surprise !!!! 50th b’day party !!!

she was in tears … filled with mix emotions.. .. something very unexpected…. she was amazed and very happy…. and could hardly believed…

all souls day - Nov. 2009

Once again it’s all Souls Day, Filipino traditions to visit their love ones in the cemetery to show some respect and say prayers for their souls.

I left Cebu last October 31, 2009 (Saturday) via MV Maasin of Cokaliong Shipping at 7pm in the evening together with my daughter and nieces from Manila.  We brought candles a lot of fresh flowers of different kinds and colors although it’s quite expensive because of the season and some requested things to be brought.  We arrive safely in the port of Surigao City, meet by my two nephews Francis and R J we arrived my hometown at around ten in the morning.

In the afternoon we went to Capayahan Public Cemetery together with my nieces, nephews and some cousins.  We visited the tomb of my Grand Mother Julia and my uncle Rudy.   My memories flashes in my mind the moments we were together during important occasions  I know my uncle loves to drink and smoke continuously as if there’s no tomorrow but I believe he was happy man with  a loving wife and children.

We drop by at Sungkoy Cold Spring to take a deep it was a refreshing moment, with the fresh cold water of the natural spring from the mountain, we linger for a moment until we feel good, refresh and satisfied.

The following morning November 2   my mom and sis del together with her daughter went  ahead to attend the Holy Mass in Tubod Public Cemetery by nine in the morning for the dead Souls.  Luckily we have already  put in place the beautifully arranged flowers early morning, which  everybody painstakingly help to make it presentable, the night before.

We all went to the cemetery my sis, nieces, nephews and some cousins , it’s quite a festive mood it was a sunny day and the atmosphere is a little bit warmer the girls are keep on using the fan, people are in hurry bringing candles and flowers eager to see the tomb of their love ones.  I saw familiar faces because my town is quite a small place everybody knows everybody, I was even surprise and sad to know that some of our neighbors and friends had just passed away recently,  I guess  I feel a little bit older seeing all my relatives, friends and people I know, they seems to become matured with lots of gray hair and undeniably wrinkles of their faces. So sad, accepting the reality in life  that beauty is just a skin deep and nothing is permanent in this world.

D T I - CLEEP

Last month I was able to attend a series of free lively hood project seminar by DTI-CLEEP, (Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program) by the Department of Trade and Industry. It occurs every Wednesday afternoon at the D T I conference office Cebu branch, with free snacks. I understand this is one of the projects of the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. And this was launched last February 2009 and simultaneous road show nationwide

This project aims to inspire and encourage displaced workers and unemployed persons to engage in their own businesses and learn different skills and crafts amid the global financial crisis.  And encouraging, all overseas workers to avail, business loan with a maximum of fifty thousand.

Sad to note that I was able to learn this  a month ago about this series of seminars while reading one   local news paper, I am very interested to attend for future possible  business and additional knowledge and imagine this is free.

Some of the seminars that I have attended were, virgin coconut oil making, establish lotto outlet, chocolate making, powder soap and fabric conditioner/softener, squash canton and business plan.

I’ve learn a lot and was craving for more however in  central visayas it only lasted last July2009.

mega sale

Last week end was a three day mega sale one of the biggest Mall here in Cebu -Shoe Mart  and this happen  only twice a year, one in April I guess. As usual everybody was eager to drop by, to avail the big discounts. For the reason that life is so hard and a little sale and freebies would be a big help.

We wake up early together with my sister who happens to visit us, planning to attend the holy mass in the said mall to avoid traffic, easy parking and huge crowd.  Although mass is less solemn but what is important the whole hearted offering love of the Lord. After the mass around ten the influx of the crowd was increasing.  The girls went to ladies wear of Shoe mart Department Store, Mango, Trinoma, Guess and other ladies specialty store.  I went also to the men’s wear of department store, looking for a big discount on good brands, like wrangler, Levi’s, lee and Guess, but somehow I feel it’s still expensive, this is usually what you feel especially if you have limited money. So what I did I roam around the mall visiting some signature store. At Fubu  I found  a polo and a long sleeve  at 200 pesos each very cheap with a quality material I immediately bought it after the fitting. I feel good and happy after the purchase.

We had lunch at the Bigby’s Restaurant we order salad our favorite and a  sea food platter with their bottomless  ice tea.  Then later, we went to the grocery for any freebies, there were some items like can sardines, soap, napkins, diapers, and others.  When we are about to go home I notice one furniture store offering a big discounts, I notice a stand with a marble base for 500 pesos with a 2,500 pesos previous price, the ladies where still busy with the 99pesos blouses and immediately inform them  and this is good for their bags, umbrellas.  We agreed to buy two pieces, the owner was a pure Chinese. When we arrive home, I immediately assembled it, it was beautiful and a good buy.

Mega Sale is a good chance to buy cheap clothes, shoes, accessories, and others but one should be diligent enough to search for a good buy, for me it’s fun and adventure  and tiresome after.

burial traditions…

Last week of August 2009, we travel to camotes islands to attend the burial of my brother in law…at 48 he died of complications, married with three kids.  We have visited the place of Lanao last April 2009 to attend their fiesta. We travel via MV wonderful star, an overnight to Ormoc City then two hours by pump boat to Pilar pier one of the town of Camotes islands, then to barangay  Lanao.

It was a painful meeting with the family, it pains my heart seeing him in the casket, I would always remember him with eye glasses and an excellent host. He will do everything to make your stay memorable from accommodations, transportation to sea foods.  He was very popular in the whole town from the politicians, to common people, to children, being friendly, cordial and he always wanted to share what he has.

Expenses were quite enormous during the bereavement; we have slaughtered two pigs and one letchon, fishes and vegetables, snacks after the nightly prayer for nine days from the time of death.

There were lots of traditions to be followed:

Contentious lighting of candle, someone would always be awake near the casket at all times, no sweeping of the floor, avoids taking a bath in the house. No cutting of hair and nails, foods no pancit or noodles dishes and  malunggay vegetable. All the immediate family will wear either black or white; the grieving wife would wear black for one whole year. During the burial always the feet portion first in moving. And a plate should be broken upon departing the house and the immediate member should pass under the casket. No one is allowed to walk ahead of the hearse. All the alms money should be spent related to the burial, all the leftover food and goods should remain in the house and no one is allowed to bring it home.  The clothes of the dead either be burned or not to be shared with in one year. Prayers for the dead every 8:00pm on the evening for nine days lead by a local pious woman then after a burial one to three days prayer as “pabaun” then a prayer at forty days, that’s the only time one can go back to cemetery after the burial.

All this traditions are a little bit confusing and without reasons, I guess there’s nothing harm if we follow, what I understand this is handed from one generation to generations.

I guess what’s important we offer prayers and masses for the dead soul.

mom’s birthday 2009

 A week ago I was excited to go home to attend the birthday of my beloved mother. I brought some cakes, fruits, flowers and some gifts from my sisters.  My sis Emily and husband Gil where happy to meet me in the pier, early morning.  After breakfast at Jollibee, we then bought some additional food for the party at the wet market of Surigao City.

I feel so happy when I saw my mom all smiling and hugged me tight, she looks fine but it can’t be denied that she looks older and fragile through the hands of time.  Events flashes in my minds the goodness of my mom while I was growing up together with my brother and sisters while my dad was working away from home.

On the afternoon some of our relatives were arriving from neighbouring provinces and also my mom sister, auntie Nene. The festive mode was about to begin our cousins brought some native delicacies, biko, suman, bingka and others. On the early morning of her birthday a Manyanita was being offered to her by the co members of the catholic movement the Covenant.    

The Letchon was delivered before lunch time, and then guest started to come, friends, visitors and relatives. After the birthday song, blowing of candles in the Birthday Cake, pictures taking the feast begin. The food was delicious specially the tasty crispy letchon.

Base in my experience a mother is someone to shelter and guide us, love us, whatever we do, with a warm understanding and infinite patience with a wonderful gentleness, and the reassurance childish fears, a heart full of forgiveness with an incredible wisdom, wonderful insight and skill. Everyone heart’s has a special space that only a mother could fill.

