Life in Words

Something Good

2012-01-31T23:02:00.000-08:00

Somehow this song is making me soo emotional, these days....

SOMETHING GOOD

[Maria:]
Perhaps I had a wicked childhood
Perhaps I had a miserable youth
But somwhere in my wicked, miserable past
There must have been a moment of truth

For here you are, standing there, loving me
Whether or not you should
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

[Captain:]
For here you are, standing there, loving me
Whether or not you should

[Maria:]
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

[Maria and the Captain:]
Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could

[Maria:]
So somewhere in my youth
[Captain:]
Or childhood
[Maria:]
I must have done something . . .
[Maria and the Captain:]
Something good

HOME IS.....

2012-01-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

HOME is where BOKLAN chicken,pancit and siomai can be found...

This was what the status on my Facebook wall was, right before New Year. Posted this along with this picture...

...and truly a vacation in my hometown, in Bicol won't be complete without a visit to this restaurant aptly named BOKLAN, the meaning of which I don't know, but for sure their owned by a Chinese family and they serve all these three famous Chinese staple. The food is prepared and cooked upon order,for guaranteed freshness...

Reunited with Peach and her Mom

2011-06-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

My recent vacation to Bicol, has been a series of reunions for me. My childhood friend Peach was in town, and this was the first time we saw each other after 14 or 15 years. Peach's Mom and my Mom were best friends, when they were still working in the same school.

Look at our Mom's photo when both of them were pregnant with US.

[Mom on the left and Peach's mom -Auntie Ludy in pink]
and here they are in their hey days....

Peach's family migrated to the California when she was only 5 years old. Our only connection was through letters and cards that were sent through every occasion. Her first vacation here was when she was 16 years old and that was the last time I saw her. We both finished school and when technology ruled the world, we got reconnected through friendster, then email and lost track of each other again. Found her in Facebook and got reconnected again...That's just how we are....friends for life even if we don't get to see each other often..Her mom was saying, I am Peachy's only friend in the Philippines..lolz.. Here she is now at 32 with her Mom...

And she got me this Guess Bag....her birthday gift to me...
Nice to have been reconnected again...

Amazing Fireworks Display

2011-02-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

The second International Pyromusical competiton has started first weekend of february and this week UK's fireworks display has garnered lots of applause from the expectators..Take a look..

and this is their finale:

Singing in the Rain

2010-11-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

Oh my God!!! I soo love Gwyneth Paltrow and Matthew Morrison here....Grest voice, perfect pair..Superb performance!!!

Summing Up My Daily Grind

2010-10-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

This somehow sums up my daily grind....Being with kids, helping them read or at least make them say the letter sound correctly....sing with them, hug them...and revel at every big school entrance exams that they pass....

Daycare Provider Poem

Author: unknown

Although you’re not their mother,

You care for them each day

You cuddle, sing, and read to them

And watch them as they play.

You see each new accomplishment

You help them grow and learn

You understand their language

And you listen with concern.

They come to you for comfort

And you kiss away their tears

They proudly show their work to you

You give the loudest cheers!

No, you are not their mother

But your role is just as strong

You nurture them and keep them safe

Though maybe not for long --

You know someday the time will come

When you will have to part

But you know each child you’ve cared for

Is forever in your heart!

When children come home at the end of the day,

The question they're asked as they scurry to play

is, "Tell me what you did today?"

And the answer they give makes you sigh with dismay.

"Nothing, I did nothing today!"

Perhaps nothing means that I played with blocks,

Or counted to ten, or sorted some rocks.

Maybe I painted a picture of red and blue

Or heard a story of a mouse that flew.

Maybe I watched the gerbils eat today,

Or went outside on the swings to play.

Maybe today was the very first time

That my scissors followed a very straight line

Maybe I lead a song from beginning to end,

Or played with a special brand new friend.

When you're in pre-school

And your heart has wings,

"Nothing" can mean so many things!!

