Lost and Found

It's Hot in Vietnam

2009-03-12T21:41:00.006+08:00

A few notes about my latest trip to Vietnam 6-9 Mar 09.

The whole trip can be described as "exciting" - meeting Vietnam, their way of life, rich culture, and our own personal misadventures...

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Also known as Saigon, first stop is dining in Allez Boo. I like the local stir fried noodles with seafood. But do stay away with local iced tea. One of us asked what is the quickest meal to prepare, the waiter replied "Bread and Butter" in straight face. Taray ng lola mu!

Settling for the first travel agency in sight, booked for a special day tour trip in Cu Ching Tunnels and Mekong Delta River Cruise.

On board are Leah, Chris, Nell, silent driver, myself and our charming tourist guide Viet...

Cu Ching is 200KM long built during their war with the Americans. What's amazing is that it's a 3 level tunnel in 10m depth. They go inside these tunnels when they are being bombed. Only the first level served as bankers and the other levels are just passage ways. These tunnels are designed only for petite asians to crawl. We got the chance to try one of the tunnels designed for tourists (widened). At first, it was really exciting but once your inside you cannot wait to see the end. It smells earth, feels like your inside a closed compartment, and it's difficult to breathe bec of less oxygine. I was the last so it feels really creepy. Im holding on to the shirt of the person infront of me; afraid to make a wrong turn and be left behind. I am thankful than ever that I am not yet alive during any war.

How about a delta river cruise at night time? The setting is far from Paris. The usual dark rivers whose main purpose is for commercial. Anyways, we visited 2 islets. In the Unicorn island, we had our lunch at around 6pm. We had local spring rolls, soup, prawns, fried rice and desert. It was good. Had the chance to see how are the local rice paper are being made. On the next island, called Dragon I think, we had a fruit platter and a serenade of local songs.

Highlights: Chris got to see silhouttes of 3 naked ladies.

Day 2 - Mui Ne, Phan Tiet
After a pain staking 5hour bus ride trip, Pandamus resort has welcomed us we all its grandeur, and grandpas and grandmas. The guests are all oldies except us of course. I think it's the most expensive resort in the area. The pool was nice but beach is not so spectacular. To enjoy the night, we went out for a livelier crowd. We had a good dinner and a really nice massage with real aloe vera. Witnessed a few drama on the road...

Highlight: Boob flash

Day 3 - Back to Saigon
Visited Sand Dunes just walking distance from the resort. Got to try slide in scorching hot desert. On way back to the city, beat the travel time to 7hours bus. ride.

Hightlight: A different sauna experience

Notes from Viet:
Xin chao - hello
Cam on - thank you
Pagoda/Temple - given to people who introduce new religion/spiritual organization
Nguyen - common surname; the whole country adopted the last name of their king in history of Vietnam to be able to easily distinguished them selves with other races and therefore unite themselves
Hi-way coffee shops - built as resting place for traveling motorbicyclists; instead of chairs and tables, they have hammocks. Adopted from farmers who must have his own hammock in his field.

Facts:
food - generally good food; recommends Highlands Coffee
motor bike - main mode of transpo; hundreds of them in streets
past time - watching traffic
no Starbucks - but saw Gloria Jeans and Coffee Bean
Jollibee - at home ka dito

Nice meeting you Santosh

2008-09-18T23:13:00.000+08:00

It's a tough competition in Singapore.

I just heared this week that one of my team mate is not going to be renewed. It's really sad news. He's not given much of a chance to improve. It's seems that it's just rally work, nothing personal. The company has very low tolerance for non-performance. You should always watch your own back.

Really sounds cold... I dont know how long can I take the corporate stress. I just leave it to God. I have promised to Him that I'll try to be good in everything I do. I'll try to read signs and if I don't see any reason to move away, I won't.

I still believe I have a great team. I am with them because God has placed them there to teach me something.

No such thing as Unaccidental

2008-09-10T00:34:00.002+08:00

As I was sitting in the train, thinking of sleeping throughout the travel I saw a friend riding on the next station. From our chatting, I just remembered her birthday is coming. Thank goodness I buy presents in advance. I already have something in mind that I know she will like...

