No Updates

It's been...uhm...months since I posted my last entry in my blog. Waaaaaah. reasons?

1. Last September, I transferred to a new company----I have no access to other sites except the corporate and employees' site.

2. I was busy preparing for some events---my birthday, my sister's 18th birthday, my cousin's wedding. Whoah! Business!

3. I became part of the group that handles our department's Christmas party. I am the sexytary. Hehehe.and the Editor-in-Chief of our newsletter.

4. I am always at MoA after work. Waiting for JR. Eating.eating.eating. Playing arcades. Ooops. Not anymore. He's now assigned in Ohana project (in Las Pinas) so he doesn't have to go to Makati except for trainings.

I've started drafts for my posts but they remain drafts until now. For my friends who read my blog (if there's any), don't worry, I'll update my blog VERY soon!

Wala na si Kasilag

Nakita ko lamang sa Manila Times noong isang linggo, August 22, 2008, ang larawan ng paghahatid kay Lucrecia Kasilag sa kanyang huling hantungan noong August 21, 2008. Nabigla ako, dahil ilang araw din akong hindi nakapanood ng telebisyon at hindi ko nalaman ang balitang iyon. August 18, 2008, Lunes, nang namatay dahil sa sakit na pneumonia ang 90-taong gulang na si Tita King.

Pumanaw na ang isa sa mga haligi ng musikang Pilipino. Tandang-tanda ko nang ako'y nasa hayskul pa lamang, at bumili ako ng librong Philippine Folk Dances para sa aming MAPEH. Si Kasilag ang sumulat noon. Dahil siya rin ang nagtayo ng Philippine National Folk Dance Company (Bayanihan). Aliw na aliw ako noong basahin at pag-aralan ang mga sayaw ng ating lahi. At sa isang batang tulad ko (noong mga panahong iyon), malaking bagay ang mamulat sa kultura ng bayan.

Sana, kahit wala na siya, magtuluy-tuloy pa rin ang kanyang layunin. Sana, sa pamamagitan ng mga kabataang kanyang nahubog, maipakita pa rin ang ganda ng musika at sayaw ng Pilipino. Sana, kahit sa panahong ang mga sanggol ngayon ay lumaki na at matuto nang umunawa, maipakilala pa rin sa kanila ang sarili nating kultura, kasama na ang mga naging tagataguyod nito tulad ni Kasilag.

Napakapalad ko at sa henerasyon ko, may isang tulad ni Lucrecia Kasilag ang nabuhay. Sana'y umabot sa iyo diyan sa langit ang aking pasasalamat at panalangin.

Maaari ninyong puntahan ang link na ito upang mapakinggan ang mga komposisyon ni Kasilag sa album na Kasilag Guitar Quartet: http://payplay.fm/kasilaggq

Blooper of the Day---Pakiramdam ni Manong Drayber

Medyo tinanghali na kami ng alis ni JR papuntang opisina. Pasado ala siyete na nang kami'y makasakay sa shuttle (ang tawag sa mga vans at AUVs na diretso ang biyahe) sa may pilahan sa Casimiro. Mabilis naman kaming umandar. Ok naman si Manong Drayber.

Binagtas namin ang CAA Road. Di na halos namin namalayan ang biyahe dahil sa kwentuhan. Pagliko sa may Sucat, bigla na lang pumarada ang sasakyan sa isang parking space sa tabi ng kalsada. Dahil di ko naman masyadong kita ang labas, akala ko magpapagasolina lamang kami. Pero lahat, pati si JR ay nanghaba ang leeg kakadungaw sa aming pinuntahan. Bigla na lamang nagsalita si Manong Drayber . . .

"Lipat na lang ho kayo sa kabila. May naramdaman ho ako e. Pasensya na."

Naramdaman? Anu'ng naramdaman ni Manong? Kung anu-anong posibleng sagot ang naisip namin ni JR.

1. Parang madalas na nangyayari kay JR, nakaramdam siya ng pananakit ng tiyan at kailangan niyang magpunta sa banyo.
2. Nanikip ang kanyang dibdib at hindi na niya kaya pang magmaneho.
3. Buntis si Manong (akin lang to.)
4. Gutum na gutom na siya.
5. Natakot sa mga manghuhuli sa kalsada.
6. ---JR, ano pa nga bang naiisip mo kanina?

Dali-dali kaming lumipat sa kabilang sasakyan. Ayus na sana, dahil di naman gaanong matrapik. Ngunit. . . si Manong Drayber 2, biglang nagradyo . . .

"Saan ko kaya pwedeng ibaba itong mga Caltex ko?"

Anu ba yan. Ibig sabihin, hindi pwedeng magbaba sa may Evangelista---kung saan dapat bababa si JR. Malapit nang mag-alas otso. Si JR, unti-unti nang kumukunot ang noo. Buti nadaan ko sa biro. Hehehe.

Marami raw "kalaban" sabi ni Manong Drayber 2. Ibig sabihin, may mga nanghuhuli ng mga nagbababa ng pasahero. Hay!

Kaya sa Mantrade bumaba si JR, at ayon sa kanya, late siya nang ilang minuto. Ok lang yan, minsan lang naman. Hahaha.

Pero . . . ano nga kaya ang nangyari kay Manong Drayber?

Rap ‘em All the Way

Another Tatsulok article... :D

If young Nicole Campbell turns her math lessons into songs, then there’s a guy from a Latino neighborhood in California raps while teaching math. Couldn’t imagine how the algebra terms recited like e-to-the-o with a beat box rhythm? Listen to Alex Kajitani’s music and be amazed.

America is currently having problems with their elementary and middle school students’ performances in math. Students in Alex’s area rank among the worse. Being a degree-holder in sociology and masters in educational curriculum and development, he observed the kids and thought of a way on how to make them remember what he’s teaching. Alex had always wanted to make math cool, but no matter how he tried to make the lessons fun and easier, the students could not absorb even a single algebra rule or definition. He, too, did not know the reason. Then he noticed something—kids don’t want to think of what their teacher says, but the songs of their favorite rap stars retain in their minds almost 24 hours!

Ding! A bright idea came into Alex—he’s a fan of rap music, what if he uses it as his mode of teaching? He wasted no time and ran into the nearest music stores in their place to look for instructional materials that have “rap taste,” but he was unfortunate. So he began writing his own rap song—without thinking that it could turn the world upside down.

FACT BYTES

• Alex has put up a website, Math Raps (www.mathraps.com) with his wife, Megan Pincus Kajitani, M.A., and web designer Jeff Pincus.


• Megan is also one of Alex’s back-up singers in his album.


• The two volume-album ‘The Rappin’ Mathematician’ has now sold over a thousand copies across the United States.

Now, Alex’s songs have become sensational—students, teachers, and parents loved the music so much that they finally gave the singer a title—The Rappin’ Mathematician. And sooner, his first album with the same title was released.

