Monday, April 28, 2014

Who else can

I don't want to be static. I want that I always have something to do. It makes me get bored not being able to move. I don't want to be stagnant. I find immobility a sort of stubbornness and unproductive state of being.

Everytime I am out at home to work on something, expect that I end up coming back late in the afternoon or at night.

Who else can do to process a task that needs urgent attention? It's me. Who else can do to care about a stimuli in order to come up with a reasonable action? It's me. Who else will perform a task for others to follow and set worthwhile examples for them to be guided in what they should suppose to do. Who else would really mean to care when all are shattered and crying and worrying are the only "defense mechanisms" they know? It's definitely me. Who else would remain strong in the midst of hopeless situations? It's me. Who else can do that? It's only me. That is why before you mark traces of judgment on me, seek in your heart what kind of being I am. You just don't know about my life. You just don't know what are my plans, my wants, my goals, my dreams and aspirations in life. As you label me, never forget that you are part of my dreams - to help you in ways which you can't see but in my means that no matter how you stepped and stained me, I will still form you whole.

I am a mover, an initiator, a dreamer that moves, a planner, a goal-achiever, a person who understand you more deeply than yourself.

Never judge nor dare to plant weeds in your mind. They will just poison you and hail you to death.

You may not understand why I am doing every sacrifice for the sake of everyone. Are you not tired of judging me? I am happy being like this and there is no doubt in that. Better ask yourself - "Did you care to help instead?"

That is why, leave me as like this. I trust myself and don't worry, I will not be in the end of the line. God knows he will come. Leave that to me. Give a hush to yourself now.

I don't judge you either. It is just that I hope you will not dictate what should I do for you don't know my reasons of all these. Just bear with me and understand me because my sacrifice will bring a huge shelter of bliss not just to you, but more to others.

Did you question why me. I never question myself. Who else can? It's definitely me.

Who will wipe your tears even until its last drop? Who else really can? It's me.

That is what love is for! :-)

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Each stride with Mayette

Mornings are lazy. It's when I forced to open my eyes in the middle of cuddling my blanket and feeling the softness of my pillow. My body is heavy. The clock slapped me, "Hey Miss you are opt to go NOW!" And I am, "Okay, it is time!".
 
Going to the place that jives my love of jogging, people are in every space and corner. They do preparatory exercises - stretching, kicking, shaking their hands, moving all their body. They wear colorful sports attire and exercise gear. Some are jogging together, others, alone. Music are along with them. Headphones clinged tightly to their ears. "What music do they hear?", I asked myself. "Are they like mine?". And Mayette is there! We just met in the plaza. Then, to start our day, we proceeded.
First, it was a jog around the oval at about countless turns. We chatted along the way while we run until we never expected that sweats are coming out on our backs and our faces are totally a bath. An hour, the "Hataw" (exercise) is about to start. We joined the "Hataw", but there are times that I proceeded on jogging while Mayette is joining the "Hataw".

My body feels the cold wind as I perspire a lot. My heart functions well. I breathe feeling the freshness of a refreshinig wonderful feeling. It is like drinking your favorite cold drink in the extreme total thirst and as you drink your favorite drink, you feel each drip goes through your esophagus, down to your stomach, then accompanied with "Whew! Super-refreshing!".

That is what I feel about jogging.
The sun unhides herself from the clouds to make herself known. The lights were turned off.  And the sun extends its shines while all of us are running and exercising. So refreshing! The trees welcomes us with its greenish look and the leaves never forgets to greet us too! They are indeed nature's bliss. So natural and refreshing!
 
At about 6 or sometimes 7 in the morning, the "Hataw" ends, Mayette and I paused for sometime after we had our exercise and there we go, saying goodbye to our beloved place and every tomorrow, we see each other again and again and again.

Each stride with Mayette is a determination to live a healthy life. Her purpose is not probably the same with my purpose, but we meet at a wonderful means and of course to a positive ends.
Creating fun is doing it and believing that it will surely happen. Surfacing oneself with enthusiasm is a big reason that each stride is definitely a benefit, not a doubt. :-)

I like, I love, I had fun at the D.R. with my friends all around.

Having a duty at the hospital always interests me. I am always looking forward for it everyday.

The moment our on-call duty reservation at the Delivery Room was approved, I was very, very excited. In fact, I can't wait to serve the patients and help the attending physicians, midwives and nurses.

Two days prior to our duty, I have prepared all the things that I will be needing on that day. I washed my scrub suit and school uniform, brushed the blue and red slippers, prepared the BP up, stethoscope, thermometer, clean and sterile gloves, etc. And the day comes, just this morning, I woke up early at 3, took a bath, ate my breakfast and all is ready, I reached the hospital at 5:20 a.m.

With my closed friends who were also there, we all together went to the DR and get ready for the duty. Ma'am Cleofe O. de los Santos, RM, RN, MN is with us.


