A Glass of Water...

Glass Of Milk

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay
his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he
was hungry.


He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he
lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.



Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water! . She thought he
looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it so
slowly,
and then asked, How much do I owe
you?"


You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us
never
to accept pay for a
kindness."


He said ... "Then I thank you from my
heart."


As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger
physically,
but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to
give up
and
quit.



Many years' later that same young woman became critically ill. The
local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big
city, where
they called in specialists to study her rare
disease.


Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard
the
name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his
eyes.


Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her
room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He
recognized her at once.




He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to
save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her
case.


After a long struggle, the battle was won.


Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to
him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the
edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for
she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.
Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side
of the bill. She read these

words...



"Paid in full with one glass of milk"



(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.


Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank
You, God that Your love has spread broad through human hearts and
hands."

REFLECTION:

helping others should NOT be motivated because we want to avoid embarassment or gain recognition from someone or society. true charity, service or giving is doing something WITHOUT thinking, hoping or expecting something in return...it should come from the very core of our generous and giving heart.

there are always opportunities to help...we just need to live and project acceptance so that anybody can approach us to ask for help... we should always have the genuine personal passion to help others when we can without expectation. ..anything else in return will be a BLESSING!

After typhoon Ondoy...What?

Whew! I never thought I will be in a more or less the same situation again in my life. The flooding I have encountered in Marikina last night reminds me of the the lahar flow more than a decade ago.

As the water goes up...I can't help but recall the lahar flow then. As I reminisce the moments, I was quick in getting things done. I have to...need to save some important things from being destroyed by the flood.

In times where one needs to act accordingly, it is really important to have focus and to be on top of the situation. If one begins to be emotional and to worry, one will not be able to do things. My experience as a survivor of lahar has helped me a lot in the situation I was into yesterday.

I have processed the incident and has come to realize that in life...we are not supposed to be attached in material things. Our attachment with material things will make it difficult for us to let go. In life, we need to experience being out of our comfort zones so that we will be able to appreciate what we enjoy and what we have.

I am now back home...and I consider the whole experience as an opportunity to help my sister and her family. My experience has given me insights...that indeed as we journey in life...we do not really know what the future holds for us...we are NOT supposed to live in regrets of the past and have fear of the future...we are called to appreciate and enjoy life at present... life is worth living despite and inspite of the challenges, difficulties and trials we encounter. Life is short...let us then live our life to the fullest, let us touch lives and have a sense of purpose.

Kakaibang Karanasan...

Sa Loob ng Gay Bar
(pagkamulat sa isang sosyal na isyu ng lipunan)

Ang mga pangyayaring naganap sa loob ng gay bar ay tila isang panaginip dahil dati itong nasa sulok lang ng aking kaisipan na biglang nagkaroon ng katotohanan.

Di ko akalain na magiging halos kumpleto kaming lahat na mga sisters kagabi. Isang lakad kasi ang aming naisipan upang kami ay magkaroon naman ng ibang klaseng gimik…isang lakad upang kami ay magkaroon ng di lang karanasan kung di pati kaalaman at kamalayan. Kakaiba nga dahil hindi naman madali sa aming lahat ang makapasok sa isang gay bar.

Nakarating nga kami sa isang gay bar sa may bandang Timog. So pumasok kami…dahil pagdating namin me pumasok na nauna sa amin, napasilip ako sa loob, madilim at me nakita akong lalake sa stage na walang saplot sa pang itaas…hmmm…sabi ko sa sarili ko…”Ganito ba ang mapapanood naming buong gabi?” So, magkahalong kaba at parang takot ang aking nadama habang aming hinihintay ang ibang mga ka sis na makapasok. Ng kumpleto na ang grupo, sabay sabay kaming pumasok….madilim… at kami ay dinala sa may bandang gitna.

Ano pa nga ba, doon na nga kami umupo at ano pa nga ba ang nararapat na gawin sa pagkakataong yun kungdi ang umorder na alak at pulutan na pagsasaluhan. Umupo ang lahat…

Nagpatuloy ang palabas ng bawat bilang ng mga mananayaw. Tumingin tingin ako sa buong paligid…iba talaga ang aura ng bahay aliwan. Naghari ang mga ilaw na kumikutitap, mga patay sinding ilaw na kung saan ay sumasabay ang mga mananayaw. Sa bawat indayog ng kanilang katawan ay mga expression ng mga mukhang di mo mawari kung ano ang nasa kanilang saloobin. Pilit kong tinignan ang kanilang mga mukha upang kahit papaano ay mabasa ko ang kanilang damdamin habang sumasayaw ngunit mahirap ngang malaman sa expresyon ng kanilang mukha.

Patuloy kaming nanood, una mga panakaw na nood…di ko pa matanggap ang katotohanan na nasa harapan ko na nga ang ganoong palabas kung kaya panay ang text ko sa isang kaibigan at kinukwento ko nga kung ano ang nangyayari. Hanggang sa me isang mananayaw na nakuha ang aming attention…dahil me dating…me character…kakaiba s’ya sa lahat…me tiwala sa sarili at confidence…me arrive at magaling pating sumayaw. Sa lahat, s’ya lang ang nakatawag pansin sa amin. Ang ibang mananayaw ay totoo ngang mga bata pa…magagaling din sumayaw…ngunit me napansin ako na kapag sila ay tinawag ng sumayaw, di sila agad lumalabas…at di rin nila tinatapos ang tugtog. Naisip ko, marahil sila ay nahihiya…at siguro nga mahirap din naman sa kanilang kalooban ang magbilad ng katawan kahit na sabihin pang mga lalake sila.