Wouldn’t it be great to see the every kid rapping decimals, fractions, number line, and integers, at the same time becoming math geniuses?


Sources
www.mathraps.com/index.htm
http://teachers.net/wong/DEC07/

Together Again

After more than a year of living far from each other, JR and Donna are together again. Hehehe. They've got to be ready with endless siomai, movies, late-night gimiks, pizza, shakes, pasta, walkathons, church mass, NBA games, pc games, sweet moments, crying sessions, rounds of wrestling, debates, and fights.

Well, he's been here for only two saturdays, but we've already watched two movies, and, dated and fought n-times. I told myself that I would try my best to make things different from the way they were before. Of course, for the better. Uhm, JR, do you think I would succeed? hehehe. You'll help me out in this, right? :D

It would be a lot different from our college days. Because we are both working now, thinking of how far our salaries would bring us. The level of stress will also be different, obviously. Whatelse? We're already in our 20s--we're not teens anymore. His world will also be a lot BIGGER---he won't be as isolated as he was like when he was in Boracay.

I'm just hoping this would help us improve "JR and Donna", as well as "JR" and "Donna". More prayers. More love.

Welcome home! And a BIG THANKS for the surprise. Will be posting the story as soon as I get the pics from you. I'm thinking you still have time to drop by this blog--this link is in your URL history list.hehehe. :D

Arte y pico Award

I was so surprised when my kaagimat Frustrated Writer told me this morning that he has an award for me. It was flattering even before I learned about what it's all about.

When I started this blog last year, I knew that I wanted to somehow inspire others with my stories. I am not a creative writer. My vocabulary isn't that good. But then I got so much stories to tell. In other words, madaldal. Hehehehe.

I am glad that someone has appreciated my blog. Thank you so much. Now I want to pay it forward by recognizing other blogs.

Here are the rules for passing this honor on:

1) Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

Presenting. . . my awardees:
lagal[og]
me and my travel bag
meditations of a prodigal daughter
Atisan ang Bago Kong Kundiman
Politics for Breakfast

A Letter to the Toilet

Dear Toilet,

Thank you for letting me sit on you this evening. You are such a blessing for people who can't find a good place to be alone. For the little time that I was sitting on you, I was able to cry my heart out. I got the chance to think about how I really feel about the happenings around me.

Thanks a lot, my dear Toilet, for catching all the tears that I cried a while ago. It made me feel lighter. Yes, I was hurt, but because I know that you're there with me, I felt better.

Next time, I hope we could share our stories with each other, or give advice to each other. I'm looking forward to being your good friend.

I gotta sleep now. I will also be praying to God that all others who are hurting right now will find their own version of you.

Love Lots,

weird_artistic_gal

PHOTO LINK:http://darkcreek.com/files/images/American_Toilet_b.jpg

Maligayang Kaarawan, Kaibigan

Maligayang kaarawan muli, kaibigan. Noong nakaraang taon ay sumulat ako sa iyo--ngunit hindi ko alam kung makakarating pa ito. Nasaan ka na kaya? Maayos ba ang iyong pamumuhay? Sana naman. At sana, isang araw, makita ka naming muli--buhay na buhay, puno ng sigla at pag-asa.

Hetong muli ang aking liham. Baka sakaling mahanap mo ang blog ko at mabasa ito.

Ika-6 ng Agosto
Kaarawan mo ngayon. Tinanong ako ng Mama mo kung may balita kami sa’yo. Hindi ako nakasagot. Marami akong ginagawa sa opisina. Hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang isasagot ko. Wala na akong balita sa’yo.

Ang huling nasabi lang sa akin ng bestfriend mo, sumulat ka raw at nagpapadala ng mga kailangan mong gamit. Noong bakasyon pa ata yun. Pagkatapos wala na. Parang ayoko na ring balikan pa ang mga nangyari dati—yung mga panahong pinaiyak mo ang mga kaibigan natin. Pinaiyak mo dahil nagpaalam kang aalis ka at magsasarili. Inalisan mo kami para kamo sa iyong layuning magsilbi sa bayan. Inilaglag mo kami. Ano pang silbi kung kakapit pa rin ako sa’yo?

Balikan nga natin ang nangyari.

Pahiwatig.
Mahigit isang taon na rin nang ginulat mo kami sa balitang pupunta ka sa malayo upang tulungan kamo ang mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan ng tulong. Sinabi mo na iyon ilang buwan bago mo sabihing tutuloy ka.

Nagresign ka sa pagiging opisyal ng organisasyong aking pinamumunuan. Sabi mo’y gusto mong magtuon sa paghahanda mo para sa mas malaking tungkuling iyong gagampanan. Pumayag ako. Sabi mo tumahimik lang ako at huwag munang sasabihin sa iba nating kaibigan. Sinunod kita.

Kakabit no’n ang napakaraming tanong na nabuo sa aking isipan. Bakit? Ano ang kinaibahan ng iyong gagawin sa ginagawa kong pag-aaral at pagsisikap upang makatulong din sa kapwa pagdating ng tamang panahon? Ano ang talagang inyong pinaglalaban? Iyon na lamang ba ang natatanging paraan upang masugpo ang katiwalian at kahayupan ng mga namumuno sa bansa? Kailangan ko ng sagot.

Sabi mo lang hindi mo mapapaliwanag pa lahat ngayon. Pero alam mo at nararamdaman mong iyon ang tama. Sige. Malaki ka na. Ngunit aaminin kong hindi kita sineryoso nang sobra. Kilala na kita. Para kang ako, pabagu-bago ng desisyon. Alam ko ring naghahanap ka ng atensyon—nangangarap ka ring makilala bilang isa sa mga nagdulot ng pagbabago. Inamin mo iyon sa bestfriend mo. At sanay na rin kami sa’yong ayaw nang natatalo. O siguro kasi gusto mong makawala sa puder ng mga mapag-alaga mong magulang. Bunso ka kasi. Buti ka pa nga, alagang-alaga.

Lumipas ang ilang buwan, halos hindi ka namin nakita at nakausap. Ah, naalala ko nang huling araw ng klase bago magPasko, sumama ka sa pagdiriwang ng ating eskwelahan. Magdamag tayong magkasama. Bago tayo nagkayayaang umuwi at nagpapahinga sa may estatwang hubad, bigla mo akong tinanong tungkol sa pag-ibig mong nasira. Umiyak ka pa, nagsisisi. Sinabi kong sundin mo ang puso mo, gawin mo ang lahat kung talagang siya ang gusto mo. Kung ayaw niya ang pinasok mong gulo, dun ka mamili. Alin ang mas matimbang para sa iyo? Ngunit umiyak ka lang. Ang sagot mo,“Hindi ko alam.”

Aalis ka na.
Isang buwan bago magtapos ang klase, abalang-abala na ako sa pag-aaral at pagsusulat ng aking thesis, bigla kang nagpatawag ng kitaan sa may sunken garden. May sasabihin ka kamo. Akala ng lahat, sasabihin mong buntis ka. Ako, naramdaman ko na kung tungkol saan iyon. Pero naisip ko, hindi yun, hindi mo itutuloy yun. . .

