Kaleidoscope of Images

Travel at a Low Cost with ENSOGO

2011-12-14T22:39:00.004+08:00


The view of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture from the train's perspectives

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Indeed, true to Saint Augustine's statement, there are so much to discover in this life, so many things to learn and so much to see in this world, and to travel is the only remedy to all these.

However, many reason out that traveling is just too much for them to prioritize more than the necessities of life, like food, education, shelter, education, medicine and health insurance, to name a few. They consider traveling only as a luxury in life. This mind-setting made them contented in being immobile for the rest of their lives.

As the world becomes smaller with all the high-technology we have in the contemporary era, several corporations and organizations have also reached out to a bigger percentage of the population. Thus, several establishments are using the internet to market their products and services effectively, and one of the greatest benefits that we, as consumers all get because of this ,is being able to take advantage of these products and services at very low costs. Take for instance the costs of traveling. Instead of shelling out about 16,000 in pesos (about US$390) for a travel to Kota Kinabalu, one could already make it to the capital state of Sabah in East Malaysia for only 7,800 pesos (about US$190), and that is almost about 50 percent half of its original cost. With this rate, one could learn new things and discover so much more than the price one pays for.

Explore the different chapters of the book and travel at a low cost with the help of ENSOGO. To know more about this wonderful offer, register at this site: www.ensogo.com.ph and learn more about their special travel offers.

I Am... (The Reflection)

2011-12-14T10:37:00.000+08:00

The entity arises in the pedestal where the crowd’s eyes locked upon the angelic petite façade publicized to them. Mesmerized by her wit and charm, amazed by her out-of-this-world flair and the liberalism of her perception, fascinated by her sharp looks and mysterious grimaces and astounded by the hard-shell of a personality that shielded such delicate fascia, neither would doubt nor could ever decipher the reality of her being. The androgyny in her persona frequently calls out to everyone making her aura attractive regardless of their sexual characteristics.

Her wacky jokes and laughter, cheerful and almost nonstop chit-chats brighten people’s drab moments. Her strong, stern yet hippy and liberated leadership style draws the team to her side like tiny shreds of magnetic metals. Her sophisticated, mean and unapproachable, sometimes weird guise may repel prospective acquaintances. However, first impressions always never last.

Soft yet brutally frank and outspoken; it's simply credited to her "I'm lucky" childhood and independent secondary life pushed by her early encounter of life's turbulent waters. No wonder, she could be everybody’s greatest dream and worst nightmare.

Nonetheless, jumping into conclusions instantaneously or even judging what the eyes revealed from the frontage is futile. It may be as delusional as the soft and pleasant face of the girl smiling mysteriously from beyond the reflection of the mirror in front of you. So, behold what lies beneath the silver magical thing that reveals her charming but tough appearance to the naked eyes. It will always remain mystifying to people. Know her. She’s your best friend or your worst enemy. She will always remain an enigmatic reflection in the mirror. She will always be Tyra!

Ramdom Thoughts

2011-09-12T18:19:00.000+08:00

When the mouth is at its most quiet moment, the mind is also at its noisiest. Here are some of the things my mind reverberates when my mouth chooses to be silent and my mind is at its loudest moment:

We should be contented of what we have and don't have at present, but it does not mean we have to stop dreaming.

What's the difference between a wounded soul and a wounded heart? I can't really put the explanation into words, but I would rather have a wounded heart and suffer now, than a wounded soul and suffer in hell forever.

The best part of missing someone is... you get to see the person again, soon.

It doesn't matter how you love me or what kind of love you have for me. The thought that you love me is already enough for me.

I fell asleep looking at your Skype profile page, somehow waiting for a word from you... and tonight was no difference.

There may be more downs than expected ups in this current life, but never shall I fall down entirely, but just stay bended on my knees, for it is in those times that I am praying hard.

People who wish to die are selfish because they only think about their own feelings without considering the pains it will cause to others.

Have I Not Told You...

2011-08-31T08:59:00.001+08:00

Have I not told you that I wish to be with you all the time?

Have I not told you that I want to hug you tight?

Have I not told you that your laughter brings sunshine to my day?

If so, have I not told you that I want you to stay in my life for as long as life goes on?

Have I not told you I hate to see and know that you’re under the influence of some vices?

Have I not told you that it worries me to know you are not feeling well?

Have I not told you that it drives me crazy to hear your voice so stressful?

If so, have I not told you that I care for you a lot?

Have I not told you that your happiness is also my happiness?

Have I not told you that I wish nothing more than to see you smile?

Have I not told you that being with you makes me forget the world behind me?

If so, have I not told you that I love you?

(For YOU, and you know who YOU are...)

Being With YOU

2011-08-29T21:22:00.003+08:00

I felt like the days are dragging to a slow boredom.
I got frequent homesickness as the days passed by,
thinking of nothing else but the day that I will finally go home.
My spirits are becoming low and uninspired.
But strangely, these feelings exist no more, the moment I got to know you.

Being with YOU makes the world turns faster, as if yesterday was just a wink of the eye.
Being with YOU takes my homesickness away the moment you opened your heart for me and provided me a place where I call home and a company whom I call family.
The thought of going home already escapes my mind,
and I think nothing else but staying with you longer.

Being with YOU adds color to my life. My spirits are so alive everyday,
constantly looking forward to spending another moment with YOU.
Each time I come to think of of it, I couldn't help wonder how lucky I am to have you.

(Dedicated to a very good and jolly person, and someone who means a lot to me...)

The Orange Girl (A Book Review)

2011-07-22T21:10:00.001+08:00

The novel of Jostein Gaarder’s The Orange Girl is a very poignant and inspiring story that reveals about how a father yearns to be with his son longer, yet couldn’t do so due to a serious malady that took his life when his son was barely 4 years old. He showed his admiration and love for his son, George by writing him a very long letter a few months before the terrible illness slowly chewed on the life in him away from his beloved family.

In his letter, Jan Olav talks about the riddles he came across upon meeting the Orange Girl in a tram one day. He shares these riddles to his son. He also relates how he’s able to unlock the mystery of this Orange Girl. Furthermore, he shares his innermost thoughts about life, which is too short against the vast and endless galaxies, and how life is comparable to a fairy tale. He also talks about death, which he considered a thief of dreams and future, about the universe that he regarded as eternal and a mystery that no one can unlock. He also shares his perception about love and how it brings bliss to life.

The book welcomed the readers to a very mundane introductory narration of George, who, in the time of reading his father’s letter, was already 15. He narrated about his deceased father who passed away eleven years ago; and yet, despite his dad’s physical absence, he stated with an air of pride that they are writing a book together.

Honestly, there is nothing really special about how the story was introduced. It even sounded a bit boring in the few beginning paragraphs, yet the simplicity, preciseness and straightforwardness of the writer, as well the creative and sometimes aesthetic ways of relaying his ideologies in words, pushed me to continue reading.

However, the slight air of tediousness slowly faded away as the story progressed to a more interesting part. It was the time when George’s grandparents drove all the way from Tonsberg to Humleveien in Oslo, Norway, about 104 kilometers away to give him the sealed brown enveloped they found from his pushchair in the stock room of their old house in Tonsberg. George's father wrote him a letter and kept it hidden inside his push cart when he was just barely 4 years old, a few months before his father died. So the letter stayed there for 11 years already, untouched. George’s grandparents understood why Jan never wanted them to take the push cart away.

As George retreated into the peacefulness within the four corners of his room, he realized that he never had a clear recollection of his father, except for the time when they were on the patio looking at the stars as his father told him stories about the heavenly bodies. He remembered his father cried that night after talking to him and he recalled knowing the reason why he cried that time. It was because, he was about to leave them very soon.

One of the highlights of the long letter was the story of the Orange Girl whom Jan fell in love with at the age of 19, and which, at the end of the story, ended out that it was Veronika, George’s mother. She was the girl in anorak bringing about 10 kilos of oranges in a brown paper bag and standing on a jam-packed tram where they first met. It also turned out that Veronika was Jan’s childhood playmate whom he lost contact with after they (Veronika’s family) moved to another city at the age of 7.

I won’t really go into the very details of the story since it is always better to read the book than read a book review. However, I love the book in many ways. For one thing, it coincides with my principles about our existence in this world; that we are neither merely here just because we are supposed to be here, nor that we are just here to live life for a moment before it is totally gone from us. Moreover, we are not merely born in this world to do only the things that make us happy and then eventually after our short span of happiness here, die and leave everything behind as if nothing really happens. Indeed, there is more to life than just plainly living and dying. We are here in this world for a purpose, and for a good reason.

In this world, there are rules to be followed, and as Gaarder stated about them in his novel, we do not need to ask why we should follow these rules, we just simply follow them because we have to. Like in fairytales, there are rules that each character should abide to, otherwise, there is a parallel punishment with every broken rule. I definitely agree with him in this outlook, and I personally believe, this is what we call FAITH. We follow because we have FAITH. FAITH is what makes us believe in following these rules and help us endure everything despite the illogicality of things.

Gaarder also mentioned about the universe being infinite and that he is certain that there is a very powerful being that controls everything. He mentioned about the Big Bang Theory and all the other theories about how the world came into being. His ideas amazed me in so many sensible and logical ways, even despite the thought that he shared his perception with an apparent air of being a theoretical atheist. As I have noticed, while Gaarder mentioned God once in his novel, he never believes in GOD. However, he mentioned that he believes there is something out there, an ultimate being above us all who controls everything, which is perhaps, why despite all the reasons he provided, he still has so much to ask about everything within and outside the world we live in. I think the only to answer to his many unrequited questions is simply the lack of FAITH. I think this is what Jostein Gaarder missed in his book, The Orange Girl.

Our faith in the ultimate being will help us accept things as they are. Moreover, it will teach us to understand that there are mysteries and secrets about the world that are meant not to be solved or be known to people. When we have faith, we just have to believe and follow the rules, and never having to ask why we follow these rules.

When the Heart Grows Cold

2011-06-24T09:18:00.001+08:00

This is an excerpt from a journal entry of a lady who learned to be hard-hearted despite her pleasant character, due to all the pains she experienced.

August 17, 2010; 10:48 PM

The stern face you gave me earlier, the tone in your voice that signals callousness and the way you stare at me coldly. These were just few of the final things that concluded my feelings for you with a deep realization I should have declared to you a long time ago. These were just some of the few things that made me realize our relationship is not meant to last longer than I ever dreamed of.

The feelings you evoked upon me at this very moment are not new to me anymore. More pains and distresses you caused me a few months ago trained me to be stronger at this time. I could barely feel any pain inside when I should be crying as what I usually did when worse things happened a few months ago.

Earlier, when I said, “I won’t show my face to you anymore…” I couldn’t feel an inch of regrets for blurting those words to you. I felt I should have told you those words the moment you brought endless tears to my face during the onset of the cold -ber months of the previous year.

As I lay awake through out the night, thinking of how stupid I was to have kept you for quite long, I couldn’t feel any pain from what you told me earlier. My heart felt like a boulder of hard rocks piled up naturally. They settled within this heart of mine with great endurance as hard times passed me by for about a year already, blocking any negative feelings from entering at this time. Hey! Being hard or cold-hearted has its benefits, as well!

A Robber in a Decent Dark Dress Shirt

2011-05-22T10:53:00.001+08:00

Mary Anne, a school mate, theater sorority sister and simply a friend of mine was on her way to school on board a multicab (a mini jeepney-type of public transportation in Cebu, Philippines that can accommodate eight to ten passengers). She was wearing her university uniform – a white female dress shirts-type of blouse with V-shaped neck line and an A-line type of navy blue knee-level skirt. It was just one of those normal weekdays where she heads off for school in the morning.

A few blocks away from where Mary Anne hopped into the multicab, a man clad in dark (almost in black shade) decent dress shirt also got into the multicab and sat beside her. He took the seat at the left side of my friend. The man looked like he was in his early thirties or late twenties but he seemed to look older than his average age because of some darker spots on his neatly trimmed face.

His hair was neatly in place and the dress shirts he is wearing (it looks like he has a white inner shirt) is also tidily pressed and looks really presentable. He looks like any respectable man with an office-type of work. Mary Anne even assumed that he’s a medical representative because of the type of brown leather suit-case-type of hand bag he’s bringing.

When Mary Anne reached school on General Maxilom Avenue, she just realized that her big wallet with all her identification cards, ATMs and school allowances were gone, and to make things worst, she found out that there was a big tear on the left side of her bag. Later did she realized why the presentable-looking man in dark and neat dress shirt covered his hands with his brown hand bag,. She also realized that while on the multicab earlier, she felt slight movements at her left side.

She just ignored the idea of being robbed because she didn’t suspect a well-dressed man to do such crime. It was very unlikely of a robber to dress up well, because their usual features are rugged and badly-dressed in ordinary-looking shirts and faded denim pants.

A simple rule that we should keep in mind, do not judge a person by the way they look. Sometimes, the security we felt in prejudice is like a lion dressed in a lamb skin.

Wrangler’s “My Fit My Edge”

2011-05-18T09:02:00.005+08:00

With over a century, they have conquered the fashion industry in terms of providing denim clothes, garments and accessories to all parts of the globe. In fact, Wrangler has been one of the world’s three biggest denim brands.

Wrangler is founded in 1909, and “it was launched as Blue Bell by a work wear company specializing in overalls. It catapulted to fame when it took the name Wrangler (Working Cowboy) in 1947, becoming an iconic American denim brand that has delivered outstanding denim innovation and authentic craftsmanship to this day.”

In the contemporary times where fashion is directed to a concoction of comfort, action, style and personality, “Wrangler advances its expertise in denim, interpreting the meaning of fit” in a way that embraces both the wearer’s body and personality, thus, suiting to every person’s lifestyle and clothing needs.

This year, Wrangler brings in a whole new charisma to its brand, bringing in the “My Fit My Edge” concept to embrace the fashion and style demands of the people all over the world, most particularly in the Philippines.

“The My Fit My Edge campaign features Ace, Stokes, Crank and Molly, each with its own character fit for you to choose from. With these you can define your unique edge and be a sure stand out.”

Furthermore, each masterpiece are added with unique characteristics -- cool and being laid back -- which are some of the adjectives that personify its relaxed edge with clean pieces and basic cuts.

“Stokes is a class act lady who exudes a sophisticated demeanor with classic silhouettes and tailored pieces. Crank is that rugged lad that comes on strong with eye-catching statement shirts and leather jacket. Molly, the outgoing cosmopolite whose energy radiates from 10 feet away, flaunts a stylish edge with a few feminine pieces and a ton of charm and attitude.”

Last May 13, 2011 (Friday) at 6:30 PM at the Atrium of SM Mall of Asia, several fashionistas and fashion brands participated the fashion show event and found their best fit, and flaunted their edges with Wrangler’s Four Fits Collection. This was featured on the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2011. For more information about Wrangler, please visit www.wrangler-ap.com and http://www.facebook.com/WranglerPhilippines.

An Arrogant Suitor

2011-05-10T22:56:00.001+08:00

For the ladies; when you've got a suitor whose head is way up above the space and who thinks so highly of himself, how would you deal with this guy? Personally, it kept me wondering, who would ever say "yes" to this kind of person with so much arrogance and pride in himself.

This conversation is quoted directly from the text messages sent to each other (the lady and the suitor, of course, who else?). I wonder how the ladies would feel and react to this scenario:

Finally, after three years of pestering the lady with his text messages, hoping to pursue and win her heart, she finally gave in...

Lady: (Annoyed already with the guy's persistence) Okay, let me give you a chance to court me... since it is your right anyway, but let's just see if you can get what you want...

Guy: Cge go! Ky murag suwerte ka naku! Ganahan ko nga parehas ug relihiyon akong gf. (Translation: Okay, go... Because I think you are very lucky to have me as your boyfriend. I want a girl friend with the same religion as mine.)

Lady: (Surprised with the guy's arrogance and exaggerated pride in himself) Ako swerte nimu? Wa ka malefong? Entrada palang nimu hangin na. How would you expect to get a good girlfriend?
(Translation: Me? Lucky to have you? Are you kidding me? How you ever expect to get a good girlfriend when your introduction is already very arrogant.

Guy: Sounds like hambog? Naa man pod ko'y ikapang hambog. Number 1, finished the 6 year course doctor of Dental Medicine; 2. I am a gold medalist in Taekwando... etc...
(Translation: Does it sound like bragging or arrogant to you? Well, I have something to brag anyway. First, I finished the 6 year course, doctor of Dental Medicine. Second, I am a gold medalist in Taekwando... etc.

The lady was so speechless and decided not to say anything anymore, giving a good consideration to the saying that goes: "If you can not say anything nice, don't anything at all."

Writer's Block

2011-05-05T08:59:00.002+08:00

I typed in a few words on my laptop's keyboard. I stopped for a couple of seconds, stared at the screen blankly. Then I hit on the Backspace key as I let my right finger lingered on it for a few seconds. I retyped the same words I deleted earlier, starred at it for a minute or two, then reached for the Backspace key again and pressed it about a hundred times until the sentences became a phrase, the phrase became a word, and the word became few letters, until finally, the letters were all gone and I could only stare at the bright blank whiteness in front of me. Writer's block! How would you explain that?

I held the base of my laptop with both hands. I put it down on top of my pillow, and leaned back on the hard cemented wall. The wall that separated us from the neighboring tenants felt so unfriendly against my back bones. It felt like crushing my bones and muscles altogether. So, I reached for another pillow and propped it in between my back and the wall. I leaned comfortably and wandered into my own universe. Things started whirling in my imagination and ideas appeared and disappeared like smoke coming from a lit match stick. My mind started to get busy as kaleidoscopic thoughts started to pop up one by one.

I reached for my laptop again with full of eagerness to write everything I have in mind at the moment, but as I started to work my fingers on their way to the keyboard of alphabets, I seem to lose the right words to say in my article. I couldn't move my fingers to the rhythm of my mind's pace and creativity. I seemed to be lost in translations. I pushed my body back until I was lying on my back against the hard bed. I felt frustrated that I couldn't write anything. I felt disappointed that I could never release the writer in me at such critical moment.

That's when I realized what's embedded in the deepest part of my mind. I felt distracted with a certain thought, so distracted that I found it so hard to utter words and ideas before I set it free. A thought that I wouldn't want to entertain at that moment, but couldn't help not to.

I already have all the ideas gathered in my mind. I had plans on arranging them in my story in a systematic order, but the certain thought kept invading the peacefulness in my brain as I tried to shut it away. I tried... I tried... and lastly, I tried again, but to no avail. Ironic it may seen, but the more I tried to forget about it, the more I even think of it.

