Saturday, April 28, 2007

Lesser Evil

Let me just share to you a few things about something I read from Sigma Protocol by Robert Ludlum.

Sigma is a story based on the real-life "Bilderberg Group".

Sigma is an elite group formed by various prominent people shortly after the Second World War. This corporation would channel vast sums of money into fighting communism... and strengthening the will of the WEST. Sigma, manipulated world events (coups in Asia, stepping down of politicians) and bankrolling political parties.

There was this guy named Mengele a Nazi scientist who led the expirements over Zyklon-B, along with Strasser(fiction) and Lenz(fiction) .But, mind you, Zyklon-B is not fiction, it exists and it was in fact the gas that was used to kill hundreds of Jews in history. { One thing I like about Ludlum is the use of certain history facts and weaving a story based on this}

These Nazi scientist all thought that Zyklon-B is an elegant project and they all thought they were helping mankind....

As to why it was called elegant and to know what their views are... Let's interview Strasser.

{ Note: Conversations are actually found in the book... but some words were altered to achieve this kind of convo. }

Strasser: Before Zyklon-B, Hitler's soldiers had to shoot every prisoner. Terrible bloodbaths. Gas was so clean, simple and elegant. And you know, gassing the Jews actually spared them.

Uh huh... But.. how could it have spared them???

Strasser: There were so many deadly diseases that went around those camps, they would have suffered much longer, much more painfully. Gassing them was the most humanitarian option.

Could it be really? To have them gassed is humanitarian ? o_O

Strasser: We called it the "special treatment".

This could mean your "collateral damage" for extermination then?

Strasser: If you wish. But you know, I didn't hand pick victims for the gas chambers like Dr. Mengele or Dr. Lenz. They call them the Angel of Death.

What about you? Are you not? Or would you say you were just a scientist?

Strasser: What do you know of science? Are you a scientist? Do you have any idea how far ahead of the rest of the world we Nazi scientists were? Do you have any ideas? They criticize Mengele's twin studies, yet his findings are still cited by the world's leading genetics! The Dachau experiments in freezing human beings - those data were still used! What they learned at Ravensbruck about what happens to the female menstrual cycle under stress - when the women learned they were about to be executed - scientifically it was a breakthrough! Or maybe it's not polite to talk about it, but you still use our sciences. You'd rather not think about how the experiments were done, but don't you realise that one of the main reasons we were so advanced was precisely because we were able to experiment on live human beings?

Sometimes, we are all so bent up in blaming them but they did bring about scientific breakthroughs gruesome as it may sound. Because, they have brought about a lot of scientific breakthroughs which have proved to be useful in the next century.

But, still... to bring about harm to other people for what? For what we call science?

Sometimes there are things so hard to grasp. Such as this. I kinda understand the scientists, yes... but the way they conducted their experiments.. is just too much.

Did "the end justify the means"? or Did it not ? Would it be a matter of choosing the lesser evil ?

Honesta turpitudo est pro causa bona? { For a good cause, wrongdoing is virtuous ? }

I think everyone is right given their own model of the world. Hitler thought he was doing good for the German people.... and so he thought he was right. What's really awful was HALF OF THE HUMAN RACE BELIEVED HIM. If I say the world is flat.... and half of the world believed me.. It would'nt be that crazy.

Maybe it really depends on what model your world is.... Because in the end there would be no rights or wrongs. It is just a matter of expressing who you are.

In this world of contradictions..... of ironies.... of relativity.... the question you have to answer, was the one what Shakespeare asked:

To be or not to be.
Even Peter Parker was baffled with who HE is.... but in the end he have to choose... would he be just Peter Parker? or would he be "who" he was meant to be?

He asked: WHO AM I? A lot of times... maybe in the movie we heard it only twice.. once when the movie started..and another when it ended. He answered he was Peter Parker.... but in the end when he asked.. WHO AM I? He answered I'm Spiderman.

We all come around with choices to be WHO WE ARE.... but once you choose who you want to be... the WHO YOU ARE NOT challenges you all the time..

are you LOVE? *then all your life you would face people that would express it's opposite*
are you a HEALER ? *then you would be in a place where sickness thrives*
are you a PROVIDER? *then you go to the needy*
are you the LIGHT ? *then you will be placed in Darkness*

After choosing who you are... there would be SACRIFICES. CHOICES. and of course meeting your DESTINY... whatever it is you choosed to be.
but then always remember.... the greatest battle LIES WITHIN.