Saksi ang mga damong inupuan natin noon sa iyong pagsasabi. Aalis ka kamo. Pupunta sa isang lugar na kailanman ay hindi namin malalaman kung saan.

Sabi mo, iyon na lamang ang natatanging paraan upang mabahagian man lang ng yaman ng bansa ang mga mahihirap na magsasaka at manggagawa. Sinabi mong walang silbi ang lahat ng ating pinag-aaralan dahil kahit makatapos tayo at guminhawa ang buhay, kaunti lang ang ating matutulungan: pamilya, mga malalapit na kaibigan, at mapalad na kung may iba pang mga hindi natin kalapit ang makakadama ng ating pagtulong. Para sa’yo, ang gagawin mo ay pagtulong sa mas nakararami.

Tinanong ka namin kung ano ang eksatong bagay na gagawin mo. Sabi mo, susuportahan niyo lang ang mga nakikipaglaban. Pero pinagmalaki mong naturuan ka nang humawak at gumamit ng M-16. Ikaw? Ikaw na hindi kumpleto ang araw nang hindi naglalagay ng kung anu-anong gamot sa iyong mukha para maiwasan ang tigyawat? Ikaw na hindi pumapayag madumihan ang katawan? Ikaw na masyadong alala sa iyong ganda? Ikaw na sa tuwing makikita naming sa rali ay nakapalda, nakatakong na mataas, nakapayong, nakapamaypay, at nakasalamin pa? Aakyat sa kanayunan at hahawak ng baril? Lahat sila’y gulat na gulat. Oo, nagulat din ako. Ngunit hindi ko masyadong ininda dahil nasabi mo na nga iyon sa akin nang una.

“Kailan ka babalik?” tanong ng bestfriend mo. “Hindi ko alam. Susubok akong mamuhay doon ng dalawa hanggang anim na buwan, kapag nakasundo ko, maaaring doon na ako mamalagi.” Unti-unting umagos ang luha ng mga kaibigan natin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako hindi. Dahil ba naiinis ako sa’yo? O dahil wala akong pakialam sa kung anuman ang gagawin mo? Napakarami kong iniisip para lamang makahabol sa graduation ng taong iyon. Tapos sasabihin mong walang silbi lahat ang aking mga pinaghihirapan? Bakit mo pinahihirapan ang mga kaibigan mo nang ganito? Hindi mo ba naisip ang iiwanan mong pamilya?

Bukas ang isipan ng mga kaibigan natin sa mga bagay na tulad nito. Hindi ka nila pinigilan. Para sa kanila, ipina-alam mo na lamang ang iyong gagawin, hindi ipina-a-lam. Iyak sila ng iyak. Ako, tahimik lang. Gusto kong sabihing nahihibang ka na. Sa tingin mo ba, makakaya ng mga baril na hahawakan ninyong patayin ang lahat ng mga kurakot at masasama sa bansang ito? Nababaliw ka na ata. Iba na rin ang paraan mo ng pagsasalita. Napakalalim na Tagalog. Para kang nasapian.

Inamin mo ring kaya mo kami nilayuan ay para mas maging madaling iwanan kami. Para hindi na masyadong maging malapit ang loob mo sa amin. Ganun din ang ginawa mo sa iyong pamilya. Ang iyong pamilya—hindi ka magpapaalam. Sabi mo, magpapabigay ka na lamang ng sulat sa isa ninyong kasamahan. Doon pa lamang, naramdaman na namin ang sakit na mararamdaman pa lamang ng iyong mga magulang at kapatid.

Aalis ka na sa loob ng linggong iyon. Ang mga kaibigan natin, tila gustong sulitin ang bawat saglit na kasama ka nila. Ako? Tiniis kita. Kailangan kong umuwi sa bahay upang tapusin ang aking thesis na deadline isang araw matapos ang iyong nakatakdang paglalayag. At umalis ka na nga. Umalis ka nang hindi ko nakikita. Inihatid ka pa raw nila. Ipinagbalot ng mga damit. Pero tiniis ko. Hindi ako nakialam. Kunwari hindi ako nakialam. Kung alam mo lang, hindi ako makapagsulat habang iniisip kong paalis ka na. Hindi ko maisip kung ano ang susunod na equation sa binubuo kong formula. Hindi ako mapakali. Gusto kong tumakbo mula bahay papunta sa iyo at pigilan ka.

Ang Pamilya mong iniwan.
Akala ko’y tapos na ang kwento. Hihintayin na lamang naming ang sulat na ipinangako mo. Pero ilang araw pa lamang pagkatapos mong umalis, tinawag ako ng iyong bestfriend at sinabing sa amin mo raw ibinilin ang sulat na ibibigay sa iyong mga magulang. Dumagdag ka na naman sa aking mga problema. Hindi mo ba talaga ako tatantanan?

Hapon noon ng Sabado, nagkita-kita kaming tatlo. Wala ang dalawa pa, abala rin sa pag-aasikaso ng kanyang nalalapit na pagtatapos. Nanginginig kaming naglakad papunta sa inyong bahay, iniisip kung ano ang panimulang linya naming sa kanila. Ayan na. Nasa harap na kami ng inyong sari-sari store. Nakita kami ng iyong ama at malugod kaming binati. Pinapasok niya kami at pinuntahan ang Mama mong nagpapalinis pa ng kanyang kuko sa paa. Napakasaya niya noon. Napakatamis ng ngiti. Kamukhang-kamukha mo. Tinanong niya kami kung nasaan ka. Bakit hindi ka naming kasama. Hindi kami makasagot. Hindi rin namin malaman kung ngingiti ba kami o ano. Sabi namin, may sulat para ka para sa kanila. Dali-dali namang binasa iyon ng iyong ina. Habang umaandar ang kanyang mga mata sa pagbabasa, nadama naming ang pagbabago sa kanyang pakiramdam. Ipinatigil niya ang pagpapalinis ng kanyang kuko at pinaalis ang manikurista.

Unti-unti siyang hiningal, tila hindi makapaniwala sa kanyang nabasa. Tinanong niya kami kung para saan ang sulat na iyon. Sagot namin, ipinabigay lang niya iyon sa amin. Umalis ka na, sabi namin. Tinawag niya ang Kuya at ang Papa mo. Panandalian kaming nahimasmasan nang biglang lumundag ang iyong kuya sa inis. Hindi rin malaman ang gagawin. Kami, gustong matawa, ngunit alam namin ang gulong aming pinasukan. Sunud-sunod na ang tanong na ibinato nila sa amin.