I gave it a shot. I closed my eyes for a few minutes, and let my mind traveled to where it hopes to go. Undoubtedly, it revived the thought that I was thinking all along. I just savored the moment instead of avoiding it, as I think of the person and how the problem evolved into something humongous and unfriendly, and think even more how I got into such a big mess.

The more I thought and discern about it, the more words slowly came out of my mind in a decipherable pattern. As I release these tensions I was feeling inside, it gave my heart its great freedom. This freedom also set my mind free... free from this writer's block I'm facing.

JAM FITNESS GYM's New Website

2011-05-04T10:43:00.000+08:00

I have received a lot of comments under my posts featuring JAM FITNESS GYM on Maximo V. Patalinghug Street, Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City. There were so many price list-requests sent by people who are interested to enroll at JAM. I was positively overwhelmed by these several and constant requests.

And oh! Before, I continue with this post, I would like to thank everyone for their comments regarding JAM FITNESS GYM, as well as, their comments to the other posts in my blog. Showing your interest has encouraged and inspired me to do my best to improve and develop the website for the JAM FITNESS GYM. Moreover, despite my uninspired creativity at this moment due to so many things I need to take care of before I finally leave Cebu again, the readers' several comments have pushed me to do better in my blog, to improve this very uncreative and traditional blog of mine. My apologies for the inconvenience, everyone. I believe I owe you something more.

Anyway, to answer all your comments at once, I have created JAM FITNESS GYM's official website. Just click here: JAM FITNESS GYM

For all those who are asking for the price list of JAM's services. Feel free to check out our website, guys and gals! Have a great day!

An Indian Export Manager’s Fashion

2011-02-03T07:30:00.000+08:00

In this fast paced generation, looking different and trendy is already important, therefore, this will make fashion an essential aspect of our everyday working lives, an Indian manager of an export industry said.

However, despite the fast changes of trends in fashion, Debi Prasad, an Export Manager from KCIC Herbs Ltd. in Bangalore, India, still prefers comfort rather than going with the latest trends. Because for him, he would rather be comfortable in what he’s wearing, as long as he looks neat, than going with the urban jungle’s fashion flow, but felt like a total freak wearing a very uneasy fit of men’s dress shirts.

For Debi, he would go for the formal type of dress shirts, particularly those in white or light shades, and most preferably with an overcoat of a dark colored business suit or coat. With this, Debi hopes to get an impression of “gentleness” from the people around him. “I want others to look at me as someone who is gentle,” he told the writer in an online interview.

His style of dressing is what he’s used to since they usually follow a dress code at work from Mondays to Fridays; but then on Saturdays, he could put on some casual wear, as long as he looks presentable on it. In addition, when going out with a woman on a first date, Debi said he would prefer to go casual and wear a pair of jeans and a shirt with an uncomplicated design.

From the many custom dress shirts featured in ShirtsMyWay – an online tailoring company that allows people to create their own dress shirt designs and measurement profile – Debi picked his top five most preferred dress shirts. However, in contrary to his usual preference of light colored shirts, he chose to wear the Paradise Lost in Classic Blue Solid, the Super Fly Boss in Lavish Blue Stripes, the Lawyer in Lavish Black Striped and the Tango Fusion in Burgundy Pinstripes, because according to him, these dress shirts are best worn for parties or at meetings. Aside from the dress shirt designs he chose, he also created his own dress shirt from the website and came out with a Classic White long sleeved dress shirt, which he named after himself, the “Debi Shirt.”

Debi enojys listening to love songs. He also loves watching different genre of shows and movies. He is also into different sports like volleyball and swimming. Thus, the different kinds of dress shirts he likes reveal his versatile and uncomplicated personality. (By: Tyra 'nell E. Pille a.k.a. Sakiko Matsuki)

This article was spun in different versions.

The "Superman" Suit

2010-09-20T17:33:00.000+08:00

If you think your childhood dreams of being Superman or the Incredible Hulk is way beyond your reach, then let the latest technology of this generation make those impossibilities become a reality for you. If lifting a truck with a single hand is just an effortless act for Superman, then it would be similar for you, too. With the entry of the Superman Suit in the world of fashion in the late 21^st Century, you are sure to be doing heroic acts in your neighborhood when you wear the the Hybrid Assistive Lim or HAL system.

This is a fully functioning robotic exoskeleton designed to provide it’s wearer an unimaginative strength and super abilities that will enable you to perform extraordinary things like lifting a 50-kilos barbell with one hand. This extra-ordinary suit as developed by the Cyberdayne in Japan. This is especially designed and developed in a way that it moves according to its wearer’s orders. Thus, this only moves whenever the wearer wants it to move.

This suit is covered with sensors at are applied to the skin. This suit makes use of these sensors to help detect the feeble electrical currents sent by the brain through the nervous system whenever it commands a certain task or activity. The sensors are connected to a computer that interprets the signal received. Next, they send their own commands to the electric leg and arm braces. When the signals are being detected, the appropriate electrical nerve signals, and then the HAL moves for a split-second before the leg muscle will move itself. The upper-body component of the exoskeleton improves the strength of the entire portion of the arm.

This amazing suit is then attuned to the wearer’s natural strength. This helps the weak to wear this technology easily. This was created as a rehabilitation tool that will bring strength and mobility to physically disabled people and the older ones. Nevertheless, availability for this suit is still limited in the market. Even the upper-body units are not that popular in the fashion market yet. "Unlike cars, HAL wasn't developed in a one-sided fashion, but by incorporating the views of many people, including end-users," Yoshi-yuki Sankai, Cyberdyne Chief Executive said in a statement,

You might be excited to own one of these super-suites to become the next superhero, but you might also want to consider how much it will cost you to become a strong person. This suit is indeed amazing, but wearing one isn’t the only way to make you a superhero. Helping others in your own little way will make you a modern-day hero, too.

Effective Application Letter for a Teaching Job

2010-09-10T01:07:00.001+08:00

In writing an effective application letter for a teaching job, think of yourself as a salesperson trying to sell something to a potential buyer (in writing). How will you push him to buy your product? Of course, you tell him everything about the product, and most importantly, you highlight the product's features and benefits.

Likewise, in writing an application letter, think how you can sell yourself to schools. These questions are just some of the things schools asked from their applicants:

What are the good qualities of this teacher? How can we benefit from this teacher?

Why will we hire this teacher instead of the other applicants?

What is the edge of this teacher from the other aspiring teachers?

Basically, you can pattern your application letter based from this: (This is how I usually write my application letter and so far, it's working well for me)

A. A quick self introduction: full name, your current job title, a quick glimpse of your job and your current company, Major graduate, number of working experiences and a quick summary of your job experiences (make sure they are related to teaching)

B. Why are you writing this letter? What is your objective? (Include the job you're applying for)

C. How did you know about the job opening? Were you referred by someone to this job?

D. What are your great qualities? Why will the company hire your instead of other teachers? What and how can the school benefit from you? What is your edge over the other teachers?

E. How can they contact you for interview or for further questions? Include your contact info. in this part. Don't forget to state your availability, and be honest.

And ofcourse do not forget to thank them. You can pattern your application letter from this but it should also depend on your situation and your background. Anyway, good luck!

Of Our Dear Friend, Brycel

2010-09-10T00:46:00.001+08:00

This was written and published at the Lifestyle Section of The FREEMAN on September 8, 2010; Tuesday as a tribute to a special friend.

These are Brycel's birthday greeting cards
given to the writer.

As we looked at the pale and unusually deformed face behind the clear glass of the coffin, we had difficulty taking in and accepting the fact that it was our dear friend. My best friend, Dess and I couldn’t contain our tears as they cascaded down our cheeks. We hugged our dear friend’s mom and then we hugged each other as we let out some loud sobs for more than ten minutes before we finally recovered from the painful thought that Brycel, our beloved friend was finally gone. Fate took her away from us.

A week before the accident, my best friend and I bumped into her at the third level of SM City Cebu, near Toy Kingdom. Dess was supposed to meet her boyfriend at that time who was so freaking late in their date. So, we walked around the mall for a little window shopping before we’d meet up with Mark. After a few rounds on some floors, we went back to their supposed rendezvous, and that was when we saw Brycel with Hannah, another friend of ours, too. They were also hanging around the mall after classes.

When we saw each other, we were so excited that we chatted non-stop. Dess was a little bit anxious seeing some friends because her relationship was not open to everybody. She was scared that other people might know that she has a boyfriend and even feared the idea that it might reach her mother. So, while chatting with Brycel and Hannah, Dess was a little uncomfortable and was a bit of in a hurry. Brycel, sensing her uneasiness, told her, “Si Dess bah, karon ra gani ta nagkita, nagdali na’g lakaw… (You’re in a hurry to go now, we just see each other now).”

Ignoring Brycel’s words despite a bit of guilt within her, she just said, “we’re actually in a hurry because we need to meet someone.” I just told Dess to wait and look around for Mark, while I continued to laugh and chat a bit longer with Brycel and Hannah.

After we graduated from high school, we went to different schools to pursue different courses and majors. Brycel and Hannah studied at the University of San Jose Recoletos, while Dess and I took up Mass Communication at Saint Theresa’s College. It was only that time that we saw each other after we graduated from Saint Alphonsus Catholic School.

After a few chitchats, we bade good bye to each other as Brycel and Hannah took the winding staircase down to the next floor below. Before we separated ways, Brycel told Dess, “others na kay ka ha…” an expression stated in a joking manner that suggests a bit of coldness in relationship. Dess just gave her a grin and shrugged her words by responding another joke.

It was summer and we took summer classes. A few days after our rendezvous at SM, we got a text message from a common friend: Brycel got hit by a multi-cab and she was at the ICCU in Mactan Doctors Hospital. Hearing this, my best friend and I were worried. But Dess was more worried than I was because I have never witnessed a person sent to the ICCU, while she had when her aunt was admitted a few months ago.

A day or two after, we decided to visit Brycel at the hospital. Dess, Michelle and I met up at Burger Machine, in front of our Alma Matter. When we got to the hospital and finally got in the room to see our friend, we were so surprised at what we saw. Our dear friend, Brycel was totally in a bad shape. Her faced was a little bit deformed and was purplish with bruises. Her right leg was raised and she couldn’t open her eyes. When we talked to her, a tear would silently slide down her cheeks. The sight of her on that bed broke our hearts.

On our second visit, Brycel didn’t look any better from the first time we visited her few days ago. To make matters worse, Michelle told me silently that she dreamed that her tooth fell down from her mouth. Trying to be cool, I just tried to ignore the thought despite my little knowledge on the meaning of dreams because I feared for the worse to come.

One afternoon after our second and last visit in the hospital, Dess got a text message: Brycel passed away. We just finished our classes and we’re heading for home at that time. It seemed like the clock stopped at the moment, but I tried to ignore it. I was still hoping it was just a joke, but crazy me, who would’ve pull such a serious and unfunny joke. Dess and I talked a bit about it, but most of the time, we were silent as we rode the 21B jeepney heading to SM, then the shuttle van towards Opon Mercado (Opon Market).

As Dess and I hugged each other in front of Bycel’s coffin, my best friend couldn’t help telling me her regrets. Looking back to the days before we looked at Brycel in her coffin, she said, “If I have known that it would be the last time I would see her at SM, I would have given her more time. Now, I won’t ever see her again and I was so sorry for that…”

Indeed, life has given us many chances to be able to meet and be with our beloved family, friends and other love ones, and even perhaps, along with this, is the chance to say goodbye to them formally before fate would finally take them away from us. Who would have thought that in a single instant, Brycel would be gone forever, even before we had a chance to say “goodbye” to her. A thousand pleasant words won’t matter anymore when the person is dead.

Therefore, live your life everyday as if it were your last, so when the time comes, you won’t have to regret a single moment. Time lost can never be found, so live each day fully by sharing wonderful moments with the people you love and cherish... who knows?

Tyra's Friendship Dictionary (Through Ups and Downs)

2010-09-08T02:19:00.003+08:00

PART II: This is written as a tribute to all the people who have touched my life in numerous and unforgettable ways. This is a continuation of the previous post: Tyra's Friendship Dictionary (Friendship Never Ends).

When a good friend of mine died in a vehicular accident when we were still freshmen way back in college, I heard a lot of good testimonials about her during her wake. I was wondering if she ever heard all these great stories people are sharing to each other about her. I wondered if these people ever told my friend how great she is when she was still alive. All those testimonials were useless to my friend who couldn't hear them anymore.

So, before everything is too late, I hope to let the people special to me know how much I appreciate their existence in my life, so, through this little tribute of Friendship Dictionary, I hope to extend my greatest gratitude and appreciation to these people.

-          M-TOI (em'-toy)
Full Name: Myrthel Janel Espinoa Pille-Astrologo
Birth Date: September 21, 1983

“Thel” or “M-toi” as what most people call her is defined as a practical, thoughtful and responsible person who always takes care of you when you’re under her supervision. She buys little things for you, which you least expected, and she never forgets you – be it your birthday or just simply your existence in this damn world. She’s a great friend to have. Being the eldest among the five, she plays the role of being a leader among her siblings. She’s someone who can be trusted when it comes to secrets and other major concerns, and of course, she can be trusted more in budgeting and handling financial matters. She doesn’t refuse a request unless it’s really needed. However, sometimes, her being a nagger over small things annoys the writer so much. When she’s set for a certain goal, she is persistent in achieving it. And yeah, having a familiar middle and family name, she’s the eldest sister of the writer. They usually just have common circle of friends, too, even despite their very different personality and attitude with the writer. She’s so particular with clothes, accessories and beauty products. But mind you, she’s not crazy over the latest fad and fashion as she has her own unique style in picking things for her closet. Well, what can you expect; she’s the first daughter of a beautiful mother who used to be a model way back in her college years. As they say, “like mother, like daughter.”

-          BYENTOT (biyen'-tot)
Fullname: Babylyn Legson Alesquio
Birth Date: January 20, 1982

Beside her is where you can think out loud. From simple to complicated things to even serious and confidential topics, “Byen,” “Byentot,” “Byentoy,” or simply “Baby” is all ears. She’s doesn’t judge you according to what she hears about you or what you share to her. She simply listens with unconditional understanding and some pieces of advice, when you need some. Sometimes, her overtly simple personality, to a point of looking so pale and unsophisticated even in public sometimes irked and at the same time, amused the writer. Nevertheless, what’s great about her is, she never stops learning despite her higher gap with the writer. She doesn’t judge you by your age and she never looks down on you. She is a friend everybody wants to have. She is so easy to live with, despite her being an obsessive-compulsive over clean floors, especially before sleeping. She’s a kind of person where you can take anywhere, even to appoint of eating alongside the road with no plates, no spoons and forks. She’s entirely versatile and can adjust to any difficult situation. Sometimes, the writer thinks she could make a good candidate for the next Survivor Philippines.

-          JEZREEL (jez'-ril)
Full Name: Jezreel Dacoron
Birth Date: January 11, 1982

She may look unapproachable, too vain or as they say “maarte,” but lo and behold! “Jez” or “Jezreel” is not exactly how you see her on the outside. When you get to know more about this nice lady, you’ll realize that she is indeed a very caring, approachable and generous person. Living with her is definitely like finding another sister is a different home. You’d say that she is a friend everybody would want to have. She doesn’t look at your faults and she has very good patience. She is also very thoughtful and gives selflessly without expecting anything in return. Sometimes, the writer wonders why she doesn’t have myriads of suitors when she basically has most of the qualities the guys would look for in a woman. She’s into clothes, accessories and beauty products, too and her drawers and closet are always open for her friends to borrow just anything they need. When you’d ask her permission, she’d immediately say, “No problem, just look at my closet.” She always thinks about her grandparents parents, relatives, and friends, which makes her a very dear person to everybody she’s connected to. She is an all-smile kind of person and it’s so easy to tell when she’s not in the mood, she just sulk over her pint or cup of ice cream, which of course, she’s always willing to share with you despite her unpleasant mood.

-          CHO-CHO (tsou'-tsou)
Full Name: Matthew Adam Alia Medina
Birth Date: April 24, 1988

Commonly called as “Cho-cho” by his family and friends and “Adam” or “Matthew” by his classmates and colleagues, Cho-cho is defined as a charming and sweet friend who never forgets a special day in your life, like birthdays! He always sends his greetings despite the distance that would separate you from him. He’s a kind of person who becomes so emotional with the word “good byes.” You’ll see him get teary-eyed once you say “farewell” to him. Sometimes, he can be very stubborn and too proud of himself, which really annoys the writer so much, but he has a darling personality that makes him irresistible when he smiles at you as he asks for an apology. He maybe childish at times, but the writer thinks he’s more mature than any other guys his age because of his current position in the family. Being the eldest among his siblings, he is a very concerned and caring big brother to his two younger sisters. And before everything else is forgotten, whenever the song “Careless Whisper” would play over the radio, or whenever the music “Fur Elise” plays, there’s only one person that would come out of the writer’s mind, and that’s no other than Cho-cho. He’s plays Fur Elise on the organ sweetly and nicely, too.

Tyra's Friendship Dictionary (Friendship Never Ends)

2010-09-08T00:37:00.004+08:00

PART I: This is written as a tribute to few of the people who left footprints in my heart.

It’s good to let your friends know what you think about them while they can still read or hear it. What good are your words when the person you intend to tell them is already gone? I’d prefer to be given a single rose while I’m still alive, so I could appreciate its beauty, than to be given a dozen bouquets when I’m already dead. Therefore, before everything is too late, tell your family, friends and love ones how much they matter to you.

- YOHYIE (yow’-yeeh)

Full Name: Desiree Tampus Gandullas

Birthdate: January 18, 1986

Desiree or commonly known as “Dess,” “Dats,” or “Dessie” by most of her friends, but whom the writer fondly calls “Yohyie” is defined as a very gentle and sweet lady who is willing to give up almost everything for the name of “love.” Sometimes her being a martyr really annoys the writer because she just gives selflessly without thinking about herself and her own safety. She doesn’t mind being hurt as long as she makes the person she loves happy. Well, that’s Desiree! She is one of the most generous and kind person the writer has known all her life. A lot of people love her because of her pleasant characteristics. She has been the writer’s best friend since they were in grade two. They grew up together in the same grade school, high school, college and even in the same first company where they’ve worked right after graduation. Desiree is simply incomparable. One of the things the writer won’t forget about her is that she would let the writer draw a nice picture in front of the greeting card she would make, and it would turn out that she (Yohyie) would give that same card to the writer! Sometimes, she would ask the writer to write down the dedication she prepared in nice script lettering on the card, only to find out later on that she would also gave that same card to the writer. Oh, how cute she is! She’s currently working as a Territory Manager in Wyeth, Philippines, based in Roxas, Iloilo. Being the only child and being able to live far away from her parents for the first time in her life, Desiree is making the most out of her independence! Good for her! She’s a kind of friend that many people would want to have.

