Sounds Familiar

Yesterday’s Labor Day (holiday) paved the way for our church’s first Family Outing at Loreland, Antipolo. I didn’t have enough sleep the night before our church’s event, not that I was so excited for it, but because I tried to check my Multiply account for more updates. Lo and behold, I didn’t find anything new. But I noticed that a friend/law school classmate uploaded a list of relaxing songs that made me wait to fully download them all. (Thanks, bro!) After downloading the songs, I listened to them one by one because the song titles are not familiar to me. By the time I heard the song, ‘Goodnight Girl’ by Jay Durias from his album ‘Songs I Grew Up With’. I listened and figured out the song, because it sounded familiar to me only that I didn’t know the title of the song. I stopped for a while and instead of going to the next song, I turned on the ‘repeat song’ option on my player. Then, I kept on listening to the song for the nth time. Until, I saw that it was already 2 a.m. on my clock and I remembered that we should wake up by 4 a.m. So I transferred the songs to my mp3 player, and hurried to my bed to sleep. My very-late-sleeping habit sounded familiar to me since I entered law school until now.

Thank God, I woke up early and took a bath immediately. Then, I packed my things for the whole day outing. I finished my preparations early so I had the chance to watch TV and help my Dad to load other things in the car. Then, my Dad and Mom left immediately to fetch our other church mates in the church. Afterwards, we followed.

By the time we arrived at the resort, we started to fix our things and settle for the whole day affair. The day started so hot. (literally scorching heat! whew!) So we just ate first to fill our tummies before we swim. Then after a few minutes, our other church mates came. Mama Aileen told me that Neri is just around the vicinity of Antipolo because she also had their company outing at Bosay. So I told Maan about it and she sent an SMS to Neri and invited her to come over and join us. Neri agreed and was fetched by my Ate and Jen. While waiting, we just ate and had some hilarious chit-chat with Dr. Jem, Ate Joy, Wendy, Carla, Joshua and Jerry. I told them that it’s a time to celebrate for our successful anniversary last Sunday and a time to bond with other youth members in our church who happened to be there also. They all agreed to my ‘sounds familiar’ instructions whenever there are new young people coming and joining the church.

Jeri, AJ, JP and Joshua (the “Bernardo Brothers” as we fondly call them) went together with me as I toured them all over the place. Afterwards, we decided to swim. After swimming, it was already lunch time so we went back to our place and ate lunch. Wow! I love the food plus the kulitan moments. Then, Neri came together with Ate and Jen. It was only this time that I saw her after Jen’s victory during the pageant at Araneta Coliseum. So after eating we took some pictures together and then we had our siesta time sharing stories as I wouldn’t want to swim because of the sweltering heat that time. Then, during our bonding moment, she injected the words, “Confirmed na!” I said, “What do you mean, ‘confirmed’ na?” So she refreshed my memory about the incident we were talking about while we were waiting for Jen at the South Gate of Araneta Coliseum. (Well, you know, when you tell me personal stories/events, rest assured, I won’t remember them after three days. I have a short-term memory when it comes to personal stories/events concerning me and my friends. I don’t know why. That’s why I tell my friends that your secrets are safe with me, not until I write a blog entry about them, like this one. Hehehe...)

Moreover, I tried to recall it as she restates certain facts to help me. By the time, I’m on the right zone; I started responding to her statement of facts. Honestly, I don’t know what to feel right that moment. It’s like the story sounded familiar but I don’t know why and what should I feel that moment. It involved two ‘common’ personalities in our lives. I can’t recall what I said to her exactly after confirming that the two ‘common’ people in our lives are now ‘secretly’ in a relationship. (Insert music here: 'Secret Lovers' by Atlantic Starr. Hehehe.. I hate to say the last phrase in that sentence, it sounds very Friendster! Hehehe...) I just said that there’s nothing wrong about it and I’m happy for them and I wish them all the best. (I honestly meant it though that sounded a familiar cliché... Hehehe…)

Our lips were filled with laughter after a strong and heavy wind broke our silence after discussing the story. In fact, we even shed a better light on the matter. The story we were discussing has been very familiar to us since the time we knew that rumors are spreading about it. We just shrug off our shoulders about ii even if things and events confirmed the facts. Whether they admit it or not, it’s not our business anymore. The incident sounded familiar because we never thought that our ‘what ifs’ would have become a reality.

By the time we went home, honestly, I kept on thinking about it. Not that I felt anything bad about it, but I was just pondering if I need to let it out by writing it on my blogsite. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to ruin the joy that I felt during our church’s event by just lingering on a fact that will remain forever as a fact. I can’t do anything about it. I don’t want to feel anything negative about it. They have the right to make decisions for their lives. And I would like to respect that decision that they’ve made. It’s just that, I want to take it on a positive perspective with a Christ-like attitude. You may not understand why it seemed to sound like a big deal for us, but when you got the idea the behind it, I guess you would feel the same way too. Does the word delicadeza, sounds familiar to you? Then it would help you understand somehow.

