rehabman versus the universe

Cory March

2009-08-05T18:20:00.001+08:00

Cory Magic

2009-08-05T16:53:00.007+08:00

I promised myself not to post a blog regarding the death of the late President Corazon C. Aquino because death might bring bad luck to this blog. But today, I broke my promise. I personally think that something about Tita Cory is really worth the space here and my time.

I was one of those who lined up last Sunday along Ortigas Avenue to pay my last respect along with many others in La Salle Greenhills. My HS buddies, Au and Emman joined me. It took us more that 3 hours and we did not mind. Wala yung hirap at inip namin sa pila kumpara sa mga naging sakripisyo ni Mrs. Aquino.

Today, I went out and waited for hours to witness the funeral march of Cory Aquino. Kaye, Agie and I were reluctant to get out because it was raining, but I told myself, magpakita lang kahit sandali ang araw, pupunta ako sa Osmena Highway. And sometime in the morning, sumilip ang araw. After witnessing the funeral mass, we hurriedly prepared ourselves and in 15 mins, we were in Zobel Roxas cor. South Super Highway. There were lots of people and as we patiently waited, mas dumadami ang mga tao. It rained hard but we stood there along with many others. And when convoy of Tita Cory finally passed, people clapped their hands and cheered. Some chanted CORY AQUINO BAYANING TOTOO, others tearfully sang Bayan Ko. I saw my sister Kaye wiping her tears.

Harry Emerson Fosdick, an American clergyman once said that "Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people." President Corazon C. Aquino was one great testament to this. She was an ordinary woman, a plain housewife and mother, with an extraordinary faith, fortitude and courage who was able to steer democracy towards its continuous emergence as a permanent way of life in this country.

I am proud I was there. I am proud that I was able to say Thank you to Tita Cory for inspiring me to pray harder. Thank you for the Democracy and thank you for believing in the goodness and greatness of your people. Thank you because just like others, you made me a proud Filipino once again.

I promise you that the Cory magic will stay in my heart forever.

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Images here.

My Life After the Palace

2009-07-14T21:37:00.003+08:00

At this very moment I'm celebrating my 1st year since I left my job as a private Physiotherapist for a royal family in Abu Dhabi. My life was grand there. It was a good-paying job, it wasn't as strenous as any other job, I got the travel for free etc etc. but still I quit. Marami na akong mga taong nakausap at nagtanong kung bakit ako umalis dun. Mas marami ang hindi nakaintindi pero kahit papano meron din naman nakaunawa. I guess, patunay lang yun dun sa Newton's 3rd Law that in every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction.

The decision to quit was never easy. It took me more than 6 months and a lot of considerations were taken. But that decision was not only the toughest but also one decision that I am really proud of. My decision to quit came based on my principles, my ideals, my moral values, my premonitions; based on the lessons that I learned and my knowledge up to that point in life. I had to it. For myself and for the ones I loved.

Kamusta na nga ba ako after 1 year? Am I happier? Well, to be honest I am happy but I know I could be happier. Happy kase I am living my life the way I want. I have my freedom, I have my family with me yun nga lang wala akong sahod. For 1 year, wala akong work kaya wala akong sahod. I had a decent amount of savings naman before I left my work and I'm proud to say that up until now, I still have "some" amount that I can spend for few more months or probably a year kung mas magiging matipid ako. That's one of the things that I learned when I worked abroad - to value the amount of money. Kase nga, hard-earned talaga yun. Sweat, and tears yun kaya na-appreciate ko talaga yung value ng pera. But the best thing after quitting my job, it's the peace mind that I have now. I remember on my very first night in Manila, it was the best night and best sleep I had since May 2007. It's priceless! The peace of mind, priceless talaga at hinding-hindi ko ipagpapalit!

Was it worth it? Yes, kase at peace ako at tulad nga nang sabi ko, priceless yun. I have the freedom. I cook and eat pork anytime I want. I can spend some quality time with my family, friends and my neurons are regenerating again. Learning is very important to me. And the continuous learning was never a part of my previous job. I've been always striving to be the best physical therapist that I can be and I knew that learning (professionally) will never be a part of my job inside the palace. I had to quit. I want to work in a healthcare facility and not for some people who thinks that everything, I say everything, has a price.

Several times, I was interviewed by employers from the Middle East, US, here in Manila, and they all had a common question: Why did I quit? It's plain and simple, "I learned a lot about life's lessons but I know I had to quit." The job was not for me, I belong in a health care facility.

Surely I miss a couple of things - a centralized AC, my credit card, my paycheck, travels abroad, but those things are nothing compared to the peace of mind and the freedom that I have now. I may not have the money but I have my family. I may not have the chance to travel abroad but I have my friends.