- AI (ay')

Full Name: Mary Francis Clyde Tamidles Misa

Birth Date: September 6, 1989

If you have a full name as long as Ai’s name, then you’d get a lot of nicknames, too. Commonly known as “Mary” or “Francis” by her classmates, “Den-den” by her family and friends, and “Ai” by the writer, she is defined as a nice, friendly, humorous and generous person. She would appear to be a shy and silent person when you first get to know her, but later on, you’ll realize that she’s very talkative and can talk non-stop for hours, even over the phone. She has so much fun that a lot of people would want to be in her company. She has a very nice and neat handwriting, too, which the writer always admires. She is also a nice and thoughtful older sister to her younger siblings, who took care of them when their parents left them for more than five years to help improve their family’s financial status and to solve all their financial problems. Ai is known to be a strong person, but because of some circumstances that she’s unable to control, she suddenly became independent, which made into a stronger person. When she loves a person, she gives everything she’s capable of giving to make the person she loves happy. She’s also a martyr. Not everybody has seen her cry, but the writer had seen her cried a million times already. She cherishes gifts and presents from her friends and love ones, but unfortunately, when somebody crazy put their house into fire, she lost everything, but the memories.

- M-SOI (em’-soy)

Full Name: Michelle Enriquez Sorono

Birthday: January 8, 1985

Commonly called as “Mitch” by many people and “M-soi” by few of her closest friends, Michelle is defined as a cool, open-minded and a strong person. The writer has only seen her cried once in her more than 10 years of friendship with M-soi. Furthermore, M-soi is also a very generous person who doesn’t know how to say “No” to all her friends’ requests. Sometimes, the writer thinks she deserves a little whack on the head because of her weakness. Most of the time, she would offer to give a bigger treat when going out with her friends. She’s also willing to give everything she’s capable of giving to her friends who are in need and, especially when she loves someone. And by the way, she’s single and very much available, but she has a certain standard, too, and she doesn’t fall in love right then and there. For M-soi, being in love takes time. She’s always fun to be with because she has a good sense of humor. In fact, there’s never a dull moment with her. Oh! She’s good at dancing, playing the guitar and portrait sketching, too. She has even given the writer a sketch of the Backstreet Boys way back in high school. She’s simply one of the best!

- JENTOT (dzen’-tot)

Fullname: Mary Ladimie Jane F. Vega

Birthdate: May 8, 1984

She’s commonly called as “Jen” by many people, but called “Jentot” by few of her closest friends. She is defined as a generous, very open-minded and supportive friend who never goes out of comforting words to say to her friends who are down and feeling weary. She may look and act childish at times but what you’ll see within her is the exact opposite. She can be your older sister, an adviser or just simply a friend who’s always there to listen to your woes. She can be funny at times especially when it comes to eating. She usually finishes off the food left on some of her friends’ plates (especially on the writer’s plate who doesn’t eat a lot). She knows when to be funny and crazy and she also knows when to be serious. She’s packed with nice encouraging words that the writer always wants to listen to. She’s an independent lady who lives far away from her family since college. She currently lives with her best friend, Chai in a boarding house in Mandue City. When she’s a friend, she’s really a friend. She willingly gives everything she’s capable of giving to those who are in need. She’s crazy over fashion accessories (no more wood and shells please, as she claims that she’s environment-friendly now), big bags and colorful shoes. She’s also crazy about Gaby Dela Merced and MYMP.

- NANOI (na’-noy)

Full Name: Nancy R. Cudis

Birthdate: December 2, 1984

Nancy or commonly known as “Nanoi” by her close friends is defined as a very smart, strong-willed, opinionated and idealistic lady. Among the writer’s closest friends, she’s one of the smartest, having been a consistent Dean’s Lister in college, the one who usually got the highest rating in a certain class, the Editor-in-Chief in their college magazine and who almost bagged the “Cum Laude” award, if not for some of her records in her previous University (She actually shifted course, from Civil Engineering, where she’s surrounded with a myriad of guys in a jungle to Mass Communication in an all-girls school in Mango Avenue, pretty tough, huh?). Oh! Before I forgot, she’s a jack-of-all-trades, too! She can draw and paint nice realistic and abstract pictures, direct Dula-Tula (a poetry-style of stage play), act any character professionally on stage, write poems and stories in a very artistic and unique way, sing and dance… oh, forget the last two parts, but she’s talented, you know! And not to mention, she fights for her friends, too. She’s a kind of person who chooses her friends closely and cherishes these friends forever.

More Circle of Great Friends to come in the next post.
See PART II: Tyra's Friendship Dictionary (Through Ups and Downs)...

The Sanctuary of the Dark Emotions

2010-09-04T17:00:00.000+08:00

It's amazing how the brain works at its best during the darkest, most painful and stultifying moments in our lives. Perhaps, it's because in those moments, it's when our emotions are at its peak, sending signals to the brain to seek sanctuary... and since writing is what some people do to express themselves, then I guess in words are where all these emotions go and reflect.

Anyway, too much of such introduction, here are some of the quotations I've created out of boredom and during those times when my emotions are at its peak. I lost some of the scratch papers where I wrote the other quotes when I was travelling from Shanghai to Yiwu and back. But, it's still a good thing that I still have these left with me.

* One can not appreciate the value of living unless one accepts and understands the reality of death.

* One can not truly understand a person and accept his or her doings until one gets a good glimpse of his or her principles in life.

* Looking at my little Pinnochio notebook, I couldn't help wishing that you were Pinnochio so I could tell between your lies and the truth. However, I do not want to live in fairy tales because I know that in fairy tales, there are no growth. I know I can only learn to grow up in reality. Therefore, I'd rather get hurt in reality then learn from it, than be happy ever after and remain naive forever.

* Creativity should not be dictated because it won't grow and flourish into a great talent. The mind should be freed from any form of control and be able to fly at its own pace and according to its kaleidoscope of imagination.

Get Paid to Read Interesting Articles

2010-09-01T22:59:00.002+08:00

I know you love to read articles from the magazines, newspapers, online articles, books, e-books and even brochures among others. Perhaps, it's probably one of the reasons why you landed on this page.

Well, good news, I found this site that pays you for every article you read. You don't just read some boring and long articles online, but you get to read interesting articles! Of course you need to sign up for an account with the site, but well, it's for free anyway, so there's nothing you could lose in joining this site.

I just don't want to keep this grace all to myself because as they say, spreading or sharing your blessings will bring forth more blessings in the future. So, who doesn't want triple blessings? So, here, let me share this little information I got from my lovely friend, Babylyn. (Thanks Ate Byen!) I am feeling obliged to mention her name here to make her feel happy sharing this site with me, you know.

Well, well, well... The next question would be, how do we do this? It's actually simple, you know, all you need to do is sign up for an account, give your basic information like your full name, email, and other information they'd want from you. As long as they don't ask for your credit card number and password, then just give in. After that, you will be sent an activation email that you need to lick, I mean, click... sorry for that.

Then, once you've activated your account, they'd ask you to check 50 things you like or love, or simply your interests in life, but if you're a boring person and don't know what you like in life, well good luck! Anyway, just click on this link and it will direct you to where you need to be. Good luck and I hope you will just at least love me for sharing this information online.

CLICK ME NOW and start getting paid for reading interesting articles!

Para sa Hinigugma Namu'ng Anak, Dodong

2010-08-26T16:39:00.002+08:00

Dong,

Nagpada na diay ko’g 65,000 para pambayad nimu sa imung tuition. Amo nang gibaligya ang atong mga binuhi’ng kabaw ug kanding. Mahala ba gyud diay ana imung kurso noh? Hilabi na kanang subject nimu nga Dota. Ug ang imu po’ng mga major. Unsa gani to, Cross Fire and Special Force?

Nahalin na pod diay ang atong mga anay ug butakal nga giandam para unta sa imung gradwesyon, apan unsaon taman, mahal man kaayo ang inyong project nga I-Phone. Lisod na buhaton, dong? Mahala ana sa?

Usa diay ko malimot, apil na pod diha ang 7000 nga imung gi-ingon para sa inyong educational tour sa Juliana’s, The Out Post, Dark Plant, You Park Mall, Autoshop, ug asa pa gani to, Dong? Layo ba na’g mga lugara? Daghana ninyo’g adtuan diay noh. Mahal-mahal pod raba. Pero hinuon, daghan gayod siguro ka’y ka’g makat-unan ana. Busa pag-amping lang mo Dong, ha.

Amua pa diay’ng i-prenda and atong kaumahan para mapalit na nimu ang imung mga instumento nga PSP ug iPod nga mao’y kinahanglan sa inyong laboratoryo. Pasensiya na anak kung madugayan ha, panghuwam lang una sa imung mga kauban kung dili pa sila mag gamit. Apan ayaw kabalaka, basta mabayran dayon ang atong umahan, padad-an dayon tika.

Dong, maayo ra ba imng kahimtang diha sa imung giistarang boarding house? Asa gani na dapit, sa Pacific Grand Villa? Nindot ba diha, Dong? Unya wala ba’y daghang lamok o dili ba init diha? Unya ang imu entawng pamahaw, paniudto ug panihapon, dong? Diba ingon ka sa MacDo, Jolibee o sa Lategola mo magkan-anan? Dili ba na hugaw ilang mga pagkaon diha sa karenderya, Dong? Ayaw pataka ug kaon ha, basin magkasakit entawn ka ana ha.

Unya Dong, kumusta na diay to’ng project ninyo nga inyong gibilaran ug pipila ka gabie? Unsa gani taytol ato, Tequila ug San Mig Light? Na pa siga na ba to ninyo, Dong? Unya, dagko mo’g grado ato?

Hinaot unta Dong, una mahurot tanan nato’ng mga binuhi, kabtangan ug kaumanahan, maka human naka sa imung kurso diha, ug maka gradwet para matabangan mi nimu ni tatay nimu ug ang imung mga manghod mapaiskuyla pod nimu. Waw ba gyud na ka tui’g imung kurso, Dong? Dugaya pod diay humanon anang Secretarial nga kurso noh? Sige lang, amua ng ikamang imung pag iskuyla diha, dong.

Hinaot ig gradweyt nimu maka kita unta ka’g trabaho dayon nga daku-dako ug posisyon parehas sa manager sa kompanya para malukat nato dayon ang tanan natong giprenda, hilabi na ang atong mga yuta.

Dong, ari nalang sa kutob akong sulat nimu ha, ug sa sunod, ako ang ipada ang sapi para ipalit nimu sa Altis para naa ka’y magamit sa Vacant Subject nimu. Gamay’ng antos lang una, Dong ha…

Ang Imung Hinigugma,

Nanay ug Tatay

P.S. Pagtu-on ug tarong, dong ha…

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

Someone requested me to revise and rewrite this letter into Cebuano and update the information to make it sound more personalized and timely.

The person who requested this had been neglecting his studies for more than five years. He had been into various vices while studying in college and was still unable to graduate up to the time of this post. He was guilty of forsaking his studies all those years, as he depended on his mother who has been working in Hong Kong for more than 20 years now.

Fortunately, he was able to realize all his mistakes and hopes to correct them while there is still time for him to do so. So, when he re-enrolled at a State University this school year, he has been doing his best since the opening of classes. He hopes to let his classmates, who are neglecting their studies, read this letter to make them realize their mistakes. Having been there himself, he hopes to inspire people and make them aware of the importance of education before everything is too late.

Paghandom sa Klase sa "Cebuano Writing and Speaking"

2010-08-26T15:14:00.000+08:00

Communication 26 (Com 26) o sa laktod nga pagkasulti, gitawag nga "Cebuano Writing and Speaking," usa sa mga importanteng panulun-an sa korsong Mass Communication sa Saint Theresa's College, mao'y usa akong kinaham nga panulun-an kaniadtong nasa kolehiyo pa 'ko.

Nahunahuna-an nako'ng balikon ang pipila sa mga pagtulun-an nga akong nakat-unan kaniadto ilawom sa pagtudlo ni Lorenzo "Insoy" Ninal, Light Section Editor sa Sun-Star Cebu, ug bokalista sa grupong Missing Filemon. Busa, sa dili na madugay, atong pagasugdan sa pinaka sukaran sa pinulongan.

PAMAHAYAG (Sentence)

Ang pamahayag, mao'y pulong o pundok sa mga pulong nga nagtug-an og

usa

ka hingpit nga panghunahuna o ideya.

Pananglitan:

Ako estudyante. (Pagtug-an)

Paliti ko'g saatos. (Sugo o Hangyo)

Uy, nabuak ang baso! (Paukyab)

Kinsa ka? (Pangutana)

MGA TIMAANG PANAPOS SA PAMAHAYAG (Punctuation Marks)

1. Tuldok (.)

2. Pangutana (?)

3. Paukyab (!)

4. Tuldok-kuhit (;)

5. Kolon (:)

6. Kuhit (,)

MGA KABAHIN SA PAMAHAYAG (Parts of a Sentence)

Ang Gihisgutan (Subject)

Ang Hisgot (Predicate)

Pananglitan:

Ako estudyante.

Ako – Gihisgutan

estudyante – Hisgot

PANGNGALAN (Noun)

Ang Pangngalan mao’y pulong nga gigamit alang sa mga tawo, dapit, butang, o mananap.

Pananglitan:

sundalo siyudad iro

bukid sapatos iring

estudyante magtutudlo prutas

DUHA KA KLASE SA PANGNGALAN

TINUMBOK (Proper)

KOMON (Common)

Pananglitan:

Nike (tinumbok) Anna (tinumbok)

Cebu City (tinumbok) siyudad (komon)

sapatos (komon) tawo (komon)

PANGNGALANG DILI MAKITA O MAHIKAP (Abstract Noun)

Pananglitan:

kalipay

kasakit

demokrasya

gugma

Mga Bokabyularyo:

ability – katakos; abilidad

abroad – gawas sa nasud

absolute – hingpit

accuse – pagsumbong; pag-akusar

administration - panggamhanan

aggressive – agresibo

agreement – kasabutan

alert – mabinantayon; abtik

almost – hapit; diriyot

The Students' Stolen Lunches

2010-08-25T01:50:00.003+08:00

Grade one students from Lapu-Lapu City Central School were crying when they found out they lost their food for lunches.

The teacher from that class wondered who would do such act. So, one morning, when the students were out of their classroom for an activity, she spied the empty classroom to know who the culprit was. She saw one of her female grade one students rummaging through the lunch boxes and bags of her classmates, took their rice and viands and gather them in one plastic bag. The student then slowly went out of the classroom and out of the school. The teacher followed the student in her aim to tell the parents about what their child did at school. The teacher continued following the student until she was led to a small, tattered shack where the student entered.

The teacher hid a few meters away from the house where she got a good glimpse of almost all the parts of the house, since it's just a box-type of house. She watched her student.

The female grade one student then took out four plates from their tiny kitchen and placed it on the small wooden table. She took out the small amount of food she gathered from her classmates' lunches and divided them among the four small plates. She then happily called her younger siblings who were playing on the floor and ushered them to their seats for their breakfast.

Then the student went to a sickly woman lying on a small wooden bed and talked to her, smiling. The woman smiled back to her then laid her head back again.

Upon watching the entire scenario, the teacher felt a painful lump in her heart and silent tears fell from her cheeks. She was greatly touched with what she saw. She went back to school anyway.

The next day, she visited her student in her house with a sack of rice. The student was so happy. Later did the teacher learned that her student didn't have a father anymore and that their mother was sick and couldn't work, that's why they didn't have food to eat. This left the grade one student, who is the eldest among her siblings looked for ways to feed her little brother and sisters and their sickly mother.

This led us into great realization of how lucky we are in life. We don't have the right to complain but to thank every gift we have, instead.

Oops... Check the Signages!

2010-08-25T00:25:00.006+08:00

This photo was taken at a Memorial Park in Xu Jia Hui District, Shanghai,

China, while I was strolling around the place to kill the boredom I felt at that time.

I think it's clear that what they're trying to say was "NO FISHING." Chinese people, like Koreans and Japanese usually interchanged "R" and "L." Maybe what they were really thinking about in putting this signage up was, "No Anchoring" but instead have placed "No Angling," which is really funny.

The picture was taken in the same district, Xu Jia Hui. This signage was posted along the road in Shanghai's downtown area, near the luxurious and big malls. It may not be clear in this picture, but they actually misspelled "Industrial" into "Industrail." Perhaps this was just a typo? Nevertheless, typo or a just plainly dumbness, they should correct this immediately because thousands of people, foreign or locals see this everyday.

This picture was taken in the subway station on Lancun Road in Pudong, Shanghai.

I was wondering what kind of training people need to attend in taking the subway, until I realized after studying the map carefully for a few minutes that what they're trying to say was "Train Running Area" instead of "Training Running Area." Amazing! This time, I confidently say, China needs me and the people like me, ESL Instructors.

This photo was taken at a hotel in Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Good thing, most of their clients are Japanese and Koreans, so nobody could really identify or point out the mistake in this signage. But I hope before somebody else could take another photo of this and submit to the "Funny Signages" column, the administration of the building would care enough to take this out and replace this with a "T" instead of the "K" on it. I wonder how strick, I mean strict they are on the spelling, too... And one thing more, it's supposed to be "Smoke-Free Zone."

An Unforgettable Experience in Shanghai

2010-08-24T22:21:00.002+08:00

It was one of those boring days I had during my month-long stay in Shanghai in 2009 that I went inside this internet café located more than six blocks away from our apartment. In Shanghai, one block is more than a five-minute walk; therefore, I had to walk for about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this was the only internet café nearest so I had travel by foot to save 4 RMB (about 28 pesos). Nevertheless, I didn’t mind going there by foot since I could just enjoy the bustling life in Xu Jia Hui District teeming with people from different walks of life.

When I got inside the internet cafe, I suddenly felt like answering the call of nature, so I looked for a comfort room inside the cafe, only to find out ironically that it’s far from being comforting. With the main door wide open and the toilet in each of the two cubicles revealed its dirty interior without doors, it’s not worth to be called “comfort room” indeed. I was about to get in the first cubicle, when a very embarrassing sight welcomed me. A Chinese girl in her early twenties sat like a frog on the toilet bowl in front of me, texting while defecating. She just looked at me without giving a damn. Instead of turning red, I was even the one embarrassed with what I saw. Never in my entire life have I seen anything as embarrassing as that in my country, and it’s only in Shanghai that I experience it! It really gave me a good laugh when I left the café. It sure is a nice story to tell my sister when I get back to our apartment.