Ang Mama mo, umiiyak na. Ang dalawa kong kasama, umiiyak na rin. Aba, ako na naman ang natira?! Ako ang nagpaliwanag ng mga bagay na sabi mo, yun lang ang dapat naming sabihin. Halatang pigil ako sa pagsasabi ng impormasyon. Kaya sinasabi ng iyong ina, “May alam pa kayo, nakikita ko sa inyo, kaya parang awa niyo na, sabihin nyo kung nasaan ang anak ko.” Niyakap ako ng iyong ina. Tila nanghihingi ng lakas para maharap niya ang pagsubok na iyon. Doon na ako bumighay. Damang-dama ko ang paghihinagpis ng kanyang kalooban. Nawalan siya ng anak. At ang pinakamamahal pa niyang bunso ang nawala. Naging histerikal na pati ang Kuya at Papa mo. Sabi ng iyong ama, ano pang silbi ng mga paghihirap nila. Wala ka na. Ano pa nga ba? Kulang na lang ay lumupasay sa sahig ang iyong Mama. Hindi niya malaman ang gagawin. Bakit ka raw namin hinayaang umalis. Sabi namin, wala na kaming nagawa. Nagsabi ka, paalis ka na. Paulit-ulit na lamang kami sa mga paliwanag pero hindi iyon sapat upang mahapo ang pag-alab ng damdamin ng iyong pamilya.

Nagplano pa sila para sa paghahagilap sa iyo. Alam mong maraming koneksyon sa iba’t-ibang lugar ang iyong pamilya. Pero pinigilan namin sila. Delikado. Hindi ba’t yun din ang sabi mo sa amin? Huwag kaming maingay na may kakilala kaming tulad mo, at hangga’t maaari, wala na kaming pagsasabihan pang iba, kasi mapanganib. Ayaw mong madamay pa kami. Ngayon mo pa kami ayaw idamay? Ayoko nang magsalita pa.

Natapos ang usapan namin ng iyong mga magulang at Kuya sa mga katagang… “Babalitaan ninyo kami ha.” Para kaming sinalakay ng bagyo noong hapong iyon. Dumeretso kami sa mall malapit sa inyong bahay, nagpalipas ng oras, kumain, nagpahinga. Maya-maya’y tumawag ka. Ano ba talagang gusto mong mangyari? Dama naming hindi mo rin matiis ang mga taong naghirap para itaguyod ang kinabukasan mo. Nagtanong ka tungkol sa nangyari. Ang nasagot lang namin, “Tawagan mo sila, naghahanap sila ng sagot mula sa’yo.”

Hindi talaga kita maintindihan. Ang labo mo. Hindi namin natiis ang tila namatayang mga mukha ng iyong mga magulang kaya’t kinabukasan, nakipagkita kami sa iyong Kuya. Sinabi namin ang tunay na pakay mo sa pag-alis. Ngunit nanatiling lihim ang ibang mga detalye. Pagkatapos ng usapang iyon, parang naisara na ang aklat na naglalaman ng iyong kwento, bagamat may mga pahinang hindi pa rin nabasa at natiklop nang maayos.

Nakakapit ka pa rin.
Makalipas ang dalawang buwan, nakatanggap kami ng sulat mula sa iyo. Hindi ko iyon nabasa, ngunit sabi ng bestfriend mo, nagpapadala ka raw ng mga gamit doon: ang paborito mong sabon, shampoo, facial wash, conditioner, bulak, at kung anu-ano pang mga gamit pampaganda. Akala ko ba’y tinalikuran mo na ang maluhong buhay? Ahhhh. Huwag mong sabihing may hawak kang baril sa isang kamay at ang isa nama’y moisturizer ang tangan. Hindi ko masabi kung ako ba’y galit o inis o nangungulila sa iyo. Nagtatalo ang pakiramdam sa aking puso. Basta ang alam ko, umalis ka para sa bayan. Isinasama na lamang kita sa aking mga dasal. Hinihiling ko palagi sa Kanyang bantayan ka at huwag kang hayaang mapahamak. Iyon na lamang ang natatanging paraan para maabot kita. Wala nang iba.

Ngayon, normal na ang aking buhay bagamat dinadalaw pa rin ako ng mga nangyari, tulad ng araw na ito, dahil kaarawan mo. Nasaan na kaya ang laptop ng Mama mo, na tinangay mo nang umalis ka? Pati rin ang iyong cellphone, na ginamit mo pa mangilang beses noong mga unang buwan matapos ang iyong pag-alis? Sana ay hindi ko mabalitaan na lamang isang araw na isa ka sa mga nawawalang kabataan, na ang sabi nila’y pinarurusahan ng mga militar. At sana, isang araw, bumalik ka upang ipagmalaki sa aming nakamit mo ang iyong layunin. Ikuwento mo sa amin ang iyong pakikipaglaban sa mga taong sinasabi ninyong nagpapahirap sa bayan. Aasahan ko iyan, kaibigan. Mag-iingat ka palagi.

Nagmamahal,

Ang Iyong Kaibigan

The Exit Blow Out Adventures

Finally, I did it.

Last Sunday, I texted my only ka-team. "Marie, wag ka nang magdala ng baon bukas. Date tayo.:)" Of course she was surprised by my invitation.

FAST FORWARD---- Monday

She was still wondering what the free lunch is for. But I know she had an idea. With Cate, my shuttle buddy, we brought Marie to KFC Dela Rosa. After tasting the Kung Pao pasta, she asked, "So Donna, bakit?" I suddenly felt butterflies flying in my stomach. Whoah! And then I gave her a big smile. I finally told her about my plan. I explained to her that I'm doing it with the idea of giving the best to my family and of getting married within ___ years. Hehehe. She advised that I tell Ms. Rose as soon as possible. Thanks, Marie, for understanding and for the prayers. . .

TUESDAY

I arrived in the office at around 8am, and Ms. Rose was already there. Hmmmm... Should I tell her na? Or, should I wait for Marie to come back from an interview with Pagsy? I was so disturbed. But I still tried to focus on my work. Lunch came and I was invited to a bible session (I think it's my 4th week already). The sharing was good. It somehow gave me more strength to face what I had to face. After that, I told Marie that we'll go out with Ms. Rose at 3pm. Whew!!!

3pm came, Marie went out first while I prepare myself to approach Ms. Rose. But then. . . she walked to the ladies' room---where Marie was! I went after her. When we got to the CR, both Marie and Ms. Rose were in the cubicle (separate cubicles ha!hehe). Marie felt that I was there, so she asked me, "Nasabi mo na kay Ms. Rose?" Haha! Ms. Rose reacted. "Baket?!" Til I said I'm inviting her to a merienda. Without her phone or wallet, she came with us.

We went to Krispy Kreme Ayala, and had donuts and coffee. We had a short chismisan, but when Ms. Rose saw me done with my donut, she said, "Oh, so ano Donna, bakit ka nanlibre?" Again, the butterflies!!!

I didn't know what to say. . . Marie even offered to tell it for me. But I was able to think of a very korni line:

"Ms. Rose, kasi ganito yun . . . May tumawag kasi last week . . . ang sabi, 'Mabuhay! Welcome to Philippine Airlines!'"