Dumating sa puntong me mga lumapit sa mga mesa…ako ay biglang natakot, nangamba at nabahala. Tumalikod ako dahil baka nga ako ay lapitan…tinanong ko ang isang kasama kune ano ang aking gagawin pag lumapit…at ang sabi sa akin ay…pitikin ko daw at sabihan ng “bakit ka nanunutok?” …hahaha…at sabay sabay kaming nagtawanan…hehe..wala lang po…masaya naman kami sa panonood. Walang kaano ano ay biglang lumapit nga sa akin ang isa…waaaaah…”eto na nga ba ang sinasabi ko”, ang nasabi ko sa aking sarili. Nabigla ako at tumalikod…sumiksik sa aking katabing sis…ngunit naisip ko…para naman akong asal bata at walang respeto kaya hinarap ko yung nagsasayaw…buong tapang at tigasin hehe…akala ko nga wala s’yang saplot…meron naman pala…nakatapis naman ng manipis. Buti nalang at tinawag s’ya ng isang bro haaays…salamat…talagang napakahirap ng ganong sitwasyon…di ako kumportable kasi…grabee ang aking kaba…ibang klaseng pakiramdam dahil nga siguro sa hiya at di nga sanay sa ibang tao, lalo na at ganoong sitwasyon.

Tuloy ang palabas, hanggang sa meron ng nag all the way…napaisip ako..sabi ko…naka droga kaya ang mga ito…at pano nila napapanatiling hard sila kung di man sila properly motivated….me gamot kayang ipinahid, or me gamot kaya silang ininom? Basta marami akong nakitang nagtitigasan…hehe…haaayz…Pero eto ang mga katanungang naglaro sa aking isipan habang sila ay pinapanood. Bakit nga ba nila nagagawa ang magbilad ng katawan lalo na ang pribadong parte ng kanilang katawan sa publiko? Isa marahil sa kasagutan ay dahil sa matinding pangangailangan,…dahil sa pera. Puede ring dahil sa material na bagay at para sa iba, marahil isa na itong normal na gawain upang makapagbigay ng aliw at di sa kung ano pa mang dahilan.

Patuloy akong nanood, sinabayan ang ibang kantang pamilyar sa akin…at samot saring ideya ang namuo sa aking kaisipan. Andun na maalala ko ang aking mga anak ng makita ko ang isang mananayaw na talaga namang napakabata.. Nasabi ko sa aking sarili, buti na lang at maayos kong napalaki ang aking dalawang binata at kahit papano ay sapat ang aming kinikita upang sila ay maitaguyod at di nila maranasan ang hirap na maaring maging dahilan ng pagkasadlak sa trabaho ng mamanayaw. Napaisip lang ako…malayo…malalim…makahulugan.

Me nagsayaw tapis lang ang suot…manipis…Noong una …akala ko ganon lang…nagulat ako..nang medyo tanggalin ang nakatakip sa kanyang katawan…wala pala s’yang suot sa ilalim…hmmm…magaling naman yung pagkatanggal …me art…medyo critic kasi ako kapag me pinapanood ako…kaya napansin ko agad yung anggulong yun…marunong s’ya. Hanggang sa waaaaaaaaah…yung mananayaw ay hinawakan na yung kanya upang tumigas ito…yun pala me gagawin s’ya at ito ay para isampay yung manipis na tapis sa kanyang ari…hmmm…tinignan ko pa ring art yun…at di kung ano pa man. Noon ko lang kasi nakita ang ganon…at dahil siguro ang perspective ko sa mga bagay bagay ay di naman lust, I saw it na parang art…a form of entertainment...though I have to admit sumagi rin sa aking isip ang natural na reaksyon ng isang babae, pero yun ay panandalian lamang. Nagpapakatotoo lang po ako.

Ang makakita ng palabas na ganon ay tunay ngang isang karanasan na di na siguro mauulit pa sa aking buhay. Ang nangyari ay ala alang magiging bahagi na ng aking pagkatao magpakailanman…na sa isang yugto ng aking paglalakbay sa buhay…naranasan ko ang pumunta sa isang gay bar upang makita ang katotohanan …ang realidad at di lang mabasa o marinig kung ano nga ba ito. Isang pagkamulat sa maraming bagay…ang pang unawa sa mga taong me ganitong hanapbuhay…pag tanggap sa kung ano at sino sila. Tunay ngang ang lipunan at napakaraming problema…pati sosyal, di lang ekonomiya o politikal…Di nga ba’t kadalasan ang mga ganito ay na ri raid din dahil sa malalaswang palabas kung minsan? Hmmm…ganon na nga siguro.

Natapos ang gabi sa pamamagitan ng isa pang all the way na show…isang palabas na tinapos naming panoorin dahil yun na ang huli at paalis na kami. Pagkatapos ng tugtog, sabay sabay na kaming tumayo at nilisan ang pook ng may mga kumikutikutitap na ilaw. Tapos na sa amin ang makita at mapanood ang ginagawa nila sa loob….ang pagsasayaw sa entablado ng mga kalalakihan , ang inumang aming ginawa at namalas, ang tawanan, ang kantyawan at higit sa lahat, tapos na ang karanasang naming na mapunta sa loob ng gay bar.

My Passion...

Got so many passions in my life...one of them is doing community outreach. I probably do not need the effort to look for venues in helping other people because opportunities always come my way. I am glad I am given the office of an institution to reach out and help "the last, the lost, and the least" of our brothers and sisters.

