Christmas 2012

Whoever said that love can be defined, surely has not experienced real love. It cannot be defined by kisses, or hugs, or gifts, or words or even actions. Because I can't even though I know, I love. I love without expecting anything in return. Though it may hurt and it be hard to keep my dignity and pride whole, I still love. I love with a hope that maybe it may be returned without expecting that it may be so.

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This Christmas, the phrase "love also means forgiveness and hope" hit me right on the spot. So many things had happened this year that should have made me bitter, angry, made and confused yet there are also events that reminded me to trust that He has a purpose for everything. A purpose we may never know or understand in this lifetime but a purpose that He only knows.

This Christmas, the common gift that we hear from anyone would be "World Peace" and that has meant something to me as well. I didn't think of war stopping or storms ceasing; I thought about what lay in the hearts of the individual person. Peace... can only be attained when one stops being jealous of what they don't have and start being thankful with what they do have. When they do that, they will realize how blessed they are and stop arguing for things they think they should have.

This Christmas, I completed my wish list. And rarely does that happen. Though it might also be because I settled for simple things that make me happy and not anymore the things that I don't really need.

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"I just wanted to get up the courage to say I missed you". She whispered in the dark

and he hugged her close.

"I missed you too"

You and Me

The best time to say that you already found the right one is when you stop looking for more.

Christmas is that time of year

It's that time of year again, when you hear carols being sung. When trees pause to let their arms be filled with tinsel and everyone gives for the sake of giving. I'm especially excited for this year's Christmas because now I have money to buy my love ones presents. Also, this year I have decided to "accept" Christ as being part of my life. :)

Get Over It!

As I was hanging out with my friends today and sharing news and all that friends do... They told me to just "get over it" ("IT" probably referring to my anger at my ex-bf for leaving etc...) but I don't think they understand me.

I understand him because I know where he's coming from. I have forgiven him because I love him. My pain is from the fact that I have to suppress my feelings now even as we remain friends. My anger is just a shallow preview of what I feel. Probably even a defense mechanism so I won't give in to my feelings so I can support his decision too. I don't mind being misunderstood. I know it will all be alright in the end. Love doesn't have to be reciprocated the way we want it too. When we love, we give. Sometimes we even lose ourselves in the process. But if you believe in the bigger kind of love, you'll know that Someone actually gave up their life for the people He loved. Even when they didn't love Him in return. I may not be able to be that noble as I am imperfect and I can only love the way I know how. But He reminds me that Love is not limited to a human being's shallow beliefs.

A friend also told me to communicate to him like a friend. His definition being sending casual group text messages or sharing stuff... I'm not like that. I do share to my friends but I don't do that every day. I'm not even the group messaging type. I can't be someone I'm not. If he believes I'm a friend that I'm a friend. I'll treat him as a friend - my way... If I'm needed I'll be there. I won't be holding grudges. I will be supportive when needed. Will scold if needed. A friend in the truest sense of the word. :)

"Love is forgiving even before asked. Understanding even without being told to do so. Knowing the bad and the good but accepts both. Giving love even if it isn't returned." ~ Nyx

So shut up and let me love you

So I say, "Fine. Let's me friends" but my mind was saying, "I love you so shut up and let met me wait for you."

I'm stubborn and proud
But more than the damage to my pride
My heart feels the stabs of a thousand knives
Your body language tells me what I already know
that you've accepted letting me go,
that you've quelled the passion
And maybe even the love...

I miss you and seeing you,
revived the hurt and pain
But ignoring you was more painful
So let me love you in my silent way
And even  if it hurts,
I guess as friends we'll stay.

Until When

On the ballroom, our eyes suddenly met. After weeks of ignoring you, I know I just can't handle being in the same room as you. I wonder... until when... until when will my feelings decide to let go of you.

Happy Birthday

Beloved,

Time may have parted us before, and pride may be the reason why I'm ignoring you now. Still, I know you know that I haven't forgotten your birthday. had we been together, I would have said I love you. That it has been a blessing knowing you and being part of your life. I watched you as you had let God took over. I was there when you decided to go learn and be a pastor. I felt your sadness when a close family friend died and I shed a tear for the sadness that you might feel. I heard you express your dreams and ambitions. I felt your enthusiasm as you shared your hopes for the church. I sat by the phone as you talked about being a Bible translator and tried encouraging you when I felt you need a push. On your birthday, I would have wanted to call you up at 11:59 and greet you first, alas I decided it would be best to just forget it and move on.

