Knowing zee Candidates

Okay.. so election is coming up...

how many days to go? 11!

I vowed I'm gonna research about each of them.. but I got busy....

good thing I stumbled upon a website... which actually did the whole thing..

researched about most of the candidates and their stands about various...

laws & bills...

so... for the whole lot ..

visit Filipino Free Thinkers. Know your Candidates.

this will be just a quickie update.

I'm taking my pick :)

Vote wisely! Your vote is priceless! Next time ako na tatakbo.. vote nyo ko ha! HAHA! Marami ako plano sa Philippines. ayyy di pala ako... marami akong igather na free thinkers and the bigwigs in various sectors who have the heart for our country.

tsaka... gather ko lahat magaling. syempre.. pag ako tatakbo ... you are not really voting for me... you are voting for the people... whom I will be consulting with. HAHAHA >:)

okay ... echos ko lang yan :)

mag aasawa muna ako.. kasi baka pag ako na elect ... wala na mag di-deyt sa kin.. at wala nang magpapakasal sa kin.. HAHAHA

Dear Santa I’ve Been Good Wish List

Dearest Blogger Friends!

It's indeed the time of the year... and PM is hosting the blogger's exchange gift once again. See Link HERE. I thought for awhile she won't be doing it.. but then... she did it. :) And it brings me joyyyy!!!

So here goes my wish list......

Dear Santa I’ve Been Good Wish List

Something small: cute butterfly/angel earrings

Something big: purple or pink luggage. 


Something cute: anything involving butterflies, dolphins and angels are cute to meee!


Something soft: a pillow!

Something techie: Ipad! Haha. or a pink USB Flash Drive will do.

Something fancy: charm bracelet

Something (insert your favorite color): purple, pink, turquoise, indigo or rainbow colors altogether


Something wearable: a cute aquamarine pendant or any pendant (butterfly/angel/star/moon/dolphin)

Something you need: shawl

Something you can use for work: BDJ Planner 2012 (belle de jour) a notebook for journal keeping will do. :)

Something sweet: Swiss Chocolates. :)


Dear Santa I’ve Been Good and I really, really, really want:

A wand from the Whimsic Alley.... :) Yan na lang all set na ako! Haha. :)  

or..... Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck Fragrance

oh and and and my current crush to ask me out! BWAHAHAHA. :)

Uh oh.. im beating the deadline... i hope i made it pa PM to the exchange gift.. weee. :)

Anyway... I hope this is not too much for my ka-exchange. I'm easy to please naman eh. :) No worries.....

Fabulous 2011

So long 2010... and Hello 2011!

2010 was a great year for me!

And even up to the last day... 2010 gave me one eye-opening experience... and I learned something about myself. That with everything I have gone through, I still do get scared and I have a lot of doubts in my mind - STILL. I also realized the mind is powerful but not as majestic as the heart. That the mind still relies on what you feel. And that what you feel does the rest of the job. What a work it is... to really get out of my mind and come to my senses..... what a greater work to get out of my box..... Arrrgghhh... that it's easier to post a status message over at Facebook than actually doing it. But, hey... just because I posted it.. doesn't mean I am already there.. I posted it because I needed the reminder. That was my year-end drama... now I have one last chance na lang daw. Booohooo. Pass this Tina... transform transform...


And I am even looking forward for a fabulous 2011.


(I have always planned to post a 2010 checklist but I guess I will have to post it later).

Meanwhile for my blog ritual... Imma post what I shall be having

This year.... is going to be a fabulous one for me!

I am choosing to do wonderful, unexpected things.
I choose to be more kinder...
I choose to be progressive and not procrastinate (Go Crown Ambassador!)
I choose to be a better woman inside and out...
I choose to stop running away (i almost attempted that just recently. ego still soooo strong.)
and with that....
I choose to tame and befriend my ego...

I choose to face all fears with confidence.. (GO TINA!!!)
I choose to see the beauty of the sunset..
I choose to have a "PERFECT DAY" once a month. =)
I choose to think out-of-the-box (Think RANCHO!!!)

I choose to focus on what I want and not by thinking what others might say...
I choose to surprise people - in a good, fun way. :)
I choose to be more cheerful and more charitable.... specially to the people I have judgments with.

I choose to be more adventurous (Gooooo extreme sports! HAHA!)
I choose to be fit slim and healthy as I can be for me and my family! (Sign up na TINA!)
I choose to lose the excess weight that does not serve me for the past couple of months! :)
I choose to be open to changes...
I choose to be more relaxed and beautiful...

