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Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:57:00 +0000

I am bidding farewell to my blog of almost three years, which has been a fundamental part of my life since my year-long search for meaning. I will leave this here in the vastness of cyberspace as it will always be a part of me and the tapestries of humanity as a whole through the connections it made with people who took the time to drop by and read what I had to say.

My sincerest gratitude to the readers who made sharing a piece of my life a very worthwhile thing to do.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The only true gift is a portion of yourself."

Many times in our lives comes a sense of clarity that seemed perfect. Yet somehow, what was clear at that time may not be very clear now at all. What belongs to the past is given a curtain call and the lights are dimmed until they are finally put out - perhaps, for good. Unlike this amazing power to look into the past with all the time we want and can afford to lose just to ponder on hindsight, such power to look into the future has not been granted to us. To have foresight, yes, but it has never been a guarantee to make things happen exactly the way we have imagined them to be. Nevertheless, the brilliant part of it all is the certainty of hope that perhaps the best is yet to come.

I will not be truly gone, however, because I still have in my heart this calling to share. You can follow me at my new online home: Imprints.

...It never fails to take my breath away: the shifting of trends, the changing of times, the breaking of ties and the formation of new ones. A new kind of clarity has dawned upon me and the old one has served it's purpose. My search for meaning goes on.

All I can say is... It's about time. :)

No worries at Subic Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:05:00 +0000

I am wearing sturdier pair of footwear this time around with a simpler thought in my head: hakuna matata.

"As we dwell on and worry about matters beyond our control, a negative effect begins to set in. Too much analysis always leads to paralysis. Worry is a route that leads from somewhere to nowhere. Never let it direct your life."

- taken from An Enemy Called Average by John Mason -

Today, I share with you photos from Subic Bay Yacht Club taken during our faculty team-building activity for the weekend. It was a welcomed (and much needed) break away from the day-to-day schedule in the office. It has been at least 3 years since I last went to Subic. It was the perfect place to shed worries and to leave those excess baggage I have been lugging around with me for quite some time.

Oh, to live for the weekend!

Before there were yachts, there were ships.

The grand staircase that leads to the dock and the deck.

Reception area

Upon entering the yacht club's main building, I took in the musky smell of elegance that seemed to have seen better days. The classic interior had high ceilings and was very spacious. The place itself gave its visitors elitist feelings and an atmosphere of exclusivity. However, I understand that the maintenance of a such a venue is costly and so the yacht club had to open its doors to the public 'to keep wind blowing on its sails', so to speak.

For the guests, upon arrival.

Lounge at the third floor lobby.

Bolder colors at the lounge on the second floor lobby.

Personally, I think that opening Subic Bay Yacht Club to non-members is a wonderful opportunity, not only to preserve the place, but to make a wider audience appreciate its glory even if it was from days of old. In a sense, being at the yacht club gave me a glimpse of luxury that a chosen few experience on a daily basis.

Bedroom suite with queen-sized beds.

Complete with a study table and TV set.

More than the bedroom, the full bathroom with a jacuzzi makes me smile.

I love a spacious and clean bathroom.

Conference room

Delectable chocolate cake with a scoop of strawberry ice cream. Perfect.

One of the 6 Cs that fit right in the whole Subic experience.

Perspective: a long stretch.

Docking area with a mysteriously majestic backdrop of highlands.

Just the place for coffee table talks.

Poolside

The pool that was made to look like a sea of small islands.

After an overnight stay at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, the group headed for Treetop Adventures. For some of those worries that I wasn't able to let go of the normal way, it's about time to resort to extreme measures.

Getting ready for the big drop.

Subic zipline. Superman duo.

Walking to the cable car ride.

Brace yourselves. This is it.

Watch out! Weight limit.

View from the [tree]top.

Next stop: a different country. It is easier to make more positive stories when all worries have been left behind.

I am about to go to newer heights!

One step at a time

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:55:00 +0000

"Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe."

- Robert Service -

When I came across the quote mentioned above, the floodgates of wisdom opened up.

I often look far and wide for things to conquer and battles to win that I forgot to look down and find the most important consideration is right under my feet.

I'm beginning to see myself going to places without having to look at the ground all the time. :)

Museo Pambata Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:18:00 +0000

At the entrance with co-teachers.

