Biography Workshop in Davao

 

Dearest Family and Friends,

To those who will be in Davao City on April 2 - April 3, 2012.... I'm inviting you to join us in a 2 day Life Review Retreat.... (it's a bummer that it's a weekday... but so far we got confirmations who will be there despite work.... most of them taking leaves or just plain absent... for those who just graduated... it's the perfect time!) Woohoo!

I'm excited since I will be taking the workshop for the first time. This will ground me for the World Festival we plan to create by year 2013! (and we are planning as we speak). 

We all know what we want, what we don't want, our irks and quirks..... but do we really know what we are meant to DO?

What is the Workshop about?

To become more conscious of our purpose, to come very close and reach our highest possibilities.

What's the process?

Through a guided methodological reflection on our life, we can awaken to our deepest striving. You will be guided to uncover the deep patterns in your life to help awaken the deepest intentions that you have been carrying with you. The way your life, with all its struggles and achievements, has unfolded through time contains the key to understanding your past and provides an important foundation for recognizing your life task. When you discover this, you will unlock incredible new life horizons that can be of tremendous benefit to yourself, as well as to others and to your world.

So yeah.... if you are joining...

WELL..... SEE YOU THIS MONDAY!!!!

With this I leave you with something that Mitch Albom said: 

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

What's the Rave?

Hulloh! How is everybody doing?

I've noticed that it seems like I am making a career out of posting a blogpost once a month!

My days are sometimes swarmed with activities that sometimes I just wanna head off the beach and go enjoy the waves while reading a book. 

Last weekend, I attended the District Assembly of Rotaractors and Interactors here in Davao for District 3860. It went well. It's great that they invited Ms. Joji Ilagan Bian to be the guest speaker which proved to be very inspiring among students which composed a majority of the audience.

The recently concluded pre-Kadayawan event "Cycle For Life" and the "Dream Davao" exhibit at People's Park went well. Although with so little time to plan a week-long event we fell short of our expectations. Meaning there were more "something could've worked better" ideas than what we did. But, despite the many "firsts" and recent "learnings", one thing we gained at the event was having the bond. of just having known each other for a month to come together for a specific purpose of calling various individuals and organizations who wants to make Davao better. oh di ba? diretso field. 

Photo: Sorry don't know who took this picture. Pls. contact me lang if this is yours and ill place the credit. thanks.

For RACMPD (Rotaract Club of Munting Pag-Asa Davao), we also had our first ever fundraising bazaar during Kadayawan. We were selling baked goodies and all proceeds will go to our club and mostly to support Kythe Foundation*.

But, Tina, you might ask... all work and no play? Of course not!

In between the busy-ness of many "for the world" events..... I managed to meet up with my College Buds and High School Chums....in between the events I am in (i invite them!) and also having separate get-togethers...

one during the birthday of my godson to which i am the fairy godmama! HAHAHA. and one of our friend is pregggy!!! another godson in the making. Vavavroooom!!

also our high school chum meet-up was simply that.... get together to talk about what's up with our own lives...

How about family??? Sometimes I managed to stay at home one day after the event... and sometimes i'd drag my brother and sister to help me out in the booth which they are supporting me with....and i'd help out with dad and mom with their recent garden... which i will post pictures of soon... :)


it's September.... and more life-changing events which i will impart soon!


*Kythe Foundation - foundation for cancer patient kids.

With so much love,

Tina


P.S. HAPPPYYYY BIRTHDAY To my beloved Aunt... Aunt Tita!!!!!!!LOVE YOU!!!! She reads my blog.... most of the time. :) 

Take The Train

Vavavroom! I'm halfway through the coaching program... and with this program I found long lost brothers and sisters. Grabe!!!

So many things have happened. I never knew my calendar would be this full! Haha. There was never a boring moment....

I'm becoming more and more confident. There's the teensy weensy little bitty scaredy-cat within but I can overcome it na.

My journal was right when it said: "Take a LEAP of FAITH."

I could say this is one of the best journey I've taken. Best train ever!

I'm so blessed with my coaches..... My council got 2. There's Coach Bong and Coach Jic. Also, my lovely buddy Ate Claire, my BIZU group (Jaysee and Rhodz)..... and the rest of TEAM 48 POSIBLE +.

Through this program I found life-long brothers and sisters. Not just friends. Ahhhh. The best talaaaagaaa!

I want to take the program again!! For next quarter's theme!! Super duper nice. LEAP TEAM 49: Time of My Life. AHHHHHHH.

If you want to take the train....... to one of the best rides ever.... with fun loving individuals... another train is scheduled this coming weekend.... June 4-5, 2011. At OCCI, 6th Floor, Emerald Building, Ortigas Jr. Road.

Cheers to a WORLD THAT WORKS WITH NO ONE LEFT OUT!

I LOVE YOUUUU DEAR READERS!!! (OO, I AM SO FULL OF LOVE NA... I COULD PROBABLY END UP DATING MYSELF.... hahahaha).

taking a LEAP of FAITH

I would quote my Angel Snippets blog for this: "Life has a way of surprising you without really surprising you."

If the weekend of Earth was something short of magical what with the wedding of the century happening (and me missing out on the kiss at the balcony because I was in the workshop of my life.).... and also with the news that Osama died.... (a reason for mature reflection and some repose....)... my weekend was just beginning to unfold.......

It was as if some unmistakable divine force weaved it's awesome power and managed to pull me in with the flow and join POSIBLE+ LEAP 48.

I was reluctant during the last minute. I reserved my place last January but my fears got ahead of me and I didn't submit to the pre-coaching. But, in the end with pre-coaching or not, a little nudge from the Universe made me LEAP.

What made me join?

In the "embrazzo" of the FLEX Teens where my brother joined, the parents of teenagers convened (whom we really know well ganged up on me and my mom). They were saying: "Join LEAP!!! so that we are together... so that Davao will have a lot of representative."

