Lavender & Coffee Stains

Hayay-yay...

Isang tambak trabaho ko pero kung anu-ano inaasikaso. All of a sudden, nataranta ako. Not because of the things that I have to do with my work but more like what I have to do come tomorrow's lakad. I want it to be something entirely different. Ideas come and go, flushing in and out of my brain. Chaka naman o!

Sana magawa ko yung mga necessary preparations. This time, I will forego trusting anything to whatever happens as in yung bahala na. This must be something like a scripted thing pasted in my head. So where shall i start?

Touching Tale: A Young Boy's Love for his Dying Mother...

This is the story of Robby. He was a young boy who
lived with his elderly mother. His mother wanted him
to learn how to play the piano because she longed to
hear her son play for her. She sent her son to a piano
teacher who took Robby in under her guidance. However,
there was one small problem because Robby was not
musically inclined and therefore was very slow in
learning. The teacher did not have much faith in the
boy because of his weakness. The mother was very
enthusiastic and every week she would send Robby to
the teacher.

One day Robby stopped attending the piano lessons. The
teacher thought that he had given up and in fact she
was quite pleased since she did not give much hope to
Robby. Not long after, the piano teacher was given the
task to organize a piano concert in town. She sent out
circulars to invite the students and public to attend
the event. Suddenly, she received a call from Robby
who offered to take part in the concert. The teacher
told Robby that he was not good enough and that he was
no longer a student since he had stopped coming for
lessons. Robby begged her to give him a chance
and promised that he would not let her down.

Finally, she gave in and she put him to play last,
hoping that he will change his mind at the last
minute. When the big day came, the hall was packed and
the children gave their best performance. Finally, it
was Robby's turn to play and as his name was
announced, he walked in. He was not in
proper attire and his hair was not properly groomed.
The teacher was really nervous since Robby's
performance could spoil the whole evening's brilliant
performance. As Robby started playing the crowd became
silent and was amazed at the skill of this little boy.
In fact, he gave the best performance of the evening.
At the end of his presentation the crowd and the piano
teacher gave him a standing ovation.
The crowd asked Robby how he managed to play so
brilliantly.

With a microphone in front of him, he said, "I was not
able to attend the weekly piano lessons as there was no one
to send me because my mother was sick with cancer. She
just passed away this morning and I wanted her to hear me
play. You see, this is the first time she is able to hear me
play because when she was alive she was deaf and now I know
she is listening to me. I have to play my best for her!"

The last paragraph made me cry...


SUCCESS PRINCIPLES

This is indeed a touching story of love and excellence.
When you have a passion and a reason to do something,
you will surely excel. You may not be talented or gifted but if
you have a strong enough reason to do something, you will
be able to tap into your inner God given potential.

Thoughts about Love...

While it's true that each one of us is really alone, it's also true that each one of us is given a soulmate at birth, and all you need to do is look for that one. Some of us get lucky and find that one person meant for us, at the right time, and keep him with us throughout our life. Some of us need to keep looking, yet sometimes we never find that person. And we wonder why that's so, why life is so unfair, why love keeps eluding us. We ask the questions but don't find the answers. Perhaps, for that last question, one answer could be that, in order to get love, you have to give love.

What love is all about: "It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving."

Quoting...

Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought. Napoleon Hill


If you could get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed. David Viscott


The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can. Sydney Smith


Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't
know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is! Anne Frank

PETA Play...

INTERESTING HAPPENINGS AT THE RAJAH SOLIMAN

The State of Unknowing referred to in Greek as Agnoia,
leads us to a fascination of what the future holds in store for us.

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA),
now in its 36th Theater Season proudly presents a play of about human
relationships, about people whose perspectives in life affect their
relationships with people they love, especially their families, as well
as their significant others and friends.

Agnoia, a Palanca Award-winning modern play written by Liza Magtoto
based on the short story Horoscope by Eli Rueda Guieb III goes on stage
at the Dulaang Rajah Soliman, Fort Santiago, Intramuros from February 5
to 28, Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 in the evening.

But for those into New Age interests - henna tattoo art, life color
reading, tarot, horoscope, the Rajah Sulayman theater lobby will open
at 6:00 for audience to experience and explore their possibilities
as written in the palm of their hands, the stars or the ancient runes.

Agnoia features Mylene Dizon (alternating with Nina Ledesma),
Sherry Lara, Nor Domingo, Buddy Caramat, Sheryl Maala,
Mae Quesada-Medina, Noel Rayos, Paolo O'Hara, Cris Gonzales,
Oman Ramos and Ruby Ruiz. Melvin Lee directs.

Agnoia is also presented by Folded and Hung, the Intramuros
Administration and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
For inquiries and ticket reservations, please contact the
PETA Marketing and PR Office at 410-0822 or 724-9637
or text 0917-8154567 or 0918-9354166.

Ako interested, kayo? =)

Getting Married...

Sometimes, it really takes an effort on someone's part to revive this connection with old pals. Well, I undertook this not-so-heavy task. I emailed a number of college pals and guess what? Some of them replied.

I do send them forwarded emails but they appreciate it more if a simple 'hi' is thrown back at them. That's what Yoyen told me.

Anyway, I got some tidbit news from my old college buddies. Yoyen & Jason are now in Australia pursuing further studies. Jason is taking up risk management.

As far as I know, Kattleya is studying again, taking up Nursing and actually, she was the one who told us all that dear Archie is tying the knot come November. Hehehe! Heard he is targetting the prestigious San Agustin Church. =)

Well, I was so surprised that Carmeli replied to my email. I never expected that she would. Anyway, she is doing good in a Property Management firm and I am happy for her.