I choose to go to even more places in the world I have never been before..
I choose to be more patient to people I do not like..
I choose to be the best girlfriend ever! *hearts&flowers*
I choose to have no obstacles... only challenges and opportunities to learn. :)

I choose to focus on more wonderful things about every person I meet.... =)
I choose to simply savor love and life... =)
I choose to stay awake more...
I choose to be more outgoing and free spirited...

I choose to change the world in my own little way...
I choose to not be weary in doing good...
I choose to lovingly serve everyone I meet... (just stay awake Tina!)


HAPPY FABULOUS NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU, my dear Friends.... =)



Cheers for a wonderful 2011!



Let's keep our vision and make this world a better place!

Enriching Lives and Fulfilling Dreams

Recently, I was asked by DXN's Sales and Training Manager Mr. Paul to host the 11th Year Anniversary of DXN.

My heart automatically screamed yes! (It's not really a dream, but I have this penchant of trying new things and it'd be one for my bucket list.) But, then suddenly my mind was filled with doubt specially when it comes to moments when one has to come up with adlibs. Nevertheless, I said: "Wow! Walang problema. Medyo scary ha. Diba po may mga rehearsals yan?"

I immediately asked for the rehearsals since I'd be needing that because it will be my first time. And it's not some hosting stint where you will be given 500 guests but close to 10,000-12,000!!!!!!!!

And of course, I made kulit to get the script just so I have an idea. But, I only got the draft. So, I scoured for tips online which were not much really. And tried to catch one of my "DJ" friend Aron, but never got around to it.

Three days before the event, I flew to Manila for the rehearsals. There were a few mishaps about the time but nevertheless 2 days before the event, I was introduced to 2 of my co-hosts, Lory, and Roy. And a day before the event, we met Rick and Ami to complete the party of five. Sir Paul was our coach. :) The rehearsal was fun! We'd joke around and try to come up with our very own adlibs since we were free to change what was written on the script according to our personality. :P

(Photo: L-R: Ami, Lory, Rick, Makata, Me and Roy)

Anyway, DXN's 11th Year Anniversary here in the Philippines last November 6, 2010 at Cuneta Astrodome was a SUCCESS!

Of course, it wasn't perfect, we were given the final script on the day of the event. But, we kind of got the idea of the flow already. But during the awarding ceremonies ,we ditched our scripts, since, our DXN director made a few changes. Major changes, that even us as "hosts" were surprised by the whole thing but managed to pull everything off.


(Mom, the Cake, Mr. Ed Hao, and Dato Dr. Lim Siow Jin (CEO))


You see, our CEO was supposed to arrive as a surprise to give the highest award which was Crown Ambassador which will be received by my Dad and Mom. But, Dad was unable to make it so it was Mom who walked down the aisle with the rest of the new Crown Diamond Awardees.

And MYYY GULAAAYY! The reaction of the people. I wonder when will I be given the full video of the whole thing..... mhmmmm

(Photo: L-R: Rick, Lory, Me, Ami and Roy)

Good camaraderie of hosts and the staff was the key to pulling everything off. And that we always focus on what needs to be done and the result in the end which was making 12,000 people happy. One good thing, they say was that there was no "dull moment" or spaced out moment because we would help each other out. Also, the A2Z Band was the besssstttt!!! Rock and Rollllll!!!

I heard it was the best DXN Anniversary! And when 3 of the hot shots were asked to rate the anniversary on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 the lowest and 10 the highest. They gave the anniversary this: 9, 10 and 10.1.

and our CEO was so enthused, he exclaimed: "We should do this every year!"

It was an amazing experience to host the anniversary. We gave our time and effort as pro bono to the company. I actually just wanted the experience and to give back to the company who helped a lot of people make their lives better and fulfilled their dreams. Including mine!


Everyone was in high spirits when it ended. And my energy kind of depleted. I wasn't able to eat that much before the show because it might send me to the bathroom in no time. Nyahaha. How about next year??? Well next year, i'll hit the backstage or be a floor manager! HAHAHA.

Congratulations to all the AWARDEES!! Next year... awardee na ako dapat! Woooo.DAPAT. Universe? Woohooo.. You listening? :)

Actually the Anniversary inspired me to do more. A lot of people in DXN, is encouraging me to do even better. I've seen people who never got a college degree, but now, they look, talk and walk like some guy with a PHD! This business made a lot of household lives better and healthier. Oh, the joy!

