Anything goes...

Year of My Dragons

2012-01-22T04:58:00.000-08:00

It's the year of my two dragons. No, just kidding. I mean my two boys. I never knew they're both born in the year of the dragon. I only knew firsthand that my son is, it is just lately that I knew of my husband's Zodiac year sign when we visited a mall here in the city and there stood a huge board with astronomical years with the characteristics of persons born in each Zodiac year sign.

1976 and 2000. So they are both born under the year of the Dragon, whatever it may be, water or earth dragon, it still is a dragon.

I'm not really one who believes in luck as I believe we have a Judge up there who controls our every move given that we use our free will to decide on things. My 2011 has been really very lucky, I may call it that, but it may not have come to that if I have not tried my very best, if I have not worked my way to achieve what I wanted to achieve. Of course, it wouldn't be possible without my trust to the Powerful God up above who helps me with every decision and action I make.

This year of the Water Dragon is said to be a difficult one, as we are about to encounter a lot of trials, but isn't it what we are constantly facing, each day a day of battles with life, hurdling trials, facing indifferences and different attitudes? Others say this year is going to be a good one because for the Chinese, the dragon is a symbol of good fortune. But wait, the Bible tells us this:

Jeremiah 10:2-3 NLT

“Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars.
Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish.

I don't know with you, but I surely do not rely on the stars or the Zodiac signs. If only one can see rightly, the stars can be an encouragement, but it all boils down to your attitude, your perception of things and the way you make your life more productive that matters, and what makes you a lucky person.

Whatever I think, it's just me.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!
I hope you have a good way in celebrating it.

Maybe Because of the Weather?

2012-01-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

I'm on sick leave today. Daughter is feverish since Sunday and I had to stay home last Monday night at my Mom's house because I want to save some measly fare moolah. I hate to be so near yet so far to home that I immediately went home yesterday, Tuesday night. I have to make sure that daughter is far alright, but the fever started up again at midnight. I am not comforted by the thought of leaving the sick daughter with the husband because for all you know, fathers don't really have magic healing hands like mothers do.

Today, I brought her to the pedia, and we were given a prescription for cough, and antibiotics for the fever and the colds. No, it's really not the simple colds, it's actually more than that. She can't breathe well, barado ang ilong. And you will pity her when you see her because she looks so haggard that I would just hug her tight just to let her know everything will be alright.

I almost fainted at the price of the meds though, too pricey. I thought I wouldn't shell out much but guess what, I thought wrong. The meds was far more pricey than the last time I bought it, or so I think. But anyhoo, for as long as the daughter gets back to her old self, I can even pour all of my measly savings for her good health.

One thing I'd like you to know, this weather has been really bipolar. The sun smiles so warmly in the morning and lets out a shy goodbye in the afternoon, and everyone welcomes a downpour. Ugh, such crazy weather we have here. This being said, I want you all to be very careful with your health. It doesn't matter how much daily pay you lose but if you feel like you're losing energy, go rest yourself.

Take care, everyone! Be safe too!

Let's Talk Morbid

2012-01-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

Warning: Do not read if you don't feel like reading about deaths and anything beyond NOW.

You've been warned.

My everyday trip from my Dad's house to the office requires me to pass by an old cemetery. From our house, I ride the trike and more than a kilometer after the ride, I get to pass by a cemetery which is actually a block before and after my office. I say before and after because I get to pass by it before I reach the office and after, while I ride the trike going back home. This is the shortest way home. There is one detour though, but that which will cost me much for the fare because I get to use the highway which is not such a practical thing to do because it will turn me around the town and for sure, Manong Driver will have to ask for more.

I may not have told you this, but I have an aversion with cemeteries. For me, cemeteries suck the happiness out of you, therefore I do not breathe when I pass by that cemetery I am telling you about. Literally, I do not breathe the air surrounding that cemetery. Every time I pass by that structure, I close my eyes, or if not, I divert my attention to anything but the tombstones and the banners hanging in memory of their dead.

It's been me for a long time, which I also do not understand. I am not really fond of going to cemeteries, much worse than going to hospitals. I do not understand myself but it seems as though I am breathing death when I breathe air surrounding that unhappy place. It's so silent yet the quiet seems so deafening. It is inevitable that I get to gulp some air because I need it, but I am very relieved when I reach the office every time I get to pass this area.

I have noticed this unusual behavior of mine when I was still a kid, I do not take a look when I pass by cemeteries even in my trips to different places where you sometimes pass by a public cemetery. I feel very irritated and I can't wait to surpass the moment.

It's just ME maybe. I just don't want death lurking at me or any of my family members. But I know death is inevitable. It fetches when your time is up. But I just can't seem to bear seeing anything associated with death, even the blameless cemetery I get to pass by almost daily. Such morbid thought, maybe? But I just can't help expressing what I feel about it.

May mga ganito rin ba kayong nararamdaman? Or is it just me?

My new 2012 Starbucks Planner

2012-01-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

It may have arrived at a later date, but I really didn't care for as long as I carry a bundle of bundle of joy with me everyday of my life until this 2012 ends.

My first Starbucks planner was given by the same person, Marian of Upto6only in January of 2010, and when DongHo visited Gensan in February of the same year, again, he brought me the very same planner, which I used last year, 2011. In 2009, Jeanny sent me a Belle de Jour planner.