Looking back, I'm still thankful for that once in a lifetime opportunity. I've been to places, spoke few new phrases other than English and Filipino, learned from different cultures, met a lot of people, gained some new friends, understood what was life out there and loved my family and myself more than ever. So, was there life after the palace? Absolutely. Pera at sahod lang ang nawala sa akin. Kaya ko pang kitaan yun elsewhere. I still have my dreams, and nothing will stop me from achieving those dreams.

Right now, I'm back in Rizal Medical Center and hopefully by the 3rd quarter of the year, I'm heading to the US to fulfill my great American dream.

Last question that needs to be answered: Should they hire me back in the palace? My answer: Thanks but NO thanks.

RF, the Greatest!

2009-07-06T18:58:00.002+08:00

It took him 50 aces, a lot of unforced errors, and more than four hours to break Andy Roddick's magnificent and powerful serves in another epic Wimbledon final.

CONGRATULATIONS
ROGER FEDERER
for

WINNING
the
2009 WIMBLEDON FINALS

and a

RECORD-BREAKING
15 GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONSHIP!

----
It's really great to see Roger Federer on the top spot again.

FedExpress!

2009-07-03T23:59:00.000+08:00

Yes, Roger Federer,
the greatest tennis player in the history,
flies all the way to the
2009 Wimbledon Finals.
Ang galing-galing!

---
Murray (UK) is battling Roddick (USA) for a place in the 2009 Wimbledon Finals. As of this very moment (23:59 MLA Time, it's 1:1).

MJ: Man in the Mirror

2009-06-27T09:45:00.002+08:00

His life maybe filled with controversies and scandals but still, he had his life and he was a good soul.

We may not understand all his eccentricities but his talent is exceptional! His music continues to touch so many lives, to open a lot of minds and to heal millions of souls around the world. He may not be with us, but his music will always be.

I pray that MJ will finally find peace and happiness. Rest well MJ and thank you for your music.

Summer Saya

2009-06-12T15:53:00.009+08:00

This clip was made by Kiko's missus, Ketty.
She posted this video here and I just reposted
it because it's really summer saya!

Salamat sa mga Bumati!

2009-06-11T10:10:00.002+08:00

Isang malawakang pagtitipon ang naganap kahapon - JUNE 10, 2009, sa Makati upang ipaabot ang matinding pagtutol sa CON-ASS ng Kongreso habang ako ay naghahanda ng munting salu-salo upang ipagdiwang ang aking kaarawan.

NOT TO CON-ASS!

Bagamat hindi ako nakadalo sa pagtitipon sa Makati, at hindi ko sila naimbitahan sa salu-salo sa aming tahanan, ilang kahilingan ang aking nasambit kahapon. Isa na doon ang dalangin na sana hindi magtagumpay ang CHA-CHA at tuluyan nang magising ang kamalayan ng lahat upang labanan ang dikatatura ni Gloria at lalong higit ipaglaban at pahalagahan ang demokrasya at kalayaan ng ating Inang bayan! (O-ha!)

Nga pala, maraming salamat sa pamilya, mga kaibigan at mga taong nakaalala at bumati sa araw ng aking kaarawan. Thank you, Domo Arrigato, Xie xie, Shukran, Terima Kasih, Merci, Ashante, Shukria, Gracias at Maraming Salamat.

Midland Kapamilya, yeah yeah yeah!

Team Kapamilya

---

Mi familia

My Midland Kapamilya - Hindi kasya (literally and figuratively! LOL)
My Baste Kada - Au, Ikoy, Yeh, Emman, Roan, John, Bonna, Maisie atbp.
My RMC Family- Doc Raf, Doc Joel, Mam Marvz, Mam Tonet, Mam Mars, Sir Dave, Mam Cha, Mam Loella, Mam Leizel, Sir Viscount, Mam Rach, Mam Rose, Ena PTRP, DLS-HSI & NU PT Interns RMC June 2009 Batch (Reg, Kate, Joseph, Kris, Ronel) and our clients.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai Friends - Duday, Richie and Russel
My VGH Buddies - Mam Benj and Jenny G
Long-time Friends - Miles, Maricel, Laarnie, Gracious, Joy
Palace Boys - Noel Kalbo, Rodjie, Willie and Nognog
Facebook Buddies - Ploxy, Mark, Fr. Mike, Sherwin
Bestfriends - Lorraine and Chabe
Hampstead Guards
Mga Bisita ko kagabi at sa mga nakalimutan ko

Roger the Great!