I believe God created mother because He can’t be everywhere, mothers always thinks and acts from her heart, the unconditional love and the sacrifice of her child…

kids clothing

Today‘s choices in kids clothing is mind boggling, I being a married man, there are some instances that you must purchase your kids clothing especially in special occasion, like birthdays and parties. Sometimes you need to buy one for a gift of you nieces, nephew and friends kids.

I believe one must be looking for quality, durability, style and service of any brands. The price also is important factor to be considered, currently we have multiple brand that are available in the market especially in the shopping malls, some are popular and are catering exclusively for kids, either girls or boys.

 I guess one would try in purchasing through the internet if you’re a busy person and have a limited time in buying, this is more convenient and which is now more popular for less the hassle in going to malls. This  http://www.shopwiki.com is highly recommended to my friends for its variety of choices especially in girls’ clothing and good service.

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the king of pop

While I was driving the high way  going to Cebu City,  listening the sweet mellow music of the FM radio and suddenly the news  came out of the  sudden death of   Michael  Jackson, I was stunned  and  is this a joke… but the news mentioned the details what happened.

It shocks the world when the news comes out the passing of the legend of pop music, it was unexpected, we never heard of any impairing illness and we all know that he was busy preparing for his coming concerts. I for one could hardly believe his demise.

I really admire the guy of his exceptional talents in dance and music, He is a genius, and his achievements in music industry are beyond comparable, from concerts, awards and sales of records.  I grow up with his music and can sing mostly of his song.

He visited manila, Philippines twice while he was a kid with the Jackson’s five and his Dangerous Tour. It was on the height of his career everybody was eager to be present and to witness this once in a life time concert and I was lucky to be one of them he was remarkable and exceptional.          

I’m not surprised the whole world pays tribute to this brilliant and extraordinary guy but I’m sure his music would always be in the heart and mind of all music lovers.

dengue

On the onset of rainy season in our province Cebu, Philippines, the Department of Health is reminding once again the danger of dengue to the community because this is more lethal than the popular H1N1 flu virus.   Base on experience our  Village has experience victims of dengue fever. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. It occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world.

DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER is an acute infectious disease manifested initially with fever. Aedes aegypti, the transmitter of the disease, is a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.

The signs and symptoms of the patient are the sudden onset of high fever which may last 2 to 7 days.
Joint & muscle pain and pain behind the eyes. Weakness and Skin rashes - maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae, nose bleeding when fever starts to subside, abdominal pain, vomiting of coffee-colored matter, dark-colored stools.

The Department of Health have coordinated the barangays of the cities and towns for the preventions and control of dengue, like cover water drums and water pails at all times to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Replace water in flower vases once a week. Clean all water containers once a week. Scrub the sides well to remove eggs of mosquitoes sticking to the sides. Clean gutters of leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect as breeding places of mosquitoes. Old tires used as roof support should be punctured or cut to avoid accumulation of water. Collect and dispose all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water. Screened you house if possible.

 Every household can undertake simple measures to prevent existing water collections from becoming breeding places of Aedes aegypti. House cleaning by all members of the community will ensure that no breeding places exist, preventing dengue form occurring.

And finally discourage the children on playing on this time; the highest biting intensity is about 2 hours after sunrise and before sunset.

The 2009 flu pandemic

Honestly, I’m a little bit scared about this swine flu, not just for my family but the whole populace. The dangerous part, it is very communicable because it is airborne. We can’t avoid mingling with people for our daily routine, schools, malls, bus, gatherings…

And now it is a global outbreak of a strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, identified in April 2009 in Mexico and commonly referred to as swine flu, which infects and is transmitted between humans. WHO officially declared the outbreak to be a “pandemic” on June 11, 2009.  But stressed that the new designation was a result of the global “spread of the virus,” not its severity. The WHO stated the pandemic appears to have moderate severity in comparatively well-off countries.
This virus has infected currently 36,000 with 76 countries and its growing every day.

The symptoms of this flu are  fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.  Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How to avoid H1N1 swine flu

Just as with regular flu, there are some things you can do to avoid infection and minimize the spread of the disease:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough and sneeze and throw it away after using it.
• If you don’t have a tissue to hand, cover your mouth with the inner part of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. This will avoid spreading the infection to your hand and will minimize spreading the disease.
• After coughing and sneezing, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Rub both sides of your soapy hands for at least for 15 seconds and rinse with lots of water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth because the germs spread very quickly.
• Wash your hands frequently –- the virus can live for up to two hours on surfaces like doorknobs and telephones.
• Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods –- a balance of these will give you minerals and antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help to fight infections.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.

manila

One early  Saturday morning while I was in Manila, I was able to explore the metropolis, all I wanted was to compare the City that I used to know many years ago, while I was  still a student in Far Eastern University.  My first destination was going to the Cultural Complex of the Philippines, as usual there were a lot of joggers from the different walks of life, basically the infrastructure are almost the same, Cultural Center, Philippine Convention Center, Folk Arts Theater now Tanghalang  Balagtas, Philippine Plaza is now (Sofitel Philippine Plaza), and at the back  was the neglected, Manila Film Center. I only noticed the addition of the Star City Complex; a theme rides on the left side of the Cultural Center.

Going to Luneta by foot was a memory of the good ole days; the sea side was almost the same except the different shape of light post. But what was amazing is the beautiful high rise office and condominiums Buildings facing the Manila Bay, it’s like in Makati City or in Hong Kong.

The very popular Luneta, where we used to treat our new arrival relatives, was almost the same, the Chinese Garden, but the open theater was already covered, the Agrippina Circle has a  big statue of Lapu lapu.

Plaza Lawton had some changes, the center of all rallies and campaigns, a big fountain on the center in front of the big classical Central Post Office Building.  It makes the place more interesting and beautiful. The historical Plaza Miranda in Quiapo. The black Nazarene of Quiapo Church,  is now wider and the plaza is more spacious and with some concrete beautiful arch. The popular movie houses are gone, like Galaxy, Roxan, Avenue, State, Idial, Recto and others people now are going to the malls for movies.

The Light Railway Transit is still fine with new couches and now has a connection from Recto to Cubao it is really a big help to ease the traffic somehow. The jeepneys has still the same route with so many in number. And a new beautiful hotel along Avenida , Opera Hotel

Manila will always be like a palm in my hand after schooling and working for quite some time, you tend to learn to love the place in spite of all the odds like horrible traffics, so crowded, flooded when it rains, the old and dilapidated buildings however deep inside i’ll always miss Manila for it has been a part of my wonderful life.

the grand debut party

Debut party is a big affair in the part of my relatives in Pampanga, Philippines.  This affair had been plan and scheduled years before and the preparation is mind boggling, I believe it’s almost the same as a wedding minus the groom. What I understand that it was a dream of my niece Nicole Irish and his Dad to have a memorable Debut Party, ever since she was a child, they have already practice the first dance with her Dad.  After the demise of my brother her dad, I never realized it would push through. However they made all efforts to become a reality.

We were informed last December 2008 about the party and the fix date. We are all excited to attend and that’s the reason we booked our tickets three months before to avail the promo fare. We planned everything as to the clothes to wear, the gifts, the place to stay, the group who will attend coming from Cebu and Surigao. The RSVP invitation arrived few weeks before the Party requesting all guest to wear only black / silver gown or cocktail dress for the female and coat and tie for the men.  

We made a reservation at one of the villa of Funtana Resort and Hotel.  We arrived in the afternoon Sunday (May 24, 2009) at the said hotel; it was a well designed three bed room one story house a Mediterranean style, complete with amenities and very spacious with a parking space.   We hurriedly prepare ourselves for the party, my sis jean who will do the opening remarks and me the ceremonial toss of the wine and together with the kids went ahead to the venue.