For Buwan ng Wika, my co-teachers and I decided to prepare for a culminating activity at Museo Pambata where the children can enjoy a tour with their parents. We went to the museum to do an ocular to have an organized trip by the end of the month. Luckily, teachers get in for free if they just present their IDs.

National mode of public transport.

Try as I might, I cannot bring to my mind any childhood memory of going for a trip the "Children's Museum" while I was in school so I think it is safe to say that it was actually my first time to visit Museo Pambata. Though I missed to go through this wonderful place as a kid, I am very appreciative of it now as an adult and as a teacher. As I explored the various exhibits there, I realized the importance of this haven for the younger generations to come.

I Love My Planet Earth! exhibit.

I love how interactive the exhibits are. It is important that children engage all their senses for learning to be truly imbibed. The entire museum comes to life with the various props and backdrops. I can already envision the children having a great time when they get here.

Part of Body Works exhibit.

There was a very spacious room dedicated to knowing about how one's body works: the different systems of the body, the various organs and senses and how they operate within us, and so on. There were stations that also provide hands-on games to engage the children in using their bodies and discovering the facts for themselves. Another area is the Pamilihang Bayan or Marketplace, which was a really amazing studio of various stores and shops where kids can wear costumes and play with the different materials to simulate an actual marketplace scenario. Even I let my imagination run away a little.

At the Pamilihang Bayan (Marketplace) pretending to sell freshly baked bread.

The Gift Shop houses a lot of good buys: mostly educational items and native crafts.

Goofing around: Seems like I'm part of the portrait, which is actually a mirror.

The next few photos are some of my favorites taken from the Paglaki Ko (When I Grow Up) exhibit where the Writer's Corner and Illustrator's Corner can be found. I am a writer but a frustrated illustrator. Anyhow, I have not given up trying to produce some personal works [for my eyes only at this point]. Though that may be the case, the arts will always have a special place in my heart.

Oh, how I love ink drawings!

One of my local favorites.

Colorful art by Ruben de Jesus.

Another interactive wall.

Museo Pambata also has an Old Manila exhibit. I love anything that has to do with the past! I am a bit old-fashioned (quite the understatement) and I appreciate the richness of cultural evolution. I reckon that the 'golden days' always pertain to something that has come to pass.

Old Manila exhibit: standing by a large scale church model.

A peek inside the church's interior.

Spanish Galleon.

Flags and portraits dedicated to our heroes.

I was impressed with this area of the exhibit because of the interesting way the museum staff had elaborated on the national heroes' lives. To know about the bayani (hero), you need not read lengthy biographies or look at posters. Instead, all you need to do is pick up the phone, dial a number and listen to a voice narrate about your chosen hero. How clever!

I wish I could bring home this antique typewriter... even better if it still works!

Chinese lanterns made the ceiling gallant.

Old carriage on display.

Untouchable. More memorabilia from the past.

Tara na!

I really enjoyed our tour of Museo Pambata. By the end of our ocular, I felt so young and vibrant I wanted to run to a mirror and check if I was a seven-year-old again.

I suppose our journey ends here for now. I want to come back to this place again next time but hopefully not as a visitor but as a volunteer. It is always a worthwhile endeavor to share moments with young minds and hearts.

Heads Up, Feet Down

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:37:00 +0000

A picture paints a thousand words.

So they say.

I say:

"A picture evokes a thousand thoughts."

Fierce

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:18:00 +0000

End of the month.

I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't take the time to stop and smell the flowers. Which I really should do more often, by the way. :)

Nevertheless, it just can't be helped though when there are days when I feel like I'm being pulled into a vacuum void of any good emotion. Some days seem longer and more stressful than others. Work is more tedious and daunting at times. Life in general catches up on me and I struggle to keep up with it.

Thankfully, there are far more better days when I feel like I'm on top of the world and I am capable of anything at all. Sometimes, I feel like the richest, most wonderful, happiest person who ever lived... and having that disposition is simply blissful. I reckon everybody would want to feel that way all the time.

But then again, imagine walking a plateau all throughout life and never seeing much angle nor depth; no breath-taking plunges and heights. What a boring journey! It would be utterly devastating to experience the same things over and over again. We need the valleys to build our character and mountains to test our strength.

Besides, we might as well be in heaven if all we ever feel is perfect joy. However, we are not quite there yet. There are many more jungles to brave through and deep waters to fathom.

