What's On My Mind

What happened last Saturday was really tragic. But what can we really do when Mother Nature unleashed its fury on us?

Watching the news makes me cry. My heart breaks every time I hear the stories of the ordeal people had to go through last Saturday. People are suffering so much, not only because of the damage to their properties but because of the loss of the lives of their loved ones.

I know that no words uttered to them will be able to console them for whatever it is that they are going through right now.

All I can offer is my sincere prayer that God’s love will embrace and comfort them during this most difficult trial in their lives.

Let us pray for one another and share whatever time or resources we have to those who have lost so much.

Anti Tetanus Shot

Last Saturday, because of Typhoon “Ondoy,” Dan (my brother) and I were forced to wade through the floods so we can go home (here’s the link to the post). While walking through thigh deep water, my flip flops got stucked in a hole and was destroyed. My brother than lend me his rubber slippers while he wore his rubber shoes without socks.

The friction of the shoes against his small finger on his foot created an open wound. Despite the wound and due to our eagerness to go home, he ignored his wound and continued walking through the floods.

By Sunday night, he had slight fever and then on and off fever yesterday. Early morning today at around 3:30 am, he said that he is having a hard time opening and closing his jaws and that his back aches.

Alarmed that he might have contacted tetanus or leptospirosis while wading in the flood, my other brother Paul and I decided to accompany him to Dr. Jesus Delgado Memorial Hospital

There he was given an anti-tetanus shot, a medicine as a prophylaxis against leptospirosis, pain killer and paracetamol. His wound was cleaned by the nurse as well.

My father called my aunt who is a physician to refer the incident and to ask whether the right medicine was given to him.

My aunt told my father that the symptoms of tetanus will only be manifested after eight days and that the numbness in his jaw might be psychological. His fever might be due to wound infection.

I know that we might have panic about the situation but it is better to be safe than sorry. At least we don’t have to worry about infection, tetanus or leptospirosis.And we don’t have to spend for anything at the emergency room because his hospital needs were covered by his HMO.

He's Home

I can finally breath a sigh of relief! After not having any contact with Boyet for the past three days, I was able to talk to him on the phone a few minutes ago.

Last Saturday,he went to Cainta to get his mobile phone from his friend at the height of the storm. He was not able to go home to Marikina anymore because the water started to rise. He was stranded in Cainta for three days.

He was not able to contact his family and me because his cellphone got wet in the flood and the phone lines in the area got cut.

I was very anxious the past few days, worrying about what happened to him already.

I'm grateful that he was able to go home this afternoon.

Thank you, Lord!

The Long Walk Home

Because I knew that there was a tropical storm hitting Metro Manila ,I was hesitant to leave our house yesterday to attend the meeting at our office in Rosario, Pasig . But when the heavy downpour of rain turned to drizzle early in the morning, I decided to proceed to our office.

When I reached our office at 8:30 am, the rain started pouring heavily again. At around 10:00 am, my brother Paul called me up on my mobile phone informing me that the areas near our house was submerged in rain water and that our garage had water already. Alarmed because this was the first time this happened to our place, I asked permission from our supervisor if I could leave so that I can help my brother and father to secure our things that might be wet by the flood.

I was standing for almost an hour along Ortigas Extension,Pasig and there were no public transportations plying that route. A lot of people were stranded in the rain waiting for a ride home to pass by just like me. A stranger approached me and asked me where I was going and I told her I'm going to Cubao, Quezon City to get a ride to our place in Quirino District. She told me that she was on her way to Cubao when the jeepney she was riding on decided to go back to Ortigas Extension because the area along Green Meadows on E. Rodriguez, Libis is flooded. All the vehicles in that area were all in a halt.

Her news alarmed me because I can no longer proceed to my destination because there were no transportation available to where I was going.

I called my youngest brother Dan who worked near where I was if I could meet up with him because I can't go home because of the flood. He said there work were already cancelled and that he'll pick me up at Jollibee-Rosario. It was lunch time already when I was able to contact him so I decided to eat my lunch at Jollibee while waiting for him.

It was already 1:00 pm when my brother pick me up because he had to wade through flood waters because there office warehouse was submerged in flood.

The rain did not stop from pouring so there's no way the flood water will go down that will make it possible for public transportation vehicles to take passengers to their destination. My brother and I decided that if we want to go home we had no other choice but to walk through the rain and wade through the floods. We knew that if the rain will not stop the flood water will continue to rise and that will make it more difficult to go home.