Happy birthday, you may not have heard me say it but I whispered it to the sky. My words, my wishes, my kisses. God bless you in your endeavors and may He encourage you and give you strength. As you walk your own path may you always keep humble and open minded. I believe that you are destined for something great. Maybe not great according to human standard, but great in the eyes of God. May you  be healthy and gain weight when you get back. In one way or another and despite the pain, I feel blessed that I was able to know you and discover parts of that life with you. You showed me things that I might not be willing to see by myself. You were with me in trials that I needed a shoulder with. Thank you. Thank you for being alive. Thank you for being the love of my life (even if that part is over). Thank you Lord for everything that you are.

I watch the sun rise as I write this letter and I wonder if you will get to read it. And I wish someday, I can still watch that sun rise with you. And maybe by that time the wound has healed that when I see you, as a friend or as a lover, there will no more pain and I can laugh with you and smile with you wholeheartedly.

God bless you as you celebrate another year on this Earth!

Love,
B

Hindi kita pipigilan

Sa ilalim ng punong Mangga

nakaukit pa ang ala-ala

Mga sinabi mo

at sinabi ko

dumating sa punto

na ayaw ko nang maniwala

sa mga paliwanag mo

Let's get things straight

ikaw ang nang iwan

ikaw ang gustong umalis

huwag mong sabihin

na tayong manatiling kaibigan

dahil ang hirap

Wala man lang pangako para bukas

walang pangakong mapanghahawakan

walang mahanap na gamot

sa pusong nasugatan

at kahit gusto ko nang magpa-alam

May nagpipigil pa rin

dahil gusto kong pang umasa

na babalik ka sa aking piling

Kahit sabihin ko sa aking isip

sabi ng puso ko na maghintay

~ random stuff happening in my life lately and the songs I'm listening to.

~ Tagalog poem? Achievement unlocked. Hahaha!!!

I'm Thankful

Lord, I'm thankful my life's not mine
and my heart is in your hands

Keep my head too
and bathe my senses with your wisdom

For I would like to love
not out of only emotion
nor of shallow lust

I want to love guided by Your words
I want to care by your example
I want to make decisions
that is written by Your hand

Let us worship you in our relationship
May you be present in all our joys,
and even our sorrows
and may no trial be so hard for us
As You are always near

May our waiting days be fruitful and glorifying
and may your blessings be abundant

All praises be Yours forever Lord
as we humbly ask in Jesus name... Amen

The Big Choice

Last Friday, I was debating whether to go to the neighboring city (just an hour away) to attend a bible study. I had no fare and I didn't want to owe anyone any money. I was pondering on it for a while when I spotted the book my bf gave me on the table. It was entitled "Grace for the moment" by Max Lucado.

I turned to the entry for June 15 and it went,"If you do not want to serve the Lord, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve." ~ Joshua 24:15 (I realize its longer in other versions but M. Lucado just shortened it I think)*

At that moment, I immediately left my indecision (and my bed) and prepared to go to the Bible study, fare or no fare. After I changed and got out of the room, my mother asked me to buy some snacks. Her money was excess so I asked her if I could keep the change. She agreed and so I went to the Bible Study (although it turned out to be a simple fellowship with some of the ladies and ended with a prayer. We decided to have that instead because we were only few and also shared concerns and updates with each other.

I thought how Amazing God can be the moment I chose Him. He even found a way for me to where I can hear more of Him. I think of how God doesn't make us do things against our will. He gives us the freedom to make our own choices. But the biggest and most important choice would be if you follow God. Trust Him because he won't give you what you can't handle. He'll give you challenges to make you a better person.

I have a feeling that a subtle turning point has been made in my life yesterday and I am looking forward to my tomorrows.

*"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” ~ Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Injustice in the Workplace

It's been a few months since I've started work. I like my job because it's related to the medical field, it's got a convenient time schedule for me and I found friends here that I wouldn't trade with any other. Though lately, I've noticed many things about this place that made me rethink my values and respect for the people I work for.