2009-06-08T20:47:00.004+08:00

I always believed in Roger Federer's greatness inside the tennis court - be it a red clay or hard surfaces. He is undeniably stronger and smarter now. He has an impressive and amazing first power-service, as always and more importantly, he learned from his past mistakes.

With the not-so-good-season last year, the world's No.2 fought back and proved to everyone that he is indeed the greatest tennis warrior of our time.

Congratulations Roger Federer
for winning the 2009 French Open.

Hay, nakakawala ng stress.

---
More about Roger's greatness here.

Life's a Beach

2009-05-25T10:08:00.002+08:00

Injuries did not stop us! My back hurt like hell 2 days before our flight ( because of a suspected slipped disk or lumbar strain), an uncle had a swollen arthritic joint, my Tita accidentally had a strained knee and my sibling and most cousins were suffering from upset stomach, (for a very obvious reason). Mi familia conquered and explored the beauty and wonders of the 10th largest Philippine island, BOHOL!

More images here.

Meet Daddy Long Legs

2009-05-12T17:40:00.000+08:00

It was a fine Sunday noon when my siblings and I encountered an unexpected creature along the NLEX on the way to Bulacan. Damn, his legs are the longest, my right hand looked liked his thenar eminence during the hand shake and this world's tallest man's shoes - MASSIVE!

Thank God for my skeletal bones did not persist and ceased to grow.

Hampstead By Night

2009-04-09T01:31:00.010+08:00

I was playing with Kiwi (my Sony DSC-H9) one lazy Saturday night somewhere in Sta. Mesa and look what I got:

Driveway

Pathways

Lights-in-between

Poolside

Pool

Lights

Molave Bldg.

Molave Bldg.

Review Classes and Lessons

2009-04-08T23:56:00.009+08:00

My review classes is finally over but technically speaking I'm not yet done with my review classes. Since I skipped my review classes sometime on February for a family tour abroad, I have to attend the neuroanatomy classes next week. Urgghhh. Pero okay lang, I think, there's so much about neuroanatomy and I need to completely understand the complexities of the human central nervous system.

I never had an entry for quite a long time kc I prepared myself for the evaluation exam of my batch. Sobrang na-stress talaga ako. I thank my friends for not bothering me kahit na sobrang bothered ako and for praying for me. It helped a lot. Kaya need your prayers pa. Hehehe. Thank you talaga.

So, how was the exam? Hmm, nobody from my batch passed the exam. We were 40+ when took the test (although we were nearly 70 from my batch. some of my batchmates took the exams earlier kase) but there were some 15-20 more reviewees (sit-in, as we call them) from previous batches who took it. The 60 item-exam was easy if I studied harder and earlier. Tamad talaga kc ako. Dagdag pa yung time pressure at yung worries na meron ako. I told myself not to be impulsive but there I was, committing the same old mistakes. Tsk tsk tsk.

Before my exam date, I told my sister Kaye: "baka ma-zero ako sa exam!" I was worried, I was stressed and wasn't able to finish reading my lecture notes. Kung baga, naging selective na lang ako. I ended up reading just 2 topics (Rheumatology and Pediatric Assessment) out of 30 topics. Hahaha. Katamaran nga naman.

My goal was to get at least 30 correct answers out of the 60 5-10 liner questions. I got more than half. But what is more important was that I got one very important life's lesson, that success is not all about luck. Success is made up of equal amounts of luck, hardwork and faith. Lahat ng nakapasa ng NPTE naghirap at lahat ng successful naghirap din. I need to focus, study harder and pray even harder to fulfill my dreams for me and for the ones I loved.

----
After our exam, it was our time to have some fun. I went out with some colleagues and had a night to remember. I wished a lot more people from my batch joined us kase I do not really know even the names of the majority of my batch mates. Sayang!

From L-R: Standing: Gino, Renil, Louie
Sitting: Hershey, Soc, Elvie, Me and Angel

More pictures here.

For a While...

2009-03-19T20:11:00.000+08:00

Two weeks from now, my review classes will come to an end. And the painful truth is that, I AM NOT YET READY TO TAKE THE US STATES BOARDS EXAM.

Last January, I devoted my Friday nights reading Susan O'Sullivan's Physical Rehabilitation Assessment and Treatment. I found myself struggling to finish a chapter. But luckily(?), I'm already done with 4 chapters and have to finish another 3 must-read chapters.

Kinakabahan talaga ako. Mukhang wala akong maisasagot. I haven't finished re-writing my lecture notes. Never pa ako nag-buklat ng reviewers ko. Apat na chapters pa lang ang tapos ko basahin at nakakalimutan ko mga ibang na-aral at nabasa ko.