We place all our valuables inside a plastic and then put it inside our bags so that it will not be wet by the rain; and started on our long walk home.

From Ortigas Extension we transversed E Amang Rodriguez Avenue and waded through ankle deep flood. As we go further down the avenue, we had to walk through thigh deep flood and there were no dry area in sight. I hold on to my brother because the water current is so strong. We walk slowly and carefully because we cannot see some of the road we are stepping on. A lot of people were walking too and wading through the floods. I don't know how long E. Amang Rodriguez Avenue is going to Marcos Highway.

But despite the rain and the flood, my brother and I never complained along the way. We even sang some songs to amuse ourselves.

After walking for an hour we reached Marcos Highway drenched in the rain. We were hoping that we could catch a truck that will take us to Aurora Boulevard but we were not lucky to catch one that is not full with people. We had no choice but to walk again through flood water until Santolan. When we reached the area near SM Marikina, we could see that the basement parking lot of the mall was flooded already, the Marcos bridge where we were, the water below it is just a few meters before it could reached the bridge. The water along the Marikina River has spilled to the nearby areas, the Riverbank Mall was submerged in flood water, it looks like a vast ocean was in front of me.

This leg of the trip was the hardest for my brother and I, our hearts were broken to see the people below the bridge where we were. There were already on the roofs of their houses asking to be rescued. We saw one family with children with no clothes on, they were on a make shift floating device holding on to a rope that will bring them to safety. A lot of people were on the bridge, soaked in the rain, waiting for their other family members trapped in floods more than ten feet high to be rescued and brought to the bridge.

When we reached Aurora Boulevard and turned towards J.P Rizal, my brother and I were on high spirits already, a few meters more and we are home at last after more than two hours of walking. But turning towards Anonas Street, we were disappointed to learn that the water there was almost six feet high. The soldiers assisting anyone who want to cross through Anonas by holding through a rope are available if you want to proceed. But a man coming from the other side warned us not to continue even if there was a rope because the current is really strong in the middle, we might be swept away by the water.

We went to one of the shops where I go to every time I reload my cell phone and asked permission if we could stay there till the water along Anonas subside. She was kind enough to let us stay inside the shop. I was then able to make phone calls to our house and asked how they were. We were grateful that our house was not submerged in flood and the phone lines were not cut, although there were no electricity in our area already. We then told them that my brother and I were safe and that we will wait for the water to go down before we go home.

It was already 5:00 pm and the water was still high, my brother and I were both feeling cold already because of our wet clothing. I was starting to worry because it will be dark soon and we were not yet home. I knew if the water won't go down we have no choice but to stay where we were or transfer at the nearby St. Joseph's Church.

Because I was anticipating that the flood water will continue to submerge our area till late in the night, I went to a nearby small department store and bought clothes and underwear that my brother and I can change into because we were both chilling already.

By 6:30 pm, we were informed that the water in Anonas were up to waist deep only so my brother and I waste no time and hurriedly went to Anonas. When we passed through Anonas and into Marang Street, my brother and I were so happy that we were near home. A few more steps and we were at house in Durian Street and we couldn't be more happier.

I am so grateful that we came home safe and that I have my brother with me during that very hard travel home. He was the perfect companion, never complaining and he made me feel safe.

Will Be Back

Because of Typhoon "Ondoy," the power in our area has only been restored. I am really tired because I waded in the flood and walked many kilometers just to reach home.

I'll be back with the detailed story of my long journey to home.

Help For Daniel

This will be my 200th post.

Hello everyone, in my September 17 post, I mentioned about the $3 Project for Daniel. The project raised for this precious baby’s treatment has reached $563.24 through the generosity of bloggers around the world. But this amount is still far from the $60,000 needed for his liver transplant which will be performed in Taiwan. I’m reposting the letter of Daniel’s mom, appealing for help to save her child’s life.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My name is Ma. Clarisa Arevalo Samson. I am a mother of two, named Gwyneth Ann and George Daniel. For the meantime, we are living in my parent’s house located at Blk 8 Lot 43,Barangay San Rafael 1, San Jose del Monte City,Bulacan,Philippines

I wrote to you this letter to ask for financial help for our baby George Daniel. My son Daniel was born with a life threatening disease called “Biliary Atresia”. It is a congenital condition characterize by the absence or closure of the bile ducts that drain bile from the liver. Biliary Atresia is a progressive inflammatory process that begins very soon after birth. In Daniel’s case, he was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia when he was already 2 months old. During that time, there was already a significant amount of damage to his liver. White blood cells invaded the ducts, which became damaged or closed completely. Bile was trapped inside the liver and rapidly caused liver cirrhosis.