In this business, I call myself a social business entrepreneur. Where I am not just in this business to make money.... but I am in this business to change our "society". And it starts by helping people reach their full potential in achieving their dreams and visions for the future! It's better than just making money, right? :)

Credits: My Angels and ESP, Edsel of Kasuotan, Ms. Roma (Hair &Makeup), Ate Alice, Mr. JP Bedia (Coach), Ms. Lhen, Mr. Dennis, Ms. Honey, Ms. Thess, Ms. Anna, Ms. Mechelle, Ms. Rolyn, and more.

Hello November!

I don't know why I'm saying hello to November.... but maybe because I feel this month has a lot in store for me. Haha. Sweet surprises perhaps?


So.. yeah... November please be good to me.....


I've been in and out of town lately. Thus the lack of updates.

Will probably talk about my seminar-venture in UAE.

There were no Desert Safari for me, or any of those gold stores or whatever. Just plain visit to four states of UAE. and the hoarding of gadgets. Hardly hoarding. Just the essentials. Nyahahaha.

But, I'm definitely coming back for the desert safari.... one day. And, I better have me a husband... it's hard to get a SINGLE WOMAN a VISA to visit Qatar, Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf countries. But, well... that's not the priority. I'll go to countries where it's easy to get me a single woman a visa... like, say.... Europe. Wooohoo.

All I Want For Christmas

I just got around to browsing PM's post which she messaged me about since I haven't been online the past few days. Anyhooo.... when I got to read PM's post about "Gift Swapping" with blogger friends I got excited and of course would love to join in on the fun!

And if you want to join the activity spearheaded by PM, you can check out her post here: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS. Like she said, the more, the merrier!! :)

Something small: Vintage Pendant or Locket. =)

Something big: Large Stuffed Teddy BEARRR!! or a Panda will do. *giggles*

Something cute: anything "angel" inspired is cute for me. :)

Something soft: a pink/purple pillow!!! (small or big is okay.)

Something techie: a Samsung Galaxy ? haha. thats too much. Just Kidding. a pink headphone will do... or a pink wireless mouse. or a pink mousepad. oh di ba? basta pink. okay na ako. or purple or emerald or turquoise.

Something fancy: a wand from the Whimsic Alley, preferably this. =)

Something (insert your favorite color): pink pendulum! =)

Something wearable: a girly shawl or scarf. :)

Something you need: a book about angels, love, fairies or anything mystical or any book from Robert Ludlum, Marianne Williamson, Marc Gafni, Doreen Virtue, Paolo Coelho. I don't mind if it's second hand. :)

Something you can use for work: a 2011 Belle De Jour Power Planner :P

Something sweet: cheesecake!!! or a Swiss chocolate will do (any brand).

All I Want For Christmas: round trip ticket to Palawan :P

so there you go... i hope it won't be too hard for you. anything angel inspired, or anything pink/purple/emerald/turquoise will do naman for me eh. :)

Got A Crush

It just dawned on me.... I'm crushing on someone. *Laughter*

It took me a long time to admit that I really am crushing on him. And if I mention where I met him.... it's gonna be obvious to the people I know in real life. Nyahaha. OMG. OMG. I can't get him off my mind lately. And to think I haven't seen him for weeks!!!!!

And no.. I don't have his number. Too bad.

I can't believe I'm back to my high school days.


Meanwhile.. let me just blow bubbles in the air..... :P


via (dallasdee)

Keep the Faith

(via thedisneyprincess)

hulloh, everybody!

hope everyone's doing great.....

i miss watching disney movies... maybe i'll download some of them.

my kinda therapy! :P

oh and yeah...

(via xoxoeman:)

with that cake!

but, i'll finish with my own doze of male hormones first.... Jack Bauer of 24 keeps me entertained. *bang bang bang*

Stop and Surrender

Now, I stopped trying to control events, and just trust and have faith that everything will fall into a natural order, one that works.

you know the popular saying:


(via heymrblue)

so... yeah. and that the good thing about things falling apart, is that you can choose to pick up which pieces you want to have in your life.

I'm just resting while a power much greater than me takes over. :) (thinking about rest, makes me want to go have a massage!!!! i BADLY NEED ONE! maybe mamaya before i go to sleep.)

but, but, i have to get back on track. I have a "challenge", I'm working out on..... some goal.. which I will reveal as soon as I ACHIEVE it. it's in my PRIORITY FOLDER.