Say: "Bye, Bye to your brain!" they would say over and over again. But, what struck me was.... Tito Leo Avila's question: "Look, we all have a vision and dream for Davao, right?"

And my heart jumped and it actually brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I have dreams for Davao... and here I am presented with an opportunity to make my life better and I am hesitating?

and so... I said: "yes". But, with a doubt... well.. mhmm not exactly that.. I was SCARED!!!!

with all my fabulous encouragement, my uplifting words..... i was merely projecting to my inner self.... because I AM SCARED! I have heart loaded with fears..... oh dear me!

Also.. the recent weekend made me realize a lot of things.... yes, I know a lot.... yes, I've read about things... and somehow with all the trainings I've had... I've become jaded. It's like: "yeah, yeah.... I know all of that."

But, then the weekend made me confront my inner fears.... and also my blockages. I was withholding love ... therefore I can't give anyone that yet.

I thought I have gone through the process of forgiveness already... but my heart still grieves. I just denied the whole thing.... oh dear... I made a shortcut to the game.. and now the game is trying to shortcut me. So... instead from now on.... I'm gonna be true to the game! Be more honest with how I am feeling... and be more in touch with myself....

But, now I found a community where I can be safe.... where the fear of being judged is non-existent.... where I can be myself... to my buddy Ate Claire, my Bizu council, my coaches (coach Bong and Coach Jic) and the rest of the coaches, to my POSIBLE+LEAP 48 batchmates... let's all do this together and be 100%!!

with love and blessings... to the
5 Facilitators + 1 Headcoach + 13 Coaches + 100+OCs + 57 New Leapers = ♥ ♥ ♥ POSIBLE+LEAP48 - reposted from Head Coach Charette! ;)

Note: I posted the picture of our class shirt which made a ruckus over at Facebook and Twitter. Everyone wanted to buy it because it's actually fab! (I got 2! will be adding more colors to my collection. Mwahahahaha). Here's a story from Head Coach Charette behind the success of these shirts... Effective shirt selling.

Golden Earth Hour.

Today marks a special day... not only because it is Earth Hour, a cause we have been actively participating on for three years with the world.




Tonight we will do it early. So, it will be more than an hour. We will have a candlelight dinner... to make way for the golden.. jubilee celebration of my mom's birthday. Although, she'd prefer a SILVER FOREVER theme.

To my mom..... ahhh words are not enough...... basta my heart is filled with her love. Although... we can be considered as arch enemies here at home. Hehehe. With our constant arguing.. and all that.

To my mom who hates surprises.... but we try... hahaha. but she ends up surprising us... during our birthdays. Grabe.

And of course it is also my parent's 27th Wedding Anniversary!

So yeah..... it's a wonderful event for our family today....

a celebration of a wonderful golden life..... lived by my mom...

a celebration of a love that would last a lifetime....

and a celebration of our light to the world....... (Earth Hour)... letting it shine.....

for Life, Love and Light...... may it live forever. =)

Happy Holidays!!

Merry Christmas!! (I know it's kinda late. And saying Happy New Year would be a bit too early). So... Happy Holidays na lang!!

WARNING: This might be a long post to make up for the weeks I haven't posted.


I know everyone is super busy with all the parties and get-together's, reunions.... because I sure was! But, I can't talk about how swamped my schedule was because that would be sooo boring. Instead let me bask about those sweet precious moments with people that matter......


It started at Cebu (Plantation Bay/Shangri-La)-Bohol with our DXN Family, the first week of December. Although I had to encounter the "Joker's of our life". I know Batman has only one Joker... and a Deck of cards only has 2. But, our family's got 4 Joker's in our life left. But the Joker's are on a different story. I had fun communing with the DXN Family at the trip. Reconnected with friends from around Pinas. Those travel seminar incentives we have are like some sort of leader's gathering/reunion. Huge. with 325 participants and was even recognized by the Mayor (government) of Cebu. :)



Then there's the get together of my HS Buds Matet and Mona. Matet is a Medical Student and they designed this "Adopt A Child For Christmas" Party.. and so we joined in on the fun. And went to the pool afterwards.

Then another dose of DXN Davao Family Pool Party on the 18th. Super Super Fun!

And then on the 21st... the bonding with the Firstborns. Which was an overnight affair. We spent most of our time on Cris's car. Talking... while the rest of the guys did their thing. Hehe. It was fun.. oooh and what a lovely moon it was!

23rd.... wedding bells were ringing. As one of the "Firstborns" got married. Awwwww. Who is next??? :)

Of course on the 24th-25th... was our the time for the biological family. They visited our home on the 24th and there were constant friends who made their annual visit. And our traditional "exchange gift". Yayyyy! Oohh the faces of the kids with their gifts was priceless.

And yesterday(26th)... we went out-of-town to visit my mom's Aunt who was the one who assisted my mom in finishing her studies when our grand parent's separated.

So... yeah... I saw most of my friends this December except my College Buds. :( But, I'm sure one of these days we will all catch up! :)

By the way.. I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. N. for the package she sent me! Yes, she sent one of my wishlist for PM's "All I want for Christmas". :)



It's the 2011 Power Planner (Belle De Jour) over there. *points points*

And yes... it was a fun Christmas... since I finally got the set of Harry Potter series that was my High School fancy!! Grabe. Talk about delayed gratification. And mom put me to sooo much drama that time just to surprise me, I cried because I almost thought I'm not having it this year...

See ? You always get what you want... sometimes it is just not NOW. :P

Day 4 - Your Sibling

Well.. I have two.

I am the eldest.

Then there's Darlene..... :)

She's as sweet as honey but as grumpy as a bear when you catch her in one of her moods. We share a room since FOREVER. I'm kind of lemme see.. disorganized while she is very orderly. She'd smile when she would catch me sweeping the floor of our room or try to arrange my wild array of books. I occupy most of the cabinets surrounding our room, by the way.