The thought that everybody wants to leave RP and hit abroad is being given such a hard consideration nowadays. Is it because of the looming results of the 2004 elections? *hmm*

I wish all of us will have a spare time even just for a cup of coffee. We got lots of catching up.

mga side effects ng pagtatrabaho sa call center

Nakuha ko sa email. Akalain mong sa sobrang haba nito eh nabasa ko...habang nasa trabaho. Naaliw kasi ako...Hehehe!

1. dahil halos di na kayo nagkikita ng nanay at tatay mo, ang tawag na nila sayo ay "boarder" at sinisingil ka na nila sa upa mo! (uy magbayad ka!)

2. pag sa sagot ka ng telepono, lagi na lang may opening spiel...exampol: ring ! ring ! ....tenk u for calling (the company) this is (your name) how may i help you?

3. eksperto ka na sa power nap, yung mga 15min break nyo, itinutulog mo na lang...para fresh pagka kolls uli, mya na yung 1 hour nap...

4. di mo na alam bumiyahe pag may araw, nalilito ka bakit andaming tao, at bakit di na dumadaan ang dyip dun sa mga kalsada na 1 way....

5. mas sanay ka ng matulog ng nakabussiness attire...na mimiss mo yung matigas na sahig ng opisina nyo...tsaka yung malamig na aircon.

6. sanay kang maglaka-lakad ng nakamedyas.

7. ang tawag mo sa mga friends mo...dude, bro, coach, tl, sup.

8. di na dugo ang dumadaloy sayo, kape na. nung nagpaospital ka ang nilagay sayo dextrose na my instant coffee.

9. sanay kang makipagusap kahit tulog...pagtinanong ka ng kahit ano, tama ang sagot mo...ummmm naghihilik ka pa hayup ka!

10. tadaaaaa! nag sasalita ka sa pagtulog mo, pati kols mo napapanaginipan mo, at minsan, sinampal ka ng kapatid mo dahil nagsisigaw kang sup call! sup call! sup call!

11. pumuputi ka na dahil di ka na naaarawan.

12. sanay ka nang matulog kahit maingay sa loob at labas ng bahay nyo.

13. kinalimutan ka na ng mga kaibigan mo dahil existing ka lang pag tulog na sila.

14. sanay ka na sa mga prank callers at mga death treats na nakasulat lang..sa dami ba naman ng ma-encounter mong ganito gabi-gabi sa trabaho eh.

15. di ka na sanay sa traffic. papasok at pauwi sa trabaho walang traffic.

16. di na tama ang oras ng pagkain mo. breeakfast mo ay hapunan na. lunch mo sa madaling araw. dinner moi pag uwi mo sa umaga.

pag Rest Day mo naman at natulog ka sa gabi, magigising ka pa din pag madaling araw na. iba na ang body clock mo.

17. lahat ng kasabay mo sa jeep pag papasok ka, pagod na. ikaw lang ang bagong ligo at bagong gel.

18. maski sa bahay, mabilis kang kumain.

19. nde ka na kilala ng aso nyo.

20. tawag sa auto mo ay taxi, kasi palaging gabi bumabyahe..

21. wala ka nang pakialam sa buhay

22. nahihiya kang magpunta sa mga reunion lalo na't alam mong successful lahat ng ka-batch mo.

23. sasabihin mo field ng trabaho mo IT, di call center.

24. nasusuka ka na pag nakita mo ang pc sa bahay nyo..

25. sasabihin mong tech support engineer ka, pero rep ka lang..

26. pag payday... olats lahat sweldo ng mga kaklase mong board passer. (8k per month lang sila) isang kinsenas mo na yun.. :P

27. pag day off mo n lang ikaw nkakapaanood ng Eat bulaga at MTB

28. Nde mo na kilala ang mga bagong artista.... si mahal at mura lang

29. nde mo n alam itsura ng mall...

30. di ka na maebs sa bhay, sanay ka na sa cr ng 5th floor or ibang floor.

31. gusto mo na ding maglagay ng alcogel sa banyo nyo..

32. ayaw mo nang pumasok sa internet cafe!

33. puro kalyo na wrist at daliri mo.

34. sanay ka na ding mag Niponggo. gozaimas!

35. maglo-lock ka ng pc kahit sa bahay na. pag pndot mo ng CTRL + ALT + DEL iba ang lalabas at matatawa ka na lang sa sarili mo dahil para kang gago.

36. sanay ka ng kumain sa harap ng pc mo kahit nsa bahay...

37. papasok ka sa ofc na nka-jeans, tshirt and cap (astig!)

38. mas malaki sweldo mo sa mga ka-batch mo, nagkakanda-kuba na sila sa trabaho nila

39. puro ka-age mo mga ka-opisina mo, walang old maids and DOMs!!

40. mabilis k ng mag pabili ng corn bits at chicharon sa ermats mo...

41. isa ka na rin sa mga nagbebenta sa free ads (you name it meron dito even endangered species)

42. pag nakakarinig ka ng Kaching!!! akala mo may mail ka na dumating. hehe

43. pindot mo ilong nung tindera kala mo vendo machine.... isa nga coke syet ilong pala yun! hehehehe... masama pa kung sa bumper na-pindot mo.... syet!

44. na inlove ka nsa kape...

45. madalasa mong sabihin sa ka IM mo n "email chat n lang tyo"

46. sanay k na makarinig ng napakalakas n pag singa ng sipon... dahil sa japs..

47. marami ka ng naipon na microwavable container

48. at ketchup galing mcdo at julibee

49. pag nagkukwento ka sa mga barkada jargon lahat. di nila maintindihan ang ibig sabihin ng ticket..

50. bumibumili ka ng chicharon sa lahat ng sikyo n makita mo.. hehehhehehe

51. pag gumagamit k ng cr,, d ka na nagpa-flush.. kc akala mo kusa na lulubog ebs mo.

52. sawa ka na internet kasi sa trabaho panay ang browsing..

53. sanay ka na ang katabi mo sinusurprise visit ng GF niya akala kc nambababae.........noh marlon?