"Fire someone or you'll get fired"

- One of my favorite people in the company recently resigned. No, she wasn't forced to resign, NO, she was encouraged to resign. For almost 3 years, she has pleased clients, she has worked beyond her role, encouraged others not to give up even when the higher ups were breathing fire, made loyal friends and showed a love for her job that no one could compare. She showed definite professionalism and hard work, yet I do not see the company appreciating the hard work she did. In fact, the company told her she was too kind to be a leader and to show some back bone by giving out warnings and memos. When she refused, she was blamed for issues that she had no control of, for the past few months she was reprimanded for being negative and lame.

However in the past few months that I've worked with this person, what I saw was rather contrary to what they said she was. The day finally came that she said she'd resign and the company blatantly told her not to come the next day even as she said she'd serve a week to make sure the client isn't hassled.

"Raise? Expect it next pay day. (Or the next, or the next, or the...)"

- Raises scheduled 2 months back or even 3 don't come. Reasons and alibis are given from evaluations and what-not's. And yet they hire the freshie newbie for more than a couple of bucks more than the salary of the person who has worked there for a year or so. When confronted, they lashed back with a statement about being unprofessional and unethical for knowing that fact. Even as the TL's submit whatever they asked to make sure their team get what they deserve, they keep yapping about incomplete evaluations and requirements. I'm not sure who we really need to call unprofessional here.

"You are nothing but vermin or disposable goods"

- In my observation and experience, the other management (not exactly sure if I should call them higher) take their employees for granted. Demanding loyalty and utmost respect yet they themselves make us feel like disposable goods or slaves. Expecting an 11 hour task to be done in 2 hours. Blaming us for a mistake that we had no control of. How could you expect to go wrong in loading tasks that the client's manager asked to be loaded yet the client didn't want after all??? How could you react to someone who reprimands you for missing a part of a meeting because you went to the loo.

Though what I've said here is quite filtered and my feelings are debating between my financial issues and my self respect, this blog entry is very real and close to the situation we have. For now, I can only say that I will stay even for a while before I look for a job that deserves the skills, hard work and determination I can offer.

My Bread for Dreams?

I'm going to be a doctor. That's my dream. And yet, I had not that big of faith believing that it would come true. We have no money. I'm not the best in class. I've got issues. And yet, I can't let it go. Though, if I am honest, my greatest fear in attending med school would be going hungry. I don't know why but I noticed I've been going to schools that challenge our financial capacity since elementary (except when I had to go to public school). We're not rich. I don't even know if its adequate to call us middle class. And yet, if I try to look at our situation from another person's point of view, there is quite a contradiction between our choice of schools and our annual income.

When I was in elementary and in an International School. My classmates ate foods rich in preservatives from their expensive looking lunch boxes. Mine contained whatever was my breakfast (since I often missed breakfast coz I wake up late) which could be anything but what they had. My classmates compared their new things while I scare the principal by climbing the nearest tree. My summers were spent with my cousins in the nearby beach in our southern province, they come back to school talking about going to Disneyland and skiing in the alps (I assure you this is not an exaggeration). In short, I seem to be walking in a world where I didn't fit and at that time, I didn't understand that there was this gap between those who had three choices of food per meal per day and those who only had 1 kind of food per 3 meals per day. However, we were all equal back in elementary though I was the girl who could ignored the girls' new ribbons and played with the boys. I didn't understand social systems but, seeing their lunch boxes and mine, I understood hunger.

Ironically, I felt the difference when I transferred to a public school. They called me a snob and stuck up coz I didn't get their games and I didn't understand most of everything back then. I felt lost. But I discovered a plethora of unknown foods of different sizes and colors. (Ofcourse, I didn't know they were supposed to be unclean etc...). I don't usually get monetary allowance before so I couldn't buy them at all. I understood poverty.

In high school, I went to a private school again but it wasn't that hard. It was a fun mixture. I found my voice. I gave opinions. I liked arguing and proving statements. I found my best friends. I had fun. I still missed a lot of breakfasts but I could eat at school. I found love. I was happy. I still missed meals. They accused me of dieting. I silently replied, as if I had a choice.

In college, I went to one of those expensive schools where my sched was 7:30AM to 7:30PM. My allowance was a hundred bucks, proper food cost 50 bucks and fare could reach from 30 back and forth. Not to mention photocopies and other extra stuff...