An operation called “Kasai Method” was done on Daniel by Surgeons Dra. Minas, Dr. Baluga and Dr. Miguel at the UST Hospital last June 10, 2009. It is an operation that removes the damaged biliary ducts outside the liver. Then, the small intestine is directly attached to the liver at the spot where bile is found or expected to drain. This procedure is not a cure but rather a temporary solution to be able to give Daniel some more time to find the necessary funding for his operation and the matching liver type. Unfortunately, although the operation was done, his liver continued to fail. Our doctors told us that there is no other course but to have a liver transplant.

Unfortunately, liver transplant is not yet available locally but it can be done in Taiwan for P3 million pesos. This amount is simply beyond the means of our family. If my son will not be able to have a liver transplant soon, he will die. All we want is to see our son live that’s why we are appealing to your charity and compassion.

Donations can be deposited to:Bank of the Philippine Islands branch under the account name Ma. Clarisa A. Samson, S.A. No. 3536 0445 53. Every peso counts. I beg you, please help us.

Thank you for your time in reading my letter and we are hoping for your kind help.

God Bless,

Ma. Clarisa SamsonTel. Nos.: (+632) 393-0043,cellphone: +63929-4984092,email: mcba_clover0114@yahoo.com

Matthew 5 : 7-8 ‘Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy, Blessed are the Pure of heart, for they shall see God’

For more updates about this project or you wish to donate through paypal, just visit Niko's blog.

God whispers

I received an email yesterday regarding the status of a special project I’m working on and sadly, the mail informed me that they are rejecting my offer. I’ve never expected that they will reject my proposal.

Although I feel bad about the situation, I still continued reading the other emails sent to me. One of the emails was from “God whispers,” and it says:

Dear Joy,
Don't give up. Life rewards those who persevere.
I promise you that if you don't give up, ultimately, you will find that open door. It has been waiting for you.

Your Door Opener,
God

P.S. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Joy , I made you tough.

Reading this email, lifts up my spirit and encourage me to never give. I may have failed on this one but that does not mean I have to stop and quit already. I must continue trying until I succeed.

This rejection will not defeat me but it will inspire me.

If you want to receive encouraging messages too you may want to subscribe atwww.GodwhispersClub.com.

Peanut Brittle and Piaya

I’m one lucky girl! I received some special treats from my friends!

Before Ate Del left last Friday for Baguio, she asked me what I want for “pasalubong.” I told her I want some peanut brittle. So yesterday, I got my peanut brittle from her.

Peanut brittle is a thin candy wafer made from peanuts, salt, sugar and shortening. These ingredients are mixed, boiled and poured on a thin metal sheet and allowed to cool down. Peanut brittle is one of Baguio’s delicacies. It’s sweet and very delicious.

Another tasty treat I had yesterday were the piaya given to me by Ate Kathy .Ate Kathy’s shared the piaya from a friend who came back from his trip from Iloilo.



Piaya on the otherhand is a flat unleaved bread made from flour, sugar,salt, butter and sesame seeds, very yummy!

It was an afternoon filled with yummy treats for me.

Done Deal! Noynoy and Mar in 2010

It’s official! Liberal Party Presidential Candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III declared that Manuel “Mar” Roxas III is his running mate for the May 2010 Poll. This announcement was made yesterday, September 21, 2009 which is the anniversary of the Martial Law.

Last week, the administration party Lakas-Kampi proclaimed Secretary of Defense Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro as their official Presidential Candidate with Secretary Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno as Vice-Presidential Candidate.

With the announcement of the Aquino-Roxas tandem, it is said that talks of a possible single candidate for the opposition is now impossible. Former President Joseph Estrada said that he will continue with his Presidential candidacy but has not yet declared who his Vice-Presidential Candidate will be.

Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar, who is the first to announce his Presidential Aspiration has not yet announce who his running mate will be. His Nacionalista Party is said to be choosing among Senator Pia Cayetano, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero III as the party’s official Vice Presidential Candidate.