I totally shrieked out with joy when I received a text from Marian that she's sending me a new one, I never thought I'd have another Starbucks planner. But I really appreciate the gesture.

Now that everything seems to be in a haste every now and then, I can simply check what I have to do in my planner, because my life is that organized. I know my priorities and all these are written and will be written in my new Starbucks planner.

That lady will make me smile every day of my life. I am just so grateful I have friends, online and offline who continue to inspire me and who trust me.

Thanks to Jeanny too, for sending me loots, TimTam for the win!

Christmas Bonding 2011

2012-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

Undoubtedly, Christmas is everyone's most favorite part of the year, next to their birthdays. Everyone loves to expect something because Christmas is the season of giving, most especially for children.

It is but a good way to bond, families have longer vacation time and children have the Christmas break to devote to playing and reading.

It is just a good feeling that my kids never really liked any other gifts other than simple ones, and so when my boy wanted a new "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book, my sister gave it to him as a gift. The following day, the book is done.

My daughter wanted an original Barbie because what she always gets is a doll so close to what Barbie looks like but never the original, so when she asked for a Barbie, my best friend gave her the original one.

Christmas is for children, so I was glad that my kids got what they wanted for Christmas. It may be too
simple for adults and for those who have much but celebrating it with them and making them feel special the most inspires us to do a better job in raising our kids to stay humble and live with less luxury than those who have much.

We have had a simple Christmas dinner, but what is best is the togetherness that we enjoyed during Christmas eve. We may not have had fancy recipes on the table but what is important is that we have each other and remembering that the reason for Christmas is JESUS.

Hello 2012

2011-12-30T14:01:00.001-08:00

If 2010 has been a not-so-good year for me because of so many things and the misfortunes it has brought me (we lost the car, I resigned from work, too many pressures and stress from old work and more...), this 2011 has brought me so much good fortunes and there's one that will never leave me floating till the next 40 or so years, my employment. Passing the CS exams, getting the regular job in DOLE and bagging the Best Personal Blog for the Philippine Blog Awards (Mindanao) are just three of the few reasons why I and my family love 2011. It is a pity that it has to go in a matter of 18 hours as I write my year-end post. But all things have endings, and we have no choice but to look forward to a new beginning. 2011 has been very good to us, maybe because we have been working so hard too, I have become a better wife this 2011 and we have less fights as a couple. The kids are doing great and healthy, my kids have been having good grades despite my usual absence during their times of review, but still, they continue to excel in their school.

2011 has brought me a lot of gifts, if I should say it, and I feel that the Lord is telling me to take care of the gifts that 2011 has given me. This 2012, I should be more productive with work, more obedient and caring as a wife and more patient as a mother. I should be enjoying and loving work, and less the complaints even there is a reason to complain.

Though we have received far less materials gifts than 2010 did, the bountiful blessings like physical and emotional health, and many others are far better than the tangible ones. I have gained a lot of friends in 2011, and aside from the day job, my online employer continues to hire me in writing more articles and is very patient with me even if I cannot regularly submit write-ups, meaning, my Paypal is still very active.

What I miss with what 2011 brought though, is the opportunity to travel. I haven't done much travels in 2011, maybe a few like the trip to Samal with the kids, and the visit to see the Cotabato Floods. So this 2012, I hope for a year with travels, hopefully not only for me but my entire family as well.

But more than all these, I wish for a safe Philippines this 2012. No more floods, no more wars, less political tension, healthy citizenry, more employment for those who need it, peace and order in different places, and abundance everywhere. I know all these may not be very possible, but I will be praying for these things to be poured upon all of us.

I do not have much material things to ask for, I think I'm good and contented with what I have, but a new car before 2012 bids goodbye is in my bucket list.

Goodbye 2011!

Happy 2012 to everyone!

Best Gift I Got for Christmas

2011-12-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

One of the best things I got this Christmas is a stamp album I have been longing to have since I started collecting them. I started collecting way back in high school and I have been wanting a good stamp album other than old photo albums cum stamp album I made.

Stamp albums are expensive, seriously, and I don't think my parents would have approved of buying one for me. And so this, with 16 leaves and 8 lines for the stamps, this one will be good. But then, I definitely will need more as my collection is already a large one.

Thanks to my best friend for bringing this home to me. What a Merry Christmas!

Any traders out there?

2012 Regular and Special Non-Working Holidays

2011-12-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

the year 2011 is still here but i bet you are all excited to know what holidays and free days await for us this 2012 so you could book trips to anywhere you want to, right? me? i may be excited with the coming holidays to be with my family, but i do not think i can book a trip to somewhere really far. although my kids have been longing to visit manila just so they could visit manila ocean park, i am not sure about booking a trip there because of so many reasons, and one of them is my plan of enrolling in a masteral education which for me, will cost time and some hard-earned moolah.

but of course, now that i have here in my hands the most awaited part of next year's schedule, i want to share it with you all so you could at least plan ahead on which dates in the calendar are free for travel and vacation.

the following regular holidays and special days for the year 2012 are as follows:

A. Regular Holidays:

New Year's Day - January 1 (Sunday)
Maundy Thursday - April 5
Good Friday - April 6
Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Monday)
Labor Day - May 1 (Tuesday)
Independence Day - June 12 (Tuesday)
National Heroes Day - August 27 (last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Friday)
Christmas Day - December 25 (Tuesday)
Rizal Day - December 30 (Sunday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Holidays

Chinese New Year - January 23 (Monday)
Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Tuesday)
All saints Day - November 1 (Thursday)
Additional special (non-working) day - November 2 (Friday)
Last day of the Year - December 31 - Monday

C. Special Holiday for all Schools EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Saturday)

The proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha shall be hereafter issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient. to this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday shall fall.