The recent uhmmm experience I had, I mentioned was terrible, right? It almost shattered a belief, that I keep holding on to... but, then... my angels are always around to keep me back on track. I have always believed that you need not a lot of pain and suffering to grow. Because, Jesus said: "It is finished". But, of course... you have a choice to go through all that. And like many gurus would say: "There are many paths to the mountain top."

I've always believed that Love operates on a win-mode. Being successful in life need not have a lot of negative tension involved, and that we don't really have to struggle all the time.

So... I surrender and just love. :) It's like I'm melting into another world. Some may call it a fantasy, but sometimes the truth can seem like a fantasy. Of course, I still have a feet on both worlds. And someone taught me how to take the rose-colored glasses off, if necessary. And, I did.

They say the world changes, when we change. It reflects back to us what we have been giving all along. It softens when we soften. It opens when we open our hearts.

It's this moment when LOVE matters more than anything. Not psychology, not neurosis. Just Love. That warm feeling, that despite all those broken promises, shattered dreams, half truths, hostility, you found a way to stop fighting the world... and let things be.

There'd be moments I may forget, but that's part of our journey....

*spreads the love to y`all*

peace IN! (haha. trying to be cool, eh?)

broken promises

Today, marks one of the hardest choices to make in my life. I think if I was Venus Raj, answering the "major major" question. (feeling ko Ms. Universe eh ano?) This one would be my answer. Although, I'd buckle up with the answer because I was never the smart "talker", I stutter when my emotions are involved. I swear, if I don't do something about this, I will go join the Toast Masters.

I can't really explain everything that happened. Some things will remain private. Some things will remain in my "journal" and the rest might as well be left unwritten. All I can say, that everything was odd.

So many things were left unsaid for my emotions got the better of me. But, I guess that doesn't matter now. All I know, it was good while it lasted and everything was just perfect even though the "end" was abrupt and horrible.

I kind of hated myself for making promises I couldn't keep. I wanted to keep it, but I'm too scared to take it. Yes, my dear angels, I'm not ready for love it seems. All along, I thought I was, but I was uninitiated. I lack the emotional skills to hold on to the magic when the storm came.

I can't tell myself that it wasn't real for me. For, I would just be lying to myself. But, it was also hard to tell, because there were lies involved at the beginning. The facts may have been all a lie, but there was a moment, that tiny spark, that glimmer, that love visited. And that I will cherish. It will be hard to forget the songs. It's filled with bittersweet memories and broken promises.

I felt the sadness, and I was gullible enough that the good intentions I have, backfired. I got scared with the domino effect. Fear got ahead of me. And so, I had to step out from the "fantasy" we made.

It was grim and excruciating. There's a certain hardness that developed in my soul. And I hope the tears will take them away. Tears for the humiliating failure I made.

I don't even know why I felt the need to post this. Maybe, I just want to commemorate this day, and also the past three days, for this will mark another chapter of my life.

To some this can be a lesson, and for awhile I thought it was just that. But, going deeper, this was a soulful experience, one that I have probably asked, and I couldn't say I came out victorious.

But, I asked for this. I live a sheltered life. I live with my books. I do meet people from all walks of life from the nature of business that I am in, and lately I have been disconnected from them. I felt I was stagnating. And in a sense, I created this experience, to keep me from stagnating.

Oh my, what a ride, this was.

Yesterday, while I was in my room walking around, beseeching my guides to help me, I saw a praying mantis on top of my bed. I was startled at first, because I haven't seen one for years.

and I knew there was some sort of a reason why it appeared at that moment. And so, I searched online for the meaning and here's what I got:

The mantis comes to us when we need peace, quiet and calm in our lives. Usually the mantis makes an appearance when we've flooded our lives with so much business, activity, or chaos that we can no longer hear the still small voice within us because of the external din we've created.

A quick-list of praying mantis symbolism:

• Stillness
• Awareness
• Creativity
• Patience
• Mindful
• Calm
• Balance
• Intuition

This is a message to us to contemplate and be sure our minds and souls all agree together about the choices we are making in our lives.

Overwhelmingly in most cultures the mantis is a symbol of stillness. As such, she is an ambassador from the animal kingdom giving testimony to the benefits of meditation, and calming our minds.

