Ondoy's Birthday Gift To Me

Last October 4 was my birthday, but I didn't really get to celebrate it. The past weeks, and up until now, the news is all about Ondoy and the flood. I never realized and I never dreamed that I will be part of the news, a newsworthy but worrying news.

You see, where I live was devastated by the flood Ondoy caused.

It was a rainy Saturday, my nephew JM was with me. The street started flooding, but that was normal. Our street always flood, but it never rises and never entered our compound as our houses are a little bit higher than the street.

The rain never stopped and it was already creeping up. The flood started rising and rising until it entered our houses. We never thought it would rise up to more than a couple of inches so what we just did was put everythingn on a higher place like making sure the TV was on top of the dining room table.

The water just kept on rising until finally it was waist level. There was only me and my nephew and I have to take all my office files and other appliances to the 2nd floor. By the time I was done, the flood was chest deep and all my clothes and books at my parents house was already submerged.

Saturday ended badly. Blackout. I was only able to save water and food that was in the fridge. The refrigerator and sofa were already floating at the 1st floor. All other appliances were submerged at our other house. By midnight, the flood was already "lampas tao".

Ondoy left Saturday but the flood never left that Sunday. It was still too high. We could not go out. By that time, my other nephew Romel was with me already, but was having a complication. He was having an asthma attack! Since there was no electricity, he could not nebulize. He had no inhaler. He thought he was dying. I thought so too. None of us could go out as the water was like rapids.

I told Romel's father at the other house to do something but he didn't budge. Fortunately, my office assistant swam to our house to take Romel out of the house and to a hospital. We had an inflatable chair (JM's toy) but no air pump so my staff, James, manually inflated the chair. This they use to be able to float and navigate the flood.

I could never show panic, I had my nephew with me. Fortunately, he never saw the experience as traumatic. He never cried. We prayed. I invented games to keep my nephew occupied.

The only food we were able to eat for two days while we were stranded was ensaymada. That was it. For two days, there were no rice, no hot water for coffee.

Monday, the flood receded. I was finally able to go down the house and out to the streets. Our house (my parents house)was all in mud. All my clothes, books, papers are in mud.

But thank God my family and I survived this disaster.

If there is one thing I learned during this experience, it was to value life and learn to let go of material possessions.

LRT Ride Chapter 2

101 days before Christmas! Grabe, Pasko na naman. Parang katatapos lang ng Mahal na Araw at hindi ko na naman namalayan na Pasko na.

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako o malulungkot. Eto na naman ako, pasakay ng lrt. Papasok sa school, hindi para mag-aral kung hindi para magturo. Tumatanda na ako. Bakit nga ba sa dinarami-daming propesyon, pagtuturo pa napili ko. Cum laude naman ako. He he he, nakakapagod din naman kasi magtrabaho sa opisina. Sampung taon ang ginugol ko na may boss, may amo at pinapagyaman ang iba't-ibang kumpanya, saka ko narealize, oh God I hate this life.

I have always wanted to teach. Yun nga lang hindi ako nag-education kasi sabi nga, wala daw yumaman na titser. Ewan ko lang, para kasing marami akong gusto ishare sa mga kabataan. Para kasi nuong estudyante ako, maraming mga maling ituro.

Gusto kong sabihin sa mga estudyante na, hey guys, enjoy being a student while it lasts. Habang binibigyan pa kayo ng allowance ng mga magulang nyo, ienjoy nyo dahil sa real world, kung kayo na bumubuhay sa sarili mo, ikaw na talaga bahala sa buhay mo.

Hindi na pwede kumopya sa katabi pag may pinagawang memo sa yo o di kaya ay magpagawa ng report sa Recto.

Oooooops. Biglang huminto ang tren sa pagitan ng Santolan at Katipunan. Nabasag pagmumuni-muni ko ng isang ale na nagtatatalak.

'Bastos ka! Kanina ka pa nanunulak!'

Kawawa naman yung mamang inaaway nung ale. Eto namang ale, walang patumanggang tumalak eh. Sino ba inaaway nito? Hala, ang co-teacher ko pala na hindi ko masyado kakclose. Si Prof. Bahandi. Tsk tsk, ang hirap talaga pag rush hour. Kawawa naman si Mark, sigurado ako hiyang-hiya na eto sa pinagsasabi ng ale.

Hindi ako makapagpigil, 'Ang ingay-ingay naman! Kung nasisikipan kayo, magtaxi na lang kayo!' sabi ko. Malakas ang loob ko kasi nakaupo ako at hindi ako nakikita ng nagwawalang ale.

Alam ko nabosesan ako ni Mark. Kawawa naman kasi si Mark eh, mas naaawa ako sa mga estudyante niya at baka mapagbalingan nya ngayong araw na ito ng kanyang pagkabadtrip sa ale.

Hindi katulad ko, si Mark ay talagang kumuha ng education at planado talagang maging guro. Bata pa naman si Mark, siguro matanda lang ako sa kanya ng ilang taon. Dahil nga medyo kabataan pa, halos kaidaran lang niya ang mga estudyante sa kolehiyong pinagtuturuan namin.

Achiever yang si Mark. Sa pagkakaalam ko, cum laude din pagkagraduate at kinuha agad magturo sa kolehiyo. May katangkaran si Mark, mga 5'8, moreno at may magandang pangangatawan. Siguro naggygym etong si Mark dahil bakat sa barong na uniporme niyang suot ang kanyang dibdib.

Maamo ang mukha ni Mark, yung bang tipong hindi nang-aaway at hindi gagawa ng masama. Mapula ang labi na parang ang sarap halikan, mahaba ang pilikmata, mapungay ang mga mata at ang tangos ng ilong. Mas lalong nakadagdag sa kanyang kakisigan ay yung mga dimples niya sa kanyang mga pisngi na lumalabas pag siya ay ngumingiti. Isama mo pa duon ang parang balahibong pusa niyang bigote.