It's Wiggles and Barney Time:

2010-10-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

These are just some of my favorite babies in school, who never fail to amaze me with all their funny and cute antics. And they too are the reason why most of the songs I listen to now are Barney and Wiggles' and why I enjoy these videos now....

CHINA in this side of TOWN (Manila CHINATOWN)

2010-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

It was one of those few Saturday's that I didn't have to go to work. The weather was perfectly fine and I was set for a food trip in Chinatown. First went to Binondo Church....
and I was impressed on how the altar and the ceiling paintings turned out in pictures....

On the way to lunch, I passed by this...

Lunch was definitely a gastronomic experience... Had it at the Sincerity Cafe...... where I super loved these....

and my requisite ...

... from QuickSnack...

Would have tried some pancit from Lido or Chuan Kee but it was raining so hard when I stepped out Quick Snack that I decided to go home instead..will definitely comeback to Chinatown.....next week perhaps....

My Lee's TVC

2010-08-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

I finally found my tutorial student's paint tv commercial which he did some years ago... I met him last year, he was already in first grade, and have matured a bit but still the same cute, funny kid that appeared on the TVC some years back. Glad I'm able to lift this video of the said TVC from a
facebook profile..

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=384577156660

To Pap!

2010-06-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a Father's Day poem I lifted from the works of Joanna Fuchs' . I first read it on my student's father's day card which they did in school as a Fathers Day activity and so captured was I with the words that I decided to post it here to let the world know how much I love my father - the one we most fondly call PAP!

I'D PICK YOU

Dad, if all the fathers

Had lined up one by one,

And God told me to pick,

I'd still choose to be your son.

I'm proud to have a father

Who listens and understands,

Who teaches me and sets fair rules

Without unfair demands

Dad you are my hero,

My role model in all I do.

So dad, if I could pick again,

You know I'd still pick you!

Independence Day

2010-06-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

June 12 is the country's Independence Day but it's even more special for me because it's my birthday. 2009 and 2010 have been quite a wonderful year for me and for that I am truly greatful. I am blessed to have a very busy tutorial schedule something that I haven't experienced in a while, doubly happy that my student again made it to the Outstanding Students List and so I felt I should at least celebrate....and celebrate I did (with my sis' and our friend Boy who followed at the karaoke night) even if I had work in the morning of my birthday..

Met up with my sisters and had a sumptuous lunch of Barbecue Platter...

and I had this cute birthday cake called Strawberry Fields...
then we head off for some karaoke fun....

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

On sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day. I won't write stuff about my Mom anymore as I have done it already before. I would instead share this video and the lyrics of which, truly hit me..So Mom, Happy Mother's Day.. and to all the moms happy mother's day! this one is for you!

It's hard to remember
A summer or winter
When she hasn't been there for me

A friend and companion
I can always depend on
My mother
That's who I mean

I've taken for granted
seeds that she planted
She's always behind every thing

A teacher a seeker
A both arms outreacher
My mother
That's who I mean

Wish I could slow down
The hands of time
keep things the way they are
If she said so
I would give her the world
If I could... I would

My love and my laughter
From here ever after
Is all that she says that she needs

A friend and companion
I can always depend on
My mother
That's who I mean
My mother
That's who I mean... that's who I mean
--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y5GpYQSpVQ

CAPTURED: Churches that Captured Me

2010-04-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

On Maundy Thursday, I was able to complete Visita Iglesia and three of the seven churches I went to were the churches that strike me the most. Location was not an issue..I just had to get there...and all these churches I was able to capture.

This imposing church right across the new NAIA Terminal 3 called Shrine of St. Therese is simply breathtaking.

St. Alphonsus Mary De Liguori Church in Magallanes has really nice structural designs, I can't help but take pictures..Nice for intimate weddings...

Our Lady of Victories Church is another sight to behold. For someone who loves big, long aisle churches, this has got to be an exception to the rule. I instantly fell in love with this church the moment I reached it's location. It looked like Don Bosco's Chapel on the Hill in Batangas only this one is in the city. As I wrote on my other site, this church captivated me. This is a traditional catholic church and all masses are in Latin..

going up the church which was situated on an elevated area

at the church entrance

AltarThe church facade

Back to Writing..