The way the world works - it never ceases to amaze me.

Be happy!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:08:00 +0000

After weeks of cyberspace absence, I am finally breaking the silence.

My days offline were filled with so much splendid fireworks and wonderful events that I took the time off to savor every minute. This June, I would like to spread much happiness as I celebrate a lot of wonderful things that has come my way. :)

For my one and only Papa - happy birthday and happy Father's Day! On this special day, we rejoice for the strength of your character, the courage of your heart, and the sincerity of your love. We are eternally grateful to God for the gift that is you. :)

For my cousin - Though I do not see you often, I pray that you are well. I pray that you will grow up to be a young lady after the Lord's heart. Stay healthy and stay strong.

For the national hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose life has inspired millions of Filipinos and peoples around the world. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth, may the Philippines as a country aim to move forward with the vision and ideals that he has long dreamed and fought for with his life.

For the children I work [play!] with - All of you have been my constant source of fulfillment and joy (despite frustration and distress at times). Your smiles and milestones have always been part of the greatest moments of my life. I lift each and every one of you to God; He knows you all by name. May you and your families prosper in God's love and protection always.

For my friends - I don't know what I would do without you. You have constantly kept my feet on the ground and made sure that my head and my heart are in their right places. Thank you for providing me with the breathing room that I need from the hurly-burly of my fast-paced life. I wouldn't have come this far if not for you.

For my special someone - Thank you for accepting me for who I am. It has been a roller coaster ride since we have met for the second time. It seems so simple how things have fallen into place - call it fate, destiny, or what-have-you but more than anything, I believe that the Lord has a plan for us. Blaise Pascal once said, "The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. Love has reasons which reason cannot understand." I have given up trying to wrestle with a million reasons. I am taking a leap of faith.

I am filled with joy to say that I have gone quite far [so far] in my pursuit of happiness. :)

Caught Up

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:03:00 +0000

My brother has turned 14. Mother's Day has come and gone. Tomorrow, we will celebrate the first International Day of Compassion.

There are so many things lining up at work and my Saturday classes will be in full swing again come June. I see the many responsibilities I have to shoulder once more when the heat of summer dies down. Life seems to be ever shifting into the fast lane as May is already half over.

Each day, I push away the feeling of being torn between places I want to be, events I want to go to, and people I want to be with. I know I can only do so much.

Before this summer is over, I have to refresh myself with the art of balance: in life, in love, in everything.

Sometime soon, I have to get it right...

May manicure

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Glittering purple on my fingernails (and my toes, too!).

A treat for myself this first day of May!

I'm excited with my new curly hair as well. A great way to start the month and to boost optimism levels a notch higher.

Royal Wedding of the Century

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0000

I have always had a special place in my heart for anything related to royal matters. I strongly feel the sense of history and tradition in the lives of the monarchs from Marie Antoinette to Sisi, from King Philip to Queen Elizabeth I, and now the present day royal family.

April 29, 2011 Friday

This day is history in-the-making and I am truly privileged to have witnessed it along with the rest of the world.

I want this day to remain forever in my memory for today marks a wonderful turning point in royal world history since the loss of the late Princess of Wales, Diana, whom I have admired so much even at my tender age of ten at the time [of her passing away].

This truly momentous day celebrates the union of Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Catherine Elizabeth Middleton - now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Earl and Countess of Strathearn, & Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus.

May their wedding mark the beginning of the British monarchy's openness to the changing times and to the people who are changing with it. May they prove through the years to come that fairy tales do come true. While the old classics will never die, some of those classics might be on the brink of being born today.

Best wishes to the newly-weds!

Rise and rejoice!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:32:00 +0000

The search is over.

I have found what I have been looking for all this time

...in Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

- 2 Corinthians 5:17 -

I pray for you to find in Christ that which will fill the hole, the gap, the emptiness in your life, your mind, your heart, and your soul.

Christ has conquered death and has risen to give us a life renewed for the glory of God. Let's make the most out of this blessing by living life in grace and service of God and others.

Hallelujah!

Room Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 02:27:00 +0000

My sister has been staying with me in my [our?] room for more than a week now since she began attending a ten-day culinary program less than half an hour away from where we live in the big city.