Sus, bakit ba ang dami ko yatang alam kay Mark? Eh kasi naman, sa unang tungtong ko pa lang sa kolehiyong ito, pagkakita ko sa kanya, nakaramdam na ako ng kakaiba. Gusto ko siya.

Video Greetings to Arlene

He he he, medyo late but better late than never...

LRT Ride Chapter 1

Note: This story was written while riding the LRT this morning using my Nokia E63 cellphone.


'Bastos ka! Kanina ka pa nanunulak ah! Kalalaki mong tao, bastos ka' sigaw ng isang ale.

'Di naman sinasadya. Masikip ang lrt lalo na't umaga.' sagot ng lalaking nakabangga sa ale.

'Anong masikip, kanina ka pa sa escalator. Bastos ka, walang modo. Kanina ka pa eh. Nanunulak ka eh. Para kang walang pinag-aralan!' singhal pa rin ng ale na dinig na dinig na sa buong coach ng lrt line papuntang Recto.

'Ale, iba yung nanunulak sa nabangga. Alam nyo nmang sisiksikan at masikip' katwiran ng mama.

Hindi naman papaawat ang ale. 'Kanina ka pa nanunulak eh. Kalalaki mong tao. Bastos ka. Wala kang galang sa babae.'

Ayaw pa rin magpaawat ng ale na kahit nakakaistorbo na sa ibang mga pasahero, putak pa rin ng putak. Para sa mga estudyanteng mananakay, dito na sila sa lrt nagrereview. At sa katulad ko na maagang nagigising, dito na ako sa lrt umiidlip at nagnanakaw ng tulog. Siguro ay may ilang pasahero na rin ang naiistorbo kaya may mga humihirit na.

'Kung ayaw mo mabangga, bumili ka ng tren mo!'

'Magtaxi ka na lang!'

'Bumaba ka na, ang ingay mo!'

'Guard, para daw may bababa!'

Na lalong nagpainit sa ulo ng ale.

'Mga bastos kayo! Paano kung nanay nyo ang naitulak ha!' singhal ng ale.

Sa totoo lang, wala naman makakuha ng simpatya ang ale dahil ayaw nya tumahimik. Kahit nga ang kapwa nya babae eh napapailing na lang dahil tama na nga siguro ang isang beses na pagpuna. Laha naman nagsasakripisyo kapag ganitong umaga at siksikan sa lrt.

Siguro, para matapos na lang ang pagwawala ng ale, sabi na lang ng mama.

'Eh kung naitulak ko man po kayo, pasensya na po. I'm a professor at ayaw ko po na patulan kayo.'

Pero sadya yatang pinakain ng pwet ng manok ang ale ng sanggol pa ito.

'Ayan, marunong ka naman palang humingi ng sorry. Hindi yung porke babae, pwede mo ng itulak-tulak. Kayo talagang mga lalaki, walang modo. Propesyunal na naturingan, bastos. Bastos!!!!!'

Kung ako yung lalaki, babawiin ko yung sorry ko. Ang lumalabas na bastos na dito eh yung ale na wala pa ring tigil sa pagputak na parang inahing manok na hindi makapangitlog.

'Ano ba, ang ingay ingay naman.'

'Hindi na ba titigil yan'

Inis na ang ibang mga pasahero na lalo naman nagpatindi sa pagwawala ng ale.

'Dyan kayo magagaling. Mga bastos kayong lahat! Mga walang modo. Kawawa ang mga asawa nyo, mga anak na babae, mga nanay nyo. Kalalaki nyong tao, mga bastos kayo!' gigil na gigil na yung ale.

Hay, kawawa naman yung mga estudyante ng mama, kasi I'm sure, doon niya ibubunton ang pagkasira ng araw niya dahil lamang sa siksikan sa lrt.

Life and Deaths

Sigh

It has been a long time since I wrote in any of my blog.

Of course the whole world knows about the deasth of Cory Aquino already. I was awake that Saturday because of stomach flu so I found out about it. I cried.

Then, last Tuesday, I heard about the death of my student Jessie. His mom dropped by the school to tell us about the death of his son.

It was so sudden. The boy was smart, friendly and good looking. He had his whole life ahead of him. He was so young.

I remember him sitting always in the front row, at the aisle so how can I forget him?

He volunteered to do a report one time at school. And when he was sick on the day of an exam, he texted me to apologize that he could not make it. And when he wsent back to school after getting well, he took the exam eventhough he was still weak.

Awwww. I would like to think that I made an impact to him.

I pray for his peaceful repose.

The Merry Month of May

May has always been the busiest month for me. Just recently, I just finished directing Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's Search for Little Stars (Semis) and Search for Mrs. Sta. Lucia.

So I was stressed for the past week, what with the direction, choreography, dancers, contestants, budget (!!!!!) and at the same time account management for corporate accounts.

Geeeeez, last Saturday during Little Stars, I'm freaking. I have a fever. As soon as I got home, I fell into an exhaustive sleep only to wake up earloy for another event (Mother's Day!).

I have three Mother's Day event at three malls. Geeesh. Sa pagmamadali ko, naiwan ko pa cellphone ko (is it a sign na bumili na ako ng new phone????).

The whole morning during the dry run (galing ng mga mommy, sumayaw for the opening number, mas magaling ako, napasayaw ko sila he he he) panic mode ako kasi syempre clients are calling my cellphone eh di ko naman dala. Naihabol din naman kaya wala namang sumablay sa mga events.

I was so tired but fulfilled. My clients are satisfied and happy. I will be happy as soon as I collected he he he.

Another event to prepare for, the Grand Finals of Little Stars so I will relax this week for a little bit and regain my equilibrium.

Come June, Father's Day events. Ooooh, I am so happy to be busy.