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It was a few kilometers from our Hotel, the entrance  of  GRAND PALAZZO ROYALE was awesome, a fountain with a carriage drawn by  four horses  as big as the real one, with a flowing fountain  and  the  Arch is beautiful and well designed  it’s like an entrance of a castle, well lighted  with beautiful  lady statues and so many beautiful  plants and trees. The grand entrance of the building was artistically designed and the lights made the place more impressive.  The camera and the video men were busy taking on the arriving guest, at the entrance of the main lobby.  When the doorman with a warrior uniform, opens the big door, I was mesmerized by the elegance and classic beauty fitted for a royal family. The different designed of gold moldings from walls to the ceiling with a white background. The classic artistic gold furniture’s, the big crystal chandelier is a sight. The main ballroom is equally beautiful. We registered our name in the lobby and we were assigned to table number two in the main reception area, we were closed to the main stage and the dance floor

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The program starts at exactly 7:30pm the emcee of the evening was very articulate with a very masculine voice.  The debutante  made an entrance to the main door with smoke and bubbles coming on the sides … with only the spotlight directed to her and the entire guest where standing welcoming her, clapping together…  She is unquestionably beautiful and tall, walking with grace like a princess smiling wearing with an elegant yellow gown.  Immediately followed by the Royal Dance start with the 18^th Noble Lords… I was third on line… she seems nervous that I could hardly dance the waltz but she keep on smiling… then picture taking each table to the main stage, followed by the buffet dinner, the food was excellent but I like more the salad and the sweets,  The debutante changes her gown to yellow green embellish with flowers in front. Then the 18^th Estrella Ladies, 18^th Mystique Gems and followed by the Regal dance by the Dukes and Duchess with the debutante, wearing a blue  sexy mini skirt ”the cotillion” with a touch of modern dance, it was lively and fun. Some trivia games of the celebrant with some prices.

And finally the celebrant speech, she was thanking all the guest and people behind who help one way or the other to make the affair a huge success.

It was a great experience to attend such a very formal and lavish party, I was totally impressed and mesmerized to the whole affair.

Manila escapade 2009

Going to Manila for the nth time is still exciting after all the years, the main reason for going was to attend the grand debut party of my niece in Angeles City, and we have booked our tickets three months before to avail the discounted fare.

We left Mactan International Airport 6:30pm May 22, 2009 via Cebu Pacific Air, after the routine security check up, the plane departed on time and the travel was smooth , and I noticed that it was fully booked, after an hour and ten minutes, we landed in Manila through NAIA-3 at around 8:00pm after picking up our luggage, we went directly to the exit area and my sis Jean was kind enough to meet us outside the lobby  at bay 2 and we proceeded to the parking area. We went directly to Roxas Boulevard, seeing the tall and well designed buildings endowed with different colors of light that glitters the early night making the place more amazing and exciting. We made a stopover at the Bay Park, a place with rows of small restaurants for coffees, drinks and grilled food. We ordered chicken barbeque for takeout and then I roamed around the neighboring places and noticed that displaying in front is the beautiful Manila bay.

 We finally reached the place of my sister at the JRB Apartments in Tayuman, we met all my nieces and nephew, we made some pleasant greetings and we immediately ate our dinner, feeling hungry and thirsty. Later we had some conversation with Jean about the activities scheduled and after we slept for the night at around 10:00pm, feeling exhausted.

I woke up early as I used too and went directly to the CCP complex to take some pictures, it was Saturday with so many joggers around; some are doing aerobics and tai-bo. I could remember  that I used to jog here years ago together with my brothers, from Luneta to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Although there we some changes like the lamp posts in different shapes and the tall offices and condominium buildings on the other side are awesome. I walked up to the Rizal Monument and reminiscence the good old days, it was a beautiful feeling.

I went directly to 168 Shopping Center a very popular place in Divisoria for cheap but durable clothings. The group was eagerly doing some shopping, and I was just seating in the food court eating for my breakfast /lunch at the same time. I strolled around and bought a t-shirt. We stayed a little bit longer for the reason that the girls took too much time in deciding what to buy. Then back to the Apartment.

We left Tayuman to Kabayan Hotel, a place catering for Overseas Foreign Workers to fetch my sister-in-law and her family.  We went to Manila Ocean Park, it was beautiful with a spacious lobby with so many shops and the park was amazing with an entrance of four hundred pesos.  Then we went to Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden, the place is not as beautiful and interesting as before, then at 6:00pm we went back to the Apartment.  We had a long conversation for the trip for tomorrow.  I accompanied my sister-in-law and her family back to Kabayan Hotel via Light Railway Transit, it was their first time, so they were excited and interested.

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Sunday, May 26, we attended a Holy Mass in Espiritu Santo Church in Tayuman, a very beautiful church.  Our group is going to Angeles City to attend the debut of my niece but unfortunately we are so many to the Toyota – Revo  car of my sis.  The five of us left behind decided to ride a bus,  to Dau Mabalacat part of Angeles City at around 10:00am.   Our group meets at the Shoe Mart –Clark for lunch. The kids went back to Funtana  Resort Hotel. The rest went to Duty free clark, we drop by at Oriental and Pure gold buying some shirts, sandals and chocolates.

Back at Fontuna Resort Hotel and everybody was preparing for the Grand debut party. The party was wonderful and the theme is medieval and the place is like a castle I believe it was very expensive but its worth it if you have the money. The party ended at 1:00am, the kids haven’t sleep for the night, talking and laughing of a never ending conversation at the resort. But some of our group left for Manila  after the party.

We left Clark Angeles City at around 6:00 in the morning the sun was about to shine. It was a tiring travel back to the Manila, Apartment in Tayuman .  We immediately sleep the whole morning  and after lunch  I went to Mall of Asia to buy  a book and a doughnut  at Krispy kreme , requested by my daughter.  And we went again to 168 Shopping Center for last minute shopping, some sandals and shirts. We sleep early after packing our bags for a flight early morning.

 We were send off by the driver name Bitoy of the Revo-Toyota at 4:30 in the morning to NAIA -3 for our departure,  Manila was calm with no traffic and full of glittering lights i believe somehow full mysteries and surprises  … it was almost twilight time  when we arrived at the airport.  We immediately go to the process and went to gate no.119 for our pre departure for Cebu passenger. The plane arrived Cebu ahead of time for 10 minutes and my brother in law Choy was waiting with our car.

The trip was memorable meeting all my relatives and some old friends; it was a nostalgic trip remembering the places I went through, during my college days and my first work in Makati.  I would always miss Manila  for it has been a part of my life.

thai massage

I ‘am always interested of this entire massage thing, just a week ago after doing some routine to the gym for an hour… I feel tired and stressed out, I remember, there was this massage parlor “Thai Massage”  nearby offering an  anniversary promo for 100 pesos body massage it’s a fifty percent discount, worth a try.  What I know this massage is popular in Thailand. I realized this would be a relief to my tired body.  I tried to avail the promo and to find it out the massage and the place.

It was second floor well lighted passage way, and the desk information was a little bet dim light with a native decoration with a soothing music, i was asking about the promo and enquire the different massage they offer.   I was told to wait for a while and was given a sleeper to use, I took off my shoes, the place is not that big small rooms surrounding a big area, with four black massage chairs in the center, I was ushered by the lady to one of the room with curtain door, the room is divided with a curtain good for two and a sleeping   mat on the floor and I was requested told to change my clothed to a cotton pajama they have provided.  After for a few minutes a male masseur came wearing the same kind of pajama and instructed me to lay flat. Then he started pressing my feet with pressure gradually and pulling it and he uses his palms, fingers and feet in pressing all my legs while lifting and then  my back, arms and head for an hour.

While he was doing the massage, I was enquiring about the owner, no. of employees, their training, working schedule, their kinds of clientele, age bracket, and advantages and disadvantages being a masseuse or masseur, their income, the tips, and if they are happy of their job. 

I know it was not easy job but the income is quite good, however  I feel they don’t have any choice, force by the circumstances in need  being unwed mothers or married women , helping the family who needs the money for the daily basic needs.

But I was thankful for a good feeling after a relief for my tired muscle no more….

reaching the age of forty:

I guess when time flies and we grow older we need to be physically conscious to our life style to avoid some health problems, which may arise in the near future.  As a typical human we tend not to listen to our immediate relatives who sometimes keep on nagging … like please stopped smoking or drinking too much wine.  We need a Doctors warning to make an abrupt change to stop our vices.  I have a bad experience of the demise of my love ones, my brothers, which somehow I believe that they were not too keen and conscious about their health, which lead to serious problems.

