My long lost friends have the same first question... and it annoys me.

I always recieved the same FIRST question, whenever I meet long lost friends. Not that I'm unhappy to see them, their first question just never fail to get into my nerves.

Yes, I understand that they want to "catch up" on the latest things about me (ofcourse, and vice versa). Our exchange of stories help us draw and keep our friendship intact.

But the always FIRST question thrown to me "Hows your love life?" annoys me.

Can't they wait for me to open up about this matter? (As IF I have something exciting to share about my love life when its actually just the absence of it?).

Okay, I admit that the question itself and the manner by which my friends ask me about it aren't the ones that make me blush and wish to simply disappear. It is rather the fact that I do not have any thing to say about my so-called love life because there's none. Plain and simple.

However, I am easily relieved of annoyance. I give all the credits to my friends who always stop bugging me whenever I answer their query with "What love life?" ^_^

PutoBe

Puto + Ube color = A delectable PutoBe
Yummy!

Say no more to risk-aversion!

Afraid to take risk? Who isn't?

Anyway, according to a text message I received, there are three reasons why you have to overcome the fear of taking risk.

(1) If you do not Go after what you want, you will NEVER have it.

(2) If you do not ASK, the answer will always be NO.

(3) If you do not STEP FORWARD, you will always be in the same place.

Taking risk may make you uncertain, weak, and not in control. But the courage to take risks may in turn offer you gifts you may not even have thought of.

Count me in. I am into taking risks. I do not intend to remain stagant.

Four Ws and an H after Ondoy and Pepeng

The most common topic of discussions to date is about the two recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Conversations range from personal or featured stories about traumatic ordeals during either of the two typhoons, to the updates on the remnants, extent of destruction caused by the unusual heavy down pour of rain and flash floods, and the immediate needs of people greatly affected by the typhoons. All the different stories have the same bottom line --- typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng equate loss.

This kind of loss is definitely what we all would not want to experience again. Once is enough. The aftermath of the typhoons are still evident: trash and mud-filled streets and houses, and isolated baranggays due floods.

Urgent response for the pressing needs. For the time being, our fellow Filipinos who were greatly affected by the typhoons need help. Different government and non-government agencies who have organized relief operations have a number of drop off points were we can give our donations of food, toiletries, beddings, medicines, and other goods. Cash donations and volunteers for packing and distributing of relief goods are also needed.

In time of troubles, Filipino custom of Bayanihan is a relief by itself --- relief because it shows that we care and that we will act because we care. The small act of kindness we and will extend may not totally relieve the sense of loss felt by the typhoon victims, but at least we help them hold unto hope and to the possibility of a new start.

Behind the stories. I have heard a lot of remarks about this and that place that do not become flooded after heavy rains and about floods in a particular place subsides immediately. Sad to say, typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng changed the usual into unusual --- a very scary unusual.

It was mentioned in news reports that the chest-high floods are expected to subside after a month, worse, even longer. A month of wait is a very long time when we consider its drawbacks: diseases that may be acquired by the victims, the adversity on means of living, and the difficulty of starting over. It is a domino effect, isn’t it?

A wake up call. The effects of typhoon Ondoy became our topic during lunch break: almost landfill roads, dilapidated houses, lost lives. The remnants shown in the news left us with this question "What now?" Blaming is of no use now since the damage has been done (but I think the idea of "someone should be blamed" implied that we admit our inadequacies in preemptive measures and our irresponsibility to live reasonably considering the environment). On top of this blame-no-more attitude should be our resolve to take action---now.

Four Ws and an H after the two typhoons. The garbage-clogged water ways and sidewalks, landslides, and muddy stagnant waters are give-away clues that floods are caused by our own misdemeanors. In short, our pointing finger should be directed to ourselves, who else? Thus, solving the problem concerns not only those greatly affected by the typhoon, but each and every one of us.

Here is an announcement --- a reminder and campaign to act--- for us and for mother earth too.

