tongue twisted:diary of a job hunter

I’ve confirmed something today. Doing the laundry stimulates a creative mind, in my case at least. As the velvety soft suds of the detergent penetrated the skin of my hands the things that happened in the first month of this new year replayed in my mind like a movie in 3D or a tv show in a HDTV. If life could be represented by a mythical creature, I would choose a unicorn well, it has wings, therefore it flies. (unicornY.hehe)

Adulthood is power. Along with it is its indispensable ally which is responsibility. I love dreaming and my dreams are often sweet. Armed with a backpack and a dSLR i see myself setting footprints all over the Philippines, going to tropical paradises of Bali or Kota Kinabalu, sipping chardonnay in Champs Elysees, watching opera in Sydney, cheering for Roger Federer in Wimbledon, and my list can go on and on. With an ample ammunition of wonderful presents I am the doting aunt of my nieces and nephews, the cool sis of my brothers and sisses, the endearing bunso of my tatay and mama. In my own little way I am giving positive representation to my community.

But I am no heiress born with an impeccable pedigree. I am but just a simple human being. My dreams might just remain to be fragments of my fairytale thinking mind. Beyond those sweet dreams I know I must be responsible. First and foremost with myself. Then I snapped back to reality. Time passes by. I needed something done.

Donned with the corporate outfit I used to wear in my previous job I went to the company I wanted to belong to for a long time already. Too bad I came excitedly but unprepared. My two month hiatus took its toll in me. I was saddened but it didn’t really break my heart. It was too early to lose a heart though it meant saying goodbye to something I wanted so much. Before a battle we only aim for winning but after we’ve waged war but still the inevitable outcome happened we have no better option than to be like an eagle who soars high above the storm.

Sometimes the more I wanted something the more it seemed to be elusive. That’s why I’ve learned that I would always give my best but if what I wanted still didn’t happen I must be brave enough to accept defeat. It’s not always about being victorious but also being gracious in times of failure.

I had two more undertakings before fate had its turn in me. By a matter of pure coincidence things happened. I didn’t try to oppose the tide of life because I thought I’ve got nothing to lose and there’s no harm in trying. Things happened so fast I had no time to think thrice. I was looking for something but I found another.

January 11, 4pm after passing the pre-initial screening I and other applicants were shuttled to the main recruitment office of a BPO company in Quezon City. We descended through the elevator,then a Ford Everest was waiting for us. Way back in 2002 I would standby in CNN waiting to see the ad of Andre Agassi for the same car. It was interesting that I would be chauffeured in a car I used to dream about sometime in the past.

I had a huge surprise when I saw the number of applicants who were there. After submitting the papers I settled in, observed around and waited for my name to be called.

What followed was a group interview. I was glad that it was conversational unlike with the previous interviews I’ve had where I completely had no idea with what’s running through the mind of the interviewer.

I was the last one to be called in the group.

Applicant 1: Hi, I’m….., nursing graduate from FEU………..

Applicant 2: Hi, I’m….., nursing graduate from CEU………..

Applicant 3: Hi, I’m….., Information and Communication Management graduate from De La Salle………..

I thought “whew! bigat”. But then I know I mustn’t compete with them instead I should show my best. I mustn’t compare instead I should respect our differences.

When it was my turn, with the best accent and the most clear speech I can I said. “Good evening ma’am and fellow applicants, I am Pamela V. Tesorero, 22 years of age, currently residing in Mandaluyong City, proudly from the province of Aurora! …. …. ….. …..

I passed. Afterwards thirteen sets of exams and another interview. I got home by twelve midnight. I was tired and weary I just thought I was some kind of a Cinderella. The next midnight I had my final interview. It was the best interview I ever had. I felt that it’s all worth it after all.

The next day was contract signing for the training. The following days I fixed my papers and other requirements.

Afterwards I stayed home most of the time. Before sunrise with my eyes that can barely snap to wakefulness I see madam lyn going downstairs to prepare breakfast. Afterwards I could sense kuya, ate and the kids scrounge into activities as they prepare to go to school and to work. There were days that the twins might have been still wanting to sleep. Ate had to deliver the usual mother’s tatter. I thought a mom is not a mom without those morning ceremonies. I hear “maligo na, kumain na, yung gatas nyo” or kuya saying “dalian nyo, di na ako pwede ma-late.”

As I listen to those while half awake still lying in bed I miss my mother and Ate Chit. My mother would say alas siete na when its only six to counter my laziness in the morning. I know the same scenario is happening at Ate Chit’s in San Luis. AC turns into a turtle upon waking up.

Then I hear the gate being opened, the twins saying their goodbyes to little Ynah and baby JR and the car speeds up. After a while Ate honks at the gate. She drops the kids at school and Kuya in the office then she’d come back home to attend to the two younger ones.

Before noon she drives back to the school to pick up the twins. Ah…motherhood, it’s complicated. I hope not to get into something I barely understand. There’s more to it than a list of infant formula, diapers, vaccines, and nannies with different stories. It is complicated how kids are to be raised. Parents would like to build up their confidence but not bloat their ego, give them their needs and wants but not develop them into spoiled brats and impose discipline but not alienate them.

My father when consulted by my siblings regarding their own children would say that children are like blank tapes. They record what is shown to them. Then he follows it up with an analogy. A son of a president of a powerful country when raised by uncivilized parents will also behave in an uncivilized way. Likewise a child born to uncivilized parents but raised by the president will behave unlike his biological parents. 

Then there were countless of times when I wanted to go to the mall. Zara’s on sale, a new shoes would be great, haven’t had an Italian fix for a while, why not look around the phone might have already depreciated. Those were temptations but I know to give in was never the wise way to go. Like what Stacie Orrico says in her song “There’s gotta be more to life than chasing down every temporary high.”

Meanwhile, tomorrow my life will take on an entirely new avenue. I’d better fasten my seatbelt and hang on tight for my route will take a turn on the fast lane.

There were times that I question myself. But those questions were answered at once when I remember what my sisters or parents used to tell me. “Never forget HIM.”

I know the road ahead will not be damn easy but I must go on. Somehow this is something I’ve ever wanted. I know what I want and maybe this is the way to reach it. I will give my best shot in every aspect so that in the future I will not live asking myself what if I tried.

And so that when I am washing my clothes again I would recall things with a smile in my face, a happy heart and a quirky title for my next blog post will pop up in my mind.

So help me God.

2010!!

Happy New Year!

Thank you Lord for giving us another year. As this new year unfolds we lift up everything to You.

The holidays season was a mix of both happiness and sadness. Before Christmas our beloved Lolo Tinoy passed away at the age of 86. Lolo, I can never forget you. Your kindness will always be remembered. Please guide us all who are left behind.

Alongside, I got to meet and spend some time with my long lost relatives.

Happy to be with my family although not all siblings were home. It was great that Ate Chit and the kids went home to celebrate the new year with us. We had a simple celebration. We attended the mass and ate together at midnight.

I met up with my friends when I dropped by in Baler before coming back here in Manila.