An appearance from the mantis is a message to be still, go within, meditate, get quite and reach a place of calm. It may also a sign for you to be more mindful of the choices you are making and confirm that these choices are congruent.

Source: Animal Symbolism

I can't say I am fine. I am still grieving.

This is a road I have to take on my own....

K10 and KTina

Finally, I joined the Rotaract of Munting Pag-Asa Davao yesterday. I've been mulling over it the past few months from the impending invitation by my beloved friend Ate Jireh. She has been a huge influence when it comes to helping people. And I get ideas by what she does. :) Thanks for the pleasant welcome guys! I appreciate it. /me is very happy to work with y'all. Service to others. Eee--yeahh!

I know helping people usually comes spontaneously and by joining groups, maybe it won't be that at all. But, i was listening to Les Brown and he was saying about getting involved in communities that would help people. And connecting with people with the same agendas in mind. Of course, I said to myself: "I won't lose my "random acts of kindness" activity. Those in the moment things I constantly engage myself into, specially if I am in a loving mood."

And it was quite fitting that Rochelle and I was inducted yesterday, in time for the Kadayawan Celebration. Kadayawan is a special event for Davao and for me. I don't know I just feel excited whenever the festivity is drawing near. The major streets would be oozing with exotic fruits (durian, jackfruit, rambutan, lansones, mangosteen) and lots of freebies and discounts. But, more than that... the air is filled with music inspired by the natives that gives you this upbeat feeling.

Back to the the meeting, it was festive and was pretty much Kadayawan inspired. :)

The highlight of the meeting was the "Ikebana" demonstration by Lady Veronica Tirol.

and it deserves a post.. all on its own. I'll recount the basic Ikebana demonstration soon. :)

There's so many things I want to share... i'll share it to you soon.
K10

Kadayawan 2010, is nicknamed K10 this year. Aside from 10 symbolizing the year 2010, it also represents the 10 distinguished tribes of Davao City and it is also the 10 keys of why Kadayawan is open for celebration for the year 2010.

1. HARMONY IN DIVERSITY

2. STRONG GOVERNANCE

3. COMMUNITY SUPPORT

4. PEACE AND SECURITY

5. SUSTAINED ABUNDANCE

6. GENDER SENSITIVE

7. DYNAMIC GEOGRAPHY

8. HEALTH AND WELLNESS

9. EMERGENCY READY

10. OPTIMIZED RESOURCES, MAXIMUM VALUE

for the full article: K10.

Anyway.. here's the list of schedules for Kadayawan 2010:


MAJOR:

DAYAW: KADAYAWAN OPENING RITES

Date Start : 2010-08-20
Date End : 2010-08-20
Venue : Rizal Park

HIYAS SA KADAYAWAN: THE FESTIVAL GEM

Date Start : 2010-08-20
Date End : 2010-08-20
Venue : Davao City Recreational Center (formerly Almendras Gym)

INDAK-INDAK SA KADALANAN

Date Start : 2010-08-21
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : 7 am Street Dancing at CM Recto, San Pedro, Pelayo, Bonifacio, Ponciano, Roxas Avenue & 3 PM Showdown

Philippine Military Academy

Date Start : 2010-08-22
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue : Tionko Field

Fun Run Kasaganahan at Kaunlaran

Date Start : 2010-08-22
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue : Rizal Park

PASASALAMAT: THANKSGIVING MASS

Date Start : 2010-08-22
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue : San Pedro Cathedral

PAMULAK: FLORAL FLOAT PARADE

Date Start : 2010-08-22
Date End : 2010-08-22

AGRI-TRADE FAIR

Date Start : 2010-08-01
Date End : 2010-08-31
Venue : SM City Davao Future Development Site

Kadayawan Festival Run

Date Start : 2010-08-08
Date End : 2010-08-08
Venue : Roxas Ave.