WHO: Each one of us, starting with me/you

WHAT: Our acts of green (An environment-friendly campaign)

WHEN: Now (this is an immediate concern); tomorrow may be too late.

WHERE: At home -- the basic unit of the community, better yet start with your self.

HOW: Find ways of reusing (most specially the non-biodegradable items) and let your creative juices kick in, join in clean up drives, segregate and dispose garbage properly, help plant trees, minimize the use of plastic containers, campaign against slash-and-burn and illegal logging...others

BTW, calling the attention of real estate developers, the flood is a reminder for you to have better plan for water ways. It is also apt to revisit and revise the law on log ban. It is high time to faithfully implement total log ban (and please include the clean air act too).


There are other ways to help our community (our country) be a better and safer place to live in. Our eco-friendly acts will also save our lives from misery and devastation. Please share your ideas.



Note: This is a tranferred blog entry, and is an updated version of my entry last 30 September which was posted on my other blog.

Pinoy at CNN Heroes 2009 Top 10 list

The Top CNN hero for 2009 will be chosen on 27 November 2009. Time is of the essence. Let us support, thru casting our votes, Efren Peñaflorida , one of the Top 10 nominees in the CNN Hereos 2009.




Peñaflorida and the other member of his founded group, Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), aim to make a difference in the lives of children living in the slums thru education. DTC have pushcart classrooms to be able to teach on the street every saturday. They teach reading, writing, arithmetic, English, and hygiene. Click here for more info...

BTW, casting of votes is until 17 November 2009. Hurry, vote Efren now (as many as you can).

From me to my brother's ears (and beyond)

I've heard my bother's side of the story. I understand but do not agree with his course of actions.

If only I am given the chance to have my say, I'll tell my brother:

Be sure that the choices and actions you do at the time being serve as your stepping stone to a brighter future, and definitely not otherwise.

If things are getting a bit tougher along the way, don't hesitate to have a break. A breather will clear your mind and will help you decide on the right and best alternate route to take.

It is okay to take risks, but make sure it is the calculated ones---risks to your advantage.

Also, keep in mind that the accountability to every thing you do is solely yours ( Blame and escape goating is not part of the equation).

It is not too late for a change.

I hope my bro will open his mind and consider this perspective.

I am disappointed

I am disappointed with my brother's choices for the past couple of months. Or should I say I am dissappointed because of the unpleasant consequences of his choices/actions.

But, "to be disaapointed" is all I can do. He made the choices and the consequences are his to bear.*sigh*

I pray He'll realize things before it is too late...

Kalan+banga=Calamba

The name of Calamba, according to legend, came from Kalan(clay stove) and Banga (water jar). I learned about this through the leaflets given during the 1st cityhood anniversary of Calamba.




Here it is:

During the Spanish period, two guardia civil (soldiers) were lost. As they walked around the place, they met a young lady who was carrying a jar of water and a wooden stove. In order to conceal the fact that they were lost, the soldiers asked her the name of the place using the Spanish language . The maiden, who do not understand Spanish, thought she was being asked on what she was carrying. She answered kalan-banga. It was believed that because the Spaniards could not pronounce kalan-banga properly, the town was then called Calamba.

To remind Calambeños of it's history, or should I say, of Calamba's etymology, a life-size replica of clay jar made of cement is in the city plaza and is called Banga. A fully-furnished Banga was finished in 1939. The banga is placed on top of a concrete mound. Inside the mound is a small, white fountain at the center and benches around. The semi-spiral stair beside the mound leads to the banga.



You will notice that 1939 inscription seems to be written on a white cloth. It is a common practice to put a cloth on one's head, as protection, before placing a pot or whatever one intends to carry on his head.






Inscribed in the giant jar are the names of the different barangays comprising Calamba. I am a resident of Brgy. Mayapa, and I was frustrated when my BIG bro was unable to clearly and fully capture its inscribed name on Banga.




Banga(and the city plaza) is situated across Rizal shrine and St. John the Baptist church. You may view this for more information.

A PUJ is burning...

"May tao kaya sa loob ng jeep?" I asked my BIG bro upon seeing a PUJ blazing.