Easter Sunday

This Holy Week, I'm supposed to reflect about what's happening in my life, what direction I am going to take but I was distracted with lots of things... plus later today, I have three simultaneous events... geeh, I just hope everything will go all right with the other two events I am not overseeing...

First Quarter of 2009

The first quarter of this year has come and gone, what have I accomplished so far?

I have been drifting, still unsure of what I would like to become... seems like time is running out but I am unrushed, unconcerned.

Why Do I Blog?

My blog. Geeesh. Why do I post everything on my blog? Even the most embarassing and painful things?

Why not?

Well for one, I never really know that there would be other people reading my blog. This is for me, my personal journal. But since there are other people who took the time to read my blog and react (even vioently sometimes) so I guess I have to explain why I post what I post.

My blog is my blog. I can post whatever I want.

Someone said I should take responsibility with the things I write. Hey, I always DO. If anybody is offended with any of my postings, you are FREE not to read my blog. Gosh, I am not forcing you to read it.

Now, if you think you are misrepresented in any of my blogs, it's not my fault. My blog is a reflection of how certain people treated me. If you treat me nice, then I'll be all praises but if you do something out of the blue, then do not expect my respect in return.

There are people who spout words such as "respect" etc. but I wonder, do they really know what they are saying?

I blog because I have been USED and it is only now that I can express what I feel. Why suppress my feelings? My emotions are valid. If you are offended by what I have expressed, write your own blog and attack me there. Geeesh.

I am a legitimate, feeling individual.

Violent reactions are welcome because I don't really care. I just realized, why would I care? I care for my feelings, for myself before I care for you.

Selfish?

Not really. I have sacrificed and given other people priority over me. It's time I take care of myself coz no other will be.

Eli of the Eraser Heads

Just thought of sharing this pic with Eli Buendia when he was still with Eraserheads circa 1999 - shucks, another decade. Look how skinny I was!

Francis M & I

Yup, I know him but I doubt if he remembers me. I met him 10 years ago, in Awit Awards. So long ago.

There is one thing we have in common, together with Kuya Germs and Alicia Silverstone; we all share October 4 as our birthday. I always thought and dreamed that I will be the next famous person born on October 4.

Sigh. And now I only share my birthday with Kuya Germs and of course Alicia Silverstone.

Ei Francis M., thanks for taking a picture with me when I was just a newbie in the corporate world. Rest in peace. You have been a great man.

Peace.

Status: Single Age: 32

While many eskew writing their status online, I can only surmise that the online community is still the place to be who you want to be. Discerning the honest from the scrupolous is an ardous task so what the heck.

Another blank on the profile is the age. If not blank, some certainly are false. Heck, what's wrong with admitting your real age? Is it an embarassment that the years you leave off is worthless?
Me, I am 32 and I am proud of it. The past 32 years have been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs and like plunging down from the peak of the tallest curve or the adrenalin rush of headlong loop, oh gee, I can always throw up.

Pics with Celebs

Just unearthed some pics ...

February ushers in

I so hate myself.

January has come and gone and I didn't make a mark at all. Still, January made an impact to me. I think and I believe with what has transpired to me last month has changed me for the better.

I owe many people my appreciation and thanks for inspiring me to be a better person.

The end of January has also been full of sacrifices. It was my mother,s 60th b-day but we really weren't able to celebrate it as my father was in surgery. I was left at home to take care of my nephews and whew! It is so hard to be a "parent"!

Hope February will bring all the love I deserve he he he.

Kung Hei Fat Choi

2009 Chinese Horoscope for people born in Dragon years: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000.

If your birthday is before February 4, then your astrological sign is Rabbit, not Dragon. (Verify Your Sign)

Dragon people had more good news than bad news in 2008, year of Rat. But the fortune of Dragon people in 2009 will be slide down a little bit. Dragon people will have a better health than last year. But the career luck and money luck won't be that good comparing with 2008. This is because that many Unlucky Stars appear in the same time and those Unlucky Stars bring obstacles and suppress morale on Dragon people. Fortunately, there is a Lucky Moon Star coming this year. That means someone will appear to help and support you when you are in big trouble. Thus, you have a chance to take a break while fighting against adversity.

Career: You had the Lucky Moon Star showing in career area in 2008. You could get the support from a female mentor and you could have the chance to show you talent on your job position. However, it will be different in 2009. The coming Unlucky Stars will block your career opportunity. Your job performance won't reach your goal. The your characteristics will become passive and negative. The bad reputation and dispute will come next. You need great energy, strong determination and persisting patience to get out the predicament in the year of Cow.

Money: The Lucky Moon Star should be a good sign for you money luck. But your wealth will increase or not, depending on the progress of your career or business. Since the career luck is tough this year, therefore the money luck will be limited. Another Unlucky Star is found in money area. That means you have a opportunity to earn more money, but you still have a good chance to suffer money loss. In short, your money luck in 2009 is that money comes and money goes. Since the money luck is unstable. You shouldn't try any gambling to wish wining more by a small investment. This dream won't happen in 2009.

Love: Your love fortune will be about the same to year 2008. The good news is the Lonely Star doesn't appear in 2009 anymore. If you are married, then you will spend more time with your spouse. Both of your hearts will get even closer. You should be able to maintain a happy marriage. If you are in love, your dating time will increase. You and your lover will get along well and the love relationship will be stronger and closer. You will feel harmony, happiness, sweet and warm all the time. If you are single, then you might be lonely for a while, since there is no strong love sign coming.

Health: Basically, there is no major health problem for Dragon people in 2009. You will have a safe and healthy Cow year. However, the seniors still have to pay attention in September and December. If they get sick during that time, they need more time to recover. If the young people don't not have enough sleeping at night, then they will have trouble to concentrate during the day, which will affect their performance at work. If they keep living this way, their health will deteriorate in the second half of the year.