On Slippers and Simplicity

2010-08-24T21:26:00.001+08:00

"Style is not the whole pizza, but only a slice of it,
while the other and the bigger part is,
how one carried him or herself in public."

I walked along side Yishan Road from our apartment. People I walked past kept staring at my feet then looked at my face with puzzlement. I stride down the couple flights of stairs to the subway in station four, unmindful of my countenance and the simple fashion I was clad with. People I met along the way kept glancing at my feet then gawked at my face.

The recurrence of people staring at me quizzically from toe to head, as if I just wore the most ridiculous footwear puzzles me. That’s why I asked my pretty Filipino friend, Byen, “What’s wrong with wearing rubber slippers in public places here in Shanghai?” Like me, she’s also wearing a pair of simple slippers, yet, I only got a bemused expression and shrug from her.

A lot of presumption came up when I brought this question to my Filipino friends also living here, who, in the Philippines were used to just wearing rubber slippers or flip flops even in fancy malls and other public places.

Being Filipino myself, simplicity is in fact, a fad in our country that never went out of style. Famous Filipino celebrities are just clad in their simplest white shirt and denim jeans with a pair of simple slippers. They stroll along the mall and even attend events on them. Does it matter? Of course, it does, but not as much as the person wearing them. Confidence also adds to the beauty in a person. It’s just like eating a peanut. We do not eat the shell, but the nut inside it. So, it’s what one holds inside that really matters more.

Getting used to this lifestyle and fashion then, most of my friends and I would slip into our simplest footwear and stroll along the streets in People Square, at a park in Century Avenue and other crowded and nice places where tourists and locals alike usually go out to unwind or for recreation activities. We usually get a lot of funny expressions from many Chinese people. Their faces obviously read, “She’s odd and out of style,” as they looked at us, and act as if wearing simple things like a pair of rubber slippers would make us less of a human. I just shrugged it off anyway.

I brought this question to my Chinese friend who is a Kindergarten Teacher. She simply said, “It’s not common to wear slippers outside, we only wear them at home.” Still unsatisfied with the answer I got, I asked another young Chinese friend studying at Song Jang University. She gave me a longer answer yet such didn’t change my mind about sticking to my simple fashion statement.

A long time ago, people used to wear slippers even in public places. However, as time meanders and brings us to another generation after generation, slippers became out of style, until it became unpopular as we approached the contemporary era where people are more concerned with looking more fashionable and attractive in public places, even at the market, notwithstanding the risk of discomfort they put themselves into as they walk for more than 30 minutes on hard pavements. Simplicity then became neglected, so do the rubber slippers.

We see women, young or a bit older like in their mid-forties, wearing pretty and very high heeled-close shoes walking how many blocks before they get to their destination; their ankles showed some red marks at the side, signaling discomfort and pain. We came across a young lady being carried by her lover on his back. The guy held the sexy red high-heeled shoes on his left hand while the other hand supported his girlfriend’s back. The girl’s feet looked swollen already, and we couldn’t help thinking, “she should’ve worn a more comfortable footwear.”

Personally, I believe there’s no such thing as out of fashion, because time basically recycles them as generation moves to another generation. The fashion in the 80’s may not look great now; the trend in the 50’s may look shabby and over killed but eventually, these fashion statement that went out of style will become popular again in a few years from now. Thus, style is not the whole pizza, but only a slice of it, while the other and the bigger part is, how one carried him or herself in public.

Moreover, it’s how one brings comfort to oneself when choosing to be all simple that matters more. One shouldn’t think too much about what the public would say about their fashion sense, because in fact, it doesn’t make sense at all. In Shanghai where travelling by foot is not uncommon, I would go for comfortability than style and fashion, because it’s not just our physical reputation that’s important, but more of how we bring ourselves to act at an appropriate manner that does.

So, as the subway train opened its electronic sliding glass and metal doors, Byen and I dismissed the looks of criticisms from the locals that greeted us as we entered the transportation, because despite the simplicity in our attire, we are comfortable with what we’re on and we believe that we are presentable and neatly clothed. Though simple we may be, but the big smiles on our faces that exudes our confidence is what makes the difference. After all, it may sound so cliché, but I still stand behind the quotation that says, “With Simplicity, one can find real beauty.”

My Childhood Talent

2010-08-23T22:48:00.011+08:00

My mom told me that as early as two years old, I started drawing pictures like flowers and stick people, and my artworks look as if I was a few more years older. Before I even went to pre-school, I usually spent my hours or even more than half-day sitting by the dinning table and drawing pictures cover to cover rather than playing with my older sister and our friends.

With my talent in drawing discovered at an early age, my mom, who's always very supportive with my siblings and I, with my grand-dad's financial support sent me to a Summer Art Workshop at Ayala Center for a month or two. Our art class was taught by a famous local artist, Boy Kiamko.

I was eleven way back then, so I was mixed in the "Basic Level" class where the students were just about my age. After a week, my teacher talked to my mother and he told her that he'll moved me to the "Intermediate Level" because my works are more advanced compared to the other kids in the Basic Level. My mother was surprised but happy with this progress. When I was in the Intermediate Level, I was the youngest student in the class. I was very shy then because I felt I didn't belong in the class since I had no friends my age, until I met a nice girl just a year older than me. We became close friends in that level.

However, my teacher talked to my mother for the second time. He told her he's going to transfer me again to another level. This time, to the "Advanced Level." My mother was more than surprised now but more than happy to know my fast progress. So, I was transferred to a class where all the rest of the students were college level. I was only in sixth grade then! So I felt even more inferior in class considering the high gap of years I had with the other students. Nevertheless, my entire Summer Art Workshop was unforgettable.

Anyway, while I was cleaning up my things, I saw some of the artworks I made way back when I was in high school. I realized I've lost a lot of them when I was in primary school. I just want to save the memories of these things here before anything happens to them in the future (who knows, another "Bagyo Ruping" would hit Cebu). So, here are some of my childhood artworks:

Title: Freedom

Medium: Pencil

Year: 2000

Title: My First Crawl

Medium: Charcoal

Year: 2001

Title: Expecting

Medium: Pencil

Date: November 15, 1998

Title: Mother and Child Koalas

Medium: Pencil

Date: May 2000

Title: Summer Time

Medium: Oil Pastel

Year: 1998

The original artwork was given to Arom "Jade" Kim, my Buddy Student
at the American International Training Institute, before she left the school
Title: Here On My Shoulder

Medium: Pencil

Date: April 30, 2000

This artwork was duplicated and given to Tita Sany, my best friend's mom
(on December 24, 2009)

and to Ate Benjie (on December 31, 2009), a good friend of mine, on their birthday.

Title: An Ode to My Family

Medium: Pen and Ink

Date: November 2009

Title: Anti-Women Trafficking

Medium: Pen and Ink

Date: March 25, 2007

Title: The Sperm Whales

Medium: Pencil

Date: May 2005

Title: In My Thoughts

Medium: Pencil

Date: May 2000

Title: In the Wild

Medium: Acrylic Watercolor

Date: May 1998

Title: My Childhood Obsession

Medium: Acrylic Watercolor

Date: September 1999

My Best Friend's Letter

2010-08-23T20:01:00.020+08:00

While I was cleaning the space under my bed, I found a bag-full of treasure. These were letters, cards, flowers, gifts, gift wrappers and other memorabilia from my primary and high school friends. One of the things I found in my treasure bag is a letter given by my best friend way back in our high school years.

My best friend, Desiree, "Yohyie," as I fondly call her gave this letter to me when we were in first year high school at Saint Alphonsus Catholic School. She printed the letter in a four-page stationery. We we're in separate sections then since there were two types of sections and each type of sectioning were group in alphabetical order. There were more than 8 sections at that time. We were still adjusting to high school life. I hope to share this letter because I just love this letter. Anyway, here's an excerpt of her letter to me:

"First things first... Tey... I would like to THANK YOU For absolutely everything that you've been doing for me these past few months. I hope that you know that I am so thankful for your presence even before (and will always be thankful)... As in, everything! From A-Z!

The back portion of the envelope bears the face
of Snoopy and friend. I remember my best friend
likes Snoopy before because he's white.

"First and foremost, thanks for the frienship you've given me. You're my one and only best friend! (And you know that) not only my bestfriend, but someone I can also call as a sister, advicer, my joy-giver, my strength, my hope, my leaning wall.

"Thanks for the time. I know you may be busy at times... but I want you to know that I really, really appreciate every littlest-millisecond-tiny bit moment I spent with you. Even just a single word from you when I'm down, silent, or simply doesn't feel like talking... is already like a flame from a single match lit in a very dark tunnel. Thanks for being there whenever I needed you. Thanks for being there when I'm drowning. Thanks for being there when my spirits are soaring up high. Thanks for being there when I just feel nothing. Thanks talaga! You know my life; you now how boring, empty and lonely it is... thanks for being my companion through my life's high tides and low tides.

"Thanks for the concern. You have been so nice and caring and warm and so many others... that no other girl friend have been to me. You simply are unique. You cared for me... and thanks for that. No one could ever top that.

While the front part of the envelope
has a Sailor Moon sticker on its flap

"Thanks for all the honesty. For being open enough on what you want to talk about. But sometimes, just ain't open enough, but it's okey! If it's what you feel like doing... do so.

"If you just feel like you really don't want to open a certain topic with me... that's fine! I respect you. I respect your privacy. I respect every decision you make. I just want you to know that whenever there would be things that you really wanna talk about... talk about it. Don't hesitate. If you think that I wouldn't understand... don't! Coz whatever it is, I will try my very best to understand everything for you! I'm your friend and that's what I'm here for! If there are things you don't like about me or my attitude... say it. If you hate me for anything... say it! I would be very open for anything. Remember: it's better to hurt someone with the truth than to please someone with a lie."

Date and Time on the letter:

October 12, 2002; 19:59

Given by:

My Best Friend, Desiree Gandullas

She is currently the Territory Manager of Wyeth,

Philippines

currently based in Iloilo.

If Only He Read The Email

2010-06-17T14:38:00.002+08:00

Seriously engrossed with my writing stuff, I read and re-read my article for the men's fashion website blog for the umpteenth times already. I didn't know what to do with it. Should I add more supporting information about the story, and just make it more dragging and lousy? or should I add more jokes and humor to my lifeless article, but just make it look so cheezy in the end?

Well, I found it hopeless to continue editing my work, so I minimized the browser and went to check my emails for something new, hoping that from the pages I would browse through and just even out of nowhere, I'd make my imaginary light bulb lit up suddenly for brilliant ideas.

I was surprised to see a new email on my inbox. It was not like the boring and annoying notifications that you get from facebook or friendster. It's a response from my email to the recipient. I didn't really expect to see that email appeared in my inbox so soon. At first, I was emotionless, but as the name registered in my mind, I began to feel a sense of nervousness washed over me. As if I do not want to read the email and at the same time, I just couldn't wait to get it done with.

Forgetting what I was supposed to do at that time, I hesitantly but excitedly opened the email. When I read the greeting up to the introductory part, I was thinking I wouldn't get enough information from the person, until I read the lines "I have written my response below in Red fonts." I scrolled down to the bottom. My heart was racing fast but for no particular reason. A lot of things came into my mind but they were indecipherable, and my mind began imagining circles and curves in a chaotic pattern.

Anyway, I read the email... down until the last part. Although, I like the last part of the email where he invited me to go to Hong Kong, but I didn't know how I felt after reading everything. Was I relieved that I was right with my personal theories? Perhaps happy that I got a not-too-serious response, as if the sender was just telling me, "we'll what happened was not such a big deal," or nervous and depressed because I was right all along, and that I was just so scared to face the reality? I was not really sure.

However, one thing I am sure of, after reading it. The email will open my up perspectives to something new. It will lead me to the end of the very long line, it will help me fix the complicated puzzle of the problem and even perhaps give me a spark of hope or strength that I need for the battle I have already started and am currently fighting, a battle I thought I started alone.

The email made me realized, I wasn't fighting alone There are other people in the other side of the world fighting too, to save an important person's prestige and life in general. I now knew that there were other people fighting with me to save this important person in our lives. It made me felt relieved, having someone to carry my burdens with me.

I hope this person we were all fighting for knows how lucky he is. His family and his Bhe were and are still fighting for him. If only... If only he read the email.

JAM FITNESS GYM (Part II)

2010-04-24T20:35:00.003+08:00

The blogger didn't expect that a good number of people would open up this site and read the articles written about JAM FITNESS GYM. Perhaps the blogger got so engrossed with the thought of the word "privacy" that she almost forgot that this blog is viewed in the world wide web. Nevertheless, she's thankful for the notification emails she got about the comments and inquiries about the gym from some of the readers. These emails remind her that she needs to get back to her blogging after how many months of idleness. The date of the blog entry before this would testify such silence. Thus, the blogger almost forgot the theories of writing literally.

So much for such anecdote, let's proceed to the main content of this blog entry. This is written for all those who inquire about JAM FITNESS GYM.

JAM FITNESS GYM is now on it's third year in the local business industry, and at this time, they are on the pedestal and at the advent of improvement. Thus, the gym already offers Dance Aerobics, Belly Dancing (At the gym or Home Service), Muay Thai (Martial Arts) and Ballroom Dancing, aside from their old services, Boxing Exercise, PRT and Aerobics among others.

The updated price range as of the publishing of this blog is as follows:

Boxing Exercise is P1,000 for 10 sessions; P1,200 for 12 sessions, plus an annual membership fee of P 500. They also accept walk-ins for a fair rate of P150 per session.

PRT is P400 monthly fee plus an annual membership fee of P100. For walk-ins, they are welcome at a rate of P50.

Aerobics is tagged at P300 monthly plus P100 membership fee, while P60 are priced for walk-ins. Schedule for aerobics is every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 to 7:30 in the evening.

Dance Aerobics is P500 monthly plus a membership fee of P100, while P60 are priced for walk-ins. Dance Aerobics is scheduled daily.

Prices or schedules may change without prior notice, but if you leave your contact numbers to their friendly and kind receptionist, Matet, she'd be glad to inform you any changes on the service, especially on the schedule and prices.

For more inquiries, you may contact Maita Co at 09192329988 or 032-340-9455/516-0884.

See the PART I of this post.

JAM FITNESS GYM (Contact Info. Update)

2010-04-24T14:37:00.002+08:00

The blogger has received a lot of inquiries about the changed of contact information of JAM FITNESS GYM. Indeed, time flies by so fast that she barely gets any updates about the gym anymore. She could barely remember when was the last time she visited there. There were already a lot of updates and improvements on the facilities and the price range, as well.

Anyway, an apology for the delay of reply to all those who commented on the blogpost. The blogger has been traveling in China, and it's difficult to access the website from a communist country.

Nevertheless, here is the updated contact information of the gym:

JAM FITNESS GYM
Maximo V. Patalinghug Street
(at the back of Santiago Arcade, opposite Siong Soon)
Pajo Lapu-Lapu City

(Guide: At the traffic light section before the old bridge, from Manuel L. Quezon Highway, Pusok, take the road to MEPZ 2 and stop at the first intersection of the island, and turn left)

Contact Person: Maita Co
Mobile Number: 09192329988
Land line Number: 032-340-9455

Hobby vs Hubby

2010-04-09T09:12:00.011+08:00

(Dedicated to Maita Misa)

A colleague of mine and I chatted via Facebook, a famous online social networking. We conversed about how our lives had been lately after I rendered my two-month vacation leave from work to go to Shanghai, China in a few days.

With her usual chatty, lively and curios personality, she asked me how I felt lately and how I felt about leaving the country, as well.

Though, I already got a hint from her questions that she’s referring to my love life, with me leaving my boyfriend for three months. Undecided with my answer and not even knowing how to answer her, I just told her I had mixed emotions. Part of me was excited to go while the other half wanted to stay for several reasons. I told her I’m really going to miss my hobby.

Curious and thinking that I misspelled the word “hubby” into “hobby,” she was about to send me a comforting message about it; yet before she could send her succeeding messages, I already told her, “I won’t be able to design more fashion accessories when I get there because I’ll be working hard…” That’s when she found the humor after realizing that I used the right word and spelling when I typed down the word, “hobby.”

Personally, if I compare my boyfriend (“hubby”) and my hobby, which is designing and handcrafting ethnic fashion accessories out of recycled and indigenous materials, I would miss my hobby more than my “hubby.” With my hobby, I can express all my negative emotions whenever I would fight with my boyfriend, my parents and feel bad at work. My hobby is my biggest comfort whenever I am depressed or discouraged. It may not hug me like what my boyfriend can do, but it gives me a mean to express and release all the tension I feel inside, reducing the burdens I have inside.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean I would exchange my boyfriend for my hobby, since these two are incomparable and are both important to me. What I just want to imply is, let’s not forget ourselves when we are in love. Let’s not be too dependent on our other half. Let’s not let our heart rule over our minds. It’s good to follow our hearts when we are in love, but we should know when to use our brain when our heart is leading us to the direction of a deep ravine. We should know when to use our brain to take our hearts back home… and usually, our home is where we kept the great things we once enjoy doing, and one of these great things is our hobby.

Let’s also invest on the things that allow us to venture our creativity, give us sanctuary from our pains, and fill us with joy and gratification in life, like our hobbies! Whatever these may be, these will be our comfort whenever our hubbies would leave us behind.

This is my hobby…

This is how I organized the materials I used for my accessories...

... and these are some of the accessories I created and designed...

These are fashion Summer earrings made from assorted wooden and glass beads accented with an olive green-shade tiny sea shells.

These are full moon wooden loop earrings in different designs, crafted with wooden materials. These wooden loops are just recycled from used wooden materials for furniture making.

These ham-look-alike earrings are eco-friendly. They are made from recycled Angel's Burgers' plastic bags accented with red and black plastic beads. A lot of Western buyers are amazed with its concept.

For more information about these handicrafts, you may contact the website admin. Thank you.

Because Tonight...

2009-09-30T22:20:00.006+08:00

(Dedicated to Giancarlo Reserva)

The world has turned its back on me

Its shadows covering upon my entirety

It felt like it's eternity

Though, it's only momentarily

Yet, it doesn't really matter to me

Because tonight, he was with me.