When your age reach forty, signs and signals of your body shows, from back ache, fatigue, easily get tired you seems less active, your need reading glasses, you like simple  life, home  body, clannish and you don’t want any complication  and  hate changes especially to the latest trend and technology and one more thing you like mellow and ballad music.

What I’ve learned to maintain a healthy life style, one should have a regular checked up we must exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables, less sweets and fats, take some supplements, have a positive outlook of life, be passionate in what you do, learn to accept pain and failures, as part of life and learned to move on, have a group of friends or close relatives to share and have faith and leave it all to GOD.

Fiesta escapade in Lanao, Pilar,Camotes Islands,Philippines via Ormoc City

Once a year the entire town or barrio is decorated for the annual feast, in which there will be plenty of food and drinks for all. Preparations for the fiesta already start long before, preparing for the decoration, and saving for food and fattening the pigs., because a fiesta can be complete without a roasted pig “lechon” and plenty of beer, local and wine to match and everybody is welcome to dine and drink and no invitation is required.

Once a year, the entire town is decorated for the annual feast, in which there will be plenty of free food and drinks for all. Preparations for the fiesta already start long before, preparing the decoration, and saving for food, and fattening the pigs — because no fiesta can be complete without lechon baboy, roasted pig, and plenty of beer and tuba to match. Everybody is welcome, no invitations required.

We were invited to attend a fiesta celebration by my mother in law, in Lanao, Pilar , Camotes Islands, Philippines. We left Cebu with few relative via Ormoc City and rode a pump boat  to  the town of Pilar, Camotes Islands.

career choice:

Students choices may well be more difficult today than at any time in history, for three reasons: there are infinitely more courses to choose from; career definitions are more fluid and changing; and the levels of expectation are rising. Most men and women entering the workforce today can expect to change careers three or more times during their working lives.

What’s really important to you? What do you like to do so much that you would almost feel guilty getting paid to do it? These questions are designed to help you get at one of the key elements in career choice: values. Your values are the emotional anchor of all that you do. A skill is something you’ve learned to do. A talent is something you’ve been born with, or at least that you seem naturally qualified to do. Do you regard yourself as highly intuitive? Are you outgoing or reserved? When faced with a decision, do you rely primarily on facts or feelings? In this high tech information world, there is an incredible pressure to specialize, to know more and more about less and less. That’s dangerous, because it increases your chances of being obsolescent immensely. Which position will offer me the best chance of becoming excellent at what I do?” And that may not be the one that pays the highest initial salary.

The personal goal  is mentioned above as a  substitution instead, of words like “values”, “skills”, “talents”, and “preferences”. It’s not that goals aren’t useful, but rather that they should emerge naturally from these other factors and, even though you may write them down and paste them on your mirror, they should not obscure the need to be willing to change and adapt to new conditions, your own growth, and developing opportunities.

summer time

When the sun starts biting, you know its summer in the Philippines. Not that the sun never bites at other times, but it’s between the months of March and June that the sun is at its fiercest

Summer is an important season for the social agenda of individuals. Generally, the summer season in most regions of the world has an evident increase in tourism. Outdoor activity is also a hobby, taken by many people during this season, due to the warmer and more favorable conditions. Leisure tasks are also associated with summer, due to the number of people on vacation.

Summer is finally here and boys and girls everywhere are looking for hot and tantalizing diversions to turn up the excitement in more ways than one. From bodacious bodies to bikinis, fashions and lotions with booming sound on the beach.  It’s the best time to explore and experience new fun activities. One can choose for indoors or outdoors, the possibilities are endless, when it comes to summer fun. The most common summer activity is undoubtedly swimming in sandy beaches or in sparkling pools. Under the scorching heat of the fun, the waters are cool and refreshing. 

Whichever way   you may choose to unleash your summer energies, remember to keep yourself in tip-top shape. Energizing healthy foods and refreshing pure drinks provide one bold step towards a healthier you to enjoy a fun and active summer.   

holy week

Philippines, as the only country in Asia which is predominantly Christian, we celebrate Holy Week with the same passion as Christmas. Whereas Philippines Christmas is marked with cheers and festivities, Catholic Holy Week in the Philippines is more solemn, sometimes bordering on melancholy.

Devout Catholics celebrate Holy Week with the usual fasting and abstinence. Meat is not eaten and some would go on fluid diet. Although it is not mandated by the Catholic Church, there are religious who celebrate Catholic Holy Week with self-flagellation. Some would even volunteer to be nailed on the cross during the reenactment of the Passion of Christ.

Most Catholics would make the Lent as a time to reaffirm their faith to the Jesus Christ and spend the holiday in reflection. However, there are those who spend the Holy Week on the beach, taking advantage of the long Holiday. No matter how you may choose to spend the Holy Week, I think what’s important are we don’t forget the essence of the Holy Week. I may at times be remiss of my Christian obligations but during Holy Week, I would often reflect on my faith that JESUS died for all our sins… because of His unconditional LOVE for each an every one of us.

graduation

Everyone is looking forward to the graduation since you first started schooling. Ambiguous feelings are very common to the graduate’s feelings of nervousness and uncertainty especially in college. I guess its normal you’re ending one chapter of your life and beginning a new one. That’s always a little scary and anxiety-provoking. By recognizing the endings as well as beginning well make you feel better and less stressful, its normal to feel nostalgic over what was and to worry what will be.

I remember my graduation from kindergarten to college, but somehow I feel the most memorable and meaningful in High School, I believe it’s the most enjoyable life being a student, from adolescent developed into a full grown young man. A lot of changes occur physically and mentally the attraction, bonding and friendship the sweet and sour memories beyond compare. And entering college is a new exciting experience being young you want to adventure life and doesn’t much understand the importance.

However a  graduation is just an event where the commencement speaker tells a hundreds of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that “individuality” is the key to success…  it’s the end for a new beginning of life.

Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference.

my province

This global warming did not spare my province Surigao del norte ,  weeks ago I have learned that, my home town was affected by the bad weather this days, it continued to rain endlessly for a week and the rivers beneath the mountains and small creeks overflows and it flooded the rice fields and some root crops farms, that soon to be harvested within the following month, the source of our very basic staple food.  My town folks were so sad and disappointed for the coming harvest, tendency is they would never recover the expenses they have incurred during the preparation of the fields in terms of fertilizer, hired personnel. And the worst thing, most of them, just borrowed money from the banks or lenders with big interest. Much more the daily need of rice would be a problem. It’s a sad thing, when the basic need would be deprived, your physically and emotionally be affected, the whole family especially if it is the only source of income.

Sometimes problems and disappointment in our life comes in unexpectedly, it lowers our emotional esteem and aspiration.  We tend to question for everything that is happening. The more it becomes complicated.  But I guess most Filipinos are great survivors in any calamity they always find ways and means to be victor in any situation.  I believe with so much faith to our almighty always believing  as one of the trials in life, one could heartily pray asking for more blessings and do our best in return.

summer and global warming

The summer is about to start  and everybody is thinking where to go this summer vacation, going to the beach is the cheapest way enjoying this occasion,  however this past few days the heat of the sun  and the atmosphere is  already unbearable, somehow I believe this is the effect of global warming.

 Our planet earth have changed so much after the long neglect and abused of the human populace. The big whole of the ozone layer affected everything. The polar ice caps, the glaciers and permanent snow are melting slowly and that will surely   raise sea levels and it will change the global ecosystem and these effects spell one thing of all the countries in the world the economic consequences. What I understand there’s a probability and intensity of droughts to much flood and heat waves, more so with warmer water and many hurricanes. And finally spread of disease-carrying insects, bringing plague and disease with them. One way the other every country is experiencing this things, extreme snow, heat and rain.

 Thinking these entire things make you shiver to your spine, and I’m just hoping and praying that the actual effect will not be the worst catastrophe and we can still manage and less destruction to Mother Nature, human life and properties.