With this schedule, the DOLE is hereby tasked to promulgate the implementing guidelines for this proclamation.

this declared schedule of 2012 holidays is signed by His Excellency, Benigno S. Aquino III and Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., Executive Secretary.

you see, unlike 2011, we have more holidays slated on a weekdaY, so rejoice one and all!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, I think of you this Christmas!

To one and all who read my blog, we wish you all a blissful Christmas filled with loved and peace to share to everyone.

From my family to yours,
Happy Happy Christmas!

So You Think You Can Dance?

2011-12-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Good for you, because I can’t!

I have two left feet, and I am wanting for a partner with two right feet so we could become a pair and we can dance good. Luckily, I have a husband who dances; he was once a member of Kahayag Dance Group of his university way back in college. What he can do, I cannot do when it comes to shaking the groovy. I can dance, but watch me dance and I can give you a laugh trip. I can shake my booty but I tell you, I am as stiff as a stick when it comes to dancing.

Will you believe me when I tell you I danced when I was in grade school? Oh yes, I did, and way back, I had a good graceful dancing talent which I do not know where it has flown now.

I am so envious of those people who can actually dance gracefully, shake their bodies to different tunes whether it be a folk or a classic dance or even ballroom or jazz. I hate to see them dancing so gracefully while I cannot even step a foot to the right tune. Ugh.

Those with dancing talents are gifted. They can perform whatever moves they could include in a presentation. I really think this makes me less of a person, haha, but I urge you to at least dance your time away. Why?

Well, aside from the moves that will burn off your extra lipids, dancing, even if you’re doing it so awkwardly, will de-stress you. The sweat you produce is a good proof for that. Even if you are not too graceful with the dancing, I urge you to move your body, and while away time by shaking those muscles and be fit just by shaking your body.

I cannot dance good, but for sure, I will still dance, even with my two left feet. And hopefully soon, I could be proud and tell you guys: I have the moves like Jagger.

A Healthier 2012 for Moi

2011-12-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

These arrived in the office yesterday, and there are actually two more equipment I do not know what they are called but all of them for office use, err, for employees' use. Haha. Of course I am excited to use them. For once, I have never been to a gym, second, I want to slash off these belly fats, and hopefully get a slimmer figure.

A slim figure or a sexy body is what most of us want, especially for married women. Admit it or not, we married women get insecure when we see young ladies with their perfect Coca-Cola bodies, and we do not want to look like we are vying for the Biggest Loser in the World, right?

This Christmas, the department has been gifted with gym equipment for our physical fitness use, this means free gym workouts, and hopefully a productive and healthy physical state for all of us in 2012.

I will have to spend some time on these machines too, why not. I have to shed off, and be healthy. So for 2012, I promise to use these gym equipment as regularly as possible!

Probably a sexier ME when you come and visit Gensan and decide to meet up! Teehee!

One Heck of a Crazy Week that Was

2011-12-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, let me tell you just what happened the past week. It was crazy, really crazy. It was a good thing I was so up and sound and thinking and I did not panic, and I was strong. It was a good thing I have faith in the greater forces that was helping me out all through it.

Thursday, Dec. 1 - MIL called to tell me Tatay Pete, husband's uncle was hospitalized for fits of cough. Diagnosis: PTB. Out: Dec. 3

Monday, Dec. 4 - I went to Koronadal City on Monday and we had to practice for the cheering contest which I and an officemate was assigned to lead, Tuesday was the day of the contest and the opening of the 78th Anniversary of DOLE of which all of us were enjoined.

So Tuesday came, and we had to perform. The cheering went well, but of course, with only a day of practice and no costume to set us good for the competition, we only got the 2nd place. But all things went well, still. We were cheering for our players until at 2pm, I was able to have a chance to get the ATM pin from Landbank which I immediately withdrew a larger cash because I wanted to transfer to another bank we personally maintained in Gensan.

I was already back in the office being busy with my other tasks when at 4pm, the MIL called telling me she rushed the husband to the hospital for he can no longer breathe. I immediately grabbed my ready bags and rushed to see our HR to seek permission if I could take a leaver the following day.

That trip back to Gensan was the longest trip I ever had, I was praying that the driver would rush so I could see my husband. And soon enough, I was able to arrive at the hospital, shaking, I saw him hooked to an oxygen tube and with an IV and a nebulizer on the side. It was the worst case of asthma for him. Ric has never had a bad case other than fits of cough and measured breathing but one which can always be relieved by medication and Vicks. This was his first time to be confined for medical attention.

I was so scared for him, it hurt me seeing him with measured breathing, it pained me to see him hooked to so much tubes and so pale and so weak. but I braved everything, I braved even the sleep in the hospital, or the lack of it. I chose to be with him even when I wanted to go home and be with the kids because we lack some time together. And after two visits from the doctor, we were discharged last Thursday, Dec. 8. And remember that cash I withdrew prior to this incident? It went directly to payment for the hospital bill. It was a good thing we were ready with the cash. We did not have to look for the source, it was God-given. It seemed everything was in a designed plan, and we took its design, unknowingly preparing for it.