She's very picky when it comes to clothes. Preferring to have her own style. Usually she dons on a skirt and a jacket with a hoodie. Yes, always a jacket. The safest gift I could prolly give her is that. A jacket. Because if i buy her some dress or a blouse, she might wrinkle her nose.

She hates it whenever I would watch a certain movie before her. Specially if it involves the Twilight Saga. So, i always make it a point to watch it with her first.

She loves to draw... and she has a sweet voice. She rarely sings in public because she says she is shy. But, whenever i am around... I push her to sing. Hehe. She'd grudgingly sing... and I'm sensing she enjoys it, she's just too shy to admit it.

She loves anything chinky. Korean. Chinese. Japanese. Taiwanese. Tae Young. KPop. Kim Bum. Polpot. Chairman Mao. Kim Chi. Lychee. She'd make me watch Korean movies, korean MV's and to my dismay it awakens the cheesy melodramatic self inside of me.

She's a ball of emotions. Artistic. And most of all a sister. :)

I don't tell her about my love life - that much. Not the details. But, she knows when I am in love or not. She knows how to make "zee smile" appear. By, just mentioning the right name.... and "ka-boom" she'd catch me. And then, she'd know. That's having a sister. You don't need to tell it all... but she knows. Oooh yeah.. she knows.

*gives Darlene a sweet bear hug*

There's my BIG little brother Paolo.

Yeah. BIG. Since, he is taller than me. :(

Sometimes he frustrates me by being a Peter Pan lately. Maybe, because he knows there's always someone around to pick up his slack. But, then right now... we are just making him enjoy his "high school" life.

He is very happy-go-lucky. He plays soccer. He is friendly. But, if you get on his nerves... you would really get on his nerves. LOL. I could name three people he is completely annoyed with. When he sees them, he would boil.

Most of the time, he is cute. When he would ask me, what gel to use, what spray's got the best scent. Or when he asks me: "Is what I'm wearing, Ok?".

We get into fights most of the time, specially when I ask him to do this, get that, throw this, call that. But, I think that's very common. One good thing about him, is that he doesn't hold on to his grudges for long. Only with those 3 people.

He loves to tease me too. And I tease him back.

I wonder.... how it would be if he actually makes "ligaw" one of these days.

Would he ask me, what to give his would-be girlfriend? Would he even? I doubt he would if I would tease him about it. I think i'll lay off the teasing. :)

So, yeah... those are my siblings in a nutshell. :)

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I don't think I can post those "DAYS". It's not as exciting as I started. Oh well.

Back to my random posts.

Visit my Angel Snippets Tumblr Version.

*waves*

Day 3 - Your Parents

Parents!

Papa and Mama.

There is so much to say about them. And a blog entry wouldn't be enough for the gratitude i felt for them. and love of course.

we've had hard times... and of course good times. we get into discussions, disagreements over simple and the most complex of issues. but, in the end what matters is the bind that connects us - the love of a family.

the way they brought me up might be a reason for me to "rebel". to outsiders, i seem to live a very "not-so-free" life. and that im sure most people have often commented: "wow. that's hardcore." but, i never really took it against them. we all thought they are "kill joy", yeah sometimes they can be that and it is true.. but just remember the intentions of their heart.

and now, im in my 20's.. i get to reason, cajole, meet halfway with my parents, of course with respect. and they are always willing to hear me out. they sure have some of their old ways.. which i think doesn't work nowadays. but, what the hell. i'll deal with this. although, there are issues we still need to discuss and be clear about, such as in the matters of love. LOL.

anyway, here's a song.... FROM THE PARENTS.. basically it's about a mother's love.. but it can apply to ... father's as well....

this sums up what your parents are feeling specially the moms about their children in a nutshell.

it is said.. that you never own your kids.. and that parents watch us grow so they can let us go. if we want a different name, they ask us what we want to be called. if we want to sail in a different direction, they just help us find the wind.

and sometimes.... some parents have shortcomings. but, let us all understand... their father's father. and that if at one point... if your experience with your parents are just plain madness... maybe, you can stop the madness at your end.

and just love your kids.. the way you want your parents to love you.

as you can see... we can't blame no one.

not even our parents. and despite all the hate and rage... let's all remember the LOVE. ;)

another one from Barbra Streisand entitled: "If I Could".

(imagine that your mom is singing you this song... or your dad... or your parents.. together... singing a duet).




If I could, I'd protect you
From the sadness in your eyes
Give you courage in a world of compromise
Yes, I would

If I could, I would teach you
All the things I've never learned
And I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned
Yes, I would

If I could, I would try to shield
Your innocence from time
But a part of life I gave you isn't mine
I've watched you grow, so I could let you go

If I could, I would help you
Make it through the hungry years
But I know that I can never cry your tears
But I would, if I could

If I live in a time and place where you don't want to be
You don't have to walk along this road with me
My yesterday won't have to be your way

If I knew, I would try to change
The world I brought to you to
And there isn't very much that I, I could do
But I would, if I could

Oh baby, mummy wants to protect you
And help my baby through the hungry years
It's part of

And if you ever, ever need
Sad shoulder to cry on
I'm just someone to talk to
I'll be there, I'll be there

I didn't change your world
But I would, if I could

Oh darling, I love you baby

it's raining

Today... I GRIEVE...

Last week.. i received a message that one of our close family friend passed away.

It's been a year or so since I last saw Tay Ronnel.

He was one of the most influential person I've met in my life. Very articulate and he has this overflowing generous heart. Although, he may seem a bit "strict" and intimidating.. I find him that most of the time... but he keeps you at ease with his humor. That's the best thing about him.

He'd often question me about my choices, and would tell me he admires me for being me. Although, i have made a choice recently that MAY lead to him telling me.. "guess you are not as obedient as you may seem to be." I never heard that from him. Instead, he respected my choice.