It is such a big change for me to have her in the house because I am not used to having my siblings around me all the time since I went to college in 2004 and since I started working in 2009. Most days, I have the condominium unit all to myself and my room is actually just big enough for one person even though it has a bunk bed.

I do not have before and after pictures but when I say we were cramped in my room, I'm talking when you enter the door the bed is two steps away going straight and the cabinet for clothes is only three steps away to the right and that is pretty much it.

So after much deliberation between my older brother, younger sister and me - we decided to switch rooms because it will be for the benefit of everybody concerned.

Farewell deep purple walls, goodbye wall flowers... adieu. Although I loved my old room to bits, it's time to move on and embrace change.

Out with the old, in with the new, I say.

Small but cozy.

A seemingly organized mess of books, footwear, unfinished to-dos and what-have-yous.

The new room, upon entrance.

I was just itching to get the move done the moment we finalized our decision about it, however, it was already past our bedtimes (making it too late to start) and there was work the following day. It was also impossible to have everybody in the unit and make them wait until the whole switcheroo was over. That would be too chaotic especially when I prefer to have something done alone.

So, even though the OC in me was kicking and screaming "Right now!", I had to quiet it down until April 15 Friday evening when I had the small window of time to be by myself in the unit. When I came home and realized that nobody was there but me, I began the gruesome task of moving everything around while cleaning both rooms at the same time from 9:00 PM to about 2:30 AM.

I know, I'm crazy that way sometimes.

I even had to wake up at 6:00 AM afterwards because I still have half a day at work and other activities for that Saturday. Thank God I still had strength to accomplish much in a full day.

It may have been literally exhausting doing all that much after a long day's work (not to mention the accumulation of stress after a week's worth of work!), the peace of mind was priceless.

The room is still a work in progress but I am proud to say: Happiness, at last. :)

P.S.
My Poladroid application went bonkers for reasons I cannot identify until now that is why my signature Polaroid photos are becoming very limited. I now use an application called Pola to substitute Poladroid but it results to a .png file extension, which makes conversions and editing very tedious. I'm thinking of getting a better camera to post higher quality pictures... and maybe a real Poladroid or Fuji Instax camera, too. :)

Love for Fashion and Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:04:00 +0000

This is my first year to use the Belle de Jour Power Planner.

I have always been a pen-and-paper person and it is very reassuring to have something to get my every day more organized. I love the way the planner is designed - colorful and vibrant. The coupons are truly an added bonus because there is a treat to look forward to every now and then. :) More importantly, it emits a feeling of empowerment to the lady who makes use of it.

Besides using BDJ to make my life a bit more spic and span, it also serves as a daily journal or diary for me. I love to jot down events that made my day or to write down little things that made me smile. I know how a planner sometimes make a person appear too rigid but BDJ always leaves room for spontaneity and that's what makes it such a power planner.

As I was just beginning to get immersed in the many perks and activities being organized by the BDJ team, I was chosen to be one of the participants of Belle de Jour Passion Series by Bayo: Love for Fashion and Writing. This event was primarily opened to bloggers and, upon seeing the event poster, I just gave it try by submitting my entry and I got a spot.

The event was held at the Bayo store in Trinoma, a huge mall in Quezon City. I promptly arrived at the venue before one in the afternoon after spending the morning having an Easter celebration at the center where I work in Makati City.

Tricia Gosingtian on fashion blogging.

After registration, I went around the store to get two outfits that I could wear and get photographed in. I have to admit that I am not very good in time-pressured shopping and my eye for fashion isn't too sharp but it was fun trying on clothes. That is one of the reasons I was looking forward to the event - to learn more about fashion and writing.

The first talk was given by Tricia Gosingtian, one of the Philippines' top fashion bloggers. She is a photographer, stylist and model who took up Bachelor in Fine Arts major in Information Design from the Ateneo de Manila University. She is also one of Forever 21's Brand Ambassadors.

Tricia began her talk by sharing her humble beginnings in deviantART and Lookbook. She shared the sources of her inspiration, which mostly came from Japanese fashion. Tricia also talked about how fashion bloggers like herself have made the world of clothes, shoes and accessories more real and down-to-earth for ordinary people [like myself]. It is true how everyday men and women who model, photograph, and publish their own wardrobes for the general public has more influence on fashion choices compared to celebrities nowadays.

