Monette's Memoir

My 2011 Christmas brought me several reflections...

2011-12-26T00:08:00.000-08:00

First: I am really an adult now. I was stunned with this reality after seeing my oldest "inaanak" who happened to be my cousin. Chin-Chin, the way we call her, just turned 16 last November. This means that I attended her Christening or Dedication when I was 10. Two years to go and she'll be of legal age. Time flies so fast!!

Second: The best Christmas is knowing that you have a family. I am very much thankful to God coz I have a wonderful relationship with the people He has given me. Mababaw na kung mababaw pero sobrang thankful ako. No million dollar or any currency can buy the precious moments I've spent with my family. They are my treasure! And I am taking good care of that treasure. :)

Our 2011 Christmas Family souvenir

Third and lastly: The best Christmas gift is Jesus. I've been hearing and hearing the Christmas story since I was a child. And until now, I am still amazed of how God wrapped His wonderful son, Jesus, as a gift to us humans. God has so loved us that He doesn't want us to walk around in this troubled world all alone. He gave us His beloved Immanuel, meaning "God is with us." Therefore Jesus is with us! Amazing!!

I therefore conclude that Christmas is a good time to reflect. :)

God bless us!!

Personal Diary these days?

2010-12-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Personal Diary these days?

What is the biggest mistake you've made in your life?

2010-12-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

What is the biggest mistake you've made in your life?

Differences Between Guys and Girls

2009-04-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

All right, all right. This is a hot topic!! Hahaha. I am one of the witnesses that men and women differ in every cell of their beings. Syempre, may favorite part is commenting at the end of each statement. This is not my original list okay, I just copied and paste it. There are hundreds of “Differences” floating around on the internet, you may check them out. Enjoy!!

Even though a guy has 50% more brute strength than a girl, she is able to withstand higher temperatures than he can. (I agree)
A girl has a larger stomach, kidneys, liver, and appendix than a guy, but she has smaller lungs, thus giving her less breathing capacity than a guy. (Really??)
The right hemisphere of guys’ brains are better developed, therefore they are more visual, mathematic, exploring, more sex oriented, and commit most violent crime. Girls, though, have the left hemisphere more developed and are therefore more verbal, communicative, sensitive, and more prone to phobias and depression. (Yea, yea, yea! Verbal na kung verbal!!Hahaha)
Guys use restrooms solely for biological reasons — to drain their bladder. Girls, on the other hand, use restrooms as social lounges. Guys will never speak a word or make eye contact with others they don’t know there. But girls who’ve never even met will, by the time they’re finished, leave laughing out loud together like old friends. (Correct!!)
When the restaurant check comes, each of the guys will throw big bills out on the table to supposedly pay for the tab. When the check comes for the girls, each will get out her calculator to verify the total and figure her down-to-the-penny part. (Tumpak!! Hahaha)
All week, a girl will thoughtfully make an extensive list of things to purchase at the store and when she arrives, she walks directly from item to item, comparing prices and coupons. When the frig is empty and starting to grow things, a guy will just show up at the closest store and start cruising up and down every aisle, throwing in his basket anything that looks appealing. Even though his cart is jam-packed, he will try to butt in the 10 items-or-less checkout line. (Hahahaha, naku naku)
A guy has five items in his bathroom — a razor, shaving cream, a bar of soap, a toothbrush, and towel from Holiday Inn. The average number of items in a typical girl’s bathroom is reported to be as high as 437, the majority of which a guy couldn’t even tell what they are or used for. (Akin, siguro nasa 37 lang, joke)
When a girl says she will be ready in five minutes, she’s using the same meaning of time as when a guy says the football game has just five minutes left to play. Neither the guy nor the girl is counting time-outs, commercials, or replays! (No comment)
A girl believes that visitors will be impressed by a clean house. A guy believes the visitors will be impressed by his large stereo. (Always)
Guys don’t decorate their handwriting, they just chicken-scratch. Girls will pull out their scented, color coordinated stationary and use ridiculously large circles, hearts, and loops to finish off their “i’s”, “p’s”, and “g’s.” It is a real hassle to read a letter from a girl. Even when she is dumping a guy, she’ll finish it off with a smiley face at the end! (Hahahaha, I remember someone)
If a girl is out driving and she finds herself in unfamiliar surroundings, she will stop at a gas station and ask for directions. Guys, of course, consider this to be a sign of weakness. A guy will never stop and ask for directions. They will drive in a circle for hours, all the while saying things like, "Looks like I've found a new way to get there," and, "I know I'm in the neighborhood. I recognize that Ace hardware store." (Correct! Sayang sa oras e, hmmm, I remember someone ulit.Hehe)
With the exception of female bodybuilders who call each other names like "Ultimate Pecs" and "Big Turk," women disdain the use of nicknames. If Amber, Suzanne, Katherine, and Natalie get together for lunch, they will call each other Amber, Suzanne, Katherine, and Natalie. But if Mike, Dave, Rob, and Aron go out on the town, they will affectionately refer to each other as Bullet-Head, Godzilla, Peanut-Brain, and Yard-Dart. (Hmmm, we also use nicknames, di lang nga tulad ng guys)
A girl worries about the future until she gets a husband, while a guy never worries about the future until he gets a wife. (Ayos!!!)
A girl marries a guy expecting him to change, but he usually doesn’t. A guy marries a girl thinking she will always be the same — and, of course, she isn’t. (Hmmm)
Girls love cats. Guys say they love cats, but when girls aren’t looking, they kick cats. (Hindi lahat ng girls gusto ng pusa)

My comment?? Men and women are certainly different-in almost every area of life. And that’s GREAT!! I believe God created us both to complete each other and not to compete with each other.

Happy Holy week

The Academic Gown

2009-03-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

"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!

2009-03-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

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

Angela Usi tagged me (20 weird things/habits/little known facts about yourself)

2009-02-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Angela, you tagged me nung November 2007 pa! Grabe!! This is super late, maybe I needed more time to answer these questions. Joke. Now, these are my answers. Salamat sa pag TAG! Natuwa akong mag reminisce. Hehe

Sorry sa gumawa nito. I change the rules. Instead of 15 weird things/habits, I change it to 20. Instead of tagging only 5, I tagged 21 friends. Sa mga na TAG ko, paki sagot dahil babasahin ko yan! Hahaha (see the list below). Thanks!

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following.
They MUST be real places, names, things.
NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it.
Try to use different answers if the person infront of you had the same 1st initial.
And remember - you CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Your Name:
Monette

Famous Artist/Band/Musician:
M2M (Marion Raven and Marit Larsen-medyo malapit kasi sa surname ko, hehe)

A song:
My Love by West Life (Corny ba? Eto unang pumasok sa isip ko e, hehe)

4 letter word:
MORE! (I wanna be more in everything, Learn MORE, Share MORE, you know what I mean)

Animal:

Monkey

TV Show:
Martha Stewart, The Apprentice (I love it!)

Country:
Mexico

Boy Name:
Martin (as in livin' la vida loca? harhar)

Girl Name:
Marit

Occupation:
Marine Biologist

Celebrity:
Martha Stewart (ulit? I am her fan)

Food:
Marshmallow (Now, I'm craving)

Something found in your kitchen: Mayonnaise

Reason for Being Late:
Matraffic! (hehe)

***

Each player of this game starts off with 20 weird things/habits/little known facts about yourself. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 15 weird habits/things/little known facts as well as state this rule clearly. At the end, you need to choose 5 people to be tagged and list their names. No tag backs.

20 WEIRD THINGS/HABITS KO...and little known facts about myself (",)

1. When I was a kid, I love cleaning my ears. (Yun daw ang pampatulog ko. Ngayon, adik pa rin ako sa paglilinis ng tenga. I find it pleasurable. Hehe)

2. I have an infectious laugh (sabi ni Mg! Bwahahahaha).

3. I super love make-up!!

4. I can eat Cerelac and Gerber (love those baby foods)

5. I can watch three films in one sitting. (I love watching films! When I was in college, my siblings and I used to attend the Italian Film Fest in CCP. Halos every second Tuesday of the month nasa CCP kami just to watch a free film. I love romantic comedy. I hated Horror ever since. These days, I can watch films na medyo brutal like Naked Weapon. I don't know. I just admire the creative fighting scenes. Hehe)

6. Mahilig ako sa street foods! Mura na, masarap pa, madumi pa! (Joke!) Sorry for the statement. Dirty ice-cream, calamares, kwek-kwek, nakakagutom! I miss Pedro Gil!

7. I can talk for hours. (Siguro nga abundantly verbal ako kaya kahit sa pagtulog nagsasalita. Kahiya!)

8. Mas takot ako sa kidlat, kulog at paputok tuwing new year kesa sa hayop na gumagapang.

9. Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko kapag nakakakita ko ng SALE!! (Colored Red in BOLD letters, naku!!)

10. I LOVE TO LEARN!! (From travel, from good media, from books, from people, from situations, from my own failures. I know I am a student of Life and will always find learning..FUN!!)

11. I am Nocturnal. Di ko alam kung Insomnia na pero I can't easily sleep at night. I'm trying anyway.

12. I love children!! They're my playmates. (Ewan ko ba, pero iba ang energy level ko pag kausap ko bata. Napansin din ni Joy. Hehe) I also enjoy cartoons (Yup, I am a child trapped in a woman's body).

13. I am a healthy person. Never pa'kong na confine sa hospital.

14. I enjoy reading the Bible. Minsan ng sumagi sa isip ko maging isang Bible Scholar. Sagi lang naman. Hehe. Just wanna share the quote I've been keeping ever since I read it..."No one graduates from Bible Study until he meets the Author face to face." So I'll never stop studying it kahit magka-law pa na bawal magbasa ng Holy Book. (Fingers crossed, wag naman)

15. My life's philosophy: You will only live once, so give life your best shot! Live life to the fullest and to attain that, you gotta live life with God.

16. I can't leave home without a watch. Cell phone pwede pa, pero "relo" never!

17. Until now, tabing-tabi ko pa yung color pencils ko nung High School ako. Natutuwa lang ako sa kanila.

18. I talked to to someone who dated Sam Milby dahil nabunot ang name niya sa isang raffle. If I were her, I wanna date either Ryan Agoncillo (sorry Juday), Drew Arellano (sorry Iya), or Paolo Bediones. International? Ahm, ooohhh, there's Ryan Seacrest!

19. I am a family oriented woman. Medyo Obssessive Compulsive sa buhay.

20. Minsan lang ako magka crush sa isang perfume, wala pa sa Asia, nasa Europe daw. Kasi daw di magugustuhan ng Asian? Huwat?? Buti na lang andun si MG! She gave it to me as a special gift! Thanks MG, I'll never forget that!

SO, I AM TAGGING... (not 5 but 21 people) GALS AND GUYS, I wanna know you, Hehe

1. Annmeir Tablada

2. Coy Natividad

3. Marie Grace Tablizo

4. Dave Banito

5. Sheela Bernal

6. Romeo Escuyos

7. Kaye Maligaya

8. Josef Aaron Lim

9. David Arellano

10. Xavier Abelador

11. Jay Suasin

12. Mark Abat

13. Lorie Vicente

14. Pamela Cuvin

15. Apple Vasquez

16. Mary Ann Miranda

17. Rj Miguel

18. Vicky Inacay

19. doc Billy

20. kuya Rj

21. Jianicka Ferrer

The Facebook Fast by Anne Jackson

2009-02-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Uber-blogger, Anne Jackson, says the web creates connection but not community. Got this from christianitytoday blog and I think it's worth sharing. Read well people.

The Facebook Fast

Blogging. Facebook. Twitter. Those three things are practically my middle name. I've been called a “social media butterfly” over the last four years.

The question of "Can community happen online?" which has been the topic of conversation on this blog recently, has also been asked wherever I go. At conferences, at churches, and yes, even at the local cafe where by chance, a Facebook friend recognizes me. Sorry. I have to admit. I usually don't know who you are.

Shane Hipps has spoken. Scot McKnight has spoken. And now, it’s my turn to add another view into this virtual world.

During my four years as the leader of a very thriving blog (FlowerDust.net), I've seen many incredible things happen. I've seen believers and unbelievers unite in generously donating close to $200,000 to social justice and poverty. I've seen people openly discuss taboo subjects: pornography, depression, anxiety, gay lifestyles, and theologically grey topics.

In some instances, these online conversations have translated into personal communication (by email, chats, or phone) and some have even turned into face-to-face meetings. The platforms of social media certainly give these personal interactions a "jump start" so to speak, because you do, in some regard, know bits and pieces of the other person's life.

But this is where it gets muddy for me. Is it community?

Given my experience living in both worlds, it may be surprising to hear, but I am beginning to lean on the side of no—what happens online is not community. Before you send me an army of frowning emoticons, please hear me out:
I believe what happens online is connection—not community.

People can be vulnerable and honest online. And at times these online connections can be more life-giving than many of our offline relationships, but they are not the same.

During Lent, I am going to close my blog down. I am not going to Twitter, or update my Facebook profile. I'll still email people, and chat with my friends, but for those few weeks my social networking is getting put on hold. There are a variety of reasons, of which I'll detail on my personal blog shortly, but a small part of this is a personal social experiment. I want to discover whether my online life gets in the way of my offline life. And do others' online lives get in the way of their offline lives?

I'll leave you with a couple small, hypothetical examples. Let’s say my friend (who lives in Nashville with me) puts a note on Twitter about having a girls' night. I miss the invitation because of my online Lenten fast, but since most of our "group" is plugged in, everyone else gets it. I'm at home cleaning my bathrooms, unaware of this event. In this case being online would have aided my offline relationships.

Or to take it one step further. Imagine I post about having dinner with a group of friends. Someone else in our online circle sees these updates and wonders why he or she wasn't invited. Although the uninvited person is internalizing the situation, it can still cause a serious sense of isolation and insecurity which then creates tension in our offline relationship. In this case my online life would be detrimental to my offline friendship.

I’m hoping my Lenten experiment will give me more clarity about whether my online life is benefiting my offline relationships.

Online connections are good. They can be deep and good for our souls. But when we turn them into an online community, they can, and do, impact our face-to-face interactions. When we spend more time staring at a glowing monitor than we do into the eyes of those we love, or need to love, it might be time to shut off the computer.

Palawan Exciting Experience

2009-02-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

It was a new and exciting experience. Of course, it was fun!! I, together with, seven adventurous gals boarded at 8:30 AM Cebu Pacific flight to Purto Princesa.

Finally, I've seen the rich paradise called Palawan!!! Yey!!! It's a beautiful place, super clean kaya bawal magkalat! Galing ni Gov! Just wanna share some of the things we did.

ISLAND HOPPING IN PALAWAN: A great way to bond with friends

PHOTO ABOVE: Our super cool tourist guide captured this photo and we all love this. Galing! Parang ang sarap tuloy tumira sa beach. Hehe

PHOTO ABOVE: Pinaglaruan kami ni Nadine. Kinumutan ng sand, ask me anong feeling?? ANG INIT!! Pero masarap!!

UNDERGROUND RIVER: A new UNESCO World Heritage Site

PHOTO ABOVE: Akala ko hanggang magazines ko lang siya makikita. Thank God coz I've seen and experience the real thing. As a side note, si Manong Bangkero mas marami pang alam na info compare sa magazines. Hahaha, ang daldal! I've learned a lot anyway.

THE BACKPACKERS

PHOTO ABOVE: We met the Swedish backpackers Johann and Jan. They've traveled a lot!! Had a little chat with them while walking. Shared little stories and hey, they're same faith as mine. That's nice!!

EATING WOODWORM:

So you want adventure huh? You need to be ready for anything. That includes eating this worm.

PHOTO ABOVE: A woodworm. Timplado na. Yes, I ate it! It's slimy and I'm satisfied. I wanna sing...Hakuna Matata!! Hahaha

Dinner at Kalui Restaurant:

designed like a bahay kubo and upon entering you must remove your footwear

PHOTO ABOVE: We love Sinigang ni Kaka, made of Buko daw. It was yummy! After eating, hinahanap ko yung tsinelas ko, I forgot na mga naka-paa pala kami. Ay sos!

ITOY's : Starbucks ng Puerto Princesa

PHOTO ABOVE: Masarap na, mura pa!! We met Wilfrance here. Parang kelan lang. Hayy, nice seeing you again Wil.

SOUVENIR SHOP

Ang kulit ni Nadine

CROCODILE FARM: This Croc Rocks!!

PHOTO ABOVE: Ewww! Hahaha, can't describe the texture. Hehe

Lunch at BADJAO Restaurant

PHOTO ABOVE: The best ang view!! Thanks for the treat Rea!

Delayed Flight

PHOTO ABOVE: Conversation:

Ptra Me: Delayed ang flight naten. 6:30 PM tayo instead of 5:30.

SEVEN GALS: Ahhh, okay.

Ptra Me: She, peram laptop. Mon, tapusin na naten.

ME: Slumdog Millionaire? Sure sure!!

Galing mo Jamal!!!! hahahaha

In conclusion, nakaka-amaze ang creation ni God!! It's proven, when God created the world, He knows exactly how He wanted it to be. It was beautiful!!

So friends of mine, be a tourist in our native land. Ang saya!!

I'll upload photos soon

How do you measure love?

2009-02-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

525, 600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.

525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you
measure a year in the life?

How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of
love.

Familiar?? It's Seasons of Love from RENT. One of the best songs.

I stumbled upon a website called iloveyoumorethanblank.com and because it's still love month, I think it's appropriate to share it with you guys and gals.

The site

The creative people behind want to depart from the cliche Valentines sentiments and they want to find out the "measuring stick" for love. So they needed cyberworld citizens to help them fill in the blanks.

After reading some of the entries, so far, these are my top 8 favorites with some comments for fun. Hehe

1. I love you more than seeing the world. (If you're a traveler or dreaming of traveling the whole world, this line is very sweet, but if you're not, I dare you not to say it.)