It really helps when at your young mind extending help has been drilled because everything becomes spontaneous. I am just thankful that my parents have inculcated to me this value of being sensitive to the needs of other people. I would remember my father's words when I was still young...he said..."one need not be rich in order to help people. One can share his time, attention, love, care, service and a little of what he or she has."

To help meet the immediate needs of people is a self fulfilling task. When their needs are met, we see the glow in their faces, the feeling of being loved and cared for, the feeling that they are special and important. Their words of thanks melt one's heart as they express their sincere gratitude. No amount of money can quantify the feeling of fulfillment. It is really very rewarding on the part of the volunteers.

I am thankful because I am a part of Cybercare...a group which has a noble cause... to help and reach out for the less fortunate brothers and sisters. Indeed, the group has been doing a noble endeavor. With the success of the two projects, the visit at the Home for the Elderly in Bahay Pag-ibig in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and the giving of bags to the indigent learners through its Back/Bag to Skul project in Sergia-Soriano Esteban II in Kalaklan, Olongapo, Cybercare is further inspired to have its third project in "Alay ng Puso" in Del Pan Street, San Nicolas, Manila.

I do believe that we can make a difference in the life of people with the little help that we share to them. Afterall, what people need these days is to feel that somebody is there for them. So that whatever support they receive, in cash or in kind would definitely make them feel special and important.

With the selfless effort we give, through the precious time we share to them, the little help, with all the love and care that go with it, we share in their dreams of having people help them meet their needs and improve their life. Life for them would have a difference if only we Share in their Dreams...

Random Thoughts...

I wonder who a real gentleman is...
I have met many men in my life, been with them in several occasions, in formal and not so formal gatherings, still, I wonder when and what makes them gentlemen? Was it because they were gentle to me? lolz...some would really try to impress and make you feel like a lady...hmmm...so, is it when a lady is capable of making him a gentleman?


Why can't they let us be?
hmmm...another thought that I always love to ponder is... why do some people care so much about the life of others?...got a dear friend actually whom I always laugh with everytime we have bonding moments... we always end us saying...why can't they just let us be? hehe...


How am I doing so far?
...been a month now since I am back to the academe...hmmm...it is tough handling a service ministry in the non academic field. waaah...to put up an office from scratch is really challenging and difficult. with all the tasks and activities you have to implement, it is not easy indeed. I wonder if I am really capable of doing all those that I have listed in my program of activities? esep esep...haayz...kaloka... hellllp...

The Beauty of a Woman....

The beauty of a woman
isn't in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman
must be seen from in her eyes;
Because that's the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman
isn't in a facial mole;
But true beauty in a woman,
is reflected by her soul.

It's the caring that she cares to give,
the passion that she shows;
And the beauty of a woman
with passing years only grows.

Sometimes in Life....

sometimes in life you find a special friend,
someone who changes your life
just by being part of it.

someone who makes you laugh,
until u can't stop.
someone who makes you believe
that there is really good in the world.

someone who convinces you
that there is an unlocked door
just waiting for you to open it.

so you opened the door and let him enter your life.
only to find out that after he has served his purpose...
he is gone...with only memories left with you.

but it doesn't matter how long this person
has been there in your life.
what is important is he once was there.

Life is Unfair...

It's 2:00AM...As I try to go back to sleep, I can't help but have these thoughts in my mind...

As I face my new responsibility in an institution...I began to think how challenging my task is. I am now exposed into realities in life where I see some people struggling to reach their dreams and are doing their best to reach their goals in life. Why can't life be fair to people? Why do some people have a miserable life? Until when will they suffer?

My heart bleeds as I hear the group of aetas express their ambitions in life. One of them wants to finish his studies so he can teach his parents to write their names and help others in their community to read and write. It is the dream of a lady to help her family be delivered from poverty. Another lady wants to be a nurse so she can serve her sick "katutubos" and help them become aware of health and safety.

I was just thinking how their dreams, their goals and aspirations be realized. At the moment still some of them don't have the needed school supplies. While some of them are already housed in some parishes, others are still looking for a place near the school that they can occupy. Their problem though does not end here...for they still have to battle and face everyday challenges in life in terms of economic, social, mental and psychological.

Maybe I need to sleep now...tomorrow will surely be another day...my wish and my dream is for a day to come that these people will be delivered from the bondage of their fate...that they will be out of misery and that they will become successful in life.

How I wish I can do more...how I wish I can address all their needs...

Would it Matter?

I have these thoughts before I went to bed last night. Would people's impressions, judgments, assessment and appraisal of your being matter at all?

Hmmm....in our encounter with people...more often we are evaluated and given an appraisal of our behavior. Sometimes people pass judgments on us based on what they see...like our mannerisms and body language. Even our manner of speaking and the words we utter are taken into consideration for them to have an assessment of what kind of personss we are. But do these things matter at all?

People will always have their prejudices and biases. One therefore has to veer away from the thought of minding what people would say...for at the end of the day, what matters most is...you know you have enjoyed life's pleasures to the fullest and truly lived life according to how you want it to be without the cost of others...

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things."
- Albert Einstein -

Bag to Skul: A Way to Make a Difference!

Bags to Skul: A Way to Make a Difference!

In a week’s time, it’s back-to-school for the kids. Parents are now busy preparing the needs of their children for school. One of the must have items for a pupil during the upcoming school year is a bag, a necessity for every learner of any educational institution especially to those who are in the Elementary level.

Last Saturday, May 30 at 2:00PM Cybercare answered this need of the learners of Sergia Soriano – Esteban II Integrated School, in Kalaklan Olongapo City. To concretize its mission and vision, which is to help the unfortunate brothers and sisters, the group gave out bags to the learners of the said institution.