Ric's diagnosis was not PTB, thank goodness. I would be scared as hell if it were, not for me, not for him but for the kids. His was a bad case of asthma and what triggered it was their trip to Datal Salvan where he got some photo shots of the kids there.

Everything is better now, husband is better now. After we were sent home from the hospital, I brought my kids to their pediatrician for a preventive treatment/medication for TB. Ric's uncle is staying with us for the meantime that he is recuperating but he will soon be brought to Malungon where there are no children there to be contaminated by his illness. He is currently under 2 months medication program. Right now, we are being very careful, we are putting up a great borderline for our protection because PTB is not a joke, it is a serious case. I want the uncle to be transferred immediately to Malungon, but I cannot just instruct hubby's folks as they are already sensitive with their feelings, but I already talked with MIL about it, she is just waiting for the perfect timing. I just hope it is soon.

As for the husband, he is fine now with fits of cough still, but he can easily breathe now with his nebulizer on his pocket most of the time now.

Friday, Dec. 9 - I was surprised we were given additional bonus of 3k from PNoy. Since I am new to the department, I was given 30% of what PNoy gave the government employees. It was a good help already and I am very thankful for that. And I think I deserved a reward for myself, so yesterday, Saturday, I shopped. I bought a pink top and a new tinted lip balm, a pair of leather slippers and a new hair doctor comb. I called for the hubby to meet me in a mall. We went to have a good massage and it was awesome. With stress gone, everything seemed to be in perfect condition now.

I am thanking the Lord for preserving our lives, and thankful that He is always there for me.

The best thing I bought yesterday though was a book. It was so cheap for P175 but I couldn't let it down after I read the first page, I hope you buy yourself a copy. It is filled with laughter that you will forget about your present situation when you read it. if you haven't heard of the book yet, it just got circulated and the title is "The Best of Chico and Delamar's The Morning Rush Top 10". Go buy! Go laugh!

Take care, Everyone! Mahirap magkasakit, magastos!

In the Eyes of a Child

2011-12-05T01:50:00.000-08:00

In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life, there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child

Husband took this shot last week when he visited an upland area named Datal Salvan, found only here in General Santos City, and when he uploaded it in Facebook, he entitled the album, "In the Eyes of a Child". He told me they brought a pack of 10 Skyflakes biscuits which one teacher opened each pack and shared one biscuit for each child in order to feed everyone. And just when I rode the bus today, I heard this song by Air Supply and I was touched by the lyrics of the song.

This Christmas, I hope that your families are doing good, if not better or best. And I pray that even with the challenges that you are facing, you will remember to pray for children who are hungry, who do not have parents to care for them, who do not have love felt in their hearts. I hope you will find an opportunity to share with them a meal, or even give them something they could be happy about.

This Christmas, look in the eyes of a child, and there you will see joy, laughter, hope and trust.

What I Learned from Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0

2011-12-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

It seemed like only yesterday when a convergence of bloggers gathered in one of the grandest "eyeballs" in Mindanao, the Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 . It was well attended by bloggers from all over Mindanao, to mention Davao, Iligan, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato City, Koronadal City and many other places in the island. Speakers hailed from all over the Philippines too and they were very great in their talks, very inspiring bloggers and with very commendable advocacies.

I am so honored to have heard The Explainer himself, Manuel Luis Quezon III. I was deeply moved when he said that your blog must not be a monologue. It must be interactive that is why bloggers are supposed to acknowledge and answer the comments that are placed in their comments box. He said that we must be responsible with the blogs we post, there must be some responsibility within us, that every post we share must be thought of carefully. He also emphasized the need for these main points in a blogger's life:

1. Read - A Lot for you to be informed. This is what I liked the most, he repeatedly mentioned that as bloggers, we must read a lot. We must read newspapers, books, printed materials and even documentaries. This is for the blogger to grow and learn.

2. Discuss - Your points, your views, and discuss what needs to be questioned.

3. Write in White Heat - How many of us bloggers write just because we need to write? Hence, he said that a blogging hiatus is a welcome respite from the blogging if we do not feel like writing. It feels good for the blogger to write if he is inspired, and if he is in white heat, meaning, with careful thinking and with an objective to inform. He must be the source of an informed opinion when he blogs.

4. Edit in Cold Blood - Some bloggers may just hit the publish button because they feel what they write is enough and makes sense, but one must be careful. The blogger must edit in cold blood, give way for facts and wisdom to be put into words.

5. Fight for freedom - This fight for freedom is the freedom per se that we are blessed with, but with this freedom to write and express our views, we also have to...

6. Care - You write because of money. Yes, and no. Some of us may write blogs because of the money that comes with it, but we need to care for others who are reading our blogs. The internet is a free enterprise. Anyone can visit your blogs even little ones, even those who are far, and even those who do not really know us. We may not necessarily know them, but we can hurt them with our views if we put them in writing, so we need to show some CARE to others even with the blogs we post. Our blogs are our personal advocacies, so we need to start Caring.

Manuel L. Quezon III, MLQ3, The Explainer

Abe Olandres of yugatech.com brought with him his many gadgets. I and my husband were drooling with every gadget he was showing the crowd, wowing us with all those devices and small computers from netbooks to smart phones and androids. I feel so poor as compared to what he has, haha. But seriously, I am actually enjoying my android now, more than ever. If I get an iPad soon or a Kindle, I admit, I'd be happier.