2. I love you more than clothes, shoes, coffee or books. (Talaga lang ah?? Uhm, sige nga, magpaa ka nga kahit isang araw lang? Peace)

3. I love you more than a million dollar bookstore spree. (It's a sacrifice dear. Hehe)

4. I love you more than I love make up. (Tsk, tsk, tsk, another sacrifice.)

5. I love you more than a fat kid loves cake. (Sure! Let the fat kids eat cake!! Feeling Marie Antoinette? Harhar)

6. I love you more than all the words inside me. (Achuchuchu!)

7. I love you more than all we are going through. (O ayan, assurance naman. Hahaha)

8. I love you more than you'll ever know. (I find this the sweetest line of all. Awww!)

I'd rather be reading and commenting than submitting an entry to this cute website. Hehe, visit the site people. Have fun!!

I lost my phone :(

2009-02-18T00:34:00.000-08:00

To all my friends, if you're texting and I'm not answering back, if you're trying to call and it says, "CANNOT BE REACH." I am super sorry...I lost my phone today and honestly, it made me a little sad. Huhuhu

Pero Aja!! Sa kabila ng mga malulungkot na pangyayari, tuloy pa rin ang masaya at magandang buhay!! Hehe

Miss ko na kayong lahat!! Good night

Adventure...

2009-02-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

ADVENTURE...

-A word that keeps on disturbing my mind for several days now.

-I'll be leaving soon for this adventure.

-So I need to be ready for anything.

-Excited?? Super!!!

Happy Birthday Meng!!

2009-02-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Habang nag-aantay ng bus pauwi...

Kundoktor: (Bumaba ng bus na nakangiti) Ms. Beautiful...

Ms. Beautiful: (Feeling?? Hahaha) Bakit?

Kundoktor: Sakay ka na...

Ms. Beautiful: Ay hindi manong, ibang bus ako e.

Kundoktor: Ano bang bus sasakyan mo?

Ms. Beautiful: Hindi ako papuntang Alabang, Pilar ang inaantay ko.

Kundoktor: Ahhh, bakit parang ang saya mo? Siguro inaantay mo sweetheart mo no?

Ms. Beautiful: (Medyo namilosopo ako) Bakit masama ba maging masaya??

-END-

Honestly kuya Kundoktor, masaya talaga ko...kasi kaarawan ng isa sa pinaka espesyal na tao sa buhay ko. Naks!!! At dahil wala akong CS3 Meng (Pulubi? Huhuhu), chinaga ko 'to sa Paint. Sana ma-appreciate mo...

We've done so many things together...(As in!!!)

We've watched movies together...(Naka ilang films na ba tayo?? Hehe)

We've read the same books...(Uy dalhin mo na yung book ah)

We've taken long walks...(Ilang beses ng nanakit mga paa ko)

We've shared stories to stories...(Dati crushes lang, ngayon love life na! Yihiii)

We've lived through our childhood, teens, youth and now as professionals...(Ang tanda na naten)

I learned so many things from you Meng...(Masyadong mahaba pag inisa-isa)

I trust your friendship and love the way you are...(I appreciate your whole package!!)

As your friend for 13 years (and counting) all I can say is...

I KNOW JUST WHAT YOU MEAN!!! (Copied from the title of the book I am currently reading. It's the power of friendship in women's lives written by best friends...super nakaka relate ako sa book).

Best, Bestest, Bestissimo, Bestamundo. If there were a word that meant better than BEST, that's the word I'd use to describe you Meng as a friend!! Mahal na mahal na mahal kita!!! Alam mo yan!! I thank God I found you! Cheers to our growing friendship!! I'll always be here for you...

Happy Birthday ulit Meng!!!

(O dahil naghirap ako, paburger ka naman!! Joke, wahahaha)

To My Dancer

2009-02-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

I used to hold his neck when we were kids (literally and figuratively) but not anymore. He's now taller and more mature.

I used to tease him a lot, the good, the bad and the ugly jokes. Hahaha

He's hardworking, dependable, responsible and a funny lad.

He's the sweetest brother an eldest could ever have. (He hugs us tightly!!)

And most of all...he's my dancer!!! Pag nalulungkot kami (Kelan yun? hahaha), isang sayaw lang yan. Pag kinukulit namin si lola, isang sayaw lang ulit yan! I wish I could have that talent to go with the beat and able to bob my head to it or even do zero gravity. As if!!! Hehe

Happy 18th Birthday Marc!! You know my message, our new mantra...Keep moving forward!! Eto dagdag ko...Keep dancing for Jesus! I love yah!! Mwah

Thanks Mg for this pink edition

Keep Moving Forward

2009-02-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

I watched Meet the Robinsons and I recommend it. Why?? Read the striking lines / quotes of the characters below

-----

Lucille Krunklehorn: Hey, you never know, one of your students may invent the next integrated circuit, or microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

(I wish teachers and professors are like Ms. Krunklehorn.)

-----

Wilbur: I never thought my dad would be my best friend.

(Yea!!! I love this line.)

-----

Lewis: And what if I can't fix this, what are we going to do?

Wilbur: Keep moving forward.

Lewis: Why do you keep saying that? And don't just say keep moving forward!

Wilbur: It's my dad's motto.

Lewis: Why would his motto be keep moving forward?

Wilbur: It's what he does.

(Actions speak louder than words. Practice what you preach.)

-----

Lewis: Look, I'm sorry your life turned out so bad. But don't blame me you messed it up yourself. You just focused on the bad stuff when all you had to do was... let go of the past and keep moving forward...

(Be positive kid!! It's worth it!)

-----

Uncle Gaston: If I gave up every time I failed, I would have never invented the meatball cannon.

Grandpa Bud: If I gave up every time I failed, I would never have invented my fireproof pants!

(Patience is a virtue.)

-----

And of course the CBB (Closing Bill Board) statement from Walt Disney himself...

"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Comment:

So...you failed? It's wow!! It's excellent!! From failing, we learn. From success, not much. Like what Thomas Edison said, he didn't failed, he just found 10,000 ways that didn't work.

I'm not even one-fourth of Thomas Edison's optimism. So my new motto:

KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!!

Twilight Craziness

2009-01-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't read any book. I haven't watched the movie either. Am I too late to keep up with pop culture?? Hmmm

I'll probably watch Toilet

Forwarded by a friend...it made me smile, ahm, no...laugh! hahahaha

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

2009-01-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

I visited blogthings.com and typed my full name. Then I got this hidden meaning of my complete name. Yes, I know myself as determined, but powerful?? Ahm, NO!! I'm not a Superwoman okay...Hahahahaha

If you want to try this. Just visit the link below. This is coL!!!

You Are Powerful and Determined

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.
You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.
You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

Wanna have this cool thing?? Visit http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/.

Madramang buhay...

2009-01-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

DIREK: Kunyare malungkot ka.

MON: Sige po. Kayang-kaya ko po yun direk!!

DIREK: Galingan mo para sa susunod di ka na pang extra lang, pwede ka maging bida. Lahat ng extra, pangarap yun!

MON: (Utu-uto) Talaga po? Sige po...sige po...Gagalingan ko po!!

DIREK: Okay, ready...3...2...1...ROLL

MON: Direk, mukha na bang sad???

DIREK: (Galit na galit) Panget!!! Hindi bagay!!! Di ka pang drama, mag comedy ka na lang!!

MON: That's a great idea!!!

COMEDY...

BEVERLY: (Habang nasa tricycle) Ate Mon, dahil adik ka sa picture, kukunan kita.

MON: Sure!

BEVERLY: 1...2...3...click

NYAKKKKKK!!! Parang di pang comedy 'to ah. Pang horror ata!!! Wahahaha, Kahit ano pa man, dahil sa picture na 'to sobrang napasaya ko si Bev, si Mark at lalong-lalo na si Kuya/Doc Rj...pero hindi nagtatapos dyan ang lahat, dahil...na capture ni Mark ang sobrang tawang-tawa na si Kuya/Doc Rj.

Vengeance is mine!! BWAHAHAHAHA...Don't worry kuya RJ, we still respect you!! Hehe

PS: If you're sad most of the time, I think it's time to divert your attention to happy thoughts. Come on, 2009 na!!! This year, make it a goal to be happy, joyful, cheerful, glad, content, blessed and thankful. I'm telling you...MASARAP MABUHAY so LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!

smile naman dyan

Raise your child to be succesful

2009-01-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

I read this blog from my High School classmate Angela. I believe I have to copy and paste it so that other bloggers may read this. Especially those people who wanna be the best moms and best dads (in the future) to their kids. Thanks for sharing this Angela! I'm proud na naging classmate kita!!! hehehe

P.S. Kapag umuwi ka ng Pinas, magpakita ka!!! Proud of yah!!

I’m 23, I have no kids and I am not successful – yet. I know you think I have no authority whatsoever to tell you how to raise your kids. I hope you won’t find my advice too presumptuous – you can take it or leave it. This is just based on how my mom raised us and from my other overachieving Asian-American friends.

I have a lot of high school friends who now have their own kids. In fact, one of my best friends is giving birth later this month. This is for all of you.

For many Asian-Americans, the family is a pivotal force. It provides their main source of strength and support. I hate to repeat a cliché but here goes: It takes a village to raise a child.

Parents need to start when their children are still very young, establish the necessary values that set the stage for future success.

Here’s my advice:

#1
Love your children and praise them often. It boosts their self-confidence.

#2
Teach them good values early. Just simple things like saying “please” and “thank you”, sharing their food and toys, being fair to siblings and playmates, can go a long way.

#3
Instill a love for learning and education.
It’s never too early to start encouraging a love for learning in your child. Read them books before bedtime. Invest in educational toys, books and videos and monitor what they watch on TV. Don’t be like me; I watched a lot of ER and NYPD Blue as a child. :D

Early childhood is the best time to start because young minds have an incredible capacity to absorb information. Encourage them to read widely and explore different genres.

#4
Expose your children to arts & culture early. Take them to see cultural dance presentations, theatrical plays, classical performances, etc.

#5
You are your child’s best role model, so be an example, be enthusiastic about learning. Remember, learning is a lifelong process. Let your kids see you reading – be it the newspaper, a book or a recipe. If you can find the time, read with your kids. Make it a habit.

If you have hobbies and a passion for something, include your children and share it with them. If you love art, take them to the museum with you. Teach them what you know. If you like fishing and camping, share these activities with your kids. Do you remember when you were a kid and convinced that your parents secret superheroes? Believe it or not, your kids think you are the smartest, the best and the coolest.

#6
Treat your kids like adults. Include them in discussions and in decisions. Ask them for their opinion. Encourage them to speak up.

#7
Surround your children with people who love learning and are in diverse fields. This will allow your kids to have a healthy respect for learning while also giving them information about various careers.

#8
Incorporate learning and education into all your kid's activities so that they don't associate learning primarily with school or homework.

My advice to ambitious and loving parents is this: your children will enjoy learning if you show them that learning and education is fun, rewarding, and worth your time.

Teach them that learning is ESSENTIAL. A love of learning is imperative to success in any field.

Kambas ng Lipunan

2009-01-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Lovely Painting by Joey Velasco

A good friend (Thanks JhayR!) recommended this documentary and KABOOM...while watching, Joy is crying. Ako?? Natulala na lang...reflected a bit and concluded..."The reason we're blessed is to bless others." Ayyy...that's the best part of life...To be a blessing. This 2009, I pray that God may continue to shower His Great Love so that I may continue to shower that Great Love to every person I meet.

Sigh. Ang sarap mabuhay!!! Salamat po Lord sa buhay

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

PS: Search and watch it on youtube. You'll be blessed for sure.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-29T17:13:00.000-08:00

Dearest Monette,

I know year 2007 has been a wonderful year for you and your family. You really have to thank God for that! Few days to go, you'll wake up and it's 2009. I know you have a lot of dreams to achieve, I know you have great desires inside your little heart that you want to accomplish and I'm sure that you can accomplish those tasks by God's help. You have to remember to work one step at a time. Monette, you know that our good Lord has planned out your life. You have to trust Him. Trust Him with all your heart!! It's normal to be confused but again, you have to trust Him! He's omniscient and omnipotent so trust Him!

Love,

Monette

(The purpose of NEW YEAR is to have a NEW YOU. Hay, thank God for the blessing of life. I had a great 2007 and I know next year will be the best year of my life, my family's life, life of those people who are close in my heart, life of those people who surround me. Please Lord, teach me how to live. I wanna live right.)

This coming 2009, I know, I know...it's gonna be a GREAT, WONDERFUL, FRUITFUL YEAR for all of us. Salubungin naten ang bagong taon ng MASAYA, MAPAYAPA at MAPAGPALA. Spread the Love and Faith all year long. God bless us all!!!

Pasko sa Pinas

2008-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Never in my whole life I've experience celebrating Christmas in other country. Basta pasko, I want it here, here in our land. Dito sa Pinas. Yea, Pasko sa Pinas!!

Siguro dahil sa ibang bansa, walang Puto-bumbong, walang Bibingka, walang Christmas tree, dahil hindi masyado pinapansin ang pasko pero sa atin, basta BER month, PASKO na! hehe

I'm happy coz I can celebrate Christmas with my loved ones. It's a blessing and it's a decision I made as well. Just wanna share some things I've done this Yuletide season.

NIGHT MARKET

Sa Baclaran. Marc went shopping, kaming lahat sabit lang. Syempre, bonding to the highest level!! Namiss kong kumain ng Quail eggs, so we ate. At ang suka ni manong, yummy!! Hehe (Sorry, medyo mahilig sa street food e)

JP, Marc and me while eating kwek-kwek

At habang namimili kami. I heard a voice saying E-KYUT-MI, E-KYUT-MI. Parang galing sa baba ang boses so I looked down. There I saw this cute and masipag na kid.

My heart was touched. Wow ang sipag-sipag ng batang ito. Madaling araw na pero siya tinutulungan niya ang kanyang papa na magtinda. I asked his father how old is his son, he said, two years old. Natuwa kaming lahat. Hehe, Grabe, malayo ang mararating mo kid!!!

Ngayong Pasko sa Pinas...let me greet you with some friends of mine with the Christmas Tree as our background, hehe

White Christmas sa Snow World

With Marir Grace and Jianicka sa Intramuros

Bev, Mark, Meng, yours truly and Doc Rj sa EK

May ganyan ba sa labas??

Happy Christmas people

It was magical!

2008-12-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

Narinig niyo na ba yung kasabihan na kung ano ang ginawa mo sa pagpasok ng taon, yun ang gagawin mo sa buong taon? PARANG GUSTO KO NG MANIWALA, hehehe

I started 2008 (January) by attending a friend's wedding. All in all, I had four friends who got married this year but attended only three of them. Now, it's December and I'm closing the year by attending another wedding. I've witnessed creative weddings this year but never had a chance to see a beach wedding.

Finally!! Joy, JhayR and I travelled all the way to Batangas and witnessed the day a lovely couple exchanged their vows, not in church, not in a garden but in a beach.

Yey!! I've witnessed a beach wedding!! And it was magical!!

More photos soon

JOY: Ate, pa-picture tayo, ikaw na lang maghawak ng flower kasi naka tube ako e, baka makita, leki-leki ko!

MON: Hahaha, Joy, tingin sa flower.

JHAYR: 1, 2, 3 (Click)

Joy and I at the beach

I heart ART

2008-12-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

I l0ooove ART!!!

I know you're gonna ask me how much I love art??? Well, I'll answer it by telling you a long story...kidding

When I was a kid, I used to draw people and nature. Yup, yun ang favorite ko!! I remember visiting my uncle artist who used to inspire me about art stuff and kept telling me to draw and draw. He was also my number one critic! Though he didn't pursue ART as his career, he's still passionate about it! He paints portraits of people (visitors, travelers and guests) as a sideline inside a luxury ship. He gets dollarsss for that and we're all amazed everytime he brags about it. Hahaha, He's my example of a person who earns from his passion.

When I was in Kindergarden. I received an award. Not the most diligent or studious or most behaved in class but BEST IN ART. When I reached elementary, I realized the reason I got that award was because I knew how to draw people unlike my classmates who used to draw shapes, as in shapes!! Hahaha

I this artpiece

Medyo nanahimik ang ART world ko until I reached High School. I love drawing assignments and drawing projects. I didn't compete in art contest, (Ahm, meron ata isa lang pero talo) coz I know a lot of students were better than me. I had a classmate who was really good at ngayon yata e artist na siya. Congrats!

Then I reached college. I met and was surrounded by great artists. They became my friends and some, I had a crush on. Uyyyy, Ehem! Ehem!! I even received a painting as a gift from someone special before who is a great friend now.

I don't know why I like and love art. I'm a painting fanatic and maybe because I see beyond the paints. I admire how artists give their focus, their hearts, their ALL into their artpiece. "Yung tipong yung dugo na nila yung gagamitin nilang red paint." Grabe!! I adore each of them, I love the way they show their passion and love for their paintings. Grabe!! And one more thing, they know how to express themselves using their canvas, paints, brushes, creativity and imagination. I'm a verbal person pero sila, di na kailangan mag-ingay, just looking and listening to their paintings, I get a glimpse of who they are. Grabe talaga!!

Mg this artpiece

I am blessed coz I know great artists and some of them are my close friends. Naks!!! Isa kayo sa mga dahilan kung bakit napaka kulay ng ating mundo!!! Mabuhay kayong mga artists!!!

Bonding with an artist / friend

I am grateful, kahit hindi ako nabibilang sa mga tinatawag na artist, at least I have an artist name. (Libre ang mangarap!) hahaha

ART,

Claude Monet (Pseudonym) Hehe

Just a question...

2008-12-17T02:41:00.000-08:00

I have no story today but I have a question

What's gonna be your initial reaction if you accidentally receive a bundle of flowers (let's say a bouquet of flowers) during a wedding? And take note, you are the bridesmaid?