54. akala mo mo may sarili kang locker sa bahay nyo.....

55. at magtataka ka dahil hindi lahat ng hapon galit sa kumakain ng chicharon..

56. sanay k ng magyosi o umidlip pag alas dos at alas kwuatro ng umaga

57. dito ka na makakakita ng gf, bf, or asawa. wala ka ng time maghanap sa labas.

58. pag may problema ka sa pc mo, una mong ginagawa ay clear cache at cookies..

59. yung iba dito na nakakahanap ng kabit nila eh........

60. nang ho-hoard ka na din ng tissue sa bahay

61. kala mo libre ang kape sa select...

62. libre parking mo sa building, klasmeyts mo nagbabayad araw-araw ng parking.. hahahaha

63. pag nag cr ka...sanay ka na sa gripo na automatic at toilet bowl...

64. nag hahanap ka sa kahitbahay nyo ng mga hapon....

65. pag binabati... ano nlang, pag kinukumusta ka ng mga kabarkada mo, lagi mo sinasabi, GOZAIMAS!!!!

66. naka id ka pa kahit nasa jeep

67. kaya mong tiisin na nde palitan ang damit mo ng 16 hours

68. pagtinanong ng mga ka tropa mo kung ano ang sinusupport mo... sabihin mo yahoo.com (hahahaha)

69. kasi pagsinabi mong passport, di nila alam yun. ako nga dito ko lang nalaman na may ganun pala eh..

70. ....yung uniform nga ng basketball may passport logo tanong sa akin nag-aayos kayo ng passport? hehehe anong travel agency? ayus! quote kita sa hongkong gusto mo!

71. Nasanay ka nang may katabing TL na hindi umuuwi. pagpasok mo nandun na. paguwi mo nandun parin.

72. kahit may malaki kayong speaker sa bahay gusto mo pa din naka-earphones!

73. pudpod na tenga mo sa kaka-pakinig ng paolo "payatot" santos

74. nung pinasok ng akyat bahay ang bahay nyo, magsisigaw ka ng HACKER!!! HACKER!!!

75. tanong na mahirap sagutin ... "pag-introduce urself na - first day sa sykes -engineering grad-" ..... em a nursing grad; pt grad; engineering graduate. BAT KA NANDITO?...akala mo...talagang engineer ang kailangan....kasi nasa ads...technical support engineer.....hayyy hehehe...beep beep...ala naman cguro eng grad dito ha...peace.

76. oO NGA PLA! DATI PAGNAGCOPY PASTE KA SA PC, GINAGAMIT MO ANG RIGHT CLICK, NGAYON, ctrl C AT ctrl V.

77. nagkaroon ka ng galit sa mga hapon at sana iniisip mo na kasama ka sa pangalawang dgmaang pandaigdaig at pingapapatay mo yang mga *&^%$$#@# hapon na yan!

78. naisip mo tuloy yung mga comfort women at gays nung panahon na yun.

79. dati 1 word per minute ka kabilis magtype, mgayon 2 words per minute. sanay kc copy and paste lang kya na SF.

80. kahit sa bahay, mahilig ka na mag chenes, chuba, chubaloo at charing...

81. sanay ka nang matulog ng dilat ang mata...kasi d pde pahuli

82. lahat ng style ng pagtulog....maiisip mo...

83. lahat ng kaibigan mo may christmas vacation ikaw wala

84. habang umiihi ka may nagtatanong kung anong oras na

85. yung ex mo may kasama ng iba

86. lahat ng holiday pumapasok ka kasi double pay malaki ang bayad.

87. d2 ka n sa opisina nakabili lahat ng gamit mo.. 2nd hand celfon, 2nd hand pc, sabon, shampoo, sapatos, tocino, longganisa, hikaw, prepaid card, vcd, dvd etc..

88. d2 ka na nasanay kumain ng pagkain na luto sa microwave

89. d2 ka na nakatikim ng kape na may ipis

90. kahit syampoo ng kabayo meron... hahahaha

91. gusto mo na den bumili ng water dispenser kasi pitsel lang ang nasa bahay nyo...

92. ok lang sayo uminom ng kape na may ipis kase no choice!

93. dami mo na naiipon na stirrer(red) galing starbucks kakabili ng kape.

94. nasanay ka nang mgpadeliver ng pagkain.

95. nakakita ka ng artista na nagbebenta ng pgkain sa pantry.

96. dito ka lang makakakita ng pinagsama samang tinda na: medyas, vitamins, christmas lights, cologne. yosi, siomai at lahat ng klase ng pagkain, relos, kalendaryo, stuff toys, make up, kikay kit, deodorant, kwintas, sasakyan, camera, video, audio, foot spa , milk spa, bags wallet, sinturon, mamon, hamon,

97. d2 ka na expose sa tapa king, zuppa, yellow cab, jugnos, bermuda hotel's pancit canton, wendy's. north park, star bucks,

98. di mo maenjoy christmas party kasi kaylangan mo bumalik sa office dahil may pasok ka pa ng C shift.

99. ice tea ka lang, mga kasama mo.. beer!! syet!

100. sumasama ka pa sa email chat miski wla ka na sa Sykes... shift pa nila! ayus move on with your life....

101. di mo na lam ang araw kung sabado or lunes na

102. tapos yung fud magtatake out ka na lang. dito mo na lang sa office kakainin.

103. kapag may natinola crisis at rally... di ka makakasama... pakikinggan mo na lang sa radyo

104. lahat na ng rason para umabsent nagawa mo na

105. dito sa opisina mo nararanasan na napakabagal ng oras!

106. d2 lang ako nakakilala ng mga taong ang tindi mangarap...lalo na pagdating sa mga babae

107. pantry carenderia!

108. kapag may gusto kang bilhin...titingin ka muna sa freeads...

