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.