Other Presidential Aspirants like Vice-President Noli De Castro, Senator Loren Legarda and Metro Manila Development Authority Bayani Fernando have not declared whether they will continue with their candidacy or run instead as Vice-President.

The political landscape in the country is getting more interesting and intriguing with November, the month of filling candidacy is just around the corner.

Disappointed

I was excited with all the activities laid out for Sunday. I even prepared my clothes and the things I'll be needing in my bag as early as Saturday afternoon.

My morning started all right but as the afternoon progresses all the planning I've done didn't materialize, everything was turning into a sour note.I even forgot the gift for the party I was to attend to.

Boyet and I were irritated with each other for the rest of the afternoon and we were seated apart from each other during the party.

But the time off from each other, being away from each other,gave us the chance to think about the things that occured earlier in the day. So before the day ends, we had the chance to sort things out and make-up.

It is just frustrating planning for things,expecting having a good time;only to be disappointed in the end.

Sometimes, not planning at all and just being spontaneous can sometimes bring better results.

Sunday Oldies

Every Sunday, my father loves to listen to the old tunes being played in the radio. The radio would be playing songs from the 50's to the 70's. And my father would have a blast listening to the songs of his youth. Sometimes I even catch him doing some little dancing. I know his having a good time remembering certain events associated with a certain song. So if ever you are in our area on a Sunday, you know it's our house if you hear the songs from the Beatles, Beegees, The Platters, Beach Boys, Peter, Paul and Mary and many others.

No one dares to touch the station and change it to another one which is playing the latest hits because my father would not allow it. But my sibling and I don't really interfere with his listening pleasure because this is something that gives simple enjoyment to him. And in a way we learn to appreciate the music from the older generation.

One of my favorite tunes from the past is "Puff, the Magic Dragon" by Peter Paul and Mary I was in elementary when I heard this for the first time and my imagination was already running with images of a happy magic dragon who "lives by the sea." Some of Peter, Paul and Mary other hits were "Lemon Tree" and of course "Leaving on a Jet Plane."

Peter, Paul and Mary is composed of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stokey and Mary Tevor. They are folk singers. Mary Trevor died of Leaukemia last week. To Peter,Paul and Mary, thank you for sharing your music to the world.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

I was back at the National Bookstore yesterday to take advantage of their cut price booksale. While scouting for a good read, I saw this new book by Bo Sanchez "Don't Worry, Be Happy, 7 Secrets to Achieve Your Dream and Enjoy Great Happiness Today."

In my September 10 entry, I was sharing about the latest talk of Bo featured at Radio Veritas,and it was all about the seven ways to happiness. I was not aware that these series of talk has been made into a book already.

So if you were not able to listen to that teaching series because it was early in the morning every time it was broadcast, you can get a copy of the book instead and learn how to achieve great happiness in life.

I know that this new book from Bo will surely enrich the life of all who reads it.

Be inspired! Be happy!

For Book Lovers

Ate Kathy’s daughter Kamille is having her 18th birthday celebration on Sunday, September 20,2009.

From Ate Kathy, I’ve learned that her daughter loves to read books so I decided to give her a book as a present.

Yesterday, I went to National Bookstore to look for Kamille’s gift and I was happy to discover that National Bookstore is having their annual cut price book sale. Books on sale have color coded stickers on them that indicates their price discount.

Since, I enjoyed Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist,” I decided to find another book from the same author as a gift to her (Kamille). I had a hard time choosing which title to buy because all of his books are beautifully written. All of Paulo Coelho’s books are all on sale, from the books regular price of P245.00 they can now be bought at only P196.00

Because I was in a hurry yesterday, I was not able to browse through the titles on sale. I’ll definitely be back there after work today.

To all book lovers out there, National Bookstore’s cut price book sale is until September 20, 2009 only.

$3 For Daniel Project

While blog hopping, I stumbled upon Niko's blog asking for help for the son of her highschool classmate. Baby George Daniel is very sick and is in need of our special prayers and financial aid.

I have post below the entry made by Niko in her blog.

George Daniel Arevalo Samson, 5 months old son of my high school friend Clarissa has biliary atresia with cirrhosis and is in immediate need of liver transplant. The operation has never been done in the Philippines and the doctor’s advice is to go to Taiwan for the cheapest operation of which will cost roughly 3 Million Pesos ($60,000).