54th PALANCA AWARDS

The Carlos Palanca Foundation is now accepting entries for the 54th Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

Categories open in English and Filipino divisions are: full-length play,
poetry, essay, one-act play, short story for children, short story and
futuristic fiction. The teleplay and screenplay categories are only open in
the Filipino division. The short story category is also open in Hiligaynon,
Iluko, and Cebuano divisions.

A special youth category is the Kabataan Essay, which is open to all youth
below 18 years of age. This year's theme is "If I Were President of the
Philippines" for the English division and "Kung Ako Ay Presidente ng
Pilipinas" for the Filipino division.

Deadline for submission of entries is midnight of April 30, 2004.
Entries sent by mail should be postmarked not later than April 15, 2004.

Contest rules and forms are available at the Carlos Palanca Foundation,
Inc. Ground Floor, CPJ Bldg., 105 C. Palanca St., Legazpi Village, Makati
City, 1229 or call 818-36-81 to 85 locals 31 and 24 or e-mail
cpawards@info.com.ph or palancaawards@yahoo.com

To LoVe

Anyone who has gone through the agony of losing someone he/she loves so much will still wish against all odds to have that love back again. But, sometimes a love lost is a love gone forever. No amount of hope can bring to life a relationship that just died a natural death. Set yourself free. Let your heart spread its wings and fly. Remember, it may rain for 40 days and 40 nights, but still will not rain forever. One day the pouring will stop and there will be plenty of branches where you can find rest. One of these is where you will build your nest and start over again. It's never too late. Remember, you may find love and lose it but, "WHEN LOVE DIES, YOU NEVER HAVE TO DIE WITH IT".



Remember that you cannot be a redeemer all your life. The best way to weigh a relationship is out in the test of fire. You cannot be a sooner of your mistake forever. Remember, we all fail and make wrong decisions but our blunders are meant not to bury us deep in misery but to teach us the valued lessons of life. Loving is always a learning process.



With love, we learn how to care and sacrifice. We learn to share and reach out. We learn to be unselfish and give more than we can. And when everything doesn't end well, we learn how it fells fall, we strive to get back on our feet and move on. This is where we learn that "Life doesn't end where our heartaches begin".



THERE IS NO FUTURE IN A RELATIONSHIP OF LIES AND SELFISHNESS. It's true, there's life in love. But, there can still be life even after losing love if you leave the past behind and let your heart heal and give you the chance to find yourself again. The success of a relationship lies not only in the beauty of its beginning but in its consistency. Make a choice not on impulse but a decision based on a healthy balance of mind and heart. Let us always remember that "HAPPINESS IS NOT A MATTER OF DESTINY BUT A MATTER OF CHOICE".



There comes a time in our lives when we chance upon someone so nice and beautiful and we just find ourselves getting so intensely attracted to that person. This feeling soon becomes part of our everyday lives and eventually consumes our thoughts and actions. The sad part of its when we begin to realize that this person feels nothing more for us than friendship. We start our desperate attempt to get noticed and be closer but in the end our efforts are still unrewarded and we end up being sorry for ourselves.



"YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORGET SOMEONE YOU LOVE. WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN IS HOW TO ACCEPT THE VERDICT OF REALITY WITHOUT BEING BITTER OR SORRY FOR YOURSELF. YOU WOULD BETTER OFF GIVING THAT THE DEDICATION AND LOVE TO SOMEONE MORE DESERVING". Don't let your heart run your life, be sensible and let your mind speak for itself. Listen not only to your feelings but to reason as well. Always remember that if you lose someone today, it means that someone better is coming tomorrow.



"IF YOU LOSE LOVE, THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU HAVE FAILED IN LOVE. CRY IF YOU HAVE TO, BUT MAKE SURE THAT TEAR WASHES AWAY THE HURT AND THE BITTERNESS THAT THE PAST LEFT YOU WITH. LET GO OF YESTERDAY AND LOVE WILL FIND ITS BACK TO YOU". And when it does, pray that it may be the love that will stay and last a lifetime.



Someone on the rebound could easily fall for sweeping emotions and be made to falsely believe that he/she finally stumbled upon the right man/woman when what he/she just found is only someone to cover up for the love he lost. A man who makes promises with words and not with actions may never live up to fulfill them. "IT'S TRUE THAT LOVE CAN WAIT FOREVER BUT IT IS CRAZY TO STUBBORNLY HOPE FOR SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T EVEN CARE OR UNDERSTAND HOW WE FEEL".



Loving someone is never a sin. It is what people do out of love that sometimes makes it all wrong. The selfish desire to want that person is what makes it a sin. Don't think only of your feelings for real love doesn't have a place for selfish people. When there is love, there is always sacrifice.



When we love someone, we NEVER easily GIVE UP on that person. Even if we get hurt badly we always try to find a way to ease the pain and learn to understand and forgive. Loving too much doesn't hurt. It is when we expect this love to be reciprocated that we begin to seek approval and acceptance of the things we have done and when we are taken for granted and rejected, we curse the very same love that we once freely and happily offered.



"DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WAITING FOR SOMEONE WHO NEVER REALLY CARED ABOUT HOW YOU WOULD HAVE FELT. OPEN YOUR HEART AGAIN AND GIVE YOURSELF THE CHANCE TO FIND THE MAN WHO WOULD MAKE LOVING WORTH THE PAIN AND THE SACRIFICE. Just like anything else, our love grows weak and extent. Beyond that, it withers without any hope of recovery and soon dies".



God wakes us up in the midst of a storm to teach us a lesson. He takes away people we love, so we can learn to value love itself. He makes us cry so hard so we can see clearly when we open our eyes. He makes us bitter so we can realize that there is no genuine happiness if we think only of our needs and not of others.



Relationships built on jealousy and selfishness is doomed from the very beginning. The hardest part of losing love is letting go and moving on. Most of us cry endlessly over things that could have been but never will be.



