Sweet moments with Ms. B

USANA -Food Supplements!

2010-10-10T11:40:00.015+08:00

A way to stay young and healthy! (take it from me ! hehehehe )

USANA- is the word! It is the greek term which means : True Health!

Imagine yourself getting older- every second of every hour and every minute of your life! That's because the cells inside the body are deteriorating faster than the right food choices you make. It means simply : Degeneration! And everything that happens in our body depends 'mainly' on the kind of foods we eat everyday. Our pace is slower than the rotting effect of the body's daily metabolism -or the chemical process happening inside a living cell thereby breaking down some substances which are necessary for life.

Take for example an apple- everytime we open or bite on it, it leaves a progressive mark on the surface of the apple and becomes brown after a few minutes. This is due to the onset of 'oxidation' or the deterioration of the apple as it is exposed from outside particles including- oxygen -the element we breathe!

Well, to make my point much easier to comprehend, why not open this page and find out for yourself everything i mentioned here: http://www.usana.com/

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA ...

2010-09-12T13:05:00.000+08:00

New gadget for the new we! (you & me)

2010-05-26T20:04:00.011+08:00

My oh my! Im really in love with this elegant, sleek and sexy notebook! If only i can get my hands a grip of it- i won't let it go - not ever !

Hmmnn... nakaka in-love!

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

2010-05-25T20:56:00.000+08:00

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Solar Halo

2010-05-07T15:38:00.001+08:00

Some explanations of the Solar Halo which I saw (Photo by me- 12:30 noon-May 7, 2010) : (texts courtesy of Wikipedia)

A halo (ἅλως; also known as a nimbus, icebow or Gloriole) is an optical phenomenon produced by ice crystals creating colored or white arcs and spots in the sky.Light passing through the hexagonal ice prisms is deflected twice, which produces deviation angles ranging from 22° to 50°.

Like other ice halos, 22° halos appear when the sky is covered by thin cirrus clouds containing the ice crystals that cause the phenomenon.

A new... life!

2009-12-02T11:25:00.007+08:00

Hello peeps!

It's been a long time! Yeah, i know, i have been away from here and im sorry. Hope i can make it up to you! Im back now and you can start smilng ;)

Anyway, life has been good and cruel then good and bad sometimes... but you know what? im ever so thankfull 'coz im still here! Oh anong say nyo djan! And mind you for the past months that i was not blogging here, it made me realize how i miss all these! Yeah! There is a saying which tells us:"... You wont know the value of a thing/person until it is gone..." Thanks to You out there which taught me a few lessons in life. And Im thankful this isnt gone... yet! Maraming salamat po BRO!

Aaay! ang buhay nga naman! so, to start off, here is a very inspiring Mp3 which trully made my mind open up wider than before! The title says it all! I Hope you would find it lovely too, take note of the lyrics 'coz it's what i'm trying to tell you. Here goes:

New Beginning... by Tracey Chapman

The whole worlds broke and it aint worth fixing. Its time to start all over, make a new beginning. Theres too much pain, too much suffering. Lets resolve to start all over make a new beginning. Now dont get me wrong - I love life and living. But when you wake up and look around at everything thats going down -All wrong. You see we need to change it now, this world with too few happy endings. We can resolve to start all over make a new beginning.
Start all over. Start all over. Start all over. Start all over.

The world is broken into fragments and pieces. That once were joined together in a unified whole. But now too many stand alone - theres too much separation. We can resolve to come together in the new beginning.

Start all over. Start all over. Start all over. Start all over.
We can break the cycle - we can break the chain. We can start all over - in the new beginning. We can learn, we can teach. We can share the myths the dream the prayer. The notion that we can do better. Change our lives and paths. Create a new world. and
Start all over. Start all over. Start all over. Start all over.

The whole worlds broke and it aint worth fixing. Its time to start all over, make a new beginning. Theres too much fighting, too little understanding. Its time to stop and start all over. Make a new beginning.
Start all over. Start all over. Start all over. Start all over.

We need to make new symbols. Make new signs. Make a new language. With these we'll define the world. And start all over.
Start all over. Start all over. Start all over ...

Contemplation

2009-07-07T21:00:00.004+08:00

One of the poems i created when i was alone, but happy! It is dedicated to the one i love. So, here goes:

My gaze soared

seeing the wonders

i once thought would go by

My moment came…

or was it?

Realizing my dreams wasn’t easy

I quickly ran out of thoughts

as if life is so short yet, i live!

Ah, yes! I’m here.

Weren’t you too ?

You were always a part of me

teenny bits of me

engulfing around you.

You are always by me

caring for me

loving me.

And… I love you more! Mwuah!

Paoay- a detour

2009-01-17T22:42:00.003+08:00

One of the scenic spots in the Philippines which portrays a great church, a great experience! Welcome to Paoay Church!

I’m Yours - Jason Mraz

2008-10-18T18:08:00.001+08:00

I’m Yours - Jason Mraz Music Code

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you’re so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I’m trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I’ll be giving it my bestest
Nothing’s going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it’s again my turn to win some or learn some

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find love love love
Listen to the music of the moment maybe sing with me
A lá peaceful melody
It’s your God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

I’ve been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
My breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what i’ma saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It’s what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I’m sure
No need to complicate
Our time is short
It can not wait, I’m yours

Well no no, well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me
A lá one big family (2nd time: A lá happy family; 3rd time: A lá peaceful melody)
It’s your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

No please, don’t complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

No please, don’t hesitate
no more, no more
It cannot wait
The sky is your’s!

My Redeemer lives!

2008-09-17T06:47:00.002+08:00

This is very touching... Please watch it and promise you wont... cry?!

The bridge over happy waters!

2008-06-09T19:10:00.002+08:00

Marcelo H. Fernan Bridge in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines!

(Note: Photo courtesy by this blogger)

Can't Stop Loving You Romantic Video

2008-06-08T12:43:00.001+08:00

'just love it!

CORREGIDOR: The checker

2008-05-26T21:01:00.006+08:00

Last month, i visited a place, a special place: CORREGIDOR- which means: The Checker (one who checks) It is also called: "The Rock" as it is solid hard rock to its entirety. Corregidor is now one of the great tourism attractions outside the city of Manila. You need to book your overnight trip way ahead and the fee is quite high (including the boat ride) but for me, no greater place to be than seeing and experiencing jhow it is on war times- first hand! It was an awesome sight to behold!

It was called such coz it is a rocky island. The site was so sacred, one could feel the anguish, the pain, the strength and valor of each soldier as we embarked our way to the entire island. Huge canons lay flat to their bases, as if always about to be fired upon, anytime now! It was trully a very special trip, for the reason that our great forefathers fought their mightiest to save our dear country against the Japanese.

We went into a tunnel called "Malinta" and heard the cries of war during the attack when series of audio recordings were played back loudly, echoing around the tunnel walls. It was where i saw some grueling sights and heard pure silence on every tunnellete (small tunnell-like extensions) inside, as if i was experiencing the war right there!
This tiny island sits afront Manila Bay ,the biggest among the seven(7) islands and shaped like a 'tadpole', guards the bay from its invaders. We witnessed the sad but gallant deed of the filipino soldiers with the aid of the American forces led by Gen. Mac Arthur, who then was hunted but aimlessly, and uttered these very promising words of wisdom: I SHALL RETURN, which he trully did!
Huge canons can be seen side by side with each other, measuring tons and tons of metal, the biggest of which takes three days to complete a full 360 degree turn. Each was fired with huge metal balls 800 meters away! (purposely to fend off the enemies early. I can still feel and even smell how deadly the last war in our country was .
However, on the brighter side- a beautiful two-storey lodging house (Corregidor Inn) is always ready to serve the visitors anytime of the day. A garden full of different variety of flowers dominate the entire surroundings. There is even a petite swimming pool to cool off the hot sun on our shoulders.

DECK OF CARDS

2008-05-15T19:28:00.001+08:00

Plain interpretation but witty!

The Historian...

2008-05-12T13:54:00.002+08:00

"The historian should be fearless and incorruptible; a man of independence, loving frankness and truth; one who, as the poets says, calls a fig a fig and a spade a spade. He should yield to neither hatred nor affection, not should be unsparing and unpitying. He should be neither shy nor deprecating, but an impartial judge, giving each side all it deserves but no more. He should know in his writing no country and no city; he should bow to no authority and acknowledge no king. He should never consider what this or that man will think, but should state the facts as they really occurred."

Lucian (A.D. 120-200)

I remember this quote when i had my Masters in History in our very own University of San Carlos (USC) here in Cebu. And it should be what every historian should uphold in their quest for the truth. I carry this words always as i embark every step of the way. Would you consider it too?

Lessons To Be Learned... the song

2008-05-10T19:22:00.004+08:00

Barbra Streisand

They say there's a universal plan

For every woman, for every man

I do believe there's a higher power

But in our darkest hour it's hard to understand

So we start to question, start to doubt

We lose faith in what life's all about.

Why did the right road take the wrong turn

Why did our heart break, why'd we get burned

Just like the seasons there are reasons for the path we take

There are no mistakes

Just lessons to be learned

Don't give up, keep on looking deep inside

Let your heartbeat be your guide

Cause there's a gift, for those who keep believing

You'll find what you've been needing is right before your eyes

You'll hold the answer in your hands

Then you'll know, you'll finally understand

Why did the right road take a wrong turn

Why did our heart break, why'd we get burned

Just like the seasons there are reasons for the path we take

There are no mistakes Just lessons to be learned

No matter how many times you stumble or fall

The greatest lesson is loving yourself through it all

Why did the right road take a wrong turn

Why did our heart break, why'd we get burned

Just like the seasons, there are reasons for the path we take

There are no mistakes

Just lessons Lessons to be learned.