I never meant to end this post plugging SPIDERMAN 3 but what I just talked about ended with SPIDERMAN.. because there's really truth behind that movie. Kinda related. Specially with the "to be or not to be". Spiderman faced that question. He was asked to choose countless of times and he was able to stand up with what he believes in and even Spidey tried giving up. S

Sometimes, we feel like giving up. In the quest of doing and manifesting who we are.... we sometimes give up... because we THOUGHT that the CHALLENGES are GREATER than US. But truth is.... WE ARE GREATER THAN THE CHALLENGES.. and I tell you there is no challenge... we can't overcome.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Davao Spots

I got tagged by Raine.

Instructions: A tag for Davao bloggers! Honorary Dabawenyos, feel free to jump in!This tag game is about your favorite haunts in our beloved Davao City. Where do you go for much-needed relaxation? What about for working out those flabs? Where do you find yourself when you’re with someone you want to impress? Let’s bring all of these Davao places out in the blogosphere!

Here goes my list:

COFFEE : Figaro

DATES : What ? Mhmm dates? Treat me lavishly... Eden Nature Park. Bwahaha. or La Toscana would be fine. Di naman ako demanding.


BIZ MEETINGS: Our home is good for biz meetings. Actually I don't know... Uhmm prolly Marco Polo.. it's the best hotel in town and perfect for almost everything (expensive nga lang).

HANGING OUT : Lachi's, Our home (again, I don't hang out that much eh, I hang-in most of the time.. ayy ang korny!), and Jack's Ridge very windy and not that far.

PARTYING : I don't know. I don't go out. I never went out.

PIGGING OUT :

Breakfast: Paradise Beach Resort (I tried getting up early with the family just to have breakfast at the island).

Lunch: Bigby's (for big appetites), or for eat-all-you-can places? Cafe Marco(Marco Polo)

Dessert: Lachi's or Bistro Rosario *my fave Mango Charlotte*(for cakes or desserts)

Dinner: Dusk till Dawn (for people who love native chicken *they open from dusk pm till dawn am), Ah fat Seafood Restaurant(Chinese resto, yummy food. you can order ostrich dishes or even peking duck if they have one available) & Sen Ton Whan.

Catering: Leandro's

MASSAGE : I never had a massage session.. but I do have a card at some massage center that I did not use.. Heck, I even forgot the name....

WORKING OUT : I don't work out... but there's one place where most of my classmates go "Holiday Spa".

WINDOW-SHOPPING: Chimes

GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL: Seems like Davao is a place for getting away from it all... Salumay (it's still part of Davao City), Samal Island (be it Pearl Farm, Paradise Island or Malipano *very private*), Loleng's Mountain Resort and Eden Nature Park.

Im tagging everyone who resides in Davao... na hindi pa na tag... and of course to those who visited Davao who wants to do the tag. I'm sure Kenneth would love to do this... will you? Hehe.


Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Summer Spring

Imagine yourself you are in a cold place.... and the sun beats down hard upon you... and imagine it's futile attempt to make you feel it's 'heat'....

Let's go down and enter an unspoiled paradise.... it's not that grand and nothing modern about the place... but hey, it's cold.. the perfect way to go loll around the place... forgetting that "heat" exists....





Let's go down the steps from the car park leading down to the entrance....






Entering the resort would mean having to pay it's entrance fee......


There's a mini sari sari store beside the entrance, where the caretaker of the resort stays.......






Look up!

You can find big trees looming overhead...... old ones... untouched...




















What a delight to see different flowers you rarely see in the city......


They come in blue....



Red.......







Whiteeeee........



and Pink...


growing wildly.......
















And of course butterflies you can chase whole day long..... while they take their own dose of nectars from the flowers....















Let me take you to the trail that leads you down

the cold spring................





And lo and behold....



after what seems like an endless trail.....


It leads you down.....


down...




the hidden spring....





small as it may seem...



It is deep..... (for a liliputian like moi) and freezing....













Now... It's up to you...


to Jump or Dive in.




















Monday, April 23, 2007

The Reel

I was out for 2 days. Went to Salumay again. Got lovely pictures of the flowers and I will be posting them here next time. More Salumay-venture stories to come....

I love movies... but I don't get to watch that much like I used to before.... some are outdated..so bear with me. Hehe. :) Got this tag from Jhed.

1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.

Jungle Book - would this count? (my first answer and it's cartoon!) This was the only "video" (betamax pa noon) that I had when I was a kid that my aunt would play over and over again with me.

