The Children in Potipot Island

It is only now that I have the chance to share this thoughts with you having the right outlet to express.

Way back in 2013, our company had our annual summer outing.  At that time it was at the Potipot Island in Candelaria, Zambales.  The place was beautiful seems like a paradise.  The water was clear and everything around is like a beautiful gift from the Creator.   

Late in the afternoon, a friend and I were sitting on the sand while waiting for the sunset. There were children playing around us who are living near the beach. We played with them and took photos of them.  They were amazed and fascinated by the digicam we used and they were glad they saw their pictures right away.

My Favorite Photo with the children in Potipot Island

I had the opportunity to have photos with them and this is one of my favorites.  Looking at them, I thought of my own children.  I also had the chance to talk to them and listened to their stories.  They got me there.  They captured my heart.  Having heard their stories of pains and sufferings, I then thought I an blessed to have the things I have at this moment.  I realized that my children are lucky enough to enjoy the leisure in life while there are children like them who don't even have a single penny to buy themselves food to eat. 

Tears fell from my eyes.  How I wish I can do something for them.Personally, I do not know them, but, looking at their faces with a trace of smile  and joy for the little things they have, I realized that I should be more grateful and contented in life.

Life may be hard yet simple for them, but I can see in their eyes a glimpse of hope that sooner they will be sharing the same taste of happiness and good fate.

For them, no matter what life caters them, life will continue.  Life will go on everyday.  I know I will a part of my heart for that moment.  But it taught me to also move on.  Life moves fast and I should enjoy life happily and gracefully.

I Love You

Oh! This is one of the poems I had written during high school days. Those were the days of infatuation, heartbreaks and heartaches.  When I look back to those days, i look back with a smile. I'm glad I had experienced those things and I was able to express a few of my emotions in poems like this one. 

On the first time I saw you,

An unusual feeling I had for you.

A feeling that was disturbed,

At the same time, a feeling that was excited.

I can’t control myself in looking at you,

I can’t control myself in thinking of you.

I always wanted to see you,

I always wanted to dream of you.

I really want you to be close to me,

But how could we coz you’re snobbish to me.

I am the one who really loves you,

But the question is…do you love me too?

Why is it that day after day,

On my mind your name stays,

I care a damn lot for you,

Coz the reason is I love you!

This is the first time I feel this way,

So please be near and stay.

The only thing I hope you’ll do,

Is to tell to me…I love you, too!

My fascination for Coconut Trees

I always love nature. I love looking at its richness and abundance and I've seen how wonderful God's creations are and how amazing God is, too.

Aside from enjoying watching sunrise ans sunset, I love looking at trees especially the beautiful coconut trees. I really don't know but I am fascinated every time I see Coconut trees. I see these trees unique among others. Its leaves and branches are so lovely to look at every time they sway and dance as the wind passes by.  I admire the towering height of these beautiful tree.  Every time I look up to them, I feel closer to my dreams for when I look up, I see the skies...I see what is beyond.

These photos were taken at the Montemar Beach Club in Bagac, Bataan.

Aside form the  beauty of these Coconut trees, I also love the yummylicious and delicious fruits it bear. These coconuts are also nutritious because it is good for the health.  It's best for salads, juice and shakes.

These are some of the concrete manifestations of God's love for us. Nature is a gift. Let us not abuse it rather let us take good care of it the way God takes care of us.

Rules for a Happy Marriage

All of us want to have a happy and lasting marriage. But during this lifetime, we cannot avoid to argue with our partners from the petty to the biggest things. If unsettled the right and proper way, it may lead to separation or divorce. Nobody wants this to happen because the children will be the first to suffer.  Marriage is a commitment. A big responsibility.  It takes tons of sacrifice, hardship, struggle and pain. But because marriage is also a wonderful gift from God, it is enveloped with happiness, joy and peace. 

Here are some rules I've copied from a gift that was given to us by a friend.  May this help us to be humble, kind, loving and forgiving with our husbands and wives.

1. Never both be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house in on fire.
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once everyday try to say one kind or compliment thing.
9. When you have something wrong, be ready to admit it.
10. It takes two to make a quarrel and the one in the wrong is the one who does the talking.