Advertizing and bloggers

Currently the whole world is experiencing the effect of Global financial crisis, a lot of multinational companies and local companies are having a hard time, some even have to shut down or closed because business is not viable. It affected most of us. However some companies still enjoy with good income and survive this global crisis because they have an excellent strategic planning in terms of structure, financial, marketing with good advertizing.

In this world of modern times the internet or the World Wide Web is a very important factor, in terms of marketing your product and services. One of the best company in internet advertizing is http://www.blogsvertise.com/; it has a good exposure to companies, when one would write a journal about their product, services and website by the online bloggers.  And the bloggers itself will be financially rewarded by the advertizing company and it’s a good source of income, in this trying times.

MY PROM NIGHT

February is the seasons of prom nights of the junior and senior year of high school; most the hotels and big restaurant are booked for this occasion. The kids are busy preparing what to wear for the most awaited affair, usually suit for the guys and gowns for the young ladies, their excitement, enthusiasm and nervousness of this said affair is sometimes strange to the parents. Some of the guys are having big problems searching for the right partner especially those who are loveless or afraid enough to ask one of their crushes, or someone they admired.

I remember my prom night; years ago it was one of the most awaited affairs in my high school life. I heard so much about this event, being  in your teens,  the  eagerness  and excitement is beyond understanding, the attraction  to opposite sex,  is mind boggling may be I guess of the raging hormones and the actualization of   becoming  a full pledge manhood.

I had prepared my attire months before the prom and ask someone special to be my partner. The affair has a positive effect of my life; I become confident in communicating and dancing in public. I guess I’m lucky because I’m a natural dancer. I was so happy and engrossed dancing and never realized that the night was almost over. And my partner was so excited and happy and she said yes to my courtship and we become sweetheart before the prom night ended.    This affair  is one of the most unforgettable moments of my life…

LOVE

Love has different meanings and different definitions, different person has different description. But all will agree that love is a great flow of emotions. Love has different sizes and different forms, different shapes and different dimensions. We are all fair in love. Coz it is free and a precious gift from above. 

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;

It is not arrogant or rude

It does not insist on its own way;

It is not irritable or resentful

It does not rejoice at wrongdoing

But rejoices with the truth

Love bears all things, believe all things,

Love never ends

As for prophecies they will pass away;

As for tongues, they will cease.

As of knowledge it will pass away

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

valentine’s day

When the month of February comes we immediately think of Valentine’s Day, weeks before we could feel the atmosphere already in the malls decoration are mostly red hearts for valentines. It’s a big day and a great feeling to show more love and care to our love ones.

 Base in history Valentine was imprisoned under Claudius II for his Christian beliefs, and while in jail, he restored the sight of his jailers’ blind daughter through his faith and love for her. Before his execution, on the Feb.14. AD 269, Valentine sent her a note signed “From your Valentine.” This phrase became the everlasting symbol of friendship, affection and sharing with others.

 And during 1537, Henry VIII, who had more cause than most for sending a Valentines note, established Feb.14 as St. Valentine’s Day by Royal Charter, but it wasn’t until printing techniques started to develop that the exchange of illustrated paper that Valentine’s Day began to develop as we know it today.

 Valentine’s Day is a holiday created to let that special someone know how much they mean to you. It is meant to be a day of the celebration of the relationship between you and a certain significant other. And more importantly, Valentine’s Day is a day that is to revolve around love.

 Despite the cost of the beautiful red roses, expensive dinners and the gaining of pounds from eating too much chocolate, Valentine’s Day is an occasion to prove your eternal, everlasting love to your sweetheart To single peers, this year could be an occasion not even worth trying to remember, by denying the existence of love altogether because their most beloved.

 But as we have seen, Valentine’s Day has become a day to forget about yourself - to put another’s interests above that of your own. This act of selflessness must surely be the true expression of one’s love for another. It is said that love based on self-interest is shameful, and true love can only be found in those willing to give up anything and everything for their partner’s sake. Yes, this premise is said to be the roots and life-force of the strongest love of all.

 Reflecting the true meaning of Valentine’s Day entails expressing your love for another. Lavish gifts are not necessities. A gesture such as a love poem, a collection of pictures or a recreation of a first date may be all that is necessary to get your loved one’s heart all fluttery with love butterflies.

SANTO NINO exhibit sinulog-2009 (cebu- Philippines)

What I have learned that the Santo Nino de Cebu was made in Flanders (Belgium). During the 16^th century, given by a Belgian priest to the Queen of Spain and was given to Portuguese explorer Ferdinan Magellan,  as Patron of his Voyage. In April 1521, in the service of the king of Spain, arrived in Cebu during his voyage to find a westward route to the Spice Islands . He persuaded Rajah Humabon and his wife Hara Amihan, to pledge their allegiance with Spain. They were later baptized into the Catholic faith, by Father Pedro Valderrama,  taking the Christian names Carlos and Juana. Magellan gave Juana the Santo Nino as a symbol of the alliance. However, Magellan died during the Battle of Mactan later that month,And Magellan’s baptismal gift to Queen of Cebu Hara Amihan in 1521It was later lost when the Spaniards burned Cebu as a response to the hostilities of the Cebuanos. A soldier of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi named Juan Camos found a box and the Santo Nino  inside miraculously,  survive and was relatively unharmed. The image was quickly acknowledged as miraculous, and a church was later constructed on the site of the discovery. Today, the image is enshrined at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, a favorite destination among tourists and the faithful.

And during the Sinulog week there would be an exhibit of different kinds of Santo Nino from the faithful devotees of CEBU in the mall. And this are the pictures I took from most of the Santo Nino statues display.

FESTIVAL QUEEN - Sinulog 2009

One afternoon I went to one of the most popular mall here in Cebu “Shoe Mart”, to buy some basic groceries and I was lucky enough to witness a pictorial of the different contestants of the Festival   Queen.  These contestants are the lead dancers of the different contingents from all over the Philippines for the Grand parade of streets dancing on the Sinulog day that was January 18, 2009. I believe the process of selection to be a lead dancer is not easy, she must be graceful, nice body, attractive, beautiful, smiling, and good command in English with the rigid months of practice of the group dance presentation.

                .THE WINNER  “SINULOG 2009 FESTIVAL QUEEN”

The ladies were so beautiful in their own rights, with their exotic looks and unique headdress and intricately beautiful made costumes. And I was fortunate enough to take some pictures of this lovely Queen, who obliged with a captivating smile.

Sinulog Festival 2009 - Cebu, Philippines

Would you believe that Cebu City has the longest Holiday Season from Christmas to New Year and finally the Sinulog Festival. The country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated festival is set to take center stage once again this year —the Sinulog Festival 2009. This festival is the country’s biggest pageantry of sights, sounds and colors.

 Sinulog, the fiesta of Cebu in honor of the child Jesus, the Santo Nino, celebrated every third Sunday of January. It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano’s pagan origin, and their acceptance of Christianity. The word “Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which means “like water current movement”, that describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums.

 The Santo Nino image. .

On April 7, 1521, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan arrived and planted the cross on the shores of Cebu, claiming the territory in the name of the King of Spain. He presented the image of the child Jesus, the Santo Niño, as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon. Hara Amihan was later named, Queen Juana in honor of Juana, mother of Carlos I.

 The celebration traditionally lasts for nine days, culminating on the ninth day when the Sinulog Grand Parade starts. The day before the parade, the Fluvial Procession, a water-parade, held at dawn from Mandaue City to Cebu City with the Santo Niño carried on a pump boat decked with hundreds of flowers and candles. The procession ends at the Basilica where a re-enactment of the Christianizing of Cebu follows. In the afternoon, a more solemn procession takes place along the major streets of the city, which last for hours due to large crowd participating in the religious event.

On the feast day, at the Basilica, a Pontifical Mass is celebrated by the Cardinal with the assistance of several bishops of Cebu. The majority of the city’s population and devotees would flock to the Basilica to attend the mass before heading out to the streets to watch the Parade.