No such thing as unaccidental. If I had not met her on the station, I most probably have missed the chance to let make her feel important, and I'll feel bad for being a poor friend.

Thanks Kindness for these chances...

the letter that was not sent

2008-09-07T22:40:00.002+08:00

hi there! it has been more than a year but not that long to forget. time seems shorter for my heart is taking baby steps away from you...

im fine. i have gone far since our last talk. i find my feet has taken me to a new land. in less than a year, i was able to able to fulfill the plans we're just discussing, my dreams actually. if you know me i usually dont plan. i just go with the flow. im not so good with change and surprises. anyways, i can say things got better with my career and my family.

as for what i really want, i know there's still something missing. and i know why i cannot go there, im stucked else where. anyways, it's not about you why im writing. im not expecting anything from you. just want to say that im taking those baby steps...To be sure of myself, take the responsibility to choose to be happy and not to be afraid to love again.

it's fate that i met you. i let fate decides how the story ends.

whereever you are now, i want you to know that even if im not with you even if im not beside you, when you need someone to be just there, think of me holding you're hand.

Brazilian Beauty

2008-08-10T02:04:00.002+08:00

A woman need not to go far to find an adventure. Go in a waxing salon, have your hair done and I bet you'll definitely have one of the longest hour of your life if you know what I mean. hahaha

When I was younger, I have already heard of women having their removed hair from unconventional areas. I thought it's only for liberated woman. Well, I was actually right. It's not a conservative act. To go through it, one must be be well informed why others are doing it, be open minded to understand and finally be brave enough knowing it's going to be painful. What I am wrong at is in thinking that whenever a girl/woman makes an effort to do something new to look good, it's because she's trying to please a man.

To re affirm that common notion, my girl friend asked me why did I do it knowing I'm unattached. I answered, "I did it for me. I like it also nice and clean." ;-)

ShapeRun

2008-07-20T16:47:00.008+08:00

Woke up very early on a Sunday for a 5KM marathon. That itself was difficult already.

My spirit started to get high as I see in the train other ladies wearing the same green uniform as I do. My goal that day is to beat my personal record of 51.04 minutes in the recent JP Morgan Chase 5.4KM. I'm proud to say I did it! This time, I ran most of the time. :p I think I finished in around 40mins. I'll update once the info is available in the site. The competition was composed of 5Km and 10KM events. The 10KM winner only did it in 35mins. So fast lah!

I am happy with myself because I get to challenge myself. I am not really a sporty kind of person and pushing myself to get fit is an achievement already. Taking care of myself is a responsibility I owe to myself and God.

Congrats also to Ria, my running buddy! A very cool mum! See you in the next event!

Taking back and Living it

2008-05-21T18:48:00.002+08:00

I wish to be free of you, myself and of everything else. How long has it been? I'm keeping track of my progress. I have gone a long way. Success is a friend. Luck is my companion. But it's not enough.

What is it that i want? Life has taught me always want more; to be not satisfied. Each time i've decided to stay put and be contented, i have been forced to moved on. Each phase was a difficult transition but good. I was girl from country side with bright hopes and dreams of making it big - that has been too easy for me; build a family and that's it.

I have more inside me. I'm limiting myself with what the society dictates me. It's easy to follow rules or just follow the norm. But i have to decided to take the road less taken. I know it will be hard because im facing whatever it's there unknown. where I'm headed, God only knows but that's where I want to be.

I am where I need to be.

04tunity

2007-09-03T23:50:00.000+08:00

Looking back at September 4th 2006, I was celebrating for 4ever. Tonight is th eve of the same day. I have been preparing for this day I wish to manage.

On September 4th 2007, you will find me in the chapel that's dear to us... still is to me.

"True love exists not in the presence of but in the absence of."

I take this as an opportunity. I will be true even if it means more tears than to lie to myself and get hurt. I cannot love anyone else because I do not have my heart. How can I love you if I love you more than myself?

I do not know.

I am still finding myself; living 4 a day in God's course.