Ako??? I'll shout with the highest pitch I could...OH NO!!! NOT ME PLEASE!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA, This is my initial reaction during a game in Mona's and Ian's wedding.

KAMPAI...

An Undivided Heart

2008-12-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

Nakabasa ka na ba ng card na tumpak sa mga gusto mong sabihin? O kaya naman, libro na tama sa puso mo yung mensahe? Yea, yea, yea. I know you have experienced that. Good thing I browsed christiantoday.com and found a very great poem written by Crystal C. Godfrey. I love love love it! She had written words that I wanted to say. She had scribbled passages that I really adore. For some readers, it's just a poem but for me, this is my prayer.

Lord, put in me a new spirit
Remove my heart of stone
And give to me a heart of flesh
That trusts in You alone
Oh, That I may fear Your name
Each day right from the start
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want a gaze that never waivers
Or loses sight of the goal
To keep it's focus on obeying You
With mind and body and soul
Help me to walk in submission to Christ
In whole and not in part
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want Your joy to be my greatest strength
Your salvation my impassioned praise
Your holiness to be my way of living
For all the rest of my days
Keep me steadfast in doing Your work
And following the course that You chart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

Teach me to daily die to self
And to spend much time in prayer
That I may be discerning of those around me
And treat them with genuine care
I want to be totally true to You
To wear your righteousness as my mark
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want to live the time You've given me
Committed fully to Your purpose and call
Lord, consume me with Your awesome presence
Cause me on my knees to fall
And bow to Your desire for my life
Let no circumstance keep us apart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

This is what I pray. May God answer my prayer

BOOK-SAK Presyo talaga!

2008-12-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

It’s our last chance to grab our favorite books at the lowest prices ever! On December 12-14, there is a Christmas Clearance Sale at National Bookstore Market! Market! Playzone. We won’t find better deals on this year’s top-selling titles dahil BOOK-SAK presyo talaga! We can get books for as low as Php20. (Source: Email I recieved from Laking National)

I think Anvil Publishing has this Christmas Sale also for book lovers. I saw them at Intramuros.

Instead of singing let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...I wanna sing, let it sale, let it sale, let it sale!!!

Enjoy the Sale Season este Christmas Season!! Hahaha

Pictures talk, you just have to listen.

2008-12-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

Are you a photo fanatic? If you are, what's your favorite subject?

Salamat sa DG cams and mobile cams, we can now manage to take photos of anything. People, nature, etc, etc. Parehas ba tayong mahilig sa pictures? Aamin ka ba? hahaha, I remember the funny text message I received before. It's about the three nationalities inside an art museum. The two nationalities adored the art piece. They said words like, "Fantastic and Marvelous!" And a Filipino uttered, "Ganda! Picture tayo pang Friendster!" Hahaha

Yes, it's us. Pinoys love pictures. We love pictures I just wanna share with you the photos I captured during Spring Season in Tokyo last year. I miss these!!! Huhuhu

Habang naglalakad sa isang park sa Tokyo. Nakakita ako ng SAKURA sa ground also known as Cherry Blossoms. Since mainit ang araw, I was very sure at that time na kayang-kaya kong i-capture ang aking shaddow. Yes!!! I did it, yun nga lang, dala ko pala ang aking knapsack so instead of a gorgeous photo, it ended up...eto. Well, ganda pa rin. Kanya-kanyang perspective lang yan! Hehehe

Nakakita ako ng isang spot na perfect for me to capture Sakura. I told my mom and my brother to smile habang ina-anggulo ko talaga yung shot. I love love love this shot. Perfect for a mother and son, may halo talagang drama. It says so much! I asked Marc to take a picture of me however he didn't get the shot that I wanted. Okay lang, sila na lang (",)

Marc and I went to Sea Paradise. Manila Ocean Park version sa Pilipinas. Again, I saw this spot and told him to look up and there, another great shot! Ang sarap tignan ng shot na 'to maybe because I was there and everytime I see this, I always remember the relaxing place.

It's my desire to take pictures of people (that includes me!) and others like nature that are worth taking pictures with coz I believe that pictures are memories that will never fade.

Teka, memories ba nagfi-fade?? Hmmm, ibang usapan yan! Magpi-pray na lang ako...Lord, sana po, may magbenta ng DSLR or SLR na sobrang mura. Tsaka sana po good steward siya at pwedeng two or three gives pa. Sana din po, tamaan ang dapat tamaan! Hahaha

Single pa din?

2008-11-29T01:52:00.000-08:00

I received a question before and that question was "Monette, what makes you love a man?" Hmmm, I never answered that question until now. (Medyo maselan kasi yang topic na yan for me e, showbiz? Haha)

Then I received a message from a highschool acquaintance, he said, "Nette, musta na? Single pa din hanggang ngayon?" Ouch!! I was stunned. I don't want to answer him back and I don't know why. But I did. Yes, I answered him.

I agree with the saying "Only fools rush. The greatest and most important things in life should be thought of with highest wisdom handled with utmost care through a road less traveled. The way seems narrow, but the journey and the destination is worth it all."

Kaya may mga bagay talaga sa mundo na dapat na pag-isipan ng hundred and thousand times katulad na lang ng isang relationship with someone special. Yes, I am in this stage of my life where I get to mingle and make friends with guys and I am just amazed how God created them!! The way they care, the way they express themselves, the way they keep secrets and the way they trust you as their good confidante. They are awesome!

There are just some things that are not worth rushing especially if you want them to last forever. So, for singles like me (O ayan HS acquaintance, I answered your question), two words...SLOW DOWN.

The smile of a person who is making the most of her single years, hehe

Enjoy the happy life people

Byahe...

2008-11-26T01:24:00.000-08:00

We travel everyday. By jeepney, by tricycle, by bus, by taxi, by train, by car or by foot. Hehe. Napag-isipan mo na ba ang kadalasang ginagawa mo habang nasa byahe?? Well, ako "OO.

1. I read- I always have a book inside my bag. Dapat daw productive so I think there's no better way to be productive by learning while traveling. But my lola doesn't agree with me on this. Her reason is, "nakakalabo daw ng mata." It could be, but you can stop reading while the transpo is in motion, right?

2. I eat- Not all the time. But sometimes, I buy biscuits or whatever junk I can put inside my mouth. I know someone who loves to eat and he can never travel without food inside his bag. Astig na hobby yun!

3. I smile and then talk- I do this most of the time. I smile and a stranger is not a stranger anymore but a friend. You never know what your smile can bring. It brings a great message to people that you're an approcahable person. Hehe, so smile and then have a small talk, exchange business cards and then add mo sa friendster and make him/her a friend.

4. I watch people- I do this sometimes especially if I'm a little tired. I just sit on my seat and watch people. Yung iba tulog at take note, nakabukas pa bibig, yung iba text lang ng text, yung iba, kagaya ko na nakikinood din. Hehe, it's fun coz you get to see people's facial expressions and some of their moods.

5. I sleep- Yea, I do this most of the time especially going home after office hours. This is perilous however sometimes I can't help it but sleep.

Now, I wanna say good night coz I'm sleepy...

Zzzzz Zzzzz

It was definitely a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-11-21T02:52:00.000-08:00

I have another year to experience the best things of life. Yes, I am confessing, again, again, again. The best things of life! Hahaha

A good friend of mine asked me how I celebrated my birthday. Last year, I celebrated it in a hospital (attending my lola's needs and taking good care of her). But this year, it was definitely different!

AMBUSH BIRTHDAY on Nov. 18, 2008

It was a night to remember! My grade school barkada (Jianicka, MG, Sarah and Janssen) visited and ambushed ME! Hahaha, nadamay na rin si Marc. Imagine, it was late at night and we went to Cavite. Yay! Tawa dito, tawa dun. Halakhak dito, halakhak dun. Tukso dito, tukso dun. Asar dito, asar dun. We know each other well kaya oks na oks lang mang-asar! hahaha. Everytime we see each other, walang katapusang reminisce of the old days. Parang kelan lang nga naman tapos ngayon, we've aged.

What's in a name?

2008-11-15T23:53:00.000-08:00

We visited some relatives from Bulacan. I saw some childhood friends of mine and come on, time flies, may mga chikitings na sila! Hahaha

I asked one little boy his name. The boy answered, "Majimbo," and I turned to the other boy and asked the same question, he answered, "Lupin." I asked where's "Fujiko?" then laughed to the highest level. Hahaha, Again, I asked the boys their serious names, the boys answered me..."Roberto," "Cervantes." Nyakkk!!! Pambihirang mga bansag yan o! I laughed and laughed.

Pajama Sa Palaisdaan (Wink) hehehe

Salamat sa weekend!! I spent it with some humble people with glorious seafoods!! Namets!!!

Finishing the day well

2008-11-06T01:56:00.000-08:00

I think I started my day right today. I"m not saying that I'm not starting everyday right okay. But today is just a different day! It was awesome.

Inside the elevator of our office building, I saw a very dignified man! We were pllenty inside the elevator but he smiled at me and asked me, "Are you from Globe??"(Our office is located in Global Towers). I did my friendsliest smile and answered him, "No sir." He smiled back and asked me another question, "So, you're from what office?" I said, "7th Floor, Ultimate, Events." Then he smiled again and said, "Yea, yea, yea!" He waved his right hand and said "Good day!" then went out of the elevator. I asked the one lady, "Kilala mo yun?" She said, "VP yun ng Globe." Ayayay!! (Sana pala nagpa-impress ako baka mamaya magbigay ng free load) hahaha

I went to an Advertising Agency today and again, I met the CEO without noticing that she's the CEO. Tsk, tsk, tsk! Buti na lang she was so kind!

Again it was a great day! Everything went well for me today. I also bought my new MAC foundation with free samples of liquid foundation, make-up remover, etc. Make-ups are my happiness these days!! Hahaha (Masarap magpaganda, yung tipong feel na feel mong dalaga ka! hahaha)

And of course, it's not gonna be complete without a dinner with my officemates Gian and Christine in Cravings at Shangri-la mall. FYI: Cravings is celebrating their 20 years anniversary and as a treat to their loyal customers, tomorrow, November 7, 2008 (Happy Birthday Coy!!) those customers who are wearing orange attire (blouse/shirt and pants or dress) will get their meal automatically for free. Yung medyo nahihiya at ayaw mapagtawanan, just wear one significant orange item (blouse/shirt or pants) will get 20% off on their bill.

Now, the question is...HOW ORANGE CAN YOU GET???

Let's see, let's see

Status update:

2008-10-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

Been thinking lately. I am thankful for God's every blessing. Great and Funny FAMILY, True and Good-influence FRIENDS, Wise and Understanding MENTORS, a Funny and Godly BOSS, a wonderful JOB (Loving what I do and doing what I love). Hayy, lahat talaga kayang daanin sa prayer, tangible man or intangible. Thank God!!! Now, my status...I wanna declare, I DON'T WANT TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE MY SOUL.

A-men

It all started with a broken slippers

2008-10-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

I rode a jeep, I was the second passenger. The first person who came first in the jeepney was the woman beside me. Then came the third woman, while she was stepping, she left the one pair of her slippers (yung sa kaliwang paa). It was broken so she picked it up, sat in front of the woman beside me and we heard her, “Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Out of a kind heart, the woman beside me reached her little pouch and said, “Ms. Eto perdible o. Ikabit mo. Kaya pa yan!” Then the woman said, “salamat, grabe!” I was just watching while they were exchanging little conversations. Then the woman with the broken pair of slippers said, “Hay, lugi ako. Di nako bibili nito, sana nag Banana peel na lang ako, Havaianas pa naman ‘to tapos ganito.”

I can’t control myself so I interrupted both of them and said, “Ha? Havaianas yan? Shocks!” (I remembered Meng, hehehe.) Then conversations went on and on.

I was just impressed how the woman beside me helped the woman in front of her. She even said that she’s always ready. She had safety pins on her little pouch, nail cutter, little scissors and a white flower in case someone in front fo her collapsed, yes, she experienced it! She told us the story of a girl who collapsed inside MRT. It was funny! She also told us that white flower is very useful, in case she smells bad odors inside the train, she'll get her white flower and it was a big help. Hehe, She had other stuff that made me think of her as a girl scout. Laging handa talaga! I asked if she had band-aids, she said no. Or maybe she had panunuli, tsane, etc. Then the woman with a broken one pair of slippers asked if she has Betadine, we were just joking around and laughing inside the jeepney. A cute guy was seated on my left but I didn’t mind him coz the conversation was going stronger and stronger.

I told her I have band-aids and lomotil in my wallet. We just wowed each other. Hehehe. It ended up exchanging calling cards and who knows, maybe a great friendship one day.

I had a wonderful night tonight. I met new people again. Walang ubusang enerhiya ito! I was also blessed coz tonight is my first time to attend an office connect group, Bible Study with professionals and I’ve learned a lot. Hayyy… Kakabless!!

Sabi nga ni kuya Simon, one insightful professional, Today is a gift that's why it's called present. Ayyy, super gift sakin 'tong araw na 'to.

Join us!!

2008-10-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you there (",)

Playing with Joy and Joy's camera

2008-10-10T03:35:00.000-07:00

I saw a great spot. Since I was holding Joy's camera, I clicked and captured the great scene. (Tama ba yung purihin ang sariling gawa?? Hahaha)

It was a great scene indeed!! But I was unhappy, I needed a person, I needed a model, I needed my sister Joy who was on the waiting shed relaxing.

Conversation:

Mon: Pssst, Joy, halika, tumayo ka dito. Lagay mo yung mga kamay mo sa bewang mo tapos kunyare naglalakad ka tapos tatawagin kita, pag tawag ko, sabay lingon. Don't forget, one foot forward ah para mag mukhang natural.

Joy: Ah, hahahaha, yun lang pala e. Peram shades??

Without a doubt, I captured the shot I desired. It looked s0oo natural. Thanks my model!!

Yun pala feeling ni God when He made you and me. He saw that everything He made was excellent in every way. Naks!! I felt that my shot was excellent in a way. Hehehe, Mana-mana lang yan, He's my Father anyway

A Rescuing Hug

2008-10-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've read about it or maybe you've heard about it. Maybe someone sent you an email before but I just love love the story of this twin girls Brielle and Kyrie. I've read a book before where the author mentioned it until I watched an inspirational talk and the speaker mentioned it again. I even reread that part of the book just to verify it. I think this story is really worth sharing.

Heidi and Paul Jackson's twin girls, Brielle and Kyrie, were born October 17, 1995, 12 weeks ahead of their due date. Standard hospital practice is to place preemie twins in separate incubators to reduce the risk of infection. that was done for the Jackson girls in the neonatal intensive care unit at The Medical Center of Central Massachusetts in Worcester.

Kyrie, the larger sister at two pounds, three ounces, quickly began gaining weight and calmly sleeping her newborn days away. But Brielle, who weighed only two pounds at birth, couldn't keep up with her. She had breathing and heart-rate problems. The oxygen level in her blood was low, and her weight gain was slow.

Suddenly, on November 12, Brielle went into critical condition. She began gasping for breath, and her face and stick-thin arms and legs turned bluish-gray. Her heart rate was way up, and she got hiccups, a dangerous sign that her body was under stress. Her parents watched, terrified that she might die.

Nurse Gayle Kasparian tried everything she could think of to stabilize Brielle. She suctioned her breathing passages and turned up the oxygen flow to the incubator. Still Brielle squirmed and fussed as her oxygen intake plummeted and her heart rate soared.

Then Kasparian remembered something she had heard from a colleague. It was a procedure, common in parts of Europe but almost unheard of in this country, that called for double-bedding multiple-birth babies, especially preemies.

Kasparian's nurse manager, Susan Fitzback, was away at a conference, and the arrangement was unorthodox. But Kasparian decided to take the risk.

"Let me just try putting Brielle in with her sister to see if that helps," she said to the alarmed parents. "I don't know what else to do."

The Jacksons quickly gave the go-ahead, and Kasparian slipped the squirming baby into the incubator holding the sister she hadn't seen since birth. Then Kasparian and the Jacksons watched.

No sooner had the door of the incubator closed then Brielle snuggled up to Kyrie - and calmed right down. Within minutes Brielle's blood-oxygen readings were the best they had been since she was born. As she dozed, Kyrie wrapped her tiny arm around her smaller sibling.

LESSON LEARNED: Let's not live a self-centered life, instead, let's be a blessing to other people. Financially?? Why not if you have the money to bless. But even a hug to a friend will do.

Hugs,

Monette

Pasaporte

2008-10-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sa wakas! After months of laziness, naasikaso ko rin ang expired kong passport. Salamat sa connections at hindi ko na kinailangan pang pumila ng pagkahaba-haba at halos isang araw para lang sa passport ko. (Hahaha, I remember those days, ewww!) Now, I have my renewed passport. No plans of traveling yet but definitely for the coming years. Thank you Lord!

Comment: I think it's better except the color. Hmmm, meron bang pink? Hahaha

Reasons to celebrate

2008-09-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

Masayang maging masaya, di ba? I'm hearing a lot of good news from friends and they make me s0oo proud of them and s0oo happy for them.

I'm happy for...

The New Relationship of Kuya K and ate Sheila

Finally, after million of years, hahaha, ate Sheila said her YES to kuya K. Yihiiiii!!! She texted me na sila na, come on! Sa totoo lang hindi rin ako nagulat kasi medyo dun naman din yun pupunta e. Inip na inip na talaga kami pero finally, they're now ehem, Jowa? Hahaha, I'm celebrating with you guys!! Super duper happy for both of you. Enjoy the season of courting. Hehehe

Coy's Career Advancement

Super proud ako kay Coy, galing-galing!! She passed the exam for Indesign CS2 and now she's an Adobe Expert, naks! Dati, we're just talking about our plans and there, she accomplished it. She's now a Software Engineer. So proud of you Coy!!