Our assessment exam (review school re-enforcement examination) is scheduled on the 2nd of April. I do not know what will happen after that day. From a while, I am signing off para magbuhos ng oras, lakas at dasal sa exam that will make or break me.

Sa mga kaibigan ko, pasensya na kung di muna ako makasama sa ating lakaran at inuman o makapag-text man lang. Kelangan ko na talaga mag-aral. Konting pang-unawa lang. Pagdasal nyo na lang muna ako!

March 11

2009-03-11T00:05:00.006+08:00

Thirty years ago, my Tatay and Nanay got married. Thirty years and still going strong. I asked Nanay why did she choose Tatay to be her better half, and she said: Your Tatay came at the right place and at the right time. Hehehe. They are exact opposites -Nanay is very sociable while Tatay prefers to stay home and watch his favorite TV show. Basta, parang magkaiba ang mundo nila but things worked very well with them. Sure there were petty fights and minor problems but I never witnessed a major fight between them in my 28 years of existence. They had their own share of ups and downs, but they both stayed together through thick and thin (literally and figuratively).

I guess that the success of my parents' marriage is one of the best things that happened to me (and to my siblings). Thank you for showing us what UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is and making us realize that with true love, irreconcilable differences become reconcilable.

We are so proud of our parents for they still remain true to what they promised to God and to the people who witnessed their wedding ceremony. Your love story inspires me (us).

HAPPY 30th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
TATAY and NANAY
from all of us.

We love you so much.

---
I am asking everyone a favor, please pray for a family member who will be undergoing a radioavtice iodine treatment today. Many thanks.

---
First image was taken by my sexy and hot cousin Bads who is based in Singapore during our trip in Kuala Lumpur last February 20,2009. I took the rest of the images.

American Dream or Nightmare?

2009-03-08T11:37:00.007+08:00

My friend commented on my Facebook and it goes: "Confucius says: Your great American dream lies in your own hand..." Well, it's true that as a well-able young man, I can do everything in my power to make things happen. But recent developments and news from people I know leave even Confucius asking, is the American dream lies ONLY in ones hands?

There is devastating situation with the USCIS Service Centers. Based on reliable sources the Service Centers are now denying all H-1B petitions filed on behalf of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists, despite of the fact that the PTs and OTs have the requisite license. USCIS is taking the position that a Masters degree is the requirement for entry into the position and these Beneficiary does not possess a Masters degree.

I do not personally understand and am still trying to think of the reasons about the USCIS' actions and decision. Application for a foreign-graduate and trained PT or OT to work in the United States costs a significant amount of money and energy. And with the chosen state of the applicant, that particular state determines (through FCCPT) who is eligible for licensure to practice the profession in that particular state. Bakit may biglang mga ganun?

My dream (and others dreams) is (are) starting to look more like a nightmare. It saddens me to know that every single day, my American dream seems to be far from my own reach. It depresses me to know that the fulfillment of my childhood dream is far beyond my control. And what is more frustrating is to realize that my pursuit of happiness in the country I used to believe as the land of all possibilities, seems to be uncertain.

My possible employer told me not to worrymuch because immigration lawyers and another concerned people are ready to fight. As what somebody told me, there are no legal basis for the USCIS's decision. I know that is another challenge for me and for all those who want to live the American dream. And we will soon overcome it. If that happens, the American dream will be much sweeter!

But if worse comes to worst, I should start considering working elsewhere, maybe in some parts of Europe or the land down under. After all, the world does not mean US or living the American dream alone. There are other promising places that I can choose.

---
I googled the photo.

What happens in KL...

2009-02-26T21:26:00.003+08:00

... never stays in KL!

DAHIL HINDI NAGSISINUNGALING
ANG MGA EBIDENSYA!

HAHAHA!

Kiko!

2009-02-26T20:56:00.000+08:00

Terima kasih from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia!



More pictures here.

Trip!

2009-02-26T20:36:00.000+08:00

All smiles sina Agie, Kaye, Nanay at Tatay.
I was happy to capture this moment!

I was ecstatic when I joined Tatay, Nanay, Kaye and Agie on their first international trip. It was a long time dream.

My sister Kaye took her turn to capture this shot!

Many thanks to my brother Kiko, & cousin Bads for making our childhood dream come true.

More pictures here.

Boob-Tube 2009

2009-02-12T19:39:00.001+08:00

Me and my sister Kaye with our new TV set.

After war of words between me and the SM Appliance Center manager in SM Centerpoint , more than a week of waiting and fighting what we deserve, we finally got our new 29" Panasonic with the right TV rack on my Tatay's birthday.