Whoa!! Brooke White was eliminated in American Idol 2008. I felt extremely sad (that’s a hyperbole! Hehehe..) as she sang for the last time on Idol stage. That was the most dramatic and emotional exit I’ve ever seen in American Idol. I even watched it more than four times on local TV channel and on cable channels. I will surely miss her voice and her heartfelt performances. Her voice sounded familiar to me, I just need to figure it out.

The rain poured so hard last night. I thought that the succession of lightning bolts cutting the dark sky would translate to a brown-out. I felt literally so hot even if I had taken bath for two times that night. I went out before I go to bed and I saw how dark the skies were. The wind blew so hard. Our lights were flickering but it didn’t convert into a brown-out. I played ‘Goodnight Girl’ in my mp3 before I sleep. It felt good. It felt really, really good. I prayed and thanked God for everything He has done in my life. I thanked Him for everything as I always claim Romans 8:28. I thanked Him for saving me from falling into a temptation by a sudden confirmation. I lifted everything up to Him and unto His will. I felt relieved, comforted and vindicated. Thank God!! At the end of the day, two things I surely will miss-----Brooke White and ‘her’. I felt great after a tear fell from my eyes. Whew! (Deep sigh)

This is the only feeling I don’t want to get familiar with.

PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mama Len! God bless!

Call It 'Old-Fashion'

I was so blessed to hear Sis. Elvie’s testimony during our Midweek Service last Wednesday. She’s just a three-month old Christian and has been attending church for quite sometime. Actually, she was referred to us by 700 Club, being a partner-church here in our place. At first, I saw her with a very stern, cynical and critical look when she attended the Afternoon Service. I didn’t know that by that time she’s undergoing so many difficulties and upheavals in her life particularly in her family. I didn’t expect that she’ll be attending the Afternoon Service regularly after her first visit. Then one Sunday, she got interested with the Music Workshop and she approached me after the Service and inquired about it. Moreover, she decided to enrol her son to the workshop for drums. After that, I never thought anything special would take place with her unnoticeable attendance in the church.

However, last Wednesday, when I called for those who want to testify God’s greatness in their lives she eagerly raised her hand. So I was surprised and called her immediately. She started with a shaky voice and said,

“Sasabog ang dibdib ko kung hindi ko ito mai-shashare sa inyo… Ma-guiguilty ako kung hindi ko man lang ma-share ang ginawa ni Lord sa buhay ko…”

in an apologetic tone. Then, I eagerly listened to her testimony. I discovered that she has been a widow for almost a year. Her husband died last August 19, 2007 (the same date with the church’s anniversary) due to lung cancer. She testified about God’s faithfulness and providence in spite the whole enigmatic and tragic experience that they had. God took care of their finances. Imagine, she just prayed for a certain price to be charged as their hospital bill and God exactly granted her prayer. Then, she started to search for God and she called 700 Club for assistance. Furthermore, after the counseling session by 700 Club, she was referred to attend to our church. She told me that at her first visit in our church, she felt something strange. She felt a new atmosphere where she believed that God’s presence is moving in the said place. During the altar call, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Lo and behold, she became a Christian. Afterwards, her faith was tested for the first time during the Offering Portion of the Service. She said,

“Wala na talaga akong pera sa bulsa ko nun, kasi balak ko pang mag-grocery sa Mercury sana pagkatapos kong magsimba… Pero I felt the Divine urge to give, kaya sabi ko na lang, Lord, gusto ko pong magbigay kayo na po ang bahala sa ipang-grogrocery ko mamya…”

After giving it all, she went straight to Mercury Drug to buy something. She said,

“Lord, binigay ko na po ang lahat, Kayo na po ang bahala.”

When she’s about to pay for the items she got, she accidentally found her money inserted on one of the pockets of her Bible. Take note, the amount she found was twice the amount that she gave during the offering.

Thankful for the provision, she realized that she will never become a true Christian if not for the tragic situation that happened to her life. Admittedly, she said that she had been so dependent to her husband for everything. She didn’t have the time to talk to God and trust Him for all their needs, because she has been so dependent to her husband. She said,

“Alam niyo po, kung hindi dahil sa nangyaring pagkamatay ng asawa ko, siguro hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako ma-boBorn Again at hindi pa rin ako magtitiwala sa Kanya. Pero mali ako, dapat nung una pa lang nagsimula na ako ng tamang relasyon sa Kanya. Alam ko hindi pa naman huli ang lahat kaya ngayon sinisimulan ko na, pati na rin ang mga anak ko.”

Towards the end of her testimony, she said that she doesn’t want just to be blessed financially but she wants to know more and have a deeper relationship with her God.

After the Midweek Service, she joyfully approached me and said,

“…kaya gusto kong ma-involve yung anak kung bunso na panay ang DOTA at barkada. Sabi ko sa kanya na mayroong willing magturo sa kanyang mag-drums sa church. Natuwa siya nung sinabi ko yun. Kaya madali siyang napapunta sa church. Tapos, excited na rin siya umattend ng COLOURS ba ‘yun? Yung gawain ng mga kabataan, kasi na-bless siya nung Anniversary niyo nung Sunday parang nasa concert daw siya at andaming tao na kumakanta, tumatalon at sumasayaw ng mga worship songs..”