Well, you get the scenario of my life. But now, I've got a job that's quite adequate even if its not perfect. I'm not working as a nurse but I work hand in hand with doctors. Training them with our company's software. I'm not bad either, so they say. There's a prospective raise in the late horizon. I've got office mates I've learned to love. I can live on my salary and buy food whenever I want. (I have recently been told I am gaining weight by our Operations Manager, nonetheless). I'm in a comfort zone.

Originally, I was planning to take on med school issues next year when I've saved some money for daily expenses and get a scholarship. But on a twist of fate, my Aunt encouraged me to apply for a med school here. It's a med school where everybody (who wants to be a doctor) wants to go yet it isn't that easy to get in. And it only accepts about 150 - 200 students per year. Yet, here I am, lucky to have a very important person in the institution encouraging me to apply for the school. That means I have a high chance of getting in (with a scholarship to boot).

At first, I was overjoyed with the prospect and rushed to get all my papers ready and everything seemed to be available at home except the reference letters which I could get through my professors. But as I waited for my papers, reality set in. I've got no savings. I can't just up the company and leave. I'm not prepared. And we're facing (as always) some financial issues. I know my salary doesn't contribute much to the family. I buy groceries, give my siblings money for some requirement or the other, I can even buy something I want knowing I'm using my own money.

I feel like I'm this one step on the right road yet I can't leave the passengers on my car. (Assuming of course that I could get into med school with a scholarship). As the deadline comes in two days, I am still in ambivalence.

Will I be trading my bread for my dream?

Of Fishes and Bread

Once there was a man who went fishing. The first fish he caught was too small so he put it back in the water, the second one was too big and he would have trouble carrying it home so he put it back too. Some time passed before he found one that was just right and he was greatly pleased by his catch. Puffing up his chest he proudly went home and showed it off to his wife, but great was his disappointment when she angrily set him aside.

"The fish is no good," she said. She kept saying things like it was too small or it was too bony and why he only caught one. The man looked at the fish but it wasn't that at all for him, but as the wife kept talking on and on and the fish seemed different to him. Sighing he took the fish and walked out thinking what to do with it. On the road, while walking, a carriage pulled up and a noble offered to buy the fish.

With a regretful heart he sold it and went back home with a hungry stomach and a hungry heart.

The wife was serving morsels of bread.

"We'll need some for tomorrow," she said. But the man thought the bread won't taste that good tomorrow but kept quiet and ate them instead.

As for the fish it was served on the noble man's table but not without going through his cook's hands first. The cook sliced it up. It was going to be some sort of fillet, something hard hit his knife and lo and behold he held in his hand, some small egg-sized diamond that glittered like sand.

He kept it in his pocket and with a smile cooked up the fillet. And everyone was happy by the end of the day. Except of course, the man who started all the fray.

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There's supposed to be a moral here somewhere and the story holds double meanings for me but well, moving on. Happy Sunday everyone!!!

Repent and Renew

Lord, I've been keeping hurts for so long
 that I forgot I was in pain
I've been keeping lots of sins for so long
that I forgot they kept that label
I've been hiding from you so long
that I forgot how to go back
But Lord, you've been loving me for so long
That all I have to do is call
You've been keeping my heart for so long
that I need not say what I feel and you'll know
You've always been there for so long
that when I stopped and turned I bumped into you

Lord, though my sorry's took so long
know that my heart is full of repentance
even if I've been stubborn for so long
Now, I bow down in shame

Lord, by my own deeds I am not saved
but in Your will and grace;
By Your Love alone, I am saved.

Being Thirsty

Holy week comes again and I am ironically being forced to fast. Something I rarely do. As it happens, our water tank broke last Maundy Thursday and as the Holy week is something taken very seriously in this country, nobody could be called to fix it up. So with no other choice, 

Which causes me to reflect on how important water was in my life and how long it was until Tuesday (which signals the end of the non working holiday). Water is an essential drink that we must have or we'll die. Other than that, it washes our dishes, our clothes, our hands, our feet, the floor, the roses and other plants. Having our main source of water cut off was definitely a life changing event for us as our dishes piled up and our laundry too.