A moment with Tricia Gosingtian, who turns out to be the cousin of Mark Gosingtian, creator of the Hero t-shirts.

Later in the talk, Tricia went into a more technical side of fashion blogging by making mention of typefaces, designs, layouts, demographics, and more importantly, content. She also emphasized individuality, which is the core of having your own brand. On the lighter side of things, she told us about the perks she get from doing what she does best: having partnerships with clothing brands, attending fashion events and conferences, and meeting well-known people in the industry. Tricia ended her presentation by giving some fashion tips for this season.

Ana Santos, founder and editorial director of Sex and Sensibilities - a website that shares practical information about sex and sexuality.

The second talk was given by Ana Santos, a Journalism graduate of the University of the Philippines and a sexual health advocate who founded Sex and Sensibilities. She maintains a weekly column in the Manila Times called "The Single Files". When Ana Santos arrived, her presence was strongly felt and consequently, she revealed a fierce personality to match her brilliant talk.

She involved the audience straightaway by asking: "Why do you write?" After gathering several answers, she launched into the story of her personal journey into becoming a writer and how writing became her passion.

Ana presented the more technical side of writing [in general]. She discussed the ethics that guard the art and profession of writing. She said that before a writer even begins the tedious job of putting down his or her thoughts into words, he or she must first consider if the piece being written is worth the readers' time.

Moreover, Ana emphasized on finding one's writer's voice or individual writing style. She shared with the participants that the only way to find this unique writing style is to write, write, and write. And then, write some more. It is only with experimenting and letting the words flow from one's mind and heart into a blank sheet of paper or a computer document can a person unleash his or her true writer's voice.

Ms. Ana Santos with Belle de Jour creator, Darlyn Ty.

As the afternoon came to a close, I spent some time in conversation with other BDJ girls in the venue. Here is a shout out to two amazing young ladies, both co-bloggers, that I spent a good time chatting with: Iris Diaz and Angel Matociños. It was nice meeting both of you and I hope to see you in BDJ's other activities.

Post-event pictorials with participants, organizers, and speakers.

Job well done, Belle de Jour team! Grazie mille, bellas! :)

Never Forgotten

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:15:00 +0000

A glimpse into the life of one of the greatest storytellers of our time...

Manila Ocean Park Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Today, ACC visits Manila Ocean Park as a culminating activity for our Water theme for the entire month of March. The kids and their families enjoy the sea lion show starring Vincent and Isabel, the Oceanarium exhibit and the dancing jellyfish. :)

I almost forgot how it feels to be out in the sunshine. :)

Deep in thought

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:17:00 +0000

I have been caught up in a very busy web of work, school, socio-civic activities, domestic duties, and serious life transitions this month that I could not quite find the time or energy to sit in front of my laptop and type away my sorrows and excitements. So as not to go over the edge of my sanity, I pursue time for a good night's sleep and moments of silence and solitude more than anything else lately.

To quote Katherine Whitehorn: "You cannot care about everything and stay sane. You cannot care about nothing and stay human." I empathize more with the first statement each day as I find my calling more and more evident but vague at the same time.

There are so many things and ideas running through my mind even as I share this, which amazes me because in spite of the strain I am currently feeling, my brain can still filter out what needs to be said and what needs to be silenced.

In 2008, I spent six months in the US practically without any gadget or form or technology except perhaps for the appliances in the house where I lived with my relatives. I had no mobile phone for calling or texting on regular basis except for the old beaten-up cellphone I had on roaming to get very short messages from my family from halfway around the world. I had my laptop but there was no internet connection (wireless or otherwise) so it was almost useless as a stand-alone computer save for viewing and tweaking photos I took during my stay. [Needless to say, I did not use it very much.] I only had my ever reliable point-and-shoot digital camera which became my constant companion everywhere I went...

...and, surprisingly, I liked it better that way than I thought I would.

Deep down inside of me, I have always dreamed of being in a time and place different from where I am in this lifetime. I think maybe all of us have wished for that at some point in our lives. Right now, I am beginning to feel a bit of technophobia creeping up on me which was probably just lying dormant in me all this time since those six months.