Hehehehe. She didn't get it at first. But when she finally understood what I wanted to say, she asked about my plans. So I told her my story. She told her stories too. And Marie, of course, told about her plans as well. Whew! What a relief!

Ms. Rose even gave me advices which I know I will hold on to for the rest of my life. I was guilty yet happy that I got the chance to work with a boss like her. She is so open-minded. She knows that there's no sense in stopping one person, especially as young as me, from getting what he/she deserves. Hayyyy.

Finally. I'm getting nearer to reality. I'm ready to fly! And I pray that I won't crash like a burning airplane.

Wonders of Technology: Burol Online

It seems like "DISTANCE" is slowly becoming a big joke. There are so many innovations in our technology today that make us insensitive with distance.


One of these newest advancement is the e-Burol. I read about this Burol over the Web last July 24, when I was reading The Manila Times (See? I'm getting something from reading!haha.). Only one memorial chapel currently offers this service in the Philippines. In e-Burol, friends and relatives of the dead can be present in the wake 24/7 by a live video feed. Through this, those who are abroad need not to spend air fares just to be with their deceased loved one for the last time.

They said the e-Burol also aims to take away the fearful image of the dead. Let's admit it, most of us are afraid to look at the coffin. Through e-burol, the ambiance would be lighter, just like watching a horror-reality show on TV or YouTube.

Another reason why they think e-burol is perfect for Filipinos is that it is in our culture to maintain strong family ties. We (or at least most of us) value our family members, friends, and even just colleagues. So being electronically present on the last hours of the deceased here on earth would mean a lot.

See? Even after our last breath, technology works. Although actual presence will always count the most, communicating through the Web can still play its part on keeping families and friends in touch.


FYI, I passed by Quezon Avenue last Saturday, and I saw the tarpauline ad of this online burol. :)

Wednesday Post Part 3 - Worrying about Worries

Since last week, reading The Manila Times has become a part of my everyday tasks. Yesh! I'm reading the newspaper! Very different me. But I am starting to enjoy it, especially when I see articles that make me smile.


This morning, I got to read Bob Garon's article on "worrying". I am too worried about so many things these days, so reading it somehow gave me some light.


He said we worry too much that we just choose not to worry about those worries anymore. We seldom get satisfied. And then we become so paranoid on what will happen the next day.

The result? Each day of our life revolves around those worries. We get stressed. We don't get to enjoy our blessings, because our minds are preoccupied with all the problems one could ever imagine to have.

---That was me for about two weeks. I was always thinking not only of my own problems, but of the problems of my family, friends, officemates, etc. Most of the times I get confused with who or what or where or when. I forgot that I am not in control of everything.

How to deal with this wrong attitude? Garon quoted a short advice from Leslie Tizard's Facing Life and Death:

" . . . to live a day at a time means to accept the happiness which each day brings without spoiling it by deploring that I may not be able to enjoy the pleasures which I supposed the years had in store for me. .."

I think this is a better version of the quote, "Do you your best and God will do the rest." And she's right. The best thing that I could do to make myself happy is to live each day of my life to the fullest and stop living only for the sake of 'tomorrow', because there's God who has His plans for me.

Hmmmm... Ok. I get it.

In God's will, everything will be in the right place.

Wednesday Post Part 2 - R.I.P. Krisel the Cat

Goodbye, Krisel . . .



This is just the first time I called this cat with his real name(yup he's a he). We usually call him "Garfield," because he was fat and the color of his fur is the same as Garfield's. We also had this name for him, "Pusang may Tililing," because one time, his owner gave him a collar with bells--so every time he ran, we would hear the sound of the bells.

Krisel was a very sweet cat. I never saw him hurt anybody who tried to play with him. He liked it every time we cuddle his neck, or when we let him sleep on our lap or feet. He would roll over the floor when he enjoyed our tickles.

But there's one thing that is so unique in Krisel---he doesn't meow. For several times we saw him open his mouth and try to stretch his vocal chord, but no meow sound comes out. I don't know if he's deaf or mute, or both, or has a damaged throat.

There were also times when we saw him sleep like a human---his head moving, his legs open wide, his mouth---with saliva.Eeew. Hehehe.

Last week, we were still playing with him though we knew he had cough and cold. The next week, he left 'wastes' in our garage every morning. Until Tuesday morning, before I went to the office, I saw him looking so weak and wet. I approached him but he didn't mind me. He lied beside our washing machine. He was catching his breath. That was the last time that I saw him.

Wednesday evening, the first thing that my sister Paui told me was. . ."Ate patay na yung pusang may tililing..." That morning, they found the dead Krisel inside our neighbor's storage cabinet.

Thanks, Krisel, for cheering us up when we're stressed. You're a small but great blessing from God.

Wednesday Post Part 1 - On Preoccupations and Word of God

I attended the Wednesday mass at Greenbelt Chapel this noon. This is my second Wednesday mass for July. Hhmmm... Mukhang tama nga si Father, God allows hardships to come along our lives, to somehow make us turn to Him. It's a good thing that I now have enough time to drop by the church. My load becomes lighter and lighter every time I reflect on the readings and on the priest's homilies.

The Gospel reading for today is almost the same as the Gospel in our chapel two Sundays ago--about the seeds thrown on different grounds.

Both homilies talked about how we take His Word---some of us just pass by and don't mind it; some listen to it but then forget it after a minute; some take it and understand it but don't live by it; and few receive it, understand and treasure it, live according to it, and share it with others.

Here's what I remember from Father _____'s sermon:

Our receptivity affects our fruitfulness, and
our receptivity is affected by our pre-occupations.

Preoccupations may be persons, things, happenings/events, etc. They are not bad. They are blessings, but some are cause of distraction, OR destruction.

Sometimes, because we get too preoccupied, we forget about God, and worse, we turn away from Him.

And when we are already turned away by our preoccupations, where is He now in our life?

My Reflection

I admit that right now, I don't allot much time to think about my relationship with Him, or about TOTALLY living by His word. Yes I have many "pre-occupations" right now. And I thought, hmmmm...are they turning me away from God? There are times when I am tempted, but thank God I'm still here. I know I can't have an overhaul in just one day. I want to turn my mistakes and weaknesses to goodness simultaneously with the happenings in my life. How? Secret. Hehehe.

All I know is I'm thankful that God gives me chances like this. I believe that He is just there right beside me, waiting for me to bring out my best, for Him, and for the people that I am assigned to take care of.

Late Post

It's really hard if you're naturally "madaldal". You couldn't finish one post in one sitting. Hehehe.

A Duo Dance Classs, a Gig, and a DV Trip

Top Ten Reasons Why People Leave Their Jobs

Got this from an officemate. Which of these apply to you? (smiles)

There are many reasons why good employees quit, most are preventable. I've identified a "Top Ten" list of reasons why people leave jobs:

1. Management demands that one person do the jobs of two or more people, resulting in longer days and weekend work.

2. Management cuts back on administrative help, forcing professional workers to use their time copying, stapling, collating, filing and other clerical duties.