And as I try to get on with my life... Being late for appointments because I have to go take a bath at a neighbor's house (My aunt :p) I realized another thirst I have. The thirst to be with my friends at GCI and to be able to share with them the struggles I have and the thirst to hear their wisdom and advise.

For the past few days there are some things that are weighing on my mind that I can't really put into words how to express them. But thankfully God just made me listen and used others to talk to me and comfort me unexpectedly. Though I feel a little hanging because I wanted to stay with them more and just couldn't because of the time but I know they'll just be there and I look forward to being involved with activities with them too. :)

The Road to Friendship Ain't Perfect

The Anniversary of Grace Christian International Cebu was truly a blessing. Not only because it reunited everyone from different churches to one place but because it was one of those rare occurrences where the "Rhomanid" are complete. That was also the day we realized ten years have passed and we're still close. For those who don't know, it's what we call ourselves - a bunch of girls who met in high school and became super best friends. :)

that random day we decided to have our official photo taken. :p

10 years ago back in high school.
Back then, I didn't know what I would get myself into. I had a glimpse of 2 intelligent girls who I thought I could seriously talk to, though that changed immediately. Hehehe... Yep, I could still remember my chagrin as Rhoda beat the seller in haggling and my amazement of Madel's strength (you figure it out :p)

But beyond their comical sides (which I treasure too much), I also realized how sensitive, down to earth and real these girls-now-women are. I've known how one of them risked to fall in love and broke down even as she dramatically cried in the rain... I've seen how one bravely stand up for what she believed in even as people expect her to be otherwise.

When we're together, I feel like I can be myself and let my deepest feelings show. When we're together, I feel like my dreams aren't dreams and that they're something tangible and real. The possibilities become endless and I'm armed with something more important than weapons, more invulnerable than shields.

Rhoda still gets middle. hahaha. :)
And I realize I still wear sleeveless tops since then. :p

It is still a puzzle to me that we remain close though we don't talk often, we don't see each other often and we don't even hear from each other often. Yet... I think what's important is that we know in our hearts that if we need each other we're there for each other.

We don't even know how the bond started (though we're sure its because of dashing handsome men from Anime topics), how we started to trust each other, how we started to love each other, heck, how we can even relate to each other given the varied personalities we have, but what we do know is that we're best friends and nothing can change that. :)

An Impromptu Journey

This week's Thursday had me traipsing over familiar roads and unfinished pathways. I, along with my fellow Basadours, went to a far flung barangay in Cebu - Barangay Tabunan. The road was familiar as I remember going with my Aunt during her plant-buying trips back in grade school and new because we journeyed farther on.

On the way, it was simply a beautiful experience. The weather was nice, the wind was cold, no dust in sight and  had some good friends as company.

Although I hadn't slept for 12 hours or so, I didn't regret going with the gang. As our assigned story tellers regaled the children with stories like The Ant and the Dove as well as The Sun Goes Up, I entertained myself by exploring the place.

In Tabunan, they had an outdoor reading center where they placed their books. I can imagine myself reading out there and feeling the cool mountain wind. I wonder if I'll be able to finish the book without falling asleep. Hehehe...

In reality, the reading center was made up of low cost materials and the books, though shielded from the rain, still were exposed to changes in temperature, moist and insects.

Also the titles were not the ones conducive to learning for the little ones (e.g. China's economy and Golf Physics). Although, there were helpful DIY books there as well as some children's books.

(The reading center is a very relaxing area that rekindled my desire to have an outdoor library. Although I have to think about various factors like moisture and insects.)


Personally - and as a Basadour, I am concerned on how the love for reading can be developed in this far flung area where the available books are something they cannot relate with and think is not worth their time.




I wish that there will be a better building for their reading center or an improved design as well as a better selection of books....

On the whole, it was a great experience to be able to see the children read along with the story tellers and re-enact the story from memory.

I realized that if you love to read, the children will be able to feel it through your passion in reading and teaching.














I pray that the seed to love words and learning has been implanted within them and that it grows to make them promising individuals in the future. :)

Yes, We're Not Perfect :)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. -Romans 12:9

cats-in-love

And count the days 'till I see you again

I quietly count the days 'till you'll be leaving

And I start to miss you even as you're near

I try to memorize the shape of your face

and hold back a sigh

I touch your hair and linger on

knowing I won't be seeing it for so long

Even if it will only be for a few months

I'm thinking of how to handle it

And as I think how it will go on

3 more years maybe more

I can't help but be troubled

how I can handle such time afar?