"Nakita ko yung driver tumawid papunta sa mga sekyu ng Yazaki" he replied.


We felt the heat coming from the burning PUJ as we were conversing. It was so hot. It seems we were placed inside an oven within a blink of an eye.

The quick glance I had on the burning PUJ left me feeling down and hopeless--- I was not personally involved but I felt hopeless. And why not, the jeepney on fire seemed to be beyond recognition; if somebody is inside the same will definitely apply. The fire engulf the jeepney it seemed impossible to salvage anything that will left after the fire. I felt hopeless because the fire seem to have started for quite a time already, but no help is around, yet...

With this feelings thoughts came more queries. I was unable to help myself but asked my BIG bro.

"Paano na lang kaya, kung yung kita sa pamamasada gamit ang jeep na yan ang inaasahan ng pamilya ng driver?..."

"Paano kaya kung di pa pala tapos bayaran ang jeep na yun?"
Here my bro replied, "Imposible ate, mukhang luma na yung jeep. Baka nga faulty wiring pa dahilan ng pagkasunog na yan."


Then another question...
"Paano kaya kung nakiki-boundary lang pala yung driver?... "


Then silence...

My bro told me, "Tawag ka na sa fire station."

"Naisip ko na yan, pero wala akong number."

"Magtanong tayo sa pulis dun sa crossing, tapos text mo."

"Mayaman ako sa load, kahit tawagan ko pa." I had this urge, to do something... to extend help---even a small gesture.

"Pag sinabi naman naten tatawagan na naman nila."

"Sana nga lang maging mabilis pag responde."

"Kaso may magagamit kaya sila kung electrical ang reason ng sunog, tapos may gasolina pa." My bro stated, more than asked.

"Baka San Miguel ang meron nun. Naalala mo yung sunog sa Calamba hills" He refered to another incident.


As we were passing by LISP II, a fire truck is fast approaching... So there is help... and hope.


This incident occurred last 2 September near LPU-Laguna and Yazaki-Torres Mfg Inc.
around 9PM.

5 fingers of prayer

I attended in a catholic school all through out my elementary years. There and then, I learned the ACTS structure of prayer. I still use the said pattern, though not always in the same order. The ACTS structure gives off calming effect which makes me feel/think I am worthy of God's attention and grace.

On the 29th of August, Sah forwarded to me, thru SMS, the 5 fingers of prayer. In it, each of our 5 fingers serve as a reminder on how we prayer for supplication.

Your THUMB is nearer to you, so pray for those who are closest to you.

POINTING FINGER: pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal.

TALLEST FINGER: pray for the leaders, they need God's guidance.

Your RING FINGER is the weakest finger, so pray for those who are weak, troubled, or in pain.

The LITTLE FINGER remindsus to pray for our self.

Rizal Shrine at Calamba

Last July 23, My brother and I went to Calamba Civil registrar to settle an error with our respective birth certiciates (this is another story). After a brief conference with the Asst. Civil registrar, We proceeded to the town proper. We actually intended to hang-out inside the Rizal shrine. Hhowever we arrived too late. It is open from 8 am to 4pm, every tuesday to sunday. Since we are already there, I took the opportunity for photo op.

The shrine before. Ang nakasanayang kulay ng bahay ni Rizal. The house was then painted in white, almost cement-like, brown, and brick red roof. Juan Nakpil was commissione by NHI for the restoration of the Rizal ancestral home.

The shrine now. The house is repainted (again),this time, using yellow green, brown and brick red for the the roof. A taurpulin, explaining the reason for changing the color of paint used, was place at the gate. Makakasanayan na rin ito.

Credit for the first photo.

Sun smile before dusk

10 July 2009, around 6PM. It was heartwarming to see striking, yellow-orangish rays of the sun after a heavy rain and before it finally set for the night. It was a sun smile before dusk.

The weather, here in Tanauan, for the past few days was "Sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon". Weather for July 10 was no exception.