Mark Abat's Plans

Mark told me thru chat that he's going to Saudi next year to study. Astig!!! Palibhasa, he's a born genius, (yung street nga nila, Calculus St. e, grabe! Peace tayo Mark!) kaya he passed the scholarship. We're super duper proud of you Mark!! I know malayong-malayo pa ang mararating mo! Always give the glory to the giver of knowledge, okie? Congrats ulit!!

Myself

Coz I'm doing a freelance in Production work. I love every minute of it and at the same time, get compensated. Hehehe, I'm meeting a lot of people these days. Great personalities and gorgeous people. I'm learning a lot these days too. Though I have a boss like Anne Hathaway's boss in Devil Wears Prada (male version of Meryll Streep), that's fine! I'm learning a lot from him.

and finally...

I'm happy for TOMORROW!! Coz it's holiday and this time is a great time to bond with my siblings barkada. I miss them a lot since I've been involved in a lot of activities at work these past days.

Again, there's so many reasons to celebrate!! Though marami tayong struggles everyday, let's focus on the positive side of life. Sa mga nabanggit, manlibre kayo!!! Hahahaha

Love you all friends

The reasons I blog

2008-09-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

"They say a written word never dies. That's a consoling thought because maybe later on these words I've written will live on."

(An excerpt from Cecilia Manguerra Brainard's Diary, August 15, 1963)

Today is September 16 and what’s special about this date? Well, this is the date I started blogging. Yes, it was September 16, 2006 so I’ve been blogging for two years now. Even though I feel tired, stressed and really worn out, I experience relaxation every time I face this laptop computer and express my heart out. Thanks to Citizen Journalism!!

Of course there are dangers in telling the cyber world citizens about my personal life, I still blog though and that is because I want to document my life. Below are my four specific reasons why I love blogging:

1.To update my friends what’s happening in my life

I have friends around the globe, friends who are currently living, working, studying in different countries. Thank God for the internet coz because of this, we can update each other’s lives. Yes, we chat, we send messages but sometimes, schedules won’t permit it so you better blog it. Thru blogs, I get to share whatever experiences I had experienced. Whatever good feeling I’ve felt, what I am up to, basically, everything that’s happening to me. It feels good if they write comments, but even if they didn’t, it’s nice to see their headshots because they viewed my latest photo and blog entry. I know you felt this thing. Hehe

2. To inspire other people

I love, admire and salute those people who inspire other people. I am one of their products!! Yes, I lived all my life, my childhood days, my teenage years, my youth days full of inspiration and maybe that’s the reason why I want to be like them. I believe that life is never perfect or else we’ll stop learning. And this blog of mine exists because I want to bring inspiration to everyone. I want every person who visits my site to be blessed, happy, fulfilled and inspired. I pray that I somehow bring a little inspiration to every person who visits my site. May each of them see the beauty and abundance of life, just the way I see it.

3. To share great ideas, lessons learned, wonderful insights and the funny side of life

I believe in the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Each of us will reap what we have sown. Book sharing, movie sharing, insightful quotations sharing, everything I know, I just want to share it! As I share knowledge, I know I’ll reap knowledge too. I share my travel experiences, the funny memories I got, honestly, everything! I find pleasure in sharing those stuff. At the end of the day, I am thankful coz I’ve gained as much as I’ve given out.

4. To write a love letter for my future children

Sooner or later, I’ll get married. (Sure naman yun! Hehe) I’ll have my own family and for sure, I’ll be a story-teller to my future kids. So before I forget the details of everything that I’ve experienced, I need to make it sure that I stored it in my multiply site. I want my future children to know what their mother thinks when she was young. I want them to be informed of the good old days. I want them to know the books I’ve read, the movies I’ve watched, the places I’ve visited, the people I’ve met, the issues and the topics that caught my attention as a young person, all these in my generation. I find it a wise thing coz sometimes, I tend to forget things, that’s weird but it happens.

I believe that a person has to know the objectives before doing things. Like, why you go to this university, why you study, why you take that course, why you make friends with this person, why you allow this guy to treat you special, etc, etc. Before, I started blogging, I made it sure that I know my reasons why I blog. I want to be responsible of whatever I put out on the internet and I don’t want to dispense negative energy into the cyber world. I made it sure that I’m happy and not problematic every time I face this laptop. Thank God for the happiness that He’s giving me coz I am most of the time happy.

Now to my blogger friends, or even my online buddies, I challenge you to put just good stuff in your blogs, never put down people or you might get hurt by it as well, never to tell a lie or you might get disrespect and again remember this Biblical principle: You will reap what you sow.

Happy blogging people (",)

and

Happy 2years old, Pink Memoirs (",)

Complete again

2008-09-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

We came from the airport to pick up Joy. Finally, I saw NAIA 3. Take note, it’s gigantic and super clean! I went to the restroom and again, take note, it’s also super clean and super bango! Hmmm, Hehehe

Joy has a lot of stories to tell. She counted her blessings today. I wanna share it to you for you to be blessed coz I myself was blessed after listening to her.

FIRST: Cab Fare- The normal fare from her place to Mactan airport is Php250. She asked the cab driver if she can get a discount since she’s a student. He agreed and she saved Php50. That’s the wonderful art of negotiation! Haha

SECOND: Excess Baggage- From knapsack to carry-on bags, she had it. She texted me, “Ate, mukhang mag-e excess baggage ako. Ang dami kong dala.” I asked her the normal kilo, she told me it’s 15 kilos only but she has more than that. Then she texted back, “kailangang agahan ko sa airport kasi makikipag kaibigan ako sa konti ang dala.” (Tama ba yun?) When she arrived she told me her story. She was allowed up to 20 kilos since she booked her flight early compare to others. The rest excess baggage, napakiusapan na lang. (Sa mga maraming bagahe lagi pag umaalis, you know that it is a blessing!)

THIRD: Delayed Flight- They announced that the flight will be delayed. If you’re like Joy who is so excited to go home, it is definitely an irritation but she was patient enough tS wait. Truly, a good attitude is a factor, patience is a virtue. She heard her name and ayun, pasok sa original departure time. She arrived in Manila the exact time we were expecting it.

FOURTH: Naiwan na box- We were already at home when she noticed that she left a box at the airport. I asked her if it’s important, she told me her yes so we went back to NAIA. Buti na lang, malapit kami sa airport! There, she claimed it!

FIFTH: Good Weather- It’s raining cats and dogs and really it’s never a good condition to travel by plane with some turbulence. Everything can be controlled except the weather, so Joy was really thankful to God for the great weather today. She left Cebu in sunny day and arrived in Manila with few rain drops.

Hay, I am ultimately happy coz Marc is on my left and Joy is on my right. (I am including my little cousin JC who is currently my best friend) We are complete again!! Hehehe, Being an ATE is one of the best jobs in the world, maybe next to motherhood. I loved it ever since! I am an ATE who listens to my siblings stories every night and day, an ATE who cares for my siblings 24-7, an ATE who picks up her younger sister from the airport and goes back again, so on and so on. It’s never gonna end. I will always be an ATE even though they are already married, they have children and until I am alive, they can always count on me and I am always here for them. (Ang drama!) It’s just a new revelation. Hehe

At the huge NAIA 3

So lesson learned today: Love your siblings. Be their greatest friend and confidant.

(",)

2008-09-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Few more nights and my labidabs funny twin sister is here. Excited? Superrrrrrrrr!! Hehehe. I have a favor to ask, since it's raining cats and dogs these past days, please pray with me for her safe travel. Thanks!!

Enjoy the day kahit maulan

Halo-halo

2008-09-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Nakakatuwa...

Kaninang umaga, nakakita ko ng cute na bata. Katapat ko siya sa jeep galing MOA. Nasa right niya ang kanyang cute daddy at nasa left niya naman ang kanyang pretty mommy. At ang kanyang itchura, mukha siyang cartoon character!! It's not negative, kung pwede ko lang siyang kuhanan ng picture, ginawa ko na. I find him really cute!

Nakaka-inis...

Pano ba naman kasi yung bus na nasakyan ko, yung driver at kundoktor hindi nagsasalita, tinanong ng katapat ko sa bus kung saan iikot, hindi sumagot. Sinubukan kong magtanong, aba, wala pa ring sagot. Tapos binaba kami sa hindi tamang babaan, sa gitna ng kalsada. Tama ba yun? Mali! Mali! At dahil umulan pa, may mga part na baha na. Ay naku mga manongSS. Masayahin akong tao pero pag ganyan, mukhang malulungkot ako.

What a day...

Halo-halo ang araw na 'to. Masaya ko coz I feel so blessed pero ang pinakamasarap at pinakamasaya sa lahat, e yung maging blessing ka sa ibang tao. Sa lahat ng nangyari today, happy ending pa rin! Thank God for this day!

Good night

It's BER MONTH!!

2008-09-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

Conversation:

My conscience: Naririnig mo na ba?

Ako: Ang alin?

My conscience: Ang Christmas songs sa mga pampublikong lugar.

Ako: Ahhh

My conscience: Naririnig mo na?

Ako: Hindi

My conscience: Nye!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Commercial lang po from Safeguard, hahaha)

***********************************

Aren’t you excited? It’s BER month already!! I remember last year, I also blogged about this BER MONTH thing. It’s obvious, I am excited!! Why?? Coz, Number one, my birthday is coming soon, yo yo yo!!! Number two, I’m excited to see my inaanaks, naglakihan na naman sila for sure! Another yo yo yo!!! And last but certainly not the least, my Number three reason, it’s Christmas Time, for the third time, say yo yo yo with me! Louder please, hahaha. (Nababaliw na ‘ko!)

Seriously, my favorite season is fast-approaching! Christmas is all about GIVING GIFTS, all about FAMILIES, all about CHILDREN, all about SHARING LOVE and most importantly, it’s all about the BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. He's not just a history, He’s real!! He saved you and me from our sins because of His great love for both you and me so be thankful and be excited.

Hayyy (Sigh of relief), in four months time, we’re going to end 2008, BUT, there’s an all caps BUT, hehe, 2008 is not finished yet so we still can accomplish a lot in these remaining months. Let’s push hard to get things done. Let’s push hard to make our goals and plans for this year to happen. Bottomline, let’s end 2008 with a bang!!! Thank God for this wonderful gift of time, for this wonderful gift of life, for the great relationships we have. I don’t have to wait for December 25 to appreciate the gift of this dear life of mine, I have to do it now.

I wish I am the first to greet you, with the coolest smile I could give and with the sweetest voice I could make, I wish you could hear me…

(with bloated eyes and bloated lower lip, hehehe)

"Advance Happy Yuletide Season everyone!!!!!!"

The Mind Museum

2008-09-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

Hungry fro knowledge? Good news! We're gonna have our very own, world class Mind Museum. When? I don't know. The corporations, artists, designers, architects, scientists are so excited with this BIG project, and hey, don't forget me, as a student of life, Yes, I am s0ooooooo excited!!!!

Now click on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU4EZhwrhfw and watch. Salamat sa nag-upload. Astig!!!!

It's a new season, it's a new day

2008-09-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget a great story I've heard once from a wise man. It was a story about a beautiful bird flying so swiftly in the sky until it gets tired. The bird goes to its nest to take a rest and relax because it is too tired and stressed out. The bird noticed that some of its feathers are falling down and because of the feathers, the nest makes the bird comfortable. Then the bird started plucking its feathers one by one and it made the bird more comfortable and then a lot more comfortable. Then the bird gets hungry, and when it started to spread its wings, it can no longer fly.

All right. Why did I say this story? Because I felt like that beautiful bird sitting pretty in its nest, comfortable and too much comfortable. I worked for nine months (only) and then felt too tired and too stressed out so I've resigned. I want comfort and there I did everything I could do to make my life more enjoyable and lived my happy go lucky days. I finished a lot of Koreanovelas, read pretty good books, attended great events like watching plays and concerts, travel until my feet are too tired to walk, etc. etc. Those I can say were my happy go lucky days! Yes, I love it! I love love love it!! But I was reminded by this story not to seek too much comfort. Yes, it is okay to seek for comfort but too much of it? Ahhhhh, that's gonna be bad my dear. Bad for my brains and definitely bad for my career.

It is our human nature to get tired and there are days that we wanna stop from work, just spend a week to a province or any place where we could have our solitude, just read inspiring books, etc. etc. Then after that, we don't feel tired anymore, we are no longer restful. We wanna be challenged, we wanna be stretched a bit and we wanna work again!

Breathe. Relax. Calm down. My happy go lucky days are now hitting its end. I'm back to reality. I'm back to work. I'm back to busy life. I'm back with my busy schedule. No more watching too much of Koreanovela, no more puyatan days, no more chatting for no agenda. Purely corporate again! Yes I'll be missing my happy go lucky days but I'd reather choose the new, uncertain and the challenging work because that's where real life is. That's where happiness is. That's where fulfillment is.

I don't wanna be like the beautiful bird, sits pretty relaxing on its comfortable nest and then one day realized that it can no longer fly and instead of going to longer distances, it lost its power to fly and soar high.

After all these things. I am recharged, full batt and ready to soar high to great places that God wants me to reach. I am so much excited. It's a little more challenging but Yes, I take the challenge coz I know that my God is with me. Sabi nga sa mga Koreanovelas na pinanood ko, fighting! fighting! (I wish you could hear their accent, hehehe)

Now, I welcome myself in this new season, this new day.

I am a Sanguine

2008-08-31T03:48:00.000-07:00

All through out my college years, I believed that I was a combination of different personalities. Though I am most of the time a Sanguine, I know that I am Melancholic, Choleric and Phlegmatic in some times. Just last week, I talked to a good friend of mine and we've discussed the different personalities, again! Well, I evaluated myself and now I can honestly and confidently say that my personality is a Sanguine.

I read some descriptions of a Sanguine and I had fun reacting and commenting on it! Just wanna share...

THE SANGUINE'S EMOTIONS:

Appealing personality (Ehem!)
Talkative, Storyteller (Oh yes!)
Life of the Party (Yea, my supervisor told me this.)
Good sense of humor (Sabi nga ni MG, I have an infectious laugh, BWAHAHA!! By the way, I am a fan of Pugad Baboy and Bob Ong's books)
Memory for color (Yup!)
Physically holds on to listener (My friends know this, hehe)
Emotional and demonstrative (Hmmm)
Enthusiastic and expressive (Definitely!)
Cheerful and bubbling over (Absolutely!)
Curious (Most of the time)
Good on stage (I am an actress!)
Wide-eyed and innocent (Hehe)
Lives in the present (Yes, seize the day pare!! Isa yan sa mga motto ko)
Changeable disposition (Well, sometimes)
Sincere at heart (Always!!!!!!!!!!)
Always a child (Sabi ko na nga ba e, I am a child trapped in a woman's body!)

THE SANGUINE AS A FRIEND:

Makes friends easily (Oh yes! I remember meeting an interesting woman inside a cabin.)
Loves People (Yup, I love and value people with sincerity!)
Thrives on compliments (Somehow)
Seems exciting (Correct!)
envied by others (Wag naman)
Doesn't hold grudges (Correct!! Yan ang gintong aral na natutunan ko sa nanay ko. If you hold grudges, you lose.)
apologizes quickly (I know if I am wrong and it's never hard for me to say I'm sorry.)
Prevents dull moments (Yes, yes, yes!!! I hate dull moments!)
Likes spontaneous activities (Aha!)

THE SANGUINE AT WORK:

Volunteers for Jobs (Di masyado)
thinks up new activities (Always!)
Looks great on the Surface (Ahmm, well...)
Creative and colorful (True!! Makulay ang buhay!)
Has energy and enthusiasm (Yes, full bat ako lagi!!!)
Starts in a flashy way (Hehe)
Inspires others to join (Yup!)
charms others to work (Yes!)

I had a great time knowing myself more! Yes, yes, yes, I am a happy, happy, joyful, joyful, always glad creation of God and I just love it!!! I remember my friend Meng who keeps on blaming me about her being noisy and my grade two student during my tutorial days in college. She was the silent type girl but after handling her for a school year, she became noisy. Ayyy, who's to blame??? Tsk, tsk, tsk. So I'm warning you, WAG MASYADONG DUMIKIT SA SANGUINES, THEY ARE CONTAGIOUS! Hahaha

I am not a parent yet but if ever I became one, hayyy, I pity my future kids!! Baka palagi akong mapatawag sa school dahil sila ang TOP ONE sa noisy list. Hayyy

THE SANGUINE AS A PARENT

Makes Home Fun (Wow!!)
Is liked by children's friends (Nice!!)
Turns disaster into humor (A must!)
Is the circus master (Bwahahaha!!)

How about you, do you know your personality??

'You've got to find what you love.'

2008-08-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.

I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.

The first story is about connecting the dots.

I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?

It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: "We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?" They said: "Of course." My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.

And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents' savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn't see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.

It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:

Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.

None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

My second story is about love and loss.

I was lucky — I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation — the Macintosh — a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.

I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.

I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.

During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the worlds first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

My third story is about death.

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.

I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I'm fine now.

This was the closest I've been to facing death, and I hope its the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960's, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.

Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Thank you all very much.

From: Stanford News Service

http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

TAGUBILIN AT HABILIN

2008-08-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ni Jose F. Lacaba (Slightly revised version)

Para sa ating henerasyon, mas masaya gumamit ng kompyuter. Naniniwala ka ba? Sabi ng marami, napag-iiwanan na ang radyo (esep-esep), ewan ko lang pero sa lola ko na numero unong maka radyo ay hindi sang-ayon. Sa radyo pa rin siya kumukuha ng mga impormasyon. Isang araw, pumasok ako sa kwarto ng lola ko, narinig kong nakabukas ang radyo, nakikinig siya sa DZMM, pinakikinggan niya ang tambalang Ted at Korina. Nakakatuwa dahil meron silang tulang nabanggit. Maganda ang pagdedeliber nila sa tula, nakaka-antig ng damdamin at ang nilalaman, tama sa puso! At dahil Agosto ngayon (Sige nga, anong meron sa August?), naisip kong i-post sa blog na'to ang tulang yun, buti na lang, nakita ko ang blogsite ng nagsulat. Nakakatuwa!!