Tennis, my kind of game!

2008-03-27T20:33:00.004+08:00

Tennis, the best game ever! This has been my kind of game since i got married. You see, back in my teen years, i was an athlete, a softball player, a 100-meter dash sprinter, a table tennis smasher, and what-have-you!

Then i married at an early age of 20, bore our first baby girl and walah, i discovered tennis to be my new hobby!

And since then, i got married to tennis too ha ha ha!

Coffee in Panglao !

2008-03-21T18:05:00.004+08:00

From the Bee Farm over the sweet island of PANGLAO!

It was too good to be true... and it sure was! We had the best coffee in the island! A few years back i was only dreaming to go to Panglao, but that dream became true when my classmates in my second master's program (M.A. Arch- Urban Design) had our occular inspection for our data gathering affair for our term paper. And surely it was! Panglao Island, an awesome sight! mmm, yummy!

Note: The flower is underneath the glass top

2008-03-09T14:42:00.001+08:00

A belated greeeting...

2008-03-09T12:02:00.001+08:00

Kisses for you dear one

for the time you have spent for me

for every tinny bit of love we have shared

and

for all those cherished moments together!

A kiss for you today... hearts day

and

to all the days of our lives...

as we embark on another new day together

as one in mind...

in soul...

in thoughts...

and

with this promise

comes my devoted true love for you...

FOREVER!

('luv u!)

Black Valentine!

2008-02-12T19:37:00.000+08:00

Happy Hearts Day!

GOLDEN treats for my Golden year!

2008-02-02T21:44:00.000+08:00

Two weeks ago (specifically on the 22nd) was the start of my Golden year. Indeed, it feels great to have attained such years of existence here in this complex but amazing world! I owe it trully to HIM-up there. Thanks so much! And thanks to everyone who greeted me! And here are my treats: Golden Green Tea; Golden Choco cake and some of my precious Gems!

All about "Landong"

2008-01-31T19:25:00.000+08:00

Nalandongan- (visayan dialect) 'shaded'; under the shade.

Nagpalandong - (slang for thinking... of something!)

Lovely Panglao Island, Bohol!

2008-01-22T05:11:00.000+08:00

@ Dauis convent with Fr. Val

@ Amarela Beach

@ The BEE Farm

It was one-of-a-kind assignment!

just this day...

2008-01-03T19:22:00.000+08:00

Just for today decide to be KIND...

be cheerful; be agreeable, be understanding, be your best.

Talk softly, look for the bright side of things...

Praise people instead of critizising them.

Just for today, decide to be HAPPY...

To live with what is yours.

If you cannot have what you want

maybe you can like what you have...

Just for today try it...

after all, it's just for a day;

who knows you might like it and do it again...

TOMMOROW!

SMILE and the world smiles with you!

(from a friend- thanks my dear!)

...and a Happy New Year!

2007-12-29T21:57:00.000+08:00

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-24T10:38:00.000+08:00

My moody self

2007-12-11T19:37:00.000+08:00

Sunset eases my being and lets my mind feel calm, cleansed and free...

It empties my thoughts that i may allow fresh new ones...

It soothes my inner self ...

It keeps me warm with memories but sets my cheeks cold with the sea breeze...

Ahhh Yes, My Sunset mood!

An evening !

2007-12-02T21:05:00.000+08:00

I dont think i need to elaborate on this! To sit beside someone like Jericho Rosales surely made my night kind of : romantic!

3 decades

2007-10-27T19:34:00.001+08:00

Time eases pain, it even erases memories. It allows us to forget bad events. It also allows us to remember good ones. Time is powerful in a way. It is forceful in some ways too.

It is truly amazing, how it heals wounds and open up secrets long buried under the realm of imagination. Time is great! It is a gift, a phenomenon, a way of being. Something which can be sensed, longed for, awaited to, let go of, etc. The list is endless.

How fast time flies too! It has been thirty years now since my early college years, and I can still feel the smiles we had when we had our Founder’s Day. A pageant was held then and I was one of the contestants. Oh boy, it was fun! I garnered three awards, one for Miss Friendship,another for First runner- up and one special award for Best in Uniform. Ah! those were great moments!

After three decades, I’m still the same person, but better. I’m still the same girl but more mature. I still carry the same sentiments but stronger. I still cry over sad movies and smiles over cartoons. I am what I was then but nimbler, smarter and more provocative.

Ah yes, because, I am a Filipina! (You can click on the picts to enlarge)

NEW URBANISM: A report

2007-10-25T21:40:00.000+08:00

I have here my report on Urbanism as a requirement of my graduate studies program in Architecture for the first semester of this school year, 2007. After reading variuos journals, books and/or citations about Urbanization, i find it wholesome to impart here my views. It is quite long, i hope you wont get bored. Here goes:

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction

Planning a space, a building or a structure, requires a sense of a well-perceived mind and soundness of decision, with considerations of various aspects, which might affect directly or indirectly the end-user in relation to the community it co-exist. Either way, it projects the same result- a harmonious, workable and livable environment. Eventually, it should be sustainable enough for long-term livability.

Likewise, Urban Planning requires the same. If done righteously, a harmonious design is achieved while a sated end-user feels comfort and well-defined functional spaces are attained equally. As Vitruvius (the man considered to be the first accepted and published artist, architect and engineer of his time) perceived it then:

“… three vital things which make a sound design: Vistas, Utilitas, and Venustas…”

These were the foundation of design, which played great roles in defining spaces, buildings or structures, and still continue to be used as bases in design at these present times, and simply interpreted as: Vistas (views) or the form of the structure; Utilitas (use) of function of the structure or space; Venustas (beauty) or aesthetics.

A better explanation provides a clearer picture on these matters. Vistas – is a Latin word which means- view - was used by Vitruvius in ancient era, as basis in defining the shape, the form, and overall outline of the structure. On the other hand, Utilitas – also a Latin word signifying – use or function of the structure or space in terms of design in relation to the user it provides for; and finally, Venustas, (still Latin word) which means beauty, aesthetics, physical looks. These were the essential aspects, which made designing in the past as significant as it is now. It compliments more on its aesthetic side of the design process. While it implies beauty, Venustas also connotes the refinement and overall soundness of perception with regards to the charm of the space or structure, as it fulfills its gracefulness to which it compliments. Planning a space or structure or social environment projects a broader sense of distinction with the character of design while enhancing the structure or space or social environment it modifies, thus, urbanization is attained.

Urban planning, as the encyclopedia defines it, becomes a discipline of land use planning, which deals with the design and organization of urban space and activities. As used as an instrument for proper usage of land areas and built structures, it also made use of the various aspects of design in the attempt of attaining an organized space in the city level (urban) with respect to the community while determining and composing sketches and drawings in planning its physical arrangement and condition for future use.

Planning the city or Urban Planning, follows the same principles with planning open spaces municipalities or sub cities. By urban, it means – citywide- explorations of the built and social environment. It is likewise a key role in urban renewal and re-generation of inner cities by “…adapting new urban planning methods to existing cites suffering from long-term infrastructural decay.”

Discussions

Beginnings...

Urbanization is a process of making or becoming into urban or improved city or town thru physical planning and designing. This kind of development dates back from the time of the early civilization in Mesopotamia, a Greek city of ancient times, when Latin was still the medium of communication between peoples. It wasn’t called such then but similar processes were laid out and considered in relation to the design settlements and organization of space and outlying environment, whether built or social in nature. What actually transpired during those early times was the “… conscious forethought and design in the laying out of structures while identifying its functionality…” and integrating the internal and external spaces within and around it made up urban planning of today.

Streets of ancient times were so designed as to be laid out at right angles in a grid pattern and very often paved. And history told that there existed already ‘hierarchy like wider commercial boulevards to smaller residential alleyways. There was a basic plan “… a central plaza surrounded by a compact of rectilinear grid of streets and wrapped in a wall for defense. To reduce travel times, two diagonal streets cross the square grid corner to corner, passing through the central square.” This was followed by more planning schemes by the Romans where they developed fortresses or fortified abbeys for military defenses and civil conveniences.

But later an ideal city ‘resurfaced’ during the Great Renaissance age and was adapted, where radial streets extend outward from a defined center of military, communal or spiritual power.

“…the city, which he compared to an ideal human body, was inscribed within an eight-pointed star of walls inscribed within a perfect circular moat, the first of many ideal star-shaped city plans that reacted against the crowded, irrational spaces of the medieval city."

Eight towers were placed as bastions at the salient points of the star, and eight gates were the outlets of radial avenues that each passed through a market square, dedicated to certain goods. Other radiating streets had the parish churches and convents on them. A canal system connected with the river and the outside world, provided transport for goods.

At 's centre was the formally composed piazza, a double square that was a stadio long and half a stadio wide, with the duomo at its head, and a lookout tower. Sforzinda's buildings and their highly symbolic decor were minutely described, and the astrological calculations required for harmony, together with thoroughly practical matters concerning fortifications, with the discovery of a Golden Book detailing the buildings of Antiquity.”

Modifications...

Planning a city in this modern world, or Urbanism is a process, which connotes more implications than it signifies. It was learned that the Muslims were the true descendants of the Greek rational planning strategies, who have thought of the idea of formal zoning and stewardship.