Sunset at Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas

   

I  am always amaze with the sunset.  I love to watch the sun bidding goodbye for a a tiring yet enjoying day. I love it's golden color as it reflects to the skies. It keeps me cool and calm just like the serenity of the sea. 

I always feel dramatic watching it as it slowly disappear turning the clouds dark. I feel like everything around me is romantic. The ambiance is so loving and caressing.  I feel like love is all around me imaging that there is someone special holding my hands while we are walking along the shore on the sands. 

Sunset is sometimes called the twilight of our life where we are almost through enjoying the beauty of life and we're done with the purpose of our existence. The thought of sunset as ending another day also gives me hope that there will always be tomorrow to look forward to.

13 Years of Ups and Down

I wanted to start my new blog by writing this article about our anniversary.

My husband and I celebrated our 13th anniversary last June 10, 2014.  Sometimes, I can't believe that we've come this far. Thirteen (13) years is no joke.

Ours is not a perfect relationship. We have our shares of ups and downs, good and bad, happy and sad and victories and defeat.  

We are two bodies with one soul, with one heart that beats as one and a couple full of hopes and dreams for our family.

I love my husband as much as I love my children.  They are my only priced possession.

I always look back at the years where we started.  It wasn't a smooth sailing relationship. We sailed on a stormy days and walked on a rocky road of struggles and hardships in life.  We argued, we fought from  petty to the biggest details of our relationship. At the end of the day, what truly matters is we admit our mistakes and we learn from it.

Our married life is never easy.  It entails responsibility and commitment.  It is showered with a little bit of pain and burden.  But it never runs out of love, happiness and joy.  There were times that I want to run, freak out and give up. But along the way when I recollect we've passed all the challenges that came our way.  There is no way that I am giving up.

I am not perfect and he is not perfect, too.  We both have our flaws, imperfections and mistakes. The good thing is we both accepted each other despite those negative traits.

It is a wonderful thing I have a family I can call my own. I have my husband and I have my children, too.  I thank the Lord for these precious gifts He gave to me.  They are the reason of my existence.

I pray to God that He will continue to guide our marriage and shower us His unending grace. Help us to be good parents to our children so that we can protect them and keep them away from harm.

I also pray to God to guide my children as they grow up and eventually take the road to the real world where they will be interacting with different kinds of people from all walks of life. May they imitate the deeds of Christ and follow His footsteps.

I ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to give me strength to be a loving wife to my husband and a caring mother to my children.

I am looking forward to growing old with my husband.  Like what I always say, I want to hold his hand and lie my head on his shoulder.  Together we'll watch the sun sets as we also take our turn during the twilight of our lives and eventually bid farewell to the world.

Kwento ng Isang Tomasino

Apat na taon akong paroo’t parito

nag-aral at naglakbay sa unibersidad na pinapangarap ko. 

Araw araw na tinatahak ang haba ng traffic sa España,
papasok, maglalakad papuntang AB building,
uuwi at tatawid sa overpass na ngayo’y may ilaw na.

Dito nagsimulang matupad ang ilang pangarap.

Bagong sapatos, bag, notebooks, ballpen
at maisuot ang isa sa pinakamagandang uniporme…
ang AB uniform!

Pagkatapos ay makapasa at makapasok sa minimithing major -
Ang AB Communication Arts.

Nakipaghalubilo, nakipagkaibigan sa mga kaklase
na di mahirap pakibagayan.

Noong first year, sila Nikki, Tessa, Orange , Fatima,
Michelle, H, Eldrick at Rochelle - 
sila ang una kong naging mga kaibigan.

Noong second year sila Elena, Maricar, Mike, Olga, Dona, Joan
at BFF na si Chona naman.

Noong third year nabuo ang Empire – sina Weng, Glezie, Marynelle, Elaine,
Jordinette, Celeste, Lolet, Ghe, Joseph, Sheryl, Russel, Audrey, H at Chona
hanggang 4^th year sila pa rin.  Kasama rin sina Lyna, Cla-Cla, Gay
at patuloy na nadagdagan.

Ang 1A8, 2A6, 3B2 at 4B2…naging bahagi sila ng buhay UST ko.

Na-late at pumasok sa klase habang nakatalikod ang Prof,
nag-cutting class, naglakwatsa, nanood ng sine.