After I heard those words come out of her lips, I saw her hunger and thirst to know more about God and to serve and obey Him in all things. What struck me about her story is that when she said,

“…minsan kung anu o sinu pa yung sinasandalan at pinagkakatiwalaan ng buhay mo higit kaysa sa Kanya, yun yung inaalis Niya sa buhay mo.. Masakit sa una, pero mabuti na rin yun para matauhan ka at matutunan mo na dumepende sa Panginnon dahil wala ka naman talagang magagawa kung wala Siya buhay mo. Sa huli, ikaw lang magdurusa kapag hindi ka sumunod sa Kanya…Mahihirapan ka lang mag-adjust kung ipinagpipilitan mo ang gusto at pinagbigyan ka Niya, tapos nag-fail yung pinagpipilitan mo…”

God honors the old-fashion faith, trust and obedience,
where there are NO 'IFs' and 'BUTs'.
Complete trust.
Simple Obedience.

Endless Saga Of Tagging

The rule says: Remove one (1) question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag eight (8) people on your list. List them out at the end of this post.

1. What's a phrase you can say perfectly in another language, and what does it mean? (English and Tagalog do not count!)

• "Asalamalaykum…" (Arabic for "peace be with you"; the answer would just sound like the reverse, Alaykum Assalam. Pero never kong narinig yan nung nasa Saudi kami.)

2. What color do you like most?

• Earth tones, pastel colors, white and black
  

3. Would you rather be really ugly but be the only person in the world with super powers, or be the only really good looking person but alone in a world where everyone has powers?

• Why not BOTH (only really good looking person and at the same time the only person in the world with super powers)?! Hehehe.. Bishop Gaor said, “Why choose if you can have both!” Hehehe. But if you’d insist, I’d go for the really ugly but be the only person in the world with super powers. I would use my super powers to change my look and be the best among the rest. (Good looks will not bring you that far according to Proverbs 31:30)
  

4. Where would you like to go to the most?

• Europe. I want to live the European dream. (Meron ba nun?! Hehehe..) I like to stroll, visit and take pictures of their scenic spots, and also to learn more about their rich and regal lifestyle. And also to the Caribbean. They say this place is a paradise. Let me see.
  

5. Which part of you do you hate the most?

• Fingers.
  

6. When you encounter a sad moment, what do you do?

• Deep sigh. Cry out. Pray hard. (In that particular order)
  

7. If you win $1 million, what would you do?

• I'd give my tithes. I’d give for our church building project. I’d invest in a business. I’d save for the future.
  

8. What do you love the most about last year (2007)?

• 2007 is a year of grace for me. The expansion of Cornerstone Christian Church-San Mateo and the birth of COLOURS Youth Ministry. Plus innumerable blessings and opportunities
  

9. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you:

• Ate Faye: God-fearing. Witty. Blessed. (Yun na! Hehehe.)
  

10. How do you cope with boredom?

• I don’t have that word in my vocabulary. Boredom comes only to boring people. Hehehe..
  

11. What is one thing you'll never get tired of?

• Knowing, believing, trusting, serving and loving God. Believing that I’m blessed by God.
  

12. What is your ambition?

• To be what God wants me to be and to fulfill His purpose in my life.
  

13. If you have one wish, what would you wish for?

• I’d wish that all my wishes would come true. Hehehe…
  

14. This is a very Oprah question: what do you know for sure?

• I know for sure that God loves me, has done great things in my life and has great plans for me and I need not worry about a thing because He is in control of everything.
  

15. What’s your worst attitude?

• Very Argumentative.
  

16. If you were to get stuck inside a movie, which movie will it be?

• “Lord Of The Rings” (series)
• “Forrest Gump”
• "After Sunset" (Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawk)
• “50 First Dates” (Adam Sandler &Drew Barrymore)
  

17. What do you look forward to in 2008?

• I’m looking forward for the best things to happen this year. More blessings and opportunities!

18. What would you do on your last day on earth?

• Location: a beach paradise.
• Activities: Breakfast party with my close friends. Lunch with my family and other important people in my life. Dinner luau with my churchmates, then a Worship Concert afterwards.
  

19. What's your worst nightmare?

• I haven’t had a nightmare. I don’t even remember my dreams if I had any.
  

20. If you were a thing, what would you be?

• I'd be water----universally valuable, unique and useful.
  

I'm tagging these people:

Jaja Castro (dahil hindi ako nakapunta ng birthday mo at sorry na po)
Cerise Mina (dahil gusto kong sumama sa’yong mag-mountain climbing)
Jared Amoroso (dahil nag-iintern ka na)
Julius Marzan (dahil nilulumot na ang blogsite mo)
Mishi Laconsay (dahil ‘di na kita nakikita at nagpaparamdam)
Daniel Cercado (dahil ‘di ka sumasagot sa mga ganito)
Maan Barrientos (dahil nagrereview ka para sa board)
Romeo Nacpil (dahil mahilig kang mag-blog sa Multiply)

To Love Or Not To Love?