Then there were modifications made in Western World and also in Western Europe, North America, Japan, Australasia. There were a series of change in planning and architecture like industrialization of a city; Garden City concept and large scale city rebuilding were seen. Engineered urban planning in many cities in Central American civilization included the sewage systems and running water integration in the sketches and working plans. At the onset of modernism,

"...the modernist city stood for the elimination of disorder, congestion and the small scale planning, replacing them instead with preplanned and widely spaced freeways and tower blocks set within gardens."

Urbanization of a place, or environmental space and/or buildings/structures greatly modifies the principle of a basic urban planned city. It touches various aspects of society including the following: Aesthetics; safety; housing conditions (slums); restrictions/ renewal and transport.

Contemplation...

2007-10-07T09:40:00.000+08:00

My gaze soared
seeing the wonders
i once thought would go by
My moment came...
Realizing my dreams wasn't easy
I quickly ran out of thoughts
as if life is so short yet, i live!
Ah, yes! I'm here.
Weren't you too ?
You were always a part of me
teenny bits of me
engulfing around you.
You are always by me
caring for me, loving me.
thus...
I love you more!

Lost you...?

2007-09-25T23:06:00.000+08:00

I lost a friend...not because she died

not even because she took off, or did she?

But because: she isn't my friend, not anymore.

I'm saying she 's lost because...

she isn't with me anymore

not even within my boundaries

not within my thoughts.

She is gone, gone to where i am not.

Away from my viewpoint

away from my dreams.

I sure miss you dear one

my good old beacon

a close chum

much tighter than a kin.

Goodbye to you

but I thank YOU, for old time's sake

but i won't fret too much

because i might see you again

up on that HILL!

A stranger... a friend!

2007-09-23T14:05:00.000+08:00

"... It is amazing when strangers becomes friends, But is so sad when friends becomes strangers.I never wanted to lose you as a friend.I met you as a stranger ,I took you as a friend.I hope we met in heaven, when friendships never ends! "

This was sent to me by a friend. I find it so sweet thus im posting it here. Every friend was once a stranger but with good judgement and kind heart, that stranger won't be a stranger no more. He might even become your best of your best friends! Say mo?

The B. trip!

2007-09-17T10:03:00.000+08:00

'twas a cold morning as I drove early to where we ought to meet. Ms. Davao was already there and so was Mr. K. We ate and wait. Then another colleague appeared (Ms. Tru-or-falls) and joined in our table. Still, we ate and wait.

After a while, we decided to text two more: Ms. C. and of course, SIR EnP- both our mentors! Sure thing, they are the reason why we are having this field trip... or was it just a trip? (I thought it was our assignment). Anyway, we all converged and wheeled off @ exactly ten fifty nine (10:59a.m.) take note of the time, coz it’s significant. It was surely THE RIDE! We had so much fun that we forgot about LUNCH! Not to mention how thrilling the whole trip was, at least, for me, coz it was my FIRST TIME (first time mu?) to traverse that "…long and winding road…" (kanta man na’) Trans-Central Highway.

Ahhh yes! We were in Balamban! The thriving municipality west of Cebu City. It is a quite but cool place (kay tugnaw man didto oy!). So, we ordered something to fill our empty stomachs and "...talked a while." (kanta na pud na). Many things followed after that like laughter and smiles and what-have-you, while we made some shots and poses on their windy but magnificent seaside eatery (a, balak man manang).

Here are some snapshots. (pls click on the picts to enlarge)

...To be continued...

poemblog

2007-08-31T19:30:00.000+08:00

The light!

2007-08-27T19:52:00.001+08:00

For once in my life...opps! I think that's a song, right? Okay, okay, here is my blog:The other other weekend that passed (Aug 19-20), we had a family (Montebon) trip. Everyone was there including baby Earnest (newest baby) and we headed up north to where my Daddy (Eddie, Sr) was born:

Tabogon! There we had so much fun, particluarly the hilltop where it stops to the sea, deep enough for a "Dugong" to swim in! I mean, really, it was so steep, i almost slipped down the VERY rugged terrain full of black pointed rocky edge of the the hill (Camobo-an). Oh boy! but it was fun! Just wasn't used to going down hilltops.

Anyway, we stayed over for a day and we headed back home. But before we reached halfway with our trip, we passed by a rotunda in Liloan and saw a replica of a lighthouse. I saw that lighthouse once from a friend and it made me wonder how beautiful that place really is. So, to satisfy my anxiety, we drove and side tripped down the Amara way. Photos down here. Just click on the picts to enlarge

Estudiante!

2007-08-24T20:25:00.000+08:00

OOOH YEAH! I’m back! Back to where my passion is. Back to where my heart belongs! Back to being a student again!

Indeed! And i feel great! to be back in school this year, enrolled @ University of San Carlos (USC)- Talamban campus – College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA)- Graduate studies, taking up my second masters (‘coz I recently graduated Master in History last March of this year), and this time it is: Master in Architecture major in URBAN DESIGN! Isn’t that great?

Sure enough, though I just finished one graduate study in the field of Arts and Sciences, today, I’m trying to improve more on my field of design- as an architect, for the simple reason of enhancing what I’ve learned! Whether it is an acceptable reason or not, who cares? I don't! As long as I feel good in this undertaking, I’m happy! And that is what matters. Am I right? Or I am right?

Oh yeah!

Opps! I'd better work on my assignments now coz i remembered i have a couple already. 'Got to go for now. See you in the library, ciao!

UAP Sugbu Chapter Forum #2

2007-08-09T20:07:00.000+08:00

Hello ! This is an invitation for our chapter's second Student's Forum to be held in University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban campus. This is one of the lined up activities of our very own UAP Sugbu Chapter for this Fiscal Year 2007-2008.

As a receipient of the "Most Empowered Chapter for the FY 2005-2006", we continue to impart our achievements to other sectors of society as part of our commitment to our profession. Thus, we came up with events such as this. We hope to be as supportive as we could and to be of service to the community, in more ways than one. See you around!

This poster says it all! For inquiries, please click on the image to get a larger view. Thanks so much !

A Blitzkrieg in Malaysia!

2007-07-22T21:37:00.000+08:00

Before our best days in Singapore ended, we thought of hopping in to the next country north. And amazingly enough, we really did!

Yes! We stepped foot on our forefathers' (history told we are their offsprings) land- MALAYSIA! We hit Johor Bahru, southernmost part of Malaysia. We did some touring around the mall, which reminded me of a department store in Colon street sometime in the late '80's.

Anyway, we had fun! We ate @ Kenny Rogers- Malaysian Edition. We had our share of smiles and laughs and shopping and what-have-you! Oh, let me tell you that if you want to go to the jan(c.r.) it would cost you RM.20 (MYR- Malaysian Ringgit) multiply it with P15 Philippine money and that's a cool P3.00 here. Ain't it okay huh?

By the way, we went there through a mere taxi ride! Oh yes! We didn't bring any luggage because we were not planning on staying overnight. So we rode on to the connecting bridge where the Malaysian Immigration Department is located. So we had our passports ready including the air tickets and stopped where a cute little booth stood, and rolled down the windows of the car as the Immigration Officer looked upon us with set of inquisitive eyes ogled @ us so profusely.

We felt a little scared but that was nothing compared to the going back moments to Singapore! Because, after our shopping spree and strolls and the jan thing, we headed back to the taxi station. There were taxi cars but no taxi drivers! Can you believe that? Plus there was this mature individaul who looked like the one of the wanted arabs in the middle east, complete with the turban in his huge head and long gray beard hanging down from his chin, who wanted to get near us to share with the taxi.

Phew! That was fun!

Singapore moments!

2007-07-22T21:01:00.000+08:00

Traveling is my fancy. It allows me to explore deeper meanings of life. It always makes me a better person everytime i come back home, after a while in another place.

This time i headed down south of the globe to one of Britain's former colony- SINGAPORE! It was an awesome experience to be there in that petite but very progressive country. I cannot believe my eyes when i realized i was really stepping on that very spot where an English Gentleman-rather businessman- Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles- once stopped by the port to trade on 1818!

The word Singapore actually came from two words: "Singa"- which means Lion and Pura- meaning city in Sanskrit.

Oh, so much for history, view my adventures here: Please click this

Let's GO!

2007-06-23T06:54:00.000+08:00

"In the past, when you saw something you wanted to do, you didn't wait for an engraved invitation before getting involved. So why are you being so shy about embracing a certain new experience? Today you must stop hiding away from this adventure. If you keep focusing on a recent failure or disappointment, you'll stop growing -- and you'll never reach your full potential. Take a chance and jump off that balcony of fear. You will land on your feet..."

I got this message very early today from a dear friend , which made me realize how true it is. Indeed, i used to be a forward person, My teen days always gets me to do the things which i normally dont; I used to go where my heart tells me; There were times when my mom forbids me but my spirits were so high , i end up getting tangled with the unforbidden moves.

Oh well, those were the times of my life! I have changed then, I became a silent type person. My thoughts wont make me do the unwanted feelings. My heart tells me better what to do and not. Life has changed for me. And that was a century ago too!

Lately, i get the feeling something's lacking. As if there is something that i needed to do... so strong it makes me want to fly with ease and soar high, to be with the clouds! Something tells me go out and embrace life! Search the hidden and open up to the realities amd beauties of nature! Accept the faults done but keep in mind that there is still a great world out there! In short: Grow! Learn and be FREE! 'coz life is trully BEAUTIFUL!

The Way You Look Tonight *(Michael Buble)

2007-06-03T10:29:00.000+08:00

Some day

when I'm awfully low

When the world is cold

I will feel a glow just thinking of you

And the way you look tonight.

You're lovely, with your smile so warm

And your cheeks so soft,

there is nothing for me but to love you

And the way you look tonight.