2010-03-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

The one's who are following me on twitter already know why I am on semi-hiatus on blogging since the second week of march..It was my tutorial student's trimestral exams so I have been too busy doing reviewers for them..Both of them are honor students so the pressure's on me..I had to make sure they maintain their grades..Their grades are yet to be given but I know they got good grades...hehehe

So now that they are already on vacation, I got more time to blog..I'll post something about my tutees later...

"Tikes" got Talent

2010-02-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

My tutorial kids were quite busy this January practicing performances for their family day...Two of them were her n this video and I couldn't be more proud. Their group won first place...

Congratulations girls!!!

15 Years Baby....

2010-01-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

I missed out posting about the reunion of my high school batch last December 30, and so here I am scribbling whatever I remembered from the event..The affair was originally set at 8:00 am I arrived there about 9am, surprised to see that they haven't started yet. some batch mates were just starting to set up the tables and chairs.Had some chit-chat with Fr. Marlon, Sansue and Rommel. Our teachers started arriving and we were almost outnumbered by our teachers. We thought there was a faculty meeting...hahaha..But then shortly before lunch more batch mates started to arrive and we had a blast. I tweeted about it and said "the batch reunion was a blast and hilarious"..and hilarious it was...Oh i won't say much, just take a look at these photos...I'd say we haven't changed a lot even if it had been 15 years....

[mass]
[some 0f our former teachers]
[the Boys of the Batch]
[more pics of the boys with our batch mate and officiating priest FR. Marlon]
[getting cozy with Atty. Dona and Cathy]
[the EARLY BIRDS..batch mates Jen and Jack came home from UAE just for the reunion]
[posing with two of our former high school teachers]
[and of course the BOYS just about to start the drinking session]

Has it really been that long????? And now we're starting to plan for our 20th year REUNION in 2014. Wow! Time flies really fast....

Oh, Mr.Shuester

2010-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

I posted this in my facebook links...Songs from this super famous show GLEE which has actually got me so hooked. I love it to the max and much more Mr.Shuester, (played by James Morrison)...He is so cute and too damn hot! Look how sexy he is in this video..

and this is his version of Thong Song..

and here's another sample of his singing..

ooohh..i just can't get enough of him and of GLEE.

This Made Me Cry

2010-01-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know why every time I hear this song, I cry..Maybe it's the melody or probably the lyrics...Oh well it's the....oh here's the video and lyrics of the song...listen to it, enjoy and you'll know what i mean....

Mayroon siyang estilong kanya lamang
Ang kanyang pagkababae ang dinadahilan
Pagsubok sa pag-ibig walang katapusan
'Di naman daw nagdududa, naniniguro lang.

Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa.
Kahit ano'ng sabihin ng iba, minamahal ko siya,
Wala nang hahanapin pa.

'Di raw nagseselos ngunit nagbibilang
ng oras 'pag ako'y ginagabi
At biglang maamo 'pag may kailangan
'Pag nakuha na ikaw ay itatabi.

Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa.
Kahit ano'ng sabihin ng iba, minamahal ko siya,
Wala nang hahanapin pa.

'Di magpapatalo 'pag mayroong alitan.
'Di aamin ng mali, magbabagong isip lang.

Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Sinasamba ko siya,
Minamahal ko pa,
Walang kaduda-duda,
Wala nang hahanapin pa.

Holiday's Over

2010-01-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is the downside of having long holidays, you get to binge on almost anything and as soon as the holidays is over you sulk about how you're ever going to lose the extra pound you gained..Don't want to think about it now, I am far too bored going back to work. First week at the tutorials started January 7 and the moment I saw my students came in I realized I missed their kakulitan.. My gosh! ten days of not seeing them means SERENITY...It was chaos having 3 of the funniest and energetic students all by myself for tutorials yet I was literally floating while teaching. It's like I am functioning because I knew too well the routine..I was still on vacation mode...lolz! Good thing my students didn't have homework yet....and tutorial hours have been way too short these days..and my paycheck is affected....hahahaha....

