Racing Towards Success

Tonight they finally showed what I've been waiting for after they have announced it last night in PBB (Pinoy Big Brother).

Last night may have been the nomination night and things were pretty tight with the housemates. It was there second nomination night and after the first two-in-one housemates, Marylain and Jen, of the twenty six K, left the house the night before, things were more serious than the last week.

But besides the announcement of the nominees for eviction, and the big surprise of Kuya (Big Brother) on the shows host, Toni Gonzaga, being the second house guest, things became more exciting (and nervous) with the disappearance of Gabby Dela Merced, the racing goddess of PBB's season 2 Celebrity Edition.

As her fellow housemates got worried with her being MIA, Gabby Dela Merced was on her way to Subic to attend a racing competition.

Earlier, the race was shown.....

For Gabby to have only practiced at a new course (which she's not familiar with) just that day, being able to go to the fourth spot was considered good, as they said. And, so, without further ado, the race began....

Gabby was doing pretty well. At the start on the race Gabby was already at the fourth place, 'till she has gained her way on third. But as she tries to get pass the other zooming cars upfront,

Gabby's car, on the ninth lap, got an engine problem.

The team tried to get it fixed, changing the engine within the limit of two hours. They finished it alright and found a problem with the battery. With only one minute to go before their limit for pit stop ends, Gabby's team successfully made the car running, thus the goddess zoomed her way into the tracks.

Gabby won the first as she soared her way on the twelfth and final lap.

"All odds were against me, but the universe was still good to me...."

With these words that Gabby said in the confession room, after coming back from Subic, I was reminded at how God was indeed good.

Just like every living creature, life, for us is a race. There may be times when we met holes and bumps, and like Gabby, engine problem, still if we believe and persevere, we will not just see victory, but definitely take grasp of it.

Right now, things may not be going according to my plan, but I know this pit stop is worth it, for I intend to finish my own race, with God as my coach--and win it.....

Making Use of Valuable TIME

One has to choose whether they make lives boring for them or not.

I choose the latter....

It's been more than a year since I graduated and came back here in Manila. Honestly at first I find it boring as I wait for a reply from where I submitted my application. It took me months before I got a call and passed their exam. Unfortunately, wanting to be assigned at Sorsogon where I graduated college, I have to wait for yet another call for my assignment.

I'm stuck in the house with only books, television, and radio as my way of fighting boredom.

And only lately did I get a connection at the Internet.

Now I'm starting to enjoy being couped up in the house....especially in my room....though there are still times, I must admit, I wish I were outside and hanging out with friends.

Time is gold they say. If every second counts. Every breath we take are gifts to make....I have to make use of it....

Lately I've been having fun answering questions at yahoo answers. As they say "Be a better brainiac". I must admit, though I started just recently, I'm having a great time--made me feel smarter too (hahaha). And with the feel of being smarter, I saw my need to enhance my skills which I think I'm rough at.

With all access to information here on the web, I surf away searching for the right site to help me with the things I've been having problems with.

They say that in every disadvantage comes an advantage. Right now, with all my friends having work while I stay in the house, I take on the advantage for making myself better than before. I just hope it materializes soon.

Or maybe it has.....

New and Improving....

It's been more than a year since I left Sorsogon. Ever since I left I have promised myself one thing--I'm going to be different. It was for me a time to say goodbye to the girl that always cried and had lost touch from individuality--I felt life was sucked out from me from things that I never understood during times when I was in college until now.

It's been a year of isolation....

A year of reflecting....

A year of self-discovery.....

It's time to say goodbye to the old me and in with the new.....

I saw me getting stronger again. Loving life once more. Figuring out what went wrong along the way. At first I thought of the many discouraging moments that has passed my way as I were staying there--Were these the reason why I stumbled? Why I feel so small? It was only when I realize that there was no one to blame except myself that I assured myself of something--it's time to set right to whatever I made wrong.

I saw how I've grown. It was time after all. I let myself be damaged by listening what others were to say about me and forget about my conscience. I refuse to do any wrong that I it turned out that I did it anyway without realizing it. I have caused myself to crack down because I tried to please others that I felt depressed by not doing what made me happy most--that I tried to be someone I'm not though in truth I was already perfect the way God wants me to be.

There are simply things that works out in a person and not for the rest. The most important thing I can do right now is to change myself (or regain myself) to the person my family can be more proud of.

I thought I have stepped out of the cocoon. I haven't after all. Right now I'm still in that stage as I do my best to be the girl who can face life's challenges more.

