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.

quoting meredith grey for the nth time

from Season 4's Forever Young episode:

In some ways we grow up; we have families... we get married, divorced... but for the most part we still have the same problems that we did when we were fifteen. No matter how much we grow taller, grow older, we are still forever stumbling... forever wondering, forever... young.

There comes a point in your life, when you’re officially an adult. Suddenly, you’re old enough to vote, drink and engage in other adult activities. Suddenly, people expect you to be responsible, serious, a grown-up. We get taller, we get older.But do we ever really grow up?

kate hit it

Pagpaparaya.

26 August 2009

On hindsight, I realized, Pagpaparaya is equivalent to Pagpapatawad. There is really much of forgiving to do in this world. Well, I am certain in my heart, I have forgiven and I have let go. :)

all i want for Christmas

No doubt it's Christmas already. The cool breeze is blowing again (am wishing it snows...hehe), Christmas songs playing, party skeds crowd the calendar, and Starbucks is starting the sticker craze again. Hehe.

...And since gift-giving has been a tradition. I am drawing up a list of the things I want to receive for Christmas. Hehe. By the way, one of the languages of love is receiving (and giving) gifts... so everyone, it's time to be loving. :p

1) Corrinne May's CDs. (Safe in a crazy world; Fly Away; Beautiful Seed)
2) An Original DVD of "A Very Special Love."
3) A dinner date with John Lloyd Cruz. :) (promise, sobrang saya ko pag nangyari to!)
4) 120Gb Ipod Classic or 32Gb Ipod Touch
5) red flip-flops
6) law books, i.e. Persons and Family Relations, and Property by Atty. Rabuya; Compilation of commercial Laws Vols 1 and 2, codals, RPC Book II by JLB Reyes (para di na ako bibili...hehe)
7) Captivating by Stasi and John Eldredge
8) Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
9) Round trip ticket to Singapore or London (get me out of this country)
10) A purple/violet school bag
11) Red dress
12) More plain shirts
13) That Starbucks planner... red please.

So far, yan muna... Hehe.

my belated sun dance affair

FINALLY, I've seen "A Very Special Love" featuring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz. My sister, the tech-wiz that she is, worked magic to show me the movie. Thanks, Em.

Being a tagalog-movie freak (Yes, I am. Bear with it), I enjoyed every bit of it. It's been a hundred minutes of laughter and tears, really. Uulitin ko to!

Here's a clip:




Waaaahh! Asan ka na John Lloyd ng buhay ko?

Itutuloy ko ang pagbo-blog ko tungkol dito next time. Tama na, sobra na ang pagrerelax ko.

fly, fly

I suddenly felt I wanted to go abroad. Nah, not do an exodus and leave the mess the Philippines is, but simply to have a down time and recharge. Yes, school has just started. But looking back, I realized I really never had a real "vacation" since the year started. Besides, senior year has been too fast-paced (which is expected anyway).

I miss the smell inside airplanes. I miss the view from the top. I miss the busy airports.

Bottom line, I want a getaway. It's been more than a year since my last trip and too bad our Taiwan trip for Christmas folded up. Maybe Singapore is a good destination. That way I can visit Des again. Maybe in summer.

Oh, summer come soon. =)

alter ego

One time, I was bored and looking for something new in my life. Thus, I birthed changingtides.i.ph. I liked the layout, but am having a problem transferring all my entries from here to there. So, until I figured out how to do that, I will be maintaining two blog sites (crap!).

Will keep you friends posted in case, I've finally decided what I'll do with my blogging life. ;)

corrinne may

I have been going gaga over her music. Love 'em. =)


Current Favorites: Five loaves and two fishes (Beautiful Seed); Everything In Its Time, Little Superhero Girl (Safe in A Crazy World) ; Angel in Disguise; Fall to Fly, If You Didn't Love Me(Fly Away)

By the way, she's Catholic. ;)

alice in wonderland and the cheshire cat

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here? asked Alice.
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” responded the cat.
“I don’t much care where,” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t much matter which way you walk,” replied the cat.

retirements and selling birthrights.

I want to own a house by the beach—preferably a cove. The thought of being awaken by the sound of the waves kissing the shore, or walking barefoot on fine, white sand, or witnessing spectacular sunrises and sunsets day in and out is just pure bliss.

I still have to settle where in the Philippines I will situate my haven, although I already have locations in mind.

******

Semestral break is nearing its end and I am catching up on TV (other than DVD marathons). As I was flicking channels, I chanced upon what seemed to be documentary about retiring in the Philippines in one of the government-owned networks.