I love water. (Obviously, that’s an understatement.)

I even wrote a blog entry about it, if you can still remember. In fact, I even changed my blog header and still leaving the word ‘water’ on it. Ewan ko bakit sarap na sarap ako sa tubig. (Hehehe...)

Yesterday, I checked my email and one article struck me. I opened it. And I saw that it came from Ate Kat. (Miss you, Ate Kat!) I was surprised upon reading the subject of her email: “Overdosage—Drinking Water”. Wow! How could that be?! I mean, how can one be overdosed with water? Of all things, why water? Waaahhh…

Read the article below to learn more about it:

(click and save the image for a larger view)

Whew! FYI: Kaya kong ubusin yung isang mineral water container na may dispenser sa isang araw at kalahati. Kaya ako laging pinapagalitan kasi ako ang umuubos ng tubig namin. Hehehe.. However, when I read the article, it made me conscious about my drinking water habit. Thanks Ate Kat for the information. Siguro ngayon, mga kalahati na lang ng isang mineral water container na may dispenser ang uubusin ko. Ewan ko ba, bakit di mapatid ang uhaw ko.

I quote what Joyce Meyer said in her book, ‘Looking Great, Feeling Great’:

“How much water do you need? A well-known formula is to take your weight, divide by two, and get that many ounces of liquid a day. Eight ounces is a cup, so if you weigh 128 pounds, you should be getting eight cups of water a day. If you weigh 160 pounds, you should be getting ten cups. Not all this has to come from drinking water. Other liquids count, including the water you get in your fruits and vegetables.”

I think I’m drinking more water than what my body needs. I should change my water intake habit before any bad thing happens. Well, maybe, God is calling my attention on this matter.

In everything, BALANCE is the key word.

ONE STAND: Transformed. Renewed. Coloured. (COLOURS' 1st Anniversary)

Cornerstone Christian Church

COLOURS Youth Ministry
COLOURS' 1st Anniversary
APRIL 27, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
2nd floor Ampid Diesel Building, Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal
(above Luyong Restaurant)

Title:
ONE STAND: Transformed. Renewed. Coloured.

Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2

Guest Speaker:
Ptra. Grace Malinao (CREW Youth Pastor)

Other special suprise CELEBRITY guests...
(come and find out who they are!)

PLUS...
Watch out for the 1st-ever COLOURS Awards Night..
Whew!!

For inquiries, please text:
JANVE: +639639167351810
MAAN: +639278421147
RS: +639208185023
JERI: +639206029038
JOY: +639166833449

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

My Name's Hidden Meaning

You are usually the best at everything... You strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are very hyper. You never slow down, even when it's killing you. You're the type of person who can be a workaholic during the day... and still have the energy to party all night. Your energy is definitely a magnet for those around you. People are addicted to your vibe. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone. Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are incredibly wise and perceptive. You have a lot of life experience. You are a natural peacemaker, and you are especially good at helping others get along. But keeping the peace in your own life is not easy. You see things very differently, and it's hard to get you to budge.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

The Season of Harvest and Breakthrough

A breakthrough is defined as “a major accomplishment or success that permits further progress.” It is safe to say that just about all of us have some hindrances in our lives that we would like to see removed. In fact, yesterday would not have been too soon. However, unlike many fast-food restaurants, there are no ”drive-through” breakthroughs.

The only way to get a breakthrough is to go through.

There are some key principles we must apply in our lives in order to see victory over the problems we face. The first thing that we should do if we want to experience a new season of breakthrough in our lives is to pray. Prayer is probably the most important key to victory. (Ephesians 6:18) Second, we need to face the truth about ourselves in order to experience breakthroughs. It is an open and honest admission of our sin before God and a willingness to deal with it. (John 16:13) Then, as the Holy Spirit begins to show us the truth about ourselves, we are faced with a choice---accept responsibility for our actions or find another place to put the blame. We need to stop making excuses and accept responsibility for our behavior. As long as we point the finger at something or someone else, we are going to remain in bondage and forfeit our breakthrough. Lastly, put it into practice. If God is revealing something to you through this teaching, then it’s time to begin dealing with what He shows you. Don’t try to change yourself in your own strength.

Are you ready for a year of breakthroughs and harvests?

Whatever God reveals to you, He will give you the grace to work through it. Remember, His grace is the power to do in us and through us what we could never do by ourselves. By His grace, you can reject the devil’s deceptions and learn to enjoy your Christian inheritance, entering new seasons of breakthrough and harvests in every area of your life!

Happy New Year to all!

(Excerpt from: Joyce Meyer, Enjoying Everyday Life Magazine, January, p. 12-13)

Immortal Lines

The lines listed below were selected and debated by some of the country's respected directors, entertainment writers, and movie critics.