****

In the last quarter of last year I resolved that I will be more serious about my life this year especially in terms of my career and in earning my own keep. Honestly, I am somewhat pressured to do so. I am no longer a student who can expect for a monthly allowance from the family.

Right now I have passed some of the steps to belong in a BPO company. But nothing is definite yet unless I have already passed all the trainings and requirements. The training will start on the 29th.

Amazing Race in Mindanao

One day in late October Ate Mir suddenly told me “Tara kay Roger.” Her words sounded like half a statement and half a question to me. Being a happy feet I gleefully said, “Sure!Tara!”. I immediately sent a text message to Kuya Rod telling him we’re coming over. He said “Sure, anytime, but if you want come over here on the 26th of November so we’ll go somewhere else.” What started as a sudden burst of idea one lazy afternoon became a reality.

November 26, six o’clock in the morning Kuya Ronie driven us off to the centennial airport of Philippine Airlines. We made  sure that the present for Kuya Rod was not left behind. We got there right in time. The gates have been opened and passengers were already being called to board the aircraft.

Seven twenty  in the morning,  I and Ate Mir were aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 535 bound to General Santos City. The aircraft with eight rows of seats was the biggest plane I have ridden. Summery weather, cheerful passengers and pleasant flight attendants surrounded us.

We happened to sit beside two foreign nationals. They seemed to be busy businessmen. Immediately after the seat belt sign was turned off the older one brought out his laptop and started on working. He was agreeable. He greeted us a good morning the moment he arrived. The other one, though in his middle age still looked like the type of Ben Affleck. Ate Mir took pictures, I thought she was taking pictures of me but actually of the man behind me.

An hour and forty five minutes later, after a dainty complementary snack of coffee, bread sticks and peanut, as well as nose bleeding from our foreigner seatmates who never stopped conversing  we walked on the tarmac of Gensan airport. We have officially started the two week vacation in Mindanao in the midst of the terrible news.

When we were about to gather our baggage at the arrival area we noticed there were many local and foreign newsmen around, Jessica Soho especially. Maybe they were on the business class while we were in the economy section that’s why we didn’t see them while airborne. That’s when we’ve realized the enormity of the recent mishap in the nearby province of Maguindanao. The said area was only a three hour ride from where we were going.

We certainly felt for the victims of the crime but nonetheless we still have to enjoy the vacation. We tried to brush it off from our minds and to go through things as usual or else we may have ended up locked up in our room all the time out of fear.

General Santos City

Afterwards, we hailed a taxi to go to Kuya Rod’s office located at the central business district of Gensan. Along the way, the taxi driver entertained us with his Manny Pacquiao scoops. He also showed us where some of the Pinoy pride’s properties and businesses were located.

Pacman has enumerable establishments in the city. Water refilling station, gas stations, convenience store, SUVs used as public utility vehicles, and a restobar to name a few. His wife Jinkee also has her own boutique called Jinkee’s Fashion World.

After chilling out in the office and catching up, Kuya Rod sent us to his cute little apartment to rest.

That night we went out to have dinner. Along the way we saw the wake of some of the victims of the massacre. After the meal we went to the second building owned by Manny Pacquiao. It’s where the boutique of Jinkee was located. The store houses some of the most exclusive brands like Louis Vuitton. They also have Blugre, a coffee shop serving the delectable Durian gatchpuccino aside from other gourmet coffee recipes.

It was almost midnight we were still walking down the roads, visiting Plaza Heneral Santos. Kuya Rod has been living in Gensan for a couple of years already and he said that violent events were isolated events that happen in some known area, not in the city. Therefore there’s no reason to feel threatened.

In addition, they don’t experience typhoons as much as we do here in Luzon. The first time I’ve been to Gensan his landlady told us that she didn’t know what a typhoon was. She’s been living in Gensan almost all her life but never experienced any.

The next day, the 27th, the second leg of our adventure started. Early morning we went to Gensan central transport terminal and rode a bus to Davao City.The signboard of the bus said “nonstop” which meant that the bus would stop only in its destination. It wouldn’t stop in another terminal along the way or stop to get additional passengers.

There’s a thrilled feeling in knowing that the places I hear only in the news and associated with violence were just nearby. I even took a picture of a bus where the names of places like Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Tacurong and Polomolok were written.

Along the way I’ve seen once again the great Mindanao landscape. Wide expanse of lands vegetated with banana and fruit bearing trees covered our sight. While looking at the view outside my mind drifted on a day dream. Wouldn’t it be so great owning even just one plantation then to ride a horse and gallop through the gentle hillsides of Mindanao. Afterwards when I get tired I will go back to my villa where I’ll eat fruits like mango, durian and mangosteen harvested from my land. Come lunchtime I will eat stir fried broccoli and asparagus together with balbacua. Broccoli and asparagus are very common in the area. Little kids sell them on the streets for five pesos each bunch. Meanwhile, balbacua is a popular meat dish in Gensan equivalent to our bulalo.

 

 

 

 

 

Davao City

Three hours later we reached Davao City proper. It’s a subtle version of Manila. It has all what a big city must have in terms of infrastructures minus the pollution.

One thing we’ve noticed where ever we go, whether it would be in Luzon, Bicol area or Mindanao terminals have the same characteristic. There’s an element that’s exactly the same. What is it? The porters. They somehow make us feel harassed. They’d do anything to get our baggage. But still nothing beats the notoriety of those in Cabanatuan central terminal. Those in Mindanao, they’re still somehow respectful. They address us as Ma’am or Sir and when we politely put across that we don’t need their help they let go almost instantly.

We spotted the famous high storey Marco Polo Hotel and the “Pambansang Mall, SM”. We also saw Ateneo de Davao. The students were in uniform. The guys wore light blue polo shirt paired with slacks while the girls were in light blue skirt and white blouse.

Later that day we went to Davao Crocodile Park and People’s Park. Like little kids the three of us enjoyed the trip around the city. We took a lot of pictures especially of the animals in the Crocodile Park. Aside from the crocs there was also an amazing selection of birds and pythons.

Right beside the park is the Tribu K’Mindanawan. The park shows the different tribes of Mindanao and their corresponding types of dwellings. From Davao Crocodile Park we rode a cab to the People’s Park. Along the way we saw a mansion under construction which belonged to the Ampatuans.

The Davao People’s Park was another awesome place, a picture worthy location. It covers a relatively wide area full of super sized statues, a tropical rainforest setting plus an ambient music on the background. Looking on the statues we saw the ingenuity of the one who crafted it as well as the life and culture of Davaoenos. To simply walk around and to listen to the music were enough to be caught in a trance.

When the day became night, it was time to leave the city to go to our next destination. We had a hard time beating the city’s traffic. We were caught in a frenzy for a while which added up to the thrill of the trip. The last time we were in Davao we went to nearby Samal Island, but that time around we were going to a much farther place, a seven hour road trip.

Like real backpackers we were able to catch the bus leaving at seven in the evening. Before long Davao city was left behind. Then we went on an unknown journey. Even our team leader Kuya Rod had never been to Cagayan de Oro prior to that trip.