Upon entering the room, I was reminded of everything that was happening before when I had my very first DR experience of the last's second semester DR duty exposure. I remembered the placements of the important things that are needed for the procedure which I am going to use as I will be doing the assist, handle and/ or the cord care. Luckily, my mind is not rusty. I was not able to forget them.

My patient is in extreme pain because of intermittent contractions. I rubbed her back and gave her the best comfort that I could possibly give. I can't tolerate seeing her in pain and her face is in total destruction - extreme facial grimace. I feel her. I pitied her much. But the pain is normally occurring because few minutes by then, she was able to give labor to her second child. At least, that was indeed a relief!

Her baby is so cute and adorable. I talked to her as I gave my health teachings. I explained to the mother that she needs to do what I say because that is for the welfare of her baby in order for her baby to grow healthy and well. And so, I was touched when she says, "Salamat! (Thank you)". I smiled to her and I chose not to be away from her side because I would like to give her my comfort until she will be fine and all the procedures are done because she had episiotomy and that it needs an episiorrhaphy.

Comforting my patients is like helping also my friends while we are all in this together at the D.R. Happily, I was able to lead the group and taught them the best things that they need to learn and do. I understand that it was their first or second time doing the things inside the D.R. and so, I guided them on what to do.


Being as one team needs each other's hands to care especially that we are dealing with lives. One's mess is not a reason to be excused and pay with mere "sorry" for because life is not supposed to be neglected and just to say "sorry" is not payable if one might get wrong in doing the procedure. That is why, helping each other is very important. It is not about who is the best or who is more expert in doing this or that. It is not also about who will get much appreciation by the in-charge or by the class instructor-on-duty. It is not about competing. It is more about helping and be able to share what knowledge and learning one has in the field.

I am so happy that we all help each other. I learned from my friends and they too learned from me. There is a give and take process that is happening. And of course, it is worth the help.

We share what we have learned and that what defines this day a liking, loving, a fun-day for me at the DR and of course, the main fact that my closed friends are here with me and actually, this is our first ever DR duty exposure together, it adds to the fun out from what we are doing. And just like everytime after the duty, we took our late lunch at one of the restaurant at the mall.

Blessed to have this day and hope to have more duty exposures everyday. I just love the duty! :-)

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Exercise is emotionally liberating and I love it!

Exercise is the last thing we want to do when we feel the dreaded twinge of all our body system. To stay healthy, I believe, our body needs to be in motion. This helps circulate the blood and do its processes, distributes the nutrients in and expels the waste or garbage out from our body.

Before, I live in a very unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle because I am fabulously busy all the time. This leads me to so much stress. To exercise has never been in my vocabulary before for the main reason that I have the "super-believe" of myself that I have the ultimate capacity that I will not be sick nor feeling weak. I feel like I am "Wonder Woman" that can't be havoced by negative forces around. But I was totally wrong.

Eating organic food is not enough. Being happy with lots of friends is simply just not enough. Having positive vibes and outlook in life is more not enough. "I need a healthful break", that is what I thought.

Physical activity keeps me moving. I am determined to wake up everyday to exercise and to jog. These have been part of my daily routine now and become a habit. If I can't make it at the Plaza, I do the exercise at home.

Exercise is emotionally liberating. As I start moving, I have realized that body pains and malaise aren't limiting me as what I have thought it would be. I even go higher and longer. Discipline sets in all the time. I want to achieve even more. I feel pain-free and I am more confident in everything I do. I feel like I am 100% fully-charged battery that never goes tired all the time.

Working out showed me that my body is capable of more than I expected. It is not about being sexy and being able to get the audience's appreciation. It is not like that and I am not thinking like that either. It is just I find contentment, happiness and satisfaction now that I exercise. And you know what, I love it!

Friday, April 25, 2014

We miss you so much David!

It was 2012 of March that David stepped in the Philippines. He is 1 year old at that time. His stay for almost a year in this country made us so much happy. He is so adorable, angelic and super cute. His smile drives us crazy. And when he does his thing, it makes us amused of him all the time.

David enjoys a lot in his stay in the Philippines. We took him to a ride at the Children's Park at one of the mall here in Cagayan de Oro City. See how his smile shows how happy he is. His mother, Cecille (my sister), is super happy seeing her child grows happily each day.

And being his Tita (aunt), I am proud being with our little angle. There is no day that I miss being with him. Even when he is asleep at night, I always watched over him. Furthermore, I read him books, sing him nursery songs, play toys with him, give him nutritious food to eat, etc. We also play pick-a-boo. I love doing those things with David. I don't feel tired. It is just I am enjoying being with our angel.