Mae Paner or Juana Change is a writer, video blogger, artist, and director rolled into one. She has very insightful views about change and beginning the change in yourself. Her satires are really funny which may hit a head point blank if one is affected. I love the way she told her story, the way she gives her talk, so funny yet inspiring. She instilled in me the love for being the change in the community. Others may be doing wrong, but you can change that, and not be involved, or not be a follower. She is a major laugh trip in the Blogfest, but she's one I love best. If you wanna know more about her, search for Juana Change via Youtube, she has lots of videos to share with you all.

Raffy Tima of GMA talked about GMA's advocacy: Think Before You Click. It's as simple as that, we must think before we click, from posting our personal status in the social medias we have like Facebook, Twitter, Plurk and many others including our blogs. Raffy left the following tips for us bloggers to remember,and this I share with you too:

1. Be fair and accurate.
2. Verify facts before posting, tweeting or re-tweeting.
3. Don't do or say anything in the social media will regret after.
4. Remember, anything you upload can be shared by others.
5. Try to ignore tweets and comments intended to provoke quarrels.
6. Acknowledge, delete and/or correct errors and apologize if necessary.
7. Don't do anything stupid.

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines was able to inspired me to do business online because, truth be told, this is the trend nowadays. You can shop as much as can with just the click of your mouse. You can even pay bills and do other financial transactions like banking and sending money. But what the physical shops can give you, online shopping can do too.

Aileen Apolo, spoke about Youtube and what we bloggers can learn from it. We can also use Youtube to earn now because Youtube Philippines has just launched a way where we bloggers can earn through the videos we post in Youtube. She also did not forget introducing Google +. How many of you have not used Google + yet? I do have an account with Google + and I think I have to utilize it more. Google Hangout for chatting, Google Circles for your different group of friends and other features of Google + is at your service if you have a Google+ account which is no longer by invitation, it's already out, and free, so go make your account.

Bob Martin spoke about the start of the Internet in Mindanao and what his experiences were many years back when the fastest internet speed was less than a gig. Blech.

Flow Galinez talked about his advocacy to feed the world. Advocacies are very good ways we can help our world become a better home. We can help feed the hungry, but we need to feel how it is to be hungry to be more effective. Otherwise, it will look as if we care just because we have an advocacy. I am just proud that, like what you read from this blog, I also help children in the mountains, sending them school supplies and other things they need, and I will continue doing so. This is my advocacy.

But what is Blogfest without friends? I am just very very fortunate that I have my Soccsksargen Bloggers Family whom I could count on to when it comes to a need for good company, good food, and even for a call for laugh trip. I am very honored to have met many new bloggers too, and I hope and pray you keep on blogging, and remember the points that our speakers have shared to us all.

Soccksksargen Bloggers with Yugatech, Juana Change, Jack Madrid, Flow Galindez (in orange) and the Manansala Sisters who were the minds behind this great convergence of Mindanaoan bloggers. Kudos to everyone for a job well done!

My bet for 2011 Philippine Blog Awards Bloggers' Choice

2011-12-01T02:04:00.000-08:00

If you have noticed on the upper right corner of my template, I just got myself a badge as winner for the Philippine Blog Awards as "Best Personal Blog" and much thanks goes to my friend, Nanardz for nominating this simple blog of mine. I am grateful that this blog got noticed and even adjudged as one of the best from out of 15 which got filtered from out of the many nominations.

This time though the Philippine Blog Awards is giving out more awards and one of them is the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards Bloggers' Choice. And so this post is considered a vote for the best.

If there is one person I admire because of his many advocacies, from preserving Mother Nature to promoting tourism in his province and many other advocacies, that is Nanardz of South Cotabato Tambayan. I am also a member of the Tambayan which I enjoy being a member of because of the many things I learn about my hometown, Koronadal and the whole province.

Nanardz deserves to be noticed, and South Cotabato Tambayan deserves to win the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards Bloggers’ Choice. As such, my congratulations and kudo's to the mind behind this great tambayan of South Cotabateños all over the world.

Way to go, Nanardz!

Winner!

2011-11-27T06:53:00.000-08:00

I just want to share with you my JOY because of my blogging. Thank you to everyone for all their prayers and well wishes!

This blog was awarded BEST PERSONAL BLOG of the Philippine Blog Awards for Mindanao!

Maraming Salamat, Shoukran, Terimah Kasih, Gracias, Thank You!

To GOD be the glory!

Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 / Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao

2011-11-24T04:28:00.000-08:00

Another blessing comes!

No, it's not another batch of Christmas bonus, but things have been really good to me these days, minus the tiring days of work. This Saturday, I will be joining the 2nd Blogfest Soccsksargen. Because of blogging, I have made a lot of friends, local and even from distant countries. I am very blessed because of these friendships, some of them giving me pieces of their minds, and some of them laughing with me and ranting with me in my posts.

I am just very happy that because of blogging, I have opened my world to a new level of awareness, a different level of thinking, a different level of concern for the world, and much better than all these, a different and higher level of becoming a person.

Life has been good, in fact, because of blogging, I have overcome my weaknesses, and became more open to positivity. My blogging friends have given me much inspiration because of their comments, and because of their posts, I have become more educated, even learned.

This is the official poster of Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0, and these are the people who will be sharing their knowledge and pieces of their creative minds to the participants this coming Saturday. I am so excited to meet these wonderful minds.