Despite the bad weather, the group arrived at the school premises at about 2:00PM. The school has prepared a program which eventually started at 2:30 PM with the opening prayer led by Ms. Viola G. Ramos followed by the singing of the National Anthem conducted by Ms. Maritess P. Magtangob. The Welcome Remarks was delivered by no other than the principal, Mr. Marcial C. Mortera and Bro Cesar D. Mangalindan, the Chairman of Cybercare gave the message.

In the welcome remarks of Mr. Mortera, the Principal, he expressed his gratitude on behalf of the parents and pupils. He said that they are thankful because the group has chosen their institution to be the recipient of its second project. Furthermore, he wished the group good luck to its forthcoming endeavors.

In the message of Bro Cesar D. Mangalindan, he conveyed Cybercare’s mission and vision which is to reach out, touch lives and help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. He also mentioned our objectives and the history. In addition, his message also included the Back/g to Skul theme of the project.

In the game portion, the children became restless because everyone was eager to watch their schoolmates participate. Bro Vic Autencio was the game master so he was responsible for the games and the mechanics. Games like hiphip hooray, the boat is sinking, papel at gunting, etc., were played by the pupils. Some members assisted the pupils as coaches of the teams. Pupils who won in the different games were given prizes in the form of school supplies.

There was also a magic portion which made the crowd became noisy because Bro Eryx showed them some magic tricks. The children became curious about how things are done and so the group were not able to control them when they advanced and went near the magician so they could see how he performs the magic. The kids’ attention were drawn to the tricks and were mesmerized as the magician performs.

In the program, some pupils staged their talents through singing and dancing. They entertained the crowd and as a prize, they were given school supplies.

After the game portion was the giving of bags. A list that contains the names of the pupils who were present was prepared by the teachers. The distribution of the bags was done by grade level so that as the name of the pupil was called, he or she approaches the members of Cybercare and gets his or her bag. I was keen in my observation as to the expression and reaction of the pupils and was able to see the excitement of every child to get his or her own bag. You can really feel the eagerness of every learner as he or she looks forward for his or her name to be called and for his or her bag to be handed to him or her. In the eyes of the pupil is happiness and joy as he or she receives the bag. In this activity, the parents and teachers joined the members of the group to ensure peace and order.

Words of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Namnama L. Roque, Supervisor I in PE and Values Ed teacher from the Division Office, who also happens to be the mom of Bro Dhong. She said that the learners should take proper care of the bag so it can serve its purpose all throughout the school year. Likewise, Mrs. Gloria M. Delena, the Parents Teachers Association Vice President expressed her gratitude to the group on behalf of the parents.

The program was concluded by yours truly through a closing remarks, thanking the Principal, the teachers, the pupils and the parents who were present. Also, proper and due recognition and acknowledgement were accorded to the donors and to those who have helped in making the project possible.

With the theme Bags/Back to Skul, Cybercare was able to realize its mission and vision. We, the officers and members of the group were able to do it again with the help of our friends who have shared their blessings. Indeed, to extend help is a matter of action, a determination, a dedication and a commitment to serve. It’s about making things possible with our coordinated effort amidst the challenges and the trials that come our way. It is working by faith. It is about…answering the call to action, the call to reach out and touch lives... It is about making a difference…

Escape...Explore...Experience...

SINGAPORE




Last May 22 I was able to escape from my everyday routine and explore Singapore. The trip I had was really relaxing and was something worth remembering. I had happy moments and memories with my friends. We really had fun.

Phenomenolohiya ng Isang Ina...

Uha! Uha! Uha...

Iyak ng sanggol ang aking huling narinig bago ako makatulog na me ngiti sa aking mga labi. Alam kong sa pagpikit ng aking mga mata ako ay isa ng ganap na babae at isa ng ina.

Ang magdalantao ay isang karanasang di ko malilimutan sa aking buhay. Hindi biro ang magbuntis sa loob ng siyam na buwan. Sa aking karanasan, iba iba ang aking naramdaman. Nandon na ako ay mahilo, sumakit ang ulo, maramdaman ang sakit ng tyan, makaramdam ng nilalamig, naiinitan, di makatulog, ayaw ng ibat ibang amoy, ayaw ng pagkain at sinusuka at iba't iba pang di mo maipaliwanag na karamdaman. Akala ko noong una ang lahat ng ito ay mga kasabihan lang. Na umaarte lang ang mga buntis, ngunit napagtanto ko na me katotohan pala sa ibang babae ang mga pangyayaring ito at isa ako sa nakaranas nito.

Sabi nila, kapag ang babae ay nasa kabuwanan na, ang isang paa daw nito ay nasa hukay dahil mahirap daw ang mganak. Sadyang ito ay mapanganib dahil di mo nga naman tiyak kung pano ka makakaraos sa pagluwal ng sanggol na nasa iyong sinapupunan. Mahirap ngang ipaliwanag ang pakiramdam ng isang babaeng naghihintay nalang ng araw ng pagsilang nya sa kanyang anak. Pagkainip, pangamba, takot, pagkasabik at galak ang kanyang mararamdaman at higit sa lahat, walang katiyakan kung ano nga ang kanyang sasapitin...nagdadasal at naghahangad na sana'y makaraos s'ya ng maluwalhati.