I trace your eyes, thinking

when it will see me again

I touch your nose and pinch it

and kiss your loving lips.

I'll miss you

even if I don't say it much

Yes, I'll miss you

even as I smile and laugh

and when you'll be far away

I'l miss you even more

So until then

Let me count the days 'till I see you again

My beloved

Choosing to Slow Down and Wait

“Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.”

 Eddie Cantor

As a young adult, I often feel the urge to rush the world and make me become who I want to be already. I get frustrated by how slow processes are and how my time is wasted even though I know that's not true. Rushing things can create situations that I can't control or result in preterm achievements.

Anyway, here's a link that can make you think. Hehehehe: Laugh. :)

Craving for Tissues and Thank You's

Today has been a storm of sorts

With annoying news here and there

And much as I would just

want to surrender

At the last moment

I know I'll never

A bunch of tissues might be so inviting

As I feel the heavy weight

But I know I've cruised

through rougher waters

and survived a better mate

I'll get up and rub away the debris

growing stronger and wiser

A simple chapel on a hill

And as I get up

I will remember

the special people God has placed

To remind me I'm not alone

Family, friends, lover

Even fiends who test every endeavor

I've got a treasure trove of strength

a large bundle of hope

a true and definite Faith

a hope for a Greater purpose

a reliable set of love ones

and a reason to trust in prayers.

Though I'm a bit stressed out right now, I'm optimistic that things will be better if not tomorrow, then soon. My troubles are not burdens I should carry alone, they're challenges that can break me or make me better than who I was before. :)

Teaching Kids How to Love Reading

Living on 10-10-80

I attended a Christian talk before about priorities and budgeting. Yep, you can find God in your finances, too. Though I forgot when I heard the talk, I just remembered it recently as I start looking for work.

The  10-10-80 principle applies to your finances and how you can manage them properly. In the talk, the speaker said that 10% of your income should be first placed with God, the second 10% for savings and the rest for whatever (spend wisely of course).

I thought about why God should only get 10% when he should be given more but that was also discussed during the talk. Though I wasn't such a good listener at that time, I think the pastor talked about setting aside something for God FIRST.

Prioritizing God in the budget. That was the translation in my mind. I didn't really take down notes or anything. The speaker also talked about how in the old times people offered up their finest produce, their first crops or their best wine. It wasn't really about offering Him the bigger share of the harvest but the best share of the harvest. I guess the speaker's point was not to think of God as an afterthought and offer sincerely. And always think of God first and everything else will follow.

Though I'm still on my first early years as an employed individual I am planning to stick to this rule when I get my first pay check and the next. My plan is to have 10% set aside for God (by helping others or giving to charity or giving to church) and 10% for savings and hoping to spend the rest wisely.

The 10-10-80 principle could be found in various success stories online too...


Images found in various sites online.

Why do I love thee?

Why do I love thee?
I'm often asked
and often I just sit and smile

Because how do you answer
a question addressed to your heart?
How do you put into words
Something, you can't explain?

When they ask
I can't really speak
But I think of all you are to me
and smile...

On our first date, I was surprised
You opened doors and pulled out chairs
you were sweet and caring

Almost three years later you still do
Not only for me, I noticed
But for your mom and sisters too

"And soon, distance will be something  we'll have to face. But  it doesn't matter because we Believe. It's going to be longer and farther than before but we'll face it. Face the future together and not alone because God will be there too..."

When we are apart, you take time to call
In the times we've been together
that hasn't wavered at all

In streets, when we walk home
You hold my hand And place me
On the safer zone

You're not rich - in material wealth
But you have a lot to give
your time, your love, your generosity

Understanding, faith, loyalty...
The kind of things
one cannot repay

"There are many things that made me feel your love, things that would make me go on and on but it won't answer the question quite right. I love you, let's leave it at that. No because, no what if's, no except..."