1. "You're nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat!"
- Cherie Gil, Bituing Walang Ningning (1985)


2. "Para kang karinderyang bukas sa lahat ng gustong kumain."
- Vilma Santos, Palimos ng Pag-ibig (1985)


3. "Walang himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao! Nasa puso nating lahat!"
- Nora Aunor, Himala (1982)


4. "My brother is not a pig! My brother is not a pig! Ang kapatid ko ay tao, hindi baboy damo!"
- Nora Aunor, Minsa'y Isang Gamugamo (1976)


5. "Once, twice, thrice, gaano ba kadalas ang minsan?"
- Hilda Koronel, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (1982)


6. "Ayoko ng tinatapakan ako, ayoko ng masikip, ayoko ng mabaho, ayoko ng walang tubig, ayoko ng walang pagkain, ayoko ng putik"
- Maricel Soriano, Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (1984)


7. "Hayop... Hayuuup... Hayuuupppp!"
- Nora Aunor, Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo (1979)


8. "Trabaho lang ito, walang personalan."
- Rudy Fernandez, Markang Bungo (1991)


9. "Si Val! Si Val! Puro na lang si Val! Si Val na walang malay!"
- Vilma Santos, Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig (1987)

10. "Ikaw pala. Ikaw pala ang sinasabi ng asawa ko na asawa mo na asawa ng bayan!"
- Laurice Guillen, Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi (1983)


11. "Akala mo lang wala.. pero meron!! meron!! meron!!"
- Carlo Aquino, Bata, Bata...Paano Ka Ginawa (1998)


12. "Gutay-gutay na ang katawan nyo... pati na ang kaluluwa nyo!"
- Sharon Cuneta- Pasan Ko ang Daigdig (1987)


13. "Sabel! This must be love!"
- Carmi Martin, Working Girls (1986)


14. FPJ: "Ang problema sa'yo maaga kang ipinanganak"
Sharon: "Ang problema naman sa'yo huli kang ipinanganak"
- Sharon Cuneta and Fernando Poe Jr., Kahit Konting Pagtingin (1990)


15. "Wala akong pakialam..ibalik mo sa akin si Jun-jun. Ibalik mo sa akin ang anak ko! Ibalik mo sa akin si Jun-jun. Ibalik mo ang...ahhhhh!"
- Vilma Santos, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap (1983)


16. "Kung saan, kailan, at paanong labanan, magpasabi ka lang. Hindi kita uurungan!"
- Sharon Cuneta, Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin (1984)


17. Alice: "Mamamatay ako, Ate, pag kinuha mo sa akin si Alex!"
Lorna: "Ipalilibing kita."
Alice: "Ate, please!"
Lorna: "Nung inagaw mo sa 'kin si... muntik na rin akong mamatay. Puwes, ikaw naman ngayon ang mamatay"
- Lorna Tolentino and Alice Dixson, Nagbabagang Luha (1988)


18. "Simple lang naman ang hinihingi ko. Kung hindi mo ako marespeto bilang asawa, respetuhin mo naman ako bilang kaibigan. Kung hindi naman, respetuhin mo ako bilang tao."
- Vilma Santos, Relasyon (1982)


19. Rene: "cheetaehhh....ganda lalake!"
Echo: "ulol! Sinungaling! Panget! Panget!"
- Rene Requiestas, Cheetaeh


20. "Kung hindi tayo kikilos sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?"
- Vilma Santos, Sister Stella L. (1984)

Courtesy: Philippine Entertainment Portal

Seven Random Facts

Instructions: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. DRINKS/BEVERAGES: I don’t drink coffee (ever since). I don’t drink beer or any hard liquor (ever since). I don’t drink soft drinks anymore (for almost 5-6 years, I think.) I love water. I can finish almost 2-5 gallons a day, especially when I have many things to do. I also like milk and fruit juices.

2. FOOD: I love pizza and pasta. I love Italian dishes. I occasionally eat Mediterranean food. I know how to cook (i.e. pastas only) Hehehe.. I also like chocolate chip cookies. I’m a chocoholic.

3. PROFESSION: When I was young, I wanted to be become the President of the Philippines. No joke! Now, I’m thinking twice about it. Hehehe. Aside from that, I want to become a photographer. I also want to become a surgeon. I want to be a chef specializing in European and Mediterranean dishes. I also want to be a newscaster. I want to be a TV host. I also want to become professional singer. I want to become a businessman. Finally, I want to become a corporate lawyer, that’s why I’m currently in law school. Hehehe.

4. MUSIC: I like listening to Bossa Nova, Jazz, Contemporary Gospel Music, Rhythm and Blues, Instrumental (piano, violin and saxophone), Acoustic, Ballad, Reggae, Gospel Funk, Soul Music, Techno, Medium to Soft Rock, Experimental Music, Praise and Worship Songs, Live Christian Songs. I also like listening to all the songs of John Mayer, Kellie Pickler, Jason Mraz, Bob Marley, Michael Buble, Sitti Navarro, Blake Lewis, J.D. Fortune, Robbin Thicke, Jamaroqui, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, U2, Half Past Forever, Prince, Sting, Eric Benet, Martin Sexton, Duncan Sheik, and Norah Jones.