And what's even better is that, this blog, yes, this one, is a nominee to the Philippine Blog Awards for Mindanao. I do not know how or why but maybe because I have been a good person, so Santa gave me this chance to share my personal experiences, feelings and opinions thru this blog. Here's the link to the complete list of nominees to the Philippine Blog Awards in Mindanao.

I am humbled by this nomination, although I am not expecting anything. I just want people to learn from my blog, like what I have also learned by reading other people's minds thru their blogs.

Thank you for whoever nominated me, I am happy that you trusted me this much to be a part of the list of nominees. My gratefulness to everyone...

Parental Guidance (PG Ratings) : Ignored

2011-11-20T05:02:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, I was enticed by friends to watch Praybeyt Benjamin although I never really am an avid fan of Filipino films because of their tendency to have predictable endings. My kids who have asked me if they could join me in watching the film were of course rejected for the reason that I saw a PG 13 rating on the poster of Praybeyt Benjamin. But there were lots of kids inside the movie house. And parents tagging small kids along were also a lot.

Last Friday, I had a date with my husband because I was too excited about Breaking Dawn. I decided to watch it on the 8pm schedule. Again, the film has a PG 13 rating, and again, there were so many kids inside the theater house ranging from teens to even toddlers, and it's night time.

Not that I am a strict mom, but as a parent, sometimes we have bad words coming out of our mouths that naturally come out so we have to be careful with everything we say. And they hear that, and even use the same words in their classrooms and who knows who they are facing or conversing with. The same goes to the films they watch. this being said, I do not allow my kids to watch a movie with a rating not suitable for their age. And that is being strictly imposed in my family.

How can these parents be irresponsible with just a simple rule as this one? I mean, there must be a reason why the MTRCB or other screening boards do not encourage the entrance of 12 and younger generation, right? I do not bring any of my kids in a movie which I think will have a different effect on them. True, it may just be a simple movie, but kids are not supposed to view a film with a sexual scene on it or one that's too bloody as hell for them to even watch. They could be viewing a very violent-filled film and the parent who will not educate their children about why the story has come about that scene will for sure create an impression on their children that it is but okey.

I do not know if I am making any sense here but I sure would like to emphasize that PG ratings are parental guidance ratings. They must be followed. Correct me if I am wrong about what I say, but these films with ratings may contain obscene, explicit, or high-profanity words which are being used in them and it is inappropriate for younger children to watch. Besides, why bring your 4 year old toddler in a movie that can barely be understood by even a 10 year old? Makes sense?

I feel bad about parents bringing their toddlers inside the cinema with PG 13 films. I am sure that even if they watch with their children, their eyes will be glued to the screen forgetting about their children and never explaining why it has come to that situation. If that is the case, why bring your young kids? Better leave them at home. Or if you watch in your respective homes, please make sure your kids will hear a good explanation.

Ignored Parental Guidance Ratings, they abound everywhere. Even with our mouths, we sometimes speak profanity, and yet, we forget to teach the kids the reason why we have expressed such.

I pity these children, they must understand what they watch, but the parents are enjoying what they watch at the expense of their kids' character being shaped even in the movies they watch and in the actions of the elders.

Sigh.

Did you even understand what I just ranted?

Carpe Diem!

2011-11-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

You know you're busy when things just pop in your head like crazy and you suddenly remember you have to do this and that.

I just looked at my computer today and I remembered, yeah, I have to write some updates on my blog but the question as to what to write remains a mystery.

Anyhoo, I am fine, but things are crazy now. My nose is bleeding with the new things I am slowly learning each day in my job. Everything started as a blur, but now, things are becoming clearer. It pains me to lose time with my family but in time, everything will be just fine.

I don't even know if I am even making sense here, but it's been a busy week, Attagirl!

When one thing ends, another one begins! Carpe diem, everyone!

Bawal na ang Epal

2011-11-09T04:42:00.001-08:00

Bawal ang epal. For sure you have already heard of this bill being passed as a law and is being the talk of the TV news shows, tabloids and other media, also being a hot issue in the senate for a time already. But then, if you haven't yet, this bill is sponsored by the lady senator who not only provides me good political comedy but also knocks some sense into me and and all the public through her witty remarks and wisdom on public governance - Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Senate bill No. 1967 is An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit Through Signage Announcing a Public Work Project - something I actually adored from the genius of the lady senator and one that I would love to be passed into law.

Whilst our country has been a country of laws, yet, we remain fortunate that we have hardworking lawmakers who continuously create more laws, be it intellectual laws and stupid ones like the Anti-Planking Bill. This new bill is an inclusion on the long list of our bills but one that I would fully support.

For me, this bill will reflect how humble our politicians are. For one, they will no longer be able to flaunt their names on signages which bears the title of the project, and what politician initiated it. For me, these politicians are public servants and it is their duty to conceptualize projects for the public in order to better the lives of the people. Be the project a road construction, a trash can or something of little value, IT still came from the taxes of the people, which means they have no right to place their names on those projects as if they are gods who must be worshipped because they have thought of that project.

Second, I think it unfair that these politicians have the chance to campaign too early as compared to those who silently do their work, yet bear more productive and tangible projects. Although this bill seems to constitute the local level, yet, it is a good thing if we do not see their names splattered on signages of these projects.