David reaches many places. And one of them is his stay in our hometown, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. My aunts, uncles, stepmother, grandmother and wonderful neighborhood welcome him like the President of the Philippines. They hugged him so much with smiles and appreciation everywhere.
David had the opportunity to feed the chicken. I have noticed how our young angel love pets as well because he shows much concern on them. I am amused how he chased over those chicken. It is so vibrantly amazing.
Tatay used to let David ride on his motorcycle with his mother on the other end and David at the center. Slowly driving, the ride is such a relaxing one. The wind just crosses anywhere. I have seen that David likes the ride so much. David looks here and there. He used to smile everytime Tatay takes him a ride and in fact, he shows much excitement like he can't wait to ride.
 
Just how we love David so dearly, Tatay much more love his first grandson. Tatay took him a walk in the barrio, going to the place where the pineapples fields are widely seen. The mountain ranges limit not one's sight seeing and the sun rises says its hellos and David wears his huge, perfect smile.
David had an encounter with the kids who are practising their sport (soccer). David interrrupted to get the ball. He ran and ran and we are just staring, laughing and smiling and these kids too laughed so hard. "Take a pose! There you go!", we took pictures of them.
 
Christening David was held in Manolo. That was December 17, 2012. He doesn't know what is going on because he doesn't like to be static. The priest leads the prayer and the ceremony goes on. David is all out crying because he wanted to play outside the church.The ceremony goes on. At the end of the rite, poses outside the church with my sisters, Ate Inday, Ate Bambi, Cecille and of course, our cute angel, David was a great capture.
 
Of course, the celebration is not a happy one without uniting on a table. David pointed to the food that he likes to eat and there he goes, he was full.

Every picture tells a story. David is in the big picture. Just like how we treasure every bit of the moment out from his stay in the Philippines, we all love him so dearly. Out from a simple living in our hometown to a suburb life in the US, all counts and are treasurable. We love our David and I love him so much too. I will make it sure that our little David will get the best our of life always with us here, his family in the Philippines always taking care and loving him.

That is why, everytime I have a chat with David online, it always lets me remember his stay with us here. That is the memory that I can't live without. I cherish those things - so simple, true and vibrant.

The way how a child is exposed to a place, the way how parents brought up a child, the way how they prioritize to care, the way how each other help one another, the way how love is selflessly shared and shown, the way how simplicity builds a home, all counts and no matter what, in the eyes of a child, he deserves to live a life where love is always present and never absent. The only way to mould a child is through love and it is only love given by the people that surrounds him.

Love is all around. How one builds a happy home is a home filled with so much love and care. A child will grow in love and surely will care to love others if families care to love him in return. Love is not costly, it is within us. And it all starts in the family.

Crimes can be prevented if everyone cares to love one another. Every child is the hope of the future. Let love reign in them. If only everyone has the heart to love, then this world is chaos-free, war-free, hatred-free. Love is always best if deeply shown and verbaly expressed. Always throw love, not stone. Love begets love.

I love you David, our Sunshine! 

Bracelet: Every little thing

It doesn't need to be grand. It just needs to be simple and true.

I am so excited everytime I recieve something from friends or from the people I knew. Receiving gifts from them is worth rememberin' especially if it is given with love and simplicity. This native hand-made bracelet is one of the gifts I have received as a sort of a friendship bond from a longtime lost friend and now just found.
 
It was almost 12 years that we haven't communicate due to lose connection because of relocation. We were both classmates in our tertiary years. She is one of my closed friend out from the four of us. She is like my real sister because we are always together in all things. I shall say that she is a reflection of myself and almost all our life story is the same except that she's lucky in love.
 
We chatted so much that we never notice the time. Our coversation was all laughters and lots of smiles as we talked with the memories of the past while we were in college up to present. It was a long amusing talk. There sets in our crushes, our families, career, etc that even went on our looks, dresses, food, etc. We giggle like a child and laugh like the roar of the lion. It was all a flashback of memories.
 
And it ended to this...
 
This bracelet will forever mark as a value of our friendship that despite from the long, long years that we have not seen each other, time allows us to bump each other again unexpectedly. Our chat was the greatest and we parted ways, telling to see each other again. And as always, I say, "We are under the same big blue sky". That, we will keep in touch to help one another.
 
This leads me to question, "What if our path cross with my best friend, ex bf, would it still be the same?" That, I am certain that I already accepted and moved on happily.
 
Life has full of surprises and unexpected moments. I just did experience it and it is all about this bracelet.
 
Every little thing as a gift comes with a living memory. And I treasure it. :-)


Where are they now?


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Flashback Playback: Mellow Me

This night is so silent. All I hear is the sound of the wind. The air is so cool. I am alive. The night invites me to play the songs of my favorite. And happily I got it all.