Nagchikahan sa paboritong tambayan –
sa AB Pavillion, Tiniko at Colayco,
nag-almusal, nag-merienda, tanghalian at hapunan
sa Jollibee, McDO, Goldilocks, KFC, sizzlingan sa P. Noval
at wlang kamatayang Janets sa Dapitan.
Tambay sa corridor pag wala pang prof,
o di kaya palakad lakad,

paikut ikot sa loob ng campus
or dadaan kunyari sa Engineering para
sumulyap ng mga gwaping.

Nakipila, nagpa-assess at nagbayad ng tuition
pag enrollment na.
Kinabahan kapag distribution na ng class cards.

Natuto ng Espanyol sa klase ni Prof. Josefina
at muntik ng maging avid fan ni Jose Rizal
sa subject na Rizal
at higit sa lahat problemado
sa subject na Math at Eco.

Muntik ng maligaw sa loob ng Main building,
nagpabunot at nagpa-cleaning ng mga ngpin
sa UST clinic at nagsimba sa UST Church.

Inabutan ng bagyo, natulog sa AVR,
naglakad sa baha sa España pauwi ng bahay
at kadalasan ay tuwang tuwa kapag suspendido
ang klase sa umaga.

Nag-P.E . sa gym at football field ng UST.

Gymnastic noong first sem ng first year
at Dancing naman nung second sem.

Basketball noong first sem ng second year
at volleyball naman ng second sem.

Nanood, nakisigaw pag may laban sa UAAP,
nakitili sa mga nag-gwa-gwapuhang players ng UST
lalo na ang small but terrible na si Bal David

at poging pogi na si Richard Yee.
Naki- cheer sa Araneta Coliseum
lalo na nung nag-4peat  ang UST basketball team.

Puyat kapag may exam lalo pag prelims at finals,
nag-research sa library,
nagpa-zerox ng libro,
nangopya ng notes,
nangodito, napagalita,

nangarag pag may report, projects at term papers,
na-stress sa paggawa ng thesis –
pero salamat sa mga kagrupong kong – sila Joy, H, Joseph at Chona.
“An audio video presentation showcasing the eco-tourism of
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority” -  yan ang title ng thesis namin
na nagkamit ng UNO.

Mas naging makulay, masaya at makahulugan
ang pag-aaral sa UST nang maging ganap na
AB Communication Arts student ako.

Gumawa ng application letter
at kumabog ang dibdib ko sa pag-undergo ng interview.
Pero sarap ng feeling - - - naging miyembro  ako ng CASA…
(Communication Arts Student Association).

Masaya  kapag may photography class ni Sir Jay-
naaala ko pa nag-photo shoot kami sa Fort Santiago
at parte ng project namin ay makagawa ng istorya
gamit ang camera.
Mga groupmates ko (Chona, Joy and H) - - - naaalala nyo pa ba?
nag-shoot tayo sa GQ Bar sa Quezon Avenue?
Ang hawla, ang make up at damit ng mga nagsasayaw doon?

Marami ring natutunan sa Radio class ni Sir Bolo.
paggawa ng script at higit sa lahat ang mga
SFX na talagang nakakaaliw at nakakabaliw.

Cool naman ang class ni Mam Sienna sa broadcasting.
Dami zerox na babasahin at
exciting ang PR class.
Ginawan naming ng PR campaign ang isa sa mga
resto sa West Ave – ang Jam Music Lounge.

Higit sa lahat, paborito ko ang advertising class ni Sir Bong.

Daming insights at dahil din dun
nagkaroon kami ng pagkakataon na makalabas sa totoong mundo.
Nakapag interview ng mga bigating personalidad
sa larangan ng advertising.

Ang DYR-Alcantara ang isa sa mga napuntahan naming.
Nakapag OJT sa 89.1 DMZ at The Big Idea at Video Post
na Post Prod.

Dahil dyan tuluyan ko nang nalaman ang
scenario sa paggawa ng isang commercial.
Remember Blue Ice Beer mga ka-empire?

Lalong Masaya kapag theater arts subject na ni Mam Faye.

