Forgiveness for my peace of mind

"God wants a forgiving person" - this Sunday preach made me realize how God answers prayers.

Forgiveness lang pala, to lighten up all my worries. Forgiveness lang pala to solve all my sentiments and dilemmas. However, my mind is questioning if there are criteria as how to forgive?

Siguro nga, na kapag si God ang nagsabi, dapat no questions asked. Just accept the fact that forgiveness is the number one insecurity busting. In all fairness, hearing our Pastor preaching about forgiveness washed all my worries. After the mass, i went straight to our house, opened my laptop and start browsing the net, konting fb, konting youtube and checked some mail.

As i browsed my mail, one particular subject caught my attention - Best Advice ever. I thought, i really need it today. And i did not go wrong. Some of the best advice really hit me.

And most importantly;

I've been worrying too much and these were seen on my previous entry and fb status, not until today. God really knows the perfect time for me to be strong. I have learned that to forgive is to set a prisoner free, only to discover that the prisoner was me. Prisoner of hatred, prisoner of worry and prisoner of insecurities. Forgiving also means forgiving almost eveything, but not tolerating things, for it makes the story worse. In my case, it takes one person to forgive, but it takes two persons to be reunited.
yamieslife

I Hate the Feelings

1. kapag tinatanong nya ako kung anong oras ako uuwi, hindi ko alam how to react. matutuwa ba ako kasi he cares for me? or baka naman gusto nya lang 'i-schedule' ang araw nya.

2. kapag tinatanong nya ako kung saan ako kakain, hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako for he cares or he's just pushing too hard to make me satisfied?

3. i miss the honesty. i miss the sincerity. i miss being himself for the longest time. siguro nga nagbabago lahat ng bagay. yung dating sya, ngayon hindi na. yung dating ako, iba na rin.

4. nag shout ako sa fb kagabi, sabi ko...



                                                                                                                                                          
                   siguro nga, ganun talaga, na kapag major major ang expectations mo, Pak pak pag hindi na meet. Haist. (Mag OL sana ko memey, kaya lang, mas nabigyan ko ng time ang pag-mumuni-muni...) 

5. kaya nga ayoko ng mag expect. ayoko ng mag-expect na maibabalik natin ung dati. na maayos pa ang mga gusot. na mabubuo pang muli ang may lamat na.

6. nakakasawa rin palang mag assume na okay ang lahat, even if its not. i need to be fair to myself to keep my sanity.

7. ive been thinking so hard, so deep, so seriously these past few nights hoping that the moonlight could find answers to all my doubts and fears.

8. nakakapagod maghintay sa isang bagay na hindi mo alam kung darating pa ba o hindi na. nakakasakal maghintay sa wala.

9. sabi ni erich sa 'magakaribal' habang umiiyak sya kay enchong d, "if you really love me ... disappear". how i wish ganun lang kadali ang lahat. na sa pag-disappear mo, walang maapektuhan, walang malulungkot, walang magagaglit, walang luluha.

10. pretending to be strong for the persons i love the most in this earth in the middle of chaos and insecurities and doubts and fears is not an easy one. hindi madaling ngumiti sa kabila ng kalungkutan. hindi biro ang tumawa sa kabila ng kabiguan.

kailan nga ba magiging simple ang lahat?


yamieslife

Different World

should people need to be in the same ground, at the same level, on the same time to make the relationship work? this made me stayed awake at night for quite sometime now.

this was never an issue 14 years ago. we were like a child then. so young, so free, so in love. and as much as i would want those memories back in my arms again, i cant. things are so different now. what hurts the most is that i just woke up one day asking myself what happened to us.  i cant even remember why the feelings suddenly fall apart. i just unconsciously noticed that we were drifting apart...

i feel like i am holding two different weights in my hands - the good old memories that we've had against the present. i cannot believe that i came to a point that i will ask myself, do i still want this?

ive been trying to believe that we still connect with each other...

i guess only people who are close to me knows so much about me. i have always wanted to live in simplicity. apart from the busy, hectic and demanding corporate world i am into right now, i am longing for something simple... without hang - ups...

so sad, and it's hurting me :-(

yamieslife

Simple Life

Sometimes...

  i think deep. i worry life too much. i measure happiness. i doubt sincerity. i compare life. i worry for people might perceive me bitter. 

i know i am strong in so many ways. pero pag usapang puso na, here am i, can't hardly admit that i am weak. i pretended to be okay for so many weeks now. admitting that there is something wrong gave me a fright.

life is simple. and this is what i am looking for...