Violation of this, results to an imprisonment of 6 months to a year. I'd say this bill is good, because as members of the smallest unit of politics here in the country, in our barangays alone, we already see these situation. Some of our politicians are pachyderm enough, in other words, makapal ang mukha, to place their names on projects when even themselves do not pay their own taxes. This happens, right?

Makapal ang mukha is actually an understatement when we tackle the issue of politics, let alone our politicians. I admire Sen.Miriam Santiago for this, I just hope she will not be the first violator of this bill she has sponsored. A learning lesson to all of us, wag umepal dahil bawal na ang epal.

And while we are in this issue, let us understand why people are being called epal. Epal, mapapel, pumapapel, nagpapalapad ng papel, nangingialam, nakikialam, nakikisali, join-er, feeling kasama. We can prevent being "epal" in our offices, groups, classrooms, organization. Let us learn to be humble enough to just work our way, even silently, but producing good results.

Not all of our politicians are epal, but MOST of them are. I hope this bill humbles them.

My Childhood Christmas Experiences

2011-11-06T02:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas is NEAR!

I can’t wait. As of today, it’s just a few days before Christmas, and it’s actually beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We already decorated our new Christmas tree, and the kids are very happy. This is the first time we have our Christmas tree in our very own home, as we only had a Christmas wreath on our door in the past Christmases. But now that it’s so soon, we had to feel it, because we are very blessed this year, and feeling more Christmas-y is just one way of giving thanks for our family.

Here are some Christmas experiences I had when I was a kid, one thing I’d like to introduce to my kids too.

Aguinaldo - is not only Emilio, it’s also the presents one gives or receives during Christmas. During Christmas, Chinese people give ampao with money inside it as “Aguinaldo” for their loved ones. I remember my lola giving me Aguinaldo once, she has to fake being Santa Claus. I caught her putting chips on the socks we hung.

Bibingka – Filipino cake made of rice flour and coconut milk which is very popular most especially during simbang gabi or early morning mass during the Christmas season. I love bibingka, one with cheese or salted egg on top.

Caroling – one thing we did when we were kids. We had to go from the nearest neighbor to the end of the street singing Christmas songs until they give us a few pesos for the talent we shared. The thing is, my kids have never experienced this yet, and if my kids will experience this, that I do not know.

Parol – I used to make my very own parol. Once, I had a teacher who required us to make a parol and as much as I complained, I still had to make one. So, I asked my lolo to create one for me, I got 100% for that job I didn’t do. Aminin ninyo, may mga secrets din kayong tulad nito di ba?

Noche Buena – Seriously, our Decembers and New Year are magastos. 1: It’s hubby’s birthday month and it happens just a week before the Christmas Eve. 2: It’s my Dad’s birthday on the 23^rd. So, sometimes, we no longer celebrate the birthday but enjoin the three celebrations as one, just during the Christmas Eve. After the New Year, we are celebrating my daughter’s birthday on the 3^rd. Whew! What perfect timing, haha.

Santa Claus – Last year, I already told my son the truth about Santa Claus. Because he has already reached ten Christmases, I already told him that we, his parents were actually the ones giving him gifts. I hope he understood that, because this year, we are of course giving him gifts, but not because we are still Santa Claus. That secret still remains for the daughter, though.

Keso de Bola - A ball of cheese. I am so glad that this is still around. I love keso de bola and I also love ham. These are my favorite treats during Christmas. My kids love keso de bola, so, for sure, there will be another ball this year.

Care to share your Christmas experiences? I’m sure you also have lots. Remember them now so you can share them with us.

Shake it Up!

2011-11-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

We have been frequenting our far far away home because of the long weekends. Truth is, we seldom visit this far away home because time won't allow us to do it as often as we could, so, during long weekends, we make it a point to go home and enjoy the weekend there.

Armed with chips, and the fridge filled with food, I am making sure that the kids eat good food, from veggies to their favorite snacks, and almost always bottles of liters of Coke. Everytime we go home, we are actually consuming 2-3 liters of Coke for just a day, and it's making me a very irresponsible mom for giving unhealthy food to my children.

To correct this problem, as my kids' favorite drinks whenever we go to restaurants for our meals are fruit shakes, preferably mango shake, I decided to buy a fruit blender from out of my measly 1k bonus.

So starting yesterday, we have been consuming mango shakes in our every meal, kids forgetting about Coke already. I wonder how long this will last but I am pretty happy that I am introducing healthy eating to my children. This morning, we once again had mango shakes after breakfast and I hope to introduce more fruit shakes to them very soon. I wonder where I can get fresh strawberries so I could make strawberry shakes for them. Hmmm...

Shakes, anyone?

Tell me, what fruit shakes do you love?

My Christmas Wish List

2011-10-28T15:47:00.001-07:00

Christmas is so near, I can feel the cold morning breeze each time I wake up in the wee hours. I can so smell Christmas. This 2011 has been more generous and kind to me, I passed the Civil Service Professional Exams and I got hired in the government for a regular post. What more can I ask for?

Well, I have been very thankful about all the goodness life has been with me, and I am thankful for those who prayed with me to achieve what I desired. All those desires were actually for the future of my kids, I have asked God to bless me with those gifts because I am thinking of my kids' future and my family. This time, my Christmas wish list includes only material things for myself. I hope Santa hears me and reads this so he could wrap something that's written in my Christmas wish list and drop it in my doorstep.

1. An e-book reader. I don't care what brand it is for as long as I can read, most especially while waiting for the bus to run in my going to and fro home and office.