 The grand parade usually starts at 8:00 in the morning and is participated by different province and this contengent are champion on their respective festival this year there are twenty six for sinulog base category and twenty six for free interpretation and thirty for float competition and it will culminate at the oval of the Cebu City Sports Center and the final showdown of heart stopping performance of the dancers, vying for championship for different categories. A grand display of fireworks concludes this event.

The celebration that everyone awaits every year.

CEBU- Philippines (my place of residence)

Cebu is often called “the Island Paradise”, with 167 islands with land area of 5,088 sq. km. 80%mountainous and 20% flat. Cebu City  the “Queen City of the South” Once voted by Asia Week as one of Asia’s Best Cities, it  is the country’s oldest City, with a rich historic past. Cebuano are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru centuries from the time of the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the Cross on the Cebu shore.

Time has been kind to Cebu, from Zubu, the fishing village and busy trading port; it has evolved a highly urbanized Metropolitan Center which now serves as a focal point of growth and development of Southern Philippines. It has eight cities and forty eight smaller towns and the traditional products are copra, mango, sugar and banana. And the nontraditional products are electronics, computer software, semi-conductors, watches, components, clothing, accessories, woodcraft and furniture’s. Currently it has six economic zones and industrial product. It is one of the biggest outsourcing in Southeast Asia. Cebu has more than enough engineers and fluent speaking college graduates to man call centers and IT related services. Shipping industry is one of the busiest in the country and the Cebu international Airport with direct flights in the key Cities of South East Asia; domestic flights are available practically to all Cities of the Philippines.

Cebu has become the country’s most favorite tourist destination and jump off point to the neighboring Islands of the visayas region. It has a narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains, all characteristics of a tropical island. It has gained with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters and the popularity for its fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, like Shangrila, Plantation bay, Hilton resort, White sands, Alegre beach resort and more.  

Yet, Cebu’s attractions do not only cater to the itinerant sun-worshipper or beach-lover. The business traveler to this bustling port of call may not have time for more than a day’s trip around town. Still, Cebu’s cityscapes have their own brand of cosmopolitan charm touched with unique island warmth. Luxurious accommodations, like Waterfront hotel and Casino, Marco Polo hotel, Marriot Hotel, complete sports facilities, cuisines from the native to the exotic, vibrant nightlife: It has also an international convention center, and world class Malls. Cebu will not be found wanting in all the amenities of a growing, booming metropolis.

lunch in paradise

We were invited for a lunch by my favorite cousin while we were still in Surigao del Norte, Philippines. My cousin is Mrs. Andrea  Yangzon we fondly call her “mana  anding” she is  the Barrio Captain of their place, Ipil ,Surigao city and her  husband is the head of marine engineering  one of the college in here.  We arrive at exactly 12:00 noon. The concrete blue house is visible from the main road with the same color of the ten feet high entrance gate which is twenty  meters from the highway.

As we enter we were  amazed by  the big front lawn covered with medium pebbles stones  evenly  distributed. The house is one story, color blue with a big veranda, the interior is  with basic furnishing but elagantly decorated.The surrounding of the house is plus factor, with a big lawn and a rice field at the back ,the side  near the fence is full beautiful orchids of different colors and varieties, together with some exotic flowers and palm trees, beneath is carpeted with  bright color green Bermuda grass. But the most exotic beautiful orchids are found on the porch of the house.  And on the left side a big nepa hut for relaxing and across the fence are full of citrus fruits, mango’s  together with full grown coconut trees and into the valley covered with lush green shrubs up to the top, wow a beautiful scenery, you could feel the wonders of nature, it’s almost paradise.  And to top it all its just a walking distance to “Mabua  Beach”a  two to three kilometers  strip of pebbled  sand beach  …

We were greeted by our  amiable host and directly brought us to the dining room, the food was plenty from bouillabaisse soup,  large shrimps, grilled Kitong(fish), crispy pata(fried pork leg), kinilaw(fresh raw fish mix with vinegar and  condiments)fried chicken legs, Camote, different fruits and the dessert  is buko fruit salad. Oh my God what a sumptuous meal the food was beyond our expectation, after a short prayer we start our feast to all the delicious food while talking the latest news of the clan.

I could hardly stand after the dessert, I was a little bit guilty for having sinful eating… but I guess this is a rare occasion and hard to come, the sea food was really tempting. 

I took a nap for an hour and the rest of the company are playing the old time favorite, Mahjong.  We left at 4:00pm happy and satisfied , thanking the host for the delicious food,  hoping for another   invitation to come… he he he

new year escapade

I bought a ticket a week before our travel to Surigao , leaving Cebu December 27, through Cokaliong  MV Maasin, we had a lot of baggage, bringing some gifts, calendars, fruits  to our beloved relatives and for my mom and sis Emily. We are all excited and happy to travel.  We arrive Surigao early morning of December 28 at around 8:00am and we were met by my nephew Frances, and we directly went to Jollibee for breakfast, and then travelled for 45 minutes to our hometown.

My 87 year old mom was very happy to see us and cried for happiness. We distributed some of the gifts to our respected cousins and relatives; it was so fun and there is this feeling of enlightenment everytime we hear the words “Thank You”..

 The following day, we travelled to Gingoog City, for an overnight invitation to our family friend Beb’s and Marlyn Guanzon–the owner of the Mansion by the Sea Restaurant.  The travel was fine, I was driving the XTO Crosswind–the service car of my mom. Along the way we saw the beautiful Mainit lake.

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We arrived in our destination at lunch time and met our host, we are all pleased and delighted that they have prepared seafood and native cuisines for our lunch such as grilled pork, panga, sugbakilaw, grilled fish, shells soup and others. It was great lunch and we were all full and sleepy after the meal. Then after our afternoon nap we went to Duka Beach Resort, a beautiful place where you can really see the wonders of nature. We had a glass bottom ride where we can see the sea, amazing corals and fishes of the sanctuary.  We dropped by in the hidden cold spring named Mabuan, then, at 6:00pm we went back for our supper. It was a buffet dinner such an excellent food with some of their guests. After eating, we roam around the city and visited some relatives and mingle with them for a few minutes.  We also visited their plaza which was decorated with different native lanterns ingeniously created with different twinkled lights. You could surely feel the atmosphere of Christmas. The other side of the plaza was full of gigantic concrete fruits beautifully made and designed. And later we visited their pier turned into park in front of the restaurant of our host. We felt tired and slept soundly for the night but the girls are still having a never-ending-conversation.

We woke up early in the following morning ready to go back home. Our breakfast  was nutritious. We really didn’t know how to thank our hosts for they treated us way more than we expected. No words are enough for the gratitude we feel.  The travel back was smooth and safe, but the rain continuously poured, I wonder when the rain stopped. We dropped by at Gaisano mall – Butuan city for some cakes and ingredients to be bought for the New Year. We arrived my hometown at around 2:00pm feelling tired and sleepy.

our  host  in Gingoog city

mr.&mrs. Beb’s and Marlyn Guanzon

The following day is another awaited day of the year, December 31, everybody was busy for the preparations for the New Year. The roasted pig was delivered at 7:00pm and some of my relatives shared some native sweets like suman, bingka, puto   and of course the 13 different round fruits on the center of the table. We attended the midnight holy mass which started at around 9:00 pm, the chapel was full of familiar people, neighbors, friends, relatives and classmates. Greetings and smiles from them was such a great feeling. We ate our dinner at around 11pm after the souvenir pictures. It was fun and exciting but the deafening sound of the fire crackers, was so strong, much more when the clock strike at 12:00 midnight. The kids jumped to make them taller, ate lots of grapes for good luck and coins on the pockets for financial blessings, we sang and danced till the wee hours of the morning. Wow! What a night. And another chapter of our lives has passed and the next, awaits to be unfolded.

noche buena (Christmas Eve)

Everybody seems on the rush, planning about the preparations here and there — preparations for the big night ,Christmas eve..

YES! A really big issue… especially when it concerns about the food, new clothes and a number of gifts to be given to your love ones….

Foods would be extraordinarily special… we have prepared some beef, roasted chicken, letchon, spaghetti, cakes, some sweets and red wine …  and everything should be in order.