My flashback playback is always from:
1. Jennifer Love Hewitt's No Ordinary Love
2. Roxette's It Must Have Been Love
3. Whitney Houston's Where Do Broken Hearts Go
4. Monica's For You I Will
5. Allison Krauss' Baby Now that I Found You, Loving Arms and When You Say Nothing At All
6. Babyface's Nobody Knows it But Me
7. Shania Twain's When You Kiss Me, You Got a Way, From this Moment and Forever and for Always
8. Des'ree's Life and You Gotta Be
9. Anggun's Snow on the Sahara
10. Gabrielle's Out of Reach
11. Jan Arden's Insensitive
12. D'Sound's Tattoed on my Mind
13. Sixpense Non the Richer's Don't Dream it's Over
14. Bread's Everything I Own
15. Eric Clapton's Change the World
16. Michael Jackson's Have You Seen my Childhood
17. Celine Dion's If I Could and I Love You Goodbye
18. Faith Hill's There You'll Be
19. KC and Jojo's Tell Me It's Real
20. Mariah Carey's Can't Take that Away from Me

These are but some of the songs that I like. I will update this list of my favorite songs every now and then.

Manners

Does asking nicely mean answering disrespectfully?

I hate someone who shows immodest response to persons who ask nicely. An approach is a courageous act especially when you ask to get information to a person you just encounter or when you ask questions to a high rank official. But that doesn't mean that when one asks, one gets an answer rudely.

I understand that people do have various personalities. Ones upbringing is not the same as of the others. The way others deal with people comes in different manners, but when one asks, and when answered, one doesn't deserve to be treated like an animal.

This is what I have felt this afternoon as I process for our duty at the hospital.

People do have feelings. The way one answers a person may indicate an effect that will bring the interviewee to hate you, like you, get mad at you or despise you. Dealing to answer a person's question is like treating the person with respect, like a welcoming care that you attentively attend to what he is asking. On the other hand, when one ask nicely and you respond rudely, then may lead to down their (interviewee) esteem that may psychologically result to hating people and treating them immorally. Never allow people to hate you nor label you like a terrorist because you are stepping to thier rights as a human being.

Respect is very important. People are not created to be shouted for, to be mistreated for, to be neglected and to be stepped on.

If one wants respect, it should start within oneself, you.

Relief

This day is remarkable. I was not expecting that I am a relief.

My friend and I are seated with a dine.

Talking to a friend makes the day light. We are not that closed. The moment just happen all of a sudden and I am blessed with it.

I never expect she says her thanks to me as I listen to her afterwards. First, the conversation was about her undying crush to someone until it reaches to a point about her family, her daughter and her dreams for her child. Tears almost dripped into her face, but she managed to stop them.  Teary eyes are with her.

I was listening to her. I was all-out listening to every word that she has said. Upon hearing her, I come to realize that what happen to her always comes with a purpose. She said that she wanted to gain again the lost trust by her parents to her. Due to a "mistake" (but I didn't see it as a mistake, maybe, it is just her fate), she wants to prove everyone wrong. I believe to what she is saying and I feel how deep it is.

I never said my advice, rather I just ask some guided questions for her to direct her to a point where she will realize and think about the answers herself. I want to self-direct her because I know she has answers to all her questions and my task is just to burst it out and let it come from her mouth as a way that someone is listening to her, that she will utter them in relief. Two hours and half, our conversation lasted. The sharing only ceases as we departed our ways from the facade of the gate as we said our goodbyes.

She texted me as I reached home and said that it was a relief finding me around to share what makes her feel deep inside before that I was indeed a relief.

It is pretty amazing how this day blesses me with a smile that I was a relief to her. She said her thanks, saying that she is happy seeing me around.

I have realized that a sit, a smile, a talk could lead to a conversation that words will transform into a big leap of relief. It is just that I can feel her how she is carrying the weight on her shoulder. And to think that moment is unplanned. It is just a mere coincidence and we are not closed. This content me that indeed I can be a trusted person and I say, of course, I am.

She is not my closed friend, but time lets us share this day. I am so happy to have helped her even that I didn't do anything than listening.

This is not my first time dealing with a situation such as this. I am happy that I have discover my use in this world, to be of help to everyone even through listening to them. What a delightful me!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Fell in-love with Korean movie series everytime

"I love how the story has been told".

This what comes to my mind everytime I see Korean actor, Lee Min Ho's movie series. It was "Boys Over Flowers" that I have an eye on him, "City Hunter" was the second and the most grandest of the three is my all-time favorite, his "The Heirs". This makes me think more of South Korea. This makes me want to go and probably live (if I got a chance) to be situated in South Korea.

I am 100% Filipino, but South Korea has gotten into my taste. It is so natural, emphatic, tremendous, the capture is vivid, the setting is endearingly extravagant. In fact, they are not boring. The views are beautiful, the building and homes are well-furnished, huge and perfect for the scenes. The script is extremely crafted with emphasis and natural flows. They captivate the audience really badly. The actors and actresses are perfectly selected and fit for their roles. The "cliches" don't seem to appear like it because of the natural flow of the story. The leading man and leading lady are acting professionally. I just love everything of it. Plus, the choice of the songs, whether it be instrumental or with lyrics, they are all fit for the scene.

