so much that I wanted to change my name to Michelle. Pache had another version: "Che", an abbreviation. 

I was named Ma. Fatima by my parents. Although an Arabic name which means "the shining one" and popularly known as Mohammad's daughter's name, my parents gave me the name Fatima because of a more Catholic reason. According to my mom, weeks before I was born, my dad dreamt of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who at one time appeared to three shepherds in Fatima, Portugal. Hence, the title Our Lady of Fatima. Being devout Catholics, they named me in her honor. Interestingly though, I stumbled upon an article in the internet that Fatima Zahra, daughter of Mohammad and Mary, mother of Jesus are likened to each other by the members of their respective faiths.  "Ma." was an abbreviated form of Maria, Spanish for Mary. 

In grade school, my classmates would call me “Fatty” no matter how thin I was, as it was conveniently the first two syllables of my name Fatima. But when I reached high school, a classmate started calling me “Faith”. Apparently, her cousin named Fatima was fondly called Faith in their family. Then, that name got stuck. 

I read and heard how a name affects the character of a person—precisely why elders would be very meticulous in giving names to newborns. We can recall how in fairy tales would the fairy godmothers hover around their godchild and giggly suggest names that reflect virtues which they feel would be something the kid would possess as he/she grows up. In the Catholic tradition, it was suggested that children would be named after saints so as they grow, they can learn to emulate their namesake. But with the evolution of more modern names, we somehow lose this tradition.

The Bible was also filled of etymologies and meanings of names. More interestingly though, was the changing of names when God ordains certain people for specific tasks. Jacob was renamed to Israel when he wrestled with God; Simon was renamed to Peter (meaning "rock") when Jesus entrusted to him the Church; and Saul, a prime critic of the Christians during the Early Christianity bore the name of a King in the Old Testament was changed to Paul (meaning "little") when he became Christian. Then, he learned the value of humility. The name change somehow suggest an entirely, huge change in the person. As if a new person was created and the old was gone.

In a conversation with a friend, I realized that perhaps, God allowed my nickname "Faith" to stick to remind me that I must bear the true meaning of my name. Through the years, I realized that I lack the ability to trust my talents, skills, choices--ultimately myself. This distrust led to a long line of stories of mistrust to people, poor judgment as to who to trust and fear of simply letting go. My friend, rightly put it: "You just got to embrace faith, Faith." More than faith as synonymous to trust, I knew it also meant I got to embrace the whole of who I am. No pretenses. No conditions. No expectations.

And perhaps, when I become successful in doing that, I will emerge to be that better and more brilliant person that God intended me to be. ♥ 

yet another paranormal experience

I had yet another paranormal experience last night. For quite a while now, I have been paranormal-free until this happened. 

I was sleeping on the couch in my friend, Angel’s (not her really name), living room which was against a wall with a large window. The property beside it was owned by a relative but was an empty space, more like a huge cemented parking lot. I cannot sleep but I thought it was because of the coffee we had after dinner. I was tossing back and forth until I had my back was against the wall. I started feeling that there was a man in white standing outside of the house, by the window. For a while, I ignored it, thinking perhaps it was my imagination working to entertain my very awake and bored self. Nevertheless, I felt that the seeming presence behind me was growing its intensity. Surely, it was making itself felt and noticed. His presence was still, but very commanding. I felt that he was just standing still but his eyes were scanning the whole living room as if diligently and carefully searching for something—or yet someone. However, no matter how pervasive his presence was, I somehow felt he did not meant any harm. Still, I hid myself under the sheets as if it can protect me. Then thoughts started to freely pour in my mind. He revealed himself as a man—a father, looking for his daughter. At this, I immediately interrupted the gush of thoughts and emotions. I learned from a priest-mentor that sensitive people should not communicate with spirits but in times of intense sensitivity, pray and call unto Jesus. I prayed but I still woke up Cris (not her real name), my partner and sister of my Angel, who was sleeping beside me. She too has paranormal sensitivity. By just looking at me, she knew something was wrong. She instantly pulled me up and warned me not to tell her anything. She said we’ll talk about it in the morning as we walk up to the second floor of the house. We decided to sleep beside her nieces, Angel’s daughters.  