My heart was loudly screaming

'Wished I was just dreaming

I even tried to deny such feeling

Just so I could forget everything

Yet, I worry not a single thing

Because tonight, I felt his love teeming.

His presence illuminated a light within me

Chasing all the darkness that have enveloped me

And evoking a stronger self in me

He took away all my fears

All the pain I felt slowly disappears

Because tonight, he wiped away my tears.

My Personal Victory

2009-09-14T23:39:00.005+08:00

The mourning is over
It's victory we conquer now
Now that we are free
Free from the grip of evil
It's time to rejoice
Despite the pain and struggles
We can say
We have won this game!

More than two years of prayers

I have endured and begged

For such freedom I now embraced

More so, with the greatest gift of all time

A love I thought

That's too perfect to be true

But I was given

More than I ever asked for

The answers were just there all along

So, I bravely stood up

Wiped my tears with my hand

And with my head up high

I shouted my personal victory

With pride and compassion

I have won this game!

A New Tourist Spot in Lahug, Cebu City

2009-08-29T16:09:00.009+08:00

BARANGAY Lahug welcomes the construction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Temple in their site to boost economy.

Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Anne De Los Santos said this will be another landmark in the area and “definitely” another economic boon to the tourist industry.

“It will put Lahug, again in the map” because it is another haven of tourist destination, “just like (the) Taoist temple, she told the writer after the groundbreaking of the temple.

Dallin Oaks, Church of Jesus Christ LDS quorum of the twelve apostles said the temple will have an economic impact to the community because it will draw members from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“People from the southern Philippines and (other part of) Visayas (would be) coming to worship” and perform marriage ceremonies in the temple, he said.

People from other provinces coming into this temple would also go out into the community – to hotels, restaurants and market places – and the “refining” influences of the temple will be felt by the community, Oaks said.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who was invited at the groundbreaking, said the Cebu City government is greatly honored to welcome the church.

“You can be assured that when you’re here in Cebu, you will be enjoying all the privileges (just like) all the other Cebuanos are enjoying,” he said.

He said there had been some hesitations before, because a representative of the church “came to me and (asked if do I) have any objections” on their plans to construct a temple in the area.

“Of course not,” Osmeña said. “I want to assure you that you are truly most welcome here. The city of Cebu is very proud to see to it that the city is open to all where we can enjoy a lead of peace,” he added.

The values learned in the church will also influence the community in a good way, church elders also said.

Members are influenced by the spirit of the lord, which is “so rich” in the temple, and when they go out into the community, they are “sweet people, (become) better Christian and better citizens,” Oaks said.

“We encourage our members to be good citizens. We want them to have a wonderful family life. We think that our family life is so strong that (who) blesses the nation, blesses the people. That will be a big effort that we’ll be making that (would) increase love and unity in families and communities. (There will be) more tolerance,” Quentin Cook, quorum of the twelve apostles added.

Osmeña, who talked about the history of the lot where the temple would stand in about a year from now, said that locals believed that treasures were buried there during the Japanese occupation.

However, “you’re here to seek another kind of treasure and I think the treasure that we all value (is the) treasure of peace and love and seeing the world living together in one’s happy family under God,” Osmeña said.

More Extra-curricular than Academic Activities for Outstanding Students?

2009-08-29T15:21:00.007+08:00

DESPITE no regular study habits, some local outstanding students said participation in sports and school organizations help them in their school performances.

Earl Tawny Hisoler, a third year student of Cebu City National Science High School (CCNSHS) in Labangon and a consistent first honor since grade one said she only studies one to three hours if there is an exam.

Glicerio Rosales III, a graduating high school student from Marigondon National High School also said he only studies when there are minor and major exams.

From a survey conducted by Ateneo de Manila University on public and private school achievers, it revealed that many of the “best students” participate in sports or school organizations after classes, which leave little time for outside courses.

Rosales, who graduated valedictorian in elementary at the Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) in Lapu-Lapu and currently a running valedictorian this March said he is involve in a lot of school activities.

“I joined the Music Art and Physical Education (MAPE), Math, Science and Chess club” among others, Rosales said.

Trexie Jade Espinosa, 15, a consistent honor student since grade school said she also joins more than one clubs in school such as the Girls Scout of the Philippines, religious clubs like God’s Voice, Youth for Christ and Cebu City National Science High School (CCNSHS) Dance Troupe among others.

Hisoler said “extra curricular activities contribute merits to my grades.” It really helps a lot because it comprised 30 percent of the final grade.

She said she’s not after the grades why she joins in the different organizations though, but because “I like to have fun, and I love to play soccer and other sports.”

Despite no regular study habbits, these students spend most of their time reading, which also helps them refresh their minds and gain additional information and knowledge.

Hisoler said she seldom studies at home but she scans her notes in school most of the time.

Espinosa said she surfs the internet when she’s at home to read interesting information on science and technology, arts and psychology among others.

“I read a lot of books and magazines, scan my notes to refresh my memory on the subject matter,” Rosales said. TEP (Published at Sun Star Daily Cebu in 2007)

The Real Essence of Customer Service

2009-08-25T13:47:00.069+08:00

ACHIEVING excellent customer service comes with a great price nowadays, thus, the more expensive the industry, like the ones with a five-star rating, the better customer service they provide. As for the cheaper ones, its service goes with its rating as well. However, it's quite ironic that I had a bad experience with a quite expensive restaurant.

BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE

Just two years ago, when I was working at a call center in Asia Town, IT Park on Salinas Drive, Lahug, my team mate and I headed straight to Mama Mia after getting our hard earn pennies at the end of February. We were excited to try an Italian restaurant because it's something new for some of us, and since neither one of us ever tried eating there. We ordered immediately and proceeded with our chit-chats. Thirty minutes after, our order still did not arrive. Eis, the more dominant in the group called the attention of the person who took our orders and talked to him politely, since we only have less than an hour left for our break.

Another ten minutes passed, some of us already started munching on our food, while two did not get their orders still, including Eis. So, trying to control her temper and be polite still, she approached the counter and talked to the same guy for the second time and asked for the undelivered food. While she's talking to the guy, the girl behind the counter raised her right brow and showed a displeased expression. Eis, didn't see this though, but not Grace, the meanier one in the group.

When Eis sat back down, Grace told us what happened and Eis was surprised because she didn't see it. So, with a brave soul, Grace asked for the manager of the restaurant. A man in his late twenties approached us. We even doubted if he's really the manager because he didn't act like one. He just kept on smiling and nodding, as if he doesn't know what he's doing when we talked to him about what happened. As for the girl behind the counter, Grace asked her to apologize. She did say her "sorry," though, but her heart didn't go with it as a smirk on her face still showed vividly under the bright white light.

We were really disappointed with how the management at Mama Mia, IT Park Branch taught their crews in dealing with their customers. We thought that all expensive restaurants also offers excellent customer service, now we know more than that. If we weren't just in a hurry to get back to work, we'd handle her the right way, a more "brutal" way. Nevertheless, we just let the moment passed by, with a question on our minds, "where's the real essence of customer service?"

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

One of the best customer experience I had was when my boyfriend and I enjoyed a great night at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort on our monthsarry. The crew welcomed us sincerely without any customer discrimination where we usually experienced in some class A restaurants and resorts.

A lot of crews in other establishments would choose the customers they will serve well. They judge you according to how they perceive you. Thus, the richer you look and the more orders you make, the bigger smile you get from them.

This is not the case at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort Though, we didn't put on our best clothes that time; infact, I just put on a pair of short pants and an off-shoulder white shirt, while my boyfriend was just wearing a simple cotton shirt and a pair of Hawaiin-designed surfing shorts, still they treated us as if we're one of the most important people on the place.

To know more about this great experience, you may read it at An Unforgettable Night at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort.

Imagine how perfect your moment is when you choose the right venue to celebrate a special ocassion with your love one or simply go for an adventure with your friends. Indeed, it's a momentary bliss, and I have experienced it only at Maribago Bluewater Beach.

Check this out and prove me right:

Aside from Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, its sister resort, owned and managed by Almont Holdings Incorporated (AHI) also offered a parallel superb customer service. My beau, who is also my web-blog partner told me about his wonderful experience when he went on a day tour in the island with a group of bloggers and friends. Because of the signal number one storm, my mom didn't permit me to go with the group. Anyhow, Gian had the time of his life, even without me.
GIAN'S SUMILON BLUEWATER ESCAPADE It was a windy 5:30 in the morning, signaling an incoming rain as a hangover from the storm that's terrorrising Cebu in the later weeks of July 2009.

August 1, Gian, still sleepy and tired hopped on the jeepney heading for SM City Cebu to meet up with some bloggers and friends who were chosen to go to Sumilon for a day tour with all expenses paid free, thanks to PINOY WORLD for such a great privilege.

They met up at the open parking space of the Northwing where three white vans were waiting for them. When he got to their rendezvous, most of the people we're already there. He spotted Junix, a good friend of ours, sitting at a corner on one of the vans. He sat beside him and chit-chatted about things that only they could relate to while waiting for PINOY WORLD's master, Kuya Ben to arrive.

When the badwagon was complete, they hit the road straight towards the southern part of the province, where the island paradise awaits with so much promises. Expectations and excitement made Gian unaware of the strong rain that's pounding on the van's roof as they rode past some Ceres buses driving ruthlessly towards their destination. They passed Talisay, where it's known for its famous Lechon Baboy (pork), Minglanilla, San Fernando, Naga, Carcar,which is known for it's home made delicacies such as Ampao and Chicharon among others. They went around the city's small rotunda, then towards Sibonga. They then passed by Argao, a place known for its famous Tortas. They moved to towns after towns until about two hours and a half later, they reached the mainland receiving area.

It's where they were given a cold white towel to get them off their hang-over of the travel and give them a soothing and stress-free feeling. It got even better when they were served with their amazing tea lemon with a concoction of lemon grass. He was extremely amazed with its unique tingling and refreshing taste. It's simply indescribable for him. They them moved to the little port where they had to ride on a pump boat to get to the main land of the resort.

Moreover, a nature-lover as Gian is, he was simply amazed with the resort's eco-friendly culture where he could see Maya's nests all over the receiving area's wooden ceiling. It already served as the bird's habitat area, and the resort considered it a beauty and an atrraction to guests. In contrast with the other resorts, they always view these little living things as a disturbance and a liability in the place.

On the pumpboat, excitement was vivid in the air as the people chatted about eagerly and cheerfully, full of expectations on the little island surrounded by the great blueness of the sea that lay before their very eyes ahead of them. Each took out their digital cameras for photo documentations to capture each other's huge grins on such a once in a lifetime experience.

As the pumpboat slowed down and slowly docked to a clear shore carpetted with white sands and prestine beaches, the chit-chats became louder as the group felt at home with nature's undaunted beauty. With the early morning sun slowly creeping back into the sky, forgetting the weather's wrath and taking momentum of the island's beauty, the silvery waters reacted to its rays as they glintted like diamonds.

One by the one, the bloggers stepped out of the boat. Gian let the others went ahead of them. As he, together with Junix stepped unto the sands of Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. Everything felt so good and the panoramic view of the place promised a relaxing ambience before them. The sand below his rubber sandals felt very soft, so he took them off and felt the very tiny grains of sand upon the sole of his feet, as if giving him a pleasant food massage.

They moved to the main lobby of the resort where Greg Perral, Sumilon Bluewater’s Resident Manager welcomed them with a huge smile on his face, grateful for being visted by some bunch of bloggers.

Prior to the adventure, they were ushered to a great meal at the Island Pavilion or their Front Desk Restaurant where the neatly garnished oriental and western dishes were serve. The sumptuous food offerings were provided by their in-house island kitchen that's managed by Chef de Partie Buddy Amodia.

Gian, who loves food more than anything else, were so satisfied with their lunch. He returned to the buffet table for the umpteenth times to taste every dish prepared for them. He munched each serving with great delight. His appetite revealed with so much gusto, inspiring Junix to devour his food in parallel with his humongous appetite. Their pasta, topped with bacon and cheese, gives a classic taste of Italian dish that gives a creamy sensation in his mouth. The sticky and bitter-sourish taste of the "okra" dipped in salty and a bit spicy bagoong (shrimp paste) teased his appetite more.

Most of the food served are local-inspired; and with the open-space location that gives a great panoramic view of the sea, it gives an over-all homey feeling.

The exploration of the entire island began as soon as their stomachs were filled with the delectable food. They immediately dropped by the Aquamarine, a shop at the eastern beach area where they grabbed their snorkeling and diving gears, paddle boats, wind surfing boards and kayaks. They walked passed by the historical lighthouse, or the island's Baluarte and into the beach area.

For the rest of the day, their activities include the following:

Ocean Exploration, where they had the chance to enjoy snorkeling trips and fish feeding. Gian was so amazed that the reefs are just located a few meters away from the shore, giving an assurance of security to those who are scared to go far into the sea. Furthermore, Sumilon also offered windsurfing and scuba diving, though Gian didn't have time to try everything.
Lagoon Paddle Boat Adventure, where they enjoyed the scenic view of the greener part of the shore that gives an amazing contrast to the great transparent bluegreen water below them. The tall mangroves surrounding them added an ambience of a real adventure.
Kayaking, where they had a chance to exercise their arms and enjoy the calmness of the water, while splashing a few drops to each other. They feel the relaxing breeze of the air with the soft warmth of the sunlight upon their facade.
Trekking, where Gian get to have a good exercise. Being a mountaineer himself, Gian didn't let such an opportune activity offered by the prestigious island passed by. "I thought this would be the last place I'd explore," he narrated with glee, grateful to PINOY WORLD for such experience.
A tour in the island, where they get to have a chance to go cave exploration, bird watching, hiking, lagoon fishing and among others.
Afternoon tea party and Massage, where he got to mingle with the other bloggers and meet new friends. Though, he doesn't like tea that much but he was amazed by Sumilon's unique concoction of tea. "It's different in a good way, compared to the other teas I've tasted," he told me.

(Some photos were credited from:finlust ,ibeejing , galleca , misswilhelmina )

Gian experienced a day in paradise at Sumilon Blue water Island Resort. He discovered that the entire island looks like a dolphin's fin on the map, and each corner of the island has its own wonder that is indeed worth exploring.

Above all, what made such escapade a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience, is their customer service!

"I've been to different prestigious and expensive resorts and hotels in Cebu, and honestly, the ambience, amenities and the entire place are just in parallel to Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, but one thing that would make me want to go back to Sumilon is their excellent customer service! It's their edge, and it's simply incomparable! I'd say, that's the real essence of customer service," Gian,who is so particular with any establishment's customer service, closed our conversation with a huge grin and an utmost satisfaction of his Sumilon Escapade.

For more information:
Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
Sumilon Island, Oslob Cebu 6025
Philippines

Telefax No. (63) (32) 481-0801
Email Address: sumilonreservations@bluewater.com.ph
URL: www.bluewater.com.ph

The Notebook

2009-08-20T12:20:00.015+08:00

I have kept this old brown Blue Camp notebook for more than five years. I bought it before the start of classes in June, when I was in high school. The front cover isn't protected with a plastic, so it doesn't look that appealing anymore since time tattered its sides into frailty, and its pages lost its purity as years turned them into a shade of sepia.

However, I always lost this notebook before because friends after friends would borrow it; sometimes, out of my knowledge and it'd take more than a week, or even months before it gets back into my hands.

As I rearranged the old boxes stuffed with my old school papers, books, exam paper and notebooks among others, I found the notebook. I haven't thought of it since I graduated from the University in 2006. As I browsed through its weak pages again, I was mesmerized by the beauty it holds inside its old facade. This encouraged me to share some of the things I've written on it years ago. Indeed, it holds great thoughts and wisdom I have gathered from great books I have read, text messages I have received and unforgettable emails I kept in my inboxes among others. The Notebook is the living testimonial that holds true to the saying that goes, "do not judge a book by its cover."

The Right One

The perfect man and woman in our dreams live only in our dreams. In this life, we have to settle on whoever comes close. Someone not perfect, but real.

You know that the person is right for you if the person makes you a better one, brings out the best in you, makes you love life more and most of all, makes you smile.

Relationships

Relationships are like traffic signs: "One-Way", "Two-Way", "DO Not Enter", "No U Turn", and "No Left Turn" among others, but the best so far is "Give Way" and "Keep Right."

Moving On

There's always a reason why we have to move on and say goodbye to the feelings we wanted to stay forever; for love will have to set its wings free and find the place where it belongs.

If your heart gets broken by the one you truly love, don't let go of the love in your heart but let go of the person. You'll never know, someone might be worthy of that love.

Don't shed your tears over someone who hurt you. Don't long for that person who left you. Don't feel sorry if you failed when you've tried your best. Someone is out there more deserving for your time and love.

Heartaches

Life doesn't end where our heartaches begin. It only ends when we give up on ourselves and the love that we have in our hearts turns cold.

The tears shed over the heart breaks are words left unsaid and deeds left undone.

What good is five minutes of happiness when you are going to spend the rest of your life crying.

People continue to love inspite the pain, tears and heartbreak. Maybe because, the pain made them stronger, tears made them braver and heartbreaks made them wiser.

Love

Let your love be stronger than your hate and anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break.

Love is a dance step that never goes out of style. Sometimes, you stumble, sometimes you hurt your partner's foot, but oftentimes, you must learn new steps to survive.

Our lovers may be innocent to know what love is. They may not show it to us, but sometimes, they felt that we knew. They may not love us the way it should be, but they're always willing to love us the way they understand it.

When love is lost, relax! It just means that another love is about to take place -- a greater love.

Love is like a knife. It can stab the heart or it can carve wonderful images into the soul that will last a lifetime.

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.

It is better to love for a minute and remember it for a lifetime, than to love for a lifetime and hate every minute of it.

On the course of love, people must teach their hearts to be brave. Brave enough to hold on when things go wrong and brave enough to let go when they realize that things are not meant to be afterall.

Love is weakest when there's more doubts than trust, but love is strongest when we learn to trust despite the doubts.

We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, but yet we cut them, and we still wonder why people are afraid when they are told that they are loved.

Does it hurt more to be close to someone you love and does not love you in return; or does it hurt less to be apart from someone you love, not knowing if he loves you, too?

How to be inlove? Fall but don't stumble. Be consistent but not too persistent. Share and never be unfair. Understand, but do not demand. Get hurt but do not keep the pain.

Don't look for love or force love to come into your heart, for love comes freely and chooses no one. One day, you might wake up falling for the person that you least expect to love.

Love is a painful risk to take, but the risk must be taken no matter how scary and painful it is, for only then will you experience the fullness of humanity, and that is LOVE!