He was a great father... a testament to that is his two sons, Kyle and Kevin. And was an influential leader of the lot. Thanks for sharing the walk with us Tay Ronnel. You have been one of my angels on earth.

And just today... I received a message... Joseph Manasseh passed away. :( He was, oh so young. just 2 nights ago I received a message of him being in ICU there in Manila. :( :( :(

The rain always pours to people who deserves the sun the most...

to his family who have been every bit of my family as well (although we had a bit of a ... lie low moment...) my loving thoughts are with you all....

i really don't know what to say in moments like these... specially, to you my dearest Chaya. But, i just want to let you feel that in times like these.. we are here for you.

all my love...

(is lighting a candle... and an incense.. for their transition... )

Surf, Sand, Fire and Party

Photo: (Taken at Botona Beach Resort, it's the whole stretch of Dahican Beach in Mati. Kanakbai Beach Resort is on the other side).

Hi guys!

This year, I had one of the best birthday (every year.. it's always BEST for me!). I was out of town, with my childhood friends whom I considered as real brothers and sisters. We went out for Maranatha's debut.

From L-R: Darlene, Ate Jill, Me, Cris, Paolo H., and Walter at Kanakbai Beach Resort, Dahican (Mati)

We took off early in the morning, and my sister and I got around to helping the "decorators" of the venue who happened to be my childhood friends. Everyone (including us) was a bit groogy, because we all slept late or didn't sleep at all the night before since we all have to do last minute stuffs. (I was the one in charge for our surprise video presentation).

It was all crazy, really... we finished late with the decoration because we thought there were locals who would help us with the decoration, but no help came and if there was ever one... they came in late na rin. And we went to the party with no make up at all because there was only one bathroom and the party was about to start. The venue and the accommodation of the guests is like a 5-8 minutes ride.

Photo: (us with the debutante... like a fairy doll).

Anyway, despite all that.... it was arguably FUN! The debutante was the star of the night... unlike the usual (princessy debut which I had), it was fairly-like and of course hawaiian. She was the only one who was allowed to wear white. One thing I enjoyed was the "fire dance" and the hawaiian dance by the debutante and her mother at the last part. :)

that was February 13.... and it was also my birthday...

I told everyone to forget my birthday and give the day to Maranatha. And everyone was pretty accommodating. But, when the party ended and the debutante was entertaining the rest of her guests at Botona where we were all housed, everyone sang a "happy birthday" to me. *how sweet of them*

That night, was one of the best nights because I saw the diamond glittered star-filled sky. It was like a blanket of stars and I was barefoot with the sound of the waves and the wind howling at the background and the air was it's usual refreshing self. *swoons* Could this get any better? Too bad, I don't have pictures of the star-filled blanket of a sky.... it will forever be in my mind though. -_- *i have simple delights! just gimme nature.. and id be beaming with joy*

That night, we were good girls and boys... all we had was cake and coke. Bread breaking, eh? The modern way. Haha. :)

We just talked underneath the sky and with the sound of the waves lulling us to sleep. We slept around 3 in the morning like sardines because of the limited rooms.

There was like 13 of us in the room. It was crazy. :)

Photo: Don't mind the eyebags, please... -_-

Some of us woke up around 5-6am to scout for the surfer dudes to give us surfing lessons. And came the best "Valentine's everrrrrr". We talked to the guys from "Amihan sa Dahican". They were a nice lot. Too bad, I wasn't able to try the surfing.. I had the tide. Get my drift, please. The beach was bare save, for us. Perfect for beginners to surf. :)

I fell in love watching them surf. It made me want to go back to Dahican.

By the way, they have an upcoming Skim Competition this April. You can search them on Facebook and add them: Amihan Sa Dahican, for more information regarding their competition. You can also donate something for the said competition. :)

It was a good memory... and yes... I can't wait to go back to Dahican... I discovered a lovely place 3 hours away from Davao... =)

Surfing photos on my other post na lang.... :)

I know this is late... but how was your Valentine's? Or Chinese New Year? :)

Loving 2009

It was a magical 2008. I spent my time celebrating ME... Every moment, I have chosen to always feel wonderful with ME.

and with that... I thank God - to whom I felt I have grown closer this year because I spent more time listening with the voice deep within me. A God... I see... who is very loving and was always around when I felt like there's nobody I feel safe to talk too. Whenever, I go crazy or distressed over things that often confuses me... He was always around like a light in the dark.. piercing my heart with love and melting all the worries away. To A God, a friend and a lover. Yes, a lover. My heart's bursting from all the love I never thought was possible. Yes, God. You sure showed me it's possible to experience an enchanted love. I thought, it happens to a select few only.... but you gave me a chance to experience it too - and in this world. And I know this year... I am experiencing it fully. 2008 was just the beginning.

I thank all the people who were endlessly patient with me, and who loved me unconditionally. THANK YOU, dear friends - this goes to everybody who visits my blog.... and to all those who supported me*murag Oscar's awardee*.. (you bring joy whenever I see messages from you guys). Thank you. Thank you. My endless gratitude to you guys for just BEING THERE.

2008 was a magical year. I felt sparks and saw glitters by the middle of the year. By, November another angel arrived... and another angel *that makes 2* who was a perfect gift for us.

The second angel brought everybody closer and I found what I have always yearned for - "friends.sisters who would listen to everything about me... with no judgment". Our relationship brought us to that point and I feel soooo safe with them.


This year, is LOVING 2009. If it was ME last year... I am choosing to have a WE this year. Spent a lot of time meditating about this.... although I need more time to meditate on the WE part. Haha. Ok. I know you might be lost in this post now...

but here's my LOVING 2009:

This year..... I choose to LIVE LIFE LOVINGLY.
I choose to be more AUTHENTIC to everybody.
I choose to say what is really from my HEART
I choose to Live with intention.
I choose to travel more and explore.