God promised us better days ahead. All we have to is believe.

I don't know when I'll be back in Sorsogon. In God's time I will. And when that time comes I know I'm not the girl they used to know--I'm new and improved.....

Half of the Shell....

It was 6pm when the light's went off in the subdivision....

AHHHH!!!! BROWNOUT!!!!!!

We ate dinner early at around 6:30pm. After tidying up the table and the dishes, my mom and I decided to stay at the terrace where we chatted along with a neighbor.

With the issues that are presently at hand in the nation (with regards to the explosion), I never thought the conversation would shift from something tragic to something romantic....and God knows how I loved listening 'bout it.

From the bombing, to the terrorist, to the Muslims, to Muslim refugees during the Marcos regime, to the relief operation, to the flashback at the time when boy and girl meets at the Red Cross where they were both assigned for practicum. (huh! that was long....)

As the candle flickers my mom told me the story of she cross paths with a boy named JIMMY....

My mom was on her first month in Sorsogon for practicum while for Jimmy it his was the last month. My mom's first week in Sorsogon was settled for orientation. That time it seems that all places where she could be possibly assigned for the practicum was full, but not wanting to be assigned further more, and thankful luck was on her side, she was then assigned to Red Cross where her friends assured her that it was okay to be there for at least "Jimmy" was there.

Ah yes..."Jimmy" that nice guy who was also in practicum.

My mom and dad met on the my mom's second week of stay. It was very funny actually. My mom at that time didn't know that there were rules concerning cleaning the place. The first person to arrive cleans the office. The first one to arrive was a guy who happens to be the med tech. But since he was the one cleaning (the rule) they thought he was a janitor. Next came this man who was wearing a hard cap and a t-shirt, both printed with the red-cross logo. He was immediately told by the first guy that my mom and the girls she was with are there for practicum as well.

The second guy was an inglisero (English speaking). For this he was concluded as the boss of the office, which later on was found to be nothing more than to be also in practicum (Jimmy)....

Jimmy turned out to be really nice (very accommodating) , but alas was also very testing (as in testing the newcomers). For their first week at red cross, one by one, my mom's co nurses were invited to walk a very long distance from their red cross office to where the group were to go until Friday came and it was my mom's turn.

Hers turned out to be different though. Jimmy invited her to go on a relief operation in Barcelona, Sorsogon (please note that the setting is still in the Philippines). The relief operation were for the Muslim Refugees.

There was a time when I lost faith on something after all the doubts I'm having 'till when I heard this story.

Moving on....As they do their services in Barcelona, one of the refugees broke a large shell into half and gave each to Jimmy and my mom. When those around saw this they began to tell a certain belief that they were destined to be with each other for no matter how far their distances or as time passed by, the two halves of the shell will always find each other. After hearing that all my mom did was joked.

After more than two decades since they were given the shell, I now sit typing this story away, regaining faith that I may have my turn to find my own half of the shell who's other half belonging to someone....

After all, Jimmy is the man me and my siblings call "PA".....

Love you pa and ma!!!!mwah!!!!

A Moment to Reflect....Shattering Glorietta 2

After a claimer, a fire and new reports on bodies found, Glorietta is back to normal--but not the nation.....

It's been three days since the bombing. Presently counts on dead bodies found were now eleven, and the claimer to the bombing, Sheik Omar of the Rajah Sulayman group, doesn't seem to be who he really is.

As I read the Sunday paper, my heart went out more than last Friday to the victims of the explosion. Though the following morning after the bombing went back to normal for Glorietta, normal seems to be far from happening since there are still uncertainty as to where the explosion originated.

Was it a terrorist? an accident? or a diversion to cover for the issues faced by the government?

Yesterday made it rather confusing, especially today, as the said terrorist's father spoke saying that his son is in another country and that the voice on the phone call wasn't his son's at all. It was also followed by a report saying that after they've investigated the said terrorist, it turns out that he was not at all the man he claims to be and that he was but a dummy of a group.

Tonight's news also covers an explanation from a group of chemical engineers saying that the explosion may not have been caused by methane (after there were speculations that the explosion may be coming from an LPG). After their explanation as to why they arrived to that belief then I guess people can cut the idea that the explosion was but an accident....

Right now, all I can think of are the lives that were shattered that horrible day at Glorietta. They were but Innocent people who came to the mall to have fun--meet with loved ones, spend time with families, play around--but what appeared to be a great day at the mall turned out to be a nightmare.