Hiatus?

 Palagay ko nga.

Bakit?

 Ewan ko lang.

Dahil ba Busy?

 Siguro nga.

Mahirap matukoy lalo pa't magulo ang takbo ng buhay ko. Naaaliw pa rin ako pag nakakabasa ako ng ibat-ibang blogs. Nakatutuwang isipin na maraming tao ang handang mag-share na kanilang blog para maka-inspire, maka-aliw,  makalimot o maka relate sa kung ano man ang pinagdadaanan mo. Gayunpaman, andito lang naman ako.


yamieslife

Last Night

Kagabi. Samut-saring emosyon

* wants to spend more time with my kids
* wishing so hard to be the main character of every fairy tale who always had a happy ending *sniff*
* wants to own a time machine
* emoting with "Chasing Pavements" song
* cried so hard
* dying to know the meaning of closing the blinds (we don't have one)
* texted closest friends
* texted long time xxxxxx

yamieslife

On Being a Fan

I super like ASAP's opening number this afternoon on showcasing international music icons . I can't help but to be a fan ^_^ . I admire Kanto Boys, ever since. Luis is a hunk, Billy is super hot on his moves (talaga namang mala-international pa din ang dating nhya), and Loydie is just so himself in the dance floor, i miss Vhong in the group (for he was hospitalized). Dance number/part of Iya, Shaina and Maja on Lady Gaga's 'Just Dance 'performance  was awesome . Dance kung dance talaga. I would consider Bea's number as one of the highlights of the number, when she copied beyonce performance 'Crazy In Love', even is she sung lip-sync. I just love her dress and she has a pair of perfect legs. As in wow. Melai also nailed the stage on her black and violet dress with the music of vogue. The number ended with Sarah and Arnel on U2's elevation.

Its just another stress relieving portion for me. 'So glad i was able to watch one like this.

yamieslife

Major Major Hurt

Habang nag bro-browse ako ng fb kani-kanina lang, para bang may masamang hangin na nag-udyok na lang sa akin na i-open ko ang isang 'account' na dapat ay hindi ko na gagawin sa tanang buhay ko. Bakit? Kasi alam ko naman na masasaktan lang ako. As in bongang-bongang hurt.

Matagal ng panahon ang major major hurt na ito. Sa pagkaka-alam ko pa nga, nakalimutan ko na ito. Nakalimutan na nga ba or pinipilit ko lang kalimutan. Whatever it is, limot pa din ang root word, kaya inadmit ko na lang na nakalimutan ko na nga itong talaga.

Pero bakit kapag nakaka-remind ako ng bagay na may connect sa major major hurt na ito, ang pakiramdam ko is as if nandun pa din ako sa sitwasyon na yon? Hindi ako makawala. Hindi ko maiwasan na may kirot, hapdi at sakit pa rin na naiiwan sa puso ko? Sa totoo lang, gusto ko na itong ma forget. As in mawala sa isip ko, subalit hindi kinakaya ng katawang lupa ko? 

Unfinished business ba ito? Actually, kung tutuusin, ni hindi alam ng account na nakita ko ang mga issues ko sa kung ano mang unfinished business ang pinagsasasabi ko. Ni hindi nga nya yata ako kilala. Which i believe too impossible to be true! Oh C'mon! Super super imposible na hindi nya ako kilala. OO nga, as in dapat kilala nya ko. AT DAPAT MAKILALA NYA ako. Makilala nya kung sino ang kinalaban nya before... Hindi ko masyado alam ang details ng mga pangyayari before, which i believe the NO. 1 reason ng major major hurt na ito. Hindi ko alam ang lalim, ang level, ang length - ang alam ko lang I was DEEPLY HURT finding it out. Masakit malaman ang totoo. Sobrang sakit. Parang end of the world na. Parang wala ka nang iluluha pa. But i was able to move on. Unti-unti.

But then again, major major hurt pa rin pala ang bubulaga sa akin, pagkatapos ng lahat.At ang masakit pa, ni hindi ko alam kung paano ba mawawala ang major major na pagka -hurt ko? Ako lang naman ang affected. Ako lang naman ang bumubuhay sa matagal ng dead na issues. Anong magagawa ko?