Our TV watching will never be the same again. Ang saya-saya!

Happy Birthday Tatay

2009-02-10T01:12:00.005+08:00

Nanay Nolie and Tatay Boy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMA!

Tatay is turning 58 today. I gave Nanay a call kanina. She told me, both her and Tatay were busy preparing for today's celebration. Some of our relatives and a number of my Tatay's brothers ( sa Knights of Columbus) will be celebrating with them.

Sayang wala kami dun. Pero okay lang, kase next week, my parents are coming here in Manila to celebrate Tatay's and Kaye's birthdays outside the country. Excited na kaming lahat! Sayang nga di namin makasama si Kiko. Sana next year we will all be celebrating both Tatay 's and Nanay's birthday in US or in UK para kumpleto kami at mas masaya!

Picture! Picture!

2009-02-10T01:00:00.003+08:00

My apologies to my photo addict and cam whore friends because all the pictures taken from last Saturday's affair have not been uploaded up to now.

I can't find my own USB cable to connect Kiwi (my Sony DSC-H9) to my laptop. Sori talaga pero nakahanap na ako ng paraan. I already asked Kaye's friend (who happens to have her own Sony DSC-H9) if she could lend me hers. Meet na lang daw kame. Sana lang both our schedules will permit us to meet each other soon.

And please, huwag na akong sisihin! Okay?

God, it's killing me too...

2009-02-02T00:48:00.007+08:00

I was hesitant to join my high school buddies for a Sunday night out because of the live telecast of Nadal-Federer match. The match was starting to heat up when I left the house during the first set with Federer leading 2-3. Hours later, while enjoying the dinner with my friends, I received a message from my sister Kaye, "Sorry, panalo kame". My 3 siblings are for Nadal. I didn't reply. I felt bad. Really bad.

Watching Roger sob via the YouTube is killing me too. I know it was rough for him . But I still believe in Roger, just like his millions and millions of fans around the globe. Ending up the 2009 Australian Cup 1st runner up doesn't change a thing. Roger still the best tennis champ for meand still the number one on my list.

Rafa said to him, Roger is still a great champion and he is one of the best in history and he will beat Pete Sampras' 14 titles for sure. I couldn't help but agree. All the best to you Roger for the rest of the season.

Anyway Congrats Rafa! You played really, really great and you truly deserve it. Hats off to you.

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To view the pictures of my Sunday night out, visit this..

It's R vs R Again!

2009-01-30T22:14:00.003+08:00

VERSUS

After the epic battle in Wimbledon last year, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will go against each other in the much awaited Australian Open 2009 on Sunday, February 1, 2009.

Both are great tennis players, nobody can deny that. But I hope Roger will redeem himself after a disappointing 2008. Roger is still the best for me and I hope he'll start his 2009 with a bang! All the best Roger!

Sick-o

2009-01-19T18:14:00.006+08:00

My colds is terribly bad, it's Monday and I'm sick. I dunno if it's the weather or the exhaustion (which I really doubt) or maybe because of nearly 3-hour movie of Benjamin Button (what do you think Au?). Hehehe.

Hay, what a way to start the week...

Ang Muling El Bimbo! Eraserheads: The Final Set!

2009-01-13T20:11:00.001+08:00

I saw Ely Buendia's interview in Sharon last year and he said there might be another reunion concert. I said that the last time I had my drinking session with my friends and Bads. And as expected, Bads, my cousin, was skeptic about it.

My friend Emman sent me an SMS last night about the reunion concert part 2 and I read this minutes ago.

Kita kits sa ika-pito ng Marso!

Cinema Paradiso

2009-01-11T02:08:00.005+08:00

My sister and I visited Quiapo months ago for a DVD hunt, I was so glad that I was able to get a copy of Cinema Paradiso (the new version). Even before, I read a lot of good things about this film and was so eager to see this. I did not have the time last December to watch the film, thank God I got a free time finally. I just finished it minutes ago and loved it very much.

I was deeply touched by the beauty and magic of this film. It touched my soul and taught a lot of lessons about love and life. Great story, great music, great actors, great direction, great movie!

Cinema Paradiso is an unforgettable masterpiece and a must-see movie for all of us!

Diyes

2009-01-09T20:59:00.006+08:00

Kiko and Rain both tagged me. I know I can make a lot of excuses not to do this but I do not want to be bothered again. Before the facts, here are the rules:

1. Each blogger must post these rules.
2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Blogger that are tagged, need to write ten facts about themselves. You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.