I was filled with fear. Something of an oddly different kind. I asked myself why in the world I would encounter something like this. I was checking my internal condition as I repeatedly say formula prayers beneath my breath. I asked Jesus to stand in the gap between me and the spirit—whatever it was. I prayed that if in any case he was a disturbed soul of a departed may God’s peace be with him. Finally, I fell into sleep. 

In the morning, Angel asked us why we transferred from the couch to the room. With goose bumps, I told her what happened the previous night. She had her conclusions of who the man could be and why he was there. Apparently, he must be a deceased member of his husband’s family coming with a very urgent purpose. 

I was a bit relieved telling her the story but at the same time, freaked out of how the message can turn out to be. But at the end of it all, I knew that this experience was greatly used by God to awaken my seemingly sleeping faith. The fear was so overwhelming that I knew only God’s love can conquer and no matter how bleak the possibilities of that encounter may be, hope abounded that it can allow reconciliation, faith and love to settle in her husband’s family. I was also reminded of God’s omnipotence—that it is him alone that has the power over all forces. 

This noon, I decided to hear mass and offer it to the soul of that deceased person. I also prayed for those whom he left here on earth. Whether he was really coming back for whatever purpose, I felt that offering prayers for the eternal repose of his soul will surely help. I know God is in control and there is nothing to fear. 

Pipino, where healthy meets delicious

Finally! 

Last Saturday, Denise and I visited Pipino, a vegetarian restaurant owned by Alessadra Lanot, a vegan herself. I have been following her blog, Life After Breakfast for sometime now and that is where I found out about Pipino. I have always wanted to try going vegetarian but the thought of losing the delight of having the mixture of flavor in my mouth, makes me think twice. The write ups about Pipino assured to "bridge healthy AND delicious". THAT interested me and so,  I promised myself that I will visit and try Pipino out.

After my visit to my endocrinologist's clinic at NKTI, I thought of swinging by Pipino which is just a few blocks away and have lunch there. On our way, I felt like a giddy child waiting to open her Christmas present. After roughly 3 minutes on cab, there we were. 

Pipino's Facade

Pipino is part of the Pino Group who also owned Pino Resto Bar. I supposed that since they are in the same location, you can order from both menus. This was a little of a concern because Denise is not very much fond of the vegetarian food. 

Upon entering the restaurant, this wall art greeted us:

Then, a server came to our table and promptly gave us two menus, one of Pipino and the other is Pino's. I concentrated on Pipino's since that was what I really came there for. Besides, my doctor advised me to cut down on meat. I was given a weight goal until our next scheduled check up. 

Menu is also available at www.pipinovegetarian.com

I ordered the Soup for the Day and since it was Saturday, they serve Vegetable Soup and for the Entree, I ordered Piniritong Talong with Adobong Kangkong and Brown Rice. For my drinks, I had a huge glass of Pino Iced Tea. Denise, on the other hand ordered from Pino, Miso Soup and Seafood Kare-Kare.

Saturday Soup for the Day: Vegetable Soup

My soup was served immediately. It was all green and mushy. I figure that it must be some green vegetables crushed in a food processor and was served with a few noodles. I enjoyed it but was careful to fill myself up. My main course was yet to be served.

Pritong Talong at Adobong Kangkong with Brown Rice

Pipino delivered as promised: healthy can be delicious. Eating my kangkong and talong did not in anyway made me feel that I was missing on meat. The slices of mango and cherry tomatoes on the side somehow break the flavor.  

Miso Soup

 The miso soup was interesting but was a bit salty though. 

Seafood Kare-Kare

The kare-kare sauce was a little sweet (I prefer it just peanut-y) but it was ok. Good paired with Miso. they did not serve bagoong though. Denise liked it and being a cook herself I can say she was satisfied.

We skipped on dessert because my tummy wasn't really ok that time. But we'll definitely come back. :)

Cuisine: Filipino

Rating: 8

Price: 8

Pipino Vegetarian Restaurant

39 Malingap St. Teacher's Village, Quezon City

www.pipinovegetarian.com 

somebody just moved in

On board an orange “Jeep ni Erap”, former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada moved residence from Greenhills, San Juan to Sta. Mesa, Manila, yesterday, 09 May 2012, in preparation for next year's midterm elections. The Local Government Code of 1991 requires for at least one (1) year residency preceding the day of election.  Without reservations, Erap indeed expressed his intention of running for the mayoralty post but claimed that he will be serving for one term only. With sentimentality, he said in the news report that he wanted to end his political career by serving the city where he was born. Erap was born in Tondo, Manila.

photo courtesy of www.inquirer.net

As a resident of Manila for all my life, I am very much concerned as to who will head the affairs of this city. For 30 years, I have witnessed how Manila lost its luster to the more modern cities like Makati and Quezon City. It felt that the perennial problems of this city such as peace and order, flood, and traffic, have worsened through the years. 