What is the truth behind the explosion? who may have caused such an act? Are they sleeping well with the thought of their unknowing victims? Can they still smile with the faces of grieving loved ones popping on the news?

Prayer vigils are being done presently by groups to show their support for the sake of justice.

With the explosion of Glorietta, the whole nation grieved....

Keep hold of faith for in God's good time justice will prevail....

Shattering Shopping!!!

MAKATI CITY--Earlier this day, Glorietta 2 in Makati was shattered with an explosion leaving more than a hundred killed and injured.

I have just finished washing dishes, and sat down to watch an noontime show when a flash report break in. It was about the explosion in Glorietta. At that time, as a phone patched reporter told what had just happened in Glorietta, it was undeniable that the background of the phone patched was filled with cries of panic and pain.

Is it a terrorist attack?

A diversion tactic?

This evening, PGMA's statement asking for the people to unite, especially those who are against her, was aired. It was also added that an investigation is on it's way as to what caused the explosion. There were two things that has said to caused the explosion--LPG from one of the restaurants and a bomb, that's why bomb squads were there to survey the breakage of the mall.

There was one thing that pondered on our minds as news that evening came--THANK GOD IT'S NOT A WEEKEND!!! Definitely if it were, then more people could have been injured--or died. As of this evening the reports of injured people grew higher, while eight are reported dead. A call from the media asked for viewers who think that relatives might have gone to Glorietta that day to come immediately to the Makati Hospital where the victims were brought.

This is but a tragic day for all... But as a call out from the news this evening was said about going back to our usual living, (I hope I got the idea right), not just for here in NCR but also all over the Philippines, was something to remember for that at least will help in keeping the whole nation strong during times when we are shattered.....

I hope and pray that GOD will provide us with more strength than ever....

For the victims...and for the whole nation.....

Seeing Beauty in Ashes

In Joel Osteen's book "Your Best Life Now", ashes are pictured as painful experiences in life.

Since I've had my hands on that book, life, as I am very much aware, is never the same. I may still be struggling with myself (insecurities and lack of self-esteem), still little by little I saw how my way of thinking has change. This is for me, as also stated in the book, is seeing beauty in ashes--where GOD uses every discouraging situation in our life to our advantage.....

News this week started with the headlines of Among Ed (Fr. Ed Panlilo) and the 500,000php given to him after a meeting with Pres. GMA. Coming out is really something BIG! After he had been on the front pages of tabloids, with him winning the Governatorial position in Pampanga last May elections, he's once again placed there as he told the nation of the 500,000php that he received after meeting PGMA, as a palace personnel told him that he can use it for baranggay projects. Though some local leaders who also attended seem to stay quiet at this issue, except for Gov. Jojo Mendoza of Bulacan who also admitted to receiving the money, it seems that this revelation has somehow opened doors for issues not only concerning the President's questionable actions, but also about the plans for the once burdensome lahar at Pampanga.....

Finding Beauty in Ashes....as in literally ashes.

I was in first grade when lahar from Mt. Pinatubo caused such a wide devastation in Pampangga. Since then, going to Tarlac seems to be passing by the dessert everytime we came to Pampangga. But what seems to be a curse is now a blessing....Among Ed, after winning the elections, has seen a blessing in a curse.....

It's been months since I read about Among Ed's plans to use the lahar to help in developing Pampanga with using it for quarries. Now, after the news of Among Ed telling the public about the money he received, news of his plans for the town he leads is once again shown on TV.....

The least we could all do is be thankful--for every situation, both painful and triumphs, are all blessings. Here's a toast to Among Ed! As he teaches us that man has a choice to do what's right as long as there is fear and faith for GOD. After all it is GOD who turns beauty out of our ashes....

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Related Articles:

Among Ed Panlillo: Yes to a good kapampangan leader

Saying He Can't Lie, Fr. Ed Admits taking P500,000

Among Ed given P.5M by Palace functionary

Miracle in Pampanga

Our Newest Housemate

I had a hard time getting sleep lately especially last night, or should I say, this morning, being able to sleep at around 6 am. After waking up at around eight (getting only two hours of sleep), the day started really sluggish, that I only ended up just sweeping the floor then deciding to taking a bath afterward, hoping that I can get the spell of drowsiness off.

Even as the cold water from the shower ran over me, my mind kept going back to me lying on the bed, with my eyes wanting to shut. As I started lathering soap, I heard my mom talking to someone outside. I turned off the shower and tried to make out the conversation, realizing that it wasn't one of the neighbors my mom was talking to.