2. A makeup kit. Haha, seriously. I want to put some colors on my face too. Not because I am feeling vain already but this time, I think my work requires that I dab some colors on my face because every now and then, I have to be presentable to my boss' guests in the office.

3. A new lady's backpack. Well, I am not really into bags but since I go to the office and travels almost everyday, a huge one will be very good for me. One that I can just dump all my things and even my office uniform after being sweat-infused because of our Monday and Wednesday aerobics in the office.

That's just about it for now. I am praying for all these three to come visit me this Christmas, but if it doesn't, I'll settle with some chocolate goodness and some Pringles. Haha.

October is Children's Month

2011-10-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, October has been declared as National Children's Month, but this post is actually about the children, and the games that we played when we were kids, and in connection with this, how we can teach these games to our children.

Last September, our department's Family Day was held in a beach resort here in the city. Everyone had fun, and part of the activities was the traditional Pinoy games (Larong Pinoy) we once played as kids. As a child many years back, I remember playing some of the games like Luksong Tinik, Siyatong, Sipa, Patintero, Tumba Preso and many others. I remember playing Tumba Preso with my childhood friends who were also my neighbors. And I also played Siyatong. But what was my favorite was Step-No, and I was really one of the kids who enjoyed playing that.

Now, with the existence of modern technology in the name of computers and game consoles, our children no longer go out in the sun and play. What I have noticed with my kids is that they enjoy more of playing FB apps rather than spending their time out in the sun doing outdoor games. Their only outdoor games is being done with a request to do it in the sand, meaning on a picnic in the beach or the pool.

Well, although these are also good games as we can always check on our kids easily as they are just indoor games, as a parent, I still would rather that my kids grow up to know the traditional games that we once played. These traditional Pinoy games are more physical; we run, practice active minds in catching the siyatong stick, carefully safekeeping the home base in tumbang preso, and jumping as high as we possibly can in luksong tinik.

The children now have different ways of entertainment and games, they prefer to play indoors but little do they know that these traditional Pinoy games are far better than wasting too much time in front of the computer or TV.

Now, how can one introduce these traditional Pinoy games to children? Start by playing these games in your own backyard or lawns. You can start with your family members. Teach them on what strategies there is to guard the homebase, and what you can do to get more points in siyatong. These games are more physical so you can sweat out and enjoy more bonding time outside the comforts of your home. You can also use strategic thinking on how you can evade guards in patintero and many other agility-needed actions in these outdoor games.

It is Children's Month, and I am hoping that we teach our children the basic games we once played during our childhood. True, this generation now is all about computers, and the Internet, but we can also enjoy with our children if we teach them the games we played while we were young. Besides, wouldn't it be an enjoyable time guarding your home base with your children competing against you?

You see, our pictures speak of how fun it was when we played these games. We even recalled having to cheat because our heights do not allow us to jump as high as we could, or we recalled having to trick the guards keeping the home base. Now, that's what we call strategy, but seriously, fun won't be fun without all these childhood memories.

I hope we can share this to our children. It's children's month, maybe could be teach them all these and be children once more and not just let them study and make them learn how to get rich.

Playing games is not about age, it is about being young at heart and having the kind of fun that you want.

Dying Young

2011-10-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Lately, there have been a lot of news on the TV, young girl died because of suicide due to a breakup. 26 year old guy killed himself after girlfriend broke up with him. Teenager jumping out of a running bus because of depressed state from dengue and bad education.

Why all these things have been running around in the news is something I think is a serious case of depression among our youths. And for me, dying at such a young age, taking their lives is just as pathetic and unworthy.

I am not really very affected with this, but I see it as something serious that the government should seek into. Depression. Why our younger generation seem to be so affected with damaged lovelife and other causes is a challenge too for parents out there who have young ones in the family. I think they should know when their children are suffering from depression so they could at least prevent suicides and other pathetic things the young could do to himself or to others just because of a breakup or something undeserving of a life.

If a loved one is going through a life episode that seems very difficult to handle, it is high time to offer support. These depression causes may have been triggered by many events in their life and the thought of suicide seems to be the only answer to end the difficulty. But taking your own life is not the answer, or even killing someone because of hatred.

Here are some signs of depression that may lead to suicide which parents must observe with their children or members of the family.

* loss of appetite and sleep
* isolation and being prone to accident
* running away from home
* drug or alcohol abuse
* giving away personal priced possessions
* drop in school grades and performance
* dramatic change in looks
* shortened attention span
* self-criticism
* self-pity
* interest in death, writes messages of self-destruction
* sexual promiscuity
* gang membership

Sometimes, we hear people they want to die, and because we know the person too well, we do not take it seriously. But sometimes, what we hear is not a joke, it is self pronouncement that there is something wrong with the person and needs help.

Parents and friends should be able to help these people with depression, talking to them and letting them open up their problems is a good start. Listen to them. Offer resolutions. And if the depression continues, urge the person to seek medical or professional help.

We may not be directly affected with these matters because we have proven as good support for our kids, but who knows what they are going through? Be observant.

It is sad when we hear other parents complain about their kids' behaviors. And sometimes, we know, yet we do not take them seriously. And the last thing we know, it is too late.

I don't want to hear these kind of news on the television, I am saddened by what I hear. I hope this brings a realization to us, dying young is not an answer to difficult problems.

If we have big problems, always know, that we have a much greater god.