Siguro talaga lang time heal all wounds. Di ko man masagot kung hanggang kailan ako mahu-hurt, okay na rin, pansamantagal pansamantala. :-x

Patience is a Virtue

May mga pagkakataon na talaga namang i te-test ang patience mo. Maraming tao sa paligid natin ang nagpapakita ng major major pagka-insecure and the worst part, you can't do nothing about it. I guess people get more insecure if you treat yourself just the way you are. Ganun lang kasimple.

yamieslife

Mean Girls Means Nothing

"You're so MEAN!!!",

'Yan madalas ang nasasabi natin kapag may pang-aalipustang nagaganap. Pananadya sa isang bagay na alam mong pwede kang makasakit ng damdamin ng iba, but then you seems just so fine, as if you did something nice, but the fact is, you're just really "INSECURE" with the person.

Haist, bakit nga ba nagkalat ang insecure sa office mundo? Minsan nasa front left mo lang, or minsan naman nasa labas lang ng cubicle paligid mo or worst, nakakubli sa masikip at makasalanan nyang office mundo.

Kung alam lang nila na pinahihirapan lang nila ang kanilang sarili. So pathetic diba? I really pity them. (bwahahaha) I do. Kasi naman sa araw-araw nilang buhay, wala silang magawa kundi i torture ang sarili nila sa pretensions. Believing that they have too much, but the fact is, there is none. Hindi sila makuntento sa buhay nila, kaya nagpapaka-MEAN na lang sila. At least dun pwede pa silang mapansin.

Mean Girls really Means Nothing, if kung hindi tayo papa-apekto sa kanila.  Tamah? 

Meet the Owner

Masarap kumain lalo pa at alam mo kung sino ang nag mamay-ari ng original recipe ng kinakain mo. Hindi 'bat ganun din tayo sa bahay? Masarap man o hindi kasarapan ang ating nakain, nakakain o makakain pa lamang, parati nating naitatanong, "Sino ang nagluto nito"?

Well, alam kong sa mga susunod kong kwento e, makaka-relate ka dahil one way or another, alam kong na encounter mo na rin sila sa buhay mo. Natikman mo na rin ang pinakakatangi nilang house specialty.

Meet the Owner # 1

Siya ay ang pinag-kakapitagang may-ari ng Rowena's Pasalubong - Ms. Rowena. Marami-rami na rin akong nababasang reviews about her specialties - tarts which comes in buko, mangoe, apple, ube and pineapple; cheesecakes (blueberry and strawberry), samut-saring sweet and spicy tamarind preserves at kung anu-ano pang masasarap na home-made food items.

Ang cute diba? Kahit na mejo nahalo ko ng kaunti (hihi)

Sikat ding itong si Ms. Rowena sa kape nya na parating may disenyo kapag nai-serve na sa iyo. Talaga namang humahalimuyak sa sarap at gayak ang kanyang kape. Katulad na lamang ng aking inorder na Hazel Nut Coffee...







Ayon pa sa aming pakikipag-kwentuhan kay Ms. Rowena, talaga raw intention nya na class AB ang kanyang tinatarget na market, para naman maiba sa mga kahanay nyang competitors outside, which infact, talaga namang kuhang-kuha nya ang kiliti ng bawat guests niya. At syempre pa, dahil na rin sa pag ka PR namin, Ms. Rowena let us taste one of her specialty bread - ang 'Banana Loaf Bread', na talaga namang panalo.

Rowena's Pasalubong can be found in # 152 Brgy. Francisco, Tagaytay City

Tel No. (046) 860 - 2481

Meet the Owner # 2

Siya ay walang iba kundi ang 'hunk' ng authentic greek cuisine in Tagaytay - Manuel Sapountzaki. Isa syang Greek na nakapang-asawa ng Pinay.

At dahil first time kong ma explore ng bongang-bonga ang Greek menu nila, i did not go into food that im not familiar with. KJ Arte lang ba? And so, i go for Lamb Shawarma. Masarap at malinamnam ang Lamb - tender. Mejo na overwhelmed lang ako sa hot sauce nila, kasi super anghang talaga. Dapat as in pinch of it lang ang paglalagay for a not so spicy food lover like me. Nevertheless, i really enjoyed the food.

Where to Find:

Manos Greek Taverna

Calamba Road, Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City

Tel No. (0916) 4298358

Meet the Owner # 3

Bawai Yong, the Master of Home-Made Vietnamese Cuisine. Ang salitang Bawai is a vietnamese term for lola. Ver and Yong Tatlonghari is the owner of the said Bawai's Vietnamese Kusina.