Don't get me wrong. I appreciate the many ways technology has helped us as a people. I am very much aware of how it has helped mankind move forward in small steps and in leaps and bounds. However, I feel as if the cycle of advancement is gaining too much momentum and is starting to have a life of its own - like a butterfly laying its egg and waiting for a new species to emerge. It scares me to think about it like that but the way I see it, it is us who have to keep up with technology instead of the other way around, otherwise, we are on the losing end.

Blogging on my online journal versus writing on my personal diary/scrapbook is like a war or worlds for me these past few months. My fingers itch to hold on to pen and paper more than a keyboard and a mouse each passing day. Sometimes, on worse days, I get this urge to run away from anything electronic.

I began blogging again in 2009 when I realized its potential to reach an audience who share the same thoughts and ideas that I have. I also realized that the cyberspace is a great avenue to make many people aware of important matters regarding faith, education, environment and so much more. On the other hand, being online is like finding myself in a room full of glass windows where I see everything all at once and it confuses me and overwhelms me. I recall my life before the internet and it is like finding myself in a room with different doors which entailed a certain air of mystery, a wonderful atmosphere of excitement wherein I take my time to go through one door, experience what is within, and go back and forth various doors if I needed to.

I've always had a thing with time - I need to take my time. So much of technology is the cause for a life lived on the fast lane with shallow breaths and I don't like it when I go into overdrive. It is when accidents happen - all sorts of accidents, which result to injury or even death. Metaphorically speaking, this can be injury to a part of one's self or death in being.

I do not want to feel the need for me to catch up with my writing; I need my writing to catch up with me.
I do not want to feel any of this 'technological advancement' take hold of me.
I need to actually live a life. We all do.

"He who breathes deepest lives most."

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning -

Pray for Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 04:09:00 +0000

Last March 11, 2011 Japan was hit by a major 8.9 magnitude earthquake on Friday morning, sparking a major tsunami which devastated coastal towns and has put the entire Pacific basin on alert.

Let us continue to storm heaven with prayers for the country's restoration and its people's healing. Let us also continue to support all disaster relief efforts and missions.

For Japan, with Love.

No day but today!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:45:00 +0000

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a wonderful and inspiring performance on stage.

I am absolutely floored to have the opportunity to bask in the amazing talent of the cast and crew of 9 Works Theatrical as they brought the much loved story of Rent to life at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Bravo! Encore! Brilliant performance! :)

Thanks for watching Rent with me, Viel. :)

Seasons Of Love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes,

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred 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 five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred 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

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure the life

Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned

Or in times that he cried

In bridges he burned

Or the way that she died

It's time now to sing out

Tho' the story never ends

Let's celebrate

Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

(Oh you got to, got to)

Remember the love

(Remember the love)

Seasons of love

(Measure measure you life in love)

Seasons of love

Post-Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:08:00 +0000

My heart just got Tangled!

Surprise Party

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 14:53:00 +0000

The best things in life are for free!

Tonight, we had a surprise party for my older brother at Astoria Plaza Hotel, Ortigas, Pasig City. His girlfriend planned the whole event and coordinated with my mom, my sister and me. Mama originally had plans of celebrating my brother's 25th birthday at our home in Lipa City but most of his friends are within Metro Manila area, I think the plan to have the surprise in the big city was the best way to go. :)

My brother had no idea what was in store for him that night! He had one of the most unexpected surprises ever... and he had the time of his life. :D

It's been a while since I last saw an amazing sunset like this one.

Don't forget to make a wish!

Happy, happy birthday, Kuya! More blessings to you, stay positive and keep the faith!

Davao Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:05:00 +0000

That long line of lights right there is EDSA.

Here's a little collection of photos from my second visit to the 8th largest city in the world - Davao. If you are looking for a new place to explore or a quiet place to take some time for yourself, Davao is a great choice.

Parola Bar and the infinity pool.

You will never run out of great-tasting finds in Pearl Farm's eat-all-you-can buffet!

Serene chapel in the heart of Malipano island.

Adventure is out there!

Time to celebrate life!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:02:00 +0000

All ready for a party. :)

It is always exciting to wait for the arrival of a newborn... how much more if you are waiting for three? :)

Today we celebrated a baby shower for three of my co-teachers who are all expecting to have bootees and bottles within reach of a cute and cuddly baby soon! Congratulations!

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."
- Vincent van Gogh

...and I say to myself, "What a wonderful world." :)

Processing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:59:00 +0000

A Chemistry laboratory class output during one of the experiments I had while I was an undergraduate student at UST College of Science.