Here are the Ten Random Facts/Habits About Me:

1. I am the second child in the family and I am always mistaken to be the eldest among the four of us. I think it is not only because I stand few inches taller than my brother Kiko but also because of the very obvious differences in our features. When I was younger, I got pissed off, hated and cursed the people who made the mistake but sooner learned to live with it. I guess God granted me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.

2. One of my childhood dreams was to deliver a commencement speech. It never happened. I neither graduated Valedictorian nor Salutatorian but was a consistent honor student. My college life is another story. Don't ask.

3. I was an active member of the Boy Scout of the Philippines. I attended camping in and out of our province. And was an Occidental Mindoro DILG Chief and a member of the Provincial Board for one week when I was a junior and senior student in Colegio de San Sebastian. Thanks to the BSP program who made those things possible.

4. University of the Philippines was my dream school but I did not pass the UPCAT. Thanks to our HS principal. I ended up enrolling in a university somewhere in university belt and obtained a degree in Physical Therapy elsewhere.

5. When I was about 3 or 4, my Lolo Casi (my Nanay's Tatay) taught me a poem, Ibong Talukatik. And whenever there was a family gathering, people would flocked around me and watched me recite Ibong Talukatik. Don't ask me to recite the poem now or I might show.

6. I have a very high alcohol tolerance. My first alcohol intake was during my HS days from Gin to Gin-Pomelo to San Mig Light to Red Horse to San Mig Ultra Dry to Teqila, Brandy to Whiskey to Vodka to Red Wine, White wine and so much. Jack Daniel's, Johnnie Walker Black Label, and Bull Frog cocktail are my favorite alcoholic beverages. And until now, once in a while, nakikita-kita kami ng aking mga kaibigan to celebrate life and toast for our friendship.

7. My Reebok rubber shoes is my favorite pair of shoes. It was a gift from Nanay and Tatay before I left for Abu Dhabi last 2007. Malayo na ang narating ng sapatos na yun - 3 continents and 5 different countries. Nakatapak na ang sapatos kong iyon sa disyerto at mga streets ng Abu Dhabi at Dubai, sa Souq at mga disyerto sa Morocco, sa Bali Indonesia, Sunway Resort and Spa sa Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, at sa snow sa New Zealand. Medjo naluluma na nga dahil sa wear and tear.

8. I never like to do the dishes. I forced myself to learn how to cook and sooner discovered the love for it. For the record, simpleng nagluluto lang ako, I don't even have a specialty but my previous co-workers in Abu Dhabi enjoyed my adobo very much.

9. My parents and relatives saw me on national TV when a camera of GMA-7 focused me while singing Bayan Ko in a prayer rally against Erap Estrada on 4th of November 2000. I was an instant celebrity in my hometown. I was also interviewed by Mon Ilagan, an ABS-CBN field reporter, for his radyo patrol report on DZMM during the 1995 World Youth Day here in Manila, Philippines. And last May 2008, Ruben Nepales quoted me on his Inquirer column.

10. My real name is Nathaniel John. Nathaniel means gift from God and John means God is gracious. No need to elaborate. My name speaks for me.

Now, I'm tagging these bloggers:
1. Roneiluke
2. Louie
3. Paperdoll
4. Kosa
5. Bomzz
6. Maskara
7. Dylan
8. Yesa
9. Mulong
10. Dru

Baste 98

2009-01-01T14:44:00.007+08:00

May mga hindi nakapunta
dahil hindi nila kaya,
ang iba hindi talaga nagpunta
dahil ayaw nila.
May mga nakakaintindi
sa mga nangyari at
naging desisyon,
meron ding hindi.
Alam ko may mga nadismaya,
PASENSYA NA.
Ang mas mahalaga
kami ay muling tumawa,
sumaya at nagsama-sama.

Sa ngalan ng 10 taon ng pagkakaibigan,

walang kapantay na samahan,

at

walang hanggang kasiyahan

Kampai Baste 98!

MARAMING SALAMAT KA-BATCH!

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To view more images taken from KIWI, my cam, click HERE.

Midland Kapamilya!

2009-01-01T13:59:00.009+08:00

Christmas Eve 2008

These images were taken last December 24-25, 2008 sa aming bahay in Mindoro at sa favorite Christmas haven. Dati, halos kumpleto ang Midland Kapamilya, last year (2008) - pamilya na lang nina Tito Obet at Tita Em ang kumpleto. Kiko, my older brother, is in UK. Tita Tess is in the US and her family decided to spend the Holiday season in QC. Tita Helen and her family are based in Batangas. Tito Ruben's other half is also away. Tita Siony, Boni, Manags and his family are all in the US.