Tunay ngang ang kabuluhan at ang kahulugan ng isang pagiging ganap na babae ay natutupad sa pagbubuntis nito at sa pagsilang ng isang munting anghel mula sa kanyang sinapupunan. At ang kaganapang ito ay maituturing na isang pagpapala dahil hindi naman lahat ay nabibiyayaan ng isang supling sa kanyang sinapupunan.
Di nga ba't ang iba ay nais na magkaanak ngunit sila ay hindi maaaring magdalantao? Ilan na ba ang nangarap at nagdasal upang sila at mabiyayaan ng isang supling? Ngunit hindi nga lahat ay me kakayahan...hindi lahat ay pinagpala.

Mula sa aking pagkakaidlip...muli kong narinig ang iyak ng isang sanggol...nagising ako....at sa aking tabi ay isang anghel... isang sanggol na lalake na ubod ng pogi. Habang s'ya ay aking tinititigan napaisip ako at nasabi sa aking sarili na...ako nga ay isa ng ina. Napangiti ako dahil sa kagalakang aking naramdaman...sabay sabi ng anghel sa tabi ko...

Uha! Uha! Uha!

Captured Moments....

Last Friday I had a respite ...I really had fun and enjoyed myself in Morong, Bataan. I had a break, was able to unwind and be in solitude...

Thanks to my friend Gayle who invited me to join her in this out of town gig. Domo Arigatou...

It Could Happen to You! Be Careful...

Things happened so fast...I was on my way home from DFA Clark Pampanga when all of a sudden I felt sort of being dizzy. It was so uncontrollable that I was unconscious and unaware for few minutes. The last thing I can remember was I was so sleepy and so I closed my eyes and sort of just nap or sleep.

I came to my senses with the cough of the man behind me...I was riding a jeepney...and so my tendency is to look at him because his cough was unusual. Since there is a vacant seat in front of me, I moved and sat in front of him...there I saw my bag opened...I closed it and look at him.. still he is coughing...I saw him trembling as he cough then he get rushly off the jeepney.

I remember that I have to text a friend...and so I need to get my my cell phone...but to my surprise... it is gone...I have searched my bag but it is nowhere to be found. I was alarmed not knowing what to do...the natural reaction...I was frantic and sad for the loss, but I tried to cool down and think of the best thing to do. So I went home and tried to call my number....nobody answers but I can hear sounds...I begged for my victimizer to return to me my sim card because I need my contacts...I pleaded...and offered him an amount for it....but to my dismay...he did not reply. I tried to kip in touch for several times but got no answer.

Yes, I was a victim. Sometimes in life we encounter untoward incidents that are beyond our control. Even if we are aware and conscious of what is around us, we experience situations that we do not like or we less expected. But looking it in a positive way, I do believe that if we loss a thing we will gain something. That things happen for a reason.

Our reaction to a situation will definitely make the kind of day we will have. In my case, since I got many friends, my reaction was just to tell them about what happened. At that time, all I want is to inform them what happened to me, to narrate the incident. I just need to express and to let go of my feelings. And I was overwhelmed by the comforting and consoling words they have given me. I have realized my importance because of their concern and because of their care. I was touched by their words and by their reaction to what happened to me.

Yes, I may have lost my cell phone and my contacts in it but I have gained moments ... comforting and consoling words my friends have given me. Words that will remain in my heart - that will forever be valued and treasured- for the rest of my life.

Yesterday may not have been a good day for me, but I still have today and tomorrow which I believe could hold pleasant surprises and wonderful blessings. I believe in my heart that things can turn around and can still be excellent in the days to come.

To all my friends who were with me in my situation, I express my deepest gratitude to you. I really appreciate your being there for me guys.

Thank you so much!

About Me!

I am basically a happy person. I love meeting people and making friends. I am nice and friendly...A lady who speaks her mind.

I love to express my thoughts in writing. Got the passion to reach out and touch the lives of other people by showing love and care, sharing my blessings and helping them in whatever way I can. I believe that commitment and dedication make me a woman of character.

I am at the moment enjoying my journey to life by making sense and making a difference in the life of other people and in my life as well.

Life is what we make it... Life is short...Let us make moments...

Isang Araw na Kakaloka Talaga!

I got up at 4:45...umuulan...kung kelan masarap matulog dahil bedroom ang weather, saka naman me mga lakad na di maiwasan...

need to enroll my son...so...ayun...decided na sa hapon nalang me punta skul para konte nalang ang pipol.

nag online me...den nag cook ng breakfast...la me helper kasi...kaya domesticated ang beauty ko...hehe...

den nagbabad sa tambayan at sa YM...kausap sis n law sa states, at the same time ka text si gayle, my friend.

ask nya na meet us for lunch...so, kahit umuulan...napa oo naman ako...anyway, sabi ko...need to go to skul din naman...

so yun nagbabad muna ako sa PC...den mga 11:45 punta na me sa intersection.

we had lunch...den punta STI den punta us skul for the enrollment...

so I enrolled my son, as usual ano pa nga ba po, kungdi yung pabalik balik na na paraan...tapos nun...punta me sa Office ng Registrar sa friend ko para get ko copy ng clearance fo an unclaimed benefit...

then punta naman office ng MOKSA...name ng Union us...kinausap President...then punta office ng HRD para ask certification...tapos balik ulet sa Office ng friend ko sa Alumni Affairs...chat lang and check mails while wait ko Certification ng HRD.

mga 15 minutes to 5:00 balik me HRD...haayz me kausap Head...so wait ako mga 20 minutes...till finally na sign na certification..

balik ulet sa office ng Alumni, computer ulit kaharap ko...until yaya na Tey and Gayle, mga friends ko na punta us SM...

di puede si Gayle sumama sa SM so, kami nalang ni Tey natuloy...la lang...eat lang us and wentuhan...den at 7:30 uwi na us...layo pa kasi uuwian nya...Arayat.

tapos pagdating....nag shower ako....got 3 of my books, scan and skim lang ako sa mga pages, books ni Kahlil Gibran at ni Zechariah Sitchin...la me sa mood mag read, so balik ulet sa computer...chat with my son, check mails, and write what happened today....

whoaaaaaaaa....grabeee....daming nangyari...pero masaya naman ang araw dahil dami ko nagawa at nakapag bonding pa ako sa mga friends ko.