"God allows us to experience pain to make us stronger and better persons. He will see us through the most trying and difficult times in our lives and only if we put our trust in Him we can learn to find joy in our tears and happiness in our sorrows".



In many failed relationships, separation comes as the inevitable choice but moving on always proves to be twice as difficult as letting go. Sometimes, the end of a relationship is imposed on us, but our choice to hold on is always beyond the control of circumstances.



Letting go is a decision that can never be dictated on us. It is a resolve we make ourselves. Acceptance is the key to a new beginning and time is the healer of all wounds. Even if the storm casts its fearful shadow, there will always be light after our darkness and lonely moments. There is always a hope for those who believe. There is always a chance for those who try. "Losing someone we may not be a loss at all but a blessing because someone even more is yet to come".



There is nothing wrong in expressing our feelings to someone we love, but "we must always be sensitive to the signals that tell us when to rationalize and be sensible." There comes a time in our lives when we would fall for someone who wouldn't be as interested as we are because his attention is focused on someone else.



There are many times when we love but don't get loved in return. There are times when the sign ahead says stop but we still stubbornly head on. We would say our love is unconditional, but if it really is, then we should never feel bad. But why do we get frustrated when love turns sour? Because we still subconsciously seek acceptance and assurance from the people we care about.



Being in love can be the most wonderful thing we could experience but if the feeling begins to consume our whole beings, then we have to stop and let our minds and not our hearts dictate our actions. Only when we learn to accept our fate and understand the meaning of our failures we can truly go on with life without having to look back and cry over the things that could have been but will never be......


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"yOu CaN LeaRn tHe MoSt aBouT SoMeoNe NoT DuRiNg tHoSe MoMenTs oF DeEp aNd
PaSsiOnaTe TidBiTs oF LiFe, BuT DuRiNg tHoSe MoMenTs oF SiMpLiCiTy. tHe DeEpeSt
oF FeeLiNgS aRe BoRn DuRiNg tHoSe MoMeNtS. yOu CaN Be LyiNg iN BeD WiTh tHaT
PerSon aNd aLL oF a SudDen yOu ReaLiZe "Damn, I'm in love!"

Signs of the Times...

Does your name begin with: F

You are idealistic and romantic, putting your lover on a pedestal.
You look for the very best mate you can find.
You are a flirt, yet once committed, you are very loyal.
You are sensuous and privately passionate.
Publicly, you can be showy, extravagant, and gallant.
You are a born romantic.
Dramatic love scenes are a favourite fantasy past time.
You can be a very generous lover.

Idealistic & romantic??? Romantic daw ako?? Parang di ko yata ma-imagine...


Does your name begin with: I

You have a great need to be loved, appreciated... even worshiped.
You enjoy luxury, sensuality and pleasures of the flesh.
You like necking spend hours just touching feeling & exploring.
You look for lovers who know what they are doing.
You are not interested in an amateur, unless that amateur wants a tutor.
You are fussy and exacting about having your desires satisfied.
You are willing to experiment and try new modes of _____expression.
You bore easily and thus require adventure and change.
Your commitments don't last very long & you often tend to stray.
Loyalty is not one of your strong points.
You are more sensual than sexual, but you are sometimes downright lustful.

Jusmiyung garafun! Maniakis pala ko??


Gemini: Turn-on

Gemini is a highly intellectual and versatile person.
If you have a Gemini partner you have to match your wits with his wits to keep the zing in the relation.
They want to be mentally stimulated so you have to be good in conversing.
Your sense of humor will get you a permanent residence place in the heart of a Gemini.
Be more communicative with them and if you are good in this then you will never know how hours pass by with you
holding each other`s hand.

So true...


Gemini - Turn- off

Geminis like to do many things at the same time so if unfortunately you are the type who is looking for stability you may get disappointed.
Do not hold back a Gemini or you may lose him, as they are restless and need change in life constantly.
You should try to adopt yourself with the ever-changing Gemini.
Orthodox or conservative old fashion ideas are no-no in their dictionary.
Change with the ever-changing Gemini and do not flow against the current.

Masakit pero totoo. I had always believe that I am reflective of this character. But of course, I must not forever rely in this kind of thing for it is me who make or break my life...

Whenever I wake up in the morning
The glimmering sunshine shines over me
I hear the harmonious voices of the early birds
And for this, I feel the warmth of His love.
I get out of bed, ready to take off
I see His blessings He gave me
I have my family who came to love
To care, to guide and protect me.
As I walk along the streets
As my feet take every step
Sweet little butterflies and bees follow me
As I passed by the colorful flowers
I looked at the sky, what do I see?
The sky of blue surrounding me
Clouds of white that looks so puffy
In this way, I realized how God loves me.
Before I got to bed I stared at my window
Little bright stars twinkling on the dim sky
With the moon showing off its glow.
He has made such magnificent creations
In a world that was once filled with darkness
With his own hands, he made you
From his own image and likeness.
His creations doesn't bring only beauty
What he made is not only to fill the world
But to show his love that's undying
His love that's everlasting.

An enlightening poem written by someone.

Nasaan
Nyoy Volante

Hatinggabi, di mapakali,
di makatulog, di makangiti
Bakit ganon, hanggang ngayon,
nagiisip, nagtatanong
Sabi moy ako hanggang muling magkita
Bakit ngayon nasa piling ng iba

Nasaan ka na, nasaan ka na
Di bat pangako'y babalik ka
Hanggang ngayon, nandito pa,
naghihintay, nag-iisa
Nasaan ka na.


Alaala mo, nasa isip ko
di mawaglit, di malayo
Mga yakap mong walang kasing diin
di maniwala, di ka na akin
Sabi moy ako hanggang muling magkita
Bakit ngayon nasa piling ng iba

Wooah, di bat pangako mo'y ika'y babalik
na-ahhhhh san ka na
Di bat pangako'y babalik ka
Hanggang ngayon, nandito pa, naghihintay,
umaasa Umaasang mahal, akoy mahal mo pa
Nasaan ka na, nasaan ka na.