HULAGWAY: FACES AND PLACES: DAVAO

Date Start : 2010-08-11
Date End : 2010-09-11
Venue : Museo Dabawenyo

Kadayawan Open Bowling Tournament

Date Start : 2010-08-12
Date End : 2010-08-20
Venue : Fairlanes Bowling Center

1st Mayor Inday Sara Duterte All - Women Aero Marathon

Date Start : 2010-08-14
Date End : 2010-08-14
Venue : NCCC Mall Activity Area

Katingalahang Kalingawan sa Kadayawan

Date Start : 2010-08-14
Date End : 2010-08-15
Venue : Davao City National High School

The Best of Sayaw Mindanaw Showcase

Date Start : 2010-08-15
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : SM City Event Center

Jollibee Family Fun Run

Date Start : 2010-08-15
Date End : 2010-08-15
Venue : NCCC Mall Car Park

Photo Gallery of Davao City Prominent Icons

Date Start : 2010-08-15
Date End : 2010-08-21

Opening of Kadayawan Activities at SM City Davao

Date Start : 2010-08-15
Date End : 2010-08-15
Venue : SM CityEvent Center

Panagtagbo Cultural Performance Showcase

Date Start : 2010-08-16
Date End : 2010-08-19
Venue : Gaisano Mall of Davao

PANAGTAGBO: MULTI-CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

Date Start : 2010-08-16
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : Peoples Park and NCCC Mall

KADAYAWAN TABO: MAG-NEGOSYO ‘TA DAY FAIR TRADE

Date Start : 2010-08-16
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue : Sanguniang Panlungsod Lobby & NCCC Mall (open on mall hours)

Henna & Body Painting Contest and Big Bike & Car Show Exhibit

Date Start : 2010-08-18
Date End : 2010-08-18
Venue : WiSons Shopping Mall, Anda St.

Apo View Cultural Presentation & Fire Dancing

Date Start : 2010-08-18
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : Apo View Hotel

PhilExport XI Forum

Date Start : 2010-08-19
Date End : 2010-08-20
Venue : Central Bank

Blood Kompak 2010 Mixed Martial Art Competition

Date Start : 2010-08-19
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue :

14th Mindanao Trade Expo

Date Start : 2010-08-19
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue : Central Bank

NCCC Mall Late Night Sale

Date Start : 2010-08-20
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : NCCC Mall

Deca Cup Wakeboarding and WakeSkating Competition

Date Start : 2010-08-20
Date End : 2010-08-20
Venue : Deca Wakeboard Park, Brgy. Tacunan

Kadayawan Fashion Show

Date Start : 2010-08-20
Date End : 2010-08-20
Venue : NCCC Mall Activity Center

ABS-CBN Kapamilya Caravan

Date Start : 2010-08-21
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : Gaisano Mall of Davao

Party Pilipinas

Date Start : 2010-08-21
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : SM City Event Center

Urban Missions Airsoft Tournament

Date Start : 2010-08-21
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : SM City Davao Future Development Site

Concert with a Cause: A Night with Rico & Jenine

Date Start : 2010-08-21
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : Lantawan Hall, Royal Mandaya Hotel

Coca - Cola Concert featuring Sponge Cola and Sugar Free

Date Start : 2010-08-21
Date End : 2010-08-21
Venue : Rizal Park

Kadayawan Motocross

Date Start : 2010-08-22
Date End : 2010-08-22
Venue : Davao Crocodile Park


whoah! I never expected the list of events would be this long! i did not even post everything. i just posted those events i'm interested.

so, you see... we have fun filled events depending on your taste: from fashion to music, from star-filled events to mingling with the locals, sports (wakeboarding, motocross, mixed martial arts) to a whole lot more. AND Yeah... don't forget the cheap food and discounts! Haha.

to Dabawenyos and the tourists.. enjoy!!!

Photos Courtesy of Bom Aportadera(President).

Real Love

Much has been said about love. For it is everything. And so to some.. you wouldn't need any words to describe how it makes you feel and that all these words are nothing compared to the moment you have it with you.... nor does it end with that feeling.

But... it is a lifestyle.. some sort of a religion, where each lover remains to be each other priest or priestess...

and i found this "Real Love" by Eric Hurtgen (Relevant Magazine) article over at tumblr. and thought it's a worthy piece that i would love to look back on.. one day.

if wine is bottled poetry.. then i think articles and words like these can also give you the certain feeling you get whenever you drink wine - warm, hot... fill in the blank...

don't you think? :p

the ones in bold.. i have felt with a certain someone. *yay* Recently. :)

Real Love never parades itself outside in the streets, letting everyone know just how real it is. Real Love never needs an agent, a manager or a public relations guy. It doesn’t need an ad campaign or clever salesmen to move its product or drum up business. Real Love rarely sends out flyers to let everyone know it’s in the neighborhood.

Real Love has talent, has a real gift, but it doesn’t orchestrate the camera angles to maximize its potential. And it never has to slip money into an unnoticed hand to get into a gig or sell itself out to slide in through the back door. Real Love is content to wait quietly outside talking to the stage hands.