2. Name a movie that you’ve seen multiple times in the theater.

Can't name one because honestly, I don't spend much time in theaters. I would watch a movie once and that's it. I wanna be productive with my time. Hehe.

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.

Matt Damon

4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.

Arnold Schwarzenegger? Hehehe. Too much muscle. But, I watch any movie as long as the mood strikes me.. and I'm not really particular with who's taking the lead and and all that.

5. Name a movie that you can and do quote from.

I'm a quote addict! That's why I prefer watching movies from cd's it's because I love to pause and write the quotes.

Spirituality is not religion. Religion divides people. Belief in something unites them - Flight of the Phoenix.

Sometimes in order to see the light you have to risk the dark - Minority Report

6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.

Sound of Music - "The hills are alive with the sound of mussssssssiccccccc......."

High School Musical - We hear it everywhere.....

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.

Spirit, Lion King... mostly Disney films.

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.

The Good Son - I'm not sure if everyone would like it. Some psycho movie that stars Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood. Pretty disturbing. :)

The Eye Infinity: : Its a funny horror movie.

9. Name a movie that you own.

Lots. Lots.

10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.

Uhmm... I'm not particular with this.. I can't name one.

11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?

Errr. No drive-ins here. :P

12. Ever made out inside a theater?

o_O No way.

13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven’t yet gotten around to it.

A lot!

14. Ever walked out of a movie?

Nope.

15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.

Uhm.. I can't remember. Maybe teary-eyed in most parts.... but I don't bawl in public.

I usually cry when I'm alone and watching the video at home. Sometimes... I really love to watch movies alone... (unless it's horror) because I get to cry freely. I cry over anything.

I even cried over The Alamo when I was watching it with my brother... the part when they were attacked.... and everyone died.... T_T. Both of us were suddenly silent and then...

Me: Pao, did you cry?
Pao: Yeah... I did... T_T
Me: Me too... T_T

16. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater?

Ang Cute ng Ina Mo. Nyahaha.

17. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie?

Thriller/Suspense. Any movie involving spies. Out-of-this-world movies... actually any genre will do... as long as the story is captivating...

18. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?

The Lion King.

19. What movie do you wish you had never seen?

Cannibal Holocaust - I actually did not see the whole thing. I was covering my face with a pillow. C`est terrible!!!!!! I wanna forget it!!!!

Titus - it won lots of awards.. but it's just eekieeee. although somehow the story is good... but ugh.. I dont like the part when the only daughter of Titus was raped and her hands and tongue was cut off so as she can't speak... and in retaliation Titus son's killed the two guys who raped their sister..... and then made it into a human pie. A human pie for crying out loud! *blech* And then they served it to the mother of the two guys who is also evil. *BLECH* *GAGS*

20. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?

Ehmm.. IL MARE - somehow... it's hard to grasp the time thingy and all that... but I liked the movie. Some parts may be dragging but even though... its dragging.. I liked the whole plot... the unique story line.... basta.

21. What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?

The Ring - I watched it mga 11pm and then I stayed awake till 6am lying in my bed unable to sleep. Hehe.

22. What is the funniest movie you’ve seen?

The Eye Infinity: It's supposed to be a "horror movie"... a sequel to The Eye 1 and 2. That's why me and my friends rented it. But, most of the scenes were pretty funny... Basta. You have to watch it. It's a movie I want to watch over and over again.. converting other people to like the movie as well. I want a copy of this movie as well.

Any Jackie Chan films. :)

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Have a lovely week everyone!!!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Ch-Changes

Change.

They say the only constant thing in this world is CHANGE. Life is all about changes. We cannot simply afford to just slack off when we are comfortable with something or a situation. We all need to GROW and in order to grow, we need to CHANGE. If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. It is inevitable.

Growth is the only evidence of life. ~John Henry Newman, Apologia pro vita sua, 1864

I've been hearing complaints about the government, in fact when was the last time people stopped complaining and started changing ? I mean yes, the government may have it's faults, and sure we have every right to complain.. but I hope for a change... those people who got nothing to do with their life would stop blaming the government and start changing for the better.

You see, part of what stops people from growing is "complaining". They see other people's faults without seeing theirs. They prefer to blame other people because they cannot afford to take responsibility for their own life.

Changes comes with responsibility. Your life would be better, if you stop complaining and blaming other people for what is happening in your life and start to accept the responsibilities that goes with "human rights". We should be aware that we are all responsible for our own actions. And whatever that is happening in our life is the result of our actions.

Q: So.. how do we effectively change our circumstances? Given that we cannot complain(oh, which is bliss!) and blame it on other people because we are supposed to be responsible for our own actions and circumstances which are the result....?