Chorus:

With each word your tenderness grows,

tearing my fears apart

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,

touches my foolish heart.

*
Yes you're lovely, never, ever change

Keep that breathless charm.

Won't you please arrange it?

'Cause I love you

Just the way you look tonight.

With each word your tenderness grows

Tearing my fears apart

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose

Touches my foolish heart.

Yes you're lovely

never, ever change

Keep that breathless charm.

Won't you please arrange it?

'Cause I love you

Just the way you look tonight.

*-*

Simple! just be... thankful

2007-05-20T07:32:00.000+08:00

Be thankful that you don't have everything you desire...
because if u did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful for your limitations...
because they give you upportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for your mistakes...
they will teach you valuable lessons..

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles...
they can become your blessings!

THANK YOU ! (sent by a friend)

Zodiac fun!

2007-04-19T19:11:00.000+08:00

We all know about the signs of the Zodiac. True or not, we can't rely on it. It's just one of the many ways to let the time pass us by while entertaining our thoughts.

I have here some statements which you might find practically true(if not predictions). It was e-mailed to me by my pal with interesting facts which would certainly make your day lovable! I have three special signs which i consider interesting. Here goes:

CANCER - The Cutie
> > > > > > > > > > > > > "MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. Love is one of a kind. Very romantic. Most caring person you will ever meet! Entirely creative. Extremely random and proud of it. Freak. Spontaneous. Great telling stories. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to".

SCORPIO - The Addict
> > > > > > > > > > > > > EXTREMELY adorable. Intelligent. Loves to joke. Very Good sense of humour. Energetic. Predict future. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want. Attractive. Easy going. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Caring.

AQUARIUS - Does It In The Water
> > > > > > > > > > > > > Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind. Loves being in long-term relationships. Extremely energetic. Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out.

*This is my personal zodiac sign, by the way.

The letter, or... the Kisses?

2007-04-17T19:47:00.000+08:00

This is too hilarious, i can't help but post it here. It was e-mailed to me just now by a friend. Have fun!
--------------------------------------------------
Husband working abroad wrote to his wife...

"Dear Sweetheart,

I can't send my salary this month, as I have overspent. I'm sending 100
kisses instead.
You are my sweetheart.

Signed,
Your Husband."

----------------------------------------
His wife replied...

"Sweetheart Dearest,

Thanks for the 100 kisses, below is the list of expenses...

1. The Milk man agreed on 2 kisses for one month's milk.
2. The electricity man agreed only after 7 kisses.
3. Your landlord comes every day to take 2 or 3 kisses instead of the rent.
4. Supermarket owner did not accept kisses only, so I gave him other
items .. (hope u understand??)
5. Other expenses 40 kisses.
Please don't worry about me, I have a remaining balance of 35 kisses and
I hope I can complete the month using this balance.
Shall I plan the same for next month? Please Advise !

Signed,
Your Wife"

Loving a woman... according to Mr. Bryan Adams

2007-04-10T21:59:00.000+08:00

Easter- 2007

2007-04-08T20:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Easter Sunday to all !

thoughts... of Me?

2007-04-05T20:09:00.000+08:00

As i sat here staring

my mind is beyond what is obvious...

Glaring light seeps through my eyes as if piercing through my brain...

Ahhh, life!
*
What has is offered me so far?

Has it by far surpassed my expectations

my wants

my needs...
*
Yes, Life! It is an entrapment

a lair; an incubation amidst my complexing ego...

What do i need...?

Want...?

like...?

don't like...?
*
I'm here now, not yesterday; not tommorow.

And i'm here

to stay

to live

to give

to share

and

to love ?

The light... the lamp

2007-04-05T20:01:00.000+08:00

This special lamp sitting atop my computer CPU is so dear to me because it enables me to focus on so many things...I'm in attention to many details and of minute objects that it illumnates like:

1. Paper clips strayed out its box- allowed me to percieve life as it opens up a day at a time;

2. Pens and pencils, which stood up straight and ready as if me standing by the door eager and able to face life and its realities;

3. Huge black scissors amidst the other praphrenelia of what-nots in a cup-reminding me the complex yet interesting status wherein i am a role player;

4. Iron Candlestand with flowers around it (at the back of the lamp) -telling me that life is full of wonders;

5. Sweet plaster-of-paris teddy bear which gracefully stand having its head up- tutoring me to keep both my feet on the ground fixed and steady but ever brisk whenever tantrums surmise;

6. Black and squared fragrance oil candle holder for the bedroom - emitting its romantic essence to refresh my body as well as my inner self and become a renewed person every so often;

and perhaps lastly but the most important one;

7. The cool yet bright light, which the lamp boasts - allowed me to brainstorm that i could fullfill my destiny and satisfy my mind in accepting how complex this journey called LIFE is!

As i touch this lamp with my bare fingers, it lights up instantly and shows off the illumination it can offer, depending on the tapping succession of the fingers:

* ist touch - lights up very softly but can illuminate the entire bedroom;

*then next touch- lights up dimly bright to see anything around

*the third sequence - lights up its vibrant bright light bringing in wholesomeness and care to the rest of the room!

Tap it on the fourth sequence and it's gone... yet it still there awaiting its next sequence of adeptness to its obedience and then starts another series of its craftsmanship, as with LIFE' s continuing cycle of ups and downs. *-*

UAP Logo

2007-04-04T15:28:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! This is the official logo of United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). I'm proud to say i am one of the bonafide members. And more importantly, this is the only accredited organization of the professional Architects in the entire Philippines. So, fellow Architects out there, whether outside the country or in, be a part of this vibrant community and get involved, though activities like conventions, forums and the like and be a wholesome member of artists and art entrepreneurs alike! Come join the fun every conventions too! See you @ World trade Center this year for our 33rd National Convention! God Bless!

Lenten prep: Forgiveness

2007-04-01T15:35:00.000+08:00

Each year we, devout Catholics follow the chain of sufferings felt by Jesus Christ while saving humanity. In turn, we make sacrifices too to proclaim our love for HIM. There are a thousand and one ways to do so, one of which is by forgiving; not just one person but to the most that we could accommodate in our hearts. As I see it, it is the most fulfilling task to do this Lenten season.

Of course, we all have our enemies and foes and bitterness. We’ve experienced a lot of bad days and bad temper days. We have let down someone close to our heart; or uttered unbecoming phrases; or didn’t jive with his/her sentiments. Well, I myself has done it, one way or the other, but despite these misconceptions, misunderstandings, misnomer or whatever- they should- be cast away specially on these times to give way to the truth and happiness and peace of mind, which we all deserve.

So in time with the passion of Christ on the cross, may we forgive and forget the misdoings and tempers of another’s well being. May we simply acknowledge his/her existence here on earth the same way we all do. May we be granted peace of mind and more strength to allow ourselves to be a better person each time we correct the mistakes. And may we be forgiven as we forget any ill deeds done to us, which might have just been unintentionally committed. And may we all be at peace with each other, today and always.

Summer!

2007-03-30T17:46:00.000+08:00

Ahhh! Summer is surely here! The best time of the year for me, because you see, it is the perfect weather to be out for a dip under the cool waters of the beaches!

Since my place boasts for some gorgeous white sands spreading across the wide beach fronts, it is but tempting to submerge almost every weekend. Oh, yes! Lapu-lapu City is ranked among the world class vacation destinations and mind you as a resident, i can vouch for it , TRULLY!

The sun is awfully hot but it is perfect for our dream summer escapades ! So get your spirits high and grab your best bikini and swimming trunks and enjoy the cool breeze amidst the great burning rays of our sun."

Come join us and let's have a great time!

Masters !

2007-03-25T09:15:00.000+08:00

Finally, after fruitful moments of endeavor, coupled with bits and pieces of reasearch matched with tears of sadness but mostly of gladness, i got it! Master in History (M. History)!

History is one of the few subject mater which i personally love to explore. When i was a child, i always sat in front or beside my mom or dad whenever a relative came over to the house, just to listen about their past experiences, their past whereabouts; their past adventures and how they got here, their past childhood days, their past jobs... practically, their... past!

History never cease to amaze me really. Everything about it simply intrigues me all the time! And i always wonder how things were in our past or anyone's past for that matter. But mind you during my high school days, i kind of hated history subject because...! oh well, I won't waste my time here telling you about it but I think everyone shares the same sentiment with regards to this topic mainly perhaps history was never taught the way it should be as it is now and never have i encountred someone so charismatic and convincing as anyone who deals with this topic but my instructor and chair of our department, whose name i can't divulge here for some personal reasons.

Here are some of the highlight picts during my graduation. Just click on the images for a bigger view:

on stage

*Lindsey ! *

* Virgilie *

*Sir Pacana *

* Socrates ! *

More on my graduation agenda: visit if you will my other blog @ FRIENDSTER. Have fun !

just don't !

2007-03-17T21:44:00.000+08:00

" Don't hold something in your arms that you could never hold in your HEART"

So true indeed... In this great wide world where we live in, there are things which we just cannot keep within our boundaries. As always we live life to the fullest but bear in mind there will always be consequences whichever we look and how we look at it. As we pursue our dreams, we have to allow Him up there to guide us through hard times while we continue our journey; because whatever we do and wherever we go, we are still under His care.

Taking a lot of chances...

2007-03-10T22:46:00.000+08:00

" Take chances... take a lot of them

* because honestly, no matter where you end up and with whom

* it always ends up just the way it should be.

* Your mistakes makes who you are

* You learn to grow with each choice you make

* Everything is worth it

* Be you and be okay with it"

* (This was texed by a friend, thanks!)

My Negros episode !