Apparently, one of the present government’s thrust is to promote retirement in the Philippines targeting the “foreign market”. This means that the government is active in inviting foreigners to migrate in our country and permanently reside here (which also means influx of dollars in the Philippine economy). The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) under the Bureau of Investments is the agency concerned in the processing of Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). This gives foreigners the privilege to stay indefinitely in the Philippines with all the benefits and comfort—including owning properties, practicing professions, access to public schools for their children and many others.

No matter how much dollars this may bring in the Philippine Economy, I still find this alarming, absurd, and abhorrent.

This perhaps explains the Korean phenomena that everywhere Filipinos are there are twice or thrice the number of Koreans too. Statistics show that Korean migration has tripled in only a year's time. All along I have been surmising that they have only wanted to get educated in our schools, I never realized that they have really intended to reside in our homeland.

The opening segment of the documentary featured a Japanese national, with his wife, who has purchased an entire island in Cebu. Within this island, the locals depend on the livelihood provided by the couple. Another segment showed a Korean couple residing in a retiree’s village in Tagaytay. They own a house and employed two house helps and a driver—all Filipinos. Another Korean family in Makati employed themselves a Filipino chauffeur. This migration might have resulted to employment to some of our countrymen, but it is just very saddening to realize we are still servants to foreigners in our very own soil—and we even happily oblige. Has our hospitality really gone overboard? I understand how most Filipinos render services in foreign countries as medical staff, domestic helpers or teachers. But I cannot comprehend why even in our own homeland our fellow Filipinos allow themselves to be treated as inferiors. Have we really lost our sense of dignity that we are willing to trade anything in exchange of money? Has “poverty” really pushed us this far? Has discrimination became our comfort zone that we allow this even in our own backyard? Or we are simply sick mentally carrying in our heads the perspective that foreigners are our salvation?

The Korean family which I previously mentioned included two children who are given by PRA the privilege to access our public schools. I held out a smirk. How dare us allow children of other nations to public schools where in fact we cannot even provide quality education to our youth? How in the world will be allow another student share a book with a Filipino child, if we cannot even provide books for each student? Will they also fight for a chair against the other 60+ students? Worse, if these kids go to college, are they also allowed to go to UP, when most of our Filipino youth even haggle their way in against those from the elite, private schools?

Going back to the Japanese couple owning an entire island in the south, how come they were allowed to own property as vast as that? In the long term, if all these retirees will be allowed to do such, will there still be enough land mass left for the Filipinos? Has our government forgotten that millions of Filipinos does not even know what a land title looks like? Or are we really selling our country piecemeal? Mahilig talaga tayo sa tingi.

Has the Filipinos turned out to be greedy in the course of industrialization that all that we think about is money? Are ready to give up our birthrights in exchange of $50,000 which these foreigners pay to get SRRV? Or simply, we have just lost our sense of identity?

Juan, I refuse to be wake up one morning with chatters in language I do not know. (You’d hear them in elevators in most of the condominiums in the metro.)

Give me some enlightenment, please.

I may be sounding like an activist. I may be an idealist but I remain dreaming that the Philippines will rise in this in its glory. I love my country and perhaps that fuels my hope. If nationalism is passé, I know nothing else that would save the Philippines from going down the pit.

If You Love Someone, Ask Them For Nothing

If you love someone, ask them for nothing. Don't hold them back from their destiny. Don't keep them from going off in search of their own answers. Don't ask them for commitment. You will know commitment is real when it is something given willingly, and not as something obligatory. Don't ask them for promises. If you are patient, if you have faith, you will know in your heart when the right time for promises has come.

And when that time arrives, then you will see that you have both lost nothing by setting each other free, and have instead gained a richer, fuller life, a wealth of experiences, and a stronger certainty of your desires.

But should they not return to you, then life hasn't cheated you because no promises were broken. Your bitterness will not last long, and you will feel thankful and blessed that at the very least, this beautiful soul has colored your life, that knowing them has already made life infinitely more meaningful.

By setting a person free, you run a risk of them not returning. But always remember that you found them beautiful precisely because they were free. People are like sunlight. You can feel their warmth, and their glow, but you can't hold them in your hand and keep them with you forever. People CHOOSE to stay. But a choice is made more meaningful when it is made despite so many other options. Love has no restrictions and it is through mistakes that sometimes we see the right answer. Because if you love someone, you ask them for nothing and they will come back to you.
----------

Got this from Sari. Nice, eh? It did warmed my heart.

an encounter with a god

Yesterday, Calai, being the Labor Commissioner for Bar Ops 2008, finally sat down with DCG as the adviser for the pre-week review materials. Since I am one of her members (and friend), I got the privilege to sit down with them.