Stark darkness was the only thing that can be seen outside the window. With a bit of jitters on my chest I went into a very sound sleep punctuated when the bus halted for military checkpoints and pee times of the men passengers. One time I was suddenly awaken. I immediately looked outside to check. To my surprise so many men, almost all the male passengers were lined up on the sidewalk peeing. I looked away at once.

Around eleven in the evening I caught a sight of a city skyline. I was relieved. Past midnight we went down the bus in Cagayan de Oro City, took a cab and joined Kuya’s friend in Mallberry Suites to wait for the morning to come. In the morning after we’ve taken a bath we transferred to Willshire to join all the other friends of Kuya Rod from Manila.

Cagayan de Oro City

In my Facebook account I updated my status as this “3 cities, 10 hours bus ride, 2 full meals, 3 hours sleep in bed.. Now, this is… An amazing race.” I really felt like we were in my favorite travel reality show. I loved it. It was something I wanted to do. To do it for real was a dream come true.

After a while we boarded the jeepney of Kagay, a whitewater rafting company. Even though I was still a bit tired from the activities we did the day before I was instantly recharged with the thought of doing an extreme sport. An hour later after traversing the roads on the hillsides of Cagayan de Oro we reached the part of the river where we’ll begin the rafting.

Then we wore the gears, listened to the briefing and let the serious fun begin. It was exhilarating. Each ripple brought a different kind of thrill. There were some ripples that almost blown us all away into a waging torrent.

Each rubber boat has two trained guides. The guides instructed us on what we ought to do. Two other staff were on a kayak following our drift and taking pictures to document our adventure.

It was a four hour journey all in all. There were areas where we can swim while there were some where we were like under a cave. It felt great to commune with nature together with fun loving new acquaintances. The serious threat of rock boulders, strong current and deep waters kept us in our toes.

After having a serious fun we retreated unto a sumptuous lunch of grilled fish and savory beef.

At night we were all spent and exhausted but still bursting with thrill and excitement. Afterwards, we rested to prepare for another adventure the next morning in another destination.

Camiguin Island

The next day we had a four hour ride from CDO to Balingoan Port in Bukidnon. We’re going to Camiguin Island. Since still tired I didn’t see much of the scenery outside but for sure they were pleasant.

Then we rode a ferry. After almost an hour we reached Camiguin. The port was ravaged by extreme porters. All of a sudden though the ferry hasn’t fully docked they were already jumping to it to get hold of the tourist’s baggage.

We were spared from the porters since two men holding out a card board in which Sheena’s name, the one who booked our reservation in one of the resorts were already waiting for us.

For two days we explored the splendor of Camiguin Island. It’s a place enriched with many natural wonders. There were waterfalls, hot and cold springs because Hibok-Hibok volcano is located in the area, smaller islands and other man enhanced sceneries.

Immediately after lunch we started to visit the destinations in the island. First stop was the Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross. It reminded me of Ermita Hills in Baler. It was beautiful.

Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross.

Sunken Cemetery

Afterwards, we proceeded to the Sunken Cemetery. It’s a great sight. A huge cross likened to the one in Mt. Samat in Bataan is submerged in high waters.

The Guiob Old Church Ruins. made me feel like I have been to Corregidor.

Katibawasan Falls

Next stop was the Katibawasan Falls. It was so cold, made us tremble and chill at first. It didn’t seem very extraordinary to me. There are many waterfalls in  Aurora, in San Luis specifically and in Bicol.

Ardent Hibok-hibok Hot Spring

After chilling out in the falls we proceeded to something hot. We went to a hot spring which was made to look as natural as possible. It was awesome. One of the best experiences I had in the island. We would’ve stayed there until the wee hours of the night but our stomachs already started to grumble.

After having dinner in a restaurant in the town proper, going back to  the cottage and fixing what needed to be fixed we called it a day.

Early in the morning we prepared for an island tour. We’re going to White Island. It seemed somewhat intriguing. We rode a boat to reach the powdery white sand beach. As the day got hotter, the sand got whiter. White Island is tidal. It disappears during high tide. The island looked like my favorite Windows XP wallpaper, Azul, minus the three trees.

White Island

In no time it got so hot in the island without anything to get shade from. But oh man, the water was at its best. The water was crystal clear and not a single speck of dirt like plastic wrap can be seen in the short length of the beach.

It’s like we’re on the set of Survivor or Temptation Island perhaps.

Hibok-Hibok Volcano Observatory

We were amazed to be right on location in places we only used to hear in our Sibika at Kultura class.

Giant Tree House

Enigmata. Statues  carved out from rocks.

J&A Fishpen

After some stops in the other spots in the island and having lunch in J&A Fishpen we moved on to Mantigue Island. Again it needed a boat ride to get there. Unlike White Island, Mantigue has vegetations. We snorkeled in the fish sanctuary. We went to the dive spot, wore the gears and saw an entirely different world. It was simply divine. It’s nice to get along with the Nemo species. I loved it.

Mantigue Island

View of Camiguin Island seen from Mantigue

snorkeling

After a couple of days in Gamiguin we have to retrace our tracks. Kuya’s leave from work was about to end so we cannot join his colleagues anymore in doing another set of adventure of horseback riding, zip line and bungee jumping yata back in Cagayan de Oro (Sayang!hehe)

Of course I wore my cowboy hat. I spotted the hat in one of the souvenir shops in the island. I fell in love with it instantly the first time I saw it. I chose the red one. Red’s my new favorite color. It’s a happy color. I really like the cowboy thing – the Stetsons, the boots, the checked shirt and rugged jeans. Among my wildest dreams is to go to a ranch in Texas or South America and to explore the Australian outback in a horse back. For the meantime I enjoy watching Wildfire and well, yeah, wearing the red cowboy’s hat.

In the RORO from Camiguin to Balingoan I was like a drunken shrimp. I chose to sit in a long couch where I can lie comfortably if no other passenger would come. The moment my back flattened on the surface I slept like dead. I completely had no idea what went in during the trip. I was tired, as tired as I can be. I only woke up when we have to descend the ship already. But it felt to be the most energizing and restful sleep I had in years. I simply loved how it felt like when I woke up.

Again, bus from that part of Bukidnon back to Willshire in Cagayan de Oro. Spent one night in the hotel before a seven hours trip from CDO to Davao city and another three hours from Davao to Gensan.

The distances from those places were really long but because their roads were almost perfect, travel period was cut by almost half the time. We wished it would be the same in our own province. Davao to Cagayan de Oro in my estimate was like Casiguran to Manila. It took only seven hours for the former while at least twelve hours for the latter.

I and Ate Mir rested for a couple of days, stayed indoors to soothe even for a little our oozing sunburns while Kuya Rod went back to work. We often went out to eat especially for dinner because he didn’t have a stove in his little house. Near his apartment was a line of barbecue houses. It’s nice because a quarter of a chicken was sold for forty five pesos and a stick of pork barbecue for four pesos only. The meal was served in a native plate. Fork and spoon was available upon request only, instead, they had a sink and faucet for hand washing.