Taking it from the G-Club

2007-06-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

Just like in my old company, there's a group of "G-Club". The "G" can stand for anything. One of them is for highly intelligent individuals who can say something about anything. I hope you got the picture. Anyways, while having a break in our pantry I've heard them talked about REVOLUTION. One of the G-Club members, said in early times when one speaks of revolution it’s often related to war. In our age, it’s product and technology which gets revolutionized.

I cannot agree more.

Human revolution has given more importance to 3 P’s - popularity, profit and power. In terms of getting better, faster and slimmer I see more results in inanimate objects than people. Think of mobile phones, computers, PDAs, notebooks, game consoles, MP3 players and other so many gadgets out there. I cannot help to think that these supposedly tools for convenience or entertainment have become more of a luxury rather than a necessity.

Today I have bought a 160 GB HDD with enclosure. Tomorrow I am planning to buy the latest Sony Eriksson Walkman phone. Oh my, expenses! In defense, my Nokia 6600 has already celebrated its 3rd birthday while my HDD is at least 5 years old if I remember it correctly. Needless to say that they duly served their purpose and they will still be continuing their service.

To end, upgrade is necessary. Anything that we do or acquire can be good or bad depending on how we got it, use it and look at it. However, let’s not forget to take into consideration the COST of these gadgets. Our VALUES goes for our gadgets as well. Perhaps, when planning to invest on a new gadget, ask the gadget “what is your purpose in life?”

2007-05-26T12:13:00.000+08:00

5 out 8 - not bad for my chosen senatoriables. I am quite please with how the elections turned out. Less actors and actresses won and tv ads did not earn aspiring candidates a seat in the office. But I'm sad for Joey Hizon. He ran for Manila Vice Mayor and unfortunately lost to Isko Moreno. Sad! The black propaganda with the print-ad showcasing Isko's former life as a sex symbol earned him sympathy. Oh well!

Although, there's one candidate I'm also interested to know what happened. I tried researching in the Comelec site but only high-profile positions were posted. I have given up other ways to directly communicate. Anyways, chances are I'm still going to know it in this life time. hehehe

For my last post:
Jim, thanks for your comment of disclaimer.

PH Elections 2007: Final and Complete list of Senatorial Candidates

2007-05-11T16:18:00.000+08:00

TEAM Unity

TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Unity is a coalition composed mostly of supporters and former critics of current Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Team Unity seeks to take several Senate seats in oder to make sure the passage of President Arroyo's legislative programs and also to protect her from any impeachment attempts by the political opposition after the midterm elections.

• Michael Defensor - (Liberal Party "Atienza wing") former Presidential Chief of Staff (2006-2007), former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (2001-2006), former Head of National Housing Authority (2001), former Quezon City Representative (1995-1998; 1998-2001)

• Juan Miguel Zubiri - (Lakas-CMD), incumbent Representative (1998-2001; 2001-2004; 2004-2007) from the province of Bukidnon and author of the recently-approved Biofuels Act of 2006.

• Edgardo Angara - (LDP), incumbent Senator (1987-1992; 1992-1998; 2001-2007), former Executive Secretary, former Secretary of Agriculture, former President of University of the Philippines, current Chairman of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino

• Ralph Recto - (Lakas-CMD[2]) incumbent Senator and author of the E-VAT Law (2001-2007), former Representative of Batangas (1992-1995; 1995-1998; 1998-2001), husband of Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos-Recto

• Joker Arroyo - (KAMPI), incumbent Senator (2001-2007), former Representative (1992-1995; 1995-1998; 1998-2001) of Makati City, former Executive Secretary (1986-1987), former prosecutor of the impeachment trial of Pres. Joseph Estrada.

• Luis "Chavit" Singson - (Lakas-CMD) incumbent Governor of Ilocos Sur, Chairman of League of Provinces, lead witness of the impeachment trial of Pres. Joseph Estrada.

• Vicente Sotto III - (NPC), former Senator (1992-1998;1998-2004), actor, TV host and Campaign Manager of the former presidential candidate the late Fernando Poe Jr.

• Tessie Aquino-Oreta - (NPC), former Senator (1998-2004), former Representative (1987-1992; 1992-1995; 1995-1998) and sister of Benigno Aquino Jr.