What i like most in Bawais is that you can really feel that you are actually at home. Bakit? Kasi sa mismong bahay nya sya tumatanggap ng guests. Oh, kitams, at home na at home lang ang aming feeling.

Ang sarap talagang i-enjoy ng Vietnamese foods. Dahil na rin siguro sa influence ng sister - in - law ko nahalf vietnamese, which i would say had a very great influence in me for liking the cuisine more.

Our choices: Goi Cuon, Chao Tom (pounded shrimp on sugarcane skewers), Goi Ga (Chix and Cabbage Salad). At dahil b-day celebration ito ni Joy, Bawai Yong gave us Banh da Lon or sapin-sapin in Filipino. (Too bad, hindi na namin nakuhanan ng picture).

Where to Find: Bawais Vietnamese Kusina

Brgy. Bukal, Silang Cavite

Tel No. (0920) 972 2924

 Meet the Owner # 4:


Johannes Zehethofer of Chateu Hestia. Sya ay from Vienna Austria. Familiar ang resto nya sa pagbibigay ng European dining experience.

We just ordered various desserts since we're all full na kakakain at kaka-meet ng owner :-D
Yun nga lang, nakalimutan ko na sa sobrang kabusugan ang mga desserts na 'to. Panacota na lang ang na recall ko. (Lesson learned: Wag masyado magpakabusog? :-D)

Where to Find:

Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant

Lagusan Drive, Brgy. Bukal, Silang Cavite

Tel. No. (0929) 711 3289

Rainbow After the Rain

Is there really a rainbow after the rain?

I was on my way home one afternoon. There's a heavy rain. I was in the middle of traffic. I closed my eyes for a couple of minutes and flashes of memories suddenly becomes vivid.

....been struggling these past few weeks. I've let myself be shaken with the emotional imbalance and imperfections. But I guess, it happens sometimes. Just like what is happening when it rains. We only see darkness. We only see raindrops. We only see the one side. We repeatedly asked ourselves when will the rain ends...

.

The rain continue to fall for about an hour. I almost felt asleep. Then suddenly, the rain has stopped.

"That's nice", i thought to myself.

I opened my eyes and see things differently. I see a rainbow hiding in the clouds, yet i see it just about within my reach. I see colors of light which helped me opened my mind exactly the way i wanted to do for the longest time. I stared the rainbow for 10 mins and i felt that it was the longest 10 mins of my life. Now is different. I opened  my soul and begins to see things constructively and in details. I see the rainbow much brighter than the others. Then, I asked myself:  

"Does all of us have the opportunity to see the rainbow after the rain?" 

I guess not. Some of us were stuck by the truth that the rain indeed stopped. And that's it.

"Should i say im lucky to see one?"

 I guess I am.

(thanks to google for the pix)

Now its not a question of  whether or not the rainbow does appear after the rain - its HOW you see and search for the rainbow after the rain, whatever the gravity of the raindrop it has been. :-)

Missing My Emotions

…staring at nowhere with an empty mind. Trying my very best to process every bit of everything that comes to my head…but I feel numb…As I go deeper to search for an answer, it just gets worst – silence, bare everywhere…

I am missing something…

How I missed smiling for every ‘happy’ day. Not because I need to or I have to. Not because I need to do it as a requirement of my job - believing people in every seminar / talk I gave to them. Not because I have to, just to end any conversation. Not because I need to, to let people know that I’m feeling perfectly okay. How I missed smiling, simply because on the thought of “enjoying life”; simply because of the time spent with friends at coffee night out after a long and tiring day; simply because of the warm hugs and kisses from my kids before they go to school; or simply because of a kiss from a loving husband.

How I missed to laugh… Laughing together with true friends and not with some two-faced people. Laughing on every silly story shared by my children and not on the silly act a mommy could do for the sake of their kids. Laughing on every mistake and learned from it. Laughing in reminiscing the past rather than forgetting about it. How I wish I could laugh once more not for the purpose of showcasing my strength in times of intense difficulties but because I know in my heart that I am stronger than any storms that comes my way.