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

Sa edad kong ito, marami akong maibibigay na payo.
Mayaman ako sa payo.

Maghugas ka ng kamay bago kumain.
Maghugas ka ng kamay pagkatapos kumain.
Pero huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay para lang makaiwas sa sisi.
Huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay kung may inaapi
Na kaya mong tulungan.

Paupuin sa bus ang matatanda at ang mga may kalong na sanggol.
Magpasalamat sa nagmamagandang-loob.
Matuto sa karanasan ng matatanda
Pero huwag magpatali sa kaisipang makaluma.

Huwag piliting matulog kung ayaw kang dalawin ng antok.
Huwag pag-aksayahan ng panahon ang walang utang na loob.
Huwag makipagtalo sa bobo at baka ka mapagkamalang bobo.
Huwag bubulong-bulong sa mga panahong kailangang sumigaw.

Huwag kang manalig sa bulung-bulungan.
Huwag kang papatay-patay sa ilalim ng pabitin.
Huwag kang tutulog-tulog sa pansitan.

Umawit ka kung nag-iisa sa banyo.
Umawit ka sa piling ng barkada.
Umawit ka kung nalulungkot.
Umawit ka kung masaya.

Ingat lang.

Huwag kang aawit ng “My Way” sa videoke bar at baka ka mabaril.
Huwag kang magsindi ng sigarilyo sa gasolinahan.
Dahan-dahan sa matatarik na landas.
Dahan-dahan sa malulubak na daan.

Higit sa lahat, inuulit ko:

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

Maraming bagay sa mundo na nakakadismaya.
Mabuhay ka.
Maraming problema ang mundo na wala na yatang lunas.
Mabuhay ka.

Sa hirap ng panahon, sa harap ng kabiguan,
Kung minsan ay gusto mo nang mamatay.
Gusto mong maglaslas ng pulso kung sawi sa pag-ibig.
Gusto mong uminom ng lason kung wala nang makain.
Gusto mong magbigti kung napakabigat ng mga pasanin.
Gusto mong pasabugin ang bungo mo kung maraming gumugulo sa utak.

Huwag kang patatalo. Huwag kang susuko.

Narinig mo ang sinasabi ng awitin:
“Gising at magbangon sa pagkagupiling,
Sa pagkakatulog na lubhang mahimbing.”
Gumising ka kung hinaharana ka ng pag-ibig.
Bumangon ka kung nananawagan ang kapuspalad.

Ang sabi ng iba: “Ang matapang ay walang-takot lumaban.”
Ang sabi ko naman: Ang tunay na matapang ay lumalaban
Kahit natatakot.

Lumaban ka kung inginungodngod ang nguso mo sa putik.
Bumalikwas ka kung tinatapak-tapakan ka.
Buong-tapang mong ipaglaban ang iyong mga prinsipyo
Kahit hindi ka sigurado na agad-agad kang mananalo.

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

(http://kapetesapatalim.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html)

"Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda."

-Filipino Proverbs-

Shape your own world

2008-08-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

"You will be in five years the sum total of the books you read and the people you are around."

-Charles "Tremendous" Jones-

Read good books, hang out with good influence people, watch good films, visit good websites, help yourself to grow and yea, after five years, it's a new You! Past is past, learn while you're in the present and dream about the future. God bless us all!!

Grow everyday!!

Monette

Missing people mode

2008-08-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Life is so short so be a blessing to every relationship. That's one of my philosophies! I've shared great stories, funny moments, laugh trips to some so called good strangers of my life. Then I've opened up my heart and it blossomed into great friendships. Now, time to move on with our own lives.

Playing with my former officemates

Just having fun

with my good adviser and friend, Ate Vicky

My officemates and Ate Vicky, thanks for everything!! I've learned a lot from you guys! I pray that you guys will always be happy and blessed as you venture the road of life. I love you!!

Laugh with me

2008-08-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

I was assisting my little cousin JC in his reading time. He has a new thin book entitled, Prinsipe Malungkot (The Sad Prince). He was in the middle of the book then he turned it to the next page, there was a picture of a kid and a dog. Instead of reading it aloud, he told me..."Ate Monette, may nakita 'kong dalawang aso, magkadikit yung buntot nila." I asked him, "Ha? San mo nakita?" Then he continued, "sa labas tapos nilagyan pa nga ng mama ng asin at tubig e, tapos naghiwalay."

I can't help it but laugh!!! Time runs so fast. My grandmother told me, when I was still a kid, I saw two dogs, magkadikit din ang buntot, then I called someone in the house shouting, uyy, tignan niyo, may kambal na aso, dali! Of course, every time my lola remembers that, she just laughs.

Like other kids, JC is still innocent. Though he has plenty of questions, he's gonna learn that in big school, elementary days. But for the mean time, let me laugh until I'm satisfied coz they did exactly the same thing to me many years ago.

Now, I'm laughing...HAHAHA

two things

2008-08-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

We all heard and read the news about the MV Princess of the Stars. It sank and hey I'm traveling by ship. Come on, it's my first time to be stock in a ship for a day so what do you expect from a first timer? Hmm, I'm a little nervous. Solution? PRAY

Two things I prayed for:

1. Good weather condition

Good thing coz my cabinmate was able to check PAG-ASA online and she said, we'll sail in a good weather condition. Yey! We sailed in a good weather, enjoyed the views and really had a great one day experience inside the ship! Though it rained hard in Manila before we arrived, when I got off the ship, it was just little drops and after a while, those little drops were gone.

2. A lady cabinmate

Yes, I was sure that they'll place me in a female section however there are times that it doesn't happen. Someone told me, so beforehand, I wanted to have a lady cabinmate. The cabin was actually for six people but it ended up just the two of us. Cool! We chatted, shared life stories, love stories, funny stories, watched TV, had our lunch together and enjoyed the remaining hours. I have a new friend and take note, we have the same birth dates! Now, I have a new friend. She got my number and we'll be keeping in touch.

My two prayer requests were answered. I'm not sharing this because I'm spiritual or what but I'm just s0oo happy that God really answers prayers. Thank God coz He listens!

Kawasan falls

2008-08-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

There's no billion dollar building that can beat the nature! That's coming from a woman who is so exposed in the hustle and bustle of the city. I wanted to make my stay in Cebu memorable so Joy and I, together with her adventurous supervisor as our guide, decided to unwind and went to Badian, it's located in the Southern part of Cebu. What's in Badian? Hmmm, every turista knows it...It's Kawasan Falls!!

People said you have to hike for 20-30 minutes in order to reach the first falls, I think we took more than that! We listened to manong, our guide to the falls, who shared stories about a korean who lost his entire teeth because of jumping and hit his friend and died. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Manong told us not to go too near the falls because of the pressure that was in it. It's a little bit dangerous so we heeded his advice. We've enjoyed its lush tropical view on our way to the first level falls and captured great shots. It was tiring but remember the Delayed Gratification principle? Yea, we thought of that. Inisip namin na matatapos din ang lahat ng paghihirap at pagdating sa taas, we'll be champions, we'll swim up to our hearts' content. Finally, we reached the first falls, took a picture. Then trek again for minutes to reach the second falls and surprise, no tourist, no people, just us and manong.

The first falls

The second falls

It's a cozy and calm place. A great spot to bond with a close friend, a loved one or a family member. Again, I bonded with Joy. Tawa dito, tawa dun, goal namin magpahinga pero napagod kami katatawa. It's full of fun, truly unforgettable!

It's a goal accomplished for me. I've known Joy again. There's a lot of new things, amazing things. Also, I've rested and known Cebu in a deeper level. Naks! Thank you Lord for this experience.

Casa Gorordo Museum

2008-08-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

Finally I visited Casa Gorordo museum. Yey!! Though there were series of unfortunate events here like going there and the museum was closed because they were cleaning, I have to use my charm to convince the guard to enter even just for 10 minutes. Hehe, Then he told me to come back after the given hour. Well, I agreed to his terms since I was the only tourist on that given day.

I went around the place and found the Yap-San Diego ancestral home and again, it was closed and there was not even a person inside so I couldn't negotiate.

Yap-San Diego ancestral home

Again, I toured around and found the public monuments of Magellan. A lady was cleaning and she approached me and told me our history in Bisaya, I just nod and nod as if I know what she's talking about. Then, I gave her my DG cam and told her Ate Palihug which meant ate, please...

After touring around, I finally went back to Casa Gorordo. I really, really wanted to see the museum since it was an example of a prominent family lifestyle in the 19th century. I wanted to witness the place and look back. The gurad tolm me, ma'am, no pictures allowed. I said my confident Yes and kept my DG cam on my bag since I just convinced him to enter. I went inside a room and payed the Sociology practicumer, while giving her my Php40, she asked me, local? Then I joked, Hindi...Foreigner! Then she laughed and I told her, mukha ba akong foreigner? We both laughed. Hehe

Casa Gorordo museum

I felt so contented after seeing the house and imagining the events that happened there. It's just amazing that they have preserved the things that people used before like the wooden paddle (palo-palo), basin (batsa), old rocking chairs and others. Now we have washing machines, dryers and other appliances that we could use to make ourlives convenient.

Hayyy, it feels so good to know our roots! If you ever visit Cebu, take a look at Casa Gorordo museum even for 10 minutes and you'll enjoy looking back.

The guard agreed to take a picture of me in Azotea. Salamat sa imong guard!!

Cheers!

Travel quote

2008-08-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

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

-St. Augustine-

My favorite travel quote. The credit goes to St. Augustine! There are lots of things in this world to be known. Breathe the good air, climb the mountains, appreciate the sunrise and sunset, love the nature and experience the blessings of this life that God has given. The world is indeed a book, so turn its pages, discover and enjoy the secrets within. Read well people .

Thanks to Joy's supervisor, the adventurous Daryl for this shot. Yes, I'll climb mountains. Nice meeting you!

Cebu Escapade

2008-08-04T01:57:00.000-07:00

One word that best describes Cebu, HISTORIC. It's culturally and historically rich! I am blessed and fortunate to visit and see, in first hand, the Queen City of the South which is more familiar to us Manila girls and boys, (with arms raised) the Cebu City!! Yes, the hometown of Manilyn Reynes, Vina Morales, Pilita Corales and one of my favorite authors, the Filipino-American Cecilia Brainard.

I tour around with no destination in mind, ride jeepneys with numbers on top that correspond to the places of one's destination, talk to locals, the Cebuanos who are more confident speaking in English than Tagalog. Believe me, I happened to ask for directions to these two ladies and they're talking to me in Bisaya, I told them, "Ms. Tagalog po." Then one lady spoke in dollars, in English! Wow! That really impressed me. I told that story to Joy's boardmate Ella and she agreed that they are more comfortable speaking in English. Naks! Kaya wag niyong gagalitin mga Cebuanos or else, i-Englishin kayo! Just kidding, and I tell you, they have good grammar and nice accent! I it!

Proof of being Pinoy: Mahilig sa pictures

With Magellan's cross

Port San Pedro (The wall is 20 feet high and 8 feet thick)

Joy in cloud 9, overJOYed. Hehe

I'm on TOPS! Breathing the coolest and cleanest air evah!! (It's 2000 feet)

Loving this time of my life

I'm supposed to be traveling with friends but it happened that I'm a solo traveler. Well, that's fine but of course, it's always happy to be with someone, a close friend or group of friends who can witness the nice views and relive the history with you. But since I'm all alone coz Joy is most of the time at work, I just tour, tour and tour until my heart's content. I figured out that I never get tired easily touring around, hehe. That's my new self-dicovery and that's what I like about traveling (you get to know yourself more) and also it makes me feel somehow more expanded. Hayy, it feels good, really really good.

Of course, nothing can beat my bonding moments with my tan sister (politically correct term than saying "negra," sobrang babad sa araw e). Just laughing with her with some wholesome jokes or making faces that makes her laugh after a tiring day or maybe as simple as meeting her at the mall or waiting at Booksale (Cebu edition), hehe. As a sister, it makes me happy just seeing her doing what she really really like. It makes me proud!

Dinner at Casa Verde

Night view at the TOPS.

Let me repeat what I've said, I love this time of my life. This is a good life and I thank God for the good life!

sweets

2008-08-03T00:42:00.000-07:00

Joy asked a favor, so as a good sister, sige na, sige na. Utusan mo na 'ko, yun naman silbi ko bilang ate di ba? (Joke) I went to Rob Cebu (Naks, di na Rob Manila ah, hehe) and bought her requests and alangan namang siya lang, since I'm craving...

Yes, I know, I know that too much of sweets is bad for any person's health. But I just can't help and fantasize for sweets. Oohh, I'm lusting over sweets again. This is pleasure!! Again, again, again, PLEASURE!!

I can't resist it, it's temptation pare!

My former officemate asked me, Monette, bakit di ka nauubusan ng energy? Napaisip tuloy ako...I don't take Enervon, sweets sometimes, siguro nga sweets...happy food!!

MORE SWEETS, MORE ENERGY, MAS HAPPY

My ordinary happiness

2008-07-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

Ninang Joy

My good friend Meng, cousin JC and I went to Bulacan and attended a christening. Since Joy is out of Manila, I was her proxy. Though she's a novice in the field of Ninanghood, I know she can do the role well. I'm happy for her. Naks! After the event, I texted her, Congrats Joy, finally you're a legal ninang. Then she replied, KESO! Hahaha

House tripping

We made the most of our stay in Bulacan. We went to Malolos and had a house tripping. If only I have millions, I'll buy that dream house. It's a good location and the developer is good too. It's also a good deal that's why Meng is s0oo interested. Of course, bawal padalos-dalos ng desisyon when it comes to buying a house, we really have to think about it many times, ask many questions as we could, do our research and pray.

Congrats Research and Communications Committee

It's our third time to be the most consistent commitee in the fellowship. Like what ate Vicky said, kudos to the officers and members of R&C. Glory to God for that!! Grabe, R&C people, todo na 'to!!

Sabi nga sa Kungfu Panda, there's no secret recipe. We're just happy people combined in one committee. Naks, God's glory!

Dark Night

While driving, kuya Elvin told us na nakatulog daw siya sa film. So I thought, Dark Night's gonna be boring. Meng, ate Vicky and I were thinking to suggest other films. I thought of Mama Mia or maybe A Very Special Love (John Lloyd and Sarah Geronimo). Of course, things happened as planned. We watched Dark Night and hey, it's never boring. Though it's violent (what would you expect, it's Batman vs Joker), I love every scene. The late Heath Ledger did great (knock on wood) hehe. I really wanted to pee at the middle of the film but I can't go out because of the excitement that was in it. Grabe! So after watching I immediately excuse myself and ran to the toilet. Hehe

Lesson learned: Wag maging matakaw sa popcorn at lemonade, or else, kukuro chan mo! Ganyan nangyari samin ni Meng, hay naku! Well, she's fine now but me, oh no! I still need Lomotil . (Salamat pa rin kay Doc Billy sa free Popcorn and Lemonade, it was unforgettable! Hahaha)

Good deal

Thank God coz I have a new travel bag. It's North Face, Big Shot model and I l0oove it!! I bought it from a good friend. Thanks kuya David, nice making business with you. Excellent ang customer service mo!! Sobrang good deal sakin 'to! If only you're a girl, niyakap na kita. So million thanks kuya David!! May ma-i-erase na naman ako sa checklist ko. Hehe

LEFT:

Front view

RIGHT:

Back view

(Photos from kuya David)

I'm all set...

Don't make promises that you can't keep. Like what I promised Joy, I'll be visiting her, well... I am now packed and my feet are now ready to step on Cebu! S0oo Joy and Cebu, here I come!!!

Joy with Magellan's cross

These are my simple joys. My ordinary happiness.

Proverbs 14:13- A glad heart makes a happy face, a broken heart crushes the spirit.

Have a happy heart people.

Loving someone

2008-07-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

I was in fourth year high school. I've read the essay part in my English test paper.

“Loving someone: Holding on or letting go?”

As far as I can remember, I answered holding on and explained my reasons. As years passed by, I’ve learned that loving someone is letting go. Hard?? Deep?? Painful?? Yes!! But it’s one way of showing how much you love a person. I want to answer that essay question again and explain that for me, Love is about making someone happy. If you love someone, set him/her free. It’s never easy, but sometimes we just have to do it. It’s hard enough to hold onto things especially if you’re holding on to something that isn’t there, sorry but it makes no sense. I understand that there are memories that will never fade and memories that could never be replaced. But let’s do the right thing, instead of dwelling on the past, let’s live for the future. So LET GO…like the picture below…

I grabbed this very nice photo from a very good artist and friend Jay. He captured the moment very well. He even broke the glass after the shoot, hahaha. Well, I think that’s an excellent illustration of letting go. Kudos Jay Suasin!! Keep those creative shots coming!! Cheers!!

Last Song Syndrome

2008-07-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

There's this song that keeps on playing over and over and over in my head. That Knorr commercial, I heard it again and the outcome, it's LSS. Hehe

"Makulay and buhay, makulay ang buhay sa sinabawang gulay." Hay, Sharleen, Nash and Aaron, they're s0oo cute. I can still picture them in my head singing the song with actions. I remember when we were kids, our grade school teachers keep on telling us to eat vegetables coz those 'gulays' are good for our bodies. Sabi nga nila, vegetables make us strong!!