This year I choose to dedicate myself and every moment to my PURPOSE
I choose to support people in their journey back to LOVE.
I choose to support people around me in their WELL-BEING.
I choose to practice Wellness.

This year... I choose to bring out the best in other people.
I choose to accept people as they are and love them unconditionally.
I choose to appreciate my FRIENDS.
I choose to enjoy my journey with the people around me.

This year I choose to allow myself feel what I have deprived myself all along
I choose to share my LIFE and JUST BE with someone I love.
I choose to celebrate that experience.
I choose to create loving memories plus with magic.

This year I choose to always do WHAT I LOVE.
I choose to laugh and be care-free.
I choose to treat myself with respect.
I choose to dance in the rain... and fly like an eagle.
I choose to enjoy and be responsible for my FREEDOM.

This year I am choosing things with no regrets
I choose to nurture my mind with loving thoughts.
I choose to LIVE the MIRACLE.
I choose to trust the process called LIFE.

Because I know I am a magnificent being who can dance on any path......

May this Loving 2009 be yours as well.... I share this to everyone. =)

Love you guys!

Red Cross

Kuya Denz just had a dream last Monday. He said he dreamed of seeing our car (sorrento) with a Red Cross at the back.


And just like some peculiar event, a dream and it is suddenly real we spent two days in and out of two hospitals.

Feb.13: We went to visit our relative who gave birth to a not-fully-developed child who died after childbirth. It was the daughter-in-law of my Mom's Aunt who sent her to school and so we owe as much to her and right now they need all the support they can get. With us, was my Aunt Emee, Uncle Boy and Ate Precious, my nurse cousin who took a 3day leave and just in time to help out. It's amazing how God plans the support team and everything is done with smooth perfection.

We also visited a relative who stayed one month in the hospital and was in a motorcyle accident.

It was Heart's Day. And early in the morning I rushed out to go to the hospital and assist our relative whose child just died. The Red Cross at our car's back was prolly meant for the dead child, because the child was placed there when the body was released.

Later in the night we also visited our cute cousin Luis at Mission Hospital. He was also confined there last night because he kept vomiting whenever he gets to eat something. I think they were released yesterday.

and so I guess that just summed up my birthday and Valentine's.

Have a great Weekend!

Image Source: Clubs MQ

Flying this January

"January... I'd learn to fly."

I can't believe it. My days are not idle anymore. Everyday I have so much to-do's and so many things to follow-up on compared to last year.

They say if you want something to change you have to intend it. And so I did and days started to change dramatically.

I have sooo many ideas in my mind zipping and zapping, popping and cracking every second I want to burst! Okay, that's the first exaggeration I have this year. Muwahaha. But, really. I wanted soo much to accomplish a lot of things. I don't wanna be idle. I'm delegating stuffs I used to do to my brother and sister and in turn they can use the computer because of that.

My sister, Darlene is spending sooo much time in the P.C. whenever I am not around (which is basically most of the time) watching Asianovelas. I tease her about it. I'm not against it or anything I just tease her a lot. hehe. Anyway, since she's spending most of her time in front of the P.C., I decided to make a Multiply account for our own business. It's a business made for fun and another venue to meet more people and help them out.

I honestly don't want to join the Multiply bandwagon at first but then just to make her days in front of the P.C. worth it, I decided(with my sister's help of course) to set it up. There you have it - it's We Have It. Still trying to learn the craft over there. It's worth a try though.

I delegated my "burning business" to her as well.

I'm also meeting sooo much people this time. From stores to seminars. I am enjoying every second of it. Yes, I do get tired by the end of the day but the feeling of having accomplished something is worth it. Rather than sitting around the house like a potted plant or something.

My mom on the other hand is getting a lot of offers for her trainings. I'm her Talent Manager and Personal Assistant by the way and so if you want to have her in front of you, just contact me. I bought "guest books" for her trainings, so that we could monitor who attended her training and all that. So far, her trainings are free as of the moment but people are asking if they have to pay and my mom is considering for a paid seminar one of these days.

Aside from January being productive it is also an "EXPOSé month". Where people close to us are exposed and revealed in a good way and it is to help them.

So far, I'm enjoying flying with January. There are obstacles along the way, but I'm flying my way around it. It's like life is handing me lemons and then before throwing it back you suck as much vitamin C as you can. You have to take what is essential, learn from the lessons (Vitamin C) and don't dwell too much on the obstacle but the solution. :)

QOTD: We're switching to a more productive coffee-break paradigm.

Recent Coffee Milk / Espresso Break Posts:

Swiss Deli
The Last Family - John Ramsey Miller
Enchanted Love - Marianne Williamson
SVU Thriller Edition - Killer at Sea

Family Sites

http://www.familycrossings.com

Families loves memories. Families loves mementos. Families love to tell each other stories. Families love to share histories.

We all love to hear different stories of our grandparents, uncles, cousins and aunts?
Approaching the 21st century and the boom of Internet / Information Technology, it is always best to stay updated online. Wouldn't it be lovely if there is one common Family Website that your family would visit? That is where you get to share stories, family values and old pictures.

It's one great LEGACY to leave behind. Family Crossings is a great place to leave those stories, pictures and values behind for everybody in your family to see. Each family has a story. Family Crossings is where you get to see Family Websites at it's best.

You can share special family recipes, health remedies, family traditions, announce family news, tips about parenting, plan a family vacation, knowing what gifts to give, and history. Create a family database that would contains gift lists, and one that sends birthday reminders and finds shipping addresses with just a click. You can also create a historical time line that would show you important family dates. You can also hold live family chats with it.

Worried about security? Fret not. Family Crossings makes your security Number 1! I'm sure you don't want strangers to know your story and addresses. Know more about Security ->> HERE.