2007-03-06T20:18:00.000+08:00

* First stop: Sweet Bacolod...

The City of Smiles! Yes, it's how everyone calls Bacolod City! And indeed, we saw smiling faces all around. From the quick van ride (from the airport) to the not-so-quick taxi ride (to the mall) going in and out of the city, happy moods sprung from everywhere! And not only that, we were really lucky because we witnessed the grand opening of their great SM Mall- whose design concept didn't really differ much of Asia Mall in Manila City. Similarly fantastic indeed! My Bacolod City experience was quite a treat! Trully i was so glad i came. Thank You Bacolod... but hey, i might come back!

Here are more of my Bacolod City smiles:

My Bacolod City family!

***************************

* Next : Heritage Tour

Included in our Area activity was a Heritage Tour. So off we went to four (4) more cities north of Bacolod. We had a cool bus ride carefully striding down the clean streets entering Talisay City, sounds familiar, huh; then we headed further to Silay City. I learned that this would soon become the site of the new airport which would cater both domestic and international flights. Isn't it fantastic!

Mural @ the rear side of the church of St Joseph the worker in Silay City, Negos Occidental

*************************************

* And then...

Chapel of Cartwheels in Manapla (to be continued...)

Questions:

2007-02-10T10:22:00.000+08:00

Did you know that...

I stared at your picture
And there came your smile

I looked at your smile
there came your sweetness

I felt your sweetness
There came your love.

Where have you come from?

I smiled back at you
then you came near

I whispered what-nots
Then you held me tight

I kissed you on the cheeks
You kissed me on my lips.

Where is this leading to?

My Valentine...

2007-02-09T22:07:00.000+08:00

I'll be your pineappple 'coz you are my four seasons !

That special Day...

2007-01-27T11:54:00.000+08:00

Everyday is considered special. True. But there is one specific day for each and everyone of us which holds a VERY special place in our hearts... Birthday!

January 22, is my best day. It is and will always be dear to me. Last Monday was my day. And i got sweet calls from my close friends and loved ones. It was a fantastic day ( although it was almost ruined by something but i managed to control it). The whole day promised a new day for me, for my well being that i should be thankful and glad that i still celebrate it with fullness in my heart.

First was, a love- kiss smacked on my lips very early in the morning (you should know who) and then a huge bouquet of crimson -red mixed with immaculate -white American roses in full bloom (but with a couple of unopened petals ) filled my face with wholesome scents all over! And not only that, together with it was a sumptous chocolate moccha mousse cake, topped with frozen rich chocolate sticks, and best of all: a ribbon-shaped chocolate on top! Mmm, yummmmy! And more, as if it wasn't enough, my beloved specially requested our lady friend who owned a restaurant near Marco Polo to open up (coz they are closed on Mondays) for my special dinner! Imagine...what a surprise that was for me! Thanks mga pinnangga. you surely made my day.

Oh, by the way, another priest-friend called up and greeted me with a birthday song from his cellphone, thanks father! What more could i ask for!. Do you know that a rose by any name would smell as sweet? Thank you Lord. This picture was one of unbloomed red petals among others (notice those tiny choco bits and the chocolate moccha mousse beside ? More pictures to come in later.

Images of Sinulog- 2007

2007-01-21T20:22:00.000+08:00

Every third sunday of January each year, Cebuanos celebrate the fiest of the Holy Child Jesus - Senor Sto. Nino - . This year it falls on the 21st. And within the entire week a whole bunch of feastivities are lined up for everyone to enjoy! Not only do we see local Cebuanos dancing their hearts out during this day but a wholel lot of Balikbayans (filipinos who have worked and lived abroad) also fill the streets and malls and everywhere just to be with their beloved Patron Saint Senor Sto, Nino.

In view of all these my family joined in and engulfed ourselves with the sights and sounds of the Sinulog celebration 2007! Here are some of the snapshots and actions on the move! We witness first hand the fluvial parade which passed by the General Milling Corporation (GMC) wharf on early January 20, 2007. It was a saturday.More smiles and laughter during this very blessed day. There were little children dancing ang swaying to the upbeat rhythm of the drums while shouting "Pit Senor" every end of the the beat.

We had fun alright and then, we get to eat a freshly cooked "Bud-bud" together with bam-i (chinese noodles) and sipped hot choco (tabliya drink) at GMC canteen for free, thanks ma'am! My, oh MY! What a marvelous morning we had! While at the platform of the GMC wharf, we saw most of the people who came over were bringing balloons and petite flags and confeetti were thrown right at the moment when the Blessed image afloat the yacht lined with "bandretas" of red and yellow swiftly drifted along the sides of the platform, It was a very overwhelming site to behold! And shouts were heard uttering the words: "Viva Pit Senor".

I only got my mobile phone cam to capture some images of the day and because of the bulk turnout of spectators in the wharf, i waited until there were lesser people left for the fluvial parade before i took a distant shot of the beautiful ist Mandaue-Mactan Bridge across the channel and i find it awesome!

There was a helicopter and a small airplane hovering around and across the clear blue sky to throw fresh flowers to the blesses image as part of the yearly ritual in honor of the Holy Child Jesus for protecting and guiding the people as well as the ever so beautiful city of Cebu, which was considered and still is the "Queen city of the South". And i love this particular picture because i was quite lucky not to miss the small plane which passed quite very fast to where we were standing with only my mobile phone camera. Must be my lucky day, huh. VIVA PIT SENOR !

Can you spot a small plane above? Surprise!

SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE:

2007-01-20T09:18:00.000+08:00

(this was texted to me and i'm sharing this with you... thanks Amy)

-Be brave, even if ur not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference

-When playing games wid children, let them win

-When someone hugs u, let them be d first to let go

-Wave at children on a school bus

-Keep a notepad & pencil on ur bedside table.. Million dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3am

-Look at people in the eye

-Compliment the meal when ur a guest in someone's home

-Don't expect life to be fair.

It's simple, isn't it?

-*-

A wish...

2007-01-07T08:41:00.000+08:00

"... I wish for you (my dearest)

Comfort on difficult days

Smiles when sadness intrudes

Rainbows to follow the clouds

Laughter to kiss your lips

Sunsets to warm your heart.

Gentle hugs when spirits sag

Friendships to brighten your being

Beauty for your eyes to see

Confidence for when you doubt

Faith so that you can believe

Courage to know yourself

Patience to accept the truth

And love to complete your life..."

Hoping for the best to come in life. You deserve to be happy! We both do.

Ready?

2006-12-26T12:14:00.000+08:00

Be prepared to let your emotions out more often

When you feel sad...

cry

When you're angry...

let anger show

When you feel happy...

SMILE!

Thanks!

2006-12-24T11:37:00.000+08:00

Thank you for the warm hugs you've bestowed upon me
Thank you for the sweet thoughts you've given me
Thank you for the undying moments i've had with you
Thank you for showing me the little things in life
Thank you for the care you have given me.
*
Thank you for allowing me to feel tight caresses
Thank you for cuddling me so tight, i won't forget that
Thank you for the sweet kisses
Thank you for sharing with me your inner thoughts
Thank you for opening up with me your deep dark secrets
Thank you for adjusting with my tantrums and what-have-you.
*
Thank you for coping up my darker secrets
Thank you for bearing with me life's unwanted ills
Thank you for your immeasurable LOVE...
*
and lastly , but certainly not the least
Thanks for coming into my life!

An ode to my special someone

2006-12-05T06:14:00.000+08:00

Yesterday has gone
Today is almost over
Tomorrow has yet to come
And I’m missing you.

It was so nice
Full of dreams and warm thoughts
With desires quite pure
I can’t even tell
Who saw who first for sure?

It was almost perfect!
Two hearts enjoined
One love…
One spirit…
One soul.

*
I miss you…
I yearn for you
‘would like to be near you
And hold you close
Here in my heart.

( To my only son, Byron Joseph)

Grudge...

2006-11-26T19:25:00.000+08:00

As dusk became near

tiny streaks of sunlight ekeed out

like bursts of sword-like projections

against the gray sky.

*-*

They fade out very slowly but smoothly

unnoticeably becoming vague every second.

*-*

My heart went down too

the fire of love painstakingly diminished

vanishing thru thin hot air.

*-*

There goes my passion

my pure and loving heart torn and withered

almost dried up with hate

crumbled...

burned out...

DEAD.

(Visayan version of this @ Bisaya Bloggers & also @ my friendster site)

My favorite Romantic Poet

2006-11-26T06:12:00.000+08:00

Lord Byron - He was born: George Gordon Byron on the same day of the same month when i was (January 22d, 1788 ) but not the same year of course! He is trully my pick among other romantic poets. I love his name so much that i named my only son after him but he died three days after birth : Byron Joseph.One of Lord Byron's works include: When we two parted

When we two parted

In silence and tears,

Half broken-hearted,

To sever for years,

Pale grew thy cheek and cold,

Colder thy kiss;

Truly that hour foretold

Sorrow to this.

*-*
The dew of the morning

Sank chill on my brow—

It felt like the warning

Of what I feel now.

*-*

Thy vows are all broken,

And light is thy fame:

I hear thy name spoken,

And share in its shame.

*-*
They name thee before me,

A knell to mine ear;

A shudder comes o'er me—

Why wert thou so dear?

They know not I knew thee,

Who knew thee too well:—

Long, long shall I rue thee

Too deeply to tell.

*-*
In secret we met—

In silence I grieve

That thy heart could forget,

Thy spirit deceive.

*-*

If I should meet thee

After long years,

How should I greet thee?—

With silence and tears.