Life is a game we play. Love is the reason we play it.

Someday, you will lose the one you love if you do not show them now how much you really care. So tell them now before it's too late. You might wake up one morning losing them.

Never try to impress someone to make them fall in love with you, because when you do, you'll keep that standard for the rest of your life. Just be yourself!

People are never perfect, but love can be. So why waste your time looking for the perfect love instead of creating the perfect love.

You learn to like someone when you find out what makes them laugh, but you can never truly love someone until you find out what makes them cry.

Learn to love the person who is with you at present. Forget the person in the past and thank them instead for hurting you, which led you to love the person you have right now.

Friend

A friend is a person who knows what you are saying, even if you're not talking. A friend is someone who understands your feelings, even if you don't understand your own feelings. A friend is a person who will always forgive you, usually before you even forgive yourself.

Friendship

True lovers start by being friends for with friendship comes acceptance, with acceptance comes trust, with trust c omes respect and along the way, love develops.

Guys

No guy is worth crying over, because if he is worth the tears, he would not make you cry.

Battle

In a battle, hit first and hit hard.

Heart or Mind

Sometimes we get confused with which to follow -- the heart or the mind. They say the heart is poor in making decisions, but the heart do have reasons that even the mind can not explain.

In times of loving, the mind asks. What the mind questions, the heart answers. When the mind resists, the heart insists and persists. It's this time that the mind loses and the heart wins.

People/Person

Never take for granted the person who truly cares about you. Remember, feelings, just like people grow tired too when it's neither appreciated nor returned no matter how great you thought the love is.

People are gift of God, but they are not going to be with you forever. Sooner or later, God will call them home. So give time and care to those you love while they are still around.

Smile

Never frown, because you'll never know if someone is falling in love with your smile.

Losing

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

(To be continued...)

Entertainment Center Stoops Down to the Lowest Market to Suit the Filipinos' Culture of Fun

2009-08-20T08:44:00.010+08:00

In a recent survey conducted by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), a Bristish non-governmental group, it was found out that among the 143 countries surveyed, the Philippines ranked 14th as the happiest place in the world.

The Philippines, which is still considered a developing country and among the third world countries, outranked some of the riches countries in the world, like the United States of America, Austraila, and the Great Britain, which ranked 114th, 102nd and 74th respectively.

Needless to say, it is innate in every Filipino to spend time for leisure despite the hectic schedule in school and at work. Thus, Filipino families always find ways to get together for amusement, notwithstanding the major crisis bugging the country. It is not a wonder why according to the survey, 55 percent of the people are already satisfied with their lives.

With this in mind, World of Fun (WOF) took adavantage of this culture as their edge over the other entertainment destinations.

Emmanual Jimenez, WOF Senior Operating Manager said, it doesn't matter if they have to spend a few amount of pesos, Filipinos always have time to enjoy with their families.

Moreover, Marketing Manager Lovelle Sy said parents always look at such alternative form of entertainment as "rewards to their kids."

In order to address the problem of crisis, which is the major concerns of most families why they don't take their children out for fun, Jimenez said WOF stoops down to the lowest level of the market and maintained their prices at five pesos per token, which is "not hard on the pocket."

Even though going to entertainment centers is not really the priority of the family, but (this offer) will entice them to take advantage (of it)," he told the writer at a press conference in Cafe Laguna, Ayala.

Anyhow, whether Filipinos can afford such entertainment or not, they always find ways to relax themselves and feel life at slower pace. Tyra 'nell E. Pille

Old Lady Strives to Earn More to Celebrate Iglesia ni Cristo Day

2009-08-16T12:10:00.005+08:00

By: Jasmin Vailoces

AMONG the long lines of vendors along the roads of Nivel Hills in Lahug, I have spotted Adelaida Labajo, a 60-year-old woman working non-stop until all her vegetables and charcoals are sold out. At her age, she should be at home instead of working all day long under the heat of the sun. However, she even doubles her efforts in finding financial means by doing more than just selling along the road. Adelaida would also go around the neighboring places, as far as her feet would take her just to sell all her goods.

Being a born and active member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, she revealed that she is enthusiastic with the church’s upcoming 95th Founding Anniversary in the country on the 27th of this month. She even planned on preparing a little gathering for celebration. This is her inspiration and the mere reason why she never gets tired of selling vegetables and charcoal everyday.

“I will really strive harder at work for the preparation of the church’s 95th Anniversary, because I’m really thankful that God has never forsaken me,” she said in plain vernacular.

Adelaida was married to Amateo with twelve children, and with such number of children, life is not easy for her and her converted husband. Moreover, when financial and health condition seemed shaky before, she would find herself slipping away from her faith and courage.

Furthermore, with too much struggle for their everyday survival, she would even feel her spirits weakening then.Everything even worsened when an illness struck her in 2008. Due to lack of sleep and rest from selling vegetables and repacking charcoals as their only means of income, Adelaida’s health declined for more than two weeks, which placed his husband to take over their small business.

Because of her illness, she was forced to stop attending church worship services twice every week for a couple of months. Moreover, despite her silent protest, her relatives took her to a faith healer. “I was so depressed when I have to stop attending church services. I didn’t believe I’d get healed by the faith healer. I just prayed at that time,” she said in the vernacular with teary eyes.

However, Adelaida made it through the painful trials that life has beset upon her, and because of those challenges, she became stronger in her faith and regained courage in life. She went back attending church services in the House of Worship in Tisa, Labangon in January this year together with her husband.

“I will die within the church’s flock because this is where truth is. I am just very thankful that despite the hardships I have experienced, God never left me,” she proudly said.

Going Bananas

2009-08-12T15:56:00.005+08:00

Every now and then, I often complain about my ulcer, especially when I get too engrossed with my hectic schedule with more than three meetings scheduled in a day, a choir practice at 5:00 in the morning for the next day's regular worship service, and other stuff that needs to be accomplished within the day.

As a result, I usually eat past the regular meal time. Instead of eating at noon for lunch, I'd get a munch past 3 in the afternoon, and instead of enjoying dinner at 7:00, I'd already get to take it past 10. This results to a severe pain in my stomach, or more specifically, just at the top of my stomach, below and in between my breasts. To make it short, I'd have ulcer attack again.

However, this was before I learned about the health benefits of bananas. I was really amazed how it prevents my ulcer from attacking despite taking late meals. Whenever my shedule would go crazy in a day again, I'd take a banana or two with me and eat them an hour or thirty minutes before lunch or dinner time. This keeps me going for another hours without getting pains from my ulcer.

I have read an article from the Mabuhay Magazine, June 2009 issue about the health benefits of bananas. I've also learned recently that bananas are considered as the healthiest fruit. So, I guess it is right to say in humor that if an apple a day keeps a doctor away, then perhaps, a banana a day will make the doctor unemployed. Anyway, I believe this aritcle is worth sharing, so read it on:

GOING BANANAS

A banana a day keeps the doctor away -- helping cure almost everything, from depression to hangovers to warts.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

SMOKING:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6 and B12 vitamins, as well as potassium and magnesium, that banans contain help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

STRESS:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body's water balance.

STROKE:
Eating banana as part of a regular diet cuts the risk of death by stroke by as much as 40 percent.

WARTS:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill a wart, take of a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape.

TEMPERAMENTAL CONTROL:
Many cultures see the banana as a "cooling" fruit and is espeically good for expectant mothers since it can lower both their physical and emotional temperatures. In Thailand, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure that their babies are born with a cool demeanor.

ENERGY BOOSTER:
Containing three natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) the banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute work-out. The banana is the number one choice of the world's leading athletes.

BRAIN POWER:
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making students more alert

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey, people suffering from depression felt much better after eating a banana. This is because banana contains tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, another type of protein which is known to make you feel more relaxed and happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills. The vitamin B6 bananas helps regulate blood glucose levels.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
High in potassium but low in salt, bananas make for the perfect food to beat high blood pressure. So much so the US Food and Drug Administration has allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruits' abilitiy to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, bananas can help restore normal bowel movement, helping over comethe problem without having to restore laxatives.

HANGOVER:
One of the quickest ways to cure a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of honey, repllenishes depleted blood sugars, while the milk soothes and rehydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals keeps blood sugar levels up and avoids morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many have found it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

The Heart of My SE K610i (Part III)

2009-07-31T17:19:00.014+08:00

(Part III)

These are more beautiful forwarded messages that melt the heart. Read them and capture the beauty of text messaging.

Trials are like fire. It can destroy or strengthen you depending on your character and outlook in life. Remember, the fire that melts butter, is the same fire that hardens steel. (December 28, 2006; 1:59 pm)

It doesn't matter what other people think or say. I don't live to please them. What matters is, I've made the most of what I have. I had fun. I've learned from what I've done and I've lived through it all despite the gossips and intrigues. That's being real. Just live a life fearless of others people's shadow. (December 28, 2:09 pm)

I want to be the girl he's scared to lose, the one he can't walk away from knowing I'm mad at him, the one whom he can't fall asleep without my voice being the last one he hears, the one he wouldn't know what to do without me and simply the girl he has repeatedly said to himself and to other people that "she's the one." (December 28, 2006; 3:49 pm)

Think about this: Anyone can make you happy by doing something special, but only someone special can make you happy without doing anything. (December 28, 2006; 4:58 pm)

Sometimes in our life we play with love, but when the time comes and you finally realize that you want to get serious, love, plays with you. (December 28, 2006; 8:31 pm)

People have different outlooks in love, but whatever those are, there's only a single truth behind everyone's heartache. Love hurts when God knows we deserve someone else."

(December 30, 2006; 11:53 pm)

Sometimes, you have to stop waiting for someone to come along and fix what's wrong. You have to stop feeling sorry for yourself and realize that no one else has the answer. Sometimes, you have to be your OWN hero. (December 30, 2006; 3:05 pm)

"Live your life with so much love in your heart that if by mistake, you were sent to hell, the devil himself would deliver you up to paradise." Paulo Coelho (December 30, 2006; 9:40 pm)

I'm not like the rain that just pours on you and then goes. I'm more like the air, sometimes, keeping quiet but is alwasy around. (December 31, 2006; 9:07 pm)

As the sun kisses you awake, do you hear God whispers "I love you" in your ear? 'Hope the noise of the day won't drown His voice as He repeats the words to you all day. (December 31, 2006; 9:22 am)

Math tells us three of the saddest stories: Tangent lines who had one chance to meet and then parted forever; Parallel lines who were never meant to meet; and Asymptotes who can get closer and closer but will never be together. (January 1, 2007; 7:49 pm)

Real friends are not those who are nice to be with, but rather those who are nice to talk with, because they don't only listen, they understand not only your words, but most of all, your silence. (January 1, 2007; 9:40 pm)

He is my inflicted pain, a preposterous diversion, a momentary bliss, a blameworthy experience, my poisonous water. He is my annoyance, and yet, he remains to be my happiness. (January 2, 2007; 7:02 pm)

It hurts when the one you love left you and say, "you deserve someone better" then all you can say is "maybe I do," but deep inside, you're crying because you know you can't find anyone better if you already found the best. (January 3, 2007; 10:31 am)

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on, and no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God. (January 3, 2007; 8:49 pm)

What is the secret of success? Right decisions. How do you make right decisions? Experience. How do you get experience? Wrong decisions. (January 4, 2007; 9:16 pm)

Life is full of grandeur, but it's the simple things -- a touch, a hug, a smile, a message from people who care -- that makes life worth living. (January 4, 2007; 9:28 pm)

Dolphins never separate from their mate when they find each other. Love birds die when their better half is dead. Us, human? We can never tell if our partner is the right one for us. If things do not work out, we always have a choice, and that is to search for love all over again. Lucky are those who find love and contentment much as the dolphins and love birds do. (January 5, 2007; 9:44 am)

A sparrow was inlove with a white rose. One day, the bird proposed to the rose. The white rose told him that when she turns red, that's the only time she'll love him. The sparrow then cut his body and spread his blood on the rose. The rose turned red and fell inlove with the sparrow, but the sparrow was no longer alive. Love sometimes sacrifices are useless, especially if that someone doesn't know how to appreciate. They will come to realize important things when it's already too late. (January 5, 2007; 12:29pm)

If you stand in front of a large mirror and hold 11 roses in front of you, you will see 12 of the most beautiful things in the world. (January 7, 2007; 9:22 am)

"At some point, you have to make a decision. Boundaries don't keep people out, they fence you in. Life is messy. That's how we're made. So you can waste your life drawing lines or you can live your life crossing them, but there are some lines that are way to dangerous to cross. Here's what I know: If you're willing to take the chance, life on the other side is spectacular!" Grey's Anatomy (January 7, 2007; 11:15 am)

"The best date is with someone who can take you anywhere without touching anything but your heart." Ric Jason (January 7, 2007; 1:50 pm)

"The smarter the woman gets, the more difficult for her to find the right man." Oprah (January 7, 2007; 2:07 pm)

The finest part of someone's heart, is the little unknown acts of kindness and love. We gain happiness not because we do great things but because we do small things with great love. (January 7, 2007; 7:56 pm)

Life is pretty simple. When we are asking for apples and life hands you lemons, make lemonade. If you are on your way out and it starts to rain, at least you don't have to water the plants anymore. It's a matter of seeing things in the perspective. The benefits may not be immediate or obvious, but you have to know this for sure: There will be problems. There will be struggles. Have faith. Enjoy life. Take it easy. If today you are picking up grapes, tomorrow you'll be drinking wine. (January 8, 2007; 8:52 am)

Through prayers, God hears more than you say. He answers more than you ask. He gives more than you desire. All He needs is your time. (January 10, 2007; 3:33 pm)

Everyone is a stranger of their ownselves. We still have a long way to run. Grow up and dream who you want to be, but don't forget to live for who you really are. (January 10, 2007; 10:51 pm)

It is wiser not to expect, but to hope. For in expecting, we meet disappointments, where as in hoping, we invite surprises and miracles. (January 11, 2007; 7:27 pm)

The worst regret we can have in life is not for wrong things we did, but for the right things we could have done but we never did. (January 12, 2007; 1:22 pm)

"Until one morning, I'll wake up and find I'm thinking about something else, and then I'll know the worst is over. My heart might be bruised, but it will recover and become capable of seeing the beauty of life once more. It happened before, it will happen again, I'm sure. When someone leaves, it's because someone is about to arrive. I'll find love again." Paulo Coelho, The Zahir (January 12, 2007; 1:52 pm)

Reality bites: You excitedly send mushy quotes to the one you love, only for them to send it to the one they really love, then they end up being together, and you? Still waiting for the reply. (January 13, 2007; 9:30 pm)

I know I've been too far all this time, but still, I wish you're doing fine, and if ever you need someone you can turn to, I'm still here, nothing has changed. I'm still that someone you once knew. (January 13, 2007; 10:44 pm)

Don't take life too seriously. Always find time to laugh. Remember that laughter will not only add years to your life but will definitely add life to your years. (January 14, 2007; 6:15 am)

Life holds no promises to what will come our way. It makes no guarantee as to what we will have. It just gives us time to make choices and to take chances. (January 14, 2007; 11:15 am)

Maybe cupid should shoot himself with his own damn arrow, so he can see how much love hurts. (January 14, 2007; 9:02 pm)

There's nothing wrong with being single. It's nice to be free. I can stay out late every night. I can wear whatever I want. I can just be my plain old self. The whole world sees that I can take care of myself. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind having someone walk me home. I wouldn't mind wanting to look good or trying to be better for someone. I wouldn't mind letting someone hold me when I'm just too weak to go on. It's nice to be free, but I wouldn't mind being bound to someone who loves me. (January 15, 2997; 12:50 pm)

You should not be sorry nor cynical about love. Rather, it should make you wonder that: If you're happy with the wrong one, how much more if the right one comes. (January 15, 2007; 3:36 pm)

Everyone has lost someone they thought was theirs forever. Finally, they come to realize that nothing really belongs to them; and if nothing belongs to you, then there's no point wasting your time looking after things that aren't yours. It's best to live as if today were the first or last day of your life." Paulo Coelho; Eleven Minutes (January 18, 2007; 8:59 pm)

You can never own something that was never yours. So let's stop gripping on things we expect to last forever. Nothing lasts forever. Forever is a lie. Everything is transitory. So, while you have things in your hand, put in mind that it's only borrowed. So someday, when it's gone, it won't take you eternity just to let it go. (January 19, 2007; 12:17 pm)

They say, if you felt real love and then lost it, you'll never be able to smile. I'm not sure if that is true. I can still smile, but it hurts though. (January 20, 2007; 12:43 pm)

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is just the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. (January 20, 2007; 1:19 pm)

It's nice to recall our mistakes in the past. Laugh at our dumb old selves. Joke about real life punch lines. Besides, remembering how stupid we were, makes us realize how less stupid we are now. (January 20, 2007; 7:07 pm)

Question: Can love really last a lifetime? Answer: Scientist found out that romantic love involves chemical changes in the brain that last 12 to 18 months. After that, you and your partner are on your own. Love can absolutely last for a lifetime as desired to be maintained. Meaning, it's both your choice. The bottom line is, it will last, if you know how to commit. -Reader's Digest, May 2006- (January 23, 2007; 7:16 pm)

"You deserve someone better." One of the most bullshit reasons I've ever heard. Why? Because he could have been better if he tried to, and it could have been me, if he wanted to. (January 28, 2007; 11:50 pm)

Love is like handing someone a gun, having them point it at your heart, and trusting them to never pull the trigger. Spongebob Squarepants (January 29, 2007; 9:42 pm)
Forgetting the feelings you have for someone is one of the things that could never be easy. After the long times of loving, here you are now, trying to forget but still loving in silence. (January 30, 2007; 11:17 pm)

I had let go of what I thought I owned. It hurts, yes, a lot actually, but getting through each day made me realized that the world will just keep on turning and I have to continue breathing even if he's not around. So I got to move on, face the world we built, the same world that he ruined and prove that it can be better than what I used to when he had me. (January 31, 2007; 8:00 pm)

I remember God's gift to me in people like you, so on wings of prayers, I whispered my thanks to Him and asked Him to bless you in countless ways. (January 31, 2007; 8:04 pm)

Loving involves two phases: The first one is loving the person because of who he or she is; the second is loving the person despite who he or she is not. The first one sparks love, the second one makes it last. (February 1, 2007; 7:53 am)

What if the person you secretly love tells you that he already found the one to whom he will spend his life with? Would you be brave to ask, "who?" or bear the pain inside not knowing it's you? (February 1, 2007; 10:30 am)

Just when I found all of life's answers, they changed the question. (February 1, 2007; 12:13 pm)

A true person is like the best books, sometimes, the cover may not be so elegant, but the contents are like bars of gold that you can treasure for a life time. (February 8, 2007; 8:17 am)

See The Treasures in Text Messages (Part I); and The Heart of My SE K610i (Part II) of this article.