But the most important thing is to attend the midnight mass to celebrate the birth of our creator JESUS CHRIST for He is the reason for the season. We dressed up in our new outfits together with our guests, my sister in Bacolod and her daughter Althea, a four year old pretty little girl. We attended the holy mass, it started at 9:00pm the church was overflowing with people all wearing their new clothes, all smiling and happy. The mood is indeed really inspiring where you can see thousands of people rejoicing.  A great feeling that is hard to explain for it’s too complicated yet truly overwhelming. I guess that is called the true spirit of Christmas.  Thus, I thank the Lord for all the blessings He bestowed upon us.

 We ate our sumptuous dinner early because of the kids and then opened our gifts. They were really excited and you could see it in their eyes and hear their ahhhhs and ohhhhs after opening their respected gift. Luckily, I  received a black Francois Girbaud  wallet which I badly needed, we started singing one by one through the  Wow magic sing (videoke) and the kids where dancing until midnight.  We greeted each other and hug and thank the lord for everything we have … and hoping that our brothers and sisters in other countries have celebrated and are having a good time. It was undeniably fun. A memory worth keeping and forever be remembered.

meaning of christmas

A few days from now the whole world will be celebrating Christmas day especially for the Christian people.  The dawn mass for catholic started on the 16^th of December.  Christmas is a wonderful time of family togetherness and goodwill, but the spirit of Christmas often gets lost, we become swept up in the commercial aspect of the holiday and it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, it is fun to have people over, go to parties, and give and receive gifts. But I believe that the most important thing is to pause and reflect on why we even celebrate.

 For many people Christmas means different things… but for some people, Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birthday. For God so loved the world, He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior, His unconditional love to each and every one of us. This yearly tradition is to remind us Christian the true meaning of love. To love one another, be forgiving, time to share the blessings and try your best to be a good christian.   

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

christmas gifts

Christmas once again… it’s time for sharing and giving gifts to your love ones, friends, office mates, relatives and others …   It feels so good a feeling beyond words can describe, if you partake your blessings to someone and it  makes him/her smile, pleased and happy.  

 At the moment the whole world is affected with the financial crisis, each and every one of us is affected, the feeling of uncertainty for the next years to come is inevitable. Gradually businesses and companies is slowly affected of its sales and profit will surely be lesser compared to previous years. Bonuses, give always, parties would be limited.

But giving gifts need not be expensive; someone says it only needs to be usable and durable.  I guess a good examples of this are quality, tee shirt, handkerchief, socks, sleepers, toiletries, school supplies, books, CDs, DVDs  and so on… one would just be imaginative to think a lot of possibilities to give. However one can give recycled wearable, cleaned used clothing and few can goods to the less fortunate.

The best way I guess is the desire of sharing whole heartedly without any reservation and not expecting in return is the best attitude. Happy holidays!

environment

I firmly believe that each and every one of us, must be really concerned about the environment, for this is the only planet-earth we live, not for now but for the benefit of the next generation to come.  There are so many issues, like land degradation, climate change, pollution, ozone depletion, resource depletion, toxins, waste and a lot more. I guess one should learn all this things in order to be applied in his daily life and to inform, rally or complain against those people, companies, institution who abused the Mother Nature.   

 Sometimes   people in general are complacent about this matter, however each one of us can do its part with the right information. Like reduce, reuse, recycle, and waste segregation, minimize the use of plastic, should be encourage in every house hold also planting trees and gardening.  One consideration in buying any gadgets, appliances, should be environmental friendly.

 i admire individuals, companies, non government organization whose advocacy is to preserve the environment in general.  I know it’s not an easy task its long way to go, but in the long run we can preserve our environment, at the same time we can meet the needs of today’s society, while preserving the quality of life for future generations.

electronic gadgets

 Is a small technological object base on transistor and integrated circuits. This device has a particular function and are invariably considered to be more unusually or cleverly designed than normal technology at the time of their invention.  These things are sometimes referred to as gizmos.  Now a day’s, it’s really amazing, the choice sometimes is mine boggling, for so many kinds from different brands from the most popular to the never heard brands. Mostly has multifunction or a combination of two three to four uses.  However within a month or a year a new model is being offered and the sad thing, the gadget you used is already obsolete.

If someone want to buy a gadget, I guess one should do some research, read some reviews of the product, ask some friends and relatives who one way or another has the knowledge on this matter then compare. Always remember the very purpose of buying the device not just for the moment but in the long run.  Of course there are things to be considered, price, brand, service, energy efficiency and if it’s environmental friendly. Until finally you feel you have the best deal of buying that gadget, then go for it.

christmas

 When I was a little boy,  I was so thrilled and excited to think aboutChristmas.. Its a season of festive mood,  endless of preparation. Colorful decorations on the streets, malls and homes. Our home  was filled with glittering twinkle lights especially on the Christmas tree. And soon I would be expecting a lot of Christmas gift from my aunties, uncles, godparents,
mom, dad and Santa Claus,  anticipating that I will be having a lot of beautiful toys and clothes. 
And the food was plenty, the different kinds of cakes, native sweets, chocolates and candies.
It was heaven in my part, the roasted pig (litchon) and variety of dishes. I always hear
Christmas songs from the different groups of Carolers, relatives and friends come
asking for Christmas gifts it was joyous moment, everybody was happy and smiling.
It was the best season of the year, for a small boy, hoping and wishing it would never end.

all souls day

Being raised by devoted Catholic parents, it is a tradition to observe “All Souls Day”, to pay respect to my departed loved ones, my dad along with my three brothers and sister.  I bought a round trip ticket via Cokaliong shipping lines leaving last Oct. 30 (Thursday) and back on Nov. 30 (Sunday).  I brought some flowers, candles and some fruits to my mother and sister.  The ship left at about 8:30pm and I could hardly sleep through out the night, images kept coming back on my mind, the unforgettable moments with my dad, the ever dependable, principled man and most of all the smiles and tears and the craziness we did while growing up with my siblings. No words can explain how much I miss them. I just keep asking myself why they left so soon.  I guess God has His own reason and that we should accept. Though things may not go the way we wanted it to be but nevertheless, life must go on no matter what happens.  I know life is a gift and at the same time, a mystery.   I arrived my hometown at lunch time on the following day. I met my 87 year old mom and ever beautiful sister; the whole afternoon was devoted in flower arrangement and talking about the good old days.

Nov. 1 (Saturday),  we visited my grandmother and sister in a neighboring public cemetery, we cleaned, lighted some candles and offered flowers and prayers , we met some cousins and friends.

The following day  Nov. 2, “All Souls Day” (Sunday) we left early and stayed  until 3:00 pm on the family mausoleum, we brought some foods  like suman, bingka, biko mostly Filipino delicacies and some food for lunch. The place was filled with beautiful fresh flowers; it was like a haven of flowers. I met some cousins, classmates and friends. However deep inside I can’t stop feeling empty and sad for being apart from some of my loved ones. I left my hometown at around 3:30pm and went to the city and visited my close relatives in a private memorial and met my cousins.