Bukas kaya? ano kaya mangyayari? hmmmm...this remains to be seen...

ayyyz it's late na pala...need to rest now...

Life is a Blessing...

Why does a man feel discontentment?
It is because he has many needs and wants.
He has many dreams and aspirations,
and longs for fame, fortune and power.

He complains, he worries,
and runs through life so fast.
Thinking that the blessings in his life is far,
far better than the burdens.

He forgets to look at what he has,
to be thankful of his life, to appreciate his
friends and familly,
and to count his blessings.

To live at the moment is a blessing.
It is a gift because the life we have is ours.
We have the power to do what we want with it.
To control our own life.

Let us then live our life well.
Embrace the power to make it
a life that is exciting, worthwhile and with purpose.
We are blessed with this life...
Let us be thankful and be contented.

cherry 4/22/09

Happy Birthday "Ima"...

Bakit nga ba me mga taong dumarating sa ating buhay na sa pagdating ng takdang panahon sila din ay lilisan? Hindi ba maaring sila ay manatili sa ating piling upang tayo ay di mangulila sa kanila?

Pitong taon na rin ang nakakaraan ng pumanaw ang aking biyenan. Ang inang umaruga sa amin at sa aking mga anak. Tandang tanda ko pa ang masasayang ala ala ng s'ya ay kapiling pa namin. Malugud n'ya kaming sinamahan ng aking asawa sa aming pagpapalaki sa aming apat na anak. Hindi lang s'ya isang mabuting ina. Isa rin s'yang lolang mapagmahal sa kanyang mga apo.

Hindi ko makakalimutan ang pag aasikaso at pagmamahal na nadama ko sa loob ng labing pitong taon naming pagsasama. Nananatili pa sa aking isipan ang mga pagkakataong ako ay kanyang ipagluto ng pagkaing gustong gusto ko. Ibili ng mga prutas na aking paborito. Mga paraang naramdaman ko sa aking puso na mahalaga ako sa kanya at ako ay mahal n'ya. Nakaka miss ang mga bagay na ito at ako ay lubhang nalulungkot sa aking pag alala sa kanyang kaarawan.

Buhay pa sa aking mga alala ang mga pagkakataong s'ya ay napapasaya ko sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ko ng pagkain, damit, kung ano ano pang alam kong kanyang ikakatuwa. Bakas sa kanyang mukha ang kaligayahan sa tuwing s'ya ay bibigyan mo ng regalo sa kanyang kaarawan at aginaldo sa araw ng pasko. Ilang kaarawan na rin at ilang pasko na , na wala na akong binibigyan at ito ay isang nakaugalian ko na, na aking hinahanap hanap. Nakakalungkot isipin na wala na ang taong ito at di na namin s'ya kailanman makakapiling.

Sadya nga po sigurong mahirap makalimutan ang mga araw ng s'ya ay aming nakapiling. Yung mga panahong s'ya ay nagkasakit at naging paralitiko ng dalawang taon, na kung saan amin s'yang inalagaan hanggang sa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay. Mga panahong nagibigay ng pagsubok sa aming pamilya at nagbigay ng hamon sa aming kakayahan upang ibigay ang attention at pag aarugang kanyang kinakailangan. Mga ala alang kung saan kami ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na ipadama ang aming pagmamahal at pagkalinga.

Sa buhay, ang mga taong nagpahalaga at nagmahal sa iyo ay tunay ngang mahirap makalimutan. Mga taong naging bahagi na ng buhay mo. Wala na nga s'ya...wala na kaming tatawaging "Ima" ngunit ang kanyang alala ay mananatili sa aming mga puso habang kami ay nabubuhay sa mundo.

Maraming Salamat "Ima"! We miss you po.

Maligayang Kaarawan mula sa aming pamilya mo!

A Day with Minnie...

I had a great day yesterday because I was with Minnie, a pretty and lovely lady. Actually, it was my first time to be with her since most of the time she was with my son Gene, when he was still in the country. We were together because we visited my mother in law's grave since it was her birthday.

What do I like about her? I like her being nice and friendly. I like her smile...her simplicity and politeness are the traits that make me love her more. At first, I can sense that she was uncomfortable but as we go along with our moments, finally she became at ease with me.

I wish she will just be able to hold on and hang on in her relationship with my son, for to maintain a long distance relationship is difficult and challenging. I know at times she is sad and lonely, but she has to accept the reality and just be strong.

With the time I had with her, I was able to know her personally and was able to give her some pieces on advice. We had a good exchange of thoughts and enjoyed the food as well. I hope to have more bonding moments with her in the future.

Thanks a lot Minnie for being with me and for a wonderful day! I will just be here for you always. Take care and hope to see you again soon...

KINDNESS

A simple act of kindness,
Passed on from man to man;
Is but a touch of God's own love,
In a kind, extended hand.
Compassion, love and mercy,
Passed down through all mankind;
Completing then the circle,
That all men seek to find.



In reaching out and touching lives,
With your generosity;
It did not go unnoticed,
For the eyes of God can see.
The kindness and compassion,
That He's sown deep in your soul;
An instrument of His own love,
To make life's circle whole.