Fortune: The luck of Dragon people in the year of Cow is not that great, but it's still fine. Although, Dragon people will encounter more trouble in career area. But they still have a helper or supporter around to protect them. As long as you focus on your job duty, make sure to deliver your task completely, avoid the argument with people, spend more time with your mentors, then your career should be fine in 2009. There is a money loss sign this year. You shouldn't expect any good money return from the investment. If you are not greedy and won't gamble, then you should be able to balance your budget in the year of the Cow.

60 lbs to go

Mmmm, I started yesterday my road to healthy toning of my body. I firmly believe that I am not fat, I just have a big belly. So, I don't really need to diet but basically start doing some exercise.

Finally, the exerciser I bought five years ago will get use. I started yesterday by being on it for 5 minutes (ei, better to start slow than kill myself!), today, I did 15 minutes. Not bad. At the end of the week, I plan to stay on it from 30 minutes to an hour.

So what did I do to force myself on the exerciser? I put it infront of the TV he he he. So while I'm pushing, at least I'm not bored.

I really need to increase my stamina. I have been going up and down overpass bridges on my way to LRT, on my way to school and I want it to be effortless. I don't want to be breathless everytime.

And I hope the aches in my joint will be gone as I build up my stamina.

Grin.

More Pics

Other pics in Baguio...

Baguio Experience

I will never, ever go to Baguio during holidays. Too much traffic!

Back To Reality

Ugh.

That's the only word I can come up with to express my getting back to work mode is. UGH!

New Year Pics

and that is why I am at my highest weight - 198 lbs! I cooked the tuna spaghetti myself.

New Year, New Goals

It's 2009.

Thank you 2008. I have learned so much and became a better person last year. But somehow, I still feel incomplete. Looking at my picture on the right (in my profile), I kept thinking, where did this person went? The person at the bottom pic is entirely different!

I have never smiled nor looked that good in picture for the past five years. Damn, I missed that Rob.

So everything will change (again!) as I resolved to change myself this year.

I titled my blog "198 lbs." because that's my weight after all the holiday binge. Golly, just 2 pounds shy from 200 lbs.

I pray that as I sit infront of my laptop a year from now, I will change again the title of my blog to something...

So, my goals for this year? LOSE ALL THAT WEIGHT!

That's it.

I will not obsess in love, work or anything else but on losing weight. I'm not getting any younger...

I guess that's the first thing - acknowledge that I do need to lose weight.

There. That's my number 1 priority, all else is second to that.

It's Christmas My Way

I missed the Christmas when I was a small kid. I remember that my parents would take us to go to our godparents and after, before going home, buy us some toys at SM. I distinctly remember three toys that stood out in my memory. I wonder if these toys are still somewhere in our bodega (wish ko lang he he he). The first one is a panda on a swing. I thought it was a black and white teddy bear, I didn't know that it was called a panda. The second one is a toy car driven by a dog, you wind up its wheel so it would run. And the third one is a transforming robot. Geez, that's how old transformers were.

When we move here in Cainta, I don't remember any new toys. Maybe because I was growing old or times were hard or my godparents were not around anymore. Be that as it may, Christmas has been vastly different when I started working. Instead of being a receiver of gifts, I became a giver. And it feels good. Thank you Lord that I am able to give.

Below is the edited Christmas tree I made from our old tree and my nephew JM enjoying opening gifts...

'Tis the season to be jolly

I am so happy today.

Mas masarap pala magbigay noh?

Thank You Po

Lord,

I am very very thankful for all the blessings you have showered me and my family. This year has been very good to us, as all the past years.

I am thankful for my family who has always been there for each other. We may not seem close to each other but in truth, we are closer than we look. That is how we show our love - despite the fact that we don't really say it, but Lord, I would never exchange my parents, brothers and sister, ever.

As we celebrate Christmas, hindi man po kami sama-sama, lubos pa rin po ako nagpapasalamat at unti-unti pong natutupad mga pangarap namin.

Salamat po talaga.

After a Month of Teaching

All I can say is that at least I have experienced teaching. Bottomline line is, it is difficult.

I make all the effort to teach only to find out that either some of the students are not listening - they are finishing their other assignments in their other subjects, playing sodoku or gambling, and even watching movies in their PSP.

I can only do so much, so I resolved not to teach after this sem. I would rather focus my energy and talent in more fruitful endeavors. It's enough that I have experienced it and I found it not my cup of tea.

If they only knew how much salary I am getting - huh - this is just an allowance covering my transportation going to school.

So, I guess the rest of the faculty will be quite happy with this decision as definitely some of them will get additional load. Good for them.

In UP, I learn so much, here, I realized, especially if its a private school, everything must be spoonfed. But that is how the wheel turns...

Another Successful Event

I am just glad that another successful event has been mounted and this time, I have sponsors even though I didn't make too much marketing effort as I am adjusting to my life as a prof and consultant.

Just wrapped up the two day Youth and Open Scrabble Tournament at Ever Ortigas. Thanks to Chick N Tasty, Gargol, and of course Ever Gotesco Malls.

My business partner asked me why marketing commission is just 10%, told him, it's not my event, I just help out in marketing (which I didn't do very agressive... which come to think of it, if I was agressive, maybe I could have gotten more... anyway, moving on). Actually, what will be or was solicited will go to NASCAP, the non-profit organization for scrabble players to fund the send-off of the Philippine team to the World Youth Scrabble Tournament - see, so how could I get a commission from that?

You will be surprise that the Philippine's hope in scrabble is just a small boy. Somewhere in inquier.net there's a link there...

Anyway, I like the event, I like the hotdogs he he he. I don't have the pics with me (make sure to have it as I am going to do an event report!)