They have the free version which is Ad Supported and it has 150 mb storage and unlimited stores. If you don't want advertisements you can apply for the premium version which has 250Mb of storage and that's where you get to pay $9.95 per month.

What are you waiting for ? Sign up now.

Holiday

Merry Christmas! *Though my greeting seems kind of late*. Thanks for all the Christmas Messages/Greetings I received here.

I was soo busy the whole week because of 2(two) impending parties for 23 and 24. December 23 for the office and December 24 for relatives, people close to us, and people in the office who are dear.

Everything went out well. I had tons of fun organizing the games for the "23" event. It was an "extra challenge/amazing race" sort of game consisting of five(5) different stations. Each station have their own corresponding lesson that is pretty much related to real life. Like, "seek and you shall find", "strike the balance", "listen, focus and reach for your dreams", "healthy lifestyle" and "creativity under pressure".

I would probably share the whole game one of these days.

By 24, everyone just got together, dined and talked.

By 25, we had a movie marathon with all my cousins present. By 7pm everyone decided to go to the People's Park and there everything started to go crazy for me. I was in a "bad mood" which came as a shock because I rarely have those. Really. I was so gloomy everybody noticed it. Maybe because there were a lot of people at the park and I've seen a lot of them spoiling the Green Theater (e.g. garbages all over). It's a new park and they're spoiling it. Huuuuuu. Or maybe some of my cousins were just too loud and sarcastic that it annoys me. Oh well. I guess they do happen sometimes. But, I shifted now.

Happy Holidays!


Shout Out: to Christian from Asteeg.net for the gift.

a Bash

Nov. 24 - Yhe.

I went with my sister (darlene) and big bro (Kuya Dave) to Yhe's debut. It was held in a restobar and it was closed just for her. Wow. eksklusib ai.

We were the "early birds". So we went upstairs (since it's open air) and you get to see everyone who will arrive. The moon was just shining behind us - and it was full.

It's been months since everyone got together. The "Firstborns" I mean. Most are in college already and very unreachable. Or not everyone tries hard to reach each other because everyone has his/her own life and very busy. We had a fun time updating each other about a lot of things.

I absolutely love Yhe's gown which was designed by Ate Jill and for some unknown reason wasn't in the party.

I like her concept. She actually gave tribute to people in her life, which made me (I can't say all) teary-eyed.


Nov. 26 - meeting Uso

I never really had a thing for dogs. Yes, they are cute and all.... but to actually imagine raising up a pet needs a lot of things - dedication + responsibility.


Uso is this big "Alaskan Husky Wolf". Whenever he is on a street everyone would inch away from him. That was my first impression as well. It is quite unusual to see one on these parts and so he became the "talk of the street".

But, his aura is just so different. He actually looks adorable. He is still in his 2 years. :)

Basta if ever I would want to have a pet... it would be one like Uso. Hehe. :)

I reckon, he is not an easy dog to handle. His fur coat and size screams "high maintenance". His house needs to be air-conditioned because of his fur. He needs to eat a lot. If he goes hungry he might eat you. (at least that's what I heard)

I remember 8 Below if I saw Uso makes me teary eyed once again. T_T

Thank you to Richard of Pulse Circle for including me and giving me the "You're an Amazing Blogger" award. thank you. thank you.

Singapore

After the Malaysia trip we decided to drop by and tour Singapore for two(2) days. If Malaysia has lovely "island bars" imagine my delight when I saw Singapore's "island bars" (refer to the picture at the right).

The bougainvillea flowers they used are just "ordinary" here in the Philippines but they used it to beautify the most part of their city! Wow. Can we not do that in our country as well? Hay. Hay. Lovely lovely. And the trees? Grabe. Salute to the people who landscaped their country. I heard Pinoys did the landscaping? Is it true? Ha? Ha?

We slept right away when we arrived. (Of course we need to recharge after the hectic non-stop travel in Malaysia).


If in Malaysia it's Genting Highlands you must visit, in Singapore it's Sentosa Island. So, by 6pm we decided to visit and watch the highlight show in Sentosa Island which is the "Songs of the Sea". It's an amazing show! They used a musical fountain and interacted it with lasers against the water particles to create 3D images. It was purely MA-GEE-CAL! I wished my sister and brother was with us that time.


We did not get to tour around the Island that much since it's already dark. But they have a nightlife in the island, I guess. Judging from the outfits of the young-uns. Hehe. There's a cable car in the island as well and it's quite different from the one in Malaysia because underneath the cable car would be minus the forest but the sea. But, I will surely try out the cable car when me and my family would visit Singapore for a vacation.

There are different ways to get in and out of the island. Renting a taxi ($35), ride a train, ride the Sentosa Bus, Cable Car, or your own private car.

We spent most of our time in Orchard Road. If you are the type of person who loves to shop, Orchard Road is the place for you. The whole of Orchard Road is filled with shopping malls. I can't name most of them, but all I remember is getting inside. Hehe. There is no trouble if you just use your feet in Singapore since everything is prolly "just-a-walk-away". Unless you are a person who can't stand walking! But, if you are a person who resides in Davao "walk-a-thon" is not a foreign word. In fact everything would be near for you. :) *walang problema pag networker ka!*



I got to visit their National Museum but not the whole of it. The building looks nice noh? :) Very attractive.







If we have the Malacañang Palace and U.S the White House, in Singapore they have the Istana Singapore. If you are on the way to visit the shopping malls in Orchard Road you can pass by the Istana. The home of their Prime Minister.




We took the last flight out of Singapore to Manila so we can fully enjoy our stay at the Singapore Changi Airport. It's like a big shopping mall. They have a wide array of duty free shops and eating outlets. They also have "free internet" which explains my "Greetings from Singapore post". Hehe. They have free massages located everywhere as well.

Changi Airport is the 22nd busiest airport & one of the busiest cargo airports in the world and the 6th busiest in Asia. They have six open air garden areas and during our stay I got to visit the two. I don't know where the other four are located. I only visited their Orchid and Fern garden.