Other Romantic poets that i like are: William Wordsworth ; Samuel Coleridge ; John Keats and William Blake

Tacloban surprise!

2006-11-10T19:58:00.000+08:00

Yeah! it was a surprise really when there was a schedule to go to Tacloban, Leyte for PHNS annual conference. What surprises me most was i've been dying to go to Leyte, particularly Tacloban for more than a decade now and finally there was this chance.

So i grabbed the upportunity right there and then and it turned out to be a great experience ! I got to go to the best tour sites of the region and whallah!.. the next thing i knew I was mesmerized by the entire trip, not to mention i visited the very site where a gruesome incident took place during the American regime in the country, which was part of the very conference i was attending. But it was in Balangiga, Samar, the province next to Leyte, but it was on that place where my surprise took my breath away! Here is the rest of that story... (pls click here)

But one very important moment in my Tacloban trip was the book launching and i was the first one to get hold of a copy, which was signed 'mismo' by the author himself , Prof. Rolly Borrinaga, Phd. ( The Balangiga Conflict Revisited). Here are some pictorials we did:

Prof. Rolando O. Borrinaga

Father Tax and Sir Rolly Borrinaga @ dinner

@ Basey Visita (chapel)

@ Leyte Normal University (LNU) site of the conference

@ the actual site of the Balangiga Incident. @ the back is the replica of the American soldiers and Filipino guerillas as they (Filipinos ) made their attack.

Sir Rolly, Mayor of Balangiga, Madam Churchill, Father Tax

@ the Mac Arthur landing site in Palo, Leyte.

with some of the participants coming from different regions in the Philippines

with Father Tax and the Balangiga Church in the background

the ever famous San Juanico Bridge connecting Leyte and Samar

The Professor and the M.A. Hist. gang

@ Sto. Niño Shrine, Tacloban, Leyte

Thank you Tacloban, and thanks to Prof. Rolly Borrinaga and family. My gratitude won't stop here.

More pictures are posted @ my friendster account: please click here

Sweet smiles!

2006-10-19T18:32:00.000+08:00

"Smile and the world smiles with you... cry and you cry alone."

(click on the pict to enlarge)

So true isn't it? And isn't it also true that it only take 17 muscles in order to smile but 43 to frown. So, might as well SMILE. It's good for the heart too.

And here we are with our biggest smiles ever! This our high School Class batch in Saint Alphonsus Catholic School (S.A.C.S.) during our Funwalk Day last August 5, 2006; when we had our traditional SACS DAY affair which is celebrated every August of every year.

Question: That empty plastic chair in front, whose is it?

Answer: Who's telling you all these?

“Babaye”

2006-10-17T21:28:00.000+08:00

by Isidro “Eddie” Albor (Sept. 24, 2006)
Langub, Argao Municipality, Cebu, Philippines

"...Dawata ning akong gugma
nga maoy tima-an
sa akong pagmahal
pag-amping ug pag-yukbo
sa imong kadungganan
Aron matu-od nga ikaw
gipakatawo ni Bathala.

Ning silong sa langit,
Aron sa pagdim-dim
Sa nagkalain-lain bulak
Nga nagsawilik
Sa mainit nga luha
Initos sa mapangis
Nga kagul-ananan.

Babaye, gihigugma ko ikaw
nianang gugma nga matapos lamang
kon kita matimpasaw sa ngilit sa kamatayon.

Wala ako mahadlok nga ton-an mo ako
Kon unsaon ko ikaw sa paghigugma
nga kanang imong kabu-otan
nga labaw sa imong ka-anyag
Nga maoy nagtudlo kanako niining tanan."

What is it?

2006-10-16T22:35:00.000+08:00

... when i get to do crazy things

... when i tend to befall under your spell

... when i continue to love you though it hurts

... when i cry today but it doesn't matter the next day

... when i smile seeing your face

... when i hate you so much but wants more of you!

... when i care for you, endlessly

... when i miss you every moment

... when hearing your voice feels like heaven!

... when everything about you simply mesmerizes the inner me

How'd you call that?

Langub Part 2 - Cultural data

2006-10-02T18:53:00.000+08:00

Barangay Langub, Argao
South of Cebu province, Philippines

Area: 1,296 square meters

Boundaries: Bounded by Sibonga municipality on the east, Barangay Capio-an on the west, Barangay Sumaguan on the south, Barangay Gutlang on the north.

Site Description:

The place is called “Langub” which means “cave”, but it isn’t conforming to its name because of the fact that there wasn’t any cave at all anywhere in the vicinity, except for a very deep depression down the vlowest point of the area which is quite unreachable. According to the local community, the place was called such because of the sloping contour of the entire area almost forming like a cup.

Several landscape formations can be seen as one goes up on higher grounds. Also, a few of nature’s wonders are scattered around the area like natural cold springs which flows down smoothly one after the other beside the road. A calm river, Langub River, softly runs across all the way through, almost cutting Langub into half.

Few springs also sprouted along the Barangay road side, and across the provincial route going north, making it one of the most abundant water resource in early times.

Natural Heritage:

1. Oldest tree----Century-old Mango tree- located approximately 200 mts from the Barangay Hall.

2. Oldest person--- Mr. Cosme Ybañez- 90 yrs old-

3. Water source --- Langub River - cutting across the Barangay- east bound.

4. Trees found ---Tugas, Sambag, Lomboy, Acacia, Coconut, Banana, Mahogany, age-old Bamboo, Kamansi, Kolo scattered around.

5. Birds present--- Tingkarol, Galansiyang, Punay, Siloy, Tukmo, Buntog, Quaill, Pogo.

6. Plants --- Naper (horse food), Corn, Papaya, Guava, Adelfa, Atis.

7. Animals --- Carabao, Cow, Goat, Horse, Dog, Cat

8. Insects ---Butterflies, Bees, "Lampinig", "Liguan", red ants, black ants, brown ants

9. Natural Springs-- abound

Built Heritage:

a. Large Corn Mill---- Oldest public structure .

b. Torta-------- Age-old food during siesta or merienda (Original)/ Kinugay localy known as "Saksak".

c. Wedding tradition-- "Butang-butang"- a family (say family#1) would give something (cow or rice, etc)to another family (#2), then when somebody weds from the giver family (#1), automatically that receiver family (#2) would in turn give the same type of gift which they received before (cow or rice, etc) as a sign of brotherhood and kinship.

"BABAYE" poem

Isidro Albor (author)

d. Poem--------- locally known as "Balak"

e. small corn mill---- in-house grinder for corn within a household.

These are some of the compiled date we got from Langub Barangay, one of the barangay of Argao Municipality, as part of our term paper in M.A. History, U.S.C.

George - Gerlie - Irene - me

The "Langub" which is not

2006-09-25T21:31:00.000+08:00

Hello my dear bloggers! I know it's been a while since i havent updated this, worry not 'coz im back! in fresh flesh and blood. And guess what? I was away for a while riding, hiking, trotting, posing, doing some lectures and climbing ! i have been busy... busy with everything life has to offer!

You see our M.A. History class batch went over to Argao municipality, particularly Langub Barangay to do some cultural mapping as part of our term paper for this semester. So very early on the sunday morning of September 17, we met @ Mc Do and off we went to Barangay Langub. We were expecting to see the langub (cave), which we actually tried to locate and saw a small dent down the road's tail end. It was deep enough that we didnt go down any further for fear of mishaps or something like it. We were told nobody really knew of any cave but made statements of that depression down under. So, we pursued our original task and did more.

Here is more of our story: Let me tell about the birds and the bees and ... ooppps! sorry, got carried away for a while there.
I said i was riding 'coz i rode a horse! Yep! horsy horsy horsy. We found him slowly trotting down the slipway below the bridge of Langub, and thought we could go for a ride or two! It was so fun, i didnt know i was already up his back! It felt wierd enough feeling his body warmth under my thighs... wooooooo! he he!
And then, we (my M.A. friends) went over a little farther that's why i said i was walking! I can't imagine we walked a little over two kilometers! or was it three?

We parked our vehicle beside the first corner on the way to the Barangay hall 'coz the road seemed to slide down some 45 degrees and winding! I'm sure it was a long and winding road... like the song. After some hiking and riding, our legs got carried away too soon that we started to do the trot...? Yeah, right. I was doing the trot. So?

Then after going down the lowest point there, we climbed up all the way to where we all started walking! Oh boy! Was that fun! Our knees kept telling us: "enough is enough". Well, we did stop for a pose or two and went for some snapshots.

We joined in the regular session of the barangay and got to met with the captain complete with the other barangay officials. We got to meet a few locals and became our new acquaintances including children. They were sweet and kind and smiling as well. It felt good knowing we are on safe hands considering we were on a place quite strange to us all.

And then, the best of it all... the River!. Oh yeah! Finally, we stepped on the right spot! We have been going around almost in cirlces to find the water source and EUREKA! We've found what we were looking for. It was imposing, grand, thrilling, exciting! We got to sift some fossils beneath its cool clear water. And i found my share of archaeological artifacts. The river ran across the barangay, cutting the Langub landforms like scissors. A few poses here and there made it feel good!

With the cow, a horse, a few carabaos, a forest of coconut trees, old roads, very old vintage trees, a few rocks, new acquaintances, a very old bridge, a river and lots of smiles... ahhh, we couldn't ask for anything more!

King's Gate

2006-07-30T10:20:00.000+08:00

Gate of the King

Considered one of the the heritage structure in Argao Municipality. It has been preserved quite well with a few modifications on the sides. It has become one of the heritage structure and a tourism artifact (if i may say) boastfully standing in the beautiful municiplity of Argao,while luring the tourist to its gradeur and holiness, as Argao has always been a very religious place to behold!