How I wish I could slap enemy’s face when I get angry, instead of just smiling and pretending that nothing happened to us. How I wish I could say every point I have to prove my worth in the professional world I am into right now. How I wish I have all the strength to walk out and go to an isolated place and shout my anger to all the people that caused me hurt. How I missed to exchange chilli words to each and every person trying to pull me down. How I wish I could freak out with anger in times of misapprehension, instead of just being quiet to avoid any spark of confrontation in front of my children.

How I missed to cry. Crying out loud without even thinking who will be hurt if I do this once more. How I missed to cry over on a friend’s shoulders, feeling the gentle tap on your back and ensuring you that everything will be alright. How I missed to cry when everything I see seems hopeless for me…. How I missed bursting my tears into joy every time I feel the security in me.

Past emotions. Elapsed feelings.

Bakit kelangan naka uniform ako pag may gimmik???

Kaya mo bang sagutin ang tanong ko? Bakit nga ba?

a. SobrangLoyal lang talaga ako
b. Busy lang, walang time mag-change outfit (pachencha na)
c. Hindi ako sinasabihan ng aking mga fwends na mag-change outfit
(i hatechuuuu...huhuhu)
d. Walang pamalit (sobra naman! nakaka hurt, ouch!)
e. None of the Above

Di ko nga ba maintindihan kung bakit madalas nagkakataon na pag may gimik kami e, parati na lang naka-uniform ang drama ng lola mo. Hmp. Saan ba nagsimula ang pagka pansin ko sa uniform ko? Hmmm, a, oo, nung kumain kami sa Kingbee, isang Chinese Restaurant na malapit lang sa aking pinag-tatrabahuhan, around 5-10 mins travel away from our company. Nagkita-kita ulit kaming mga mag-si-sisters upang pag-usapan ang isa na namang mahalagang lakad sa aming buhay (oo na, gala na kung gala). At syempre kasama din namin ang aming bestfriend camera ni joyee. Super pose pose pa kami nang suddenly bigla kong na realize na hello? naka uniform na naman pala ako. (haisst)...

Naisip ko, wala namang masama right? I love the way I am, yun nga lang parang extension parati ng work ko ang mga mangilang lakad namin na dapat ay stress free.

I-refresh ko muna ang aking memory lane chuvaness sa mga ilang lakad na naka office outfit pa ang lola mo okies?

O, kitam, old uniform pa ko nito, pero keri pa din. Papapigil ba ako pag coffee na ang pinag-uusapan? Hindeeeee!!!

At eto pa ang isa o, obvious ba sa aking katawang lupa ang pagka stress? Syempre kelangan idaan sa pagkain pag stress diba? So kesehodang naka uniform pa ko, go lang ng go!!!

At nakuha ko pa talagang mag-jacket ha? Para 'di obvious ba? Honestly bagyung bagyo lang kaya po naka jacket. Pagbigyan na, mahal magkasakit ngayon =)






At kala mo ba tapos na? Old uniform nga diba, so asan naman ang compilation ko ng mga gimmik na naka NEW uniform na!?! Well, take a look. (Mamatay na tumawa!!!! Jokeness!)

After having said all those, balik tayo sa big question ko, Bakit nga ba? While i was thinking all the possible answers given above, bigla na lang pumasok sa isipan ko na nung high-school pa lang ako, gustong-gusto kong mag-uniform - white blouse (baby collar pa, haha) checkered skirts, white pair of socks and a doll shoe, with matching back pack pa (san ka pa?) I just feel comfortable, kahit na may sundo pa akong suitors (plural talaga teh???), oo plural talaga, tanong mo pa sa bestfriend ko nung high-school, kaya lang nasa Saudi na sya ngayon at isang ulirang RT. Anyway, segway, ganun na nga, mas masaya and complete ang feeling ko pag naka uniform, sort of security ba? Hindi dahil proud ako sa school ko or dahil Head Teacher si Dad sa school na yun. Hindi lang ako nasanay, na uuwi pa muna sa house para lang mag-change ng outfit then maki pag date, e di paano na kapag nagpaalam na me kay Mom? Lalong hindi na ako pinayagan. Para mas madali ,pwede na makipag-date kahit naka uniform then pag-uwi ng gabi - "Mom, nag group study kami e" (lusot!) 