What I Got for Christmas

2009-12-23T07:29:00.001-08:00

'Tis the time of the year when everyone seems to be in a festive mood, are a bit nicer and giving. I got myself a handful of gifts way before christmas and I just wanted to share it to you.

This was the very first Christmas gift I received. Yummy puto seko from Joanna vacuum sealed and packed and wrapped in sinamay bag. She gave it first week of December and I remember how excited she was when she handed it to us. And this was her line, in a very sweet tone " i know it's kinda early, but then merry christmas!!".

The next week, it was my tutorial student C, who gave gifts. This was what she gave.

These custaroons was an instant hit to everyone and we ended up ordering ourselves too. By the second week of December, while all of us tutors were busy and harassed doing reviewers for our students trimestral exams, we received these cool bag organizers from the preschool/tutorial center directress.

We really need these organizer. Then a few days after Larry, gave me a gift check, or a complimentary christmas drink from Starbucks. This was posted on my previous entry. Siblings Teo and Nina got me pouch bag similar to this one, but theirs is embroidered silk...

Poch and Pepi gave me a set of lip balm similar to this one..
Joaquin sent me rye bread, packed in three's..

Siblings Bei and Alexi gave me a set of L'Occitane En Provence. They dropped it off to the tutorial center right before going home..

And this was T. Auds gift for me...a box of....
On that note let me say: MERRY CHRISTMAS Everybody!!!

It's Almost Christmas and What Have I Been Doing

2009-12-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just came from preschool & tutorial teachers and staff Christmas party. We had a lot of fun and what I liked about it was the laid back feel yet everyone seems to be enjoying and laughter was really all over the room. It's just like a Sunday lunch with your family. The days prior to the party however was quite hectic for us tutors. It was the students trimestral exams and I have spent sleepless nights making reviewers and trying to sneak in some Christmas shopping and bazaar hopping..lolz! My tutorial sessions was made more fun and enjoying by my cutie little preschoolers who stays at the center and do stuff while waiting for their parents to pick them up...

[Teo drawing transformer]
[Zo playing with the clay]

Aren't they cute?

Now, since it's the time time of year where gifts are always abundant, my students have been so sweet to send me some presents. There was one gift I really appreciated, though because it was coming from Larry, a 14-yr old boy with special needs. He looks and speaks like normal kid but he feels like he is always in a war..This is what he gave me..

[a complimentary drink from Starbucks]

[and this is what he wrote on the card]

It's almost Christmas.....

Song Titles

2009-11-18T19:05:00.000-08:00

Got tagged on this meme by a friend on facebook and thought I'd share it with you....
----
Using only song names from ONE ARTIST (or two!), cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to however many people you like and include me. Try not to repeat a song title. It's harder than you think.

Pick Your Artist: U2

Are you male or female: Lady With a Spinning Head (lol!)

Describe yourself: Two Shots of Happy,One Shot of Sad

How do you feel about yourself: Magnificent

Describe where you currently live: In God's Country

If you could go anywhere you wanted to go: Where the Streets Have No Name

Your favorite form of transportation: FastCars

Your best friend is: Dancing Barefoot

Your favorite color is: Ultraviolet

What's the weather like: Indian Summer Sky

Favorite time of day: Night and Day

What is life to you: A Celebration

What is the best advice you have to give: Sometimes you can't make it on your own

If you could change your name, what would it be: Jean Genie

Your favorite food is: Lemon

Thought for the Day: Love is Blindness

How I would like to die: Exit (hahaha)

My soul's present condition: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

My motto: Walk On

The Week That Was

2009-11-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

Monday,was quite a toxic day for me. I woke up early and realized I needed to grab some more sleep so I'll be refreshed during my tutorial schedule in the afternoon. I was not able to sleep anymore as I realized I have to be early at the center..
--
I found some cool site where you could build an online store without having to spend a lot. The past few days I have been busy creating designs or rather designing the stuff I would be selling for my online store and I am enjoying it. MY online store is called Kraftika Stuff. Will talk about this more on my posts in the future.
--
My tutorial pre-schooler Marchie, passed his entrance exam in big school..I couldn't be more proud.
--
Sat beside my other preschooler Joaquin,when he had his mock interview because he sort of doesn't like to talk to the teacher interviewing him. But he answered the questions after a while.
--
Gave my tutorial student Cheska,some chocolates for her birthday. And I was just proud that she got the highest grade on her Science quiz.
--
Have been a really busy time for me, but seeing kids smiles is fulfilling.