Pero ayos lang yun, the birthday of Jesus was more than enough reason for us to celebrate and be happy.

Me, Tatay, Agie, Kaye and Nanay

Ian, Kaori, Tita Em, Tito Obet, Kim

RR, Tito Ruben, Obee, Benson

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T21:38:00.003+08:00

It is difficult not to believe that the next year will be better than the old one! And this illusion is not wrong. Future is always good, no matter what happens. It will always give us what we need and what we want in secret. It will always bless us with right gifts. Thus in a deeper sense our belief in the New Year cannot deceive us.

Masaganang 2009
para sa ating lahat!

Panuluyan 08

2008-12-31T10:52:00.009+08:00

On the eve of December 24th, Sablayenos gathered inside the San Sebastian Church to witness the annual Christmas presentation, the Panuluyan.

Actually, it was a tradition. I remember, my classmates talking about it when I was still in grade school but me and my siblings haven't participated or even witnessed the annual Panuluyan during those days. My parents preferred to stay home and wait for the Christmas day with us.

This year is my 3rd time (yes,only my 3rd) to witness the Panuluyan in Sablayan. And I was so glad to see my younger cousins played their respective roles. The one who played the role of Mary is my first cousin, Kaori. Joseph was played by another cousin Ej.

Well, now you're having the idea that talent runs in the family, except me ata! Hehehe.

More pictures here.

How do I say it?

2008-12-22T21:40:00.007+08:00

I hope this works for everyone!

Afrikaans - een plesierige kerfees Arabic - I'D MIILAD SAID OUA SANA SAIDA Argentine - Felices Pasquas Y Felices ano Nuevo Armenian - Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand Azeri - Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun Basque - Zorionak eta Urte Berri On! Bohemian - Vesele Vanoce Brazilian - Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo Breton - Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat Bulgarian - Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo Chinese - (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun Cornish - Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth Cree - Mitho Makosi Kesikansi Croatian - Sretan Bozic Czech - Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy RokDanish - Glædelig Jul Dutch - Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! English - Merry Christmas Esperanto - Gajan Kristnaskon Estonian - Ruumsaid juulup|hi Farsi - Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad Finnish - Hyvaa joulua French - Joyeux Noel Frisian - Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier! German - Froehliche Weihnachten Greek - Kala Christouyenna! Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka Hebrew - Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova Hindi - Shub Naya Baras Hungarian - Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket Icelandic - Gledileg Jol Indonesian - Selamat Hari Natal Iraqi - Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah Irish - Nollaig Shona Dhuit Italian - Buone Feste Natalizie Japanese - Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto Korean - Sung Tan Chuk Ha Latvian - Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu! Lithuanian - Linksmu Kaledu Manx - Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa Maori - Meri Kirihimete Marathi - Shub Naya Varsh Navajo - Merry Keshmish Norwegian - God Jul Pennsylvania German - En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr! Polish - Wesolych Swiat Bozego NarodzeniaPortuguese - Boas Festas Rapa-Nui - Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua Rumanian - Sarbatori vesele Russian - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom Serbian - Hristos se rodi Slovakian - Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce Sami - Buorrit Juovllat Samoan - La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou Scots Gaelic - Nollaig chridheil huibh Serb-Croatian - Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina Singhalese - Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa Slovak - Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok Slovene - Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto Spanish - Feliz Navidad Swedish - God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År Tagalog - Maligayang Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon Tamil - Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai Turkish - Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun Ukrainian - Srozhdestvom Kristovym Urdu - Naya Saal Mubarak Ho Vietnamese -Chung Mung Giang Sinh Welsh - Nadolig Llawen Yugoslavian - Cestitamo Bozic Papua New Guinea - Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu

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I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Mindoro. I am celebrating the Holiday Season with my family in my hometown. Stories and pictures: Coming Soon.

Translations from here.

Santa Klaus

2008-12-20T23:41:00.002+08:00

Sana hindi na ako tumatanda...
Para tuwing sasapit ang Pasko,
makakapagsabit pa ako ng medyas
at pag-gising ko meron na akong mga regalo.
Sarap maging bata...

---
But I have to admit, in one way or another, I still believe in Santa Claus. Maybe because, I'm a child at heart or should I say, I refused to grow up. But seriously, in this world of make believe, Santa Claus remains to be one the many reasons why I'm still patiently waiting for my Christmas wishes to come true!

Rehab Team X-mas Party!