Ako'y iniwan na.



Broken Vow
Lara Fabian

Tell me her name
I want to know
The way she looks
And where you go
I need to see her face
I need to understand
Why you and I came to an end

Tell me again
I want to hear
Who broke my faith in all these years
Who lays with you at night
When I'm here all alone
Remembering when I was your own

Chorus:

I'll let you go
I'll let you fly
Why do I keep on asking why
I'll let you go
Now that I found
A way to keep somehow
More than a broken vow

Tell me the words I never said
Show me the tears you never shed
Give me the touch
That one you promised to be mine
Or has it vanished for all time

Repeat chorus

I close my eyes
And dream of you and I
And then I realize
There's more to life than only bitterness and lies
I close my eyes
I'd give away my soul To hold you once again
And never let this promise end

Repeat chorus

More than 5,000 Filipino couples set kissing record for Valentine's Day

MANILA, (AFP) - More than 5,000 Filipino couples kissed simultaneously for 10 seconds to welcome Valentine's Day and set a new world record, organizers said Saturday.

Organizers of the "Lovapalooza" in Manila, an attempt to break the record for most people kissing simultaneously in one area, said 5,122 smooching couples broke the old record set by 4,500 couples in the Chilean capital Santiago last year.

The end of the 10-second clinch in a public park, led by 62-year-old Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and his wife, was marked with a fireworks display that lit up the night sky moments into Valentine's Day.

Atienza had said the kissing event would be restricted to married couples, because of the Philippines' conservative Roman Catholic culture, but a casual check of participants found many of them were not married.

Organizers said they had not been told if the achievement had been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Source: Philippine Star

Poetry Workshop for Beginners

Facilitator: Paolo Manalo, Philippines Free Press Literary Editor
Dates: February 26, March 4, 11, and 18, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Thursdays
Workshop fee: P1,700 inclusive of handouts
Selected works will be published in the Philippines Free Press
For details, please call 892-1801.

What a Day...

I did countless bloopers today.

I was an hour late for the office.

My boss and I saw each other inside the elevator.

Something terrible happened today, stealing the life of me.

Bad things come to those who commit them.

I have a throbbing headache.

My entire being is still being possessed by the pain brought about this so-called ulcer of the tongue.

All I took for lunch today was this pack of egg cracklets and a grande cup of milk.

My boss left for Bangkok leaving me with tons of work.

I am so confused.

Last but not the least, I will be doing overtime today. DARN!

An African proverb state, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye." Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or low self esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important. Once you decide to commit to someone, over time their flaws, vulnerability's, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn how to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together. Neither one of you is perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other?

Do you compliment or compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurts, past mistrust, past pain. you can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and " a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or your pain.

Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship.

Seeking status, sex, wealth and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong? Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children, Daily exchanges (a meal. shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice message on their voicemail or send a nice email. Sharing common goals and interests. Growth i important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless. Don't put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember, for Richer or for Poorer.

If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion. "Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." The grass withers, the flowers fades, but the word of God stands forever.

Always try to be a little kinder than necessary! "The difference between "UNITED" and "UNTIED" is where you put the "I".

By Rev Ronald MCFadden

Oh my gawd...

What an excruciating pain this is!!!

What A GREAT RELIEF!

I thought this blog of mine was truly gone. I thought I would never be able to "revive" it. Thanks for my common sense, I was able to figure out something. All I need to do is add the "spices" that changed its appearance.

Thank you GOD! =)



(^-^) (^_^) (^_^)



New Blog...

I am deeply saddened by what had happened to my blog. It had been my solace during the times that I was so depressed, frustrated with my life. It had provided me a place where I can be me, where I dare not mind what other people think, what other might say. I had spent so much time revealing my deepest thoughts there. And in one kaboom, it was all gone.

I just wish this new one will be much better and will still be my comfort zone. Till then...


....... this was what I have written in my new blog when I thought I had lost the old one. I had this posted last Feb 8 while I was in Cebu. # posted by Ivan : 4:36 PM

I am sleepy...

Such a busy, tiring day and a very rough, draining evening. I wanted to sleep but I can't; maybe I'm scared to do so. Anyway, I will try to catch a 30-minute snooze...

...(after 30 minutes) ---- Di ako makatulog eh...

Feb 15 Photography: Feminine Beauty and huMAN Perspective

An indoor photography workshop about nude and glamour with gorgeous male and female models as subject.

Amateur, enthusiasts, professonal and hobbyists are entitled to join.

Topics include window light, shooting indoor light sources, body language and subject involvement.

Speakers are Manila's finest photographers such name as Nonong Abinuman, Mabait Badilla, Cenon Banaag, Sathiel Ramos and Renz Sevilla.

Workshop Fee is only for P1,000.00 from 9:00am to 5:00pm to be held at the 2/F Function C of the PBSP (Philippine Business for Social Progress) Bldg. located at Real St. cor Magallanes St. Intramuros (at the back of Casa Manila)

Certificate of Attendence will follow.

For inquiries, text (0919) 227-3181 & look for Sathiel Ramos.

Enrollment is now on-going.

The Flower Festival in Baguio...

The very first time I went to Baguio as a grown-up was last November 2001 with my officemates. For the past 2 years, I had visited this dear, adorable city a total of 9 times. The five times of it, I was in the company of colleagues and good friends; the other 4 - I went solo. I would not deny that this city had been an escape route for me, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Here, in this place, I always find myself at peace. Far from feeling the push and pull of a busy, city life.

Despite spending just one night there, I never regret the lack of time I spent there. I would go back to the city the next day feeling refreshed, ready to face the world again.

