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.