There isn't a more painful and painstakingly long process in life than growing up.

Of all the things I can think of that could very well be compared to growing up, chromatography was the first to cross my mind today. Perhaps, I have been thinking too much about school lately besides other important things.

Chromatography (from Greek χρῶμα chroma "color" and γράφειν graphein "to write") is the collective term for a set of laboratory techniques for the separation of mixtures. It involves passing a mixture dissolved in a "mobile phase" through a stationary phase, which separates the analyte to be measured from other molecules in the mixture based on differential partitioning between the mobile and stationary phases. Subtle differences in a compound's partition coefficient result in differential retention on the stationary phase and thus changing the separation.

Chromatography may be preparative or analytical. The purpose of preparative chromatography is to separate the components of a mixture for further use (and is thus a form of purification). Analytical chromatography is done normally with smaller amounts of material and is for measuring the relative proportions of analytes in a mixture. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Column chromatography is a separation technique in which the stationary bed is within a tube. The particles of the solid stationary phase or the support coated with a liquid stationary phase may fill the whole inside volume of the tube (packed column) or be concentrated on or along the inside tube wall leaving an open, unrestricted path for the mobile phase in the middle part of the tube (open tubular column). Differences in rates of movement through the medium are calculated to different retention times of the sample.

I know it sounds nerdy but this complicated chemical process is, to me, similar to the complicated course of maturing. A mixture undergoes a series of laboratory techniques just like an individual endures many changes and transitions. It is in the grueling process where I feel the pain. Each year, I feel as if I am being stripped of a layer instead of being added one, which sounds a bit ironic considering that you are being added another 365 days of life, God-willing.

Anyway, I have this understanding that we already have what is essential within us even before we are born. Our encounter with everything in the environment only amplifies what is within us. We are all essentially pure.

However, we slowly become corrupted by the sin that has entered the world especially when we choose to fall victim to it. The mere thought of carrying a heavy burden makes us tired and rebellious. It seems as if every fiber of our body is furiously thrashing about in opposition. It is tormenting to do good things because they are often the most difficult things to do. On the contrary, it always feels so much lighter and easier to do what is wrong and to turn away from responsibility. In a world that values the flesh more than the spirit, the struggle to keep going down the narrow road is nerve-wrecking, heart-wrenching and energy-depleting.

Nevertheless, we need not fret for we have been loved with an everlasting love - and it is this very same love that will help us overcome the unbearable no matter how difficult and seemingly impossible. "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7. The processing we are going through is out of love and if that is so, then may the fruit of the transformation is love. This is the only way the charcoal becomes a glittering diamond.

Love is the answer.
Loving one's struggles and forgiving one's self.

To quote from The Wonder Years, and American television series: "Growing up is never easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what's to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn't have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves... for growing up."

Night before Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:40:00 +0000

Christmas time is usually the best time of the year for me to slow down and think of how my life has generally been. As the year comes to a close, it is very helpful to pause and put plans and other things back into their proper perspective.

What I love about December is that besides being the last month of the year, it also signifies a period of transition into a new beginning. During this time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we also celebrate HOPE.

Hope for closer relationship with family and friends.
Hope for success in work and school.
Hope for better days to come.
Hope for God to see us through.

Holiday decorations at home.

Rudolph had a very shiny nose, indeed. Now, I have found him!

Wine red and sheer white curtains this year.
I kind of miss the traditional yellow Christmas lights, though. :)

Still, blue remains my favorite color.

2010 has been a year of firsts and lasts, of not nows and next times, of always and nevers...

2010 has been a friend and foe.

Now, 2010 has come and will be gone soon. Too soon.

But we were not meant to look back for much longer; so tonight, I lay down everything once more beside the manger where the Christ was born.

Dress up your eyewear

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:34:00 +0000

This year's company Christmas party was so much fun! :)

Besides having FUNglasses for the party theme, the program was packed with group games, dance presentations, raffle draws, an awarding ceremony and more. The spirit of Christmas is wonderfully alive in everybody during the gathering.

I am filled with joy to witness the true essence of the season: togetherness in celebrating the wonderful gift of hope and love in our Lord Jesus.

I have so much to be thankful for tonight.

"Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite..."