I don't eat 'gulays' when I was a kid but today, they're my favorite. (People change talaga!) Now I have an appetite for gulays unlike before. I eat Ampalaya, Okra, any gulay basta masarap ang luto. Of course, I have a favorite among the favorites. It's none other than, Broccoli!! Kaya naman sobrang saya ko ng makakita ko ng sobrang daming Broccolis when I went to Baguio last month. And take note, they're Super Fresh!! I bought four bundles and brought it home. Come on, para kong bata na nagkekwento sa lola ko with matching actions and facial expressions how I saw Fresh Broccolis. Hehehe

Broccolissss

Ang babaw ba? Hehe, sadyang mababaw lang talaga kaligayahan ko.

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By the way, if you have little cousins who don't eat vegetables, I recommend you buy them a book. There's a lot of children's literature about gulays. I bought one in National bookstore entitled Si Joey at ang Gulay Gang for Php69 only last year. After giving the book and narrating the story to him, my little cousin JC eats vegetables! Medyo mapili pa rin pero lahat ng gulay characters na nasa book, he knows it.

What's your motivation?

2008-07-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna tell you an inspiring story. My elementary classmate and my long time friend ever, Jianicka, who is currently working in Australia called me yesterday. Honestly, I really had a great time talking with her. One reason is I miss her s0oo much (O walang iyakan ah, peace!) and the other reason is I was inspired as she tells me the story of her dieting. Believe it or not, she lost 24 Kilos! It's not a joke okay, it's 24 Kilos!! Hirap nun!!

This friend of mine is very content and happy of who she is. Though she receives pressure from her family sometimes or from her friends (isa na ko dun, hehe) to lose weight for healthy reasons and for aesthetic purpose as well. She doesn't mind it. She's a great cook (I miss her pasta!) that's why she loves eating scrumptious meals, chocolates and just everything she likes. Hayy, we give Jianicka advice to slow down and have some diet coz she's getting bigger and bigger as time passes by. Her dad bought her expensive equipment to help her lose weight. It helped in a way but not much. She even tried medicines and herbal life. It also helped but again, not that much. Until she went to Australia and the rest is history.

I was talking to her with a smile on my face. I kept asking her, "ilang kilos ulit?" Then she answeed me with pride (I can feel it), "24 kilos." I laughed and congratulated her! She also said, "sabi nga ni mama, dito lang pala ko papayat." Hehehe

As we talked continously, I asked the things that she did. She said, "Natural way ako. Usually, heavy breakfast then light ang lunch and dinner. Madalas prutas tsaka umiinom ako ng tea, green tea." Jianicka is also into sports these days, she's playing Squash and at the same time experienced Scuba Diving. That's definitely a WOW for Joy!!

Again, I congratulated her for achieving her goal. She told me, "Monette, iba talaga may motivation." That statement of Jianicka was added to my learning memory bank. I must be that motivated enough in order to achieve a certain goal. Thanks Jianicka for that great learning.

Photo: Yours truly, Sarah, Jianicka with our inaanak, Sarah's offspring Aze.

I think this picture was taken two years ago.

Parang Marie France model lang ah. So far...lost 24 kilos!! Call 894-BODY. Hehehe

The Motivation. Ehem!!

Now that's inspiring. AHA-AHA!!

Globalization...

2008-07-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

All right, all right. This is it! It's a small world after all. Hehehe

(Just read it somewhere)

Princess Diana, an English Princess with an Egyptian fiancé, crashed in a French tunnel while riding in a German car with a Dutch engine, driven by a Belgian who was drunk on a Scottish whisky, chased by Italian paparazzi on Japanese motorcycles, treated by an American doctor using Brazilian medicines. This was created by a Filipino on a Finnish phone smuggled from China by a Pakistani!

Joy's welcome and farewell party

2008-07-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ang gulo! Welcome tapos Farewell?? Waahh!!

Well, Joy stayed for a week in Manila so she decided to have a welcome party, at the same time a Despedida. My sister is one of the "most kuripot" in town okay (Lagot ako!)...

We prepared, invited few friends and bonded 'til 12am.

Photo cake

I'm in charge of the cake. And I wanted it to be different! I searched online and found some creative and good cakes but most of them were s0ooo far. Baka pag-uwi ko sa bahay, tunaw na. Then I went to MOA, entered the Red Ribbon. Thank God coz they have a photo cake. That will do. I gave Joy's photo to the manager then he smiled. Hehe, he asked me, "anong message mo?" He gave me a paper and I wrote it down. I gave him back the paper then said, "aasarin ko lang po kapatid ko." He smiled again. Hehehe

It's time to open the cake...Si Joy??? Asar to the max!! She kept on saying, "ate, bakit yang picture na yan (million times) !!"

Goal accomplished for me...Bwahahaha

Pakipot pa...kunyari ayaw-ayaw pa, at the end, todo picture naman! Ay sos!

Before going to bed, I gave her a gift (with my dramatic message), her long time request. I wrapped it in a way she won't have any idea what's inside. She's clueless. And when she opened it, I saw her exaggerated smile. It's Running shoes!! No idea why she wanted it s0oo bad!

So far, we've enjoyed the night. Nakakamiss!!

Mixed Emotions

2008-07-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of things that can happen in a day. Also, within a day, a person can feel different emotions. Hayyy, yesterday...I felt s0oo happy and s0oo ashamed.

Happy because I found the Schu factory outlet in Makati. My eyes went huge and my ears almost clapped when I saw the 50% discount. Imagine, it's 50%!! I found the design I really liked and buti na lang, "sakto sa paa ko."

Now the shameful part...I went to The Landmark after buying the shoes. If you're a Citibank Visa card holder, you know that they have a promo, it's ZERO interest for every P3000 worth of purchase. Honestly I don't want credit cards coz I hate debts especially if your just splurging it on your wants. I never had one even though I started working until my aunt gave me a card with my name on it, I'm her authorized user. It means, she's the one responsible for the any expenses I could make. Of course, I have to pay it to her since I am now working.

I never used the card, EVER! Until I accompanied Meng to Greenbelt to get her FREE Kenneth Cole wallet! Okay, you know the story, I got tempted! I used the card last month. Then July came, I used it twice already. When I was at the Landmark, I went to Works, a store for office attires. I loved their designs and I know if Joy is with me, she'll like it too. I went there and fitted almost 10 blouses, I told myself I'll just purchase one, then it became two, then three until it reached four.

The sales lady was very accomodating too. I got connected to her immediately. I loved their service! She accompanied me to the cashier when I told her that I'll buy the blouses. When we reached the cashier area, I told them I'll pay in card and handed my card. She tried it once, then twice, then thrice. Oh no, it's not working. I suggested, "Ms., E kung pag hiwa-hiwalayin mo kaya?" It's still not working. I told her, I've used the card twice then asked her to try again for the last time. Then she told me, "ma'am, pleas call the bank."

I have a cash in hand but it's not enough to purchase those four blouses. Hayyy buhay...I really felt s0oo ashamed. I saw the pregnant sales lady who was so kind to me and I pitied her. After almost an hour of assisting me at the fitting room, di siya bumenta sakin. Hayyy, naku! Wala kong magawa kundi mag sorry. I told her, I'll be back within the week to purchase it.

Wish ko lang sana nandun pa ung mga blouses since most of the blouses I really liked were "one stock only."

Again, Ms. Pregnant sales lady, you may probably not read this...again with all my heart, I'm sorry...

Sushi and Siblings

2008-07-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's Joy's last night in Manila. What do you think we did? We bonded as long as we can. We often do that (sa bahay, sa kalye, kahit saan basta kumpleto kami at masaya. Hehe) but this time since Joy is missing and craving for sushi s0oo much, we ate at Sakae Sushi. I remember my Nihongo professor when I asked her "ma'am, what's the meaning of SAKAE?" She answered me, "PROSPERITY." Wow! That's a nice Japanese name!! Hehe,

Joy craving for sushi and hand-rolled Californian Maki

Joy is leaving for Cebu City. I promise her that one of these months, I'll visit her. Hehe, so bago kami magkahiwa-hiwalay, we ate, we talked, we laughed out loud, we ate again, we talked again and we laughed out loud again, paulit-ulit, paulit-ulit...

SUSHIing...

Ramen and sushi masaya na kami! We ate six different kinds of sushi, sobrang sarap! We're not that sushi fanatic but it's good to eat sushi from time to time especially if you're with your makukulit at super kwelang siblings.

Maguro Sushi

Ooohhh

Siblings

I'm thinking hard about the comparison of sushi and siblings. I can't think of any. The difference? SUSHI-paminsan-minsan lang, okay na ko. SIBLINGS-ayokong paminsan-minsan. I want to see them everyday. Imagine the agony I'm in right now. Huhuhu

My two bestest of friends in the world!! I'm forever grateful

with my funny sister Joy

with my feeling-model brother Marc, hahahaha

We know each other's secrets...

Truly, silver and gold have I none, but having Joy and Marc, I have the most precious treasures. O di ba sobrang blessed ako?? Hoo! Thank you Lord!!

Ikaw, anong greatest blessing mo?

THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN

2008-07-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

Author: Unknown

The beauty of a woman; is not in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries; or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman; must be seen from in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart, The place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman; is not in a facial mole,

But true beauty in a woman; is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, The passion that she shows,

And the beauty of a woman, With passing years-only grows!

I miss youth days

2008-07-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

There's so much energy and vigor in young people's lives. They could go on and on without sleep. Believe me!! They could do "movie marathon" in one seating and attend classes the next day. They could burn the midnight oil and still have all the energy for the next day. Also they could do super-duper-toxic-stressful-school-stuff yet they have time for their church activities and can laugh at the coming days, without worries! There's one of the great lessons I've learned during my Youth days and it's summed up in one word. It's BALANCE.

There's school time (projects, requirements, deadlines, etc.), there's ministry time (leadership, servanthood, etc.), there's family time (mom, lola, little bro and sis)-usually the most ignored area in a busy young person but it's a No-No! and there's NO EXCUSE! And then there's other extra-curricular, whether in school, ministry, family or just with your friends.

I miss my Youth days so much! Last night I bonded with Meng, Coy, Rica, Mark and Ron. We watched a very hilarious film. it was a Kungfu night for us! Hehe, we watched Kungfu Panda. (Salamat sa libre Mark and congrats ulit! )There are great lessons packed for the whole family especially the kids. Yes, I laughed hard (if you're my friend you know how loud I laugh, hehe) but after all those funny scenes, I've thought about the great insights, the lessons that made me think deeper. I remember the great verse I've learned during my Youth days.

My Youth days (I forgot the year)

A lesson I've learned from my pastors and at the same time from God Himself. "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in SPEECH, in LIFE, in LOVE, in FAITH and in PURITY. (I Timothy 4:12)

Yes, we've memorize verses by heart but I hugged this verse during my Youth days and now I'm seeing the fruits of it. As the eldest, I teach my sister Joy and my brother Marc who are also in the ministry to be very careful in what they say, to be cautious in how they view and live life, to be truly sincere in loving God's people and to be right and pure in their thinking.

There's s0oo much things to learn as a young person that's why if you're still in your youth days. Enjoy it my friend. I just want to reiterate what Pastor Sumrall said, "Serve God and make good decisions based on God's word."

Hay...Sobrang miss ko na ang Youth! I miss the good old days. The days I've known God more, the days I've met wise and good friends, the days of dreaming BIG dreams and the days I've realized my purpose in this life.

If you're a young person reading this blog, maybe it's time for you to reflect. I just did.

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By the way, someone asked me, how old are you na ba? I answered I'm 22. Then I realized I'm still on my Youth days, hehe. But I am attending Professional's now and am surrounded with people greater and older than me. Well, I'm happy with my co-professionals, time for learning in a new way but I just missed the youth days.

The Professionals (September 2007)

BAND-AID for a BROKEN HEART

2008-06-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

My sister finally arrived and she gave me my request. It's not clothes, not shoes, not make-ups, not accessories or even perfume. Guess what? It's a BAND-AID with Doraemon designs on it!! I used to have Hello Kitty, Kerrokeroppi, Bears, some cool colors and other creative-designed band-aids during my teenage years and you may call me "mababaw" but I'm telling you, I am s0oo much happy with it.

You may ask me what I do with those band-aids? Okay, honestly, I just keep two pieces of it in my wallet.

The logic behind? In case, a friend of mine gets wounded and hurt, I can definitely get my cool-designed band-aid and offer it to him/her. Instead of focusing on the wound or the pain, that friend of mine will just smile because of the designs and that makes me happy, hehe

Few weeks ago, my dear friend Coy broke up with her boyfriend. She told me about it and I felt the pain that she's in. Yes, I never had a boyfriend but I've experienced the pain of a broken heart. I was amazed how Coy handled things. In her blog, she wrote how thankful she was of her lover. I know she learned a lot of things from that relationship and it made her grow.

I remember my Youth pastor before when he and his girlfriend broke up. I told him, "sayang naman po yung taon" then he answered me, "Mon, some relationship won't work, even if you hold on to it. We may not know the reason why God gave us that person but definitely He knows what He is doing." It gave me a great lesson.

Again, like what I advised Coy, Stand up, dust yourself off and move on with life. God heals the broken hearted. I'll give her a piece of the best Doraemon band-aid I have. Coy will never stick it on her heart but it's a symbolism for me, simple way of telling her that she doesn't have to look at the wounds of a broken heart but the colorful side of it.

God loves you Coy! You deserve to be happy!! One Doreamon band-aid for you this Wednesday.

Just sharing

2008-06-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

I've written it in a short bond paper and posted it in our comfort room's door. Just this day, I've noticed that it's been a year now since I posted it. The bond paper already changed its color unlike before that it's pure white. I also noticed some sprinkles of water (may drops na natuyo na lang sa tagal) it's a sign of one year old. I know that one day, I'll throw that paper away, maybe these coming months, but before I do, I wanna share the simple but juicy notes I've read from a very successful person and inspiring man that we all know. The creative genius behind Apple computers and Ipod.

Sometimes, life's going to hit you on the head with a brick. DON'T LOSE FAITH! I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I love what I did. YOU'VE GOT TO FIND WHAT YOU LOVE...This is true to lovers...If you haven't found what you love, KEEP LOOKING AND DON'T SETTLE. As with all the matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And like any great relationship, it's just get better and better as the year rolls on.

-Steve Jobs-

Para sa ating lahat,kahit ano pa yan,

maligayang paghahanap!!

"Keep asking, and it will be given to you.

Keep searching, and you will find.

Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you."

(Matthew 7:7)

I can't wait...

2008-06-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Nothing is permanent in this world except change. It's a cliche, hehe. Well, s0oo happy coz few days to go, my super-kulit, super-sipag, super-traveler, super-close kong sistah is arriving from the land of the rising sun. Of course, my one and only sistah, Joy. So excited to see her!! I can't wait to hear her funny stories, I can't wait to bond with her again. I wanna see the changes! Hehe

As the eldest, I am happy and blessed to have Marc as my bro and Joy as my sis. Sobrang thankful ako kay God for giving me them. They are my precious treasures! Kumpleto na naman kami at higit sa lahat may katabi na naman akong matulog. Hahaha

At the airport (Joy's departure)

Love you Joy and Marc!!

Mula sa inyong kapamilya at kapuso,

Ate

Oh My Gulay!

2008-06-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Since visiting Baguio is still as fresh as Broccoli I bought from the place. I wanna share the outrageous experience I’ve had in one of the outrageous places I’ve been to. Hehe, I visited a vegetarian restaurant and it’s really amazing! It’s owned by Kidlat Tahimik, the Independent film director (You may google his name in case you don’t know him). Sayang nga kasi di ko siya nakita at ang kanyang gwapong anak. Hehe, but my supervisor saw him coz he went there in a different day with his friends from Baguio and I went there with my sister’s good friend Rachel whose been living in Baguio for five years now. (Aww sarap!)

Up up up to Oh My Gulay (5th floor)

Now let’s talk about the place. It’s a nature tripping entrance. It’s like a forest scene from the Midsummer Night’s Dream movie. You’ll see a lot of artworks displayed and they even have a lomo wall which Rachel and I love to take pictures with.

Little bridge from the entrance

The lomo wall (check out: lomomanila.ph)

An artwork from an artistic author, Astig!

About the food, it’s yummy and healthy! We ordered their best seller. The waldorfesto for Php110 and Anak ng Putanesca (the spelling?) for Php110 also. If you taste the food, you’ll conclude that the prices are very reasonable.

Rachel with the food

We went to the other side of the resto and they have a little stage with our hero’s Jose Rizal picture. Astig yung set up! An artist told us that different bands play in that stage and he even invited us to witness the event on the next day. I told him, that I’ll be leaving the next day.

I and my sister’s friend, Rachel had a great time. We talked a lot of stuff, from lovelife (Oohh!), work, friendship and others. She’s been living in Baguio for five years now and yet she hasn’t seen the place. Thanks to the internet coz I was able to find one of the outrageous places in Baguio City. The lady in the souvenir section asked us how we heard the place, I muttered with confidence, I read it from a blog. Hehe

While going to SM Baguio to meet my officemates, I asked Rachel how she finds the place, she said with a smile. I’ll come back and bring my officemates.

Now that’s outrageous!

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Those who you who will visit Baguio, it's a must see place especially to those people who are artistic in nature (My friends Xavier Abelador, Jay Suasin and Marie Grace Tablizo). I'm sure after seeing the place, eating their scrumptious meals and observing the artworks, you'll just say, Oh My Gulay! Hahaha

Napa 'oh my gulay' ako sa art piece na 'to. Astig talaga!

Baguio City

2008-06-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Five days of not facing the computer, five days of not at home, five days of laughters, five days of getting to know new people, five days of fantastic stay in Baguio City! Yes!! After s0oo many years, I finally went up to Baguio again. I think I was in Fourth Grade when my family visited the place and fast forward to 2008, since I am now working, this time it was with my officemates. Imagine the changes I've noticed. Grabe! I am a witness of a changing lifestyle in Baguio.