The Heart of My K610i SE Phone (Part II)

2009-07-30T07:41:00.013+08:00

From Part I: The Treasures in Text Messages

(PART II)

These are beautiful text messages I got since I had my phone in December 2006. I need to clean up my phone memory since my phone is getting old, so to prevent sudden distruption of the system and lose all the nice messages in my inboxes, it's better to share it to everybody. You could even use some of these messages to send it to your love ones.

Everything you've done will become someone else's memory. The person might forget the exact words you said but there's no way to make them forget the way you made them feel. (December 9, 2006; 7:52pm)

"If you want pain, if you like tears, if you need sleepless nights, and suffering, find a friend and fall in love." Casper (December 10, 2006; 5:29 pm)

Woman, if you get your heart broken by a man, be strong enough to trust the hope of loving again. Go tell the world how you feel, and the world will listen. Don't hate the man for what he's done to you. Instead, feel sorry for him because he's too weak to appreciate all the good that you have in you. However, remember that the good man is not a myth. All men love, but only the good ones will take a picture of you when you wake up in the morning, put it in a frame, hug you tight and say, "I never thought I deserved such goodness."
(December 16, 2006; 12:07 pm)

How do you see that someone special is "the one"? It's pretty much like finding the end of a roll of scotch tape. You don't need to see, you just feel it. (December 17, 2006; 6:08 pm)

I can't fly and lift an island like superman, but there's one thing superman and I have in common. Remember what he always say? "I'm always around."
(December 18, 2006; 7:09 pm)

One night, I dreamed I was a vampire. I was about to bite you, but I chose to face the sunlight and let myself melt. You know why? Just because of the simple fact that "I can't hurt you." (December 18, 2006; 7:09 pm)

The person meant for you is the one who'll stay even when there's no more reason to love you. For in your nothingness, that one person will find reason enough to love you still.
(December 20, 2006; 5:18 pm)

A child asked his father, "why do I need to be humble?" The father said, "when you choose the lowly path, there's no place to fall and the only way is up."

(December 21, 2006; 7:35 am)

He looks at her from afar. She's with her friends. He sees her smile, then a silent tear forms in his eyes and said, "how could I let her go?" Then he hears a voice, "honey, let's go..." He turns around, sees his present girlfriend, wipes his tear, then walks away together.
Then she looks at him, sees him with her and sees him smile. A silent tear falls from her eyes and said, "why did he ever let me go?" (December 21, 2009; 3:37 pm)

"Being a surgeon is easy. Just remember to cut, close and suture. But sometimes, you'll encounter a cut that's difficult to heal. Just like love, you can always cut, but closure and suturing don't always follow, thus, causing continuous bleeding." Dr. Derek Sheperd, Grey's Anatomy (December 22, 2009; 12:37 pm)

In life, there are five balls to juggle: family, friends, health, work and values. Only work is made of rubber, the rest are made of glass. Don't drop them.
(December 23, 2009; 8:42 pm)

I could be a paper. You can write your feelings, scribble your anger, use me to absorb your tears, but don't throw me after use, because when you feel cold, I'll burn myself just to warm you. (December 23, 2006; 2:01pm)

If dreams are ther only way that I can see you, then I'd rather spend the rest of my life sleeping. For somehow, I know, in my dreams, I'm with you.
(December 24, 2006; 8:59 am)

GUY: What's your biggest fantasy?
GIRL: To be kissed in the rain. How about you?
GUY: To be the one kissing you in the rain?
(December 24, 2006; 9:20 am)

You are someone who has always made me feel special that I still have my worth no matter how imperfect I am. I feel so blessed that I can say, "I met an angel even before I reached heaven." (December 25, 2009; 12:11 pm)

The hardest part about walking away from the one you love is the part that you have to realize that he or she will never ever run after you. (December 25, 2006; 1:05 pm)

Pretending not to be hurt is a brave thing to do. But you know what? Crying is braver. Why? Because not everyone can accept the fact that not all things are meant for you.
(December 25, 2006; 3:20pm)

The greatest disease in the world is not medical. It's being unwanted, unloved and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases but the only cure for despair is love. There are those who are dying for a piece of bread but many more are dying for a piece of love. Share it everyday. (December 25, 2006; 5:25 pm)

I'm into moving on. I've cried enough. The pain is gone. I've seen a lot and I'm almost done but there's on thing that gets me out of the flow, I still don't know how to let go.
(December 25, 2006; 5:54 pm)

How do you know it's over? Or does it really matter? Because even when it seems that the world has given you all the reasons to move on, still, you hold on.
(December 25, 2006; 11:49 pm)

The greatest challenge in our life is to find someone who sees our fault and weaknesses but is still willing to embrace us with so much love without doubt.
(December 26, 2006; 10:10 am)

Peyton once said, "There's nothing wrong with believing in fairytales, because in the end, we all live happily ever after." However, she forgot one important detail. Not everyone we fall in love with means it's a happily ever after story. Most of the time, it's just, "once upon a time." (December 26, 2006; 12:30 pm)

Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later, a collection of mistakes is called experience, which leads us to success. That's life. Live it and be happy.
(December 27 2006; 9:17 am)

A child on a farm sees a plane fly by overhead and dreams of going to faraway places. The traveller on the same plane sees the farm house below and dreams of the child's home. That's life. You will never realize the value of a thing unless it moves away from you. So start enjoying what you have today. (December 27, 2006; 2:11 pm)

The key to surviving medical training is denial. We deny we're tired. We deny that we're scared. We deny how badly we want to succeed, and most importantly, we deny that we are in denial. We only see what we want to see, and believe what we want to believe and it works. (December 28, 2006; 7:10 am)

More beautiful text messages can be read in The Treasures in Text Messages (Part I).

The Treasures in Text Messages (Part I)

2009-07-29T23:57:00.006+08:00

(PART I)

SENTIMENTAL as I am, I always keep and save gifts, remembrances and mementos that are special, especially if it’s given by a friend or a person really important to me. My being such a sentimental type doesn’t only stop in keeping special gifts and things. Moreover, I also saved and stored text messages that left footprints in my heart in my mobile phone’s “saved messages” folder. I bought my Sony Ericsson K610i phone almost three years ago, but still, I have saved the best heart warming and interesting messages in my “inbox” and “saved messages” folder.

Since my phone is about to reach its memory’s maximum limit, I need to move my saved messages somewhere. Also in my aim to share the great meaning of these heart warming messages, I have posted it here so others may use it to make their love ones smile by sending them these messages. The date I received these messages are also credited:

How do you control how you feel? Is it by suppressing it until you feel numb or by pretending that nothing is wrong when you know deep inside you’re crushing. The irony of love is that the same person who will make you happy, is the same one who can hurt you unintentionally. (December 20, 2006; 6:13 pm)

Sometimes, you just have to put a period on something that has to end, and not just settle on a comma. It’s because the time will come, you’ll realize that it’s nice to see a complete sentence, rather than seeing a phrase that’s completely hanging and doesn’t even make sense. (August 16, 2008; 5:57 pm)

I hope our friendship would be like the relation between the hand and the eyes. It’s like, when the hand gets hurt, the eyes cry, and when the eyes cry, the hand wipes its tears.

(June 11, 2009; 2:27pm)

If I have to spend my life thinking, I’ll think of you. If I have to cry my tears, I’ll cry for you. If I have to give up my wings, I’ll walk with you, but if you have to lose someone, damn, not you. (June 11, 2009)

Butterflies don’t know the color of their wings, but human eyes can see how nice they are. Likewise, you don’t know how good you are, but I know how special you are! (June 11, 2009)

Do you know why there are people who had a bad experience in love but they show to you like it’s nothing and they never show you they cry? Simply because, there are tears in the heart that never reaches the eyes. (June 11, 2009)

Our heart is in the center of the chest, but it beats at the left side. I guess that‘s the reason why our heart isn’t always right. (June 11, 2009)

Somebody once asked me, “How do you hold love?” I answered, “With your hands wide open, your palms facing up and with your heart ready to let go and let the other grow.” Then that somebody asked, “what if it hurts you?” I smiled wistfully and said “then it means you’re doing it right.” (June 11, 2009)

When you truly love someone, you’re going to fight for what you believe is right. It doesn’t matter if the world told you it’s wrong, because if you really love each other, you don’t need the world. You just need each other. (June 11, 2009)

If I could do anything to give you back the joy you’ve given me, I’d be more than happy to, because you’ve made me smile once. Yes, just once, but it hasn’t left my face since then.

(June 11, 2009)

It’s hard to love someone who can never be yours. Time would give you chances to talk, chances to be together and chances to share. See how it hurts? You only have chances, just chances. (June 11, 2009)

I never thought I’d miss love this way until I woke up with a broken heart today, crying, “Can I get your love back again? Because I’m going crazy being your friend.” (June 11, 2009)

Having been committed to love someone means losing the opportunity of having others to love you, so be sure the person you’re committed to, deserves your love and worthy of your sacrifice. (June 11, 2009)

I may not always know if you’re okay. I may not always know when you’re sad. I may not always know when you need someone, but when you do, I hope you know that I’m here for you. (June 11, 2009)

Never say you’re nothing because for me you’re special. Never say I don’t care because I’m always wondering if you’re okay. Never say I don’t remember you because right now, I’m officially missing you. (June 11, 2009)

Never doubt someone’s love for you. If you find some imperfections, let it be. If you survived the pain, the happiness is satisfying. Never find the perfect love because love without pain is impossible. (June 11, 2009)

I feel so special every time you remember me. I feel so complete when I know that you’re there for me. I’m so lucky because you love me. So, please stay because I’ll be sad if you go away. (June 11, 2009)

There’s music from heaven that takes away our tiredness. It is God’s melody of love that quiets all our weariness. Hear it and find peace in his presence. (June 11, 2009)

It doesn’t matter what other people think or say. I don’t live to please them. What matters most is I’ve made the most of what I have. I had fun. I learned from what I have done and live through it all despite the gossips and intrigues. That’s being real. Just live a life fearless of other people’s shadows. (June 11, 2009)

Don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and yet tell you, “ I love you.” There is an African saying: “Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.” (June 11, 2009)

Si Maria Agwanta, Anak sa Overseas nga Mama

2009-07-24T21:37:00.005+08:00

Written as a tribute to the Buhilaman Theatre Organization:

The following is an excerpt from “Si Maria Agwanta, Anak sa Overseas nga Mama,” a dula-tula performed by the Buhilaman Theatre Organization (BTO) during the launching of Friends of Pedro at the Ayala Entertainment Center in 2003. The script was written by Tyra ‘nell Pille and edited by Pamela Barbarona, an honorary Teatro Aninag Organization (TAO) member and Karen Joy Jajalla.

Maria Agwanta, being the eldest, received so much responsibility and pressures in taking care of her three siblings. Her mother is an overseas domestic worker while her father is a negligent mechanic. There was a day when her mother was supposed to be home from Dubai, but she did not arrive. From that moment on, Maria, angry and frustrated, become irresponsible herself, until such irresponsibility led to the death through a truck accident, of their youngest autistic sibling, Ninay. (STAR Magazine, Nancy Cudis, 2003)

Narrator: Ang lubong nahuman na
Pamilya Agwanta perteng gu-ola
Unya wala damha
Si mama ningtunga

Mama: I’m home!

Joey: (This line is sung with the tone of Bakit Ngayon Kalang, by: Janno Gibbs and Jaya)
Bakit ngayong ka lang?
Bakit ngayon kung kailan ay wala na si Ninay dumating ka pa?

Mama: (continue singing in this line) Sana’y malaman niyo…
(spoken) Si Ninay? Asa siya?

Papa: Wala na!

Mama: Si Kris?

Maria: Ambot oy! Pangita-a kung gusto? Kapoy ba oy!

Imo nang katungdanan magpadako sa imung mga anak.

Responsible ka sa ilang mga binuhatan.

Simple ra ana wala pa gyod nimu nabuhat.

Ako na gani nibuhat anang tanan katong wala ka.

Wala gani ko’k panahon para sa akong kaugalingon.

Mama: Nangutana raman ko. Ngano naman ka?

Ngano naman mong tanan? Ning palayo naman mo nako.

(spoken from a Tagalog movie line) "Paguwi ko, ibang tao na ang kaharap ko. Parang hindi na kayo pamilya.“

Wala man koy gibuhat na dautan. Unsa man akong sala ninyo?

Maria: (spoken from the Tagalog movie, Bata-bata paano ka Ginawa?) "Akala mo lang wala,

pero meron meron meron!"

(Mama tried to slapped Maria, but slapped Lola hard instead, accidentally)

Mama: (Spoken from a Tagalog movie, Anak) "Sana sa bawat perang ginasta mo sa paglalakwatsa, inisip mo rin kung ilang pagkain ang tiniis kong hindi kainin para lang makapagpadala ng pera sa inyo at ng tatay niyo. Di niyo alam na napakahirap magtrabaho at maging alila sa ibang bansa. Hindi ako nakakatulog nang maayos dahil sa pangungulila sa inyo mga anak ko."

Maria: (Spoken from a Tagalog movie, Anak) "Bakit ma, inisip niyo rin bang mas importante na nandito ka sa tabi naming kaysa sa mga material na bagay na pinapadala mo sa amin?"

Mama: (This line is sung with the tone of In the End) "I tried so hard and get this far, in the end, it doesn’t really matter…"

Lola: Ayaw na mo pag… ah ah (fell down unconscious)

Narrator: Ug wala natapos didto ang atong istorya
Kalooy sa Diyos si lola buhi pa
Paglabay sa pipila sa simana
Si mama sa airport gihatod nila
Pero una si Mama makalarga
Pamilya Agwanta nagkahiusa
Atong bida, perteng nasola
Nangayo ug pasaylo sa iyang sala
Hasta pod ang ilang papa
Sa iyang pagkukulang sa pamilya

Maria: Ma, ayaw nalang ug balik sa Dubai.
Wala na raba si Ninay,
Mulakaw napod ka,
Imo napod ming biyaan.

Mama: Sagdi lang, kini akong pagbalik didto, katapusan nalang gyud ni, kay nasayran man nako nga nagdako na lang mo na wala man lang ko ninyo makauban. Ako na lang tiwason ang katapusang tulo ka buwan didto. Dayon mubalik nako diri aron bantayan ta mo ug atimanon.

Finale: (Song) Babalik Ka rin

Buhilaman Theatre Organization on Dula-tula

2009-07-24T00:45:00.011+08:00

The Buhilaman Theatre Organization (BTO) is the official theatre organization of Saint Theresa's College, Cebu. It was formerly known as Teatre Aninag Organization (TAO) under the advisory of Miss Daisy Baad, the Director of the Out-of-the-Box Theater.

Buhilaman is the Cebuano terminology for "civilization." It is symbolically defined as a growing plant, which is derived from the word buhi, which means presence of life or growing. Furthermore, it is associated with the word laman, which comes from the tagalog word "halaman."

The members of the organization, which are exclusively composed of commited and dedicated ladies, have undergone several workshops and theater trainings that really shaped the members' talents in both visual and performing arts, especially in a unique and interesting comical skit performance, known as Dula-tula. They have performed several Dula-tula presentations in different schools in Cebu and participated in programs of various religious and non-government organizations. Furthermore, BTO have already won several trophies and cash prizes from different comical skit contests within Cebu Province such as the Dong Karyo Inter-school Comical Skit Competition in February 2005, in which they bagged home the grand prize, beating the theatre groups from The University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu, University of San Carlos (USC) and University of San Jose Recolletos (USJR).

DULA-TULA
Considered as Saint Theresa's College (STC) theater organizations's trademark, a Dula-tula is a presentation, which utilizes a limited number of actors. Among the actors, one is chosen to play the lead role. All the other actors are required to wear an all-black attire so as to highlight the lead. Each actor, except for the lead is designated with multiple-charater roles. The co-actors would only approach the center stage, joining the lead if it calls for their turn wearing the costume fitted for the assigned character they portray. All the actors are tasked to move simultaneously with the voice over in time of the reading rhythm and beat.

A Dula-tula is a play written in a poetic manner with lines delivered in a rhyming and comical way with added commercials and variuos popular spoofs and bloopers. It doesn't only entertain the audience, it also inpires them with the moral and values injected in the story line.

An Unforgettable Night at Maribago Bluewaters Beach Resort

2009-07-22T19:55:00.016+08:00

It seems just a dream away when I, hand-in-hand with my special someone, stepped into the dimly lit pathway, accented with glittering colors of tiny lights, leading to a haven of romantic ambience with the relaxing sea breeze and accoustics that almost placed me in a trance. Though, it's been months since I last visited the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort with my beau for our monthssary celebration, yet the feeling is still so alive within me, like a hangover of lastnight's good toast.

As we stepped cluelessly into a big kiosk-restaurant, a warm smile from the friendly receptionist clad in an off-white Filipiniana and a conservatively long red checkered skirt welcomed us. She greeted us enthusiastically; ushering us to where we're supposed to have a great dinner and not to mention, a romantic night!

The cemented pavement that laid before us, invitingly stood with an aquatic-blue view that held so many promises of an unforgettable night. Upon arriving to our table, the feeling was just as captivating as we enjoyed the neat and elegant presentation of the silver utensils and big coral-white plate lying face-down on the table surrounding a neatly arranged orchid beside a candle lit inside a classic glass. It's just extremely romantic for two lovers celebrating their special day.

Indeed, dining at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort with my beau is a night to remember. We were enteratined by musicians who sang a soothing rendition of Close to You by the Carpenters. I clapped my hands with so much glee like a child who had her first bike ride. My boyfriend was just amused with my reactions, and all in all was more than just contented with such a great night together.

To experience an unforgettable date with your lover, you may check out these sites for further information:

1. maribago bluewater cebu

2. maribago bluewater video

3. sumilon bluewater blog

Good news for bloggers: if you're interested to visit Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, you will have a chance to visit Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, its partner resort located at the southeastern part of Cebu. Find out more about this chance of a good getaway at PINOYWORLD

For more information about Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, you may visit:

1. sumilon bluewater island resort

2. sumilon bluewater blog

Reliable Sites to Earn Money Online

2009-07-22T16:30:00.005+08:00

To those who are interested in earning money online by blogging, reading emails, clicking advertisements, commenting to blogs and have people comment to your blogs as well; so far, these are the sites I have tried that are reliable and scam free. Short descriptions about the sites are already included so you would know what kind of website they are and how you could earn money from them:

Bux To Site
This is a website where you can earn a few cents everyday by clicking and reading advertisements. Though, the earnings may not be that much, but as you click on ten or more ads everyday, your earnings amazingly accummulate everyday. Moreover, you get a few free cents when you sign up to this site.