3. Management puts a freeze on raises and promotions, when an employee can easily find a job earning 20-30 percent more somewhere else.

4. Management doesn't allow the rank and file to make decisions or allow them pride of ownership. A visitor to my website e-mailed me a message that said, "Forget about the "professional" decisions - how about when you can't even select the company's holiday card without the President rejecting it for one of his own taste?"

5. Management constantly reorganizes, shuffles people around, and changes direction constantly.

6. Management doesn't have or take the time to clarify goals and decisions. Therefore, it rejects work after it was completed, damaging the morale and esteem of those who prepared it.

7. Management shows favoritism and gives some workers better offices, trips to conferences, etc.

8. Management relocates the offices to another location, forcing employees to quit or double their commute.

9. Management promotes someone who lacks training and/or necessary experience to supervisor, alienating staff and driving away good employees.

10. Management creates a rigid structure and then allows departments to compete against each other while at the same time preaching teamwork and cooperation.

Interesting, isn't it, that all ten factors begin with the phrase "Management…."

Interesting, too, just how many of these high-turnover factors are preventable? My retention survey confirmed the truth of the saying,"Employees don't quit their companies, they quit their bosses." Thirty five percent of the respondents answered yes to the question, Was theattitude of your direct supervisor/manager the primary factor in your quitting a previous job?

Soft management skills-people skills - are the critical element in battling high turnover and creating a high-retention workforce or what
I call, "retentionship."

By Gregory P. Smith

Out of the Blue Letter

More and more thoughts...

Use the time you have on Earth to make up for your mistakes. Let go of the things that put you down or keep you frustrated. Once or twice is enough. Learn from your mistakes.

Perfection is too far from reality. So don't be frustrated when problems arise or when you are hurt. Dreaming for a perfect happening, person, or anything is almost the same as being infatuated. And we know that infatuation is not true love. It's just loving the idea of being in love.

True love is not thinking about what would give you overwhelming pleasure. True love is about being happy when you make the person dear to you happy---happy in good ways.

Enjoy the things that you have now. Thank God for these blessings, and at the same time take care of them. "Nothing lasts forever"--we hear this statement every now and then. But living by this means treasuring those that you have now, not taking them for granted only because of your selfish desires.

Writing Rules

I should have read this before I became a magazine editor. Hehehe.

Umaapaw na Araw

Unang Eksena:
- Unang ginawa ko pagdating ko sa opisina: tinignan ko ang blog ko at nakita kong may nag-comment sa post ko tungkol kay Dr. Efren Abueg. Ini-link daw niya ako sa kanyang blog--Mga Nobelang Atisan. Nalaman ko na lamang na naikwento niya ang karanasan ko sa post niya! Nakakatuwa. At isa rin syang tanyag na alagad ng panitikang Filipino. Ako'y lubos na natutuwa, napa-Tagalog tuloy ako.

Ikalawang Eksena:
- Seryoso akong nakatutok sa aking kompyuter nang maramdaman kong umalog ang aking lamesa nang ilang beses, malakas, at pati ang pader sumunod din sa galaw. Bigla na lamang sumigaw ang boss ko ng, "Lumilindol!" Napatahimik ang lahat at inantay ang susunod na mangyayari. Ngunit hanggang duon na lamang ang pagyugyog. Medyo nahilo ako dahil tila naiwan ang ulo ko.

Ikatlong Eksena:
- May nag-imbita sa akin para sa isang maikling usapan noong tanghalian. Akala ko'y isa lamang itong pagbabahagi tungkol sa buhay buhay. Ngunit ito pala'y tungkol sa ugnayan ko sa Maykapal. Wala akong masabi.

Ikaapat na Eksena:
- Meron pa nga ba? Ang alam ko lang, napagod ang utak ko sa araw na ito at gusto kong matulog. Hehehe.

Meeting a Novelist

This afternoon, an old man broke the silence in our office. He sat about three meters away from me. He sounded excited as he said, "Oh, lagay mo dyan, ....Street, Philam Village, Las Pinas. Sa may Starmall." He caught my attention since that address is near our home. "Who is that?" I asked Marie, my officemate. "Dr. Abueg," she softly answered.

Dr. Abueg. . . Hmmm. that name sounds familiar. He's a Filipino writer. And I saw his name in some of our textbooks. But I couldn't remember what exactly the title of his writings are. Basta. I feel it. He's one of Philippines' greatest.

The next thing I knew, I had turned away my head from the computer screen and listened to his stories. He was talking to our manager. Then, Ms. Rose saw me looking at them. So she introduced me to Dr. Abueg. She said I might call him one day and talk about work and everything. We even shook hands! Hehehe. I didn't say any word---I just gave him my super smile. Starstruck!

Dr. Abueg continued his stories, talked about how he tries to learn about blogging and other new stuffs, so he could incorporate these things in his works. He also told us that he thinks he's too old for adventures, because the last time he insisted not to take the driver with him in a workshop, he had cough for five days! And after that, his wife also got sick--"Hindi na tuloy beautiful.Pero pag tumaba ulit yun, beautiful ulit. Siyempre hindi ko papakasalan yun kung hindi yun beautiful!" He also admitted that half of his life--he spent with work. And he hates it when his wife leads their arguments to that conclusion. He talked about many things---how his group works to inspire young talents to continue their love for writing, how he thinks that this young, arrogant writer would be like if he continues to reject the seniors' criticisms, etc.

He was able to tell all those stories in less than an hour! After Ana, the brand specialist, told him about the invitation to judge one of our magazine's poetry and short story writing competition, he stood up and said bye-bye.

I was just so overwhelmed that such a great man came by and shook hand with me. Now I plan to look for his writings in my old Filipino books, and be inspired to love Philippine literature more.

Reaching the Finish Line

One of my last articles for Tatsulok. . .

Have you ever joined any game—either a sport or a party game or even just an assigned task, where in you have to get to the finish line? How does it feel to touch the line that represents the end of the race? How good is the feeling when you finish first? Did you see others happy for you?

Life is just like any other race. We have to run and fight until the end of the track, not just once but in several numbers of laps. We cannot just stop at the middle for any lousy excuse. If we give up that easy, we would not accomplish anything. We would not be able to achieve our goals. Worse, we might pull the other racers and make them give up too.

It’s not also enough to just run like we’re the only one taking the circuit. There are other racers who are aiming for the same goal. If we act slowly without determination, we might reach the finish line but everybody has gone home already. The race is already over.

Lastly, achieving your goal, even with your best effort and attitude, will be nothing if we would spend the feeling alone. We have friends and loved ones who are there to support us—and who will always be there to take the track with us.

Lumang Tula

I don't know if I would feel proud or embarrassed when I saw this short poem in my files. I just want to laugh at myself using this very straight-to-the-point mushy Tagalog words. Hehehe.