• Prospero Pichay Jr. - (Lakas-CMD) incumbent Representative of Surigao del Sur (1998-2001; 2001-2004; 2004-2007), Co-Chairman of Congressional Committee of Appointments.

• Vicente Magsaysay - (Lakas-CMD/KBL) incumbent Governor of Zambales and former 1992 vice-presidential candidate

• Jamalul Kiram III - (PDSP) Sultanate of Sulu (1986-Present)

• Cesar Montano- (Lakas-CMD) industrial engineering graduate from Lyceum, award-winning movie actor and director, and UNESCO commissioner

Genuine Opposition

The United Opposition Coalition was created by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay on June 2005 to unite all politicians who wish to impeach Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The UNO started scouting candidates for the Senate as early as October 2006 to claim a large share in the Senate seats. On January 2007, UNO started short listing its nominees after a large number interested personalities wanted to join the opposition. The UNO has changed its name on February 12, 2007 at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila to "Grand and Broad Coalition" (GBC). On February 15, 2007 the group changed its named again to "Genuine Opposition" after a meeting with Senate President Manny Villar in his office in Las Piñas. Though the Senate President Manny Villar and Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan are running under the Opposition, they remain Independent Candidates like in the Philippine general election, 2001. Then on February 28, 2007, the Genuine Opposition dropped Francis Pangilinan as its Adopted Candidate.

• Loren Legarda - (NPC) former Vice Presidential candidate (2004) and former Senator (1998-2004)

• Panfilo Lacson - (Independent) incumbent Senator (2001-2007), former Philippine National Police Chief (1998-2001) and former Presidential Candidate (2004)

• John Henry Osmeña - (NPC) Former Senator (1971-1972; 1987-1992; 1992-1995; 1998-2004)

• Francis Escudero - (NPC) Sorsogon incumbent Representative (1998-2001; 2001-2004; 2004-2007)

• Alan Peter Cayetano - (Nacionalista) Taguig City-Pateros incumbent Representative (1998-2001; 2001-2004; 2004-2007) and brother of incumbent Senator Pia Cayetano (2004-2010)

• Benigno Aquino III - (Liberal Party "Drilon Wing") Tarlac incumbent Representative (1998-2001; 2001-2004; 2004-2007) and son of former President Corazon Aquino and the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

• Aquilino Pimentel III - (PDP-LABAN) lawyer and son of incumbent Senator and former Minister/Secretary of Interior and Local Government Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. (2004-2010)

• Sonia Roco - (Aksyon Demokratiko) widow of the late Senator and former Presidential candidate Raul Roco (1992-1995; 1995-2001)

• Antonio Trillanes IV - (Independent) detained Military Officer (Lieutenant Senior Grade), Magdalo Leader

• Anna Dominique Coseteng - (NPC) former Senator (1992-1995; 1995-2001) and former Representative (1987-1992)

• Manuel "Manny" Villar - Nacionalista, incumbent Senator (2001-2007), Senate President (2006-present), former Representative of Las Pinas City (1987-1992; 1995-1998; 1998-2001), former Speaker of the House (1998-2000)

Independent

Liberal Party (Independent)

• Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan (Ind/Liberal Party "Drilon Wing"), incumbent Senator (2001-2007), Senate Majority Floor Leader (2001-present) (dropped as Adopted Candidate by the Genuine Opposition)

Nationalist's People Coalition (Independent)

• Richard Gomez - (Ind/NPC) TV host, actor

Lone Candidates

• Gringo Honasan - (Ind/Philippine Guardians Brotherhood or PGB) Senator (1995-2001; 2001-2004), cashiered military officer (with the rank of Colonel)

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL)

• Oliver Lozano - (KBL) Marcos Loyalist, Lawyer, Author of the First Impeachment Complaint against Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also known as the Lozano Complaint.

• Melchor Chavez - (KBL) radio announcer.

• Gen. Eduardo Orpilla (ret) - (KBL) retired PNP officer/businessman.