Clixsense
This is another website where you can also earn a few cents by clicking and viewing their ads. This is just similar to the first site. However, if you wanted more ads everyday, the first one is suggested.

Hits 4 Pay
In this website, you will earn money by reading emails they sent to you. It's also similar to clicking and reading ads. This is the trend on the website especially to those who are interested to earn money online.

Yuwie
This is an online social networking similar to friendster, multiply, facebook and Hi5 among others. The difference is, you will earn a few cents when you register to this site. Moreover, when people view your site and read your blogs and other things posted here, you will also earn a few cents.

My Lot Site
This is also a social networking site quite similar to Yuwie. However, they are focused more on blogging and commenting to other people's blogs. The more comment you give to other blogs, and the more comments you receive from other bloggers, it will mark on your account as earnings.

As an advice though, do not give up your primary job and make this a career because the return of money will take almost forever. Indeed, patience is a virtue for this online business, but need not worry because rest assured, you will receive your earnings once you have reach the minimum amount for pay out.

Earn Money Online

2009-07-22T15:34:00.007+08:00

There are a lot of social networking online. However, can we earn something from those sites? For those who wanted to earn money online without the hussle of adding adsense and creating websites, you may register at:

myLot User Profile

Places to Enjoy with Family Without Spending Much

2009-07-22T11:19:00.005+08:00

Cebu may just be composed of little patches of small islands, yet naturally, it holds more wonders that its breadth could speak of. Some of these exciting yet simple and wholesome places where the entire family could enjoy a relaxing get-together are just around the neighborhood within the city. So before one could explore the depths of Cebu’s remote and distant wondrous places, one should take a peek at five of the nearest and simplest yet recommendable places where they could enjoy a simple activity with the entire family.

Family Park

Spending an enjoyable wholesome moment with the entire family is achievable at Family Park in Talamban, Cebu, just a few meters away from the University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus.
From the park’s name itself, it is a wholesome get-away designed specially for the entire family where the children could enjoy running in the spacious grassy area or simply play in the playground, while mom and dad would prepare something for a picnic break; and when the temperature gets higher, the entire family could also just plunge into the pool for a refreshing bath.

Budget would never be a problem since entrance fee is pegged at only ten pesos for each member while families can take advantage of a free entrance fee every first Saturday of the month.

Taoist Temple

Located at Beverly Hills, Cebu, the rich suburb of the city, Taoist Temple is a very attractive landmark that holds very astounding panoramic view of the city. It is built by the Chinese community here in the city, which comprise about 15 percent of the entire population in Cebu.
With its main purpose of being as a worship place, its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere makes it a very good spot for the entire family to relax and enjoy the macroscopic view of the world below.

Mactan Shrine

The park’s relaxing sea-side atmosphere will surely take mom and dad’s work-related pressures away, especially when the entire family gets together in a picnic set-up on a green grassy ground under a shady ornamental tree. Mactan Shrine, which is just a short walk away from Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort in Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, isn’t just famous for its historical background but for its uncomplicated and wholesome surroundings as well.
Aside from an educational tour with the kids, the entire family could also go on boating on the native colorful “bankas” while they see the amazing dramatically twisted roots of the Mangrove trees on the sea.

Mactan Shrine was dedicated in honor of Lapu-Lapu, the native chieftain of Mactan Island, Ferdinand Magellan and the Battle of Mactan. It was built on the supposed spot where the battle took place.

Cebu City Sports Center

For health conscious mom and dad, jogging in the great oval of Cebu City Sports Complex in Abellana National High School would make a very good well-being activity for the entire family. Moreover, the entire family could enjoy swimming in the complex’s swimming pool. It would also be a good swimming exercise venue to teach the kids the basics of swimming.
The budget wouldn’t be a problem at all since a ten peso entrance fee for each member wouldn’t hurt the pocket after all.

Home Sweet Home

Sounds like a homey restaurant with a very pleasant ambience, right? But definitely better than any restaurant, because it’s a lot way cheaper; and it’s simply where you live.

Spending time with the entire family is best spent at home where mom cooks a new and very delectable recipe for the entire family, while dad prepares the ice, milk, sugar, fruits and the blender for a refreshing fruit shake or juice. Meanwhile, the children would set up the dinning place with fresh flowers as the centerpiece for accentuation, with classical background music to create a perfect ambience for a family get-together.

Creating a perfect family gathering needs not be too expensive to attain enjoyment; it only needs everybody’s presence, after all, there’s no place like home.

By: Tyra 'nell E. Pille

(Published in Yuppies Magazine 2008)

Liloan's Pride

2009-07-22T11:12:00.003+08:00

Though Cebu has boomed so much industrially in these previous years and has become extremely urbanized, second to Manila; and become one of the famous tourist destinations in the country, there are still patches of wonders that the province hold that remain under-developed and unrecognized by tourists and even by the majority of locals. One of these beautiful places does not just provide leisure time, but also teach about its rich history.

Thought, it’s not to be deemed as an undiscovered beautiful spot anymore, yet the Parola in Yati, Liloan located towards the northeastern part of Cebu is yet unpopular among foreigners and even to some locals in the neighboring cities and towns.

The Parola, which is the dialect for “lighthouse,” stands proud in an elevated grassy land overlooking the north-east sea of Cebu Harbor that separates Liloan from Lapu-Lapu City. Short history facts tell that the 72-feet lighthouse was situated on the land given by Governor-General William Howard during the American Era in 1904. This is one of the most important examples of American Architecture in the country. The structure helps guide sea farers with its light that stretches to 17 miles across the sea.

Aside from its historical richness, the place also holds a great panoramic view of the green scenery from the foot of the lighthouse. Beyond the great “productive” shade reveals the rich blue shade of the sea, which made it a perfect place for relaxation and leisure. Yet, not a lot has ever discovered how relaxing it is to lie down on the grassy field below the lighthouse; and not everybody realized the sooth it brings to just sit by the cottage and watch the undaunted view it humbly holds. Either that, or just sing to the different tunes in karaoke on the cottage where everyone can also have a good time drinking and eating; and not to mention, take a refreshing bath in the sea.

The few meters down the lighthouse has slowly been developed to preserve the momentous area and make roads convenient for those who like to visit the Parola. Along the road heading to the center of Liloan’s town, one can also see the colorful displays and lively shouts of food vendors along Liloan’s Poblacion on Sundays.

By: Tyra 'nell E. Pille

(Published and Edited in Yuppies Magazine in 2008)

YOUR HOROSCOPE

2009-07-22T10:58:00.004+08:00

Horoscopes may be fun and inspiring, but it’s only until there – FOR FUN! You don’t necessarily have to believe it.

LIBRA (September 23- October 22)

Almost everything you’re set out to do these days is bound to be fruitful and successful. Your inherent diplomatic and sociable character will fuel a promising result, thus, reaping dynamism in your line-up of activities. Your thoughtfulness will also come in handy towards your dealing with other people, thus, it will attract good friends and fortune.

SCORPIO (October 23- November 21)

Something unexpected will happen to you these days. It may or may not be pleasant depending on how you will deal with it. Just be open to anything and try to deviate from your natural secretive and obstinate self so others could understand the situation you’re in and extend a helping hand in case you need one.

SAGUITARRIUS (November 22- December 21)

Your great yearning for liberty may spur resentment and possessiveness on your lover. Try to inculcate personal freedom with your relationship and involve your love one in your plans, goals and dreams, so you won’t have to keep explaining yourself to them. Who knows, they could be your ticket towards achieving your dreams.

CAPRICORN (December 22- January 19)

You will find yourself getting closer to someone you least expected to get closer with. Just be a little cautious with it, something might be recalled or revived from an unpleasant experience from your past and bring you a bit of resentment and pain. Nevertheless, remain passionate and kind to everyone around you and you will get pleasant things back in double.

AQUARIUS (January 20- February 18)

Be careful with someone novice who wished to be a part of your business or personal ventures. Be cautious with your ideas and try to assess the person’s perspective and goal so you wouldn’t be taken advantage of. Being innovative and unconventional may be one of your outstanding characteristics, but these may be reasons for frustrations, so be cautious but not paranoid.

PISCES (February 19-March 20)

If something personal has been bothering you lately or may bother you in the coming days, trust your intuitions and feelings and try to search for more spiritual values in life. Seeking advice from people you trust may be helpful, but if you remain persistent with your dreams and try to assess or understand the situation, you won’t need any helping hand at all.

ARIES (March 21- April 19)

Problems on your preparation to pursue your career and goals may arise if you get too engrossed worrying about it. Try to relax and loosen up a bit. For now, just go with the flow and enjoy the natural pace of your career. Maybe then you’ll wake up finding everything being smoothened out effortlessly and unexpectedly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You have the tendency to get involve in aggressive situations that are related to money or love. These two sometimes antagonize each other. These may also provoke the ardor of lovers due to your stubborness and possessiveness. However, your practical, patient and affectionate inate personality may come handy incase circumstances may occur surprisingly.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20)

Take time to sit and relax with your love ones and do not get too engrossed with your work, social and religious activities. You might wake up one of these days realizing that it has affected your relationship with your family and love one. Moreover, this may lead you to confusion that would push you to burn out from your hectic dealings a bit.

CANCER (June 21- July 22)

Dealing personal matters will be a little difficult. Give security and discipline at home a good emphasis because this would calm down the rocky situation you may encounter. Be optimistic and persistent at the same time to gain more trust among your family members. Your optimism will harvest good news and stories, while your persistence will keep them in place.

LEO (July 23 – August 22)

Keep an optimistic perspective on business and personal dealings especially these and the coming days and you’re sure to find ways on how to combat your financial dilemma. Just try to control your extravagant lifestyle for it might lead to impractical expenses. Your powerful, expansive and exuberant personality will be your weapon to handle any unexpected or unpleasant circumstances.

VIRGO (August 23- September 22)

When attending special or important gatherings, meetings or conferences, try to control yourself from talking too much or interfering to conversations, because you may arouse anger and violence to others due to your critical tongue, unemotional attitude and your tendency to interfere with another business. Minding your own business might save you from getting into minor troubles.

By: Madam Sakiko Matsuki

(Publised and Edited in Yuppies Magazine in 2008)

'Til Death Do Us Part

2009-07-20T01:53:00.002+08:00

Written in 2007 by: Tyra 'nell E. Pille

A year brought about a big change in the lives of two different persons coming from the same blood line, representing both species. Biologically related, thought; experiences, feelings and emotions, motives, dreams, faith and respect walled their destinies apart.

Love is the big word that really matters in the two separate weddings that took its part in the extremities of this year.

February 3, 2007 -- A brother who is constantly considered as the "black sheep" in the family tied his physical, emotional, social, spiritual and mental entirety to a girl he barely loves; an act that brought about grievances and regrets to his family. An act that he indeed felt sorry for his family, though, in denial form.

Clans from each side had things to share in common and contrasts on the actualization of the wedding. The girl's family pushed for their eldest daughter to get married (maybe) to have a better catch of living and to escape their denied poverty. Barely finishing her second level in college, she enjoyed a simple life categorized lower than the middle class. Unfortunately still, she succumb into another misfortune upon believing the guy's speeches of love to her, urging her to give all that she's got, even her femininity. The indolence and stubbornness of her singleness pushed her to fall on Satan’s irresistible trap.

On the other flip of the coin, the guy's family was never in parallel to the former's cry of desperation to bear the child legitimately, simply for the reason that the latter's only son was in utmost hesitation to push for the wedding for a mere reason that he loved somebody else. Conscious of the society and religion's expectations, the guy's family gave in.

The little life that sprouted from the young couple's lust-making suffered from the dilemma as a harsh consequence of their selfish and unmindful acts. Instead of strengthening their bonds through the pledges of "'Til death do us part" made to each other for the sake of the word "marriage," a big gap started to part and eat up their relationship inch by inch.
Their chaotic wedding itself tells of their future as married husband and wife.

December 21, 2007 -- After a long wait for their heart's reunion, the younger sister finally tied the marital bond with the father of her one-year-old son.

The torque span in the opposite direction for their love affairs because love hung in the air during their wedding ceremony. Love sparked in the eyes of the young couples, almost so vivid throughout the entire holy ceremony.Despite both side's unpreparedness for the wedding, the entire event would surely tell the future of the newly weds, and that the promises said unto each other will fulfill their words of ""Til death do us part."

LET ME BE YOUR PAINTER

2008-10-22T11:27:00.002+08:00

Dream young artist
A facade of shadows
Your life is a canvass
Unshaded in gray
Lurking in drabness
A countenance of neutrality
Evokes an aura of emptiness

Let me be your painter
To paint the scenes of your life
Embrace my colors with utmost willingness
The shades of pastel
To coat you with the color of my love
Blend these primary colors
In such monochromatic scenes
Showing a drab painting of your life

Let the brushes
Move across the surface
Smudging a tint of green and blue
Soothing your melancholic rhythm
With tranquility's shade
From my palette covered in vibrant colors
Of oil and acrylic, oozing with affection
Sprinkling colors to your canvass of life.

Our Game of Love

2008-10-15T20:50:00.004+08:00

The game had begun at a spur of the moment and there's no way of turning back. It trapped my heart with your unconditional love. I tried to stop the cascading current of emotions flowing in extreme turbulence. It's irresistible.

Yet, I played the game not simply as a game to be played, but live it the way life has to be; simply because you and I turned this game into a life fueled with unsuppressed love; a love that evolved from the comfort of friendship.

The game was over, and though, we won the battle, yet the journey just began.

CHRISTIAN YOUTH MONTH (Press Release)

2008-10-11T11:49:00.000+08:00

In its aim to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that were successful in implementing projects beneficial to the Christian youth and community, Christian Family Organization (CFO) of the Cebu South District, an umbrella organization of the Iglesia ni Cristo holds its second year annual celebration of the Christian Youth Month (CYM) 2008 this October.

Aside from the opportunities given to the youth that will develop their creativity through the different literary, arts and musical competitions, the month-long event has evolved into something reputable that also highlights the role of the Christian youth in helping their immediate communities and in nation building.

Thus, the CYM 2008 seeks to provide a venue where members can implement youth-related community-enhancing projects that will benchmark future similar projects and inculcate a morally- upright and community-proactive youth by providing training beneficial to their growth as mature individuals.

With the success of last year’s LINGAW Poster Design, T-Shirt Design and Essay Writing Contests, Poem Writing Competition and Area Group Presentation, organizers aim to broaden this year’s event as they seek to honor individual youths and organizations for their notable deeds with the “Christian Youth Awards.”

With this year’s theme, “Kristiyanong Kabataan: LINGAW (Living in God’s Almighty Words) sa Pag-alagad,” the CFO intends to emphasize that doing God’s works is joyous and fun, hence, encouraging the youth to do their part as the “hope of the fatherland” by serving their community, country and God.

The Kabataang May Diwang Wagas (KADIWA) and Binhi organizations in cooperation with the Christian Brotherhood International (CBI) district leaders and organizers formally launched the month-long activity in the different areas of the southern congregational district of Cebu last month, where it gathered more than a hundred leaders from the different localities.

The month-long event will culminate during the KADIWA and Binhi Day at the Aznar Coliseum on November 15.

For more information about the Christian Youth Month 2008, one may contact Ivan or Kenneth at 09292700654 or 09063740210 respectively or email to christianyouthmonth@gmail.com.

Emotional Freedom

2008-10-05T12:37:00.000+08:00

I am not trying to sing a song to soothe the loneliness I feel.
I am not trying to cover practically with my emotions.
I am not trying to look for someone who will complete the missing puzzles in my heart.
I am neither trying to be strong despite my wild and stubborn facade nor trying to show my weakness when I couldn't hold back the tears in public.
I am neither writing this to get sympathy nor gain salutations, but I am also not trying to be proud or stubborn.
I am just trying to understand the melody I sang about my life; why it's rhythm has gone out of tune and why it's dynamic is deafening my own self.
I am trying to rearrange the puzzle to forget the long lost pieces, fill it in with something new to relieve and heal my heart from the remnants of the past.
I am trying to be placid to balance my emotions; to cry when I need to and to fight when I have to.
I am trying to express myself from the boundary of my alter-ego; not to gain attention, but to set myself free from the despondency I’m facing.

Standards and Reasons over Emotions

2008-10-01T12:39:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought I wouldn't be able to take the unforgettable past out of my mind
Your presence is undeniably formidable in a quite pleasant way, though I tried to deny it
Yet I just woke up one day with pictures of you in my mind
It's something indescribable, but I know where it's leading me
Off to a ravine where I would face the test of significant people
That would challenge a decision I'm so scared to blurt out
My logic is screaming out harshly at me, taunting me of the standards I used to uphold tightly...
But now, my heart is willing to face its stupidity, because it has its own reasons that the mind can not explain or fathom
You may say I'm out of my mind because I chose indifference over what's already been accepted
But I proudly say I am still at my sanity because I chose to fall for someone who may not be anybody's ideal person yet who doesn't pretend to be someone else.

PRESS RELEASE: CYM Culminating Event Program Conceptualization

2008-09-17T22:29:00.000+08:00

Fueled only with Yum burgers and French fries from the giant Pinoy red bee for dinner, five Christian Youth Month (CYM) executive organizers namely, Junix, Tyra, Matet, Poklat and Kenneth gathered at Jollibee Mango Avenue branch at 7:30 in the evening last September 17 to bang their heads together for the conceptualization of the November 1, CYM Kadiwa-Binhi Day program.

The famous Korean Kimbab and Kimchi (sponsored by Tyra’s Korean manager), which served as the group’s pre-dinner, as well as the (not-so-good) fries they feasted and munched on, also helped stimulated the group’s creativity that contributed to the birth of the program draft in only about 30 minutes.

Despite some of the organizers willingness to join the informal meeting, they failed to show up due to health problems and other commitments as well. Nevertheless, the meeting, which was headed by the event’s Managing Director Kenneth Ouano, proved productive despite Matet’s busy texting while jotting down notes, Poklat’s boisterous laughter and talking and the little time tension brought about by the curfew hour set upon one of the organizers.
-Tyra ‘nell Pille-