For the first time, I will be missing the Flower Festival. I have a very tight schedule for February and unfortunately, I was not able to turn things as expected. Anyway, I will probably be there by March.

Here is a news rundown of the events for the Fest. This was actually posted at the Manila Times last February 1.


MONTHLONG 'PANAGBENGA' STARTS TODAY
Manila Times/Sunday, February 01, 2004
By Ramon Dacawi , Northern Luzon Bureau

BAGUIO CITY—Residents led by children will take to the city streets at 9 a.m. today
with a colorful parade to launch “Panagbenga 2004,” the ninth edition of the
crowd-drawing, monthlong festival of flowers of this mountain resort.

Flower-adorned drum and lyre and dancing groups, bands and people donning
ethnic costumes of the Cordillera, will display their choreography developed for
several months in the two-hour parade that serves as an elimination round for
the final competition set on February 21.

To the tune of the festival theme played by combining the rhythm of native
gongs with band instruments, the revelers will snake their way down
Session Road, the city’s main street and wind up at the city athletic bowl
for the opening ceremonies.

Mayor Bernardo Vergara, who took over the helm of the preparations last
year, will formally declare Panagbenga 2004 open while Rep. Mauricio
Domogan will deliver a message focusing on the significance of the
festival celebrating the city’s cultural wealth and status as a city of
flowers.

Vice Mayor Betty Lourdes Tabanda will give the welcome address and retired
school dean Macario Fronda will launch the lyrics of the festival theme that he
set to music, as his tribute to the people and scenic mountains of the Cordillera region.

At least 31 cultural, literary-musical, art, sports, floral exhibitions, trade fairs and
related activities have been spread out until February 29 by the preparations
committee, led by city officials and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation.

Also to be launched today are the “Market Encounter” flower garden and
landscaping competitions and the “Carpet of Flowers” at the Burnham Park,
the clean-and-green competitions and the “Session Road in Bloom” display
of flowers and flower-inspired items.

Day 1, chaired by councilor Edilberto Tenefrancia and city tourism officer
Benedicto Alhambra, will end with the first of a series of fireworks
display at the athletic bowl.

Festivities resume on February 7 when budding and seasoned artists capture
in paintings the concept of Panagbenga, a native term meaning a season of
blooming under the “Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom” feature.

Also set next weekend is the Panagbenga open golf tournament at the Camp
John Hay and Baguio Country Club Fairways to usher in an eight-event
sports sidebar of the festival.

The festival peaks anew on February 13 and 14 with the Burnham Lake Flower
Festival featuring fluvial parades, regatta events and rafting competitions.

Daring horseback riders and pony boys will have their day on February 15
with a gymkhana, or equestrian show featuring fancy rides, races,
balloon-bursting, musical chairs and other parlor games on horseback at
the city athletic bowl.

For two weeks, from February 15 to 29, visitors will have a glimpse into
the rich Cordillera culture through dance, music, ethnic costumes, arts
and cultural shows at the Malcolm Square, Botanical Garden and Sunshine
Park.

February 20 is reserved for the “Mr. Panagbenga” body-building competition
at the Baguio Convention Center and the first Baguio dance-sporttournament
at the CAP Theater of Camp John Hay.

The crowd coming in for the celebration is expected to overshoot the
one-million mark, as it did last year, on February 21 when the Grand
Parade and finals of the street dancing competition unfold. Also scheduled
on the date is the first Baguio fireworks display competition.

Many of the local hotels, which, together with the restaurants, are the
biggest direct beneficiaries of the festival, have been fully booked for
that weekend.

Floats and brass bands take over the main street the following day and
wind up at the Burnham Park for the band and drum and bugle corps
competitions.

The search for the 2004 Flower Queen will be hosted by the newly opened
Shoemart mall on February 25 while the “Session Road in Bloom” trade fair
will be on full-blast from February 23 to 29.

Panagbenga formally ends on February 29 with the BFF half-marathon, field
demonstrations, a silent drill exhibition by the Philippine Military Academy cadets
and a fireworks display.

Significance of Female Friends...

I was cleaning my inbox of unwanted messages when I came upon this one. It tells about the importance as well as the role played by female friends in a woman's life. Read on...

A young wife sat on a sofa in Bukit Timah on a hot humid day,
drinking iced tea while visiting her Mother .

As they talked about life , about marriage, about the responsibilities
of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice
cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon
her daughter.

"Don't forget your girlfriends," she advised, swirling the tea leaves
at the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older.
No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you
love the children you'll have, you are still going to need girlfriends.
Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.
And remember that "girlfriends" are not only your friends, but your
sisters, your daughters and other relatives too. You'll need other
women. Women always do."

'What a funny piece of advice,' the young woman thought. 'Haven't
I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a
married woman, for goodness sake, a grownup, not
a young girl who needs girlfriends! Surely my husband and the
family we'll start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her Mother; she kept contact with her girlfriends
and made more each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,
she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she
was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their
mysteries upon a woman, girlfriends are the mainstays of her life. After
50 years of living in this world, here i s what I know about girlfriends:

Girlfriends bring you chicken curry and scrub your bathroom
when you need help.

Girlfriends keep your children and keep your secrets.

Girlfriends give advice when you ask for it. Sometimes you
take it, sometimes you don't.

Girlfriends don't always tell you that you're right, but they're usually
honest. Girlfriends still love you, even when they don't agree with your
choices.

Girlfriends laugh with you, and you don't need canned jokes to start
the laughter.

Girlfriends pull you out of jams.

Girlfriends help you get out of bad relationships.

Girlfriends help you look for a new apartment, help you pack,
and help you move.

Girlfriends will give a party for your son or daughter when they get
married or have a baby, in whichever order that comes!

Girlfriends are there for you, in an instant and when the hard times come.

