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.

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 some are outdated..so bear with me.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. :)

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

Have a lovely week everyone!!!

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

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)

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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. :)

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

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!)

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

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. :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Five(5) Natural Emotions - Love

Suggested Reading: Grief ,Anger, Envy, and Fear.

Credits/Ideas: CWG, and Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross, Wikipedia

I saved the best for last!

LOVE.

The BEST NATURAL EMOTION WE HAVE.

When you were allowed to express and receive it, without conditions or limitations, without embarrasement or inhibition, it does not REQUIRE anything more. When as a child you were made to believe that having love is not okay, that to express it is wrong - you will have a very difficult time dealing with love when you grow up.

Yet LOVE which has been conditioned, limited, controlled, manipulated, and withheld becomes unnatural. Love repressed becomes possesiveness a very unnatural emotion.

Love is meant to be UNLIMITED, FREE and ETERNAL. True love means no "obligations" for it is always FREE... an obligation cannot exist in the space of love. See to it, that your decision of love is not a PROMISE made once but as a CHOICE made over and over... and resentment will never come.

Love should be UNCONDITIONAL.

This would mean loving everyone regardless of what they believe in, regardless of what they do. You give love freely.... no-matter-what.

If we deny love that is given to us, if we refuse to give love because we fear pain or loss, then our lives will be empty, our loss greater. - Author Unknown

You do not forsake and ignore someone because he/she have wronged you.... When you say "I LOVE YOU", fret not if you will not hear it back. And if you hear it back, DO NOT WORRY THAT YOU WOULD LOSE IT.

When you TRULY LOVE.... it is FOREVER. It never goes away... nor does it fades... you simply LOVE. Love is the energy that allows us to EXPAND, to OPEN UP, to SHARE, to CARE, and to HEAL.

This UNCONDITIONAL LOVE understands.... This UNCONDITIONAL LOVE conquers everything.

This love recognizes the beauty of everything.. This is the natural expression and response we have that REQUIRES NOTHING and DOES NOT EXPECT ANY OUTCOME.

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. - Buddha

But remember before you can love the people around you... you must learn to LOVE YOURSELF. Because, how can you say you love other people if you do not even love yourself ? It is like helping someone who does not want to be help himself/herself in the first place anyway.

Love yourself... then love other people unconditionally. :)

It is not how much you do, but how much Love you put into the doing that matters. - Mother Teresa

Do things with love. Cook with love, clean with love, and serve with love.

LOVING is the HIGHEST VALUE. :)

If you do everything with love..... you would overlook all the imperfections and ugliness... instead you would see the perfection and beauty of everything.

and I will let all the great people talk about love.....

If we make our goal to live a life of compassion and unconditional love, then the world will indeed become a garden where all kinds
of flowers can bloom and grow.

- Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Late Author of On Death and Dying

As you continue to send out love, the energy returns to you in a regenerating spiral... As love accumulates, it keeps your system in balance and harmony. Love is the tool, and more love is the end product. - Sara Paddison, Hidden Power of the Heart

Our true identity is to love without fear and insecurity. Our higher potential finds us when we set our course in that direction. The power of love and compassion transforms insecurity. - Doc Childre

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much perfoms much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well. -Vincent Van Gogh

I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame of that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other. - Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Much has been said about LOVE already.... and of course we all have different experiences and HAVE SOOO MUCH to share about this. (even me.. I have soo much in my mind and heart that I want to impart but then... I guess not now.)

Five(5) Natural Emotions - Fear

Please read the previous Grief , Anger and Envy posts.

Next up is Fear.

Credits/Ideas: CWG and Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross

Fear is a natural emotion. All babies are born with only two fears: one, is the fear of falling, and the other one is the fear of loud noises.

The rest of the fears are LEARNED responses from ENVIRONMENT or taught by parents (like the fear of ghosts and etc... )

The purpose of this "natural fear" is to give us CAUTION. Caution in whatever we are doing. That whatever we do there are consequences. This is the practice of "caution". This a tool that helps keep our body alive.

Fear is a defensive advantage. Fear serves like a motivation to escape to safety.