I couldn't remember what exactly made me write this, all I know is that it's about Yui, the Lonely Boracay guy whom I miss.

Kalian kaya kita muling makikita?
Babalik ka ba pa, aking sinta?
Lubos na ang aking pangungulila,
Kaytagal na nang huling mayakap ka.

Dinala mo ang mga pangarap ko,
Pinangako mong hindi ako mabibigo.
Ngunit hanggang kalian tayo ganito,
Bundok at dagat ang sa ati’y naglalayo?

Baunin mo ang aking pag-ibig,
Alam Niya ang tunay kong damdamin.
Hihintayin ko ang muli mong pag-uwi,
Sasalubungin kita ng matamis kong ngiti.

A Duo Dance Class, a Gig and a DV Trip

Friday, June 27

The Diwa Babes



get your own mp3 music codes at www.mp3-aja.com
It was the last session of our Sexy Hiphop Class at Studio 116. Like our first month in that class, the last day is the "most special"--we complete the steps (only for half of the song) and we get to show off our best on the 'showdown.' But that doesn't seem to be the case last friday.

Gracie and I arrived at the studio minutes before 6:30. Michelle and his dance (and real-life partner, yihee!) were already there. After few minutes of my story-telling, Michelle called us for the warm-up. We entered the Soft room and started stretching our tendons. It's only me, Gracie, and Michelle.

A group of girls came and watched how the class goes while Emman, the staff, explained stuffs about the studio. We're done with our stretching, no classmates showed up.

So Michelle reviewed us on the steps that she thought in the previous sessions. Hmmmm. Gracie and Donna on the go! Did about 5 rounds, still, no classmates showed up.

Our sexy teacher decided to proceed with the lesson even without our classmates. The room seemed too big for us!
When finally the minute hand of the clock hit 6 (it's 7:30!), we had our "showdown." I did the routine first--I messed up in the last part! Then Gracie. I wanted to cheer for her but I felt I'd look like a stage sister, watching the one-on-one jazz class of her sis. Hahaha! It's confirmed. Our classmates won't be coming.

But, it's fun!(Do you agree, Gracie?) And we're looking forward to joining the recital in October!



Headbanger Donski


Melba and James invited me to a gig at Freedom Bar--"A 'ROCK' Concert". It's a fundraising event for one of the members of Sanlakas (James's group), Rhodz, who needs to undergo a kidney transplant. Gemz, my officemate, came with me after my dance class. Here I go again, nonstop extracurriculars!

I didn't have any idea where exactly Freedom Bar is until I got there. It was a small, beginner bands' venue on the 2nd floor of a not-so-new commercial building along Anonas.

I kinda felt scared when I saw groups of young guys in the area. Well, good thing we're with James-the big man! Hehe. When we entered the bar, a lady in black shirt was on the stage, thanking people. Oh, it was Rhodz. She doesn't look sick at first glance, but when you get to observe her eyes and complexion, you can say that there's something wrong with her health.

But, she is very lucky to have friends and colleagues supporting her fight against sickness.

I thought Gemz will not enjoy Rock music...but with FMD's bitter-love songs, hmmmm. Hehehe. According to her, she had fun.

I like FMD band... their vocalist is SUPER ENERGETIC. My fave song of theirs is "Bato", a song about illegal drugs:

Tignan nyo si Nora, Nainggit kay Angel at Vilma

Gusto niya ring maging si Darna

Kaya ayun . . .

Sumubo ng Bato.

I'm not sure if I get the lyrics right. I hope I could get a copy of their CD someday.

The last band who performed--Toyo, was also fun. Mabuhay ang Pinoy Rock!

Actually, the it's the second time that I saw FMD and Toyo. The first time was, according to James, almost exactly a year ago. It was a concert calling for free supply of water for the people.

Basta. We enjoyed the night. :)

Saturday, June 28

Starting Out a Business

Finally, my creative shop,maARTeh, has reached the real world.

It was originally a tie up of Lhen, Ate Jo, and myself. But because of some circumstances, we had to set it aside and do the 'more important things'. Just this year, I ended up pursuing the business with Yayi, Em, and Jr--the power of four Ms--Madonna, Meynard, Mayette, and Mervin! Oh di ba. We just got one problem---we don't have a portfolio, and we don't have any project yet.

Thanks to Gladdys, my officemate, who trusted in our talent! She's getting married in October.

One day at the office, she mentioned about her invitations. She didn't know where to go, until I joked--"Ako na lang gagawa, gusto mo?" I offered to make her invitations, souvenir tags, and misalettes--in exchange of an opportunity to start a portfolio and to advertise our shop. And Gladz agreed. Yehey!

So we went to Divisoria to buy the materials. We walked from 168 mall to Binondo, then to Tabora, and then back to 168. Whew! Fortunately, we found almost everything we need to buy---parchment paper, glue (which didn't work!!), and abacca mat. Using abacca in the invitations is not in our original plan. But since we couldn't find the exact color of specialty paper that we wanted, we opted to use abacca, which costs almost the same as specialty paper. It looks cool. And it fits the "spring beach" theme (my idea!hehehe) of Gladz's wedding. I'll post our works once we're done with them!

The Titanic of Today

They boarded the big ship with all their excitement. But their celebrating hearts were wiped out, in just one blink.

Yesterday morning, I was rush-reading the Statistics book I'm evaluating when I saw the news on TV: Relatives of the victims of MV Princess of the Star becoming hysterical and emotional. One of them even climbed up the tower at the pier to get the attention of the Sulpicio Lines administration.

It has been five days since the tragedy happened, but most of the expecting relatives haven't heard any clear and detailed update about their loved ones. They're crying their hearts out, blaming Sulpicio Lines for the heavy load that they are carrying right now.

I can't blame them. They said they are not expecting that their missing loved ones are still alive. But at least they want to see the deceased bodies--just to be with them for one last time.

I almost cried while looking and listening at their grief. I was like watching a modern version of Titanic. . . More than 700 lives were already taken by the raging waters of Romblon. Since Sunday, about 100 bodies were recovered--some were already burried at different islands and towns, and around 70 survivors were rescued.

What will happen next? Are there still survivors? WIll they be able to recover all the bodies trapped inside the ship? Natural disasters are already coming--we cannot stop that. It's in nature and God's control. I only pray that no typhoons will come again until everybody totally gets over with this tragedy. I hope that we'd start learning from our mistakes in the past and start anew by turning those mistakes into good things.

Photo credits:

http://www.stuff.co.nz

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

http://www.smh.com.au

New Page Layout for My Blog

I don't know what energy the rain has but every time it's raining, I can work on my stuffs--my artworks, etc, etc. Oh, I get it. When it's raining, it's cold. And when it is cold, not too much of my body energy is released. And because I'm someone who has a very high level of energy, I have to keep on doing activities to use up that overflowing force in me. Ok. Enough.