I am very much impressed with the product of the persons behind these movie series. Their efforts are very well appreciated by me because their imagination and creativity gone so wonderfully wild that makes me endearingly falling in-love with every bit of the story. I feel like I have to rewind every parts and makes the volume a bit louder with matching applauses after every romantic part. I am truly, madly, deeply in-love with the story. I feel like it makes me fall in-love all over again unceasingly. This makes me smile with a huge leap of hope. Though there are times that I have to catch up reading the English subtitle because they gone so fast, but still it doesn't really matter. My eyes can read speedily.

Korean artists and talents of this movie series are extraordinary. The fact that I do like the character of Lee Min Ho in the story, those leading ladies that he had, their roles relate well to my situation. That is why also, I say that I am not far distant to what the story portrays.

I love the story and I am super in-love of Lee Min Ho's Korean movie series. It is very natural and realistic. The transition, phasing, movements, actions, expressions and the scenes makes a remarkable perfection. The movies speak for itself.

And here I am, a 100% Filipino really, really, really love how the story has been told. I am in- love with it all over again. This makes me want to discover what culture do South Korea have.

South Korea, hope to visit you someday. Hope you are not just a dream away. :-)

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Not just during Holy Week

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, these days are memorable for us Roman Catholics, but what do these days imply for me?

During Holy Week, Roman Catholics commemorates the days of Jesus' journey, the story of His life from the moment He came to Earth to spread the word of God and be one of us until He was crucified in order to save us from our sins. His sacrifice is true and unconditional for He lets himself suffer to save us. That indeed, for me, is a huge sacrifice, a great love for mankind. His love is unconditional.

During these days also, we ask for penance, confessing our sins that we have done to someone whom we have hurt and to ask for forgiveness as well. On the other hand, fasting and abstinence (from eating meat) are also observed in days such as these.

How do I pray?

Praying to God is my way of communicating to Him, of talking to Him what is inside my heart, telling Him all my worries and fears, asking Him for guidance, for me to pursue life with optimism. I always pray to thank Him for everything. I pray to ask for forgiveness. I cry at Him when I feel that I can't anymore carry the weigh of my shoulder. That, I do in silence.

I pray to God in a tranquil atmosphere. I want to communicate to Him in a silent place where it is just me and Him. I pray to Him before I wake up in the morning, before I go to sleep at night, anytime of the day, everyday. I pray not bragging to the people that I pray. I don't want to publicly announce that I pray, telling them that I really do. In silence, I seek Jesus in my heart.

Holy Week is not just a memorable days to remember Christ and to head up being good, kind, ever-forgiving and acting straight. Holy Week for me is not about "trying-hard" to show to people that you really march with them while praying and doing the Station of the Cross. Holy Week is not a reminder that it is good to do evil for the rest of the days because Holy Week will give us time for refreshments from our sins. Holy Week is not a mind-set of taking advantage of this significant event of Jesus' life, that people will resort to show-off. It is not a time to be forgotten in a way that everyone will not care.

For me, everyday is a Holy Week. Roman Catholics could always seek Jesus and pray to Him, asking for blessings, guidance and forgiveness and we all can do that not just during Holy Week.

It is not about abusing the goodness of Christ, but rather in humility and sincerity we find light and that we can best attain in silence.

Just like praying in silence to God, Holy Week is about being with God in silence. God knows what is in our hearts not just in Holy Week. He will always be there for us, not just during Holy Week and that it shouldn't be that we are there for Him only during Holy Week.

In silence, we can find Christ and I trust in Him.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Don't let every moment slip away


There is no other day than today.

It is such a wonderful feeling to make every moment memorable with friends who make the moment defines what it is. Today is the birthday of Cylyn, our beautiful and energetic friend, and we spent the ocassion, eating together at the mall. But it is not like that which makes the ocassion worth it. It is the huge letter card that I have made with our individual message that are in it. That what perfectly defines the moment. It is not being "corny", rather it is a way of expressing our care, love and concern to Cylyn. I know that for many years that we, all of our circle of friends have been together, we have much to say to Cylyn and it is also the time to express our "sorry" if someone of us wasn't able yet to ask for an apology (especially to someone who might hurt her) and it is the time to say our wishes for her as well. The fact that our message is clearly seen and felt from the heart, always, love reigns in each of us and that is what I find it important in friendship, for in love, the rest will follow.

That is why, never let the moment slip away when you want to say something, especially to the ones you love, for you may regret it for the rest of your life if you haven't say what you want to say to him or her and to find out that it is impossible to say it to them for whatever consequence or situation that leads to that.


Savoring each moment with my friends are important to me and I am always open to them about how I feel. That, I define the kind of friend I am to them. It is just that I am an expressive human being.