See, DCG may ordinarily appear to be an ordinary lawyer, but tell you he is one hell of a legal genius. Save to say that he is the lawyer of several seemingly impossible cases, but his brains come out with arguments that the not any average lawyer can concoct. And he wins. Personally, DCG has been my saving grace. This may be too psychological, but after I've finished Labor Relations under him I felt I have hope for the Labor Bar Exam. I have to admit that my foundation in Labor Law from my former school wasn't very impressive at all.

After several minutes of categorizing schools and how they train their lawyer wannabees (He's from UP and I guess, I can't take away the discrimination from him), DCG gave out his personal advice as regards how Calai and I should prepare for the bar in 2010. For other people, it may be two far years away, but I agree with him that we are actually running out of time. Eight bar subjects summing four years of supposedly diligent study is not joke. Of course, everyone, including me, wants to take it once and only once. So, they say: "Gagawin mo na nga lang, gawin mo na ng maayos." Kung pede nga lang, i-top mo pa.

I now knew why I was delayed in taking my big B exam...kasi kelangan ko pala muna ma-meet si DCG. Hahaha! Fan ito! Seriously, am fueled up. Galing!

what dreams may come

I just read Kate's blog about dreams--being her night visions in her sleep and those which he envisions to be and have. And so this blog entry.

Last night, Dee and I were texting about stuff that are happening with our lives. (See, we talk a lot. Partida pa yan, kasi magkasama pa kami nung gabi. Hahaha!) In one of her replies in my seemingly provoking comments, she said: "Faith, I am a woman who also gets what I want.... Lalalalala." To which, I asked myself, "Ikaw Faith, are you getting what you want? What is it that you really want?" I intimated these thoughts to Dee, and of course she returned the question back to me. I had a seemingly precise answer, although deep within I know it wasn't the summation of my desire. Perhaps, I didn't feel the sense of certainty with my reply.

I know what I want in certain areas of my life. I know that I want to become a lawyer, have more than enough money for security and comfort. I want to have a loving husband and adorable kids as well. I also want to help others. The Mother Teresa in me kicks in too, y'know? I do dream to see the Philippines rise above the ashes that we dig for ourselves. Nevertheless, it's like having a picture in puzzle pieces and such puzzle pieces aren't found just yet. At this point, everything else is seen in mist. As if am staring at an unfinished painting, and after completing it, soon I'll be stepping into it.

I will quote the Bible passage commented by Kate's friend:

"Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith." (Habakkuk 2:2-4)

Indeed, dreams do have to be clear for you to have it. Hold it in your head and soon you'll hold it in your hand. Whether it's gonna be a long before it comes, it is still gonna come. It's the resilience of holding unto it. Whether it is a test of how bad you want it to happen or a weeding out of fleeting whims, nevertheless we should not lose faith.

This is such an inspiring morning.

lying is not an option.

One of my professors commented that honesty does not have premium under the law. Partly true. See, in criminal law, admission of guilt can mitigate the penalty you will suffer. Nevertheless, it does not remove your liability.

But come to think of it, isn't that what nature dictates upon? Are we really not supposed to suffer/enjoy the consequences of our choices?

Are we really thinking that lying can leave us unscathed?

________________

I am not perfect, nor have I always told the truth. But I am always wary of people who lie--worse to your face.

Oh well, this happens all the time, but hopefully not to people you share special relationships with. For me, it's the highest form of insincerity and disrespect. It mars trust.

As I always say: "Even if it's gonna hurt me, let me know the truth. That way it won't be doubly painful."

In relationships, lying is not an option. It isn't a brave thing to do.

________________

I can't help it. I have taken a step back...make that two.

sunshine = happiness

I never fail to tell people how much I love it when the sun starts to shine after several days of heavy rain. I love the feeling of waking in a morning full of the sun's glory--the warmth that replaces the cool air and the brightness that shows the color of everything around. Haayy. =) Saya.

Just like today. More than the departure of bagyong Helen, it feels like my life's rainy days have come to an end as the sun starts to shine again. A happy feeling brews inside of me. Feels like there are a lot of good things to come. Hehe. Can't wait. ;)
________

Oh, by the way. I did have happy rainy days the past few days though. ;) Surprisingly. Thanks to someone who loves it when it rains. ;)

do the gods envy lawyers too?

The problem with the profession that I am treading is that, it frowns upon display of emotions. It expects every lawyer to bracket himself from feeling any untoward emotion for the cause of the client. Oftentimes, the lawyer needs to deny himself of whatever feelings he may have at a certain point in time, concerning personal stuff, in order to see things in a more logical and rational perspective. Heavy, powerful me-emotions are not allowed to get in the way.