Define date during that time: Naglalakad-lakad sa isang private village, kahit hindi naman kami taga-roon. Holding hands while walking at walang sawang nag-kwekwentuhan ng walang ka-kwenta kwentang bagay. Wala pa kasi kaming budget nun. *sniff* 

Nung nag-college na ako, same old strategy, "Mom, pasenya na at ginabi ako, nag group study kasi kami" (lusot na naman - tibay mo teh?) But seriously, mas gusto kong naka-uniform ako with matching red necktie pa (similar sa skirt). Ai naku yung mga guard, habol ng habol sa mga kolehiyalang walang necktie but not to me, (haha). Ang problem ko lang that time, kahit PE subject, naka blouse-skirt uniform pa rin me. Ang hirap lumusot sa prof that time, kaya i dinaan ko na lang sa pa gift-gift! (presto! pasado!) But i dont think na ung passion ko sa pag susuot ng uniform has something to do with me in uniform pag may gimmik: 

*First and foremost, hindi blouse-skirt-dollshoes ang uniform ko. 

*Second, wala naman akong i-dedeyt and 

*Lastly, wala naman akong curfew. 

So, hmmm, bakit nga ba?  Most of the time, pag dinner and coffee din lang ang agenda naming mag-si-sisters, hindi na ako nag-aabalang mag-change outfit pa kasi nasanay na rin ako ng dinner meeting sa labas, so somehow for more than 10 years in the corporate world e, bilang talaga ang bawat segundo. After office hour din kasi mostly ang available time namin. I worked 8-12 hrs a day, minsan 14 hrs pa nga pag super kelangan i-meet ng deadline (pakunsyensya ba?) Hay naku, kamusta naman ang lovelife-family life ko? Kaya naman, pang-alis stress derecho na sa dinner and/or coffee agenda na. TA--MA!

So, I'd rather choose letter B as my answer. Final answer. :-D

MEET RED

Everytime my friends and i see or encounter something RED, they/we associated it with me. Coz, REd is one of my fave colors. Red coz it represents many things - from passionate Love to strong Power, from joyful season of Christmas to Feng shui definition of luck and happiness. But this time, id like you to meet a different kind of RED...

RED is the 5th generation of the Lancer family and is also known as "Singkit" (because of its almond-shape headlamps and turn signals); coz the look is also similar with the eyes of East Asians and is perfect for my chinky-eyes too. (hihi)

I enjoyed the first time i spent with RED. Together with hubby, i was able to get to know more about RED - the specs, the function, the skills i need to work on to make RED and i perfect for each other. I am looking forward to finally be in the driver's seat and taking control of RED. Btw, i have this 2 hrs driving lesson to RED with hubby ever other day. I hope to finish the course in a month (haha, good luck sa akin).

Im so glad to finally acquired RED

The comfort of having RED in our family

One Great Mom (A Father's Day Special)

Maybe you are wondering why am i thinking of my Mom, wherein celebration for the Father's Day is just 4 days from now. It's exactly what's in my mind. Father's Day is coming and yet, i still dont have any entry about Mother's Day =) (hehe, just kiddin'). Seriously, i intend to commend my Mom on this Father's Day celebration coz she became not only a mother to seven but a Father too, when my Dad passed away 14 years ago. ..

Im not that close to Mom. In fact, i was even closer to Dad. I really dont know how to deal with Mom, knowing that Dad is not around anymore. We dont have any unresolved issues or problems or what so ever. Its just that i feel that im not the perfect daughter. Im also not the fave one. Im hard headed and stubborn, but if there's one thing i can be proud of to myself, is that, im reliable - which i know for sure, i inherited from Mom.

The 'Light of the House' eventually became the Head of the Family. I never expected that Mom has such a great strength that all of her children would admire. The traits of a respected Father, such as Dad, you'll find in Mom. She has been a good provider for the family. We're not living in luxury, but all the things a daughter could asks for, she provides it - good education, spiritual and emotional guidance, and trust to name some. Mom also has its strict side - we're not allowed to go on gimmick without her consent. I do not understand this when i was in the peak of my adolescence, but when i started to have an own family, im beginning to realize that this was for my own good.

Our closeness began when i got married and when she had her 1st grandson to me. I started to appreciate her more being a Mom. She's always there for me. When i struggle on my marriage, she did not leave me; instead, she embraced my weaknesses and still loves me unconditionally. We still have petty misunderstanding though, but we managed to resolves it maturely. Im so proud to have a great Mom like her who dedicates her time and life for us, and yet still manage to balance her spiritual and personal life. I wonder where she got all her strength to do both - being a Mom and Dad for us all the time.