When it rains, it pours. It usually rain for long hours and then drizzle at night. Rain leaves me feeling gloomy (and I admit it, sleepy too) and makes me think that the remaining office hours too tedious.

Something deviate from the ussual wether pattern last July 10. The rain will stop before dawn, giving way to the beautiful smile of the sun. The rays of the sun was striking yellow-orangish as it bid good bye before it set.

It seems that the sun is trying to tell me that there is hope and beauty every after storm. Indeed. As I look around, I noticed how fresh-looking the plants are. The ambiance is better, the air was cooler.

Maybe it is true that something good is being cooked during bad times. Just wait and see.

As Ms. Jo said, be thankful for the storm.

^_^

Malaking Butaka

This photo of the Malaking Butaka (or rocking chair) of ILAGAN, Isabela was taken by Ms. Lyn Maranan during their family vacation last 26-28 June 2009.

An abused word

I have observed that for the past few days my boss did not utter her most used---but I consider it as her most abused--- word:



I am glad she did not use this word anymore. Actually, I am hoping that it is now non-existent in her vocabulary. Why not? I was greatly affected everytime she mention the "nakaka______" word. It seems that I absorb her irritation, leaving me with a gloomy feeling and dispositon.

The absence of this word in our office is a great relief. *sigh* But the question is "until when?"


My question was answered last saturday afternoon, 20 May 2009. My boss said her most used/abused word, but in another form.



She uttered the word, or should I say the phrase, about five times. I am proud to say that I did not let her irritation affect me.

Maybe, posting a blog about this matter was not a good omen on my wishful thinking. *hehehe* ^_^

It fits my feet # 3: Pink-Violet slippers

This slippers was actually bought by my tatay for my mama. However, it didn't fit my mom's feet. To my advantage, it fit snugly to my size 5 feet. I am very glad that my mom hand me down this pair of slippers. ^_^

Say NO TO NUKES!

I just cast my vote against the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

My vote may only ba one out of a number who are also against Nuke, but I am hopeful that my vote will count with congress' decision --- decision not to revive BNPP.

How about you? What is your say regarding this issue?

Count your self in and Say NO TO NUKES!

Mother's day 2009 fun

I am single. Never been attached. Self confessed virgin.

Irrelevant tagline for a mother's day article? I beg to disagree. Read my story and discover the reason behind my sentiment.



I woke up and saw my mom feeding my lola--- the usual Quaker oat meal, papaya slices, putong Tanauan, and Anlene milk. (This is a free ad. ^_^)

After a while I heard my mom greet my lola "Happy Mother's day!"

My lola replied "Thank you!"

My mom said "Aba, tama ang sagot mo ah."

As I ate my breakfast, I said "La, hindi pa pala kita nababati... 'Happy Mother's day, La!'"

My lola answered "same to you!"

"Ano lola?" I exclaimed as I heard my mom laugh out loud. Of course I also laugh ( after I made a deep sigh).

Then I remembered the previous night's frolics:

"Hindi ko babatiin si inay bukas ng 'Happy Mother's day!'" my tatay said

"Bakit?" we asked.

He said "Baka kasi sumagot si Inay ng same to you, hindi naman ako mother."

We laughed.

And on mother's day we laughed more.

Yeah right, lola tend to give wrong answers these past months and it was my fate to be answered with "same to you".

Our mother's day celebration included laughing and re-enacting lola's answer to my greeting (for the benefit of my father and brother). It was definitely mother's day--- my lola's day.

I got this list from Ms. Roleth's blog:

Top reasons why ladies today are still SINGLE

1. The nice men are ugly.

2. The handsome men are not nice.

3. The handsome and nice men are gay.

4. The handsome, nice and heterosexual men are married.

5. The men who are not so handsome, but are nice men, have no money.

6. The men who are not so handsome, but are nice men with money think we are only after their money.

7. The handsome men without money are after our money.

8. The handsome men, who are not so nice and somewhat heterosexual, don’t think we are beautiful enough.

9. The men who think we are beautiful, that are heterosexual, somewhat nice and have money, are cowards.

10. The men who are somewhat handsome, somewhat nice and have some money and thank God are heterosexual, are shy and NEVER MAKETHE FIRST MOVE!!!!