I just have to salute and say thank you to the "smiling customs" in Malaysia and Singapore. They were friendly and not at all imposing compared to the ones in Philippines, sad to say. They would smile and encourage us to come back and even have the decency to ask us if we enjoyed our stay. If we forgot to fill something up in the customs form they would just smile and consult us.

I don't know if you travelers notice this but our customs here in the Philippines always have a serious face. No smiles and everything. Nada. I guess it's different if you are foreign or what? I'll keep this in mind when I go out this November I will look over the customs attending to foreign nationals. They could at least smile a bit and be forgiving to others when they forgot to fill something up. *my mom witnessed a scenario where the custom personnel would scold at a Balikbayan*. Hello! Philippines is our country, we should be welcomed with smiles! They could say "Hi Maam, Sir kumusta ang travel niyo?" or "Hi Sir welcome back to the Philippines!".

There's still a lot to improve in the Philippines. I do hope one day it would improve for the better. Seeing other countries excel inspires me and the desire to see Philippines improving is soooo strong. But, I shan't ask the government to do the improving. It is not a good question to ask because number one I don't think they can answer it and number two the government has matters and "personal agendas" to attend to. The future is not in their hands anyway. The future mga kababayan is WITH US.

So let's stop asking what our country/government can do for us instead let's ask OURSELVES "WHAT WE CAN DO FOR OUR COUNTRY". I think that's better di ba? :)

It doesn't matter if we can't do GREAT THINGS we can do SMALL THINGS in a GREAT WAY! Go go PINOY! Wag antayin ang gobyerno. Hehe. Let's do it ourselves!

Visit Malaysia 2007

Malaysia is actually celebrating their 5oth year of independence. They are having a huge promotion to attract tourists and this year they sure did attract A LOT. Cable T.V. stations have a series of advertisements about "VMY 2007". It is quite fitting to Visit Malaysia this year... and I just love their "One Golden Celebration" song. Super! I wish we could have one as grand in Philippines!

Malaysia

There’s a place not far away
Different faces yet all the same
With a million dreams
In one golden celebration

Malaysia

It’s the place for us to be
It’s the time to feel so free
With a million smiles
In one golden celebration

Malaysia

Come and spread your wings
There’s so much to see
There’s a million colours
Right before your eyes
It’s one golden celebration

*cant find the whole song.. sorry*

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






We landed in Penang Island on our first day. It's where the ship "Star Cruise" docks when visiting Malaysia. Very nice place.

Anyway, our main point of visiting Malaysia was because of the farm of a company we are building our future with. We got to visit the DXN farm on our 2nd day(we traveled 2 hours from Penang to Alor Star) .






Right picture: with my parents and the pioneer of Philippines (Tatay Jimmy Quedding) and the pioneer of Mexico.










They say you haven't been to Malaysia if you did not visit "Genting Highlands" and so this was the second highlight of our trip. Fortunately, we got to ride the "world's fastest and Southeast Asia's longest cable car" called the Genting Skyway.




They say it is called the Las Vegas of Malaysia. Their resort features many hotels owned by Genting subsidiaries. We stayed at the Hotel Resort(refer to the picture on the left).

There are also different facilities in the resort like golf courses, shopping malls, concert hall, sky diving simulator and theme parks. Basically, we did not tour the whole place since we were only there for a night from (Sept.19)5pm-8am(Sept. 20). We watched their featured presentation called "FLY". The presentation was not that bad... I enjoyed the introduction where they sang "One Golden Celebration".



On our fourth day we headed to Kuala Lumpur from Genting Highlands. Along the way we visited the batik factory and the place where they sell "genuine leather". Leathers made from cows to stingrays. We also headed to KLCC and visited Aquaria.



We checked in at Berjaya Times Square, a 5 star hotel. It was a good hotel since the shopping mall is just part of the Square. Very convenient and it's one of the things I like. I did not get to tour the mall during our 2-day stay there because there was no time. Only the first 3 floors. Someone told me that there's a big roller coaster in the 5th floor. Too bad, I did not get to visit it.

Of course by this time I also met Dwinny. A good friend of mine. We forgot to take pictures. Tsk. Tsk.

We had our one day seminar in the hotel and also our Gala Night at our last night. Of course, finally I got to meet the "hot shot" / "dragon" of our company of course the one and only owner of our family business, Dr. Lim Siow Jin.


All in all I like their promotion of the "VMY 2007". It's super grand. You see their flag everywhere even on high-rises. I like the lyrics of the song and the tune.

They have big highways and nice "island bars" on highways. Although the weather tends to be a bit more like General Santos City or Cagayan de Oro they have nice paved sidewalks and clean and so that would come as a consolation. Their forests remains untouched and preserved.

Vague Recollections

To a great father I know I would never outgrow.

I may outgrow all my clothes, the sometimes silly books I'm reading, from Korny movies to my shoes... but not You.

I remember the time when I was in grade school and I forgot to mention early that I have to collect 5 different flowers as an assignment for our science class. I remember how you woke up as early before 6am to collect flowers down the street for me, wearing your old blue jacket. I remember, it was my first time to see "Baby's Breath" and that's one flower I won't forget. I remember seeing the pink and white Kalachuchi's that grew beside Water District before. Maybe, that's why I like pink and white.

I remember the time when you picked me up from school and we would ride the bus home. [ We used to have buses as a means to go around the city, but now you only get to ride buses out-of-town ]

I remember how you would tag me along during Christmas parties of the Davao Navy and giving me all the loot with fruits and candies.

I just knew that you were the one who cleared away the wood during the morning before I met an accident in the afternoon when I was younger. Falling 10 feet from the roof down to the cemented ground of our furniture-shop slash house. If the wood was still there... I don't know what could have happened. I don't remember any pain, all I remember was me staring at the plastic roof I went through.... My head and brains were intact. Maybe, that's why I believe in miracles and that I have a purpose to fulfill.