5. SPORTS/GAMES: I used to be athletic when I was in gradeschool. In fact, I used to be an active soccer player. I wanted to join the soccer team when I was in college but the trainings are held during Sundays, so I have to forego my dream. (Sunday is non-negotiable.) I also play lawn tennis, table tennis and badminton. I also like swimming. I don’t like to play chess, I get bored easily most of the time. I like Monopoly and Scrabble at times.

6. TRAVEL/TOUR: I’ve been to the Middle East like Saudi Arabia. I want to go to Europe. I want to go to South America and the Carribean as well. I want to visit my Aunt and cousins in Canada. I haven’t been in any part of Mindanao. I have a fear of riding ships. I enjoy riding in airplanes. I hate long and boring trips.

7. HEALTH: I have Scoliosis (lumbo-sacral part). With that, I need to undergo a rehabilitation/therapy. However, until now I haven’t gone to any hospital for the rehab/therapy. Hehehe. I used to wear braces for my teeth since Grade 4 until 4th Year Highschool I think. I have Dyslexia. Thank God, I'm on the healing process. Hehehe..

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**And now I tag these seven people (the ones who are actively blogging):

Mishi, Jaja, RJ, Em-Em, Cerise, Stef, and Dhen.

Pagbabalik-tanaw Sa Nakalipas (Survey)

I got this from Mishi again. Hehehe..

PRE-SCHOOL :

1. Ano ang sinasabi mo noong bata ka pa na gusto mong maging paglaki mo?

· Ayon sa mga nakakaalala, madalas ko daw sabihin na gusto kong maging Presidente ng Pilipinas. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Akala ko nga may course sa college para dun eh. Hehehe.

2. Ano ang isang bagay na na-enjoy mong gawin noon?

· Kung si Mishi ay nakikipaglaro sa kalye, ako sa kalsada. Nakatira kami kasi dati sa Cubao, specifically sa Murphy. Walking distance lang ang Ali Mall at SM Cubao . Hehehe.

3. Bakit?

· Ganun talaga kapag laking Cubao ka. San ka maglalaro sa EDSA highway? Hehehe. Pwede rin siguro ang patintero, mas malawak. Kaso pag natalo ka, patay ka na. Edi tapos na ang laro, uwian na! Hehehe.

4. Anong age ka pumasok sa school?

· 5 ata. 6 ata. Di ko na matandaan.

5. Sinong 'buddy' mo noon?

· Buddy? Wala. Maaga akong naging loner. Hehehe.

6. Anong pangyayayari ang hindi mo makalimutan?

· Nung kinder graduation namin, pina-memorize ako ng teacher naming ng isang essay na 7 o 8 atang paragraphs na nakalagay sa isang yellow paper. Take note, back-to-back pa. Tapos, i-rerecite ko daw yun sa graduation day namin. Isipin mo, bata pa lang ako pinapa-memorize na sa akin ang ganun kahaba. Ibinigay lang siya sa akin mga 1 week before the graduation day. Tapos, ineexpect daw nila na word per word ko dapat banggitin lahat ng nandun. Waahhh!!! Biktima ako ng child abuse!! Hehehe. Joke. Sa awa ng Diyos, umiiyak ako habang nag-rerecite ako nung essay nung graduation kahit ang saya-saya ng message nung essay. Naiiyak ako sa pressure at takot na magkamali. Hehehe.. Maaga akong nagsimulang magbigay ng speech. Haayy.. Hanggang ngayon tuloy nag-speech pa rin ako kahit di na kailangan . Hehehe.

7. Kilala mo pa mga teachers mo?

· Hindi ko na maalala ang mga pangalan nila. Pero kilala ko sila mukha pag nakita ko. Yun eh kung buhay pa sila. Hehehe.

8. Iyakin ka ba noon?

· Hindi. Mag-enjoy ka ba naman sa pagiging loner eh, iiyak ka pa ba? Hehehe.

GRADE SCHOOL :

10. Sinong principal nyo noon?

· Sa Claret School, si Mrs. Teresita Anastacio. Sa St. Matthew’s Academy, si Mrs. Annie Tejano.

11. Anong paborito mong laro?

· Family Computer (Tetris, Battle City, etc.), Game ‘N Watch, Football (Soccer), Badminton, Baseball (Sa village lang namin), Table Tennis, Agawang Base, Tumbang Preso, Patintero, etc.

12. May club ka bang sinalihan?

· Sa Claret, Math Club. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit. Para ngang hindi ako nag-enjoy nun eh. Gusto ko nga sanang mag-Science Club kaso mga nerds ang nandun eh. Sa St. Matthew’s Academy, di ko na maalala.

13. Maingay ka ba sa klase?

· Gustuhin ko man, hindi pwede kasi ako ang naglilista ng Noisy at Standing sa blackboard namin eh. Tapos, presidente pa ako nun ng class namin. No choice, kahit maingay talaga ako, hindi pwede. Hehehe..