Real Love never needs a dozen roses and a nice car for the first date, and it doesn’t start out with the lobster and chardonnay. Real Love won’t lie in the heat of the moment to have its way, and it never uses all the right words to get what it wants. Real Love usually takes things slowly and gets better with age.

Real Love smiles even when it’s unfashionable to do so and never holds back tears. It looks good without makeup on and isn’t afraid to go out in public unprepared. Real Love quit rambling on about nothing a long time ago and doesn’t worry that it might not have anything to say right now. Real Love looks you in the eye during the awkward silences.

When it’s treated cruelly or quietly snubbed, Real Love never turns inward or burns spitefully. It never calls up mutual friends to vent in anger or stoops to pettiness to have its revenge.

Real Love is quietly hopeful and devastatingly kind. It’s always on time, and it doesn’t quit just because the shift is over. Real Love is surprising, like a night out under the stars. And though it usually prefers the softest touches, Real Love has strength enough to fend off all other suitors.

Real Love is not a gamble, a ruse or a phase. It’s not faddish or shallow, too young or too old. It’s cross-cultural and counter-cultural and sub-cultural. It doesn’t favor big bank accounts or the most beautiful faces, and it rarely comes around when it’s not called. Real Love likes the lowest voices and shows little respect for the big booming ones, though it doesn’t count them out just because they don’t get it right now.

Real Love is a movement, an affection and an arrow pointing home; it is a peace, a precept and a personality. It knows about forever and ever, and it works just fine in the now and the here. And Real Love doesn’t need a clever tag line at the end to get its point across one last time.

-Eric Hurtgen, via Relevant Magazine

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

Day 2 - Your Crush

Crush??? Eeep!

Do celebrity crushes count? I have a couple.

There's Matt Damon who tops my list.

There's Patrick Dempsey. Robert Downey, Jr. Hugh Dancy.

Keiffer Sutherland. (I know Keiffer is old! but, what the hell! I just love him to bits!)


How about book characters?

Well, there's Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice

and my high school crush Aaron from Sweet Valley


How about movie characters?

Of course, there's Dastan! The recent character i'm crushing on.

Si Drover of the movie Australia. *swoons* THE BEST!


How about.. Right Now in Real Life?

Actually, I can't think of anyone. As of the moment.

In real life, i'd have this passing fancy of you... but when I find I can't converse with you... It fades.

Having a crush in real life specially when I'm in my twenties, is different than the ones I had when I was in high school.

In high school, I'd have long standing crushes with a few guys. But, now that i'm in my twenties, I'd have a fleeting fancy. So, I can't say... that I have one right now.

Oh.. meron nga pala akong online crush. *teehee* =) *blushes*

Day 1: Your Best Friend

This is funny.

I had to think long and hard for this post.

Because up until now, I don't have what they call the "best friend".

I always think a best friend is the one you were with since childhood. I have this "best friend" ideal. And for so long a time... ever since I was younger.. my whole search was focused on having one.

Really.

It wasn't about boys or mates, but merely about having a BEST FRIEND. and many a time, i have called some friends.. "BEST FRIEND"

but, the ones I call those.. are not people I am close to right now.

If not, we are deemed to strangers... it's as if.. we silently ask ourselves "were we really friends?"

In High School... I was more on to being with a group rather with a single "BEST FRIEND".

Siguro, i have long given up the hope about finding one.

The LESSON for me?

I was so focused on the ideals... that a slight imperfection can make me go away. A slight deviation of "what should be" would make me want to start something new with a different friend. I realized I wasn't looking for a BESTFRIEND. and that I never really understood what it really means. I was like a woman looking for Mr. Right. In my case, the PERFECT FRIEND.

Now? I don't have the "I have to have a BEST FRIEND syndrome".

I've learned through time that some people are just downright blessed to have a "soul mate" right by their side growing up. And that ever since they were young they know how to appreciate what it means to have a "best friend". And it doesn't mean my life isn't complete without that (because for awhile i thought it was everything).


and just early last year.... I began to REALLY, WHOLEHEARTEDLY appreciate all my FRIENDS. and that friendship isn't something exclusive you can share with just one person but with the rest of the world. (i know it sounds crazy, i thought it was like that before... )

and...

I realized ... I can never appreciate my FRIENDS around me... if I don't know how to be a BEST FRIEND to MYSELF.