Just a week ago, my friends of the M.A. History graduate studies and i visited the place for our archaelogy class. Here is a photo of the top part of the King's Gate, where going up there meant a feat because you cannot just climb freely and erectly but crawl your way up 'coz the hole is hardly one yard in diameter square. And won't you wonder how it was like going down...? Well, the same way we went up... CRAWL!

Click on the picture to zoom in.

Archaeology... why not!

2006-07-24T19:10:00.000+08:00

Last weekend I opened my eyes to an old but interesting endeavor in knowing more of our past in these present timeline. I didn’t realize it would be so informative until I did some diggings. Oh, sorry, have I told you I’m into earth moving, hauling, etc. I mean…did I say ARCHAEOLOGY already? Well, I surely did! In Argao, one of the beautiful municipalities south of Cebu, we uncovered more about the Philippines, way before any foreigners came over and yes, it was wonderful!

I’m so thrilled to tell you I’m taking up a class this semester- History 296- Archaeological Essay about diggings and finding the real score if not the ultimate truth of long ago, by studying the earth’s crust and inner core. Actually, it’s not exactly the core we dug but mind you, we found some hidden information underneath the earth way back the Ming Dynasty, or was it?

Yeah, yeah, you must say I’m overstating it all but how would you call these:

These are from different eras of Philippine history. The blue and white porcelain was from early chinese settlers; the honeycomb-patterned stone is a coral of the sea during the Paleolithic era; the reddish-brown broken pottery item came from the early cavemen, which were used as liquid jars either for water or fruit juices; the white petite porcelain came from Europe and would one not wonder why it was here?

Anyway, Professor John Peterson from the University of Texas is handling the course. He came in all the way from the U.S.A. to help us learn more of Archaeology in M.A. History students.

The trip we had was fantastic, at least for me anyway. We climbed up more than a couple of hills up north very steep corn fields of Cansuje, a very rich agricultural municipality of Argao, and saw what ordinary eyes or shall I say- untrained sight- can’t see at first glance. Imagine stumbling all these after three or four rounds of trekking (back and forth) stepping on freshly tilled land. I guess we were color-blind at first, but after a few minutes… walllahh!

He told us, these potteries which I and some of us found, are signs that there were people living in the area a few thousand years ago, maybe for a brief moment or during a season or while the stars came out or every full moon. Whichever it was, I’m certain the stones I got were part of their lifetime experiences, which I am now holding in my lifetime.

More of our field trip:Click on the tags and off you go!

1. Digs 2. More diggings 3. The ladies and a Gentleman

4. M. A. History Group 5.undergrads 6. Up there

7. The author 8. The Gate 9. Inside 10. The pose

Baywalk, phase 1... phase 2

2006-07-16T07:29:00.000+08:00

This is a scene from the ever beautiful seaside view of Roxas Boulevard named: Baywalk. It has been a famous hot spot since the mayor of Manila City (Atienza) made it possible. It stretches out into a 1 km. brickpaved boulevard, filled with resto bars, snack stalls, music lounges and more.

During nightime, it is the best outdoor entertainment center close to the US embassy (right next to it), fronting the holy Malate Church and the ever so popular- Rizal Park or Luneta (the place where Jose P. Rizal was executed). A very wholesome place to be specially at night!

Last week, a huge storm splashed over this magnificent landscape, pushing in gigantic waves across the bay area forcing the cool calm waters of Manila Bay to rush in enoumously! Here ia a view of the bay at the height of the typhoon.

It was learned that this powerful storm killed 9 people including a 7-yr old girl and a 4-yr old boy.

Founder's Day

2006-07-12T19:37:00.000+08:00

This is the theme of Founder's Day In University of San Carlos (USC) to held on August 19-26, 2006.

Every year it is celebrated with much enthusiasm. I'm sure it's gonna be a wonderful week! I am as excited as any undergrad student ('though i belong to the graduate studies level) 'coz it would mean, an entire week of fun and games!

USC has been with us here in Cebu since 1595 when it was yet a college institution. since then this University continued its commitment in imparting more knowledge to the community, thus garnering the prestige as one of the leading academic institution in our country.

Move on further beloved USC!

FIFA 2006 Gold BALL

2006-07-10T19:25:00.000+08:00

And ITALY got it! Congratulations!

Ciao!

2006-07-08T09:13:00.000+08:00

This is how one greets someone in Italian. Yes, Hello! Tommorow will be the finale game of the FIFA World cup 2006! And it would be Italy against France!

Every four years FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) of french origin, founded at the back of the headquarters of the Union Française de Sports Athlétiques in Paris (May 21,1904), was a foundation act signed by these representatives authorized associations namely:

France - Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques USFSA
Belgium - Union Belge des Sociétés de Sports UBSSA
Denmark - Dansk Boldspil Union DBU
Netherlands - Nederlandsche Voetbal Bond NVB
Spain - Madrid Football Club
Sweden - Svenska Bollspells Förbundet SBF
Switzerland - Association Suisse de Football ASF

Today, it has gone huge, even more grandeouso! This year's host is Gemany, with its giant football ball standing boastfully against the ever famous Brandenbug gate of Freedom.

I became interested with footbal since i got married 'coz my hubby was once a player during his seminary days in Casiciaco, Bagiuo City completing his theology course. Since then, football to me is included in my sports world. And tommorow is D-DAY! I kinda like the Italians, not only for thier great performances but mainly for their great smiles!

Vincalo tutto, Italia!

Visayan Culture, etc.

2006-07-08T09:06:00.000+08:00

Hello there! Here is one cool website, all about Visayan Songs! As you all know by now i am an avid fan of our very own culture. It feels it is asn integral part of me.

Since childhood, i always get enticed with Visayan folklores, norms, dances, games, tales, poems and music. Everytime a relative came in for a visit, i always find it comforting to jive with them even though they were twice ot thrice my age. Tales of the unknown doens't lure me much but "BALAK" (poems) wow! They got me right in one stanza!

Over the years, local dialects interests me much, including "Ilonggo". The way they are to be uttered, where the accent would fall, or how it would turn out whenever coupled with a noun or a verb or what-have-you. As always, since i got to go places most specifically Manila, i always use the ever popular "Bisaya" (coming from the Visayas island groups thus the name) dialect, and not Tagalog, because i didn't see any purpose of changing it, Afterall, who can say it better huh.

I'm am this proud to be a Filipina, Bisaya, Cebuana and most of all an adopted Oponganon, coz my family just moved a couple of years back. And talking in Visayan dialect and singing the Visayan songs would most describe me as a person!

Mind thing

2006-07-02T15:24:00.000+08:00

Poem

2006-07-02T08:07:00.000+08:00

Venezian getaway!

2006-06-28T00:21:00.000+08:00

This picture was taken on a very cold December night, 2002 in the eternal city of Rome, Italy. It was a great experience to be in a magnificent place!

The building at the back of me is the Emmanuel II Monument, in honor of the first king of Italy: Victor Emmanuel II. It now serves as the Tomb of Italy's unknown soldier.

I'm blogging about it now 'coz it popped out of my mind just a few minutes ago. Thus, sweet memories came rushing in as if they were bursts of forcefull heartbeats unstoppable with nothing but reminiscense.

And this is how it looks during daytime. The entire edifice stands boastfully amidst the ancient Roman style of Architecture surrounding it and in deep contrast, with its bright immaculate white marble shimmering against the illuminating sun, fronting the great Palazzo Venezia, when Venice was still Rome's own State. This building was used as the embassy of Venice. More of my Italian trip, please click here...

I would like to thank a very dear friend who was with me all the way from the time he fetched me from the airport then toured around the great sites and buildings and sending me off for six (6) fun-filled days and nights without whom my stay in Rome wouldn't be as interesting, lively, exciting and as wonderful as can be... not to mention, unforgetable! Thanks so much!

(This is cross-posted in my Friendster blog too.)

Thank YOU!

2006-06-23T22:37:00.000+08:00

My dearest... my darling... my confidante... This is for you.

Thank you for the warm hugs you've bestowed upon me.
Thank you for the sweet thoughts you've given me.
Thank you for the undying moments i've had with you.
Thank you for showing me the little things in life.
Thank you for the care you have given me.

Thank you for allowing me to feel tight caresses
Thank you for cuddling me so tight, i won't forget that
Thank you for the sweet kisses
Thank you for sharing with me your inner thoughts
Thank you for opening up with me your deep dark secrets
Thank you for adjusting with my tantrums and what-have-you

Thank you for coping up my darker secrets
Thank you for bearing with me life's unwanted ills
Thank you for your immeasurable LOVE
and lastly , but certainly not the least...
Thanks for coming into my life!

Friend?

2006-06-20T19:09:00.000+08:00

Hello! or is it Hi?

I know, i should not say it here
I would have emailed you there
and you must be confused
whether this is the truth.

To say the least, i'm a bit derailed
For these unkind words bared
but what the heck
you need to be pecked.

Oh my dear one
my lovely mate
why were you treacherous
when you should have been my soulmate!

Gone...

2006-06-20T18:32:00.000+08:00

Those times when we get to laugh out loud
times when we get to talk so fast
the times when you tried to tell a joke and i didnt get it but smiled
those times when you fill my world with love.. or was it?
times when we both share the oneness in our hearts...

They are gone now... gone with everything i cherished
gone with my deepest care and passion within me
gone with my dreams of getting closer and dearer
gone with the wind, they say.

It's sad, trully sad

when i don't see you anymore
when i can't see you anymore
when i should not see you anymore
when i must not see you anymore...

when i would not be with you anymore
when i must not be with you anymore
when i should not be with you anymore
when i can't be with you anymore...