11. The men who never make the first move automatically lose interest in us when we take the initiative.


NOW, WHO THE HELL UNDERSTANDS MEN?

"Men are like a fine wine. They all start out like grapes, and it’s our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d like to have dinner with."

Honestly, I am still thinking which is, or should I say which are, applicable to me...

I think, Nos. 3, 4, 8, and 9 are applicable to me.
Duh, am I this deperate? *sigh*

BTW, to all single ladies there, what is your say on this matter?

It fits my feet # 2: Brown shoes

Brown shoes From a far


Zoomed image


These photos were taken in a jeepney ( when I was bore of simply sitting, hehehe). Here is the catch: the subject did not know that I took some snapshots of her foot wear.

I have seen this kind of shoes worn by characters in old movies, but I do not know how it is called. Anyone who knows how this shoes is called?

Have a nice day!

I received this beautiful message from Ms. Ia. It is a reminder we must keep in mind.



To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!


Now, you have a nice day.

God


Let us worry less and put our trust in God. Share this message to your friends too.

Cause of my Frustration

I just read Ms. Roleth's blog entry regarding frustrations. I was able to relate to her to the point of sharing my own frustration here.

So what made me frustrated? It is losing weight. Or Am I? I beg to disagree. However, it alarmed me because there were two people who mentioned that I look thinner these days.


The Instances.

Last April 15th, Sir Randy told me "Ms. Renin, parang mas pumayat ka ngayon?"
I made face.
Sir Melvin, who was with Sir Randy, said "Puyat kasi nang puyat siguro."
"Nakakataba kaya ang mapuyat" Sir Randy interjected.
I said "Ofcourse not."

I left the issue hanging, but I was really affected because my recent goal is to gain weight and look a bit sturdy. *sigh*


Last Monday, April 20, I saw and chat for a while with Sarah Natanauan, a former co-employee who was then transacting some business in school.

Before I bid my goodbye, she mentioned "Renin,parang mas pumayat ka ngayon?" I answered "Ofcourse not."
What else should my answer be? I do not think I lost weight since I last saw her (which was ages ago).


I have not checked my weight yet --- I actually do not have the heart to do so or I will just be more frustrated. No. No. No. I am frustrated (period) Why will I not be? I am eating more quantity of food (more carbo and protein rich) than usual so I expect to gain more weight (I am tired of being underweight). But why do some people think I look like otherwise? :(

I am finding hard to reach my goal and these two comments did not boost my morale. *sigh* But I will prove them wrong ---hope so, soon...


Now, who says losing weight is the a concern? I do believe it exert a lot of will and effort. But hey, gaining weight is also tough for people like me who have high level of metabolism.

Wake up call.
The observation made by Sir Randy and Sarah reminded me to keep this in mind:"Eat more. Exercise. Gain weight is my goal."

How about you? What makes you frustrated?

P.S. As of April 24: Added in the list of individuals who took notice of my physique is Anthony.

Cakes for the sweet tooth

The cakes featured here are the product made by the FAITH BSHRM 1 students as their Final period activity.

Group 1



Group 2



Group 3



The cakes look good. It taste even better. ^_^

Thank you Sir Cueto and Sir Jerome for inviting us in the cakes presentation.

Accomplishment Checklist

Hello everyone! Back to work (but not feeling so, hehehe... but this is another story) ^_^

Anyway, among my "To do List" I was able to accomlish only three things and left one half-done.

Shown below is the list with the respective remarks (X for unaccomplished, INC for Incomplete, / for Done):

X crochet projects my cell phone case and a tortoise
X tissue paper project: book mark
X scrap book arts and crafts
INC blog articles (just made some notes and collated photos)
/ read novels (a lot)
/ general cleaning of my cabinet (I should do this frequently)
/ organize my files (at last! my files since my first day of employement are now intact)

My creative juices were not active during the four days vacation. I hope they will kick-in on one of the coming sundays...