My friends are part of my family and I deal with them in a way of not slipping the moment away without showing my love and care to them. I always treat them just like how I treat my family. It is always going to be love, love, love!

Every person is important to me. :-)

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Isn't it amazing?

Filipinos are everywhere and we rock!

Distance doesn't seperate Filipinos. No matter where in the globe Filipinos are, they come to celebrate as one.

Just recently, Manny Pacquiao won the victory for winning the WBO welterweight title over Timothy Bradley and the Filipinos hailed to cheer Manny to the top of our lungs.

Being a Filipino, I have noticed how solid the love, support and attention plus care that all around the world where Filipinos are for Manny Pacquiao. There are those that went all the way at MGM's Las Vegas in order to witness the fight of Manny. Others show their support through social networking sites. The gymnasium were set for free showing for Manny's fight and in fact, it was filled with lots of people. People cheered for Manny Pacquiao. There are those who shows actions of "upper cuts" while watching the show, revealing "boxing" gestures and actions. The excitement dominates the whole place. The people are shouting, smiling, etc. They showed zest of true support. And there indeed Manny in the boxing ring with all his might dealing with Bradley. Jessica Sanchez sang the "Lupang Hinirang", the national anthem of the Philippines beautifully. I can feel the deep meaning of each line and being a Filipino, I am proud of my country. The fight started, 'till Round 12 ended and the proclamation begun.

This what amaze me everytime. Filipinos are always there to support their "kababayan" (fellow Filipino) in times of fighting for victory and they are indeed reaching out to the extreme especially when it comes to Manny Pacquiao's fight. The road is clear. All the Filipinos are at their respective homes and social venues, really awaiting and closely watching the fight of Manny with the wide screen on.

It is just so amazing to know that even though it is not Manny Pacquiao, as long as where Filipinos are, support is bountiful. That is why, when a Filipino compete for competition that pertains to international setting, Filipinos undoubtedly bring Philippine's victory all the time. It is not just with his family, but more to his country and most to Lord Jesus, our God in whom every participant brings.

There is always this connection that binds every Filipino no matter where they are in the world. Even though if they just knew each other then, as long as everyone knows that he or she is a Filipino, rest assured life is more safer.

It is in our culture, in our roots, in our esteem and it is part of our being a Filipino that no matter where we are, the love and support plus the total care of each other tops it all, even to the extent of not knowing the person's name, but as long as you got me, there I got you (in this kind of sense).

Absolutely, we are amazing! We are who we are.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Never stop reading

"Reading is for lazy people", I have heard that before but for me, Reading is my life. Writing is my vice. And these two are inseperable in me.

Even though classes is over, I take time to read and read even more. I love reading. I am used to it. My father teaches me how to read when I was 3. My interest in reading goes even more when I was 7 years old. During lunch time in school, I easily take my lunch hurriedly because I am all there in the Library reading books of fairytales and wonder stories. I was so engrossed with the colorful pictures, and the huge texts. I was motivated to read then.

Because my parents can't buy me books at those times, I write every story in my notebook. I started writing on the first page of my note to the last until the last story. And as I go back home, I will read what I have written in my notebook.

My mind never stops creating wonderful things. That even until now, I am like reminiscing my childhood experiences which brought my love of reading into a realistic world of colorful materials and wonderful stories. This makes me artistic in what I do oftentimes.

In reading, it transports me to a place that I have never been. I am able to travel those places which addicted travelers visited. That is why, I want to travel the world because I want to see in reality the vibrant, beautiful places which are in my readings. I want to see then with my naked eye realistically.

In reading, I come to life. I know what the character feel and putting myself in the character's shoe - empathy. I know the emotions from every persona and this gives me an open mind of not to judge people merely because of what they are "inappropriately" doing, but rather, I believe that whatever they do, there is underlying explanations that only them know about it and that I respect that kind of part.

In reading, I learn a lot of things both seen and unseen ones. It is challenging for me to know the transition and fragility of a story. I am able to distinguish the scene and how it is going to end or in what means it would be okay for a certain scenario. Just like real life, there are hidden explanations that until now they remain shallow to many. There are those that are certainly factual and all I need to do is to believe and put my trust in the fact that it is really existing though for others, it is merely the opposite way around.

In reading, I remain to be contented. I am positively ambituous in good ways. We all dreams dream of betterness in life. And I think that is not a problem. I find humility in reading, preserving the kind of "haves" that I have and just remain quiet and just let others know about the real me.

In reading, it makes me a total person. I listen to the books' advice (though I am an opinionated person sometimes), but I don't argue positively on books when I say that they are all saying the truth and what is pleasantly moral.

Through reading, I define myself. It is what I like and I need to share this to others. I need to spread the information even though others may find it a cliche, a boring one or uninformative type, but still, I believe in the exactness of being true to oneself and that I put my credit into.