Emotions blur reason.

Maybe.

However, reason dictates also that humanity requires emotion. Does that mean, lawyers aren’t allowed to be human?

Stop.

I have always believed I am a cerebral person.

Stubborn.

How come at this point it is my heart which is stubborn? Is that possible? Or better yet, maybe it is really my head which is stubborn to dictate to my heart to stop that crap.

Stop.

Earlier this morning, I woke up seeing my brother watching Troy on DVD. I sat for a while, and joined him. That scene when Achilles “rescued” Briseis from the Myrmidons caught me. The conversation inside the tent was suddenly heard at a different tone. Achilles’ words pierced me. He said: " The gods envy us. They envy us because we're mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful becuase we're doomed."

Is this my rhema for today?

Stop.

I should be reading my CTA cases in the library. Damn.

I better get ready for school.

starbucks thoughts

Sometimes, no matter how logical you might be wired or trained to see and approach things, life will always find a way to suddenly frustrate you by presenting unexpected twists and turns. Even if your mind profusely refuse to reconcile these occurrences, you are only left to succumb what is impossible can be possible. Or console yourself that perhaps the world has its own cosmical law which isn't governed by logic.

Sometimes, on hindsight, you only get to wonder that indeed the series of events that unfolded in your life happened in the exact order as they should have happened; That you start to agree with the world that things do fall in their proper places, when in fact at the time these things start to occur you were in oblivion of why and how things can possibly be. Those were the times when you were hunted by endless questions which then does not offer any answer except for some glimmer of hope that maybe life has something better in store. Someday. Somehow.

Then finally you start to settle with the belief that we live in a life full of mystery. Where no matter how much we prepare for what th future holds we are left to still expect the unexpected. Paradoxically, we work for permanence in a constantly changing plane.

Wicked, isn't it?

love lessons from sex and the city

I was never an avid follower of Sex and the City on HBO. But recently, ever-faithful friend Wena asked me to see the movie with her. Oh men! I loved it. I too am in search of those two L's: Labels and Love. Hahaha! This movie is a "must-see". Girls, go see it with your girlfriends and cherish them for they are your sisters and allies. And go see it with your boyfriends too, so they'd understand our quirks and idiosyncrasies. ;)

I found this article from Cosmopolitan.com and I am reposting it. Nice.

Case study: Miranda and Steve
When Miranda met bartender Steve Brady, she was skeptical as usual. He was nice (and easy on the eyes) but clearly not relationship material. Not surprisingly, their divergent careers created problems: conflicting schedules, fights about money, and different outlooks on life. Miranda could have deleted his number from her BlackBerry, but ultimately, his laid-back personality and devotion won her over. The unlikely pair started a family and eventually tied the knot.
Lesson #1: Date against your type.

Case study: Carrie and Aidan
Hot furniture designer Aidan was everything Carrie thought she wanted in a man: emotionally available, honest, and ready to commit. Aidan wanted Carrie to meet his parents, have the keys to his apartment, and eventually be his wife. She attempted to change by quitting smoking (and nixing her addiction to Mr. Big), giving country life a shot, and wearing his engagement ring around her neck. But no matter how hard Carrie tried, she couldn't commit to any of it. While Aidan seemed perfect on paper, he wasn't the ideal guy for Carrie.
Lesson #2: Don't change for a man, no matter what.

Case study: Charlotte and Trey
An optimist with a very romantic view of love, Charlotte believed her dreams had come true when she was literally rescued by the single, wealthy, and handsome Dr. Trey MacDougal. Despite some major red flags — a lackluster marriage proposal, a meddling mother-in-law, and a sexless honeymoon — Charlotte was determined to make the relationship work. Although she gave it her all, their union still failed.
Lesson #3: Never ignore the warning signs that tell you a relationship isn't working.
Case study: Carrie and Berger
Witty writer Jack Berger had these famous last words for Carrie, written on a Post-it note: "I'm sorry, I can't. Don't hate me." After the abrupt end to their short, rocky relationship, Carrie vowed to spend the same amount of time getting over her breakup as Berger had spent ending it. If only it were that easy. Though Carrie managed to avoid him, she ended up melting down in front of his friends, which undoubtedly got back to him. She learned that it's better to face the music (or in her case, the Post-it note) and get it over with.
Lesson #4: As painful as breakups can be, you have to mourn before moving on.