14. May kinakatakutan ka bang teacher noon?

· Sa Claret, Si Ginoong Robert dela Cruz at si Mrs. Darilag. Sa St. Matthew’s Academy, wala.

15. Bakit?

· Si G. Robert dela Cruz--Grabe, kasi siya kung magsalita. Parang si Big Brother ang boses. Sobrang higpit na adviser, mas mahigit pa sa magulang ko. Si Mrs. Darilag—naku, parang lalamunin ka ng buhay. Lalo na yung boses niya, parang si Ms. Tapia.

16. Pano ka pumupunta sa school?

· Sa Claret, may service ako. Minsan, sabay kami ng Mom ko. Sa St. Matthew’s Academy, may service, tapos ng-cocommute na lang pag minsan.

17. Marunong ka na bang mag-commute ng panahong ito?

· Oo. Dapat lang siguro.

18. Paano ka mag-aral?

· Anu pa ba?! Edi nag-aaral habang nasa harap ng T.V. Tinatanong pa bay un?! Hehehe.

19. Mahilig ka bang kumain ng tusok-tusok?

· Sa Claret, hindi. Bawal kasi yun sa amin. Pagagalitan ka ni Mrs. Misa, ang prefect of students. Tapos, kakantyawan ka pa ng mga classmates na “buying vendors”. Hehehe. St. Matthew’s Academy, hindi rin. Hindi naman talaga ako kumakain ng kung anu-ano pag nasa school eh.

20. Responsible ka bang estudyante?

· Ewan. Sa Claret, ang unang award ko ay “Most Honest”. Tapos nagging “Best in Co-Curricular”. Hehehe. Sa St. Matthew’s Academy, medyo naging competitive at nagseryoso ng konti for some reasons.

HIGHSCHOOL:

21. Saan ka nag-high school?

· St. Matthew College

22. Anu mga section mo?

· I-Aldrin; II-Galileo; III-Edison at IV-Pasteur

23. May-CAT ba kayo noon?

· Oo. At maraming memories. Nandyan yung pinagbintangan kami (package friends) na kami daw ang bubuwag sa CAT. Whaaattt?!! Threat daw kami?!! Hehehe..

24. Naging class officer ka ba?

· Oo. Di ko mantandaan ang mga position.

25. Kumakain ka ba habang nasa klase?

· Oo. Bakit? Bawal ba?! Ay, bawal pala. Hehehe.

26. Tamad ka bang pumasok?

· Hindi. Kasi masaya sa school at ang mga classmates ko nun eh.

27. Sinong principal nyo noon?

· Si Mrs. Teresita Ignacio Felix.

28. Kilala ka ba nya? Ano tawag nya sa'yo?

· Oo naman. Siya pa. Mr. Gutierrez o kaya minsan, Alvin pero super exaggerated ang pronunciation, nawawala yung “l” at “i”. Hehehe.

29. Paano?

· Maraming paraan. Minsan dahil sa mga contests. Tsaka, lalo na yung nakaaway ko siya dahil din sa isang contest. Grr.. Long story. Basta, at least okay na kami. Hehehe.

30. May award ka bang natanggap non? anu-ano?

· Sa loob ng school: 1^st Year: Nasa Top Ten ng Batch; 2^nd Year: Nasa Top Ten ng Batch, Best in Biology at Best in Asian Studies; 3^rd Year: Nasa Top Ten ng Batch, Best in Chemistry; 4^th Year: 2^nd Honorable Mention, Special Award in Theater Arts. Sa labas ng school: yung Rotary Contest, 3^rd place. Yung mga iba di ko na maalala. Hehehe.. Thank God!

COLLEGE:

31. School mo?

· University of Sto. Tomas

34. Meron ka bang org na sinalihan?

· Meron naman.

35. Ano?

· Legal Management Society; AB Debate Parliament; Red Cross-UST-AB Chapter

36. Naniniwala ka ba na pag college ka na, matatagpuan mo ang true love mo at hindi sa highschool?

· Kahit nasa nursery ka pa, kung kayo ang itinidhana eh di kayo talaga. Hindi na kailangan pang sa college kayo magkita.

37. Embarassing moment?

· Anu pa? Edi yung mga tapilok moments. Clumsy kasi. Hehehe..

38. Unforgettable moment?

· Kulang ang space na ito sa dami. Hehehe.

39. Pano gumalaw ang mga tao sa eskwelahan mo?

· Bakit may iba pa bang galaw ang tao kung hindi yung normal lang. Hehehe.. Parang wala ka lang maitanong eh. Hehehe.

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**Bunga ng pressure dahil malapit ng magpasukan ulit.

Hindi Uubra

Sadyang may mga bagay o sitwasyon sa ating buhay na kahit anung pilit nating gawin o pagsamahin ay hindi pa rin uubra. Kahit anung gustuhin nating gawin o makamit ang isang bagay, kung hindi tama ang panahon upang atin itong makamit, hindi rin uubra. Kahit anung gustuhin nating pagsamahin ang mga tao o bagay na gusto nating pagsamahin, kung hindi naman angkop ang kanilang pagsasama at hindi rin naman nila gustong magsama, hindi rin uubra. Kahit anung gustuhin nating magawa ang isang adhikain, kung hindi naman natin kayang panindigang tapusin, hindi rin uubra. Kahit anung pilit, kung hindi aayon o tatama, hindi rin uubra.