My To Do List for the Next Four days

Aside from the question "How should I reflect this holy week?" I am also uncertain on which of the following should I do during the four non-working days:
* crochet projects my cell phone case and a tortoise
* tissue paper project: book mark
* scrap book arts and crafts
* blog articles
* read novels
* general cleaning cabinet
* organize my files

Sigh. I guess, it will be a "mood" basis type of decision-making and accomplishment of tasks.

Reigna

The free VIP ticket I received for the play Reigna guaranteed a front-seat accommodation for me last March 25. Thanks to Arriane!

I opted to watch in the last screening which was at 4:30pm but I still came late due to EE benefits-related reason.

Though late and missed the first two acts, I was still able to catch up with the flow of the story and definitely enjoyed the remaining acts.

I particularly enjoyed the scenes of Christian (the one who played the dumb suitor). He easily made me, or should I say us, laugh with his antics.

Before I left the venue, I asked for a photo op of Christian.(btw, I hope I got his name correct)



FYI: Reigna is written by my bro Chris and was directed by my former org-mate Arriane.

Sand Paper

When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sand paper. They may scratch a bit, but in the end, you will end up polished and they will end up useless.

Loveleen sent me this message thru SMS last night. I repiled with how I perceive the it. We end up discussing our viewpoint regading it.

My viewpoint
There are times when some people may belittle, challenge, hurt, and leave us down and marred. This is excuses no one. I will tell you not to be mad or hurt, because both are the common and expected reaction/s. However, we should not remain angry at the doer of err and over the unpleasant thing itself. Instead, be challenged to prove to yourself and to others that you derserve far better than how you were initailly treated.

Keep in mind:

There are positive things which we may get from the unpleasant things that happen to us. It is a matter of perspective.

This SMS leaves to us two questions:
"Will I let myself be a sand paper most of the time?"
"How am I going to view the hurtings I feel?"

I admit, there are times when I am the sand paper who cause grief to other people. I do not want to be one most of the time.

How about you, how do you perceive a sand paper?

photo credit

It fits my feet # 1: Yellow shoes

I am in love with Ms. Lyn's shoes!

Ms. Lyn's yellow shoes
The colorful irregular shapes that adorned the yellow synthetic leather makes the shoes stand out.

Here are some comments Ms. Lyn got for her shoes:
Lyn, dumaan ka sa construction site no?

Wow! Yellow!

Sosyal! ang taray! (this was my comment upon seeing her shoes)

Ang shuez!

It fits my feet series
Lately, I have been too fascinated by foot wear. With this, I have decided to post here the snapshots of the shoes that will catch my attention. How I hope I will also own the shoes that I will post here. So till next time...

P.S. What is your favorite shoes? Will you mind to show it here?

My Work table Mates

Tada! These are my work table mates:
(From left)
Potty pussy - Paper clip from Mhaleen
Shooz - Paper weight from ms. Leah Latorre
Brownie the Teddy -I bought this at the BAC Valentine stall '09
Pinky - Blue-ink pen from Jeng

On Chances and Moments

My friend Carl sent me this reminder thru SMS:

If you have a chance to take the moment that you know will be memorable, grab it.
Always think that the word NEXT TIME is always too far.
Every moment counts.

Indeed. It is Carpe diem in all ways and always.

Take risks!

AB Pasaway Visits Dear Love in Her Nest

Since Love was unable to come in our BBQ Party we visited her in her Nest at Malvar, Batangas yesterday, after lunch.

All smiles and nothing but. From left: Its lovely Loveleen,her daughter and our dear god daughter Glennleen, July, and Karen



Glennleen with her godmothers Karen, Liz, and July and god father Hanzel



Glennleen with her godmothers Karen, Liz, July and Renin



It is sunshine for Glennleen and July


MIA is Sah who ent home early because of church service...