Now, to document my stay in Baguio, of course I must have a camera. Since our DG cam is with Joy, I borrowed one from a very good and generous friend. Salamat JhayR. We took a lot of pictures, from day 1 to day 5. Just sharing some pictures.

The famous table at Mines View Park

Mga Igorots-kuno plus two authentic Igorots at Mines View Park

The man who is selling the yummy Strawberry taho took this picture of us while boating at Burnham Park.

Eating ice cream without a sweater in Baguio? Ohh, I miss the freezing cold winter!!

I surely love this bus at PMA

I wanna share more pictures and more kwentos but I don't have the luxury of time. Hay...Next time, next time, sana di ko makalimutan.

God bless you all!

What I've learned from Dr. John Maxwell

2008-06-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

"Invest in my mind." This is one of my ultimate goals, that's why when my loyal friend Coy informed me about the simulcast leadership conference by Dr. John Maxwell. I didn't think twice and grabbed the opportunity. I don't know why I love attending seminars or conferences, yes you may term that as 'sponging,' but there's just this hunger in me to learn, to learn and to learn (I believe that all of us has a lot of things to learn and discover). I'll ask as many questions as I can, observe as much as I want and read until I fall asleep. Honestly for me, LEARNING IS FUN!

Since I've listened to a wise man sharing his wisdom to thousands of Filipino people last Tuesday (June 10, 2008), it is my honor to share the nuggets of wisdom I've learned. I'm telling you, it's full packed. John Maxwell has a lot of information that's why most of us who attended took notes (fingers crossed). As a good friend, I wanna share some things that struck me, of course, we have different needs, but I hope you learn from these things as well. Now get ready coz I have a 20 pages notes here. Hehe

EVERYONE WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL-I agree when Dr. John Maxwell said this. For 30 years, he studied success and surrounded himself with successful people. Yes, success is very subjective and personal. For him, a person needs only four things to be successful. And that is summed up in this acronym that can be found in most of his books. 'REAL.' R stands for relationships, E stands for Equipping, A stands for Attitude and L stands for Leadership.

SUCCESS IS KNOWING YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE-He mentioned that highly successful people know why they're here. They have persistence when everyone's giving up. Truly there are hundreds of us or even more than that who have not discovered our purpose in life but let's not lose heart coz it takes some time. Dr. John Maxwell himself said that it took him 7 years with passion to discover it.

PASSION GIVES YOU ENERGY-We have to ask ourselves, what are we passionate about? He said that our purpose and passion usually match so we have to know our passion. There are some things that we're passionate about but we're not good at it. We can't spend our money, time and 100% effort in the things we're not born with. Our passion and our abilities or giftedness should match. Finding that passion will produce high energy.

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE, IT YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT-This is a famous statement most of us know. But I'm telling you, Dr. John Maxwell is not agreeing with this statement. He gave American Idol as an example. Some people are believing that they have the talent but they don't have the innate gift to sing. If they keep on believing that, it's gonna bring misery to their lives. Like what I've said above, there's just some things that we're not good at and we have to accept it. We have weaknesses but we do have strengths as well. It's better to sharpen those strengths that we have than focus on our weaknesses. If you can't sing my dear friend, you can't sing. Welcome to life.

IF YOU'RE NOT ANY GOOD AT YOUR JOB, DO EVERYBODY A FAVOR, RESIGN-Dr. Maxwell said that average people will not add value to the world. We have to be honest in evaluating ourselves, are we an average employee or an excellent one. Well, it tales time to be on the excellent side but if we're really not doing any good with our job, we better resign and find the job that we're passionate about. Like what Ms. Carol Austria said, you will only do things excellently if you're passionate with it. I agree.

INVEST IN YOURSELF, INVEST IN OTHERS AS WELL-What book are you reading? What book did you let someone borrowed? He asked these questions and it made me think deeper. If we wanna be succesful, we have to pay the price. If you're a parent, invest in your kids, tell them stories before going to bed, teach them good values, buy them good books. Dr. maxwell said that books are the greatest investment that a parent will make to his/her children.

I've learned a lot from that ledership conference. I tell you, it's gravitas! I wanna write more and share more but I think it's better if learn from him directly through reading his books as if you're having a cup of coffee with Dr. John Maxwell, for me, Apple juice is enough. Hehe, hope you've learned from what I've learned form Dr. Maxwell. Like what he said, invest in others, I've invested my time just to write this long entry for the sake of my good friends who continously reading my blog posts. I'm sharing it and passing it on.

I'm fascinated with the life that we have, there's so much things to learn!! Hoo!! What an awesome Creator we have. Thank you Lord for the wisdom!

Stay blessed people!!

Monette

Salamat sa holiday (",)

2008-06-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

Thank God for this holiday! I was able to visit a parlor for a hair spa and a new hair cut. Hehe, now I can say, it's one of my favorite places on earth!! Alam mo yung feeling na pag labas mo sa isang parlor feeling mo, ang ganda (10x) mo. Yun pala feeling mo lang yun! Ouch!!

Just wanna share the new look (Ang gaan-gaan ng feeling!) Hehe

At dahil holiday today, I checked my wallet and noticed that it's getting thicker and heavier. Well, it's not about the money, the bills or the coins, but the bus tickets! Tsk, tsk, tsk. I've been keeping all these bus tickets for inspection na hindi naman ini-inspect. That's the reason why my wallet is thicker and heavier than the usual. Since it's holiday, time to clean up. And look what I've got...

Naipon na ng husto! Lahat ng 'to direcho sa trash can.

I wanna sing, ang gaan-gaang ng feeling...ang gaan-gaan ng...hay that's what I'm feeling. Salamat sa holiday! Bow.

Prince Caspian

2008-06-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

After months of waiting, the moment finally arrived. Hoo!! (Punas pawis! Hehe) We went to Mall of Asia last Friday night and grabbed a seat for five. Seated from left to right facing the big screen were cousin JC, ME, Anmeir, Marc and JhayR. After months, almost a year of not entering a movie house, I was shocked to know the ticket price, it's gold pare! Shining Php170!! Ginto!! Hay...I've asked my tita how much last year since they've watched Spiderman 3, she answered me, it's Php120. So tumataas talaga yearly ganon? Malamang next year, Php220 na (wag naman!)

Now let's talk about the film. Well, it's really worth watching especially if your a Narnian, I mean Narnian fan, hehe. Every scene was well worth the price. Walang kurapan at kahit na late kami ng mga 6 minutes lang naman (I think the film ran 2 hrs and 4 minutes) and we didn't have the luxury of time to buy popcorn or ice cream or a soda, ok lang kasi every scene was good. They doubled the fighting scenes and the visual effects! Kudos to the production team especially to Direct Adamson!! There were humorous scenes as well, it came from the mouse who said from your imagination when a telmarine lad asked him if he's a mouse? It's really hilarious!! What shocked me, I mean US was when Susan Pevensie kissed Prince Caspian. There's this kilig moment, a question, (may ganung factor?) and a statement with force saying WALA NAMANG GANUN SA STORY AH!! Hehe

Well, after watching the movie, Anmeir asked me what if I am Susan who loves Prince Caspian but we have different worlds, what will I do? I didn't answer her but asked her the same question. She answered, I'll tell him to go with me, in my world. Naks! After hearing her answer, then I finally said, Ako? Hmm, I'll stay in his world. I know it will take time to understand my world but since I know his world and I fully understand it, I'll surely stay. Lalo na kung Narnia yung world at andun si Aslan. Wow, ang saya nun! Hehe, tapos isama mo pa si Ben Barnes, joke.

So far, we had a great time. I continously hear JC saying astig ate Monette especially when we're on our way home. Hehe, nahawa na sa expression ko! Tsk, tsk. For those of you who hasn't watched it yet, I recommend it! I won't say that it's a great way to bond with friends or family coz for sure you'll just focus on the big screen without noticing that you have a good friend beside you. Hehe, NO! That's exageration! Well, for Php170 as gintong ticket price, it's worth it.

**********************

FYI: Did you know that Susan Pevensie, played by Anna Popplewell, is taking English Literature in Madelene College where C.S Lewis spent the rest of his life as a professor? A very talented lass at the same time smart. Yun ang Astig!!

Tag! You're it!

2008-05-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

All right. Floppy Disk tagged me so I'm tagging 8 people.

A. People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves. Tag 8 people. Those who are tagged cannot refuse.

B. These 8 people must state who they were tagged by. You cannot tag the person who tagged you. Continue this game by sending this to 8 other people.

1. If your lover betrayed you, what will your reaction be?
-- Huwat!! It's your lost!! Wahaha

2. What will you do if you do not share the same feelings as the person who likes you?
-- Shocks, hirap naman nito! Ayoko nun, dapat both of you genuinely love each other para masaya

3. What if your ex wants you back?
-- I never had an Ex. Haha, Well for the sake of answering the question, "past is past." Friends, ok lang.

4. Are you confused as to what lies ahead of you?
-- Sometimes, yes. Oops, there's a BUT, I just trust God at all!

5. Who's your ideal lover?
-- Secret

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone else?
--Both. I wanna be loved and give love at the same time.

7. If the person you like does not accept you, would you continue to wait for them to change their feelings?
-- Hahaha, hindi ako martyr! Ayaw mo wag mo! Hahaha

8. If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
-- Feeling ko irrelevant 'to. Ayoko ng attached na, dapat single din.

9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy recently?
-- Can't think of any. I'm happy

10. What is "happiness" for you?
-- Freedom! I can do whatever I want and whatever I like.

11. Is being tagged fun?
-- Yes! Yun nga lang limited ang time to ponder and answer all these questions. Feeling ko tuloy, ambush interview 'to at walang sense yung pinagsasasabi ko dito.

12. Is there anything that has happened in your life that you wish you could rewind and change?
-- No. I'm thankful for everything. I love every moment of my life. Success, Failure, a mixed of everything is good for me. Everything that has happened, I believed, it made me a better person

13. Who are currently the most important people to you?
-- Syempre, my family, both old and new friends

14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
-- Floppy Disk? She's brilliant and generous! Uy, pa cheese burger ka naman! Wahaha

15. What are you supposed to do right now?
-- Preparing for work.

16. If the person you secretly like cannot recognize you, what would you do/how would you react?
-- Secret. Magpapapansin. Yung tipong pansin talaga niya! Hehe

17. Would you give your all in a relationship?
-- Siguro Yes, I love with all my heart. Walang halong pretensions. I still have a fragile heart so I have to be careful.

18. If you fall in love with two persons simultaneously, who would you pick?
-- Never pang nangyari sakin 'to. Laging may lamang for sure. Stick to one lang better say, be loyal para both of you are happy

19. What type of friends do you like?
-- Genuine and loyal! Yung pang matagalan. Yung tipong uugud-ugod na kami friends pa rin kami. I want friends who will reminisce with me the good old days. So far, from elementary, high school to college friends, we still update each other's lives. Yung tipong walang nagbago. Same kakulitan, same kakwentuhan.

20.Were you to be asked to sacrifice something really important for your love, what would that something be?
-- Hmmm, I think settling down, getting married and building our own family. It's a tough decision for me lalo na sobrang close ako sa present family ko. I think yun ang pinakamahirap na sacrifice.

Tag! you're it!

1. Meng

2. Marie Grace

3. Donna

4. Kaye

5. Arian

6. Kuya Imman

7. Jianicka

8. Coy

My sanctuary

2008-05-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

There will always be a favorite part of the house. Agree with me. And this part of the house where this laptop is located is my favorite spot. The desk area, (nearest to the window so a person who goes here can feel the wind) where I can do a lot of things, google, read, watch, listen, just be ME, all alone! I can contemplate, think, meditate, scrutinize. Sigh, truly, I need moments like those but not too much. Since darkness is visually stimulating and small amounts of light look appealing...I grabbed my phone and captured a nice photo.

My favorite book of all (NLT version) and my buddy book light (after years of searching, finally, I got the best!)

It makes me want to pray as well...

Dear God,

I don't want to be the most beautiful,

I don't want to be the most powerful,

I don't want to be the most popular,

I don't want to be the most talented,

I don't want to be the smartest,

I don't want to be the richest,

But please Lord,

make me the most thankful,

the most content,

and the happiest person living.

A-men.

Ten reasons why I adore my mom

2008-05-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

There are gazillion reasons why I love, respect, honor and adore my mom. But I'll be telling you my Top 10. If your busy, don't waste your time reading this blog but if you have an extra time (possibly but not certainly), feel free to read, smile, reminisce and cry (fingers crossed-WAG NAMAN SANA). I just wanna share a great story about my mom or should I say BRAG about my mom. Hahaha

Yes, I know there is NO, NEVER, EVER, and NO (again!) perfect mom in this huge world and there will never be. But I tell you, my mom is perfect for me!! She's a mixed of everything. She has good and bad moods, lenient at the same time strict, sometimes she's joyful and there are times she'll shout at you, but for me, she's perfect and I love, respect, honor and adore her for being who she is. As you read along, just open your eyes and heart to the wonderful world of motherhood. I am not a mother yet I think God has shown me the right path to follow.

TOP 10 REASONS WHY I ADORE MY MOM

1. She provides everything

Great food, relaxing home, nice clothes. Those are the basics and essentials that a father must provide for his family. Well, my mom did it all. She has provided us with everything! From our school tuition fees, our allowances, our homeworks and projects, our field trips, our travel adventures, everything!! Because of her, I've been a believer that nothing is impossible if as long as a person believes. If a person has a great faith in God, s/he has nothing to worry coz God is our ultimate source. I got that from my mom that's why until now everytime I want something, I just remember her words of wisdom. I have to pray about it, save and sometimes just trust God at all and things happen miraculously.

2. She supports us

I am blessed to have a very supportive mom. She never pushed us to do things the way she wanted it. She lets us make decisions for ourselves. I can't think of a thing where she dictated us to do something that we don't want to do. Yes, she dictated me to pay the bills on time but a major decision about ourlives, never!! Decisions like what course to take, what school, even our crafts, our extra curricular activities, she supports us!! I remember when I was a kid, I learned ballet, theatre, piano lessons during summer time and she lets me decide those. That's why as early as a teenager, I can make decisions on my own and as I evaluated it, everything was a good decision (Thanks to God's guidance!)

3. She teaches well

You will attract someone like you. That's the unforgettable statement I heard from my mom. She said this when I was in high school and instructed me to have a mindset of finishing my studies. She said in her tagalog version: Kung tapos ka ng pag-aaral, magkakagusto sayo tapos din. She always says that back then. Of course today, not anymore. It's the other way around. She pushes me to pursue relationship. Well, I don't want to rush things and jump on it. Time will come. I still thank my mom for giving me that advice, because of her I finished my studies and will have my Masters degree one day.

4. She leads by example

She is a hardworker! We've seen it and we're all proud of her. She knows the dignity of harwork. It's been one year now since I graduated from college and now am working and there are just times when I feel s0oo tired and find s0oo many reasons not to go to work but I just remember my mom who is s0oo hardworking and I humble and drag myself to work. Maybe that's the reason why I am not the kind of employee who loves to absent.

5. She laughs in hard times

We experience troubles a lot of times and in those times, I worry. But my mom, she'll laugh at those nonsense stuff. Minsan feeling ko tuloy ako pa yung nanay na sobrang alalang-alala pero siya talagang cool lang. That's one of the characteristics I admire from her. She's funny and some of my closest friends know that. She's crazy and she can crack jokes until everyone's stomach is full of air. Naniniwala na tuloy ako sa mana, namamana nga pala talaga and ugali.

6. She forgives endlessly

We can't please everyone. My mom told us stories about her enemies (some friends and some relatives) but she has a heart of forgiveness. I admire her when it comes to that. Probably because I am not the type of person who easily forgives (I'm just being honest here) but my mom, well, she's a good example for that. Everytime I think of a person who forgives easily, two persons come to my mind: My favorite Bible character Joseph the Dreamer and my mom.

7. She inspires people

She has a lot of experiences in life and that's the reason of her great stories. She inspires people and gives words of wisdom. She crack jokes but when she's serious she'll share the best stories of her life. Stories about single parent, lovelife, money, plans, achieving your dreams and following your heart. And just being a good story teller to everyone. A normal thing for a mother.

8. She humbles herself

This is the best character I admire from my mom. I never saw or hear her brag about something. Yes, she testifies great things that God has been doing in her life, but being proud? Well, yes, she's proud of us (I think all parents are proud of their kids in some ways) hehe but you know the PROUD HEART that I'm talking about here? The sinful PRIDE that a person tends to look at others unequally but inferior (that badly, putting others down attitude). Yes, you will never hear words to discriminate a person coming out of her mouth. She even hates that!! Believe me!

9. She gives generously

She's blessed and that's the reason why she's sharing it. She gives generously without hesitation. As in generously! She taught me to give with value. How can a person possibly give if it doesn't have any value? Why give anyway?? She's right about that! A lot of people need to learn this. I learned that lesson in a hard way. Thanks to her!

10. She respects the Almighty

This time, I am bragging. I am bragging about my mom knowing, respecting, trusting God above all else. I think that's the best thing that could ever happen to a person, realizing and learning to respect the Almighty. This life is just temporary and it feels good to know that you are secured of whatever life brings you and wherever it takes you. You know that you have someone by your side and definitely NO WORRIES!! Tuition fee increases this enrollment, rice getting more and more expensive everyday? No worries at all because you know that you and your family's gonna eat good meals tomorrow and tuition fees will be provided. She has that great faith and it's contagious.

Now you know what kind of mother I have. I think it's time that you think, enumerate and appreciate the Top 10 best characteristics of your mom. Like what I've mentioned, there will never be a perfect mom (because we commit mistakes) BUT a mother whoever she is, if she's really doing a great job in nourishing her kids, taking good care of them, and teaching them to be the best person that a society and this world will ever have, those moms will be close to perfect in their children's eyes. Well, she is!