I'm not really saying that you cannot complain, I'm just pointing out that it's better to do some changing rather than complaining. Its much more productive... and it helps you grow.

Change
starts within. So you will understand clearly why change starts from within.. I will take the example from Bob P. about the mirror images. :)

Take a look at that picture. So, you see a woman with a camera with her reflectionssss. And I mean reflectionssss.

The woman would represent you (never mind that you are a guy, imagine this time you are that woman). The images or the reflections she has has would be the "circumstances" in your life.

Now, you want to change the circumstances, because you are not happy with that result. Where do you think, (in this case the mirror image) would you try to change... "the certain mirror image" or the "woman holding the camera" ?

You see, people are so bent up in trying to change their circumstances, their home, the PEOPLE AROUND THEM, blah and blah except THEMSELVES.... and then when nothing happens they go about complaining nothing is changing.

They want to CHANGE THEIR LIFE... but they do not want to change themselves.

Things do not change, WE CHANGE.

Trying to change the circumstances would be like this "mirror image". You cannot change anything if you try to change the "reflections" of you.

Your circumstances are the reflections of WHO YOU ARE. If you want to change your reflection, do a little shifting of emotions..... listen to your spirit... listen to the voice within.

Before you complain, take a good look at yourself.... and see what needs to be changed inside of you.

Remember:

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ~Author unknown

It's the most unhappy people who most fear change. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

since

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. ~Confucius

but.. also BE WEARY because...

All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. ~Ellen Glasgow

Image from: Shanner

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

MoMoMoMoM

I never thought I could be tagged by this because I'm not a mom. Hehe. But.... the one who tagged me .... Ate Mari thought I should write about what I think about my mom and what she does...

Rules: Put up a post "Real Moms (insert what they do here)", followed by an explanation, a photo, and a "Real Moms. Making...". Then tag five people.

A real mom loves unconditionally. Whatever it is that you do(crossing the line, annoying them to bits, being stubborn), they might punish you but their love stays the same.

and...

A real mom disciplines with love. This goes with loving unconditionally.

A real mom is a treasure..... she is like a diamond that sparkles.

A real mom talks much. I remember a quote I found online....

"Some mothers are kissing mothers, while others are scolding mothers, but it's love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together." (and my mom is the kiss-and-scold-type)

A real mom has a TOUCH different from others. We often hear people call it the "mother's touch". It sure is different... because they are made of tenderness....

A real mom knows.. a mom understands what their kids won't say.... they know... because they are intuitive.

A real mom shows the path.... and lights your way in the dark. What with all the love they show.... the discipline... the talks.... it is for our future....

So.. I am supposed to tag five people...

I'm tagging Ate Serey, and Ate Ann (I know you both are busy but... do this when you have the time.. hehe) and I'll be tagging the singles: Katia, Krisha, and Joy.

Enjoy the rest of the SUMMER! (Oh and this Saturday and Sunday.. it's back to Salumay for me... with 3 of my friends-turned-biz-partners)

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Go Swim

Got nothing to do? Here's something to keep you busy

Got this from Ate Gladys. :P

1. go to www.google.com

2. click on “maps”

3. click on “get directions”

4. type New York in the first box (the “from” box)

5. type London in the second box (the “to” box) & hit “get

directions” on the same line

6. scroll down to step #24


Friday, April 13, 2007

13teen

It's Friday the 13th.

Some say it's lucky others say it's unlucky.... I searched it's history...there's nothing to be afraid of really.

I like 13... since it's pretty much my birthdate.

If only there would be a 13th month.... I'd name it Elaramber.

Why Elaramber? Hehe. Find out yourself... and you would win a trip to Timbuktu. Hehe. *ok-i'm-only-joking*