Now, no matter how much I feel ashamed for asking help again, there is a must in my heart that says I have to do it for the sake of the child and their family. I am now on my knees, with tears in my eyes knocking on each of your hearts for $3 to help save Daniel’s life...

I know God moves in mysterious ways and I have faith that the Lord will grant us our fervent wish if we ask in group. I am asking for prayer power and blog power, if you have a blog please spread about this $3 for Daniel Project.Or you might want to click my paypal donate button at my personal blog's sidebar right away, surely your $3 will bring little Daniel to TAIWAN the soonest possible time!

Thank you very much! God bless your heart!

Please visit Niko's blog and help baby Daniel

In Philippine Politics

I have not been watching nor reading the news for days already. I was surprised to see on Yahoo News a post on Senator Panfilo Lacson’s priviledge speech in the senate against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

In that speech, the senator enumerated all the anomalies and crimes President Estrada did even before he became the President of the Philippines; Senator Lacson even said “God save the Philippines from Joseph Estrada.”

Who would have thought that these close allies will turn their backs on one another and become bitter foes?

I just realized that in Philippine Politics: there are no permanent friends and permanent enemies only common interest.

What's Your Default Question In Life

As I’ve posted in my entry last Thursday, I’m listening to Bo Sanchez’s teaching on seven ways to happiness; but the radio frequency of Veritas FM has not been good for days, I was not able to listen to the explanation of the 1st way to happiness which is create your destiny.

I’m fortunate enough though, that I was able get a clear reception this morning and the teaching is now centered on the 2nd way to happiness which is enjoy/accept who you are.

Most people are unhappy because they do not accept who they are. They don’t like themselves.

People are unhappy because their default question in life is what’s wrong in my life? When they wake up in the morning, they focus their attention on what’s wrong with the way I look? What’s wrong with my job? What’s wrong in my life?

Bo said that to be happy we have to change our question to: “What’s right in my life?”
What is good about me? What’s right with my job, with my supervisors at work, with my family?

We must focus our attention on all the good stuffs about us and in our lives and by doing so we become happy.

He ended his talk by giving out this assignment: List down at least twenty –five things you like about yourself.

I’m listing down all the things I enjoy about myself, how about you? What are the things you like about yourself?

Let’s all celebrate our goodness!

Starting My Monday Right

When my school, University of Santo Tomas lost in the cheer dance competition yesterday, I became upset, sad and irritable. I was such a sour loser that I failed to congratulate my brothers who were both graduates of this year’s champion Far Eastern University.

While dropping entrecards late in the afternoon, I realized why am I upset? I was then reminded that Boyet and I almost met an accident while passing through Sumulong Highway. I was so ashamed to discover that I was fretting over a thing that is not really significant yet failed to focus my attention on something that I should really be grateful for. That realization changed my whole outlook and I have a blissful evening.

So this morning, the start of another work week, I decided I must think of all the goodl things that happened the last weekend to begin a happy day.

These are some of the thing I’m grateful for:

The overtime work I was able to accomplish last Saturday gave me the chance to start a day here in the office without so much pressure since all the tasks for last week has been done.

The chance to meet my uncle, my aunt and cousins with my family and grandfather at Trinoma to eat dinner together and have some bonding time.

The warm morning that greeted me today, it has been raining for a week, that rising from bed with the sun already up and shining is such a welcome change.

The chocolates given to me by Ate Del this morning will satisfy my sweet cravings.

This is indeed one lovely day and can’t wait to see the day’s wonderful surprises.

UAAP CHEERDANCE COMPETITION

After the second round robin basketball elimination of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, and the final four basketball teams have been determined, the cheer dance competition is something that I looked forward to.

I'm so happy that my school University of Sto. Tomas made it to the final four along with University of the East, Far Eastern University and The Ateneo Manila University. I know that meeting Ateneo in the play offs is a formidable task because Ateneo, the defending champion is really a tough team to beat. But still, I 'm hoping the growling tigers can beat twice the blue eagles, to earn their place for the championships.

Anyway, going back to the cheer dance competition, the University of Sto Tomas has been first runner-ups to the University of the Philippines for the past two years and was the champion for four consecutive years before being overtaken by the University of the Philippines. So I was hoping that this year they'll get the crown back or just be in the final three. I'm so disappointed that they did not win any place for this year's competition.