We also went to the newly opened Robinson’s Place where the first Manny Pacquiao novelty store is located. We ought to see it, for Tatay. He is an ultimate fan. Ate Mir bought a Team Pacquiao jacket for him. The design’s really for a die hard fan. We imagined how our father would look like in it. We thought comically that he might be mistaken for Freddie Roach the coach. Afterwards, another cup of Durian gatchpuccino in the adjoining Blugre branch.

Came the weekend came the time for the next adventure. We’re going off to Sarangani Province! When I was in elementary I happened to read a book, a pocketbook actually,in which the story was set in Sarangani. As far as I can remember the story said that men lie down with their bare backs on the meat when they’re doing tapa. Their sweat gives the saltiness and flavor to the meat. I wonder whether it is true or not, maybe not. It appeared to me that Sarangani was such a far and exotic place. To get there seemed to be a bleak idea. But there, a decade later or so we were driving off going to a resort in Glan, Sarangani.

Before we went off Kuya Rod introduced us to his lovely pet, a Dachshund named Molecule, Molly for short which became Mule for the Visayan friends. Molly’s breed gets long but doesn’t get tall. He still looks like a puppy.

Our trip to Sarangani was also Kuya Rod’s Christmas outing with his work mates in Maersk Gensan. He tagged us along. There were things that didn’t change through the years and I was happy about it. When we were in grade school, I was in kindergarten and Kuya Rod was in grade six, he brings me with him in his classes because my classes were only in the morning so in the afternoon I would be alone in our house if he wouldn’t take me along with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarangani Province

We started our joy ride to Sarangani late in the afternoon so it was another thrilling trip. We were somehow cautious because the route we’d take is known to be territories of the Moros. From Gensan city proper we went to Tenpoint, a manufacturing company of first class fish cuts for export. The company is a top client of the company where Kuya works. They gave tuna, a lot of tuna. Then we went on our way, passed the way leading to Maguindanao.

Then complete darkness prevailed. After more than an hour and passing through places which included Malapatan we reached the resort. Malapatan was where Kuya Allan, our brother in law used to have serious encounters against the rebels as an army when he was still assigned in Mindanao many years ago. As a result we were nervous, a little bit.

The resort or the whole area seemed secluded at night but I didn’t feel afraid or anything. I actually felt at peace. We checked out the place for a little while before having our dinner of inihaw na tuna, pancit bam-i, sinigang na tanigue at adobong manok.

Afterwards the kids who were with us, the children of Kuya’s officemates already started to play on the waters. The sea was calm and gentle. There were no waves or surges. I saw myself in them. When I was as little as them and we’d go to San Ildefonso in Casiguran whether it was high noon or late afternoon I would just bring down my things in our house then I will go running just to plunge into the waters as quickly as possible. Indeed childhood is one of the best seasons one can ever have in her lifetime.

We woke up early to enjoy the beach longer because we’ll leave as soon as after lunch time. Clean coast, white sand, calm sea… great. I and Kuya Rod went kayaking. We explored up to the nearby resorts.

White Haven Beach Resort, Glan, Sarangani Prov.

Soak under the sun. Jump for joy. Chill out. Kayak.

Happy. At peace. In bliss.

About two in the afternoon we headed in our return to Gensan. We had a side trip on the provincial capitol of Sarangani located in Alabel, the capital town. The complex was painted in all white. The buildings looked pristine. There’s also a huge monument which served as a tribute to the Munatha tribe. It’s ironic that the place I thought to be so far and exotic actually has better buildings and road works than in our own province.

Last Hoorahs before departure

The day before our departure we went into the city to buy pasalubong. In the public market Ate Mir bought malong for Mama and Ate. Looking around we’ve seen that produces and sea foods were much lower in prices. Pineapples, for example, were sold for forty pesos each bunch of three.

‘til next time…

In the afternoon of December 7, we headed back to Gensan Airport. Vacation’s over, time to go back to Manila. By then we had sun baked skin, especially ate Mir since she had less melanin than I. We were dark brown and caking, signs that we had fun, a great deal of fun under the sun and radiant sky.

That was the amazing race experience I had in Mindanao. I can never forget it for the rest of my days. I do hope that it will not be the last. Thank you so much Ate Mir and Kuya Rod. I had one of the grandest times of my life.

Yours,

Dora

 i mean…

PAMela

inspire

I’d like to refocus myself and to think things over. I’ve been slacking off for a week now and I am not quite happy about it. But then that’s the way it is. I can never have it all. I can’t do everything I want. There are things that are beyond my control. What I can do is to live each day the best way I can. 

Supposedly I should be looking for another job already but we’ve got something coming up so I’ve decided to put it on hold. I deemed that its gonna be best for me. As a result I have to bum around for a week or so as I wait for the day of our departure.

Anyway I should just think about it as a privilege. There are many people wanting to have a long period of vacation but they cant because of a lot and varied circumstances.

When I arrived here in Manila from Aurora I immediately purchased our tickets. I am really excited for this upcoming trip. Just three days to go and we’ll be off there.

I promise myself that when we come back I would get back to work with renewed and energized enthusiasm.

I’ve been home alone this week. The silence feels strange sometimes but generally everything’s bearable. Although it’s happier and more alive when the kids are around.

I suddenly remember when I came home from the province. It was like three in the afternoon. When I entered the gate I saw Ron and Nyah outside the house. I thought they wouldn’t really mind my arrival. The two could be snobbish sometimes. But when I stepped nearer to the house the two came jumping over me, their faces suddenly flared with joy and they were all smiles while exclaiming “tita pam!”. Then they embraced me together. Oh wow, my heart really felt happy. It was not only happiness it was joy.

Every time I remember the expression of their faces then my world lights up instantly. I may not say a word or I might just give a shy smile but really a moment like that makes me feel happy and lucky. It also makes painful happenings in the past disappear instantly.

 ***  

Anything becomes good or bad depending on how we use it. When it comes with the internet I say that it is good as a whole. Everything becomes within our reach. We can explore and widen our horizons through the internet in our own terms.

I like Facebook a lot now. I signed up for an account there like over a year now but its only recently that I really got into it. It’s interactive and up to date. I feel reconnected with my old friends and get to know new ones.

I am happy for the fact that my friends are doing great as I’ve seen there. I am glad that they are succeeding in life. It’s great that they have changed a lot for the better. 

In these past few days I also get to know more myself by discovering the things that really interest me. I don’t force myself to like something because many people like it. I have interests that may seem not cool but I still like it. I have interests that some people may raise an eyebrow with. But then, this is me. I am my own person. Anyone is free to be who he or she wants to be as long as they are not causing harm to the humanity. Wo, I sound so serious in there huh?

I like Larry King. I like Tyra Banks. I like Oprah. I like CNN. I like fashion. I like health and wellness.

I like Larry because he seems so grandfatherly. I wish he’d have more years to live. I’d like to see him longer with his signature suspenders, eyeglasses and microphone.

I like Tyra because she embodies the essence of a modern woman. She’s very comfortable in her own skin and she showed that anyone could rise from the downside. From her simple beginnings she has become a mogul. She has her own show, website, and the America’s Next Top Model.