Reading is for lifetime. It doesn't end when the semester ends. It is a process that goes on and on unceasingly. Reading is fun! :-)

Under the same big, blue sky

I am not a celebrity. I am not a famous tycoon. I am not the owner of the world. I am just an ordinary person who lives in a remote province and who is living a very simple life, with nothing at hand, but only my simplicity and my mind. But why is it that people do miss me?

I feel important when my friends miss me. They are expressing their longing in me. They want to see me. They are just happy to be with me. Then, I questioned, "Why is it that they miss me?", "Is my presence important to them?", etc. My mind speculates on interrogations that would always lead me thinking why they really, really miss me so much.

Their feeling of miss in me is an overwhelming feedback to me. I can say that I was able to touch their lives even if I did not really help them in kind or cash. Probably, the way how I deal with persons make them say that they really, really miss me. That is what I have observed about myself - that every time I just be out for a day, week or a month, they will really find me. I received various text messages saying, "What do you do?", "Are you okay?", "Do you think I miss you?", etc. (something like that). They even say, "When can we see each other?", "I miss you so much.", etc.

There are times that they will invite me to do window shopping. There are times also that they will call me to be with them, eating together in a fine restaurant. There are times as well that they will call me because they want to ask for advice.

I am thankful for being so blessed with this kind of extraordinary me. Maybe other people don't have the kind of being that I am.

I am just wondering because ever since I was 10 until I am at this age, people are really looking for me and they have all the "Arleens" here, there and everywhere. It seems like their days are not complete without me in their lives.

I take this as a gift. Probably, countless individuals has this kind of gift. And I am just so lucky and now I say, "I own it."

Even before, when I was still a teacher. The principal and the owner of the school call me and they ask for my solicited advice. They even tasked me to accompany children to witness the competition in other school even if these children are not under my advisory. This, I think how emphatic probably I am to them. I can even think that I bring the luck in them (I just don't know exactly).

I tell them, "We are under one big blue sky." No matter where I am going, no matter where will I be going, no matter how will I be going in this world, they will not worry about me and they will not be lonely because I am just within reach. I am just a call or a text away.

"We are under the same big blue sky", that is what I always tell them.

I am just so lucky to be this kind of being. My existence clearly defines that my role in this world is to be with people and to make them happy through the way I show my love and care naturally. But whatever I may be in this life, they can rest assure that I am just within reach. :-)

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Do what you want: It gives the glow in you.

It is hard when you live in a world of lies, not being able to do what you want because of a choice that others make for you to do in favor of them.

The important about life and to be able to successfully land into the so-called "ultimate happiness" is to do what you really want to do. How?

Make certain about what you really want in life. You need to evaluate yourself and weigh things out from you because it is "you" that is the doer in here. It is not "them". It is not "we". It is not "us". It is definitely "I" and "I alone".

Force. It is hard. When you push pursuing to do the things that you don't really want in the first place, you will end up not being happy. You will not enjoy. You will not have fun in accomplishing them. It means shattered lives. It probably means destroyed dreams. It means faking the real you.

Oftentimes, the choice is not ours to make because there is  always this instance that others will completely burst like a demanding "hero" that says wonderful in you, making the choice that they prefer for you, but in totality it really disgusted you.

Believe in yourself. Choosing what you really want has something to do with your inner voice, the one that calls from within. After all, you will be the one benefited from what you really want.

Choosing to do what you want is trusting yourself that you can do it. You will be independently doing them in your own and that gives a sure flow and glow in your life. It will not be hard for you to do the tasks because in the first place, it is what you like and it is where your heart is. Thus, feeling of self-worth is yours in that. Success always comes out then.

Faking. It is a hard feeling. You are denying the real you. You are impeding something that is in you. You put barricade to what you want. It means not believing in yourself and not trusting the kind of "you".

In life, all comes in a choice. It is weighing things out that matters most to define the kind of happiness in life. No one wants to live in misery. Your choice will lead you to what you believe and that when you are there, you can say that I am alive. I have the kind of choice that brings out the best in me.

It is not about them. It is about "you" and "you alone". If you want to have fun and create the meaning of true fun, then, make certain of what you believe, of what you want, of what makes you happy. Then you can say that you have life. Regrets come in the end, but it doesn't mean that you have to swim from its sting, you need to get up and rise anew.

Life is not perfect. At least, you made the right decision. :-)

When my runner shoes retires...

Everyday and whenever possible (if I am not busy and when it is not raining), I do what I like to do, jogging.

I take a jog every morning. I wake up early at 4 a.m. and there I am at the place which jives to my love of jogging - McArthur's Park.

I just love McArthur's Park out from the parks that I have known here in Cagayan de Oro City. It has lots of trees and when the sun rises, I am well protected by the shades of the trees as I run.