When disagreement comes around
You try not to let a day pass
until it smoothens out

No, you're not perfect
So far from it
But I never asked for a perfect man

You are the kind of man
who loves Not only in words
but also in action

The kind of man
who prays not for himself
but of a Greater cause

And each time I look back
back to when we first dated
I smile and realize

I love you more today
Than the day I said yes.

Sharing the love for reading

Last Saturday, February 25, 2012, there was much hubbub at the Cebu Public Library. The Basadours, a newly formed volunteer group was holding their launching event that consisted of a read aloud session by Cebu City's own mayor, Mayor Michael Rama, a puppet show by the Lato siblings and a read along session by Ms. Cebu's 1st runner up, Ms. Rachel Chloe Palang.

The Basadours, is a group of enthusiastic individuals who would like to promote literacy to the underprivileged.

Using various techniques in story telling, they would like to encourage the kids to love reading and guide them through it as well. As Ambassadors for reading, they also partner with government, private organizations and other community partners and stakeholders in pursuit of literacy development.

During their launching, they gave the audience a preview of what the group does and also handed out enlistment forms to those who are interested to join.

For those who are interested, here's a link to their FB page: The Basadours. You can even find members there who are available answer any questions. Or just drop by the Cebu Public Library if you're curious. :)

At A Crossroads

Around a year or so ago, I decided I wanted to be a doctor. The thought still lingers but now that I've graduated as a Nurse, I am forced to reorganize my life and find out what my career path really is. Or what I want to do with my life.

And now I face another possible venture, my Aunt's gardening business. Though, I thought of taking over that because my aunt is now old and has cancer. The garden is also something close to my heart because that was my play room back when I was young.  But I'm not sure I want that to be my career. I just want to take care of the garden.

This year, I plan to map out my 10 year plan but knowing my "flexibility", I hope I can manage to have it accomplished and true.

And to think I only wanted to die happy.

And She Turns 96

My great grandmother or rather, great grand aunt has just turned 96. This Venerable Matriarch whom we lovingly call Lola Dading has been there for as long as I can remember.

In her humble home town she has been a mayor for around 2 terms, a vice mayor for 2 terms and a councilor for a term. The family had finally decided not to let her run for fear of her health. The town would have her president if they could. That is how loved she is by the people. For them, she is an ideal and generous leader. Always prioritizing the people instead of herself and lending out a helping hand when she can.

To her family, she is fondly remembered. She loves her nieces and nephews and even her grand nieces and nephews and even, her GREAT grand nieces and nephews. Although most of them live in the city, she would always take time and give us a surprise visit. Even taking us on surprise "shopping" sprees to the exasperation of our parents. She would take us on joy rides, of course we were too young then to realize the importance of those people we met during our "joy rides". We were just happy to be taken along. She was always going somewhere. We knew she is important but we didn't realize how important she is to society until we grew up and recognized the plaques placed haphazardly on the wall.

On her 96th birthday, her family gathered around her home. An intimate reunion of family members from various parts of the city. On her 96th year, we don't really know what to wish for her or what to give to her except our presence and love.

Lola Dading, we love you and Happy Birthday. ^__^

God bless Thursday

Last December 2011, I, along with 67,095 others, took the board exams for Nurses. The 42 days of waiting for the results were a bit tense. Good thing I had a lot on my mind. I feel blessed to finally be a professional now and hope and pray that God will guide me along this new road. Thank you Lord for everything. Thank you Mom, Dad, sis and bro. Thank you best friends and friends alike. Thank you all for prayers and support. Thank you PRN review center for the guidance. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. :)

Everyday-is-special Gladiolas

"Everyday with you is special Nyx"... I read the card on a beautiful bouquet of white gladiolas when it arrived on our doorstep, accompanied of course by the sender. :)

I didn't expect such a sweet present from him and that's what made it so special. He respected and agreed with me not to make a big deal of Valentines day and instead chose the next day to remind me that it doesn't have to be Valentines for him to tell me I'm special.




The gladiola is my favorite flower. I'm not really quite sure why but I think it's because it wasn't too common and then it wasn't also too rare in our country. I surfed around to see what this flower means and found its meaning here.

The flower symbolizes strength and moral integrity. It also conveys a message from the sender that they are filled with passion for the recipient. I hope I can also be strong and moral as I am reminded by this flower. :)

I think I'm beginning to look forward to this cliched holiday. :)