Girlfriends will drive through blizzards, rainstorms, hail, heat, and
gloom of night to get to you when your hour of need is desperate.

Girlfriends listen when you lose a job or a friend.

Girlfriends listen when your children break your heart.

Girlfriends listen when your parents' minds and bodies fail.

Girlfriends cry with you when someone you loved dies.

Girlfriends support you when the men in your life let you down.

Girlfriends help you pick up the pieces when men pack up and go.

Girlfriends rejoice at what makes you happy, and are ready to
go out and kill what makes you unhappy.

Times passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Love waxes and wanes.

Hearts break.

Careers end.

Jobs come and go.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favours.

Men don't call when they say they will.

BUT girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you. A girlfriend is never
farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley, and
you have to walk it for yourself, your girlfriends will be on
the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you,
and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes,
they will even break the rules and walk beside you.
Or come in and carry you out.

My daughter, sisters, mother, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, aunties,
nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends bless my life! The
world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we
had no idea about the incredible joys or sorrows that lay
ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.

Today, Yesterday, the Past Few Days and Weeks...

TODAY:

I stayed here at the office trying to finish the workload before my scheduled departure on Friday. For months, I am anticipating for the arrival of next week. That is why, I wanted to make a clean slate of everything before I leave. So far, things have been turning out well unexpectedly. I am very thankful for that.

I am also planning to leave the office on time so I can meet early with my beloved boyfriend, Dex. He started his graveyard shift for the month and since he did not pick me up yesterday, we will be meeting today. He insisted on bringing me home and afterwards, he will return to the office. I am trying to be a nice girl. Hehehe!


YESTERDAY

It was a busy day. I was almost in and out of the office for meetings, accompanying our guest researcher from our Head Office in Tokyo. We had meetings with a research fellow from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and with the top official of the semiconductors & electronics organization in the country. I hoped it was a productive meeting for our guest.

While at the office, my phone lines were burning while my fingers were busy tapping the keyboard. Confirmations and arrangements for our projects took my time; setting aside the mundane routine work of a normal day.

I did not join my superiors for lunch at the Manila Peninsula since I had a personal appointment with friend Kristine, from the writing club. I gave her the books that she needed. Afterwards, I decided to go back to the office since I still had a lot of things to do before my next meeting. But before that, I bought something to eat from McDonalds. Together with my usual order, I acquired a stuff as a promotion from the movie, Brother Bear.

After the afternoon meeting, I stayed at the office till 6pm, working my ass off.

Another good thing that happened was that I was being asked by someone to be part of a lead group in a sub-lit club. I thought about it and inquired about what my tasks would be and finally, I said yes. I need something to jumpstart the year. The opportunity came knocking by.

When the bundy clock struck 6, I decided to join my officemate, TJ for dinner at KFC.

We took buses in going home but on separate directions. I arrived home at 10 in the evening.


SUNDAY

I spent the early morning jogging at my favorite area of the metropolis, Cultural Center of the Philippines. After 2 and a half hours of sweating, I decided to call the morning off. I did some household chores and met with my boyfriend at MegaMall. Itinerary was dropping by at the Philippine Food Expo for the 2nd time, checking National Bookstore for the book that I had been looking for since the other day, had 1 of my 4 remaining disposable cameras developed and to accomplish the half part of buying the groceries.

I met with my boyfriend at MegaMall at past four in the afternoon. While waiting for him, I dropped by first at the bookstore to check. Unfortunately, the book was still out of stock. I ended up buying a couple of cards.

Upon seeing my boyfriend, I decided to forego doing the remaining half of buying groceries. The guy looked so exhausted [he even got minr colds] so I thought maybe a movie and a little of everything that I planned would be ok. We had the film developed, checked the Habagat shop, strolled a little at the mall while he narrated to me the funny things that happened during the clean-up at the small mountain, visited the food expo, dined there a little, did a little grocery and watched a movie. Finally, we were able to watch the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It was good enough that we were able to watch it before it finally disappears in the moviehouses.

We left the mall before 10 in the evening...or was it past 10 already? *hmm*


SATURDAY

I woke up a little late. I was supposed to do my laundry but unfortunately, someone got to do it first. I had to wait for my time. I just decided to clean the house and fix my stuff. Afterwards, I checked my emails.

The day was so boring that I decided to go out and spent the remaining hours of the day at the mall. Besides, a friend Maki, showed up after I texted her [I handed her the thing she wanted]. But we only had a few minutes together since she had to go back to the office. I was left on my own afterwards. I went to Powerbooks and search for this elusive book. Still out of stock.

I went to the department store to see the latest collection of bags. I was looking for this particular bag which I saw a month ago. It was already gone. Sayang! It was so nice pa naman. I should have bought it the first time I laid my eyes on it.

Thinking about running out of clean socks, I bought 3 sets [3 pieces in one set] of trouser's socks for the ladies. I also got 2 big photo albums for my mom. I am planning to gather all her photos which I found scattered all over her room when I cleaned it Tuesday night [she came back from the hospital Wednesday].

I was wandering around the home care section when my eyes caught a pile of pillows. They were so nice, so cute. One pillow stood out. Colored blue and with a message very apt, I decided to buy it. I only had one person in mind to give that pillow to.

My plan to check the 3rd Philippine Food Expo was a little bit delayed. Aside from the Travel Expo & Grand Bookfair, the Food Expo is one of my most-awaited expositions to visit. I really find it interesting every year. I was able to buy a lot of food such as my favorite pili tart and pili cake from RPM Nut, pili sweets, a very long chorizo, sweetcorn, some spices, chocolate mallows, etc.

The last stop for me was the supermarket. Initial plan was to do a major grocery but thinking about the acquired 3 heavy bags, I decided to buy a little. That "little" was translated to an additional 6 bags.

Well, I was able to reach home before 11 in the evening. I was happy despite the painful left arm that I got from the heavy burden.