If i were to be asked what's the best advice my Mom gave me, i would say that its too many to mention. But i can tell to the whole world how lucky and privilege i am to be loved perfectly and completely by my ONE GREAT MOM, and at the same time, always feel the presence of my Dad in her. I love you Mom. Belated Happy Mother's Day and Advance Happy Father's Day. :-)

Our Loving Mom during our celebration of Mother's Day

Mom, you deserve more than this, but for the meantime, enjoy your favorite cake :-)

The Secret of a Kindergarten

It's school days once again. Since last week, i was busy completing needs for my kids schooling - books, school uniform and other school supplies, and not even thinking how will my precious kids apply the learnings they will gain from the big school, not until today...

I could perfectly remember one of my friend forwarded me a message on the things we learned in kindergarten. I wonder where she got that inspiring message. And because of the wonders of internet, i found out that the message can be expounded in Robert Fulghum book - "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten". As i researched more of him, I found out that he first published a simple credo then eventually became the phenomenal #1 New York Times best seller:

Here's what the book is all about...

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

I personally choose my TOP 5 fave:

5. Don't hit people
When we grow older, people usually hit other people's back. Merong iba na talaga namang walang pakundangan kung makasait ng ibang tao. Those people must realize that thier children will eventually imitate their doings, haay... gising, gising!

4. Play Fair
Huwag umapak ng ibang tao, just to save your own skin. Imagine, kindergarten pa lang naituturo na ito. Absent ka lang siguro.

3. Put things back where you found them
...most specially, if the thing is not really meant for you.

2. Don't take things that aren't yours
Exactly!

1. Say sorry when you hurt somebody
It takes courage to say this, but its a sign of growing up and become who you really are.


Very Basic, but still are the most important in a person to grow with dignity, pride and honor. Sabayan natin ang ating mga anak sa pag-aaral. Guide them until you both realized that the basic thing for a person to have a meaningful life can be learned in kindergarten :-D

Friendship Reunited

Joan and I are bestfriends since high-school. I can still remember the good old days - tambay sa kiosk, hiraman ng notes especially sa noli me tangre and technical writing, kakaba-kaba kapag si Mrs. Amoranto na ang subject teacher (Algebra actually). Those were memories na di kayang maagaw nino man. We also took the same course at the same school when we reached college. We met a lot of good friends too, but our closeness did not changed at all. Im sure joan will agree if i say that we're both teachers' pet - Mrs. Cabalsa, professor in Economics & Atty. Behasa, professor in Law and Taxation were those na mejo na captivate ng leadership skills namin (naks!). After graduation, we had our new jobs, so i would say that our time for each other subsides, not to mention the time we should also spend with our boyfriends too. (hihi). Even if, we still manage to meet once in a while. Too bad coffee shop in our place is not that famous during that time =( But Tagaytay is one of the best places for us - to share with our laughter, tears, and dreams. I got married first and after a few years, she built her own family too naman. And from then on, we rarely bond with each other and to the rest of our barkadas. Our priorities were changed. I've learned that she has to work abroad. We haven't got an opportunity to arrange a despedida party for her. The bond eventually looses for we were separated by miles...

Until one day, i received a text from her that she's already here na and currently 'on the way' to her 2nd child. How time flies. And so together with my family, i accepted her invitation to meet her after she gave birth.

Its so nice to see how bestfriends were united once again.

Joan and I together with our Angels (Andres Iñigo and Felicity Lorice)

My Kids and Joan's Eldest Son

I'm pretty sure that this will not be the last time na mag bond kami before she'll return back abroad. It's truly a wonderful feeling to reunite friendship that was disjoined by changing priorities. I'm looking forward to a coffee or dinner with the rest of our barkadas. :-D

"True friends are always together in spirit."

--"Anne of Green Gables"

My Collection of First Time (Unveiling the secrets of a desirable get-aways)

Sabi nila, masarap ang FIRST TIME… And I would agree to that. Why? Kasi, enjoy, kasi di mo alam what to expect, kasi you try to be adventurous, trying everything in every way - All the way (haha, san ka pa?)

This collection of my FIRST TIME would not become possible if not for the genuine friendship of my 3 BESTFRIENDS and BESTBUDS - Chellee (ang PLANNER), Joyee (ang PHOTOGRAPHER) and Mae-Mae (ang parating ABSENT sa ILANG mga lakad pero super Lav Lav Lav ko pa rin). Isama mo pa ang new friends that ive met.