Parang kapag gusto mong magsasak ng isang 220V na gamit sa isang 110V na plug, sasabog lang ito---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag naghihintay ka na magkaroon ng snow dito sa Pilipinas tuwing sasapit ang Disyembre, mamumuti lang ang mata mo kakahintay---hindi rin uubra. Parang kahit gusto mong pumunta sa ibang bansa pero wala ka namang passport, mapapagod ka lang kakaplano ng mga gagawin mo pagdating mo dun hindi ka pa rin makakaalis---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong lunurin ang sarili mo sa isang drum ng tubig, marami ka ng nasayang na tubig hindi ka pa rin malulunod---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong yumaman kahit pahila-hilata ka lang sa bahay, magugunaw na ang mundo, hindi ka pa rin yayaman---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong magkaroon ng girlfriend pero hindi ka naman nanliligaw panay pa-cute lang, tuyot ka na hindi ka parin magkakagirlfriend---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong magkaroon ng boyfriend pero hindi ka naman nag-aayos ng sarili mo o nagpapaganda man lang, nasa menopausal stage ka na hindi ka pa rin nagkakaboyfriend---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong pagsamahin ang dalawang mortal na magkaaway sa isang party, mauubusan ka lang ng load at laway hindi rin sila pupunta o kung pumunta man mauuna nang umuwi ang isa at hindi rin sila magpapang-abot---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong ibalik ang mga past memories mo kasama ang mga taong naging parte ng buhay mo pero hindi mo na sila mahagilap o wala ka ng communication sa kanila, uugatin ka lang kakahintay sa kanila hindi mo rin sila makikita---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong pagsamahin ang bagoong at ketchup sa spaghetti---hindi uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong magpafiesta at maghanda ng baboy o dinuguan pero ang mga bisita mo ay Muslim o mga miyembro Iglesia Ni Cristo, mapapanis lang ang mga pagkain wala ring kakain nito---hindi rin uubra. Parang kapag gusto mong magkaroon ng engrandeng hagdanan sa bahay mong bungalow, mawawasak ang bahay mo hindi pa rin alam kung saan ilalagay ang hangdanan na pinagwa mo---hindi rin uubra. Napakarami pang mga bagay na kahit anung gustuhin o pilit nating makamit o pagsamahin ay hindi pa rin uubra.

Madalas common sense na lang ang dapat pairalin upang lubusang maunawaan na may mga bagay, tao, pangyayari o adhikaing kahit anung pilit nating makuha, mapagsama, magawa o makamit ay hindi pa rin uubra. Ang pagtanggap sa mga pangyayaring ito ay isang hakbang upang lubos na maunawaan ang tunay na halaga ng oras, ang ibig sabihin ng pagrespeto sa damdamin ng mga tao, ang katuturan ng paghihintay, ang bisa ng panalangin at ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos sa buhay natin. Minsan hindi mo na kailangang pilitin o sadyain na makuha ang isang bagay o mapagsama ang mga tao o maganap ang isang pangyayari o makamit man ang isang adhikain. Kusa itong mangyayari. Kusa itong magaganap. At sa oras na iyon, mas magiging angkop ang kakalabasan at magiging tama ang lahat.

Law of Impenetrability says no two bodies can occupy the same space at one and the same time. Mahirap ang ipagpilitan ang mga bagay na dapat tinatanggap na lang. Kaduwagan ang kalabanin ang oras o panahon na dapat sinusulit na lang. Kabaliwan ang kalabanin ang kalooban ng Diyos sa buhay natin.

Yugyugin ang sarili. Matutong umayon sa dapat ayunan. Hindi lahat ng gustuhin natin ay atin itong makakamit o matutupad. Ang lahat ng bagay o pangyayari na nagaganap sa ating buhay ay may dahilan---may kahulugan. Ito ay sang-ayon sa kalooban ng Diyos para sa atin. Ang Kanyang kalooban ay mabuti at sapat. Huwag nang pag-aksayahan ng lakas o pag-iisip ang mga bagay na dapat ay ibinibigay na lamang sa Kanya.

Let go and learn to enjoy!

May mga laban na dapat nilalabanan. At may mga laban na hindi na dapat nilalabanan. Matutong pumili ng tamang laban. Matutong sumuko. Matutong tumanggap. Matutong manalangin. Matuto sa buhay. Matuto sa mga bagay na hindi uubra.

*Mahirap pa lang maging nega-star. Hindi ata sa akin uubra. Hehe..

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*Ito ay inspired realizations ko habang nag-dridrive ako ng kotse pauwi habang nasasaid na ang gas na akala ko aabot pa. Haayy.. Buti nakaabot ako sa bahay namin bago maubos. Hehe. Thank God!