Allison Chambers Coxsey
©1996 ~ All Rights Reserved

Cybercare... Ready For Its Next Project!

Last Friday night, was another night of joy. Tuwa po ako na makita ulet mga bros and siztahs ko sa Cybercare. Natutuwa ako dahil kahit mejo matagal us di nagkita kita ulet, andun pa rin yung feeling of being with the group or family.

Ganon pala yung feeling na halo halo....hiya me dahil late me, den kabado pa dahil honestly speaking, I was NOT really prepared for the meeting. Basta yung inisip ko lang makarating ako sa Morato and be with the group.

Naging smooth naman yung meeting us. As usual,...excited us lahat magsalita, kaya yun, mejo magulo yung minutes ko. The group were able to discuss concerns for the next project like the proposed date, time of departure, the newsletter, the shirt and other matters.

Masaya, magulo at makabuluhan ang pagtitipong naganap sa Pipey's last Friday. It was a night of business concerns about our next project; the giving of bags to the indigent learners. That night, naramdaman ko na nandun pa rin yung commitment sa puso namin to touch the lives and share our blessings to others. That everybody who was around accepts the full responsibility to share in the task of making the next project another success and to make the Cybercare's mission and vision be realized.

Thanks to everyone who were there...See you soon for the next meeting...

Lakeshore Bonding Moments with Friends...

Last Saturday was an unexpected moment for me because I was with my friends, Gayle and Pey at Lakeshore, Mexico, Pampanga. My friends and I had a respite from our busy sked and were able to unwind at the beautiful place. We had a boatride from the main dock to the central island. A place where you can see a swimming pool and party amenities. We had picture taking at the different beautiful spots (like the lighthouse, dock area, etc) as we capture our bonding moments. The place is really nice.

I was happy because we were able to find time and make time to be together. Interaction among friends is indeed extremely important at times because it gives you the opportunity to share your concerns to them. I'd like to thank my friends for listening to me. Thanks for being there always for me. I really treasure your friendship and the rest of our friends who were not with us. I am really blessed with your presence in my life.

Memory lasts forever, never does it die,
true friends stay together and
never say goodbye!

When You Love Someone...

When you love someone...
from the Movie Braveheart
by Bryan Adams

When you love someone - you'll do anything
you'll do all the crazy things that you can't explain
you'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
when you love someone...

you'll deny the truth - believe a lie
there'll be times that you'll believe you can really fly
but your lonely nights - have just begun
when you love someone...

when you love someone - you'll feel it deep inside
and nothin else can ever change your mind
when you want someone - when you need someone
when you love someone...

when you love someone - you'll sacrifice
you'd give it everything you got and you won't think twice
you'd risk it all - no matter what may come

when you love someone
you'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
when you love someone...

Let Us Learn Nihongo...

Hello. Konnichiwa.

Good Morning. Ohayou.
Ohayou-gozaimasu. (Polite)

Good afternoon. Konnichiwa.

Good evening. Konbanwa.

Good night. Oyasumi. Oyasuminasai.

Good bye. Sayounara.

See you later. Dewa mata.

See you tomorrow. Mata ashita.

How do you do. Hajimemashite.

I'm glad to see you. Oai-deki-te ureshii-desu.

How are you? Ogenki desu-ka.

I'm fine. Genki-desu.

And you? Anata wa?

I'm fine, too. Watashi-mo genki-desu.

Thank you. Arigatou.
Arigatou-gozaimasu.(polite)

Just a thought:

If anyone did you an injustice and you feel hurt, think of the situation as a humbling experience for the person, show a little mercy and compassion and let the healing be done...FORGIVE...

Let there always be peace, faith, love and hope for a better future in this world we live...

Wish I Were...

I wish I were a butterfly,
Floating gently to the sky.
I delight in your beauty,
So serene and so free.

How does one become a butterfly?
How can I fly?
Will I be able to soar high?
Help me, for freedom is my cry.

I wish I were a butterfly,
Like a gentle bird in the sky.
I want to be happy and free,
And to be a butterfly is all I want to be.

Is love like a butterfly?
For real love goes where it pleases,
and pleases where it goes.
Fearless, daring, no boundaries and goes its own way.

I wish I were a butterfly,
Mysterious and fascinating,
Attractive and enchanting,
My dream, my wish forever and always.

Kumusta Na Po Kaya Sila?

Abandoned Elders at Bahay Pag-ibg

Ang pangyayaring naganap noon Ika - 14 ng Pebrero 2009 sa Bahay Pag-Ibig ay isang karanasang nagbigay ng ligaya at kahulugan sa aking paglalakbay sa buhay. Isang karanasang kailanman ay mananatili sa aking puso dahil ito ay nagbigay ng isang katuparan sa hangarin at adhikain ng grupong Cybercare. Ang hangaring makatulong sa mga nangangailangan ng kalinga, pagmamahal at pagtugon sa mga simpleng pangagailangan ng mga lolo at lola ay aming nabigyan ng panahon at pansin sa Araw ng mga Puso.

Magkahalong lungkot at saya ang aking nadama noong araw na iyon. Saya dahil sa nakapiling ko ang grupo ng Cybercare sa isang proyekto sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa kapwa na nagbigay ng lubos na ligaya sa aking puso na makitang nakangiti at natuwa ang mga lolo at lola sa Bahay Pag-ibig. Lungkot dahil sa nakita kong katayuan ng mga matatandang inabandona na ng kanilang mga pamilya.Kahit hindi sila magsalita, batid ng aking puso ang nasa kanilang damdamin. Kung titignan mo ang bawa't isa, me lungkot na nakakubli sa kanilang mga mata, at mararamdaman mo na mayroong lumbay sa kanilang buhay..