Random 13 Little bits of Trivia

  1. The tune for the "A-B-C" song is the same as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." - *I'm sure most of you knows this by now...*
  2. The nursery rhyme Ring Around the Rosey is a rhyme about the plague. Infected people with the plague would get red circular sores ("Ring around the rosey..."), these sores would smell very badly so common folks would put flowers on their bodies somewhere (inconspicuously), so that it would cover the smell of the sores ("...a pocket full of posies..."), People who died from the plague would be burned so as to reduce the possible spread of the disease ("...ashes, ashes, we all fall down!")
  3. In Disney's "Fantasia", the Sorcerer's name is "Yensid" (Disney backwards.)
  4. M&M's stands for the last names of Forrest Mars, Sr., then candymaker, and his associate Bruce Murrie.
  5. Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain was born on a day in 1835 when Haley's Comet came into veiw. When He died in 1910, Haley's Comet came into view again. In 1909, Twain is quoted as saying:
    I came in with Halley's Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. It will be the greatest disappointment of my life if I don't go out with Halley's Comet. The Almighty has said, no doubt: 'Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together. from: Wikipedia
  6. The original story from Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights begins, "Aladdin was a little Chinese boy."
  7. When a film is in production, the last shot of the day is the "martini shot".
  8. It is a misdemeanor to kill or threaten a butterfly, says City Ordinance No. 352 in Pacific Grove, California.
  9. Only 1/3 of the people that can twitch their ears can twitch only one at a time. - *Well, I'm not the 1/3, I can only twitch my ears but not one at a time.*
  10. "Speak of the Devil" is short for "Speak of the Devil and he shall come". It was believed that if you spoke about the Devil it would attract his attention. That's why when your talking about someone and they show up people say "Speak of the Devil"
  11. Mickey Mouse is known as "Topolino" in Italy, and "Musse Pigg" in Swedish.
  12. Originally there were 24 stars in the Paramount Logo but it was later reduced into 22.
  13. Rondeau is a poem with 13 lines.
The best poem in Rondeau is the World War I poem, In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Going Random 1

Nothing exciting is going on... so I might as well bombard you with Information today... and share five random nothings that might be something. I'll be having this kind of segment when the mood strikes me.. hehe

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1. I.T. Parks

Cebu just had their I.T. park... and I was really eyeing Damosa's progress ever since then. I know it would be proclaimed as an I.T. park one day... and it was. Damosa (Davao Motor Sales), is a place here in Davao.... and it is being developed. New establishments opens almost every other week.

Related Topic: Arroyo okays Damosa land as IT Park

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2. La Toscana - A taste of Italy

I finally got the chance to dine at La Toscana last April 1, 2007. It is an authentic Italian restaurant... with the Italian owner as it's chef. Lovely, cozy place and yummy authentic Italian dishes.

So, if you visit Davao and you are craving for an Italian dish... drop by @ La Toscana

Review over the place: HERE

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3. Photo-Reading

I saw a video about Photo-Reading last night... I got three techniques that I need to work on. I know it's not enough, but-hey I will perfect it and when I get the whole Photo-reading module.. I'd be photo-readig everything! Woohoo.

So.. Watch out my Mushroom Book Stands.. I won't be buying loads of books.. I'd photo read them in a couple of minutes and see whether I want to buy it or not.

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4.Korean-Infested

Ive seen loads of Korean business people ever since last year. They've been investing loads of money here in Davao, in fact they have already overtaken the investment of the Japs here.

In fact one of our hotels, Apo View was rented for a year by the Koreans... they opened up a Korean barbeque... hmmm that's one place I would love to try.

Info here: Korean Business Chamber in Davao

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5.A Mount Apo hiker dies

I saw the news and the video of his drowning. Yes, he drowned at Lake Venado, just below the peak of Mount Apo . The natives in Apo believed the Lake is enchanted, and it was not it's first incident. Many hikers have died when they tried to swim the lake.

Come on, who wouldn't? The lake is 20 ft deep and cold, for crying out loud. The hiker was recovered after 3 days.

So, before you jump-in... safety first guys. :)

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Salumay Busay Adventure

Last thursday(April 5, 2007) we headed to Salumay to spend a night there. Salumay is an hour and 30 minute drive away from Davao. Located at the border of Davao and Bukidnon. Salumay is a few minutes away from Epol Waterfalls and it is before Seagull Beach Resort. The Globe satellite is just near and so if you are a Globe subscriber you won't be fretting about the signal (I heard Globe has a signal in Mount Apo as well).

Salumay is planned to be developed and be claimed as Mindanao's Summer Capital. It is cold there... somewhat like Baguio.



We stayed at Salumay Busay resort. They have limited rooms and so you have to call, in advance and book yourselves a room which costs 750 a night. They have a huge ground for tennis/badminton and at night , you can also pitch a tent. I don't know how much the overnight stay while pitching the tent on the ground would cost.

I went with the rest of the family, when I say the-rest-of-the-family, it would mean 8-10 families).

Left picture: From L-R: Ate Kai, Empire, Me and Darlene.



They called it Salumay Busay Resort for nothing....

It has a cold spring!

Busay is Spring in english. Salumay if you translate it into english would be "Diving In"... and how fitting! The place has lots of cold spring waiting to be discovered and to be dived in.