Bukod sa insights at mga lessons,
daming humor kaya sarap kaming tumawa.
Dito nabuo ang project na  ipinagmamalaki ng 4B2..
ang “Huling Gabi sa Maragondon” – salamat kina Joey at Cesar
at sa lahat ng mga nagsipag -ganap.

At dahil dito, maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga prof
na taos pusong nagturo sa amin.

Pagod pero fulfilling naman kapag nagpra-practice
ang mga mahuhusay sa larangan ng sayawan - - ang CASA Footworks.
Si Albert, Grace, Nanette, Chona, Macel, Michelle,
Dez, Angeli, Myla at si Ampy - - -ito ang mga kasama ko na
performance level pag sumayaw - - - remember ang motto - - -

Break a leg!!!
Nagpe-perform kami sa ibat ibang colleges para
maipakita ang husay at galing ng mga Artlets sa pagsayaw.

Di ko makakalimutan si Kite at si Bite
mga kaklase na nagpangiti at nagbigay
buhay sa aming klase.
Ang mga practices at paggawa ng props sa bahay nila Cyrus,
ang leadership ni Jonathan at Geneive,
at ang pangangaroling sa presence nila Cha, Cati, Jo-An, Lyna, Aileen,
Karen, Gay, Sheila, Faith, Madel, Badet, at ng iba pa.
Ang masisipag na sila AB, Danilo, Carlo, Bodick at mga
beauty na sila Anna May, Pia, Joey, Sheryl, Larry, Precious at marami pa.

Di ko rin malilimutan ang mga COFI AR ng CASA na
ginanap sa Studebaker at Hotel Intercon sa Makati.
Pabonggahan ng damit at lahat ay
gwapo’t magaganda.
Si Chona ang kasmaa ko bumili ng damit sa
SM North EDSA – sa Sari-Sari kung di ako nagkakamali.
Violet sa kanya black naman ang sa akin.

Pictorial na para sa grad pic.
Nagpaganda, pinaganda at gumanda.

Ganyan ang mga naging itsura namin.

Ilang araw na lang graduation na.

Baccalaureate Mass na sa Grandstand.
Pirmahan ng message sa uniform.

Bilihan na ng damit pang graduation.

Maraming nangyari…
dumaan ang taon…
naglakad ang panahon…

Graduation na nga!
Tapos na!

Kanya kanya na!

Magkahalong saya at lungkot.

Tapos na ang araw ng pag-aaral ng mga subjects
pero ang mga lessons sa pang araw araw
na buhay ay patuluyan na natututunan.

Marami na ngayon ang nagtagumpay sa kani-kanilang larangan.

Ang iba ay umukit na ng sarili nilang pangalan.

Ang ilan ay nag-iwan na ng bakas sa industriya.

May ilang kaibigang di nakita
pero meron pa ring ilan na kasama pa
at masasabing bahagi na ng buhay ko.

Matagal na panahon man ang lumipas
at bihira nang makapasyal sa aking alma matter,

kahit nagtratrabaho na at nagkaroon na ng pamilya,
nasa puso’t isip ko pa rin ang pagiging Tomasino.
Sabi nga - - - noon, ngayon at hanggang bukas
tatak Tomasino pa rin ako.

Sa mga magulang, maraming salamat sa lahat ng
tulong, suporta,pagkalinga sa kanilang mga anak.
Sila ang isa sa mga naging inspirasyon ng mga
matatagumpay na Tomasino.

Sa mga estudyanteng Tomasino,
suklian sana ang mga paghihirap ng  mga magulang
sa pamamagitan ng pagiging mabuting anak.

Ngayon 400 taon na ang Santo Tomas,
patuloy pa rin sila sa pagbigay ng dekalidad na
antas at uri ng edukasyon na pwedeng ipagmalaki
saan man sulok ng mundo.

At higit sa lahat,
sa walang sawang paghubog sa
espiritwal na aspeto ng mga estudyante
na maging mabuting tao sa pamamagitan ng
pagsasabuhay ng Salita ng Diyos.

Sa pamamagitan ng kwento na ito,
pasasalamat at pagbibigay pugay sa
lahat ng mga Tomasino, professors,
at bumubuo sa unibersidad na ito.

Dahil dyan…proud to be Thomasian ako!
Viva Santo Tomas!