• Ruben Enciso - (KBL) journalist

• Joselito Cayetano - (KBL) a self-declared marine engineer and namesake of Alan Peter Cayetano.

• Victor Wood - (KBL) singer and entertainer best known during the 70's.

• Antonio "Tony" Estrella - (KBL) international lawyer

Ang LADLAD

• Zosimo Jesus Paredes - (Ang Kapatiran) Former executive director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement who resigned at the height of the Philippine government's perceived protection of convicted American rapist Daniel Smith after the latter's transfer of detention from the Makati City jail to the US Embassy compound. He is also the brother of Ducky and Jim Paredes.

• Dr. Martin Bautista - (Ang Kapatiran) gastroenterologist who had spent the last 17 years working in the United States. Last year, he went home for good with his wife and four daughters and was later convinced to run under the Kapatiran ticket.

• Adrian Sison - (Ang Kapatiran) seasoned lawyer specializing in taxation and family law.

References

It's so hard to choose... Finally, after a thorough deliberation I have come up with the following... hahaha Good luck! :D

My personal choice:

Alan Peter Cayetano (GO) – Like him I don’t like FGBenigno Aquino III (GO) – I like Kris andTtita Cory
Francis Joseph Escudero (GO) – I like cheeseFrancis Pangilinan (Independent) – family man and I like Shawie
Juan Miguel Zubiri (Team Unity) – looks promising
Michael Defensor (Team Unity) – I’m voting for him kahit ayaw ko yung cheap Tol campaign add nya with matching braces and Pooh
Panfilo Lacson (GO) – A-tapang a-tao
Sonia Roco (GO) – I believe in her late husband

Bad Politicians

2007-05-11T10:15:00.000+08:00

When I wake up this morning I feel refreshed because a considerable amount of rain actually poured last night making it a good night's sleep. I even decided to wear three-fourths today. However, on my way to office, there's a huge traffic. Apparently, a stage use for the election campaign was blocking a one-way road. Either these people are just inconsiderate or plain stupid to left it there. (I'm planning to vote for the lesser evil but given the circumstances it's still confusing.) My usual 20 minutes travel time took me almost an hour to go to office. I know this has been a common scenario lately. Thank God the election is this coming Monday. All these masquerade and insanity will end. Well, at least on the streets because some I know we'll still be seeing around … :(

Spider Man 3

2007-05-02T13:18:00.000+08:00

Have you watched Spiderman 3? I am not a "licensed" movie critic. But what the heck, this is my blog. :p

Well, it's action packed, the effects are good and so was the actors. But I was not really happy with how the movie turned out. It seems that there are too many emotions running and hoping that the climax will be a good way to end it, for me it just did not. It made me just want to see a sequel which is until now uncertain. Anyways, Green Goblin played by James Franco looks hot. hehehe

BTW, were you able to notice Norman Osborn in the jazz club? I bet you he was there. Remember the scene when Peter Parker under the influenced of Venom went in the jazz club in an attempt to make MJ jealous by bringing his lab partner? The guy sitting behind him while MJ was singing looked like Willem Dafoe (Norman Osborn)! I found it just funny and weird.

Here's the song that was sang by MJ in the Jazz bar. Too bad this is not included in the movie's OST:

I'm Thru with Love Lyrics
By Diana Krall

I'm through with love,
I'll never fall again,
Said adieu to love,
Don't ever
call again,
For I must have you or no one,
and so I'm through with love.

I've locked my heart,
I keep my feelings there.
I have stocked my heart with icy frigid air,
and I mean to care for no one,
because I'm through with love.

Why did you lead me to think you could care?
You didn't need me,
for you had your share
of slaves around you to hound you and swear,
With deep emotion,

Devotion to you.
Goodbye to spring,
and all it meant to me,
It could never bring the things that used to be,
for I must have you or no one,
and so I'm through with love.

American Idol: Home, by Chris Daughtry

2007-04-27T09:26:00.000+08:00

The first time I heard this song it immediately touched me. It became personal instantly...