Just like the other three emotions I have so far mentioned, kids who were not allowed to express what they fear would have a hard time dealing with it. Kids who were allowed to express their fears will have a healthy outlook towards fear.

We all need fear because it gets our adrenaline going... but too much fear paralyzes us like a rabbit caught in a car's headlights.

"Fear protects us from danger. If people do not feel fear, they are a danger to themselves" - Ritva Laaksonen, a neuropsychologist and psychotherapist at the KL Institute, a psychotherapy training centre

Fear that is continually repressed and is excessive becomes PANIC.. and panic is a very unnatural emotion.

Panic have caused other people to kill other people. Wars have started because of this. Decisions have been made because of this. Nations have fallen as well because of Panic.

The solution for excessive fear is to keep your mind busy with what has to be done and not to what might happen.

BE REMINDED: That too much fear is not good, and living in fear would not help you live the life the way you want it to be. Fear is just this instant or innate reaction we have that advices and reminds us to be cautious in our actions and be aware with it's consequences.

You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith. ~Mary Manin Morrissey

Never allow your fear to grow bigger. It blocks everything, and might motivate you to take actions that would harm you. :)

Quotes about Fear:

Fear is the father of courage and the mother of safety. ~Henry H. Tweedy

To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another. ~Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved

There are times when fear is good. It must keep its watchful place at the heart's controls. ~Aeschylus

Five(5) Natural Emotions - Envy

Suggested reading: Grief and Anger
You read the title right. Envy is the third natural emotion.

Credits/Ideas: CWG, and Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross, Wikipedia

Oh puhleaseee... read everything in context.

Natural envy is the feeling of desire to have something that someone has. This is when you desire to be like someone, or have something that a certain person has. This is like a five-year-old kid wishing he could ride the bike like his brother could or a teenager wanting to drive a car.

This is the natural emotion that makes you want to do it again; to try harder; to continue striving until you get what you want. It is very healthy to be envious, and it is just natural. It is human nature.

Just like grief and anger when you are taught as a child that it is ok to be envious in a healthy way, and you were allowed to express it, in your adult life, it is easy to move quickly from envy and you will have a healthy attitude towards it. But, if you were taught as a child that envy is not okay, and it is wrong to experience or express it, you will have a hard time dealing with envy when you grow old.

I know, while reading this you might be thinking... "What? Envy ? A natural emotion?". "It is just right to express it? and then teach the children to be envious?"

According to Schoeck from his book Envy: A Theory of Social Behaviour: "Envy is not wholly negative."

It is what drives us to do more, and it is just like admiring what others have achieved and wanting to achieve it yourself as well.

Basically, we all do feel envious about something one way or another. Show me a person who never wished to have something the other person has. Have you ever wished to be just like the actor/actress you do so admire? Have you ever wished to do something what other people have done like bungee jumping or go sky diving ?

Too much ENVY and ENVY repressed would lead to JEALOUSY. Jealousy is a veryyyy UNNATURAL emotion.

People have killed other people (like lovers in conflict) because of jealousy. Wars have started (just like Helen of Troy) because of this.

I think Envy is one of the 7 deadly sins in the Catholic tradition.

But, I hope you don't get me wrong here.. what I am talking about is the positive side of "envy". The "enough" envy that would drive you to where you want to be, but not the excess which would lead to jealousy. ( It's all too tricky, and I guess I can't express it wholly to you just here) I am talking about the envy that leads you or motivates you to be a better person and not cause other people harm. I hope we are clear on that.

Envy consists in seeing things never in themselves, but only in their relations. If you desire glory, you may envy Napoleon, but Napoleon envied Caesar, Caesar envied Alexander, and Alexander, I daresay, envied Hercules, who never existed. - Bertrand Russell