Ang makita ang iba sa kanilang nakahiga nalang dahil hindi na nila kayang bumangon pa ay nagbigay ng kirot sa aking puso. Pinilit kong pinigil ang aking mga luha sa gilid ng aking mga mata, at itinago sa aking puso ang lungkot at pighati na aking nadama sa mga oras na iyon....dahil sa katayuan nila na aking nakita. Awa ang aking naramdaman dahil hindi ko lubos maintindihan kung bakit ganon ang kanilang kinasadlakan.

Sa paglipas ng araw, di ko maiwasang tanungin ang aking sarili...Kumusta na nga kaya Sila? Paano nga ba kaya ang araw-araw na buhay ng mga lolo at lola? Kumusta na kaya si Lolo Tano? Kumakanta pa rin ba s'ya paminsan minsan? Sino kaya ang umaakay sa kanya dahil sa s'ya nga ay isang bulag. Tandang tanda ko pa noong nandoon kami, kailangan pang sabihin ni Dhong na ang inabot sa kanya ay mamon dahil nga sa s'ya ay di nakakakita.

Isang pagpapala at nakapagbigay ng galak sa aming mga puso ang marinig ang sinabi ni Lola Pacing ng sabihin n'yang ipagdarasal n'ya kami sampu ng aming pamilya upang kami ay patuloy na pagpalain sa aming mga ginagawa. Natuwa si Lola sa kanyang bagong rosaryo at mga istampitang nakapaloob sa kanyang supot kasama ang iba pang personal na gamit na aming pinamigay.

Kumusta na kaya sila? Siguro sa ngayon ubos na ang binigay naming mga biskwit, mga candy, at mga noodles. Oo nga't sa araw ng iyon sila ay aming nabigyan ng panahon at tulong....napakain ng pancit puto at kutsinta at napainom ng juice, ngunit di pa rin maalis sa aking isipan ang kanilang katayuan...Kung me magagawa nga lang sana ang grupong Cybercare upang patuloy naming tugunan ang ilan sa kanilang pangangailangan...siguro kahit papano maiibsan ang lungkot at pighati na kanilang nararamdaman.

Sa aming mga lolo at lola, nais ko pong ipabatid sa inyo, na sa puso ko at isipan alam kong magtatagpo pa pong muli ang ating mga landas...babalik po kami sa inyo...dahil kayo ang nagpadama ng tagumpay sa aming hangarin sa buhay. Kayo ang nagbigay saysay at kahulugan sa aming adhikain na makatulong sa kapwa. At dahil dito, nais naming iparating sa inyo ang taos pusong pasasalamat.

Maraming Salamat Po!

Just Trying to Express....

I woke up having these thoughts in mind ...Just want to share them with you...

1. I think of myself as being independent, open-minded, sincere, truthful, loving and caring and most of all...nice and friendly.

2. My best strengths are my charisma, my good and effective communication skills, my attitude and character, and my wisdom and discernment over matters and circumstances I am faced with.

3. What keeps me going is my passion and zest for life. My desire to make sense and make a difference in my life and in the life of others.

4. If I could do anything I wanted to do, I would go to all people who are less fortunate and address all their needs. If I could only do this, I will be the happiest person in this world because I believe it is in making others happy that we find fulfillment and joy in our hearts.

5. I feel that I am special to someone when he/she gives me time and surprises. I love surprises...one just have to make sure that I will really be surprised. I know I am special because I will be able to feel it.

6. I wish people will see me as a person who is easy to get along with. A lady who is compassionate, nice and kind. . . somebody who has wisdom and intelligence ... and who is happy and contented in life.

7. I believe that nobody's life is entirely free of pain and sorrow. It is about learning to live with them rather than trying to avoid them.

8. I am a person who maintains optimism amidst challenges in life because I am a woman of character. I will always consider challenges as liberating experiences.

9. My goal in life is to be able to serve a life with a sense of purpose.

10. Before my life is over, I want to leave a legacy because I want the goodness in me to continue in this world we live in.

INTELLIGENCE OF LIFE

Thank you for the enlightenment...
My actions are now empowered by the
Intelligence of Life itself.

And this is what my soul has taught me of what love is
through the years...

That love is beyond my understanding of what it is.
Beyond the words that I say to let you know what I exactly feel,
Beyond the feelings that I express through my actions...
Beyond what was, what is, and what will be...
For this is love that is meant to be.

I will hang on and hold on...
Because forever you will
Always be in my heart.

Amazing Adventure!

I never thought I will ever experience nature tripping through a Tree Top Adventure because it was not included in my itenerary that day. It was an unplanned activity which has made me explore and have a journey to get high on nature.

Wow! It was really amazing! The ride among the trees was really exciting and breathtaking - form one hundred feet above the ground! I had a great time riding the world's first motorized canopy tour.

With the adventure, I had the chance to explore and conquer my fear of heights. Now I know that I do not have an acrophobia...that I can be 100 feet above the ground without fears...

It was indeed a journey with so much fun and breathtaking moments...

Congratulations Gizelle!

March 31 was indeed a memorable day for me because I was able to witness the graduation ceremony of my only daughter, Gizelle. I am really glad that I am back in the country.

Seeing her finish her Secondary Education was really an accomplishment...it was really a fulfillment and success... not only to her, but also to me as a parent.

I can't believe that this little girl whom I used to cuddle is now a young lady...hmmm...yes, she has grown up to be prettier than mom...

Congratulations Gizelle! I wish that all your dreams will come true...