It was your van I saw and I told mom's secretary to drop me there when we were in the jeepney before we met another accident a minute after which killed two of the passengers, but it left me with no bruises or anything. It was then, I knew that it's true how they show accidents in movies how everything stands still during accidents. Where, you can't hear anything but the loud shrill of the brakes when we collided into a bus. It's still fresh and I can still remember the scene. I was so small, the people around who stopped to help pulled me out first crying "Bata! Naay bata! Unahi ang bata!" *A kid! there's a kid! get the kid first* I was so small, they pulled me out from the window and I left TWO of my new shoes which were kind of loose at that time. It was then, that I avoided staying at the front seat for a couple of years because of the impact the seats were pushed forward and they can't move because they were stuck.

Recently, you gave up some of your ballpens and accompanied me to buy the Biggest Ballpen to add to my collection.

A lot more recollections...... that are just to numerous for one post. A lot more to say but words are not enough.

Thank you for the pictures you took. I guess, it's where I have come to love "photography" or maybe just taking pictures for memories.

You may not be that affectionate before(maybe it's the military training) but you are. I see it in your eyes. We see it when you smile and crack jokes. Oh, what with your sense of humor that only a precious few would hear? Your navy jokes.... what you've done during the past.... will stay with us.

Thank you for showing us the path. We are your legacy... and we will live up to it. I know the efforts you've done for building the next generation. We'll see to it we do so with the next.

LOVE YOU Pa!

For all the Father's.... I know who have done soooo much to raise US "kids" UP. I am honoring you too. Happy Father's Day!

Davao Reader's Haven

There's this rent-a-book store in Davao that has been around for years. It was formerly and conveniently located under our office in Galaxy Theater at Ilustre which gives me access to check it out once in awhile(which I rarely do).

I was in Grade 6 back then when I was brought there by a friend who shares the same interest with me reading books and Archie Comics. I was so amazed by their collection of Archie Comics and Sweet Valley from Kids to University. I envied that store for it's extensive collection! Grabe! Super! Super! T_T

I don't read Sweet Valley now, but still I want to collect the books because it was from there I learned to really love reading. In fact, it was Archie Comics at first in our school library in Davao Christian High School, but to collect Archie would be hard, because number 1 the ones I know which are in SALE are pretty expensive ranging from Php 100 and above and number 2 they have so many editions that I can't track them anymore.

So, I just borrowed comics from my uber rich Chinese classmates. I also ended up buying myself two editions but because I am soo nice I lent them to different people (the only two copies I have, which came from my allowance pa talaga) and now it's nowhere to be found! T_T. That was one of the "FIRST" first-hand stuff I bought using my allowance. *sigh* No use crying over spilled water.

I am drifting off the topic already. Anyway....

I wanted to become a member of the said rent-a-book place called Davao Reader's Haven or pretty much known by their readers as "Book Haven". Their membership at that time costs Php100. But, my mom at that time was against my reading Sweet Valley because she said it's too much non-sense and she preferred to see me reading her business books and during that time it was pretty boring to me. There goes my plan of being a member.

So, I would just stand outside and gaze longingly at the store(yes, I am that paranoid). I would not go inside because the place was a bit imposing for lil ol me to be in, and it's kinda embarrassing to go there if you're not a member.

I was in 1st year or 2nd year High School when they decided to transfer to a different location one day. They sold some of their pretty-used but in a good condition and plastic-covered books for as low as Php 10-50, which gave me a chance to be inside the place. The books they were selling were old Sweet Valley books and a few Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. My allowance was pretty small that time but I really saved and bought one book a day.

One time, I have enough money to buy me a few good books on a Saturday when I saw their sign that they moved out. I was really devastated. But good enough they left a sketch of their new location. I hurriedly went to the new location but maybe I am not just good at map reading and I can't find their place or any stall with books, and so with a heavy heart I went home.

The prospect of finding it again was so nill. And... I really thought that place was a goner.

Years later..

I am in third year college now about to enter my fourth year.

Recently, I've been talking non-stop about "Book Haven" to anyone I know who loves books.

"Hey, do you remember the store.." and then telling them my story which I just narrated above and my desire to find it one day.

And then I'd tell my mom about it.. how she would not let me register and be a member (money at that time was not good, that's why even a mere 100 was regulated).

Yesterday, we(my family) passed by the place that was supposed to be the location of the "new book haven" years ago.

And I once again... said aloud to them..

"Diri lang diod tong Book Haven ba...." (The Book Haven would be located just here.....)... and I let my gaze wander to the place...

I was about to narrate my story when a GREEN SIGN that read "Davao Reader's Haven" appeared before my eyes.

"OMG! That's the book haven! It's there! It's there!"

I again narrated my story to them... of how I really want to find that place and now I saw it when I least expected it.

I said, "I will go there later".

And true enough I went there with my bro Paolo and my sis Darlene. My mom did not discourage, but in fact encouraged me to go there. (She wants my siblings to learn and love reading as well)

I did not take time thinking about registering and I pulled out 200php. Yes, yes they increased but I don't mind. I just want to be a member. They still have those sale items they have before. And I pulled out most of them and bought them. My bro and sis borrowed books in my account as well and I am to return it a week.

Their store downgraded a bit. No aircon, just a single electric-fan. It was pretty dusty and you're hand would go black while browsing their books in a few seconds. But, I don't mind.

I found it! Alas! Thank You !!! Ahh the joy of knowing the Law of Attraction and using it consciously . Hehe.

"Seek and you shall find"

- No matter how long it was. Thank You Father!

Mhmm.. Now.. I'm looking for anyone who sells a replica of the Illusionsit Wooden Locket! Anyone know someone who sells it? I'm also looking for Sweet Valley Twins books that I don't have.......