21 comments from haloscan:

hi. thanks for the comment on "murder,she wrote." nope, it isn't a book. but if i were to be given a chance, i'll make an ebook out of my entries, then later publish it on paper. that'd be all on mr. lisondra's wonderful artistic layouts. the title is same with a particular tv series from the time i was born til.. er.. forgot. hehe. nwei, thanks again. still on hiatus lately. and nostalgic as well, my Ryan's with me kc. hehe. chege. kendi | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 10:39 am | #

haha I think sis u're in the mood to post the 7 sins heehee.. maganda yan sis, nakaka inspired mga post you.. sobra.. d pa pala kita nalilink, so if you don't mind, I will link you.. mwah! LHYZ | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 11:18 am | #

oh yes,envy,a natural emotion...though i dont teach my children to be envios too much..maliit na bagay,yes,ok lang yun..gaya nang "kainggit ang buhok nya","ganda ng height nya",at least may compliment sa ibang tao,pero pag malaking bagay na,esp financially status,theirs or others,makakarinig na sila ng critic sa akin. at ayokong nag ku compare sila sa iba.. ghee | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 11:36 am | #

Ate Ghee: Yup...too much envy leads to jealousy... and un ung di maganda... tina | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 11:39 am | #

this is a good post striving to have wat others has would be good. envying? yes but remember too much is not good. and it will always leads to jealousy. eerrr...then it will make them do soemthing that is not good! admiring and desiring watever others has would be a good sign for us to have the determination of getting wat we wanted. again, not too much! hmm..basta i get it. i just cant really tell how.hehe! take care always..mwahugs ychel | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 4:39 pm | #

True, true! Oh Tina. You're such a wise woman. I feel better. (I think) Hehe. And I thank God we're friends. bam | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 5:24 pm | #

wow. inspirational talk. Yea. i guess theres also a positve side of envy. very well said. i love your posts. dropping by sis. lea | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 10:07 pm | #

ggrrrr nabura ang first comment ko anyhow ganda ate ng post mo, nakakarelate ang mga nagbabasa.. and tama ung sa envy and jealousy... minsan kasi nararanasan ko din yan.. ingat ka lagi ate.. have a great week! nicole | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 10:35 pm | #

tina i envy you kasi laging may matutunan sa mga post mo. dahil inexplain mo naman kung ano ibig mo sabihin sa envy, muhang di naman talaga pareo dun sa envy na tinutukoy ng church. iskoo | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 1:32 am | #

nice read.. oo nga naman.. i didnt realize that envy is the third natural emotion.. that got me into thinking also.. Im not the jealous type but maybe unknowingly I am.. hehe antonette | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 1:56 am | #

Wow sis your post is really inspiring.I agree. . Ako din envy ako sa tao. I agree na ang envy nagdadala sa atin sa tagumpay. Thanks for this. Sherica | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 8:29 am | #

Never thought about envy that way! Sidney | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 10:28 am | #

Envy and jealousy can be taken into positively. Very nice insights! dimaks | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 9:49 pm | #

aww.. i really like this entry of yours.i certainly agree with this. anyway, thanks for asharing this with us,. take care! Sandra | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 10:23 pm | #

You're right jealousy is the green eyed monster, but envy is a natural emotion, that a mature individual should have good control over. Happy belated Birthday to your Mom! She and Nermal have almost the same day hehe Angelo | Homepage | 03.28.07 - 10:39 pm | #

hay nako.i hate this feeling. i feel this and it sucks.. huhu lalaine | Homepage | 03.29.07 - 2:08 am | #

A little envy is healthy, but when taken too far it becomes dangerous. Baka pumatay pa ng tao dahil sa inggit. Ay sus. Mari | Homepage | 03.29.07 - 3:23 am | #

everything that we feel is normal... they just turn bad in excess. monMon | Homepage | 03.29.07 - 4:15 am | #

i see so talagang natural lng na mainggit ?? sabagay it is also one of the reasons why yung ibang tao sbrang nagpupursue sa dreams nila dahil may kinaiinggitan cla and gus2 nila matulad dun.... pwede rin po bang baliktad nauuna yung jealousy bago yung envy??? len | Homepage | 03.29.07 - 4:27 am | #

inggitera pa naman ako.. nyahahha.. pero sa tingin ko healthy pa naman yung sakin.. hehhehe.. joanna | Homepage | 03.29.07 - 8:55 am | #

I always tell that to my kids, instead of being envious to anybody or for anything, gawin na lang nila itong inspiration . ann | Homepage | 03.30.07 - 1:22 am |