 I am ambivalent with Erap’s move. Perhaps, this is because I personally wished to live in San Juan as it gave me a sense of peace and security and I wonder if Erap can do the same to Manila as if he can pull out a magic wand and sprinkle fairy dust all over the city and make everything brand new. On the other hand, I have reservations knowing that several years ago, I went out into the streets to have him ousted as President. Yet, I wonder why does it feel that my gut is telling me he is fit for this job. Hmm… Perhaps I will vote for him. Or perhaps not. 

This is exciting.

on cats

I always wanted to have a dog but my first pet was a cat. I remember how my aunt insisted that I bring home one of the kittens that her cat gave birth to. She was a tiny, orange ball of fur when they placed her in a piece of cloth. Papa and I took her home. When asked what her name would be, the first thing that came to mind was 'Muning'. Perhaps the kindergarten books that I read influenced me too much. I once tried to bathe her, but I was told that cats don't take a bath and if they do, they die.  So, Muning grew up smelly. I wasn't too fond of her though but I would make sure she eats well everyday. I remember saving the fish bones whenever I eat so she'll have something to eat too. My uncle who was then living with us had a poodle and I would  fight with him whenever the dog would bully my kitty-cat. 

Muning caused the household to smell foul so my yaya and my uncle set up a plot of misleading her so she won't come home. According to them, cats have this ability of finding their way back home even if you try to lose them. So, you have to sort of confuse them by leading them to unfamiliar places just so they won't return. My Muning was tough! She was able to find her way home! :) I was so proud of her that time. Though, at the second attempt, Muning failed to come home.  I wasn't sure if they left her roaming on the streets or they gave her away. Nonetheless, I was really sad and angry. After several hours of sulking, I just had to wish that she'll find a better place for her and her future family.

After her, it only took care of a few hamsters and rabbits. (I will write another entry about the rabbits. :)) Taking care of animals is like taking care of your children. You have to feed them, clean them and their cages and somehow, adapt to their "language" so you'll know what they need or try to say. But the joy they bring is awesome. Somehow, my little pets remove the stress from me.

____________________

This morning, I read an article online about a boy who is charged for animal cruelty. Jerzon Senador caught the ire of the netizens when he posted a photo of his puppy pinned on a clothesline last year.  This year, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) initiated a complaint against him for violating Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.  Section 6 of the law states that "it shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal." A warrant of arrest was issued and served against him but his whereabouts cannot be found as of the moment, according to the article.

photo courtesy of PAWS through yahoo.ph

Perhaps Jerzon found it cute to play with his puppy this way, yet since animal rights advocacy has grown active in our country in the recent years, his seeming playfulness was not approved of. I am happy to know that laws like this are implemented and reaches its purpose. In fact, in May 2011, the Quezon City Trial Court convicted a Joseph Candare, a UP college student, for killing a cat who has been roaming around the campus. Candare was fined with 1,000 and made to do volunteer work with PAWS. (GMANews) It's a good thing though that the Filipinos are becoming more aware and responsible for life--including that of animals. More than being civilized as it appears to be, I would rather say that we are becoming more human--that is we are learning to respect the circle of life.

There is glory in agony

I went through my blog and have read a number of entries talking about my law school life, the bar exams and my ardent desire to become a lawyer. I guess, it is really something that my inner self has always cried for. Unfortunately, two attempts didn't prove my efforts to be enough to have my name listed in the Roll of Attorneys. Truth be told, I am getting discouraged and weary. The journey of getting my four-letter title is getting too long and arduous. But I guess this proves that the measure of how much one wants something is the inextinguishable desire to stand up after every fall and the resilience to do whatever it takes just so to reach the goal.