To all the moms, mommies, inas, nanays, nays, mothers, or whatever name your children call you, Belated Happy Mother's day po!! Many thanks for all the sacrifices you've made in raising your children.

Photos:

Above: tita, Marc, Joy, mom and me

Below: The laughing hyenas

Isn't it wonderful...

2008-05-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Good morning, good morning, good morning everyone!! Woohoo!! (I feel like a DJ who's shouting it out to those people who are in the public transporation) Hehehe

Isn't great to open your eyes and see the beauty of God's creation? The sunrise!! (If you're working at night, you know what I mean) Yes I love the moon and stars but I miss the sun s0oo much!!

Isn't it wonderful to stretch your arms to the right or to the left, to the left (Sing with me!! Hehe) and know that your healthy and able to stretch and exercise a little?

Isn't it nice to know that you have a lot of "things to do" in a day than doing nothing and just wasting your time? (Yep, we really have to be productive men and women!)

Isn't it splendid to eat what you want upto your stomach's content? (Not gluttony!!)

Isn't it a joy to know that you are free to do whatever you want? (You can sing in the shower, watch until you fall asleep, blog, read and devour the words, dance when no one is watching) Thank you Lord for the FREEDOM!!

Isn't it awesome to wake up and realize after s0oo many reflections that you have a dream to fulfill and that dream of yours is still alive? (It's just an overflowing joy)

With all these have been said...You'll conclude that there's s0oo many good reasons to live your best life now and be at your best everyday.

Well, today is the day that I'm feeling all of these positive things. Agree with me that troubles will never leave us, they're always there, even the stress but agree with me as well that with everything that's happening in ourlives, our Ultimate and Omnipotent God is in control. He'll always be there with YOU along the way.

I think this is the right and the best thing to start my day. To bring inspiration and encouragement to everyone's reading this blog. We know the saying "share your blessings," I'm telling you, somebody just inspired and encouraged me s0oo I'm passing it on to you. It's contagious!!

And remember...

Everyday is a wonderful opportunity to laugh, to learn, to love, to live life to the fullest. This is the reason why this blog is existing. This is one of the good days that we have friends, s0oo wake up and make the most of this day!!

May God bless us all! Enjoy your day (",)

Monette

Our differences

2008-05-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

I've been googling and look what I've found...

I was with my high school barkada Jessica (with her boyfriend) in a Karimadon's store at Robinsons Manila. We discussed how WE, women love shopping or should I say side seeing. Hehe. Jheck's boyfriend kept telling stories how she shops for almost an hour for a blouse. Honestly guys, is that really annoying??

Now I understand why every time I entered a store at the mall with my brother, he looks for chairs (Magaling mag-isip mga taga Kamiseta!) and sometimes while walking with him somewhere at the mall, he'll hold my head and say, "Te, direcho tingin." Then I'll answer him, "Bakit ba?? Sale no!!" Sometimes I question, is he serious or just teasing? He's serious.

Sigh. Well guys, please understand us, it's our nature. We know the fact that there's these sense of pride and ego in all of you and we accept and understand that. Now it's the other way around. You don't want us to splurge every penny that we have in none sense stuff, we make sure we get good deals and the blouse or Gap pants are wise buy for us. Every time we enter a store and we like something, we check everything. From the color, the fitting, the looks of a blouse and of course, there's this question in our minds, are we gonna use it or not? It really takes time for that decision to buy or not to buy. Especially if you know that you're in a tight budget like me. Kaya temptation ang sale sa paningin ko!! Hahaha

Of course, everyone is different but I think I'm speaking on behalf of almost all women. Hehe. God created us differently and fashioned us uniquely from each other. Remember what Morales said to Pacman in their beer commercial (Bigla ko lang naisip) ? "Wala kang katulad Manny!" This goes to all women, from different tribes, ethnics and nationalities. WALA KAMING KATULAD!

Yes, we may go to GAP for 3 hours and 26 minutes and it may cost $876, but I tell you, everything we bought were worth buying for!! Peace tayo guys! Hehehe

Meaningless

2008-04-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Not that meaningful conversation

I had a funny conversation with kuya Terd. My phone was ringing and there was no name, just number appearing on my phone. I had no idea who was calling since I've change phone last March, I didn't have the energy to transfer some or should I say many phone numbers that were saved in my phone memory. At first, I was thinking maybe it's a job interview over the phone. Hehe, anyway the funny conversation went like this...

Moi: Hello

kuya Terd: Mon? (Interrogative talaga!!)

Moi: Yes, who's this?

kuya Terd: Mon?? Ikaw ba 'to?

Moi: Yes, sino ba 'to?

kuya Terd: Kala ko wrong number ako. (Sabay tanong) Ba't may accent??

Then, I started laughing. I just can't contain myself so I laughed and laughed. Hahaha

Cravings

I've been craving for Krispy Kreme doughnuts (any doughnut from Krispy Kreme will do), Californian Maki from Tokyo Tokyo, Kit Kat, and Dewberry biscuit (Raspberry flavor) and C2 yellow. Yes I am a believer of healthy eating and I do love to eat healthy food but sometimes you're just lusting to eat sweets. So before going to the office. I've indulged myself and bought everything I've been craving for. Waaah...Pleasures!!!

Happiness

2008-04-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

10 reasons why I am s0oo happy

1. My mom's visit (Hoo! After how many years!)

2. I went to Pangasinan with my family (Bonding moments talaga!)

3. I went to Pampanga with my brother, cousin and new friends (Thanks tita Letty sa pag-ampon mo po samin sa mansion mo, hahaha)

4. I'm immersing myself in good books (Astig talaga!)

5. Joy went to Tokyo (Di ba dapat sadness?? Anyway, for me, it's another room for Joy to grow, mature and be more independent. As her sister, I am s0oo happy)

6. I've received Mona's wedding invitation (We're s0oo excited!! Few days to go and she'll be a wife, naks!)

7. I have a good relationship with my supervisor (You know the feeling of opening up your concerns and just being honest in what you're feeling to your supervisor? We just did and it feels good!)

8. Good music (Music na hindi rock, yung pampatulog. I wanna go back to bed)

9. Telling a story with my cousin JC and just spoiling him with some chocolates (His laughter is a music to my ears, wag lang siyang sisigaw.)

10. Finally, I can send text messages (Matagal-tagal ding tinopak ang phone ko at hindi ako makapag reply, though I can call and receive messages, but sending text, tinamad talaga mobile ko. Good news, ngayon ayos na!! S0oo happy!!)

Looking forward to...

1. Mona's wedding (S0oobrang excited and kinakabahan for Mona. Ang weird. ako ba ikakasal?? Hahaha)

2. Reunion with my High School barkada (S0oo happy and excited to see you girls!)

3. Bonding moments with my cousin (I need to file a vacation leave for this, first time makukumpleto!)

4. Traveling (S0oo excited to see Cebu again! Though matagal pa, looking forward.)

5. Attending Young Professional's (2 weeks akong wala dahil sa pagpunta sa provinces, namis ko Research and Comm. Bawi talaga ko!)

Happy ME!!

Instituto Cervantes

2008-04-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Together with my girlfriends, I attended the Instituto Cervantes book event in Kalaw yesterday. I really enjoyed the night with them since it's been weeks now of not hanging out, tsk, tsk, tsk. Poor ME! Finally, I had a chance to talk to Lorie and Apple with regard to careers. Naks!! Ibang lebel na 'to! (Thanks for the insightful conversation!)

I also had my Spanish dinner, the Paella Valenciana and I forgot the other meal, and well, HMMM, it's MUY DELISIOSO! And of course, I can't get enough of books. I have eight insightful books again!! I bought three books for Php30 only and five books with 20 percent discount, HUWAW!! Isn't it amazing?? Yung mga ganung sale talaga hindi pinapalampas lalo na't sobrang mura!! Nagamit ko na naman ang skill ko sa paghahalungkat ng libro na matagal ko ng hindi ginagawa. Balik book sale ulit. Hehehe

It's nice to know that you have friends with the same passion as yours. I saw ate Eileen on the event and also Sherwin who is currently studying Spanish in Instituto. Kaya may tour guide kami!

NAGTATALA (Ayon nga sa cell phone ni Pam)

The stage

Apple, Lorie, me and Pam

So, same positions ba daw?? Hahaha

Books

2008-04-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

I usually receive books as Birthday presents or Christmas gifts. However, with no apparent reason, I've received a book from a new friend. It's a woman's best friend!!!

Written by Joni Eareckson Tada, a handicap, Diamonds in the Dust looks interesting and appealing. (Siguro dahil isa akong fanatic ng makikintab, mga glittery at mga sparkling stuff!) Kidding aside, I love the message of the author to her readers...

"The book you hold in your hands is my treasure trove of diamond chips I've collected over the years. I've carefully selected favorite gems, ones I've often held to the light, turned this way and that to admire their beauty, diamonds that have made me rich in faith and wealthy in hope. But I'm not the only one. Look down at your feet. The path sparkles. God has placed diamonds in the dust of your road, too!"

Isn't it encouraging? Again, it is written by a handicap. I salute those people who, in spite of the trials and challenges of life, still see and walk in faith. They are full of hope and they have clear visions of what God has in store for them. That is s0oo amazing!!

I just read the introduction and scanned the contents and I think every page is well worth to read.

Thanks sa book, Jhay R

Completely blessed

2008-04-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am very choosy when it comes to my multiply blog skin. But when I saw the color and the phrase of my newest blog skin (Completely blessed), I made an instant decision to change it. And I think it's cute!!

Yes, I know that my blogs or my multiply account speaks of me. Everything I put in here has a little or big part of me. Since my own site speaks of me, I wanna let every person who is checking out this site (Yes, I am flattered to know some friends of mine are reading my blogs without me knowing, Hi Don!) to know that I am richly blessed or better say completely blessed.

Why completely blessed?

Though I'm not born with silver spoon in my mouth, there's nothing more I could ask for. I am content and grateful of what God gave me. The experiences I've had (whether good or bad), the travel opportunities, the good relationships, the genuine friendships, the education, the healthy and good food on the table, the mentors, the lessons I'm learning everyday of my life, the love, the forgiveness and other concrete or abstract things that I can't think of right now. Everything is just a blessing! I think, "completely blessed" is the best statement I could describe my site and myself right now.

I am humbled

What have I done to deserve all these?? Nothing. I just feel s0oo loved these past weeks and I thank my family and friends for that. Forgiveness is the key. Just forgetting the past and also moving ahead with life are good for the heart. We can never withhold it. Hay...Thank God for forgiveness. That's a great lesson for me these past weeks.

Who sustains me?

Loyal and true friends, of course my family. Everyone knows that I am a family oriented woman (Yes, I'll be using woman from now on). I just love my family. They are my number one priority. They are my inspiration. They taught me to be strong, to love, to be who I am right now. My lola, my mom, Joy and Marc know it. Even my cousins. I remember someone warns me, "Monette, you have to get married ah, you should have your own family." I said my Yes confidently and then asked why? Then the person said that I seem not getting married because of focusing too much with my present family. Well, I think I'm just enjoying my time with them coz I know the fact that one day I'm gonna get married. S0oo these are precious moments!

Me, Mom, Marc and Joy

Kissing mom. We love you s0oo much Ma!!

With all the good things, I bring God the glory.

I am completely blessed!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Wow

2008-04-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Have you experienced being s0oo generous to a friend and you gave that friend of yours something that you know she'll really like? Yung tipong gagawin mo ang lahat, bibitbitin mo yung present mo kahit masugatan or magkagalos galos ka pa? Then suddenly, she'll post that in her multiply account just to let you know that she's been a very good steward of that present. Well, Marie Grace just did it! It's nice to know that she's really taking good care of the sunny earing holder I gave her.

Proof of stewardship: Punong puno ng earings!

My reaction: WOW!! (gamit na gamit!)

LESSON:

Appreciate and be a good steward. Malay mo matuwa yung friend mo at bigla ka na lang bigyan ulit ng something di ba? Hehe

Have a great day everyone!!

stressed

2008-04-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Work is very stressful. (Kaya nga work e!) And with the stress comes the boredom for an unexplainable reason. That's why sometimes you just need a stress ball. Hahaha or look at the pictures of the unforgettable experiences you've gone through and post it in your blog and put some dialogues on it to ease that thing called STRESS.

Like these...

DIALOGUE 1: (With feelings) Ey sharky wait for me!!

DIALOGUE 2: (Should be encouraging) Ayayay Starfish, ngiti naman dyan, wag mahiya sa camera.

DIALOGUE 3: (Loving the octopus) Ooohh Ursula...

I just need a break.

M, M. P

2008-04-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

Modelling (The Imperfect ME)

No make-up, bad hairdo, bags under my eyes. You call that modelling? Kuya Terd forwarded the photo he took of me when we met in MOA (Bagong binyag sa SLR!) with the file name MON_XDA_MODEL. My reaction? Huwattt!! I never imagined myself being a model, ano kayang itchura kung sakali?? Photographer or make-up artist pwede pa.

Being a make-up artist

Yes I did the make-up for Marc and his barkada for their last prom. Congrats BRO for getting the award as SMILE OF THE NIGHT! Ooopps, make-up ko yan!! Hehe

Being a photographer

I have enjoyed and loved my Photography class when I was in college. That's why I miss it so bad!! Miss ko na mag photo shoot! Hay

Seascape. Adoring BLACK AND WHITE. This photo was taken at Indang, Cavite. Credits to Xavier Abelador for his SLR.

with sense or senseless?

2008-04-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw this shirt from my officemate, it brought up a great discussion. Then, he wore it again. I can't help it so I grabbed my phone and took a photo of it.

Now what do you think???

Makes sense??

The kid in me

2008-04-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Remember the days when we see toys as rewards because we studied so hard and got good grades?? We love going to Toy stores with our parents and buy great toys that tempt us badly like Polly Pockets, Barbie dolls and even Tamagochi for girls. While the boys have robots, cars, billiards set, balls, superman or batman miniature. Well today it's very different. We have to face it that we are living in a changing world and since mobile phones and other gadgets are upgrading, TOYS can never be left behind! Naku, ang dami talagang kakaibang laruan ngayon!!

Thanks to Toy Kingdom for the summer discounts coz I was able to purchase Zoids for cousin JC, a great Barbie doll (the latest!) for cousin Chin and a game board, Monopoly, the Philippine edition for cousin Rainer. Yes, I know what you have in mind. Bakit di ako bumili?? Hmm, next time na lang, sila muna. Because it's summer time and because two of my cousins graduated (kinder and gradeschool), I have to reward them with their hardwork. Yea, they got good grades that's why they deserve a pat on the back and a great toy and a great time with their big cousin ME. We stayed in Toy Kingdom for approximately one hour, my little cousin JC had a hard time deciding. And when he finally decided to buy Zoids, we have to wait for it coz it has to be assembled. My patience was test! And while waiting, I scrutinized the toy store and decided to come back maybe next month for I found the game I think I will like.

Some realizations

TOYS ARE EXPENSIVE NOWADAYS. If you're invited to a kid's birthday party whether it's your friend's son or daughter or it's your inaanak, you have to be prepared. Kung ang bigas nga tumaas, Php26 per kilo and pinakamababa e, ganun din ang toys. Mahal na talaga ngayon! Though we live our lives in budget, there's this feeling in us to make the kids so happy so we give them what they want. There are several toy stores which offer gift certificate. Now, we have options if we wanna give them Php100, Php500 or more.

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF PIKO, LUKSONG TINIK, BATUHAN TAO, SIPA, DAMPA, AND A LOT MORE. Honestly, I miss these kind of games. Yes, I'll admit it. Naging batang kalsada din ako, lumaki rin ako sa kalye. Umuwi rin ako ng gabi na madungis dahil masarap makipaglaro sa labas!! Today, this is a little impossible to do. Maybe because of the danger outside, kidnapping, rapes and other crimes that the kids are not excempted. Parents usually have worries or maybe fears in their hearts of letting their kids play outside. One example of worries is the public transportation. The buses, the jeepneys and other vehicles that could hit a kid like what I've blogged about CJ, the boy I met in PGH last year because he was hit by a truck. We see street children playing outside and questions their parents and sometimes judge them, anong klaseng mga magulang 'to, iniiwan mga anak sa kalye, mga wala pang tsinelas! Who's to blame?

ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY. Kids today play different kinds of games. We see some of them holding PSP, game boys and computers (Yea, online games). You can see them in the computer shops after classes wasting their allowances in Ragnarok or Dota. Sometimes, I wanna ask the kids, Oy, may trabaho ka na ba pang suporta sa bisyo mo? Yea, Bisyo na 'to! They stay in computer shops for a long time, instead of reading or studying their lessons, they just play online games.

THE VALUES. What are the good values they can learn? Violence maybe. Kids are more open to sexuality compared before. Is it because of some pop out screens? Again, who's to blame? Is it the changing world? Well, they are more prone to danger compared to us adults. We have to protect them and teach them the possible dangers they may encounter. Also we, adults must teach them the good values as well. Sabi nga ng teachers, good values start at home which I agree and believe in.

Time well spent

Well, spending time with my cousins, JC, Chin and Rainer was a productive time for me. It was my off from work and I should be resting and do some stuff but I decided to spend time with them and treat them in Toy Kingdom. It was refreshing to see their smiles especially when they were holding their toys in the cashier area as if it they own it already. Hehe, it feels good to see that moment and I am blessed to witness it as their older cousin. Sabi nga ni Carmina Villaroel sa Nido commercial niya with her kids, minsan lang sila bata.

Again, I had a great time and when we're going back home, they all said their Thank you's. Para kong matutunaw, nakakapag pataba ng puso and it just feels so good. The time, the tiring walks in Mall of Asia (you know what I mean), the little savings I've had for that moment. Everything, it's all worth it because of their smile. In my own little way, I've made them smile that last until this very hour.

It feels good to be a blessing, now I understand the statement, LIVE TO GIVE