Case study: Samantha and Smith
Samantha's dating philosophy: "I'm a trysexual. I'll try anything once." Her only rule was to never fall in love. She was so set in her man-eating ways that when she scouted and seduced a gorgeous waiter at a raw food restaurant, she didn't even ask his name. She encouraged the struggling young actor to play out his sexual fantasies and took him under her wing professionally, changing his name to Smith Jerrod and making him the Absolut Hunk. Somewhere between sex and stardom, Samantha fell in love and eventually confessed to Smith, "You've meant more to me than any man I have ever known."
Lesson #5: Dare to fall in love.

Case study: Carrie and Mr. Big
Sure, Carrie might have done some of the chasing, but in the end it was Mr. Big who showed up at her door the day she left New York City for Paris. Angry that his timing was always off, she screamed, "Forget you know my number! In fact, forget you know my name!" But he didn't give up. He called to tell her he loved her, and fortunately, Charlotte was there to answer his desperate call. The next day, he met the ladies for brunch and admitted, "You're the loves of her life, and a guy would be lucky to come in fourth." With their blessing, Mr. Big went to Paris to get "their" girl.
Lesson #6: Let him chase you.

Case study: Carrie
The eternal single girl had her share of romances, chronicled in her weekly column, but the truest love story is the one she wrote for herself. Bad luck and messy breakups were de rigueur in Carrie's life. By surviving the pitfalls — a Manolo-mugging, a computer crash, and a very embarrassing fashion fall — Carrie gained the confidence and strength to continue her search for true love. "The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself," she said. "And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."
Lesson #7: Be fearlessly single.

it's a girl thing

For the past few days I have noticed that I have non-nonchalantly throwing sharp comments on people. I have this irritating feeling flowing all-over me that I become too nitpicky on things (Oh yeah, fine, I am naturally like that but I am extra-critical, lately). I am not as tolerant as I can be. I whine more frequently. Then, on another instant, I sink into sentimentality. I suddenly start to miss things, people and stuff. Out of the blue I want to be touched. I also feel like bursting into tears for nothing. WHAAAAH!

Tell you this is happening in flicks of seconds (Nah, that's exaggeration.) I am going haywire!

Is this part of the reason why women are labeled as erratic? Maybe. We really are.

This is killing me. It's as if am sick or what have you. Truth being, I guess this is just part of that mood swings that is a result of the biological changes occurring monthly in women. I've also read in one article that there is really a link between moods and hormones. It says:

Although mood disorders and depression may occur at any age during a woman’s life, women seem to more vulnerable during times of hormonal fluctuations such as the menstrual period, pregnancy and perimenopause, according to a report released by the Society for Women’s Health Research in November (2007).

During times of hormonal flux, many women are able to emerge relatively unscathed. But for others, a normal hormonal transition can trigger mild to severe mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder. “Science has revealed clues as to why these changes may occur in some women,” says Peter Schmidt, M.D., an investigator in the National Institute of Mental Health’s Reproductive Endocrine Studies Unit, “but further research is needed to definitively show what causes depression and mood disorders in women during hormonal transitions.”

Now, I say, it's fun being a girl...most of the time.

ten random things

Tagged by Berna, Nina, and Calai.

1. Each blogger starts with 10 random facts/habits about themselves.
2. Bloggers who are tagged need to blog about their own 10 random facts/habits.
3. At the end of your blog, tag 10 people and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them that they've been taggged and to read your blog.

======

1. I am a true blooded Thomasian. I was born and had practically lived in UST almost all my life.

2. I love Pakbet and Kare-Kare.

3. I can do things alone. I watch movies alone, stroll in the mall, alone. A nice downtime for me is a day alone in a coffee shop with a book and lots and lots of coffee. But am hoping I won't spend the rest of my life alone. (Nyahahaha!)

4. I wanted to play soccer when I was younger. I was just too lazy to run, so I contended myself watching the games.

5. I enjoy climbing mountains and exploring the underwater. (Sir Bubut, sama na ako sa dive. Hehe!)

6. I have a huge crush on Paolo Bediones since fourth year high school. I even wanted to take Interdisciplinary Studies in Ateneo because of him. Wahahaha!

7. Jap food is comfort food.

8. I listen to all kinds of music EXCEPT metal rock. Rap is tolerable but I'm certainly not a fan.

9. I am starting up a new collection: beers. (Kath, got me the choco-beer from Japan. Tenchu, Kath! I got this king can San Mig Pale Pilsen produced in Thailand from Subic. When I placed them side by side... I thought it will be good to collect these kinda stuff. Hehe!)

10. I soooooo love to travel. :) Window seats on airplanes are the best.

I am tagging (no particular order):

1. em
2. carol
3. estar
4. kath
5. zeny
6. ysabs
7. paloy
8. tidoy
9. sari
10. keewy