Ready for your FIRST TRIP in my life? Here we goes…

FEBRUARY 2009 Destination: Tingloy Island, Batangas

FIRST TIME ko sa isang Virgin Island. Ive been to many Batangas beaches, but not in Tingloy

Its only about 30mins away from the admired dive area of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas, and it has smaller island such as Malajibomanoc, Culebra and Sombrero.

For guests who intend to stay overnight, pwede kayong mag-stay dito sa kubong ito, which most mountaineers do.

Yes, youre still on the right track, the place also have alluring mountains with tough yet engaging slopes that beckon mountaineers.

At dahil FIRST TIME ko sa isang malayong isla, here is our very own version of WHAT TO BRING

And the rest is a relaxing history.

MARCH 2009 Destination: Exploring Laguna (Pagsanjan, Longos-Kalayaan, Liliw)

FIRST TIME ko sa isang exotic restaurant …

…But none of us dare to order any exotic food(Lol)

Nevertheless, the place is perfect not only for lovers, but for the entire family.

FIRST TIME kong dayuhin ang LiLIW, hindi para kumain ng ice crumble, (hehe) kundi para bumili ng perfect footwear.

At syempre, para na rin pumunta sa old famous church nila, na FIRST TIME ko rin to be there. :-)

SEPTEMBER 2009 DESTINATION : BORACAY

Hindi ko naman first time sumakay sa airplane, pero FIRST TIME ko ang local trip na to via air.

At FIRST TIME din na mag pa picture sa Pilot (haha)

Among other leisures that we’ve had, this is for sure the most bonggang bongang leisure for me up to date.

Crown Regency Hotel, Station 1, where we stayed for 3 days, 2 nights…

And what’s the good deal staying in Crown Regency is that for pool lovers, all guests can use the pool located at Station 3.

Hotel’s lobby is really relaxing as this big couch accommodates tired body :-p

Food choices was great too!

And what another FIRST TIME for me? Hmmm… take a look! Bora is bora! Bonga diba?

Though the weather condition is not so sizzling, we still manage to enjoy the beach.

October 2009 Destination : Discovering the Beauty of Tagaytay

Apparently, this is not also my FIRST TIME in Tagaytay, but one FIRST TIME is certain – ANG POOL PARTY sa Tagaytay.

@Keni PO

Everytime I visits Tagaytay, my feet destined me to the usual tourist spot – picnic groove, palace in the sky which in my opinion still are still the best places to visit. But in this particular event, we discern more the exquisiteness of Tagaytay.

Sonya’s Garden – The was supposed to be ‘private’ paradise, eventually became open to the public as Sonya wants to share a part of her world by allowing us to experience and discover her secret garden.

Bag of Beans is actually a coffee shop, bakery and a garden restaurant combined into one. A perfect place for coffee and cake lovers. Blueberry cheesecake as one of their signature desserts is truly heaven. Oh, so yummy…FIRST TIME ko to truly love cheesecake even more.

December 2009 Destination: San Juan, Laiya, Batangas

FIRST TIME Mag BEACH right after Christmas.

To end the year right, here we are, trying to unload all the negative experiences and trying to relax and prepare for the challenges in the coming year of the tiger.

At dahil super ‘uso’ ang dance step ng WonderGirls, what else to you expect from us? Here’s our own version of the supah dance step, nobody, nobody but you…

And what else do we need to enjoy…the VIEW (how nice and relaxing)

And it should be followed by a relaxing mode too...

April 2010 Destination : Zambales

FIRST TIME ko sa Zambales

And after the long wait and thorough planning...

...sa wakas, natuloy din KAMI…

And its really worth the wait…

Sunrise was so just right…

The views were so perfect…

At kung merong JUMPSHOT...

meron kaming bago… SHADOW SHOT! (nice one)

FIRST TIME ko din ang GROUP TRIP na to.

Mga pang commercial na shots? Take a look those siksik, este sexy bodies pala. (hehe)





This Zamables get-away is one of a kind experience for me. I became more open on traveling and adventure. The above experiences are realization that Philippines is still a great place to live in. :-)






FIRST TIME mo ‘tong nabasa? Congratulations! My FIRST TIME ka na rin. Well, im sure nag-enjoy ka as much as i did:-D

Until next FIRST TIME :-)

Note: Photos courtesy of Joyee (Lav, lav, lav joyee, muahh!)