The only thing I could make out was "hindi namin sya binebenta" (we are not selling it). With that, my drowsiness, and the music from the living room, the rest of the conversation became more confusing. What is it that they were not selling? Usually people would knock on gates to sell or beg. This one sounded new and weird.

Finally getting out of the bathroom, feeling fresh which made me more sleepy (so much with the uplifting the spell...hehehe), I walked in the living room where my mom was watching television. As I sat on the couch my mom turned to me and asked "Have you seen her?" My mom was beaming at me that I looked at the television thinking that maybe she's referring to someone she just saw. A game show was on the television and at that time the host was interviewing one of the contestants who happens to be a girl. I was about to ask my mom if she was pertaining to the girl on the TV when she said "They were not selling her. They were just asking something in exchanged."

It was at that moment that I saw what she was referring to. There, standing on the my desk with the laptop and the printer, was a beautiful image of Mama Mary. She was all white (very clean in fact), slinging on her arm was a golden rosary. Her eyes were staring at my direction.

As I looked more closely, it's as if the The Virgin Mary, with her rosy cheeks and lips and long lashes, was smiling at me saying hi. I was completely at awe with her beauty. She looks wonderful--fresh and graceful. It was if it was a real life miniature Virgin Mary.

My mother had exchanged her for an earring without a pair. She was being given a Santo Nino but as she saw the virgin she chose her instead-after all we already have a Santo Nino.

Earlier this night, we prayed the rosary with the virgin. My mom placed her at the living room table where she stood with a small version of our Lady of the Miraculous medal. After praying and after placing her back at the desk, we noticed her glowing more beautiful, her cheeks were more rosy and her smile seem to widen.

Presently, as I write this blog, the Mama Mary stands in front of me--her as my guide in writing.....and as the PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) is on the roll again as the new celebrity housemates are introduced this week.... I'm happy of our new housemate....

A Tune so Right...Finally!

LAS VEGAS NEVADA--It may have been October 6 there in the US, but for us Filipinos, it's October 7. Mark the date, not just because Pacman won the boxing match against Barera, but rather, finally the Philippines' National Anthem was sang correctly--and clearly...

For many times, we've been hearing comments from the National Historical Institute (NHI) regarding singers who sang our national anthem, not in accordance with Section 37 of Republic Act 8491 which states that "The rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe." It was Pacquiao's night, then again, it was also Kyla's night. The way she sang the song made my hair stand. It was full of life and pride and love for the country, Now that's singing....The song was sung precisely not as a singer just singing it but rather as how any Filipino would and should. Strong and Proud!!!! Actually, come to think of it, the Filipinos there sang with her--showing the strength and pride more....It was definitely the Filipinos' night....

I have to admit, I'm grateful we have that law. There maybe those who may never understand as to why we need to have it, now why there was such a law as this. Why can't anybody sing the national anthem the way they want it?

This is but of my own understanding. Uninfluenced by anyone except for my pride in the race I belong....

It's all in our history....

The Filipinos have been held captive in their own country for so long. Our ancestors fought hard to finally give shine to the Filipinos' life--the freedom it deserves...and so it came...

It was June 5, 1898, a week before the declaration of independence--Julian Felipe, a local pianist in Kawit, Cavite, came in the house of Maximo Inocencio (one of the thirteen martyrs) and was asked by General Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolution, to play a march written by a Filipino in Hong Kong. However Aguinaldo was not satisfied and asked Felipe, instead, to compose something that could instill courage and patriotism in every Filipino's heart, recognizing his skills.

On the day of June 11Th, the day before the declaration on independence, Felipe came to the revolutionary leaders and played the song he composed and was approved as the national hymn. The song was called "Marcha Filipina Magdalo".

The music Felipe composed was played as the flag of the Philippines was hoisted at the window of Aguinaldo's mansion. It was renamed "Marcha Nacional Filipina" and immediately became the National Anthem. Still the song lacked words 'till came the year 1899, when a young soldier named Jose Palma wrote the poem "Filipinas" which became the march's lyrics.... (click here to see more on the history of the Philippine National Anthem)

We carry the blood of heroes....

Liberators....

Men with strong valor....

Many times have we Filipinos proven the strength that we carry in order to raise us to the top.
In every fields we venture...a Filipino stands out to make the world his/her stage.

That was what the National Anthem is about--the reason why it was composed in such a way. A march. A tune that could inspire and give courage....A song that shows the pride we take to conquer feats.