Gosh.. when you step in the water.. it is freezing and would make your teeth chatter in seconds.



The pool is small but it's deep. Maybe 8 feet ? 9 ? I'm not sure. All I know is that it is deep.




Me and the rest of the girls: from L-R: Darlene, A.V., Jboy, Ate Kai, Abigail, and me in the salbabida.. (too chicken to be without it..)





The other side of the pool. :)







The greatest challenge I faced during our stay at the Busay was jumping.

I'm not afraid of heights, I am mortified with the depth of the water. Me, knowing how deep it would be created a turmoil.

I'm usually a daredevil when I was young.. but as I aged away(woot parang matanda na talaga) from challenges and all those fear-factor-adventure.... it's welling up on me... and now faced with this challenge.. argghh! But, I know I have to do it... just that... you know...


The first one who jumped from the four(Ate kai, Abigail, Darlene and Me) of us was Ate Kai (left pic).

Saying... in her jump...... that "It-is-ok" and "Everything's alright.

She swims.. so it wasn't hard for her. I don't swim. I have a couple of those I-almost-drowned experience and one drowning incident when I was 6 or 7.

The second one was Abigail. No problem for her because she swims as well. :P



I was the third person to jump.


I decided to jump if the salbabida would be just beyond my reach (although, it's just near for crying out loud but just in case..).

It took me a long time to jump... but I did.. with sheer horror and the feeling of having and wanting it to be over.

It was really a nothing-jump compared to my jump when I was 16 at Darong River which really literally made me experience the for-a-moment-everything-was-still and my heart-stopped...and it was a long jump.

This jump... is a short one. You'd reach the water before you can say Gone-with-the-wind. And, I wasn't lying when I said sheer horror because I was dreading it. And.. if you look closely, the pic I posted is also embarassing. It showed me in my oh-im-sooo-terrified state.





The last one to jump was my sister Darlene. Hehe. Funny pose noh ? :P The jump made her touch the bottom and sit. Like her, she was also terrified out of her mind.

But, we are planning to experience more of those fear-factor stuffs this summer. We should. Hehe. :)







A video that shows the dive of three kids:

Papo, Paolo (my bro), and Keisha....





Our day at Salumay was not all let's-jump-and-dive-in. We also baby sat for two kids... who would exhilarate you...

Ahhh.. the joys and frustrations of Aiah and Empire.... Joy when they smile.... frustrated when they cry hehe.. but thats part of being a kid.....

But we had fun chasing them around while they chase chickens and butterflies.

Another good thing when you are at Salumay are the butterflies, dragonflies and flowers. You would see black and bloody-red colored butterflies - a not so common color... the red and white with almost transparent black wing of another butterfly, a black and yellow butterfly... and other lovely variations. Also with the dragonflies... they are big and they have vibrant colors. Sooo pleasing to the eye.

Flowers are abundant in this part. You would squeal in delight when you chanced upon them only if you love flowers.

If you want to just stay for a day there are cottages which costs for Php 75 only. You can organize a retreat over here.... and rent a 2-story building for only 3,000.00 :)

All in all... it was fun and a great experience. The sissiness (if there is such a word, and yes my dictionary says no) of my jump, chasing kids and butterflies, cooking at dawn for everyone... and the twisting and turning because it's just too cold to sleep... was all worth it. :)

Thanks sa mga Easter gifts: Appreciate it lots: from Len, Lhyz and Yagi

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

B-O-O-K-S

Got this tag from Mariel.

1. You're stuck inside Farenheit 451. What book do you want to be?

How do i answer this?

Ive searched about this certain question in the meme.. some believes:

  • it is a book you want to memorize: if that's the case it would have to be The Bible. You see there are a lot of ageless wisdom in the book, that I want to keep in mind forever and also when other people talk about a certain character in the Bible, I can relate. There are a lot of sayings that's been going around in the family like, being a Melchizedek (one that tries to be the middleperson), having your Isaac(Isaac would mean the sacrifice), being Judas (traitor) and the likes..
  • which book do you want to be [saved] ? : Ive seen some meme's adding "saved" at the end.. sooo.. if that's the case it would have to be rawrrr.. I can't think of ONE book to save.. I want to save each and every book in the world!!!
I think the second question makes sense, because I read what Fahrenheit451 (unfortunately, I haven't read it yet) is all about. It's about a fireman whose task was to burn books and houses that hold them and persecute who owns them. Basically it's about an era where books are not allowed (sounds like Equilibrium; the banning of emotions). Sounds interesting.