A conversation I recently had with my mom revealed much wisdom to my seeming mishaps. She said, "Wag kang panghinaan ng loob. Tingnan mo na lang ang mga pagsubok na ito na paraan ng Diyos na ipakita sa’yo ang mga bagay na kailangan mong baguhin. Makikita mo, lalabas din ang kalooban ng Diyos sa buhay mo. Alam ko kapag nakalagpas ka dito, mabubuhay ka na sa tunay na success.” (Do not be discouraged. Look at these obstacles as God's way of revealing your weaknesses--things you need to work on. By that, you'll realize the deeper purpose of your life. I know that after you get past this, you'll burst into your way to true success). I have been hearing these words faintly in my heart, but my mom spoke it exactly as I needed to hear. Her words were like a gentle blow of wind that fired my frightened spirit. Isn’t it wonderful how God created parents to really support and guide? In these very rare occasions, I heard my mom speak and her words brought much peace in me. 

For the first time in prayer, I thanked God for the trial and suffering while I was going through it. Normally, I will thank him after, when I have finally got the lesson that the trial wanted to teach me. It’s different now, perhaps, because of the grace of faith that things will surely be better after this. Now, I see glory in agony. My journey to months of toiling for the Bar is beginning once again. With renewed hope, I will embrace each day with extra ounces of commitment, responsibility and passion. For whatever is in store at the end of this road, I open myself to the surprise that awaits—and for whatever it may be, I will wholeheartedly accept. 

The lessons of the floods in Espana

Today, I attended my sister's college graduation in UST. I guess, this will be the last time that we will be attending graduations in the family since she's already the youngest of the brood. It was held in the newly constructed gymnasium near Espana gate. It was a drizzling when we entered the University campus. A sudden breath of nostalgia hit me. Rain and UST. Sigh. I tried not to bother.

Rites and traditions filled the commencement exercise, and I realized why UST made sure that traditions are always present. I guess, amid the ever changing things, these are the only things that bind generations of Thomasians together.

The representative of the University in the conferring the degrees was a priest that was close to my heart, a friend-- Fr. Deng Dela Cruz, OP. Memories and conversations quickly passed in my mind. I smiled inside. In his address to the students, he posed the question "Who is a Thomasian?" 

As a graduate myself, I tried to search for answers in my head. Of course, what came to mind was the "staple" answer of being a 3C--Competent, Committed and Compassionate human being. Yes, he did mention that but first tickled everyone by enumerating trivial characteristics of a Thomasian like eating Mang Tomas ice cream and being stranded during rainy seasons. UST must come up with a compilation of short stories from each student new and old about their personal experiences with rains and floods. Little did we realize that this seemingly annoying and peculiar mishap of Thomasians shaped our distinct character as individuals.

He vividly pictured how each of us would prepare greatly for anything (an event or an exam) but once a dark cloud comes across the sky with the threat of heavy rains, we forget of how much we have toiled but merely succumbed to prayer and humbly ask God for mercy for the rain not to harm us. It is then we realize that after pouring in excellence, in the end, God is still is in control. Hence, our humility in prayer is what defined each of us as Thomasians.

Hearing this humbled me greatly. It was a little reminder that as a Thomasian with roots deeply planted, I have to live by the lessons of the floods in Espana.

He sent off the Neo-Centennial batch (They are called such since this year is the beginning of a new century for UST after it celebrated its 400 years last 2011) with a reminder of the prayer we say in our UST hymn. We say, "Keep us in beauty...." He said that beauty comes from vigor which comes from a sense of mission. Without the sense of mission, we lose our vigor then we lose our beauty. UST remains beautifully standing through 400 years because it never lost its purpose. I guess, it was a timely reminder for me to go back to my purpose as I head on new challenges in life. With a sense of purpose armed with the lessons of humility in prayer, each Thomasian will definitely not fail to be competent, committed and compassionate as we go live in the real world far from the streets of Espana.

_____________

A video was created by some students for this graduating batch and I want to share it with you. Salamat sa pagmamahal, UST!

I♥UST

Bakit Mo Mahal Ang UST? 

Music and Lyrics: Patrick Henry Castañeda

Director: Karla Mides Toledo

Musical Arrangement: Roman Gerard Enguerro,

Vocals: Maia Marasigan, Jasper John Jimenez, Patrick Henry Castañeda

Musical Score: Tonton Africa