After the revision of the National Anthem's words from Spanish to English to Filipino, 'till another Filipino revision of the song, now the National Anthem is known as "Lupang Hinirang", still carrying the same strong, proud and courageous tune.

With Pacman winning the battle against Barera, the Filipino stood proud....

As Kyla sang the national anthem, the Filipinos sang along....

Now that's unity....

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References:

http://david.national-anthems.net/ph.htm
http://www.inquirer.net
http://www.gov.ph

Just Passing By....

Last week, I can't help but concentrate on the television as I saw a familiar face than the rest of those who are also in the program. As much as all of them are familiar--he seemed more for me....afterall, he used to be just passing by our classroom....

I remember the first time Sen. Chiz Escudero, who was then the congressman of our district, passed by our classroom on his way to attend his class where he was going to teach. I was in first year college and was then getting used to seing politicians come in our school either to attend an event held at the auditorium or to be a guest at a show in our television station (yes, our school have a TV Station). But to be a teacher was something else.

The first time Escudero passed by was very memorable. Saturdays was our drawing class (technical drawing), meaning doing plates in front of your intructor requires more concentration than ever. The whole classroom was filled with silence as everyone concentrated over their handling of the techpens and rulers. I could swear most of us were even holding our breaths whenever we were getting our techpens touch the tracing paper, praying that it wont blot. The silence which we were holding onto came to a shattering conclusion as a van parked a few paces in front of our room.

Heads turned toward the direction of the van which revealed the presence of Escudero as he came out. Knowing that he was taken as an instructor of the Law Department, though we were somehow starstruck by his presence, we returned our gaze to the plates we were doing and began holding our breaths again. I was about to put ink on the plate when an excited voice came saying "UY! Si Escudero!"...The rest was history as the whole class went laughing at our classmate's gesture, though I think it was because some of them got suprised to have their work blotted. I immediately looked out the windows and saw a surprised Escudero with one of the guys he was with holding his laughter....

Saturday drawing classes became more fun since then, except for one who I think was annoyed with the boys reminding of her cry, this time giving it a funny twist by teasing her with one of escudero's bodyguards. hehehe....

It's been years since I last saw Chiz Escudero. Now I'm a graduate and him a senator. The closest encounter I can presently get is watching him on television. He is still just like the man whom even with strong aura, shows humility even with simple actions like walking down the corridors to nodding after a greeting.

Escudero now sits in the senate, and I can't help but brag how he once graced the school I attended to, though I was but a kid in a class where he used to pass by....

Inconvenient About the Truth

Tonight is very cold....and it has lasted this way for more than a week....


Earlier this evening, as I savored the pasta my mom cooked, I can't help but feel the chill my feet were feeling as the breeze coming in from the window, entered the house. At that time, my mom, together with an aunt, was talking about the ocean rise that happened in Bataan and Cavite that day (because of Tropical Storm Ineng), where the folks of some baranggays living near the sea, evacuated, fearing that the rise of the water might mean a coming of tsunami. Their conversation went on with how nature seems to be getting more destructive with it's storms and and earthquakes. This was followed with the discussion of a video which me and my siblings saw just last summer about Al Gore and his lectures on Global warming....

An Inconvenient Truth really shook my world ever since I saw it. Honestly the truth is really inconvenient sending chills deep in me. The video is no horror flick where you get to see creatures of the dark and blood all over the scene, but no doubt this is more than any horror flick--where we are the creatures of the dark and the remnants of our ways stands as blood spilled all over the scene.


The movie was indeed very informative. Al Gore really presented it very well--very well in fact that it has changed my ways, though still I'm a work in progress....The ice caps are melting, Though for some, as I've heard on the news, it was good for those traders, giving short distances for travelling ships, towards their destinations, still lives are at stake here....

I don't know if it's right to excuse the ignorant. Poverty may have deprived them of education yet is it right not to blame them for not being able to understand the trash each one has done to contribute in times of nature's turmoils? And then there are the learned--educated enough to educate the ignorant. I must say shame on them for there are still those who are well knowledgeable on things yet they do not do there contribution....Still come to think of it, doing our part to save the planet we so love, needs each and every one's hard work, driven by conscience. Things like these are learned from experiences and just common sense. The trash that are piled in sewage, blocking drainage, raises floods during rainy seasons. Illegal logging of trees does this also with the addition of landslides....these are but some calamities that take lives like snatchers riding motor bikes--first thing you were walking, next thing your bags are grabbed with the thief zooming away with it....


Everything starts with oneself....as I do mine, I pray that the rest can do their part.....