Lapit na pasko... hu hu hu, di ko maramdaman kc ang dami pang bayarin.I am so obsessed na naman with buying a new cp but I know that after I bought it, ayaw ko na... Bili ko na lng ng PSP pamangkin ko. Well, aabonohan ko lng pala kc hati kami n i Arlene he he he.

Oo nga pala, Lunes na naman bukas, sleep na nga me muna...

Uy, nanalo si Pacquio. La lang, gusto ko lang isingit he he he

Robot Dance

As per request, Arlene, ganito kakulit c JM. Btw, sariling choreography daw nia to. May sound effects pa yan huh!

New Client and Reality Bites

Tired but happy. New cient!!!! Yooohooo!

On a heavier note, my neighbor committed suicide yesterday.

I think he was already on the brink of death with drugs and all, but he left behind a kid. So sad. I used to play with him when we were small but knowing how different I am with my other playmates, I drifted apart from them so I can't say that I am friends with him, I was until Grade 2 but after that, nope. So do I feel sad for him? No. He made his choice and it was his choice. I feel sad for his kid who is only 4 years old.

Life goes on. Unlike him, I wouldn't let my parents go through that. Even if sometime I want to give up, I would never ever contemplate that. I just think that a month from now, this (the problem or concern at that time) will pass.

I love my life. I love my family. I love myself.

Ang Hirap Maging Titser

Akala ko madali lang. Syet. Maraming nagkakamali sa maling akala.

Today was a very stressful day. Pasaway na mga bata.

Sabi ko na nga ba, pag mabait ka, aabusihin ka eh.

Hindi pa man nagpre-prelims, naglalabasan na ang mga sungay. No wonder puro incomplete paglabas ng class cards.

Ayaw ko na maging mabait.

Pwede pa ba magresign?

Definitly, itong sem lang na ito ako magtuturo. Ayaw ko na!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My golly, nagbigay ako ng assignment, take note assignment na huh, nag-long weekend, pagpasok sa class puro hindi pa tapos. Fine, nagbigay ng extension. Putcha naman, kinopya na nga lang, mali pa. Syet naman out of 25, may naka-1 pa eh plus 1 ko na nga yun eh. Ano ba????
Bakit ako nung estudyante, never ganyan?

Taz magdadaldalan pa during class o kaya gagawa ng ibang assignment? Tama ba yun?

Kahit anong gusto ko na may matutunan sila kung ayaw pala nilang matuto, wala me magagawa.

Please lang, sayang lang pinang-tuituition nyo mga bata.

Kawawa ang mga magulang.

In fairness, may isa per class na nag-eexcel at nag-eeffort. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, I would give up.

Bigyan ko kaya ng award bago mag-pasko?

Sobrang nakakadrain...

The Alchemist - My Favorite Quotes

My friend and I are so very fond of "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo.

Both of us believe in the Personal Legend.

On my part, I believe on the following quotes in the book:

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. (p11)

What's the world's greatest lie? It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. (p18)

The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was. It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny. (p22)

And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. (p23)

People learn early in their lives what is their reason for being. (p25)

When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision. (p71)

Intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life. (p77)

When you want something with all your heart, that's when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It's always a positive force. (p82)

The alchemists spent years in their laboratories, observing the fire that purified the metals. They spent so much time close to the fire that gradually they gave up the vanities of the world. They discovered that the purification of the metals had led to a purification of themselves (p85)

"I learned that the world has a soul, and that whoever understands that soul can also understand the language of things. I learned that many alchemists realized their destinies, and wound up discovering the Soul of the World, the Philosopher's Stone, and the Elixir of Life. But above all, I learned that these things are all so simple they could be written on the surface of an emerald." (p87)

I don't live in either my past or my future. I'm interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we're living now. (p88/89)

Because people become fascinated with pictures and words, and wind up forgetting the Language of the World. (p91)

In his pursuit of the dream, he was being constantly subjected to tests of his persistence and courage. So he could not be hasty, nor impatient. If he pushed forward impulsively, he would fail to see the signs and omens left by God along his path. (p93)

When you are in love, things make even more sense, he thought. (p105)

Courage is the quality most essential to understanding the Language of the World. (p117)

Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You've got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense. (p122)

"There is only one way to learn," the alchemist answered. "It's through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey. (p132)

The wise men understood that this natural world is only an image and a copy of paradise. The existence of this world is simply a guarantee that there exists a world that is perfect. God created the world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of this wisdom. That's what I mean by action." (p133)

All you have to do is contemplate a simple grain of sand, and you will see in it all the marvels of creation. Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there. (p134)

People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them. (p136)

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.

Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him. (p138)

Every search begins with beginners luck and ends with the victor's being severely tested. (p139)

The boy and his heart had become friends, and neither was capable now of betraying the other. (p141)

When you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there's no need at all to understand what's happening, because everything happens within you. (p155)

The last one is so really true, when you are loved, nothing else matter, nothing else need any explanation...

A Magical Christmas Fashion Show

Oooooooooooops, I did it again he he he, another successfully mounted event by yourstruly at Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall yesterday, November 22 - A Magical Christmas, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's Annual Holiday Fashion show with the winners of Little Stars, Generation East and Sexy Body. Here are some pics...

My head aches

I feel so tired and irritable today. I wonder what am I setting myself up.

Now that I can cross teaching among my list of Life Goals (which, in the first place makes me doubt myself as to WHY of all the goals in life I added that... f**k its soooooooo f**king hard to teach!!!! My voice is going hoarse from talking nonstop for four hours!)

The only goals left are pay up my debts and go somewhere abroad.

That's the power of vision.

I have always been a believer of having a vision. I know in a couple of years time, those other two goals will be fulfilled.

F**K talaga, ang sakit ng ulo ko!!!!

A Very Powerful Phone Call

I cried so much. click the link. i will find a way to post this video.



The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY



The link for the CBN interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh5Fa6vZuFo

First Day High!