Taking a jog is very fun. I do sweat a lot and it burns my body's fats. I am feeling healthy and active all the time. I don't get tired easily. Jogging simply gives glow to my active lifestyle. Happiness resides in my heart everytime I run. It gives me a kind of fulfillment like no other.

Out from my love of jogging, I give credit to my super-fabulous runner shoes.

My runner shoes transport me to places which gives me more energy. It makes me feel confident as I wear them. They are my supporters to my love of exercising. I feel comfortable when I am wearing them. My runner shoes never disappoints me, but I think, it is almost giving up. It bothers me a little because that means that I have to buy a new one and I need to save a lot of money for me to be able to buy a new pair. Well, I am starting saving right now. But as long as it is not yet totally destroyed, I will continue to run.

I will never stop running even though my runner shoes almost retires. That is why, I am saving as well. I want the kind of runner shoes that indeed make my want, a pleasure. I want to have a runner shoes that indeed not a distruction. I want to buy a new, branded runner shoes someday.

When my runner shoes totally dies, I will be unhappy. I couldn't run using slippers nor uncomfortable shoes (they are inappopriate for the ocassion).

I have observed. It is so weird that all comes out not doing fine for me these days. I guess, all that was happening to me this past few days are not in par with the tide of my life. And now, my runner shoes is one of them.

What an unfortunate life! When can I buy a new pair of runner shoes. So sad! :-(

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

What is "South Korea" like?

I admit that I am a Korean fanatic. Though I am 100% Filipino in blood who is not even acquainted with Korean language, but still I do love Korean stars.

Lee Min Ho's and Park Shin Hye's "The Heirs", Lee Min Ho with Park Min Young on "The City Hunter" and Lee Min Ho with Koo Hye Sun on "Boys before Flowers" TV series got me head over heels on them.

How perfectly natural the role of each character above wows me on how really brilliant and talented Koreans are when it comes also to filming industry. The wonderful scene of the story travels everyone into a kind of wonderful background that comes to life. The actors and actresses portray their persona tremendously. The most attention-catcher is their radiant skin, with no acne, blemishes, lesions, etc. They look so captivating in every angle and even those who are just "extras" and have minor roles also have a perfect, glowing skin. All these unstoppably makes me ask "What is it like in South Korea?".

I have an encounter with the Koreans in real life being an English teacher as I worked before in an international school. They are so beautiful, having a glowing, flawless skin. They love origami (paper folding). They are learning English real hard. They are the kind of individuals that are simply sweet as well.

What is really like in South Korea? Hope I can travel and stay for months on the place someday. :-)

A Tatay's (father) love

Today, we have a chat with our father who is distant away from us. Words of care and love are always with him as we, my sisters express our feeling of deep miss of him everytime.

My father is already old. Two years from now, he is going to step on his 70s and he is still working to be able to send money for us. My education needs more support as well as the needs of my sisters and my stepmother.

I know that my father is already tired of working especially now that he has to find another job for him to earn a living. Even though he will not tell us. I know that he just say that he is okay even though he feels not alright.

I always said to him to just wait for me to finish. I am doing my best in school, to learn more and to have a good grade so that as soon as I can finish school, pass the board, I will surely land a job for them.

I felt sorry for my father becuase I am not able to help him this time. But at least I earn even a little amount out from my love of writing and this help us somehow.

My father at his age right now should travel to places, relax and enjoy his old age life by not working real hard anymore. It should be that we, his children are the ones supporting his needs right now. So sad we can't. That is why, I told my father to stand still and bear to sacrifice for now because time will come and I know that it will that I will be able to fully give the kind of life that I want for him - to relax and enjoy life by traveling and to worry not of earning.

Everytime we had a chat with my Tatay, I almost shed in tears but I hold myself of not being able to cry because I don't want him to worry much on me, on us.

My father has done lots for us. He always think of us on how we are doing, if we have food to eat, etc. My father's love is bountiful. I know all his life, he is been finding ways to give us a wonderful life. I know no matter how tired he is, he leaves us shallow to what he truly feels about his health.

We love our father so much. He is one of the reason why I am determined to live life with hope and I got also my strength from him. I am really really certain,that time will come,that I could earn a living with a super remarkable salary and that time, I will encourage my father to stop working and I would tell him to get a life traveling.

Life is always a sacrifice. The way my wants for my father, for my stepmother and my sisters are far within reach this time. After I will finish schooling, pass the board exam, I will work even harder for them. It is a huge happiness in my heart to see them happy with what I can share to them. I extremely love my family and I am always making my every way for them to live for they are super important for me. The one shares me to move on for life is becuase I have my wonderful mother and father in this world. They define my existence. My father is also the reason why I keep on moving life with hope. Time will really come that life's sweet bliss will be ours to take, but for now, sacrifice.

I love you, Tatay. Just hold on for now. :-)