My early impression of Oprah, like when I was still in elementary was that she was a fat black woman. Period. As I got older I got to know her more and to like her. From her harsh childhood she rose to her stature today – the queen of media in the US. She shows that anything is possible. She is really an inspiration.

I like fresh, new and diverse topics. When I watch TV I always flip through the channels I am not the kind of couch potato who turns on the tv, select a channel and let it sit there the whole time. CNN presents diversity and it’s also a great learning tool. I like observing how different kind of people of different backgrounds express and presents themselves. 

Traveling is also one of my passions. I see the world as a wonderful gift from the Lord. There are so many beautiful things He’s given us and I would be more than obliged to see it, to savor it and be thankful about it. When I watch CNN or channels like Travel and Living it feels like I’ve also been there. I content myself with it as I wait for the opportunity to get to see it with my own eyes. 

I also like fashion though it may not seem so apparent with me. I am very plain and simple looking. But the truth is, I am a fashionista at heart.  I appreciate beauty. I appreciate well put together outfits. I love being a woman. I am a keen observer of the latest trends in fashion. I have my own observations on who among the celebrities are good at it. 

It might be one of the influences in me of the media. Media is a very powerful tool in shaping our interests.

By the way, my last topic in this post – Manny Pacquiao. He has cemented his name in history with his victory against Cotto. We are all in debt with him. We owe him a lot for bringing honor to our country. He’s our saving grace.

On the side there are many other interesting side stories. Aling Dionisia, his alleged infidelity, and his another congressional bid in Saranggani. I find some text jokes, comments and spoofs about Aling Dionisia offensive. People could be very judgmental sometimes. The old woman is having fun, let her be. No need to say too many insults or word assaults about how she looks like.

Pacquiao’s rumors about infidelity made me sigh, “Boys are boys.” Women would never ever completely understand men. I think men think a whole lot different than the way we do but then if a man has a family already, not only Manny for this matter he should be strong and brave enough to comply with the responsibilities that go along with it. When a man or a woman decides to have a family it is the time that he or she put back his/her own interests for the benefit of the marriage and of the children as a whole.

If it is true, it is detestable.

When it comes to his bid for the Congress I’d say “bakit hindi pagbigyan.” Anyway he’s not gonna be going against Darlene Custodio this time.

That’s all for now. I’m happy that I can still come up with my own ideas and opinions. I thought my mind was stalled already. I want to keep on learning. I don’t want to stand still… 

Ciao!

dabarkadz in the city

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Salamat sa masasayang sandali tulad nito

Salamat sa pagkakaibigan, sa pagbibigayan

Na walang hinihintay na kapalit

Dahil sa mga sandaling tulad nito pakiramdam ko

Wala ng kulang pa…

Saanman tayo dalhin ng buhay, at kahit na sobrang keso ko na

Sasabihin ko na, Salamat.. Sa pagkakaibigang pangmatagalan.

Di kailangang palagiang magkasama, magkausap o kahit ano pa

Dahil sa puso nating lahat walang magbabago, walang iwanan.

 

 Cheers!:))

wadi: my Casiguran chronicles :)

Absolutely, there’s no place like home. We may go to farthest, fancy places but we will feel at peace the most in the place where we had our fondest memories, our childhood especially.

Barely half a year that I’ve been away then I would suddenly feel like eating the recipes my mother prepare back home. I saw in my mind how they look, smell and tasted like.

When I got home I had it all. Ate Mir was also home so my vacation was really great. Kain tulog lang ako most of the time. hehe

 

Our diet at home is pretty healthy, fish and veggies most of the time. Every morning Tatay go to Lagpan to buy newly caught fishes. In this picture, the fish came all the way from San Ildefonso, brought home by Mama. It was huge! Though we prefer smaller ones than to something like this Mama bought it because we thought our brothers we’re coming home too. Unfortunately there was a typhoon again.

The big fish became inihaw at sinigang. Sa sobrang laki ng isda para nang pork o beef. There were still some at the freezer when I left.

Tatay concoct his own vegetable recipe and it is simply divine! I can eat it each meal by itself. He gathers vegetables from our backyard and other veggies from the market. Camote tops, okra, eggplant, green pepper and any other available vegetable are rinsed well then drained. Afterwards the veggies are put in a casserole and set into a very low fire. They are cooked without any additional water. When the veggies cook through their own liquids the fire is increased. Lastly a dressing of fish sauce, calamansi and thinly sliced onions are added. My mouth starts to water just thinking about it. hehe

Any trip to Casiguran will not be complete without swimming. There’s a lot of nice beaches in our town but the most accessible for us is the Lagpan Beach. The feeling while swimming was like nostalgic. There are so many wonderful childhood memories made in that beach. When we were young we often went there for picnics together with our cousins in our paternal side but as time went by times like those barely happen again. How I wish we can swim together again just like before. I miss my cousins especially Joy Ann and Aira. They were my playmates then though I am older than them by two years. I was their Ate Pam but now they are already bigger than me.

Another thing I am proud abut my father is his willingness to learn. He is always open to new things for as long as it will help us improve and uplift our living. When Ate acquired a motorcycle, a Suzuki Raider from Kuya Rene Tatay learned how to operate it almost by himself. Every morning he drives Ate to school. Tatay sent and fetched us when we went to the beach.

One time I told Tatay he should start learning how to use the computer so we can chat when I am gone. He replied cheerfully, said that he already know how to play songs in Ate’s laptop. Tatay is really one cool dude! haha. He noticed that I don’t use my iPod shuffle that much. He asked if he can have it because he has sleeping problems sometimes. The moment he wakes up at night even if its only ten in the evening he can hardly get back to sleep. Maybe because the problems sneak through his mind. Music would surely take his thoughts away from those. I gave my iPod and he enjoys it. One time I checked out what was he listening into and it was Beyonce’s Single Ladies! I, Mama, Ate and Ate Mir burst into one huge laughter. Later on I changed the playlist into Engelbert Humperdinck’s, Nat King Cole, Apo hiking Society and the like. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find his special request, Larawang Kupas.

One time Ate Mir  asked me to join her in going to church. I didn’t know what to wear.I thought I wouldn’t be staying long so I brought only a couple of t shirts. While she was suggesting me some clothes from her own Ate Ophel told me why don’t I just wear the Giordano long sleeves which was also given by Ate Mir. Mukha naman akong mayor nito! I joked. But I wore it just the same. The funny thing was, I was mistaken three times to be the older one between me and Ate Mir. The mother of her high school classmate took me to be her twice! Di din ako pina bless ni Father pero si Ate pina bless nya! Ang tuwa naman ni Ate Mir. haha

 

Simple lang ang buhay sa amin pero masaya dahil magkakasama kami. They asked me to stay for good but I just can’t yet. i still want to explore. Maybe because I am still young I want to experience the fast life. I would like the sedentary life back home once in a while. Later on they stopped convincing me. Gave me reminders instead especially on financial matters. They reminded me to be frugal. Do not spend all you earn, be sure that there are still some left from your pay out. Life is not all about good time, shopping or party they say. I really like to follow their advice. So help me God.