One thing is for sure, I am very tired but I am HAPPY. I didn't know that my throat can get overworked.

I had my first day of classes today. Although I didn't really teach, but still, I talked and talked the whole morning. My schedule is so full in the morning - from 730am to 1130, that's four classes MWF, and tomorrow my schedule is 730 am to 12nn for three classes.

I can't think of anything yet to discuss tomorrow. My textbook and reference materials are not yet with me, and in my syllabus, it says there that the first week is orientation. I have nothing else to orient my students!

Gotta sleep early, coz after classes, I still do my marketing consultancy.

Me @ Day Off QTV11

Novel in the Making

I have been toying with an idea of writing my novel online, but I have never been around doing it. True, I do have the luxury of time, and yet, I always seem to find excuses not to write.

Now, I will be teaching English 2 aside from my events job...

But I know, I will find it in myself to start writing... as in now na...

Latest Big Event I directed

I wasn't really able to take pictures coz I was busy directing, you know he he he.

Getting Busy

Whew!

From the time I resigned from my work in Makati (last September 26) til today, I have been so swamped with work.

Guess I really don;t need a corporate job to be fulfilled. Rather not stay in a thankless job with big-egoed bosses.

Short recap - directed one of Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's biggest event of the year - Star Gays. Have arranged minimum of two events a week for my other client, have hosted Ever Gotesco Mall's Videokarir every Sunday - really quite fun and...

This Monday, I will start teaching English 2 - English Composition in college.

Come November 22, I will direct again Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's Annual Christmas Fashion Show (yaiks! tomorrow I have to submit the backdrop design!!!!).

Other clients - mmmm, I have to draft a marketing proposal for another school as to how we can market their high school and college programs...

Whew...

Hope I won't get so swamped.

I am thinking of writing my novel online...

Tuwing Umuulan

Isang Tula
isang tula noong ako ay walang magawa…

Sa bawat pagpatak ng ulan, may kasamang patak ng luha.
Iisipin mo na panaginip, ang lahat ng dumaan.
Ninais na magising, upang baguhin ang lumipas.
Wala ng magagawa, kundi lingunin ang nagdaan…
Umiling, sabihin sa sarili,
Magbabago din ang lahat…
Ngunit kapag ang puso ay pagod na pala
Kahit anong isip, o dikta ng isipan…
Manhid na, pagod na, wala ng pakialam…
Sa mga nagdaang lumipas
Sa mga panahong naglaho
Ang mga yapak ng kahapon
Animo’y yapak sa buhangin sa dalampasigan…
Na pag dinaanan na ng tubig dagat
Sa isang iglap ay mabubura.
Sa pagtulog, may pahinga nga ba?
Sa paggising, may bago bang lakas?
Ang bukas ba ay puno ng pag-asa?
O katulad lamang ng mga nagdaan?
Sa isang pitsel na tubig, kalahati ang laman
Ito ba ay puno o kulang?
Ang bukangliwayway ba ay maganda
Kung sa dapithapon, ang araw ay magpapaalam din naman…
Oo nga at may buwan at bituin,
Marikit tingnan sa kalangitan
Ngunit kaylamig, katulad ng hangin sa gabi
Walang pakialam…

On My Own

Share ko lang yung very successful mounting ng Star Gays 2008 Grand Finals yesterday. I am proud 'coz I directed with the help of my staff. But still, this is the second time I directed a big event on my own without my business partner - the first one was the Women's Journal E-Teen Model Search 2007 Grand Finals which I didn't earn any cent. Yesterday was the first where I was paid professionally.

I am just happy I was able to do it. Kaya ko pala mag-isa. Great!

Pat on my back....

Taz may inaway pa pala ako sa checkout counter ng Grocer E. Sheesh, ang sungit ko na kasi, tumatanda na. Naman kasi yung cashier, sinimangutan ako. Eh pagod lola mo, so sabi ko, dinadabugan mo ako (kasi wala akong barya kaya ang binigay ko dalawang one hundred sa bill na 100.30). Nakasimangot. Sabi ko customer ako wag nya ako simangutan. Sagutin ba ako na masama daw pakiramdam nya (walang sorry) sabi ko, masama pala pakiramdam mo bakit ka pa pumasok, umuwi ka na lang. aba, sinagot pa rin ako. sabi ko ulit, wala akong pakialam, ako pagod ako pero customer mo ako kaya wag mo ako sisimangutan. ayun, nakatikim tuloy sa akin.

i was sooooo tired, grabe naman, director ka na, floor director pa, ikaw na sa sound system pati pag-aasikaso sa backstage.

pag ganitong event, lumalabas pagiging strikto ko eh.

in fairness, i was happy at maayos yung event.

KUDOS! to me syempre. Now lang naman ako magbubuhat ng bangko eh. From concept to implementation, ako lang mag-isa so I am proud.

Syempre kumuha ako ng mga mag-aassist, kaloka naman kung ako lang talaga mag-isa di ba?

Try ko magpost ng pics, bagal ng modem ko eh. Sensya na, di ako naka-dsl eh.

It's My Birthday Today

Gee weez, so what?

I don't feel older nor wiser... although today is special. I cooked my signature dish - tuna spaghetti and as usual, ubos na agad, sarap ko kasi magluto eh.

One thing I realized, the connections we made with people, the strongest will always be with your family. No matter how far away the members are, there's always the bond...

A Year Older, A Lifetime Wiser

It’s my birthday!

What now?

It has been a roller coaster ride thus far…

Much has changed, but much has remained the same. Life keeps on moving along.

Looking back, one cannot quite help but ask, did I live a fruitful life?

Was I able to accomplish my goals?

Did I make the people around me happy?

Most importantly, am I happy?

But ei, it’s only been 1230am, 30 minutes into my birthday.