AB Pasaway in BBQ Party shirt

(from left: July, Liz, Renin, hanzel, and Karen)

AB Pasaway likes to hang-out, eat food, chat endlessly, surf the net, and of course pose in every photo op. Like here in the collated snapshot taken last March 21 at Leizel's Place during our BBQ Party.

MIA are Sarah(late comer), Emy, Love(full-pledged wife and mom), Jen, Ate Cel (based in Cebu City), and Yen (based in Dubai)

Now, the question is: When are we going to be complete in a get-together?


P.S.
Credit to Liz for editing our EDSA ilalim billboard-worth pixs ^_^ hehehe

4-in-1 BBQ Party

AB Pasaway will have a BBQ party tonight at Leizel's Place in Duhatan, Lipa City. It is a 4-in-1 affair because we will roll into one our get-together and the celebration of Hanzel's, Emy's and my birthday.

I am excited about our gathering for the following resons:

* our AB Pasaway shirt bearing our respective traits
* the food we will prepare (uhuh, sah will not be the chef this time)
* the stories and experiences we will share

It's two more hours before I log-out and commute to SM Lipa to help in buying our needed goods...

More notes tomorrow...

Some of the attendees:



The food we prepared and feasted:







Here is the surprise Birthday cake the Pasaway prepared for us. Please note the age indicated. Guess the [funny] reason behind.



BTW, July introduced to us her friend whom she call (and we opted to call) Chief. he is the guy wearing red. (Karen, hidden desire ba yan?)

Erich Segal's Prizes

What are your prizes? Among those prizes, which do you consider as the dearest?

The story revolve on the strenuous lives of three scientist Adam, Sandy and Isabel who vied for the Nobel Prize (laureate in Physics, Chemistry, Literature and Medicine). Their dedication and passion for what they do were clearly depicted in the story so as their struggles in search for love and recognition.

There are two things I love about this book:
* the bits of learning I had about the Nobel prize
* a peek on the prize (I mean the lives) of those who work to earn a
Nobel laurete

Erich Segal's Prizes made me ponder and assert to myself those I held as my prizes--- my family, my friends, my career.

How about you, What are your prizes?

Let's Beat the Heat! # 1

Summer is here! We have to beat the heat with a cool drink.

My featured refreshment for this week is Buko juice.
All you need are the following:
* buko (young coconut meat), shredded
* buko juice
* evaporated milk
* sugar ( I prefer the light brown sugar a.k.a didi)
* water
* ice

Presto! something cool to drink. Best and very appealing to serve in coconut shell.

What is your favorite drink/s during summer?

Vote for Earth!

The article by tita Medz of BPCCI reminded me of the upcoming Earth hour on March 28, 2009 from 8:30-9:30 PM.

Earth hour is a campaign for the awareness on global climate change. For this year, an election between Earth and Global warming will take place on the date and time stated above. You may cast your vote using your light swith/es--- turning it off is a vote for Earth, while leaving it on is a vote for global warming. The result of Earth hour campaign will be presented to world leaders on the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009 which will determine the action to be taken against global warming.


Let your voice be heard. VOTE EARTH by TURNING OFF YOUR LIGHTS on MARCH 28 from 8:30-9:30PM.

My own contribution for this campaign include:
* I will encourage my family to swith off our lights
* I will not work overtime on the 28th (eventhough we have a dealine to beat) and will encourage my workmates to do the same
* Info dissemination re: Earth Hour 2009

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

- from Earth Hour website

How about you, how will you contribute to Earth Hour?

My 23rd summer

*March 3*

It is my 23rd birthday tomorrow, 4 March 2009. However, with my physique and looks I can claim that I am still in my adolescent years, 12 to be exact. hehehehe... ^_^ Kidding aside, I have thought of listing the first 23 people who remebered my natal day. This I have thought out of looking for twists on my special day.