Kapamilya na din namin sina Hunks, Nestea at Brownie. They guard us and our house. Being a half breed Brownie is the biggest and loudest barker among the three. Hunks is in his retiring age already. His body is starting to weaken, his skin to sag and his hair to grey. I hope that when I go home again he’s still there.

Magkasundo kami ni Ate Mir sa madaming bagay especially in taking pictures. We celebrated Halloween through jump pics.

In Nov. 1 the Casiguran Brass Band paraded. 

Me and Mama.

I may not be home for Christmas so immediately after Nov. 1 we set up the Christmas tree. The cold stormy weather gave holiday ambience. Our favorite past time at home is watching tv together. They like watching Wowowee so I ended up watching it too almost everyday. I also like videoke kahit sintunado ako. At first lagi nila ako pinipigilan but later on wala na din sila nagawa so there, I belted out the Kenny Rogers and other mushy old love songs.

Tatay is also a Pacquiao fan. In the picture above we were watching a dvd of all manny’s fights. For sure the world will stop on Nov.15 when he fights again.

 

Mangoes and Dragon fruit can be found in our backyard. Aside from that there are also guavas and cacao. Tatay and Mama keeps our yard vegetated while Ate plants and takes care of ornamental plants. Her current favorite is the money tree. She is so happy that they keep on producing those pebble like pieces or “money”. Its a good sign they say. Hope so. hehe

  

I also consider my friends as my treasures. Every time there is a chance I see to it that i get to meet them. I feel so happy being with them, talking about our ideas, our past and our hopes for the future. Being a friend to them is one thing I will never ever be tired of.

I never felt having a big family a liability. I give credit to it to my parents. They raised us well no matter how hard it was. As a result I have many places to stay at. Here in Manila I live at Kuya Ronie’s while I live at Ate Chit’s when I am in San Luis.

Its a wonderful feeling when my sibling’s children greet me excitedly every time I arrive. Ate Chit’s kids AC and Cedric have grown a lot since I last saw them. I gave Cedric a yellow race car and a Ben10 watch for AC. I thought if singlehood is God’s plan for me I wouldn’t mind it. I will be a doting aunt to my nieces and nephews.

So there, that was my hearty vacation. Where ever I am home will be in my heart. Just wait for me, Beary.

Technorati Tags: family,vacation,casiguran

chill…

october 26

Happy Birthday to Aimie, Annie Vi and Yorick. Birthday celebrants this month. I absolutely miss y’all.

I am still here in our family home in Casiguran, been here since Oct. 13. Supposedly I would come back to manila immediately but the family advised me otherwie, made other plans.

I’ve decided not to continue to process the endorsement I got to be a regular employee in BDO.

So currently my career halts. But its okay atleast I am spending some quality time with my parents and two sisters here.

Whatever the circumstances maybe I would choose to be happy. I believe the strength of one’s character is also defined on how well she rides the waves of life. I would always be thankful in everything.

I will be back in Manila after Nov. 1. I and Ate Mir are going to General Santos City to have a vacation and visit Kuya Rod there on November 26, might hunt Aling Dionesia on the side,hehe. 

Kuya Rod told us that we’ll get off to Cagayan de Oro until we reach Camiguin Island for a couple of days of vacation.

I really hope these plans happen.  Buying plane tickets is the first thing I will do the moment I reach Manila to be sure, hehe.

Ngayon pa lang excited na ako. I, Ate Mir and Kuya Rod belong to the same younger generation in the family so I think we can really have some awesome childlike fun.

overflow

Its been a long while since I was able to write.  Along with it so many things have happened. The last weeks have been fateful. If it’s a novel it was the time that the crises of the plot are being laid out.

Ondoy

Saturday. September 26 2009.

I woke up late that day because I was very tired the night before. I had a hard time going home. Makati Avenue was full pack. Aside from the usual Friday night build up there was a heavy downpour to make the traffic worse. The tricycle ride I had from Kalayaan Ave. to the Mandaluyong bridge was more than enough to give me a heart attack. The driver would make sudden turns as it searched for alternate routes. Aside from that there were several times that it seemed like the tricycle would collide to another vehicle or the driver would pick a fight with another driver or a security guard.

After several hours I got home that night, so thankful I was well and intact and could greet my father well who’s been waiting and worrying  for me.

Saturday morning came. Never had I imagined that it would be immensely disastrous for my countrymen, especially. I was having a late breakfast. The weather was still no any better. Its raining really hard. I, Tatay and our househelp were the only ones at home. Kuya and the family went off because the kids were having a family day as an activity in their school.

I haven’t finished my meal when we have noticed that the water started to get in the living room.  Slowly at first. I continued eating, didn’t panic. But after a while the water got in faster. In minutes the water in the living room got ankle deep. Ate started to panic and to talk in her extra high pitched voice. We started to bring up the things. We put the couches on top of the chairs. We disassembled the tv and the computer and brought upstairs.

Then I saw the water came in stronger, with a current. The driveway seemed like a river whose current flowed heavily upon our living room window.

If I was not mistaken it took only 10 minutes for our house to be submerged in a waist deep flood. When the water got extra high I already went upstairs and wouldn’t like to wade through the murky water. I let my father to take care of the rest. Ate panicked a lot. I told her there’s nothing we can do about it,we may panic to the max but it won’t make the flood come down, instead we must be alert.

She somehow listened. She kept on staring outside the window and watched the situation get worse. Tatay was silent but in deep thought. He listened for the weather reports on my flanking radio whose batteries were almost dead. After a while the electricity was cut down, the radio was dead and the cellphone signal was failing. But still I remained calm. I thought this is just one of the nature’s wrath. It will pass real soon.

The day became night but the situation were still the same or should I say worse. Our living room, kitchen and bathroom were in complete disarray. I refrained to think of what my kuya and his wife’s reaction would be when they see what happened.

We ate the food left from our breakfast. Fortunately there were still bread, coffee and ample drinking water.

Before the darkness completely covered our view I saw the children in the apartments in front of us being put in a banca. Many of our neighbors were already evacuating. The cars were already afloat.

Despite the terrible situation I slept well, didn’t let anything get me down.

The next morning the flood in the first floor was still the same. When the water subsided in the driveway by 11 am we told Kuya that they may come home already.

When they arrived they were glad that the car was spared from swimming in flood. When they saw what happened to the things reached by the water they could do nothing but sigh. Only then that we, the ones left home knew how immense and how serious the flood was in the other areas.

Kuya  said the flood claimed many lives and that we were still lucky. By that time the the electricity was already restored. We watched the news and confirmed how awful things happened. We were terribly saddened with what happened to the others especially to those residing in Marikina.

Many said that the flood was an equalizer. Rich and poor, exclusive village residents and slum dwellers alike tasted the fury. It was simply awful. We certainly hope nothing like these ever happen again.

We started to clean up and to restore what we can. The couches were drenced in very dirty water. The furnitures which were made from coated soft wood has expanded and disintegrated. The kitchen appliances like turbo broiler and sandwich maker can’t function anymore. Same with the washing machine. Fortunately the refrigerator was ok.