2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?

Uhmm.. *me thinks* I guess so. Haha. When I was like in fourth grade till H.S. I was pretty much fond of reading Sweet Valley books and I somehow got attached with the characters over there... and basically liking a few guy characters. Hehe.

3. The last books you bought were:

Gideon's Torch (Charles Colson), Season (Constance O'day Flannery), Into the Garden (V.C. Andrews), and Always a Thief(Kay Hooper)

4. The last books given to you were:

*me thinks* If you count me coercing my mom to buy me the Angels & Demons and the Alchemist last January... or the time when my mom treated me and my siblings at National Bookstore and pick all the books we like... till the fat lady sings (unfortunately we only had 45 minutes to go look for books we like that time).

5. Three books that would have made more of a difference in life had I read them years earlier:

I don't think any book would make a difference if I've read those earlier... because you have to basically consider the fact whether you could actually understand it if you read it before or you are aware with what you are reading...

Ive read the Alchemist 2-3 years ago before and basically it did not have a HUGE impact on me when I decided to re-read it again this year....

I believe these books(specially self-help) have come to me at the right time and when the reader is ready... the book will arrive. Muwahaha. (Just like when the student is ready, the teacher will arrive)

6. Three books I borrowed and don't want to return anymore:

Can it be three books THEY borrowed that I want back? haha.

If I have to borrow maybe it's those HP books, but everyone's possessive with their HP books.. no one wants to lend me those. Hah. You wait. I'll buy all seven when I get the $.

7. Three books I wanted to like more:

  1. The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder (a Pulitzer prize winner) - It's too techie.. and veryyy descriptive.. it bores me!!! I did not finish it.. but I want to....
  2. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown - Uhmm it has the same plot with Deception Point.
  3. Deception Point by Dan Brown - you figure it out.

8. Three books I pretended to have read:

Uhmmm... I don't know... wala.

9. Three books I am happy I bought last year: (I'm making mine four!)

  1. The Charm School by Nelson DeMille - EXCITING. I did not know about Nelson Demille and then when I finally gotten around to reading his book, his book seems to be everywhere on second-hand-bookstores and hardbound for crying out loud. He wrote General's Daughter the one made into a movie... amazing!
  2. Follow the Stars Home by LuAnne Rice - Lovely, heartwarming book. Ever since... Ive scoured bookstores for her novels. Lovely paperback designs as well.
  3. Fortune is a Woman by Elizabeth Adler - nice nice book. love it. (still searching for books written by her)
  4. Games of the Hangman by Victor O`Reilly - Great book!!! Very thrilling. (still searching for books written by Victor. )

10. Three books I wish I had written:

  1. The Icarus Agenda by Robert Ludlum
  2. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
  3. The Chronicles of Narnia(all 7!) by C.S. Lewis
Haha Notice something on the list? 2 of them are best sellers making money $$$$$. Bwahaha. If I have to be a writer, it should be something everyone raves about. Haha.

Im tagging Ate Sasha and Arianne (If you guys have time.. kasi mga readers din kayo eh!)

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I really want to join the Mount Apo Hike this year... but I guess it's not yet time. Hayyy... some of the family will go climb starting tomorrow!! T_T Next year... I will.. I should!!!

I'll be leaving for Salumay tomorrow. One of the coldest part daw here in Davao... Im not sure if its really part of the city or something....

We will be staying there for a night. Be back by Friday night I guess. :)

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Summer's Here!

Summer's Here! Haha. (As if I am soo into summer!) One good thing about this summer is.. I have no summer class. Zilch. Nada. Hah.

To all those blogger friends of mine who alerted me about "the-layout-glitch", thank you! :) If, it weren't for you guys.. I wouldn't have known. I guess the previous layout went gaga when you viewed it in IE or something. (I'm using Mozilla -_-)

Just so I could feel the "summer wave", I poured out a freshhh new summer look. A bit pinky and orange-y... yes. ( Sorry, to all pink-and-orange haters. Hehe)

I have soo many pending tags to-do. Ill be posting two. The other one by Mariel would be tomorrow. hehe :P

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Tagged by Blogie:

3 or 4 funny things you do to relieve stress. When deadlines are fast approaching but you’re not even halfway through. When your boss is on your ass like a crazed bullrider. When you feel your salary (or allowance) just doesn’t fit your preferred lifestyle. When you partner feels he/she just isn’t getting enough from you.
Im not sure if my list would be funny....but doesnt matter. Here's what I do when I'm stressed:
  1. Obviously, I would go and read a good book. Nyahaha. (Relax and see a movie would not work for me).
  2. ICE CREAM (Vanilla) - nothing's funny about this though.
  3. and uhmmm.. space out, daydream till i doze off.
Tag: Avy, and Ychel
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This is one weird tag.. I can't mention whoever tagged me... :)