This is the partial list:

My family who are behind the planning of my simple birthday treat
1. Mama
2. Tatay
3. my bro Chris

My office mates who even made a presentation on the PC I use...
4. Ms. Cielo
5. Ms. Lyn
6. Mhaleen
7. Grace
8. Ms. Edna

My friends who greeted me in advance thru SMS
9. Izabel
10. Noreen Nikki

Co-employee who asked re: my birthday blow-out
(or is he the one to treat me)as a way of greeting me
11. Sir J. Magsumbol

My co-employee who shook my hands as he greet me
12. Bryan Mendoza

Here's the catch, there are only four more people/greetings to complete my list... Who will make it to my list?

The other eleven who made it in my list are the Following:

*March 4* (upon arriving to work)

To continue the list...
13. Hanzel who greeted me thru text this morning
14. Ate Tess who will lend me some plates this lunch
15. Ms. Dixie who went to our cubicle just to greet me

Those who greeted me with a Kiss
16. Ms. Des who greeted me with a kiss
17. Ms. Che who

18. Emy who greeted me thru email
19. Ms. Ia who greeted me thru Multiply

Those who greeted me during lucnh break
20. Sir Jason
21. Ralph
22. Ms.Rhuby

and last but not the least...
23. Ms. Meann Dulig who greeted after luch at the Female washroom

To all, thank you for the greetings! ( This is also for those whose name did not appear in my list.)

Come on, don't tell me who cares on Renin's list? It is my birthday remeber?

Snail Mail from Ms. Firefly

I received the snailmail express I requested from Ms. Odette of Little Miss Firefly last thursday night, February 12.

It was an early valentine gift.

The frog card...
This inspired me to work on the past-due frog crochet pattern I got from Roman Sock.



Her notes... The scrawl I want to have...


Some of her works... Minus one card (used and sent before posting this blog)


Thank you Ms. Odette!

If information are given...

there will be more questions and clarifications to addressed.

After a meeting...

... expect to have an overwhelming list of "to do's".... *sigh*

Two Contrasting Sentences

I receive this message thru SMS from Mhaleen:


* World's most beautiful sentence: "But, I Love You..."

* World's most painful sentence: "I Love You, But.."


The message ended with the question: "Make sense?"

My answer is a BIG YES, the two contrasting sentences made sense(I kept my answer within me coz no one have asked me face to face, yet). However, I find it unfair that a feels-so-good four-words sentence can easily be jumbled into a heart-breaking statement. *sigh*

How about you?

Sweetest gesture

Upon posting an answer and my own share of query at Toni's Weekly Soiree # 53, I realized that the sweetest gesture I ever received---and would love to receive over and over again--- is a warm, bright and BIG smile. It's sweetness it not only felt, but will stay and linger if given specially during bad mood...

Come on, SMILE! ^_^

Questions? Anyone?

I was deleting some draft items in my phone when I saw this acronym:


There is no harm in asking. It actually entail learning.

Note: This acronym was mentioned by Joey de Leon in one of the January 2009 episode of Mel and Joey.

photo credits

2009 Resolve

RENIN"s 2009 RESOLVE are as follows:

* Go home early. I mean, no more hanging-out in the office after my shift.
* Everday is a colorful day. There is no harm to be more kikay. hehehe...

* Smile no matter what. So what if there are lots of concerns. I'll keep on smiling to attract good vibes.

Ooppss... I gotta think of other resolution.

Here's another resolve: To be a less impulsive consumer.

Bye bye Singko...

Singko, my pussy, died last Monday, January 19. It was and is sad.

When I went home last monday, there was no Singko sitting near our gate---No Singko waiting for my arrival... No Singko demanding some strokes on his head and neck... No Singko waiting for some leftover pack lunch...

From now on, there will be no Singko whom I can share my angsts, failures and disappointments... No Singko whom I can share anything without being interrupted...

No more Singko who will walk around my feet... No more Singko who sits on my tatay's slippers...

No more Singko...

Bye bye Singko... You'll always be in my heart...

Lovely...

I received this text message from Ms. Ia. It made me smile. A nice 2009 kick-off!

It's a lovely message to a lovely person from a lovely friend on a lovely reason at a lovely time from a lovely mind in a lovely style to say "Have a lovely night."


What is lovely by the way? ^_^