I'm staring out into the night
And trying to hide the pain
I'm going to the place where love
can feel but they dont live the cost of fame
In pain it feels a different kind of pain
I'm going home to the place where I belong
where your love has always been enough for me
I'm running from you know I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home
The miles are getting longer it seems
The closer I get to you.... babe
And I've always been the best man and friend for you
To love and make true and I dont know why
You always seem to give me another try
I'm going home
To the place where I belong
Where your love has always been good enough for me
I'm running from you know I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
Be careful what you wish for
cause you just might get it all
you just might get it all and then some you dont want
be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all
I'm going home to the place where I belong
Where your love has always been enough for me
And I'm running from.. you know I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me'
But these places and these faces are getting old
But these places and these faces are getting old
I'm going home
I'm going home

2007-04-17T22:25:00.000+08:00

I am dreaming
I was awakened
Returned to my sleep
Dreamt again
I woke up
But slept again
I kept on…
When will my dream last?
With grace, I become conscious
I am wide awake
I am living my dream.

2007-04-08T03:00:00.000+08:00

I’ m going back home.

I’m going back to my dreams, my values, to where I started it all.

On my journey back home, I have so many questions. Will the Family still recognize me? What have I accomplished so far? How far did I go? What are my stories to tell? Will I be talking about good memories and triumphs, or life’s mediocrity? Did I make Them proud? And, why am I going back so soon?

I am coming back home. “I” is no longer the girl they used to know. I become like water which gives life, takes shapes as it goes places, hardens to turn into ice, disappear and come back anew from the clouds above.

I am getting home. For, God wants me to return to home. He misses and calls me to take a break. He knows what I need and His timing is always perfect. I need not say anything because my Family already knows everything…

“Father, thank You for the chance to rest. My heart is overflowing with Your unconditional love. You are my guide, my strength and my wisdom. Your mercy and goodness are following me. When I’m out there again, I know I am not alone. I am more confident that I never was. I believe life will be easier. All the successes, happiness and goodness, beyond my expectations, await me. I will shine because I have Your favor.”

2007-04-02T11:00:00.000+08:00

Today is the start of the holy week. As a Christian country, it has been a customary that we pause and observe the commemoration of the very foundation of our Christian faith.

We may have different ways on how we celebrate it. Some follow the religious and conservative way. Some may be just taking the opportunity for a vacation. Nevertheless, let’s not be the judge of if there’s a proper way to do anything for that matter. In this case what I do know is that we should at least “remember”.

On a different note, one of the sweetest memories I have is the photo with Minette, Sherille and Ferdie. It’s the last Christmas party we had as officemates. We have no idea that it will be our last together but I guess it doesn’t matter because even if we are far away, real friends are always and forever will be friends. More than distance, it’s the chance you took by knowing that person and the commitment you’ve made to your self which makes it worthwhile and special. Just like any relationship, it takes communication, understanding, patience, time and faithfulness to keep it.

In this journey, only some that have seen us in our best and worst of times will accept and choose to stay.

No matter how difficult our challenges may be, we have no choice but to face it. We may not be able to comprehend it, we just choose to believe that there’s a far greater reason for everything. And, just like anything else in this world, this too shall pass.

We are not always the main characters. We have done some things that have affected and caused pain to others as well. Some we may be aware of. Some may just be insignificant to us. But for those who matters to us, we ask for forgiveness. In our effort to be a better person, even if it’s not asked, we also try to forgive… Either way, it’s not easy. But it’s something that God has already placed before us.

When it’s not okay, we can tell ourselves “It’s not going to be by your might. It’s not going to be by your power. God said it’s going to be by His Spirit.” Pray.

2007-03-27T14:00:00.001+08:00

It’s summer time and to begin it with, a trip to Waterfront Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan. An invite was sent to the one big circle but only the Magic 4 made it – Rocel, Anabelle, Angie and of course myself. Rocel and I have been planning this for some time already. The last time the circle had an outing was in 2004 where we went to Vigan – Laoag – Pagudpud. Although, we were bigger in number the last time, just the same time we had fun and just happy to be with great companions.