One of my best friends already called from the US. I am kind of disappointed that two others have forgotten to even text me, which is unusually but I cannot harbor any resentment.

For the past six years, I have “chucked” my old life. I seldom (well never) meet new people by choice. I slowed down. I have settled down. It is not the quantity of greeters but more of the quality of friends that remain.

And yes, I appreciate more, and would forever be more appreciative with family.

Choices

I don't know what to feel, I am numb.

I feel the world crushing on my shoulders.

I am lost.

He he he. Emote lang. Ako pa.

My life is a very good life.

Nachachallenge nga ako eh.

Eto na naman, tatalon na naman ako sa basngin.

Pero this time, may parachute na ako.

Sabagay, masarap lumipad.

Masarap maging malaya.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!

Day Off with Carmina Villaroel

This happened yesterday...

Funny thing, while we were shooting, I saw my old boss (from my first job). Kind of my mentor then when I was just a rank and file, so I updated him that now, I'm a Marketing Communications Manager...

Had a foot spa at California Nail & Day Spa, an assignment from my bosses - competitors check. Wasn't really happy with it...

Sa Wakas

I know his name and cp number - Michael name niya. Kwento ko later paano ako nakipagkilala...

so here goes

last Monday, September 8, di ko akalain na makakasabay ko ulit cia. Medyo napaaga alis ko sa bahay at ayun, nakasabay ko cia. Hindi cia tumabi sa akin pero umupo cia sa harap ko. He he he, kinunan ko ulit ng picture ha ha ha.

Sa isip isip ko, magreresign na ako, malamang hindi ko na siya makita. So pagbaba namin sa PB Com, kinalabit ko, sabi ko, "Kumain ka na ba?" He he he, halatang nagulat, sabi, "oo, bakit?" sabi ko, wala lang, yayain sana kita magbreakfast. sabi uli niya, bakit? sabi ko, tagal na kc kita gus2 makilala. i found out na 7am pala ang time in nya kaya maaga cia pumasok. I got his number. i texted him if its ok to be friends with him, nagreply naman, sabi nia ok lng.

That is his first and only text. Kc after that, hindi na cia nagrereply sa text ko.

Oh well, ganun talaga eh. Kung ayaw nia makipagfriends eh d wag.

tsaka tapos na rin naman obsession ko kc nakilala at nakuha ko na name nia.

here are the pics. malabo naman na makita nia na pinopost ko na natutulog cia noh he he he

gwapo nia noh?

Knowing Your Parenting Style

For parents - here's what you should know:

WHAT KIND OF PARENT ARE YOU?
Know Your Parenting Style and Improve Relationship with Your Family

As a parent, there is no one formula for successfully raising of children. Our styles may vary. Some may be strict while others may be more relaxed in disciplining their kids. Being aware of our personal style as a parent can significantly affect how we relate to our partner and children. It will allow us to have a better understanding, not only of ourselves, but as to how we can enrich our relationship with our family.

LIFO® Method is a practical way to understand your approach to parenting. With LIFO® Method, you will understand how partners react to each other and appreciate each others strengths, examine and understand reactions to children’s behavior, enable desired change in relation to the strengths you possess and understand your unique parenting style.

In the LIFO® Method, there are four parenting orientations or styles. These styles are about our strengths, not weaknesses, and how we are a combination of strengths. Styles are not types, you can discover that you may belong to more than one style, or that in different situations, you prefer to use different styles in dealing with them.

The first step is to introspect and identify which of the four styles best describe you:

Supporting-Giving Style is characterized with these strengths: thoughtful, idealistic, modest, trusting, cooperative, helpful, receptive, responsive, seeks excellence and loyal. The philosophy is “If I prove my worth by working hard and pursuing excellence, I will be able to realize my goals.” Goals are to prove worth and be helpful. This style is symbolized by a mountain, meaning passion for excellence.

Controlling-Taking Style is someone who has these traits: directing, quick to act, confident, seeks change, persuasive, forceful, competitive, risk-taking, persistent, and urgent. The philosophy is “If I can get results by being competent and seizing opportunity, what I desire will be there for the taking.” Goals are be confident and get results, and is symbolized by lightning or passion for action.

Conserving-Holding is a style characterized by being: tenacious, practical, economical, reserved, factual, steadfast, thorough, methodical, detail-oriented and analytical. “If I think before I act and make the most of what I’ve got, I can build up resources to accomplish my goals.” is the philosophy, goals are to go slow and be sure and is symbolized by a constellation for passion for reason.

Last but not least is Adapting-Dealing Style. People who preferred this orientation are usually flexible, tactful, socially adept, youthful, enthusiastic, adaptable, inspiring, experimental, negotiating and animated. The philosophy is “If I am aware of other people and fill their needs first, then I can get my needs filled that I have wanted all along.” with goals to know people and to get along. This style is symbolized by a rainbow for passion for harmony.

After knowing your parenting style, the next step is to find out your partner’s and child’s styles. Knowing their style, you may now know how best to interact with them. A very good example would be relating to our children during their early years.

There are natural periods in a child’s life where it is important to use certain styles in relating to them e.g. 2-3 years old babies are best handled using the controlling-taking style, 4-5 years old toddlers respond more to adapting-dealing style, 6-10 years old kids answer to more supporting-giving and adapting-dealing styles.

Knowing your own preferred style will give you a better understanding on how to relate with your family, especially with your children. To know more about parenting styles, it is best to take the LIFO® Method Parenting Style Survey so you will have a definite picture of your preferred style. Tintin Bersola-Babao shall be having a talk called LIFO® Lifemasters Series on Parenting, of which the survey will be given out as part of the workshop. This is on Friday, September 12, 2008 from 1pm to 5pm at East Café, 2nd Floor of Rustans Makati. She will be there to talk about parenting and knowing your style and share with you how to make a balance between advancing your career and your family. You can contact ACG Human Capital Solutions at 8932445 local 410 or e-mail lifemasters@acghumancapital.com to register.