The winners for the cheer dance competition are:

Champion: Far Eastern University

1st Runner -up: Ateneo University

2nd Runner-up: University of the Philippines

Well, I just hope my school will do better next year and to the winners congratulations!

Working On A Saturday

I'm here in the office this Saturday morning about to start on my overtime work. I need to encode and print out all the laboratory results needed for release this coming Monday. I was on a rush to finish these paper works yesterday but I was not able to finish it.

I wish I could stay longer in bed specially now that the weather is cold and it's raining hard.

But being here,is not really that bad, as soon as I'm done with this post and finish with my work I can be out of here in no time and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Later on in the evening my family with my grandfather, uncles, aunt and cousins will be meeting each other at Trinoma Mall to celebrate Grandparents' Day and my cousin Krystle's birthday.

Lastly, I really hope that we'll have a better weather, I miss the sun who has been in hiding for a week already and I pity those in the Central Luzon Region who are suffering due to the floods in their areas.

Seven Ways To Happiness

While preparing myself for work, I regularly listen to Bo Sanchez’s* morning show on Veritas 846 AM. “Gabay sa Bibliya sa Radio,” is program on radio where the hosts pray, read a verse from the bible, reflect and do a talk on a specific topic.

This morning, Bo Sanchez is starting a new series and the topic is on finding happiness. He said that happiness is neither an emotion nor a feeling but it is a way of life.

The seven ways to happiness are:

1.Create your own destiny
2.Enjoy and appreciate who you are
3.Nurture your relationships
4.Find delight in everything
5.Embrace change
6.Trust deeply
7.Work on your life's purpose daily

He has just explained this morning what happiness is all about and gave the seven ways to happiness. Each of the said ways to happiness will be explained in details in the coming days. I’m looking forward to these teaching series and I will definitely share here in my blog the things I’ve learned from that show. Or if you want you can tune in every morning at Veritas 846 FM at 5:00 am.

*Bo Sanchez is a Catholic lay preacher, best selling author and main writer of Keryma Magazine, Philippines' no 1 Inspirational Magazine

P.S.
Thank you to Meryl, Gracie and Stacie, I'm feeling a lot better now.

Not Feeling Well and Link From Blog

I’m not feeling well.

My throat is really itchy, I have colds and I’m really feeling tired. I started feeling this way since yesterday. So after eating my dinner last night I was in bed already at 7:00 pm and woke up at 5:00 am. I wanted to file for a sick leave but the office don’t have a reliever right now to do my task. I’ll just see later on if I could just take a half day off.

I guess I’m sick right now because I’m stressing over a lot of things. I’m worrying so much about work and money. I need a break. I need to relax.

But even if I’m not feeling well, I decided to join Link From Blog and see how this website works. Link From Blog offers bloggers like me and you opportunities to write reviews and earn money from these reviews. This is another way to monetize our blogs. So if you’re interested about Link From Blog, just click the banner below.

Tag Time

It has been quite a while since I did a tag, so when I saw this one at Enchie’s blog, I just grabbed it. The tag looks really fun to answer.

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER:

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:00 am, I have work already

2. How do you like your steak? Well done



3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Up



4. What is your favorite TV show? The Amazing Race, Oprah and Seventh Heaven on rerun over at Star World


5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I love living here in the Philippines, this is where I wanna be.


6. What did you have for breakfast: rice and beef strips with oyster sauce

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Filipino and Chinese


8. What foods do you dislike? Not fond of eating anything that is raw like sashimi



9. Favorite place to eat? at Something Fishy



10. Favorite dressing? Italian dressing.



11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? I don’t drive


12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and t-shirts


13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Paris, France


14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full



15. Where would you want to retire? Anywhere in the Philippines as long as I’m with Boyet

16. Favorite time of day? Night time,when everyone's at home



17. Where were you born? Manila



18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Swimming



19. Who do you think will not tag you back? I don’t know



20. Person you expect to tag you back first? I don’t really know, just grabbed this one.


21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Anyone who cares to answer, just to see how similar or different our answers are.


22. Bird watcher? Nope


23.Aree you a morning person or a night person? Morning person


24. Do you have any pets? None


25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? None at the moment


26.What did you want to be when you were little? To be a physician



27. What is your best childhood memory? I have a very happy childhood.

29. Are you married? Not yet.



30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes!