On Monday I didn’t report to work. There was still so much thing to do at home. When I went to work on Tuesday I gathered that many of the other office personnel were severely damaged. Muddy flood washed out their houses.

On Wednesday our assistant manager inquired on me further what exactly happened. I told her how things went. In a little while she asked for my guy office mate to hand me a basketful of groceries and new blankets. I was totally overwhelmed. I felt that there were many others who suffered much than we did but I thought it would be inappropriate if I would refuse their good deed. I was absolutely thankful. In that instance once again the BDO superiors showed me a very good example. They were compassionate. I saw that they genuinely felt for those who were strucked by a rather sad event.

October 7, 2009

Andami kong kwento, di ko alam kung saan magsisimula. Saka na lang siguro pag malinaw na ang lahat. Masyadong nakakastress ang mga pangyayari sumasakit tuloy ang puso ko, literally.

Sana tama ang desisyon ko.

Gusto ko pumunta sa Sabang, dun sa beach at isigaw sa tubig lahat ng laman ng dibdib ko. Ewan ko, basta ang sakit ng puso ko.

what made my weekend

22

September 13, 2009 10:24 pm

“Ay! itu nga din pala suot ko last year!” I suddenly remembered while munching on some pizza earlier this afternoon as a simple celebration of the 22nd year of (dis)gracing this universe. Looking at my own picture (narcism at work again) I could see some differences. In my photo last year I am wearing a Genevieve Gozum jeans while I am wearing Zara (courtesy of Kuya Rod) today. I was holding a letter given by my block mates then while I am holding a cake now. My hair today is longer and considerably less disheveled. I am wearing the same watch, my favorite watch (‘coz it’s only one.haha! a Diesel watch given by Ate Mir in 2004(?), so its about 5 years old now. I have its strapped changed into a yellow one after its original leather strap have given up some time last year. The Tricky Tv guy of Cartoon network has this kind of watch too. And I am also wearing this brown Converse tee. I like this tee a lot because its very comfortable. The fabric runs smoothly and softly through my body. So that’s what we call sustainable fashion I think.haha!

My choices in things I wear is pretty much the same with my choices in life. Since I am no rich girl I’ve learned and I’ve been thought by my parents and siblings that I have to be careful. In choosing items its better to choose those that would serve well in a long period of time. Quality is important. But if I can have quantity quality items why not diba. But it might not be so soon yet. I’ve got to perspire a lot, hunch my back longer and be savvier with money matters.

Though I don’t have quantity quality items  I am quite lucky, oh, not only lucky but blessed that I have quality parents, siblings (quantity also for we are a lot, seriously.) and of course friends and acquaintances. Since I’ve been here in Manila I haven’t made a conscious effort to go to church, and I am not proud of that. But today I felt it in my heart that I wanted to go there. I went. Inside the church while hearing the mass all I kept on saying in silence was “Thank you Lord.Thank you.”

Thank you Lord that I am still alive. Thank you that I am still up and running. Thank you that I have my parents who never grow tired of watching over us their children though all of us are grown up. Thank you for giving me my siblings who I know even they don’t say that they are always behind me, always ready to catch me when I fall. Thank you that I have my friends who are also my sources of inspirations not only companies in fun and good times.

Along with that I pray that I may be able to continue doing the good things but I also pray that I would be given wisdom to know what I am doing wrong.

I am 22 years old now, an age that I thought to be so mature when I was 12. If I would rate myself I would say that I am mature. But of course it may not be the same when subjected to someone else’s grid or when compared with other people.

One year is pretty fast. Cliche as it may sound my 21st birthday was like only yesterday. I can still clearly picture the things that happened. I can also feel again the same emotions I had then if I want to. But one thing’s certain I was very happy then. My college friends and classmates were with me. The simple bounty seemed a lot and so good with their company. I miss them. I miss the simplicity of our intertwined simple lives then.

But life must be lived forward. Putting a quotation in my own words, always, we should never be sad or regret that things ended, instead we must be glad that it happened. Whenever I miss those bubbly guys I just think that they are okay, that they are doing great and are being good in finding and fulfilling their destinies and most of all that somehow, someday we will meet again wearing older faces but with the same affinity that we had way back then.

Like in Miley Cyrus song, The Climb, I am sure that in my life there will be another mountain, there will be another storm. But like her I will want to make it move by keeping on pushing on. It’s not how fast I get there. Its the climb.

On September 12 I went out with Cress and Limwell. I labeled it my pre-birthday bash. We watched Eugene Domingo’s Kimmy Dora. Yeah, the film is downright funny. We had constant bouts of laughter. But beyond the comedy I also noted the message that the film wants to convey. Success is not everything. Attitude and character are more important, even more important than the shares of stocks of a top multi-million dollar corporation. One may aim, and burn herself out in quest of that much coveted position and property but at the end of the day it is not the thing that will  matter most.

flickers

The week that was

The last couple of days was all about food and some pleasant surprises.

Tatay was here in the metro. Kuya Roger visited with a bunch of Krispy Kremes

He gave me such a nice present too! Thanks a lot. I was so delighted,didn’t expect I’d have it real soon.

One Year

Woohoo! I didn’t notice I have been blogging for a year already. My first entry was dated Aug. 11. Oh wow, I just can’t describe well enough how this stuff helped me through this one year. It benefited me in more ways than one.

Foremost it helped me figure myself out. By writing out my thoughts I got to sort out the things I should keep from those I should just throw away.

As I blogged I learned that I should never focus on the things I lack. I shouldn’t wallow on distress but rather celebrate every victories no matter how minute they were.

The past year was a mesh of unexpected events. Some were tragic, some were hurtful but nonetheless there were the good times. Whenever I was in pain I would simply write it out, feel the pain until it hurts no more.

As i write out what was in my mind I was reminded that tomorrow was another day. It would be different than how it was. I chose to be strong. I never wanted to sound like a bitter soul. I must be my own hero. Nobody would pick me up unless I choose to help myself.

In this one year old blog I tried to be bold by saying my thoughts in raw. I know there are many people who might get to read this but it was fine with me. I believe that I am not doing anything wrong by being honest most importantly with myself. One can never put a good man down.

Whenever there were happy moments that happened I would blog it the soonest time possible. I never wanted to let it just pass because those were the memories from where I will gather strength when another blow comes into my life. I made them as a reminder for myself that no matter what happens life is still beautiful. There will be storms coupled with lightning and thunderstorm but before long it will subside to give way to a fresh and new beginning.

August 31

It’s 12:06 midnight now. It’s my second night alone here at home. Last night I thought I couldn’t stand it but I actually did. I tried to sleep at the other bedroom first because it seemed more enclosed than any other part of the house. But later on I still can’t sleep maybe because I wasn’t really that sleepy. I slept for hours that afternoon. I declared Saturday as my lazy day since there will be no work until Monday.

Again I went down turned on the television. I brought some pillows and a sheet. Hours later but I still can’t sleep. I can hear everything, even the sounds of the cockroaches.