He Brought me To YOu

2009-11-14T03:26:00.000-08:00

I just love this.....

HE BROUGHT ME TO YOU

xtian:in search of my life and my one true love
i pray to almighty god above
and his masterful voice directed me to
the many things i was destined to do
so i sailed across the mighty sea
persued knowledge of the highest degree
took to learning new things
experience new thrills
felt my life was completely fulfilled

at the end of my amazing quest
after proving myself by achieving success
i hope to find a prize so rare
priceless treasure beyond compare
for god promised he would give me love
a love without measure
trusting and true
and behold my dear sapphire
he brought me to you
he brouight me to you

sapphire:in dearch of my life and my one true love
i pray to almighty god above
his compassionate voice directed me to
the many things i was destined to do
and in my private reverie
i read of lands across the sea
i imagined enchanting hollow and hill
worlds beyond my windowsill

and through all of these
my fancy quest
i cherish the secret, held close to my breast
i hope to find a prize so rare
priceless treasure beyond compare
for god promised he would give me love
a love without measure
trusting and true
and behold my dear christian
and behold my dear sapphire
he brought me to you
he brought me to you

xtian and sapphire: my heart knew this without a doubt
that's what destiny's all about

xtian:god promised he would bring me love
sapphire: a love strong and true
xtian: a promise he fulfilled above
he bought me to you
sapphire:he brought me you
xtian: he bought me to you

xtian:in search of my life and my one true love
i pray to almighty god above
and his masterful voice directed me to
the many things i was destined to do
so i sailed across the mighty sea
persued knowledge of the highest degree
took to learning new things
experience new thrills
felt my life was completely fulfilled

at the end of my amazing quest
after proving myself by achieving success
i hope to find a prize so rare
priceless treasure beyond compare
for god promised he would give me love
a love without measure
trusting and true
and behold my sweet jewel
he brought me to you
he brouight me to you

jewel: what is this is feel
is this for real
the longing inside that i just cannot hide
in search of this feeling they all call love
how could i've known someone up above
i find this rare and priceless treasure waiting
this isn't a story but fantasy
it's as real as his love for me
the feeling is true
what i feel for you..

This is It..

2009-11-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

So I finally get to watch the much talked about MJ film. Was not planning to because I have been really busy the week that was, but after hearing almost all the people I know giving out rave reviews of the movie I got more curious..And my student, told me what the video was about, and she even copied the " Beat It" dance..lol! Then she told me-"you should watch it teacher"... That was when I knew I just had to watch it...Enjoyed it a lot and this last song made me cry..Apart from "Man in the Mirror" of course....

This is it, here I stand
I’m the light of the world, I feel grand
Got this love I can feel
And I know yes for sure it is real

And it feels as though I’ve seen your face a thousand times
And you said you really know me too yourself
And I know that you have got addicted with your eyes
But you say you gonna live it for yourself.

I never heard a single word about you
Falling in love wasn’t my plan
I never thught that I would be your lover
C’mon baby, just understand

This is it, I can say,
I’m the light of the world, run away
We can feel, this is real
Every time I’m in love that I feel

And I feel as though I’ve known you since 1,000 years
And you tell me that you’ve seen my face before.
And you said to me you don’t wnat me hanging round
Many times, wanna do it here before

I never heard a single word about you
Falling in love wasn’t my plan
I never thught that I would be your lover
C’mon baby, just understand

This is it, I can feel
I’m the light of the world, this is real
Feel my song, we can say