Yeah, i don't have a specific "best friend", like in those movies.... but, I have ME. my other self. the one who knows everything. the one who braves to confront the darkest parts of me. the one who loves. the one who knows whether im happy or sad.

and what's the good news?

I'm not exclusive.

My friendship extends to everybody around me. And that... in everything... I'll be my BEST.

*blows kisses*

P.S. my heart is still warmed whenever i see childhood best friends walking past me.

Xoxo,

Liberty

descending into hell

WARNING: A DARK EMO POST.

if you are having a good day... stay away from this.

--------

tear stained cheeks and blood shot eyes. for no apparent reason at all. (it's been like this during random nights). her heart is breaking.... and she doesn't know why. she's confused.

confused. confused. confused.

confused, is what she is. she even wanted to beat her head or bang it against the wall for feeling like this. but, her other self... just allowed her. just allowed her to pour all those pain out in one brief moment. she couldn't believe the rush of emotion pushing through her.

she'd stop herself at the comfort room. at the shower or even when she's about to lie down.

the recent scene was the pink tiled comfort room. she checked her blackjack for the time. it took her 9 minutes. 3 minutes to cry and 6 minutes in between to calm herself and dry her eyes.

she sobbed. she can't bawl, cause she might attract attention.

it's like there's this dull ache in her chest. and while crying, she found herself asking: "Why? Why? Why do I feel like this?"

she's racking her brain and feeling her heart whether this was about the recent loss she had. and now she feels her brain was deliberately trying to confuse itself.

is this a chip on her shoulder? but, it's crazy because he is the last thing on her mind. and she's not even thinking about him anymore. she couldn't even imagine him in the future.

is it a mask? is she not over the situation yet? it's been a month of Sundays. she's not hearing his name. and the gods were all in her favor and besides she does not want to beat a dead horse.

or is it because she's losing her way? or she's trying to find it? what? what is her heart telling her?

or is she starting to feel a growing concern for someone? and all these familiar feelings are starting to surface.

or maybe she's just growing? like some spiritual detox where all the dark areas of herself gets sucked up to the surface in order to be released? a bit like colonics minus the literal shit. what is it?

it's like the time of her life where she's feeling... this journey is not fun. its too sad, too frightening, too heavy, too lonely, too hopeless.

when the gods gave the map for this journey, part of that journey is to go through the dark night of the soul.

is this her dark night of the soul, the winter of her discontent ? Should it be like what Mother Teresa in one of her famous quotes said: "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."?

that you just keep bleeding (and yes, remember that song). God, that sure sounds so EMO. *beats herself for talking like this. this is not her. everyone who knows her.. would be shocked* nothing short of romantic. its EMO and its unhealthy if she drones on and on about being EMO.

she's about fairy tales and happy endings. not crossroads and lonely highways. she's about the light and not the shadow. she's the angel and not the devil's advocate.

but then, maybe she's more of like Alanis' song..

"im a bitch, im a lover, im a child, im a mother, im a sinner, im a saint, i do not feel ashamed. im your hell, im your dream, im nothing in between."

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

folks, bear with me. my posts are dark and dreary. not light and heavenly.

im acknowledging my ego... and letting it go,
its like im being crucified or dead and buried
its like being lost in a labyrinth.
a little bit like descending into hell.
and doing battle with dragons...

that's poetry....

in modern times... they stripped it off poetry and called it

STRESS
BURN OUT
DEPRESSION.

but... i'd just remember what the Christ said:

"this too shall pass"

and

when it's done...

i'd be happy to say:

"the past is over. it can touch me not."

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!

Back on Track

and I'm back!

sooo many things to share... and everything's happening soooo FAST..... and im savoring every moment because I'm sure I can't go back from everything bright and wonderful that's occurring right now.

and yes... I've heard about the ongoing recession and how it's affecting us.. but can't you guys see the light side of it all?? It's a good time to start anew and re assess everything about YOURSELF and how you handle issues about "money". Now, where did that come from?

Ahhh.. will share about that sometime later....

Thank you for leaving a comment in my blog..... would get back at you right after. ;)

All the best!

Make Up Essentials

Prinsesa Musang tagged my Dance of Life blog months back.

"What are your make-up essentials?"

I am not the make-up person and soooo you won't find one. But, during occasions... i only bring lip gloss and facial powder. And that's about it.

and if it's really really needed a blush-on and a lipstick would be present.

But ordinary days? Nothing. :)

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