31. Been in a car accident? Nope!



32. Any pet peeves? People who are self-centered and liars



33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pepperoni, a lot of cheese, mushrooms, and bell pepper


34. Favorite Flower? Tulips



35 Favorite ice cream? Rocky Road



36. Favorite fast food restaurant? KFC



37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Don’t know how to drive, never had one



38. From whom did you get your last email? From Ricky, my investment officer



39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Bayo



40. Do anything spontaneous lately? none



41. Like your job? Yes



42. Broccoli? I love broccoli43. What was your favorite vacation :



Anywhere as long as it is with Boyet and my loved ones


44. Last person you went out to dinner with? With my family


45. What are you listening to right now? None at the moment



46. What is your favorite color? yellow



47. How many tattoos do you have? none



48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? anyone who choose to answer this



49. What time did you finish this quiz? 10:36 am



50. Coffee drinker? Yes, but just one cup in the morning

A New Pinoy Super Flyweight Champion

This news made my day!

The Philippines has a new World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-flyweight champion in Marvin Sonsona. The nineteen year old Sonsona defeated through a twelve round uanimous decision Jose "Carita" Lopez of Puerto Rico.

The boxing match which was held in Canada was the first fight of the new champion outside the country; he now has a record of 14-0, with 12 knockouts.

He is a heavily southpaw boxer just like Manny "Pacman" Pacquio and hails from the same city as Pacman which is General Santos City.

It's good to know that we have another boxing champ.

Non-Working Holidays for September and The Amazing Race

After the long weekend break last week, I realized that the next non-working holidays will be on November 1 and 30; I still have to wait for two months for those break from work.

I was suprised when in the evening news last night it was announced that President Gloria Arroyo declared September 7 and 21 as non-working holidays.

September 7, 2009 was declared a holiday to pay respect to the late Iglesia ni Kristo leader Erano Manalo while September 21, 2009 in observance of Eid il Fitr, the end of the Ramadan season for the Muslims.

The long break will afford more time to rest, to blog and to bloghop.

While watching the UAAP Basketball Games in Studio 23, I saw their ads on the new season of:

one of my favorite television shows.

"The Amazing Race or simply TAR," started back in 2001, it's a show with a team of two members racing around the globe, there is a pit stop at each leg of the race , the team that came last at the pit stop will either be eliminated or be penalized, the winner of the race will get one million dollars.

I really loved to join TAR, not only for the money but to see the different countries around the world.

TAR will be aired at Studio 23, starting this Monday, September 7, 2009 at 8:00 in the evening.

My Top Entrecard Droppers for August

I would like to thank the following entrecard droppers:

Jean Squared

Wirez and Circuitz

Photography by KML

atenean 101 @ blogspot

Juliana's World

Frugal Healthy Choices

My Sweet Haven

Grampy and You!

Chatterbox

Coming Back to Life

To all of you,

for taking the time to visit my site and for dropping your entrecards.

I was able to catch “Up” on cinema over the weekend.

I was so excited to see it because everyone’s raving about it. And the movie did not disappoint me at all.

It’s a story on love, friendship and living out your life’s adventure.

One thing I did not expect while watching it is having tears in my eyes during the opening minutes of the movie. The first part of the film is really heartwarming.

“Up” has a very simple story but it really touches the heart.

So if you want to see a movie that is light and funny, do watch “Up.”

August Wrap Up

August has been a blessed month for me and my loved ones.

There were a lot of birthday celebrants in our family. My father's birthday was last August 13, my cousin Leslie's birthday was last August 18 and my youngest brother's birthday was last August 24. The whole family celebrated their birthdays at Something's Fishy in Eastwood City, Libis.

August afforded me and my loved ones a lot of bonding time together because of the many holidays celebrated this month. Most of the holidays were either celebrated on the Friday or the Monday, so there's a long weekend rest.

But the biggest blessing was the Gawad President Manuel L. Quezon "Natatanging Ama " Nomination my father had under the socio-religious category.

The Gawad President Manuel L. Quezon "Natatanging Ama," is an award given by the Quezon City Goverment under Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista in recognition for the contribution of outstanding fathers in the Quezon City.

The awarding ceremony was held last August 28, 2009 at the Bahay ng Alumni, U.P. Campus, Diliman , Quezon City.

Even if my father did not win the award, the most important thing is to be recognized for the services he rendered in our parish and our community.

And wow, it's the first day of September already. A few months from now and we'll be celebrating Christmas.

Well, I hope and wish everyone a happy a blessed new month for all of us.