We took the Genesis as our official transport. It took us 3 hours to go to Balanga, Bataan and another hour to go to the resort. On our stop over, we encountered one of the best halo-halo we ever tasted. We make it a point to have another glass on our way back to Manila. We also have met a lot of interesting characters during this trip. There’s lola “the direction guide-dess” from the waiting shed, manong Ernesto of Penalco (a local electrical supplier) who has been our angel, the chambermaid who has been Angie’s photography apprentice, and the casuy vendor who attested that the “Chop-Chop Lady” (which was sensationalized years ago) happened in one of the famous nearby resorts and not really in Laguna (the atmostphere just became gloomy after hearing her story). For me, these are inexpensive spices that made the experience unique and special.

To Rocel, Angie and Anabelle, thank you for spending the weekend with me. It was a good adventure and a liberating getaway… looking forward to the next!

This trip is a beginning of a good ending for me. For some time, I have been checking my self if I am still “unwell” and sensitive with Voldemort’s recollections. Last Friday, I went to a KTV with officemates. Just as I wanted it, I can sing along (they have been warned) and dance. On this trip, I enjoyed the long travel with good friends beside me. We all just been talking, giggling and enjoying the ride. I am free.

“Change is hard. Change is hardest to those who are caught by surprise. Change is hardest on those who have difficulty changing too. But change is natural; change is not new; change is important.” - David Schlesinger of Reuters published in The World is Flat

2007-03-24T03:00:00.000+08:00

Touch & Go

What is a true friendship? They say you know who your friends are not when you're happy and everything is alright but when you are in your lowest point of your life and still you can find them beside you holding your hand.

I guess I'm being idealistic here. Perhaps, I'm just forgetting friends also have categories.

There are people that once you get to know you can get along quickly. There's a common denominator that attracts interest, shares a special something and fun to be with. They are with you until there's the opportunity and your common factor ceases to exist. I call them fashion.

There are friends who are angels in your life. They may not be consistent companions but you become friends because at some point(s) of your life they have heeded to your call and exchange favors. You have sweet memories of them.

Finally, there are friends who have committed themselves to you. Their existence in our lives is beyond comfort. These are the people who really know you. Even if they can no longer understand you, they'll just there for you to hang on. They are the people who will go to your side even if you found yourself in the most embarrassing and most stupid situation imaginable. Can you think of a person who even without communication for a long time will go that extra mile when you call, asks not much, judges not and decides to pick you up? If you do, be thankful for they are diamonds. Sometimes it just takes time for them to come but you know that they will, and they do.

On the other hand, there are circumstances we cannot avoid. As much as you try to understand, it will come to a point you will realize that they don't really know you. And, you just quit... Don't get me wrong, I know that relationships are not like transactions you can cancel if you’re no longer happy nor satisfied anymore. I know my being a friend does not stop there. I'll always be here. I just stop trying.

At this point of my life, I know who are my fashion, angels and diamonds. It's my challenge to be a diamond in someone's elses.

You cannot feel if you don't see... You touch and go.

2007-03-14T12:00:00.000+08:00

Mojacko

Perhaps, the name sounds familiar? It’s a cartoon character that has become dear to the hearts of many. Well, this is not about the anime. I would like to share to you the cutest member of the family – Mojacko.

Let me begin with history. A puppy followed my cuz all the way home. The poor puppy was thin and has no hair on his forehead, obviously maltreated. A quick look would easily categorize him as an askal (not pure breed). My cuz has 2 kids and was very much delighted to see the dog. They named him Mojacko. So how did it got to us? My cuz family was not really serious with having pets around. On the second time, the puppy come after my mother to our house which is just near. This time he got lucky. Our family has always been fond of animals especially dogs.

What I first liked about him is that he knows where to do his “thing”. Never, not once, did he make pooh-pooh or wee-wee inside the house. Even as a puppy, he patiently waits for his walk. That’s how he earned his place inside the house.

His fave food is pandesal (local bread). He prefers it squeezed into a tiny ball. It’s like chicken to him. He’ll even try to jump vertically just for that piece of bread. And, he has his own way of eating it too. First, he’ll find a rug. (My mom is very neat and usually has door mats around the house.) If it’s not his regular meal, Mojacko won’t start eating without a placemat. Neat ha! I usually tease him by taking away his rug. This dog eats anything from meat, fish, chocolates, milk, junk food, ice cream, soda, veggies and even fruits (including pineapple, green mangoes and strawberries). He’ll eat anything of what you’re having! That’s him.

