The Academic Gown

"Tassel to the right" and "Congratulations graduates." These were the words I've heard (from Joy's grad) and will be hearing again (I will be attending JC's grad, nanay o yaya? Hehe).

I love attending graduation ceremonies. I've done it a lot of times and yes, I try to adjust my schedule to witness my siblings graduations. It's a milestone! Hehe, There are reasons why I love attending graduations. First, I love seeing the graduates happy, though others are teary-eyed. Second, I am eager to hear the speeches prepared by the speakers during graduations and third, I find the students wearing the academic gown/dress impressive!!! Maybe because, it's a symbol of hardwork. The sweat they've poured out, the sleepless nights, the deadlines and the crammings that go with it, the pressures of being a student (includes the inside and outside forces), etc., etc., ahhh, all those!! Nakakamiss!! Hehe

Joy is happy wearing her academic gown

I salute those students who made it. Though each of them is different from the other. May ibang nadalian, may ibang gumapang, the important thing is, it's finally over. It's done. POR FIN!!

I understand and I know you'll agree with me that this happy celebration will not be possible without the parents who supported from the beginning till the end. They supported us financially, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. One of those proud parents is my mom. She's been there all along. From tuition fees, mountain-priced school trips, projects, special mention to the support she has given Joy, the generosity of her heart when it comes to advice, the yes-and-no of decision making plus the great lesson of teaching us the HARD WORK!

Joy kissing mom

She didn't raised us as spoiled children. Ngayon namin naiintindihan kung bakit hindi namin nabili yung mga toys, dolls, at kung anu-ano pang luho na ginusto namin when we were kids and teenage years. She taught us, by example, to be determined, to get what we want in a good way, to pursue everything we desire, hinayaan niya kaming maging decision makers ng mga sari-sarili naming buhay at pag nagkamali kami, she's just there, without pointing a finger at us or blaming us. As her children, we are certainly proud and we salute her for that!!

Joy hugging mom

At dahil proud kami, we wanna make sure that in this special celebration, our mom will feel valued and special kaya naman we teased her...este... we forced her, ay mali...siya ang nagkusang mag-suot ng academic gown ni Joy bago isoli. Mama ko?? Magpapahuli?? Hahahaha

Mom wearing the academic gown

We laughed to the highest level!! Some may termed this as making fun of the academic gown but I'm telling you, we know its value, we treat it special, we understand its meaning and we respect it so much, that's why Joy and I concluded that our mom deserves to wear this, not for fun but the other way around.

I've said my congratulatory remark to Joy many times. This time, let me say my deepest gratitude, with all respect, THANKS MA AND CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU DEFINITELY DESERVE IT!!

I love and am proud of you both!!!

Congrats Joy!

I am happy and blessed coz Joy is finally marching. Yes, she's graduating and she has a long way to accomplish her big dreams, pero AJA JOY!! Alam kong kayang-kaya mo yan!! Wag na wag lang kakalimutan ang advice ng ate na...

FIRST...ALways make a difference and

SECOND...Keep your feet on the ground.

I know you'll go far!! Proud, proud and super proud of yah!!

Jeremiah 29:11

Thanks Doc Rj for the help.

MV Doulos: The Floating Bookstore

I didn't know that they're back!! (Thanks to Rammy's info!! Go Rammy!!) The last time I saw this floating bookstore was year 2007 and again, they're here. Kala ko pa naman last voyage na nila yun pero thanks to these great servants. They definitely know how to help by bringing knowledge and hope to this generation.

I suggest you visit this floating bookstore, they have good prices compare to bookstores we usually visit. Though you can't buy books as low as Php30 (I'm talking about the second hand books here), you can still get the experience of buying a book inside a ship. O di ba? Hehe, I remember my first visit with my good friend Racquel and my sister Joy, we were thrilled. We bought several books that we find good deal but you have to expect that it's crowded and a little bit hot. Plus the long line of going up.

I'm not sure how it feels these time but I'll surely visit the Floating Ship since I've read that it's the ship's final voyage coz it will retire on 2010.

Other info:

LOCATION: It's currently in Gate 1, South Harbor, Manila, Philippines Pier 13 until March 30

BookShop Opening hours:

Tuesday to Saturday :10 A.M. to 10 P.M.
Sunday to Monday: 2 P.M. to 10 P.M.

MY TIP: It's best to visit at night

Dream with God

We learn from many things, in many ways. Kahit pa quote lang yan na nakasabit sa pader. Hehe, Got this from a wall. Natuwa ako ng husto so I captured it.

The message above inspired me. I believe even though we're experiencing hardships, we gotta hang in there. Yea, we gotta climb our way up! Let's go as far as we can and dream with God. We can reach what we're aiming for. Naks!

God bless us all

Friday Family Day

Conversation:

Marc: Ate Joy, parang gusto kong mag rapeling...

Joy: Ano pa, hinihintay mo...TARA!!!!

Marc: Wait po. Pepwesto lang...

Joy: Dizizit!!!! Waaaahhh!!!

We needed time like this