What's left with life, huh

You should have cared
you should have sensed it
you should have listened
you should have shared
you should have LOVED.

(this is also posted in my other weblogs: My Heart Beats and Friendster)

Happy Birthday Lapu-Lapu City!

2006-06-17T14:03:00.000+08:00

Today, June 17, 2006: marks the 45th anniversary celebration of Lapu-Lapu as a chartered city. It was initially done on June 17, 1961, where the late Philippine president himself Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, together with Hon. Mayor then Mariano Dimataga, signed the official papers of Republic Act 3134.

Today, 45 years later, Lapu-Lapu City has emerged high from its low-profile municipality to a highly technical yet working avant-garde OPONGANONS in the Vasayan metropolis, who are in harmony with its co-cities and pursuing the ultimate goals of success with advancing capabilities and enhanced communication facilities for a better and honest service .

A street parade highlighted the event with almost all sectors of the community represented.

Blue Majorettes

Lapu-Lapu city Army Patrol

Boy Scouts Lapu-Lapu City counterpart

Philippines Air Force- Lapu-Lapu Division

Lapu-Lapu City S.W.A.T. Team

The marchiing Majorettes

With Madam Paz (first lady of Lapu-Lapu City) and City Councilors

With Hon. Mayor Radaza

The City Engineers Of Lapu-Lapu City

Lapu-Lapu Navy

Official T-shirt of the day

A special visit!

2006-06-10T19:40:00.000+08:00

It was quite a day for me last Thursday because I got to meet some very important international figures. One was the Portuguese Ambassador to the Philippines: His excellency (H.E.) Joao Caetano da Silva.

He was accompanied with other equally important Portuguese persona: Professor Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Director of the Portuguese Center for Southeast Asian Studies. Also with them were Fr. Gapuz of USC and Dr. Resil B. Mojares (not in the picture)-Professor Emiritus and historian, also in the University . These men were at the University of San Carlos in CAFA (College of Architecture and Fine Arts) theater to celebrate together with the Cebuanos a great Portuguesan week (June 6-10, 2006).

Professor Ivo delivered a great lecture on Portuguese maritime adventures during the infant stage of Philippine history, even before the coming of the Spaniards themselves. His facts presented were also documented in a book he was promoting on his visit here in the university.

As I am one of the students in graduate studies in History of University of San Carlos (USC), I get the chance to meet and be with them up close and personal. So off went my mobile phone cam taking snapshots after another. Good thing though, this cellphone camera of mine never has failed me yet.

Here is the rest of the story…click here

On letting go and coping with it…

2006-06-10T11:38:00.000+08:00

Sure thing everyone has experienced some frustrations, whether at work, with a person or in a relationship. Young and old alike, both are susceptible to misunderstandings and disappointments, which leads to bitterness in dealings and emotions. Everybody does a couple of unexpected tantrums (that’s why they are called such, anyway) whenever they are hurt or emotionally low. But do not let them overtake you, instead, learn from it and move on….

Sounds simple to undertake huh, but mind you, it is not.

Coping with the misfortunes and disappointments in a relationship, means a great deal of sacrifice and hard work. It needs one to be brave and honest with the feelings experienced in time. It allows a person to be succumbed to the dark truth, which, in effect causes such sadness.

Perhaps one reason for this is: too much expectations. If you allow yourself to be drowned with the things the other party can or would do for you then, you need to examine yourself.

Being in the realm with another person’s life, deals not only with that person’s well being but also the hard reality of the situation itself. And realizing such, the fact remains that life itself is hard enough to cope with much less a friendship.

Goodbye...

2006-06-03T10:20:00.000+08:00

I died a slow death

Gasping, wanting and ranting

trying to reach out and touch

the heart that once was there.

Breached, betrayed and fooled and confused

the searching soul abounds...

thou giveth thy heart to thee

unmindful and true to thine

lest cared, loved but lost

unselfishly to yield and forgiveth.

Why...?

On celebrating : Month of the Ocean

2006-05-21T19:07:00.000+08:00

The Philippines is currently dedicating this month to the ocean. Its rich and wide sugar-white sandy beaches circling around the coastal perimeter of each island boasts all the more the treasures it has stored for all of us.

Particularly in Mactan Island where I am presently located at this very moment, we are proud enough to be one of the top tour destination sites for local visitors as well as foreigners. Our coastal resources, has been restored slowly but surely back to its richness in terms of underwater flora and fauna.

Thanks to the local leaders and the local community for their undying effort to give importance to our sea treasures. And may I also commend some international organizations for their support and trust in helping our country regain its dying ocean environment.

D I F F E R E N C E S between LOVE and LIKE!

2006-05-19T07:19:00.000+08:00

In front of the person you love, your heart beats faster
But in front of the person you like, you get happy.

In front of the person you love, winter seems like spring
But in front of the person you like, winter is just a beautiful winter.

If you look into the eyes of the one you love, you blush
But if you look into the eyes of the one you like, you smile.

In front of the person you love, you can' t say everything on your mind
But in front of the person you like, you can.

In front of the person you love, you tend to get shy
But in front of the person you like, you can show your ownself.

Then the person you love comes into your mind every 2 minutes.

You can't look straight into the eyes of the one you love
But you can always smile into the eyes of the one you like.

When the one you love is crying, you cry with them
But when the one you like is crying, you end up comforting.

The feeling of love starts from the eye
And the feeling of like starts from the ear.

So if you stop liking a person you used to like
All you need to do is cover your ears

But if you try to close your eyes
Love turns into a drop of tear and remains in your heart forever after.

Author Unknown
(puffin.com)

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

2006-04-16T13:56:00.000+08:00

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them ".

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And! the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love! , whether it's family, pets,keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
---------------------------------------------------------
This was e-mailed to me and i'm glad to share it with you!

Easter egg... its story

2006-04-16T10:19:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time… Oh, actually, it really didn’t go like that. Instead, it can be better understood by enumerating some key points:

The Festival
This celebration of Easter goes back a long time. Its origins can be traced back to the times when religion didn’t exist yet, because, it was a pagan ritual! It was their way of merry making for the return of springtime thus giving due credit to their Goddess of Spring and a festival was held in her honor as told in ancient times of the Anglo-Saxons (early culturally related inhabitants of Britain) around mid-5th century A.D.

The Period
The pagan year usually has four cardinal days (periods) for celebration, that is: fall, midwinter, spring, and midsummer. And traditionally, during the Vernal Equinox (the day or period of days in spring when the days and nights are approximately equal in length), a huge feast was held celebrating a new life or nature resurrection, in another way of saying.

The Name
So many views were told about the name/word “Easter”. First it was taken from the Anglo-Saxon Spring goddess: Eostre. Then, it evolved into “Easter” from the old English version of Spring Festival. As quoted from, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. (1994-1998 edition), it stated "…the term Easter, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ, comes from the Old English easter or eastre, a festival of spring….”

The Egg
Finally, we are now taking up the EGG. These are primitive symbols of FERTILITY. It was learned that Christians adapted it as “…symbol of the tomb from which Christ rose…”. Today, exchange of Easter-colored-eggs means new life and fertility.

There you go, I hope I have enlightened some vague minds about the Easter egg story. As for the Eastern bunny, well, it was supposedly the “…sacred companion of the Goddess of Spring (Eostre)…”.

Cross, nailed to it... or not

2006-04-15T11:29:00.000+08:00

Personally, i don't think it needs to be done. I believe religion is a personal thing. One expresses his/her own sentiment on things and he/she doesn't need anyone else to lecture him/her on how things are. Certainly not!

If i were a man, still, i'm not apt to being nailed myself on the cross. I mean, i can do other things besides this; a million more stuffs, for self expression on belief and faith.

Oh, don't get me wrong here. i'm just being practical, at least to myself.

Religion really is huge! One just can't or can believe on this or that. He/ she needs something / someone to hold on to. Whatever belief one has, he/she is entitled to his/her own opinion. What is important is the fact that one's acts may not hinder or endanger another man's well being. As long as he/she is loyal and do it the way it should be done in line with the teachings and belief it explains, then one must abide with it truthfully and without prejudice. That way one may acquire happiness thru peace of mind and wholeness of the heart and soul; and in turn interacting joyfully with another person making it a harmonious life here on earth!

Wow! i can't believe i said that!

Anyway, life is what we make it, right? A Blessed Black Saturday to you all!

JESUS !

2006-04-14T08:33:00.000+08:00

Picture -perfect image of our dear JESUS. And perfect too for today's occasion: Good Friday... He suffered on the cross for all humanity.

" For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life."(John 3:16:)

Amazing picture really because if you stare long enough, you will see more... Want to try it now?

Blessed Good Friday- April 14, 2006

( One of the great emails i received; thanks so much!)

The Difference Between Rich and Poor People?

2006-04-14T08:12:00.000+08:00

(This was e-mailed to me, thanks so much! )

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

"Life is too short and friends are too few."

(For Good Friday, April 14, 2006 )

"No time to pray" (The difference)

2006-04-13T21:36:00.000+08:00

by Grace L. Naessens

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish, I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and grew heavier with each task;
Why doesn't God help me, I wondered; He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me - He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

For Holy Thursday- April 13, 2006

2006-04-13T11:30:00.000+08:00

IF...

Rudyard Kipling
(1856-1936)

If you can keep your head when all about you,
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good or talk too wise:

If you can dream and not make dreams your master;
If you can think and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the words you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them:"Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a man, my son!

(One of my fave poem; 'wish i met the guy.)