Challenges in Life

In just a month and a week from now, I'm turning 32. Ten years ago, looking back when I was 22, I was very naive. I just started working, I was just a fresh grad.

That was ten years ago.

Lots had happened to changed me. Did I evolved?

Embarrassingly it is to say, I still do not know what I really wanted, but I decided that knowing what I do not want is the right direction to take.

Take for instance my job.

It IS a job - not a career, not something I look forward to doing. So yesterday, I filed my resignation effective a month from now. Regrets? None.

Of course my mother is against it. It is a nice paying job, and admittedly, because of it, I was able to pay-off two of my seven credit cards. The remaining five I have to pay installment for another year and a half.

But I am not making a mark, I am not stepping up. My official job title is Marketing Communications Manager, but I feel like I'm a run of the mill rank and file employee. I do not have a staff to manage, so the manager part of the title is a lie. I am a one man team. I do the creatives,. I do the planning, I do the execution, I do the implementation. Admittedly, I wasn't able to show what I can really do. I do not have a team to help me.

Is resigning, am I prepared?

Yes.

I will be managing once again my small Events company. I am happy calling my shots. Seeing and doing my events.

And I want to teach.

And continue my MA studies.

And write a novel.

And take care of my birth certificate so I can get a passport, and leave the country, either for pleasure or work.

And exercise.

And do things I can do like go to the mall in the middle of the day, on weekdays!

All these, I want to start doing on the day I reach 32.

Movies and DVD, and long weekends

Long weekend last Saturday to Monday, so what did I do? Anything productive? Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! he he he. This coming weekend, another long weekend.

So, what did I do.... hmmmmmmmmmmm

Last Saturday, I treated my mom and dad to SM Taytay to watch a movie with me and my nephew JM. Hmmm, they watched Dobol trobol, kami ni JM, Wall-E. Cute yung Wall-E, although set in the future, "realistic" ang theme... i.e., dahil sa sobrang pollution, people left Earth. Dahil sa dependency sa robots, people gew fat and cant even walk. Pagbalik nila ng Earth, earth wasn't miraculously clean and teeming with new life, puro basura pa rin but that's their challenge, to make it clean again. So five stars! Although si JM, malapit ng matapos nabored at nag-yaya ng lumabas at hanapin daw namin lolo at lola nya sa kabilang sine. he he he.

Last Sunday, nagpuyat ako para matapos ko lng ang season 1 ng brothers and sisters. Maganda rin naman yun, kaya pala nanalo si Sally Field ng Emmy. Kaya ko lng naman bimnili yun kc andun c Calista Flockhart ng Ally McBeal. In fairnes, gay people should watch it kc may isang character dun na gay na kapupulutan ng style he he he.

Yesterday, nagluto ako ng tuna spaghetti. Bday kc ng kapatid kong bunso, so pinagluto ako ng nanay ko. Yun lng naman ahng alam ko lutuin. Well, na-try ko na mag-carbonara kaso magastos sa sauce eh. Ano pa ba magandang sauce ng spaghetti? Hmmmmmmm....

Next weekend, e2 itinerary ko:

Saturday - watch Cinderella starring Lea Salonga sa CCP (or PICC ba? basta sa roxas blvd.)

Sunday - linisin ang office dahil babalik na ako dun. at magpuyat sa Season 2 ng brothers and sisters (na hindi ko pa pala nabibili)

Monday - wala, mag-emote lng muna... or gumawa ng quarter plan for my life...

cge, work muna, siningit ko lng itong blog eh...

When faced with uncertainties in life...

I ask myself, why am I not content?

I don't really want much, I want the simple things... but still, I am not happy.

Today is my father's 66th bday.

In fairness to him, he achieved a lot... I believe he was able to raise six children God-fearing and responsible.

I admit, we are not the perfect family. But on my part, I wouldn't trade my family for anyone else's.

Sarap isulat ng mga memorable moments kaya lang baka umbagin ako ng mga kapatid ko at sabihin bakit ko kinekwento he he he. Siguro, if I ever really have the guts na gumawa ng nobela... soon...

Ano ba ba ang hinahanap ko?

I am already a Marketing Communications Manager. I am not aspiring to be a director or VP.

Mabayaran lng talaga mga utang.

I'm turning 32 this October...

Sa dami na ng natutunan ko, hindi na naman ako siguro magkakamali...

Giving Up on Love

Well, not really on love but on my crush.

I only saw him last Monday, and for the past three days, I have not seen him. I resolved to ask his name the next time but I guess we are not fated to get to know each other.

I will just accept the fact that I can only admire him from a far... it's more exciting not knowing his name, there will always be the mystery.

I think that's me.

If I get to know his name, the excitement will be gone.

Just like in sex. I am more excited in the anticipation of getting laid, but once I am in the act of doing it, I am not really satisfied and would want to get it over and done with.

The same with my obsession with cell phones. I blogged that I am obsessed with Nokia E51 but after a month, I sold it coz I am not happy once I had it. The same with Nokia N70. When I can't afford expensive cellphones in the past, I pine for it. When I finally bought N70 (which is quite pricey in 2006), I am not satisfied. Now, I'm back with a much simpler phone, My Phone T22 because it's dual sim. It serves me well, but after having it for a week, I want a new one. Oh well.

Just like with work. Technically, I have no problem with my job. Imagine, I am a legitimate marketing communication manager. Legitimate in the sense that before, I can choose my title as we are not that formal in my previous work. When I was being poached and recruited, I prayed to get the job and the salary I asked for. I did.

I am thankful for the job as it pays for my credit card loans. But again, I am dissatisfied.

Maybe it is my nature. I can never settle.

So what to do?

I will be turning 32 come October 4, I'm still loss.