Yesterday, I just tried to upgrade my blog template. I feared that I might not achieve its old look again, good thing I managed to do the editing correctly.

Now it's easier for me to add elements on my page. Here are the changes:

Header: no need to put a "repeat" attribute on the header image. It's now one whole image. trio.trio.trio.

Sidebar:
The "Previous Posts" list is gone. The Blog Archive now has a drop down list for each year and month.

I added a list of the blogs that I frequently read. It's cool that I get to see the latest updates on those blogs!
I also modified the list of my friends' blogs. The list shows the title and date of their latest post.
Link To Older Posts: JR asked about this last time. He wondered why I didn't have this link before. Here it is!


So that's it. I'll be working on a new header--this time a more girly look.flowers.flowers.flowers.Hehehe.

Movies Movies

Donna, the movie-goer? I just thought, I've watched four movies in less than a month?! That's very unusual. Hehehe. Hmmm. Magtipid! magtipid!!!


Sex and the City (May 31)
- loved how broken hearts found their way back to pick up the pieces and united with the one they really love.


The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian (June 8)
- "two things never happen exactly the same way."


Kung Fu Panda (June 10)
- "The secret ingredient is . . . 'nothing.'

Incredible Hulk (June 14)

-Too bad Bruce could not get excited (Elizabeth: "Even a little excited?"). Hehehe.

I don't really write movie reviews so I'll stop here.

Flowers Speak

One night (or two nights?) after I received a very special bouquet, I played around with my siblings. Looking crazy. Hehehe.

I'm a flower addict. It is actually one of my weaknesses. Give me any flower, even a chain of sampaguita, and I will do nothing else but smile.

For me, flowers are like letters, e-mails, or text messages--they tell what one's heart wants to say. Here are the close-ups of some of the flowers and their meanings.
Grrrr. I don't like Tatay's cam. Dull.


Gerbera Daisies

• Gerbera is the fifth most popular flower in the world.
• It can mean innocence, purity, and cheerfulness.
• Gerbera dasies have large daisy variations that come in a number of vibrant colors.
• It is also a classic symbol of beauty.
• It holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.
• An assorted bouquet of gerbera daisies can lift the spirit and sending one is an ideal way to brighten someone’s day.

Pink Roses

• Above all, roses are a symbol for love and gratitude.
• Rose was the most prevalent among the old garden roses so it was most strongly associated with sentiments about love.
• Light pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration.
• It can also be used as an expression of sympathy.
• Roses also now carry a connotation of grace and elegance, as well as sweetness and poetic romance.
• Rose signifies grace, gladness, joy, perfect happiness, please believe me, gratitude, admiration, gentility

Stargazer Lilies

• Stargazer Lily is known as the floral celebrity.
• Stargazer Lilies have heavenly fragrance.
• They are young, bold, beautiful, and dramatic.
• The lily family has traditionally represented innocence and purity.
• Motifs of lilies appeared as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and reappeared in biblical traditions.
• White stargazer lilies have come to characterize a sense of purity and are often used as an expression of sympathy, while the pink varieties are considered symbolic of wealth and prosperity, as well being as a sign of aspiration.
• It means daydreamer, pure of heart, Heaven in your eyes, congratulations.

Baby's Breath

• Innocence

Got the meanings from:

www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/flowermeanings/default.aspx?ref=organicgglgeneric

http://valentinesday.about.com/od/flowers/a/flowermean_3.htm

www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/meanings/index_Q_R.php

Let's Have Some "Top 10"

Gracie posted this on SF's egroup, natuwa lang ako. Here it is (plus side comments.hahaha.)

Magandang pampawala ng stress: Chico and Delamar's Top 10

March 14, 2008 → The Top Ten Tips On Finding True Love

1. Kulit Nia/Mads - “Love is not blind. It sees, but it doesn’t mind.” - tama!
2. No name - Try tearing your anterior cruciate ligament on your knee and go to the emergency room. That’s where I met my one true love.
3. Frenchboy - If you’re lookin for love, don’t do it in a bar. Trust me, the only type of guy you’ll find there, is my kind. And you wouldn’t want that!
4. No name - From “Capt. Corelli’s Mandolin”: “Love is what’s left when all the lust and passion is gone.” -seryoso!
5. Loipogi - “Walang lalaking bakla sa babaeng nakatihaya!” -really?
6. Bongoloid - From A Danny De Vito movie: “Assumption is the mother of all f*ck-ups.”
7. MNEMONIC - “Love is not finding someone to go to bed with, but finding someone you want to wake up with in the morning.” - I think I got a text like this from Yayi, but with a twist on the end, " . . . Naked!-ganun din!"
8. Pointlessmike - Sa kuwarto nalang magkaka-alaman kung true love yan!-Naah.
9. Jedi Mstr - It’s true love if he lets you be in charge of the remote control. -Sobra naman to.
10. Espeks - Naghintay ka na rin lang, maghintay ka pa.
11. Dongster - Go to Quezon Ave. corner Timog and pay for some true love.
12. Loipogi - Kung hindi ukol, hindi bubukol. At pag bumukol…may baby ka after nine months.- Toinks.
13. KRISEL JUNE - Sabi nga ng bestfriend ko, “Magpaganda ka at magpakasaya, lalapit din yang true love na yan.”- Yes!
14. Powerful Alice - Mag-novena kay St. Jude.
15. KiD BuKid - You’ve found your true love if she tells you, “Ako pa nga ang dapat magbayad sa ‘yo eh.”
16. Darielle Girl - Stand in front of a full length mirror at midnight, during a Friday the 13th, with a candle in one hand, and chant, “Salamin, salamin, ipakita ang para sa akin!”
17. Louise - Stop over-analyzing things.
18. Coachdanny - Fate could bring you together, but it’s both your choice if you want to stay for the long haul. - Oo nga naman.
19. JP - When you graduate from “wanting to be with her”, to “cannot live without her”. -Talaga?
20. Chammy - Drop the paranoia. Stop bugging yourself by asking questions like, “Is she the one?” or “Will she hurt me?”. It just kills the romance. -Killing it softly.
21. Kites - Allow yourself to be surprised by the Universe. -I'm Miss Universe!
22. Kikhai - You know you found true love if you keep falling in love over and over with the same person.
23. Marianne - True love also means letting go of the person you love, no matter how painful, if it’s for the best. - :(
24. No name - Loosen up a bit and don’t be afraid to get hurt, because remember, love is a gamble. - a high risk one.
25. Espeks - Look for someone you can have conversations with until you both grow old. - Seryoso ulit.
26. Loipogi - True love knows no size. Maliit nga, pero umiikot namang parang elysee - winner pa rin! -Winner nga!
27. Chicago - When you still long for your ex, even after spending the rest of your life with your wife. - Ouch.
28. Morenang Kaligatan - Accept the fact that no matter how hot and smart you may be, that really cute guy will never notice you, if he prefers other cute guys.