Then I went back upstairs. From my bed I could hear the conversations of the neighbors nearby. I somehow found company. I got to sleep.

Afterward, the sun shone all over the room. The long night was over. I tried to be productive today by cleaning up the house and doing the laundry.

Facebooking kept me away from boredom.

my choice, my picks

In every season of our lives there are things that stand out from the others. They get our attention and capture our fancy. In these past few days and months I raved about these:

Lady Gaga

She’s outrageous, avant garde, out of this world. She wears outfits that seem to take forever to put together in a daily basis. I like her edgy attitude, that “i don’t care, i’ll do my thing” sense. Gaga’s so pop. Her music makes me pop too, makes me wanna get up and party all night. For quite a while her track Poker face was in constant replay in my mind. Her music’s about the glamorous life. She’s giving her listeners the vibe of the rich and famous. “Paparrazzi” does it exactly. Just Dance is also another lively track.

McDonalds Burger Meal

I had a struggle resisting the burger in the previous months. I ate those at least three times each week before I go home. It’s unhealthy, i know, fat laden and makes me feel bloated but at the same time it’s yummy. It was a guilty pleasure. I was a regular at Mc Donalds Jupiter St. I think the store is very strategically laid out. Its directly located proportional to the direction where I am going. Sometimes I just find myself inside the store ordering another meal although I have promised the day before that I will not anymore because it’s really bloating. One time I saw Dr. Paul Watts there. (Canadian volunteer in ASCOT before). Too bad he was already leaving when I spotted him, I would’ve greeted him. Before we used to greet him “Good Morning sir” and he would cheerfully reply “Magandang umaga!”

Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt

Now I’ve made a healthy switch. I am currently hooked on Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt. It is simply delicious and of course healthy. Every morning I buy some to take to the office. Its my effort to somehow compensate with the fried meats I usually consume.

philstar.com

This website keeps me in the loop of the latest in everything while in the office. Among the limited sites that we can browse through in our workstations it is my favorite. The next one is forbes.com followed by inquirer.net.  I like this site the most because it has the most updated contents and covers a wide range of topics. When there are not much official thing to do I read through the articles.

I check out Jessica Zafra’s column entitled Emotional Weather Report regularly. Ang galing nya! She’s so witty and clever. I am also fond of Tingting Cojuangco’s and Barbara Gonzales’s. From reading Tingting’s column I somehow get to know her better. She seems so down to earth and enlightening. She’s not a woman who is  consumed with the wealth we all now she has. Barbara Gonzales is also another favorite. From her articles I get an idea what getting old might be. She is a person who’s gone through a lot and therefore has so much wisdom to share. In one of her write ups she mentioned that whenever we fall we should just get up, dust up ourselves and go on again. So true.

double treat

Ron and Nyah had their Linggo ng Wika celebration at school today. As usual Nyah did the deed. She danced, sang and all to our delight upon watching their video tonight. Ron was nowhere to be seen. Again, he slept it through.

drenched

Today was a toxic day at work. But I loved it. I like the feeling of having a challenge to conquer. I need not compete with anyone but only with myself. I love testing my limits. I am simply delighted when I meet the goals I set for myself.

Randomly, while an officemate of mine was sort of complaining that she has to stay longer at the office because she still has an unfinished task I joked, “Oh, that’s what we call efficiency.”  We should be able to do all the things we need to accomplish within the time frame given. Anyway, it was just a remark. There are many factors that affect one’s performance.

Personally I prefer finishing the tasks given to me on time. It gives me a sense of fulfillment. Nonetheless I see to it that the quality of the output is not sacrificed.

I could say that I work hard. Therefore I make sure that I enjoy. I eat what I want. I do what I want. I could say that this is one of the best years of my life.

Definitely this is just the beginning, I am still a neophyte, and I am a newbie. But who cares? I love it. I am enjoying the ride. Now I know how to work and how to have responsibilities. There are times that it seems so hard to get up in the morning. But when I think that I am a part of a whole, that there will be a domino effect when I laze about my work I will instantly jolt up my bed.

Now I know that it is not all about oneself. It’s about standing up and fulfilling the responsibilities that I chose to take.

My typical day starts at 6:30 in the morning. I open my eyes. See to it that I have fully regained my consciousness. Reach for the towel. Head for the bath room and take a bath. Dress up, eat and fix myself.

At 8:10 I am heading my way into the office. I ride a jeepney that would take me at the foot of the Makati-Mandaluyong bridge. I ride a tricycle that stops at Kalayaan Ave., a red light district. I walk through those pubs and hotels that seemed so innocent and asleep during the day.

I walk through Jupiter Street. Cross through two main avenues. Then at 8:30 I will be at the lobby. Wear my ID. Ride the elevator.

I never got late again. I got late just once. I promised that it will not happen again and up to this time I have not yet broken it.

At exactly 9:00 to 12:00 I am in the Auto-in mode. I get up just for the bathroom breaks. At 12:00 to 1:00 I take a hearty lunch. But I prefer not too eat too much carbs and fatty viands because I don’t want the fat ass. I observed that office girls are prone to it due to long hours of sitting down. At 1:00 to 6:00 I am in the Auto-in Mode again.

Afterwards I go home. The same streets I passed through look a whole lot different by then. Kalayaan Ave. dances in colors and glittering lights.

Then I eat, clean up and do other things that my left strength still allows before I fall into a dead sleep.

The rain fell terribly hard this afternoon. Regular employees and top executives alike got stucked in the lobby. I silently observed and looked around. The lady execs were so glam. I thought if getting old means looking that great, I would surely love to get old!

My eyes locked into a particular woman. She looks very dignified. Her hair was perfect. Her crisp tailored suit still looked fresh even its already the end of the day. I hope I wasn’t staring. I know she noticed that I was looking at her because when she went out she gave me a brief sideway glance. The moment she walked past through me I exclaimed to my officemate i exclaimed “I know her! On tv”

I was certain that i know her but i didn’t immediately remember who she was. But I felt that I must know her. I followed my gut. I googled.

Then, yeah! gotcha! She was Ms. Clarissa Ocampo! The witness then of the late Pres. Estrada’s case.

Whew! I was relieved!

Shucks, I am sleepy now. The clock reads 10:20 now. I didn’t notice it’s already a Friday tomorrow, the last day of the work week. I am looking forward to a blazingly awesome weekend ahead.

SUMO!

SUMO

Shut Up Move On

Have you ever been stucked in a certain situation? You perfectly know what the solution is and yet you stayed? You get hurt you forgive you forget. Then you get hurt again. It’s like you are running in circles. You know the rational thing to do but each time the lure comes you see yourself succumbing to exactly the same situation once more. You lay your cards again hoping that it will be a different story.

Was it love? Was it obsession? Or was it’s just about being challenged? Whatever the case I must do what my title says SUMO! Shut up and move on. It’s long overdue. It’s a useless case. No need for dramatic arguments the facts are clear.

Having said so I shall focus on things that matter. That is getting a life, a fulfilled life. I need not people or circumstances that deliberately put me into unnecessary pain.

selfcentrism…vanity…