It’s more than once that we have seen Mojacko having a dream. Believe it! His making funny noises and even barks sometimes while sleeping. He would also move his leg just like a man making small kicks while having a dream. Just wondering what kind of dreams do dogs have. Hmmm

Mojacko knows only one trick – roll-over. When he was younger, he usually does this when he wants attention. We would say “Mojacko ikot-ikot(roll)” to encourage him. He's so cute!

One thing that I cannot forget about him is when he farted beside me. Yes, he did! I tell you what a foul smell it was. Darn dog!

What so unique about Mojacko is that he also have moods. We can tell if he’s having mood swings. His face is very expressive. We can tell if he lacks sleep. (His sleeping time? The whole day.) And, if he’s begging for food, he knows what look to use. If puffy eyes would not work on you, his desperate act would include sitting beside you if you’re in a sofa or just take it from you if you're not paying much attention.

This dog is no angel. More than once did he steal food (lollipop/candies) from little kids. He’s enjoying the treat while the little kids are crying.

Mojacko also have his arch enemy – Alvin, my brother. He can sense if Alvin is approaching. He would usually go under the sofa and/or growl. (He just growls. There’s no history of serious bite.) Why did they become enemies? Well, I guess it’s just something they did not have out grown. Mojacko ever since has been treated by my mother like a family. We would joke around “You can do anything you want to Abner (my youngest brother) but not to Mojacko. Otherwise, you’ll have to face the wrath of our mother.”

BTW, I have 3 brothers. The other one is Jojo who is Mojacko’s best buddy.

I know those who got the chance to know the cutest member of our family, all have something nice to say. It’s sad that Mojacko's already a senior citizen. If I’m not mistaken, we got him when I was still in high school. So that makes him more than 10 years old already (at least 56 y/o in dog’s age). Well, I’m just very happy that he is still with us. I would rather loose any bf than our beloved dog. Oooops! Where did that came from? :D

To end with, Mojacko’s past time is scratching…
Here’s a short video directed by Alvin. Enjoy!

2007-03-05T14:45:00.000+08:00

"The earth is round and it won’t stop revolving even if I wanted it to..." How many times have I thought of this? For a long time, I have been just responsive with life rather than living it the way I wanted it to be.

I have been self-centered and ego-centric in the past 8 years of my life… (Sadly, it took me that long to realize it.)

I believe that the masquerade started during my college days. During that time, I have been dwelling and was blinded on all the attention and care from everyone that I wished… I have been too confident knowing that if I want something I can get it. Well, they all indeed have come my way – a chance in love, a promising career and a taste of good life. But I guess I am not ready to any of these after all. Even how many times, I have tried, succeeded, fallen and stood-up in everything that I do I still cannot get it.

For years, my measurement of happiness is having a "happy ville" family, a "happy-ever-after" relationship and a "high-paying" job. I have forgotten myself, my childhood dreams, my personal aspirations, and my true joy.

Now, I am not crying not because of any failure, rejection or misery. My heart aches because I have forgotten myself. I have placed myself inside a box with all the pictures of other people’s so-called happy lives and my false assumptions of how my life should be.

For years, I know I have been living my life selfishly at some degree. I only love those who love me. I maybe kind and good-hearted but I know that that is not all that is in me. There is more to me than I let myself show and others see. I have forgotten to really listen to my heart. My heart just not beat when I am in love; my heart can give more sense and depth if I only did not confine it my own egoistic boundaries.

I cannot live my life within my own expectations more so on how others’ think. God has already set a journey for me. I have cheated by taking "shortcuts" which just kept me astray from my goal towards happiness. I already have what is really important in my life – my family, my friends, a good health and a good job. Finally, I thank God that my ride in life is back on track…

And, for all those that I have met in this lifetime or anyone who just happens to breathe the same air as I do, I welcome you in my journey... friends?! Ü