1. Your lunch today - Sandwich / Choco -Vanilla Cheesecake (YumYum)
2. Last movie that you have seen? - The Core
3.Song you never got tired of listening - Remembering You - Steve Chapman
4. TV show you are watching right now - not watching... I'm in front of the PC!
5.Missing someone, a boy, perhaps? - Haaaa? Cguro.
6. Movie you want to see this month - Sooo manyy!!! I wanna watch every movie in planet earth (hayy ang korni)
7. Last song you heard/watched on MTV - I can't remember. But uhmm the last song I heard was uhmm it goes like this... "Walk on by.... walk on.. walk on by.."
8. You want to eat - Cake CAKE..did I say cake?
9.Ever cried because of a boy - Sekreto aron bibo! hahaha.
10. First movie you’ve ever seen in a movie theater - Cant remember. Ahh movie theater?? Lion King i think.
11. First blog you’ve visited today [excluding yours] - Dwinny
12. Do you want guys to be the ones who’ll make the first move? - Yeah
13. Ever had a crush on someone of the same gender? - Huh? Nope.
14. The last person you’ve ever taken a photo of ? - My sister.
15. Did somebody ever say you were good at cooking? - waaahhh.. the question is Do i cook? :P

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That's all for now. Its late. Woot. Woot. :) Blessed Lenten Season. :)

{ edit }

Congratulations Winners!!!! :)

Best Personal Blog: Misteryosa
Best Home & Living Blog: Wifely Steps
Best Socio-Political Blog: Philippine Commentary
Best News & Media Blog: Inside PCIJ
Best Fashion & Lifestyle Blog: Bryanboy: Le Superstar Fabuleux
Podcast of the Year: HappySlip
Best Technology Blog: Leon Kilat: The Cybercafe Experiments
Best Business/Entrepreneur Blog: Reflections of a BizDrivenLife
Best Entertainment Blog: Retzwerx
Best Sports & Recreation Blog: Who rides a Vespa?
Best Travel Blog: Ivan About Town
PhotoBlog of the Year: Señor Enrique: Wish You Were Here

For the Special Awards winners, we have…

Best Blog Design: Far from Neutral Notions
Best Free Custom Theme: Blu3zin3
Best Plugin/Extension: iPap
Best OFW Blog: Kwentong Tambay
Bloggers’ Choice Awards: MarketManila

And last but not the least, the Globe Broadband Awards winners…

Blog Achievement Award: The Mommy Journals
Pinoy Ako Blog Award: ederic@cyberspace
Family Blog Award: About My Recovery
Blogirl Award: Well Whatever
Deliblog Award: Dessert Comes First



Monday, April 02, 2007

Five(5) Natural Emotions - Finale

You've read and totally come to understand the Five Natural Emotions I have shared from a book I've read. But these things are not new, everyone knows this. We just need a lil reminder now and then - (from your responses/comments I have come to realize many things).

We've all come to realize in short that these natural emotions when repressed produces unnatural emotions. Any emotion that causes harm to other people or anything that might bring you harm is unnatural. Most natural emotions have been repressed, we have been taught to repress them.

But, we must all remember that these natural emotions are our friends, our tools, the gifts with which to shape our experience. We should embrace them, and learn how to use them to our advantage without hurting anyone along the way.

Yet, all human actions comes down to two(2) emotions. All human actions are based or motivated at their deepest level by two emotions - love and fear.

All human actions creeds, bleeds into two key concerns - LOVE and FEAR.

The two are the opposite ends of this world of relativity. Every human thought and action, is based in either love or fear. All decisions affecting education, poverty, politics, nations, war, peace, terrorism, and environment, - all choices involving every subject in this world - every single choice we make arises either out of love or fear.

Let us learn how to make choices using love and not of fear. For fear-based actions causes unnatural reactions while love-based actions causes natural responses - and oh joy!.

I want to elaborate more... but I guess I'm running out of words to fully explain everything that's inside. But I know, somehow you're getting what I'm trying to say. :)

To all GRADUATES: HAPPY GRADUATION!! (may be a bit too late, but hey better late than never)

Blessed Lenten Season.... and ENJOY THE REST OF THE SUMMER!