The ship departed at around 8:30pm the sea was amazingly calm and peaceful.   I felt so relieved, so good that I have done my own little way of showing how much I love them. Funny as it may sound, it was the only time I realized that I was too tired and exhausted that I was able to sleep early that night.

training- massage

Finally, I was able to attend a one day training seminar on basic massage, conducted by  TESDA(Technical Education and Skills Development Authority ). The trainer was good, she taught us the combination of Shiatsu and Swedish, the proper techniques and different  applications from  hands, head, back and legs and also  the do’s and don’ts. Plus, its effects to our body systems and it is one of the preventions from different diseases like high blood, diabetes and others. Being one of the models of the demonstration was a refreshing feeling and a relief from all the tensions.  It is really a learning process after reading all the books and researches in the internet, and its  really  a different thing if you witness the actual training. But I think you need to practice what you have learned to become a good masseur or else you might forget it after a long period of time. And as the sayig goes, “Practice leads to perfection”. I guess this an “in-thing” here In the Philippines, almost all the cities, massage clinics and spas are mushrooming here and there. 

religion

It is a topic considered not to be discussed during a meeting, party, gathering or to any new acquaintances, for some reasons or another. Maybe because it touches the inner core of the belief of each individual or simply its just something personal. I consider myself not a religious person, although I was a born a Catholic, raised by a mother who is a devoted Catholic and also studied in a prestigious Catholic school. I firmly believe that theirs somebody supreme and made all of these wonderful things in life, this earth we all are standing in and the awesome nature in general. And I guess, we shouldn’t question anything that is from Him for he is the very reason why we are here. Without Him we are nothing. I’m not against any religion but no religion can guarantee you to heaven. I firmly believe it’s what you’ve done here on earth during your living days. The rule i guess is the love of God and neighbor. I tried to be good all the time; however I guess sometimes, God allows us to commit mistakes to learn the right way.  Problems will always be a  part and partial of our life, may you consider it big or small, these things  happen to remind us that He is always there at our side ready to help us every time we stumble.

massage

I am always fascinated with massage for some reason that if make you feel good, relax and feel refresh after. Massage in general is the treatment of superficial parts of the body by rubbing, stroking, kneading. Massages are usually performed to relieve muscle stiffness, spasms, or cramps and to relieve anxiety, stress, it is also the treatment and practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. It involves acting on and manipulating the client’s body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partly unclothed. Parts of the body may be covered with towels or sheets. After buying and borrowing a lot of books and research I found out that there are so many kinds of Massage and the most common practice are acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, Thai, Swedish   and Sensual massage. Currently the Spa and Massage parlor mushrooming in the City of Cebu-Philippines,

gardening

My hometown where my family live is a remote area endowed with numerous coconut trees, fruit trees, bananas and different ornamental plants, and I guess that’s the reason why I love the color green. However the growing from seed to plant really amazes me, the art of growing and the changing of colors itself, the leaves and fruits for me is a miracle. God is so good for bestowing us with this beautiful nature where we all can benefit from. When I was a little boy, I would love to help my mother in our vegetable garden in planting, watering and cultivating. And I would always spend my free time tending the different vegetable plants, it makes me feel good and happy and I was able to share my part in growing. And these vegetables turned into delicious dishes after being cooked by my beloved mother and it will help nourish our bodies giving us a number of nutrients. Until I arrived in Manila for my college life, I began to notice the manicured loans of the  different buildings, parks, hotels– it added beauty and elegance to the totality of the place.

cooking

I always admire people who are a good cook; I’m fascinated of their ability and talent to have,  delicious end product of their creation may it be a simple to complicated recipes. I wanted to learn not to become an expert but rather to know the basic things in cooking.  So I ended observing and asking question in more subtle way on their secrets of cooking if ever I have a chance.  I am also interested in different desserts, cakes and native delicacies.   And that was the start, until I enrolled myself in basic culinary course of the Cebu City government project, through DMDP. It was a half day three months course and its free, but we got to buy the different ingredients.  I’ve meet different people with different reason in attending, may it be for business, plain housewife, going abroad or local employment. It was fun and very interesting and has gained so many friends until to the present.

travel

One of my dreams in life is to travel not just locally but also internationally, not for work but merely to tour for pleasure and adventure.  I have a good memory in places I visited its still vivid in my memory the buildings, streets, parks, restaurants, historical places, museum and the people I meet along the way.  It’s a great learning experience that could last for a life time. I remember my first travel to Manila together with my mom onboard a ship for three days from Mindanao to attend the capping of my sister who was taking up nursing in Far Eastern University I was 10 year old that time. I was so excited and fascinated for so many people, the places we visited  this include, Luneta, Fort Santiago , Manila Zoo, riding a Motorco along Roxas Boulevard, Avenida street, Recto street and many more… it was awesome experience for me it was unbelievable  that this places existed.  It was an experience that molds my desire for a greater ambition in life to visit more places if given a chance for the rest of my life.  a year ago i visited Hong Kong.>

exercise and workout

When I was a little boy I was sickly and skinny and because of that I was even exempted in my grade school to physical education (PE) due to the doctor’s advice because I was sick of TB of the bones. Partly I guess due to poor nutrition and I’m very choosy to food and in rural areas you only have limited choice. During my high school days I began to recover and I engaged to games that are not too strenous and unexpectedly I became an officer of the CAT and graduated with flying colors. My college days in Manila was quite interesting due to the fact that I came from a rural area and their was a sudden change of environment and I was having a hard time adjusting. I was still skinny at that time until my brother who was a criminology graduate and working as a private detective adviced me to go into workout in the YMCA Manila and that was the start of everything–the love of Exercise and workout.

friends

Making friends is easy but having a true friend is a different thing, I ‘m quite an extrovert person if I like the crowd, but very silent when I feel I don’t belong.  Sometimes in life you tend to act not the way you wanted it to be, but you must, for the reason that the occasion calls for it, or its part of the job, and they expected you to be one.  For all my life I can just count my fingers to the number of friends that I consider TRUE. Sadly, my friends during my adolescence and when I started to work are nowhere to be found but in the contrary they left marks on my heart, great impacts in my life and helped to become the person I am now .  Nevertheless, I will always remember and cherish every moment we spent together–happiness or sadness. Recently, I met a person that I consider a true friend, I open up to him almost all things especially the events that is happening in my life. He has always time for me if I needed him. I love his outlook of life full of goodness and no trace of hatred, I believe I’m one of the lucky few who have found not just a friend but also a brother, adviser and a listener.

internet

I consider my self updated in modern technology because by nature, I am interested in things that are up-to-date which would be a big help to all of us.  May it be appliances, gadgets, or any technology and the amazing World Wide Web. Honestly I had no formal training to be a computer literate. I  bought some books and read it and sometimes ask questions to family and friends who are more experienced concerning this matter. I think  having a computer of your own is a great advantage because you can practice any time you want  and it’s a  matter of doing by a trial an error basis and in the long run you’ve learned the hard way which will make it better. But I believe in this saying,”Perseverance will lead us to success”, as long as you’re determined, focus and have all the time. I know it’s a contentious learning process to the procedure and approach, but I guess as long as you accept and deal with changes, it would be much easier to cope up.

high school reunions

Time passes so quickly that I could hardly believe that my high school reunion is now knocking at my door step. Wow! Images of my mind swiftly comes remembering the good old days, my first love, first kiss, crushes, junior and seniors prom, the parties, and so many things that I have learned from high school days whether good or bad. But for myself, high school life is really the best, from innocence of adolescent, the attraction of the opposite sex, the discovering and awakening. So many beautiful memories that made your life more colorful and worth remembering. As the reunion day comes; I was so happy meeting all my high school classmates, the looks of maturity of their faces cannot be denied, we immense our self talking and reminiscing our high school life while eating and drinking. But somehow we cannot deny the fact that each and everyone are so proud of their achievements and is now one of the most interesting chapters of their book of life sharing it here and there. Sadly, some of those who are not lucky  enough to achieve their ambitions or dreams in life are just listening and smiling. I know some of my classmate did not attend the reunion, maybe because they are less fortunate, due to early marriages and financial difficulties.  To sum it all, the reunion was indeed a great success and  I’m surely looking forward for the next. Till then.

quest for life

My family live in northern part of Mindanao, Philippines, in a remote barrio were my uncles and aunties are staying with us in a two story house. My mom is a plain house wife; my dad was working as a foreman in a gold mine company and so with my uncles.  My aunties are helpers of the house and act as nannies of my brother and sisters and also mending the small groceries store. It was a during Christmas season that everybody was busy preparing for the New year’s grand party  of the company and everybody  was excited, anticipating the chance to meet their crushes, boy friends and friends. However my mom was due to her pregnancy for the 6^th child, and her tummy was started aching that was December 30 on the evening, everybody was anticipating for a girl to be born but to their surprise during the dawn of December 31… At around 2:00 in the morning, were everything was calm and silent, I was born with the help of local midwife. My uncles and aunties were dismayed for the reason that my dad order them to stay home, going to the grand party was cancelled. Until now they could never forget what happened.