2008-12-19T20:10:00.005+08:00

This is one of the many reasons why I quit my job in the Middle East.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Salamat sa mga taong nag-set ng standards of what a workplace should be. To Doc Raf, Doc Joel, Mam Marvie, Mam Tonet, Mam Mars, Mam Luvie, Sir Dave, sa mga naka-trabaho ko sa Rizal Medical Center lalo na sa Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, sa mga naging interns namin at sa mga naging pasyente ko at sa lumakaing pamilya ng Rehab Team, Maligayang Pasko!

Attending last night's Christmas Party is really worth skipping classes sa review center yesterday. Plus a got a cordless kettle and a Purefoods Ham. Hehehe.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-12-16T22:54:00.009+08:00

This year is our HS batch 10th year anniversary. We had plans in our minds to celebrate our reunion as early as 1999 (Ask Roan or Rain)! Ngunit sa kadahilan na rin na may iba't-iba kaming pinagkakaabalahan, hindi naging maagap ang aming plano para sa nasabing reunion. May mga pagkakataon na napag-usapan na namin ang tungkol dito. But we did not come up with a clear plan on where and when to celebrate it. Ang dami kasing dapat i-consider. We wanted to check on the availability our batch mates who are based here in Manila and in our home province para mas marami ang maka-attend.

Last Saturday, my HS buddy asked me: "Sino nag-asikaso ng reunion natin? May dumating daw na invitation sa bahay namin sa Mindoro?" I was surprised kasi hindi ko talaga alam. I didn't have any idea just like any other batch mates present last Saturday's affair. Then came another HS buddy with an answer. He said that Batch 98 Reunion will be held on the 28th of this month, in some resort in our town. May nagpa-meeting na pala at may nag-mobilize na ng mga ka-batch namin para mag-asikaso.

Honestly, hindi ko alam kung dapat akong matuwa. Don't get me wrong. Hindi ako nagpapaimportante o nag-aastang bida. Sana man lang naisip ng kung sino man ang nag-organize ng reunion namin (Batch 98) na nandito sa Pilipinas ang karamihan ng mga orihinal na Batch 98. Dapat na inform man lang sana kami para nagtulung-tulong kami sa pag-organize at pag-dedesisyon ng reunion namin! Hindi namin natin kelangan ng isang magarbong selebrasyon. Ang gusto lamang natin ay muli tayong magkikita-kita, magkamustahan at magkasasamang magtawanan at balikan ang nakaraan.

Well, gusto ko lang sana i-remind na ako si Nathan, class president lang naman ng IV-St. Paul the Apostle Class 98. At tulad ng iba na hindi na-inform at wala sa "meeting", original member din ako ng Batch 98, hindi pirated. At lalong hindi adopted.

Respeto man lang sana sa mga tunay na Batch 98. Yun e, kung alam nila kung ano ibig sabihin ng salitang yun.

Aatend ba ako? Honestly, HINDI KO PA ALAM!

Kiko's Back...

2008-12-15T11:38:00.000+08:00

Yes, he's back in Kent freezing and missing everybody. Too bad, he'll not be here to spend the holidays with us.

Here are some of the pictures of Kiko's departure last Sunday in NAIA.

Anyway, may next year pa naman. Malay natin, kami naman ang magpunta sa UK to celebrate the holidays with him. Hehehe.

Juana CHANGE?

2008-12-10T21:31:00.000+08:00

JUNK CHA-CHA!

ISAMA NA SI GLORIA!

----
Tamaan sana ng kidlat ang mga pulitikong epal!

100

2008-12-08T00:29:00.003+08:00

No words... Just this...

---
This film is showing until December 9 in 5 selected theaters in Metro Manila: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Glorietta, Robinson's Place-Manila and Robinson's Galleria.

I watched the film with my sister Kaye kanina lang and we both loved it. Ganda, sobra! For more reads, visit this.

It's another KO for PacMan

2008-12-07T12:58:00.015+08:00

After the long wait,

the dream match is over!

Congratulations Pacman
for another KO!

MABUHAY KA!

-----
I watched the fight here. And have you noticed their faces after the match? Parang nag-jogging lang si Pacquiao. Hehehe.

Everybody's Leaving

2008-12-06T12:58:00.011+08:00

My college friend Phea left this morning for the US. She will be joining her hubby and will take the NPTE soon. One of my best HS buddies, Au is leaving later today for Australia. She'll stay there for a month and might not come back. Hehehe. My older brother Kiko is going back to Kent, UK on the 14th. Roy, another college friend, will be leaving on the 14th as well to continue working in Dubai...

Everybody's leaving, ako kaya kelan ulit makakaalis? Di ba nahihiya ang government natin kase nilalayasan na sila ng mga tao? Tsk tsk. With the all the scandals involving the government officials, Filipino diaspora, and global economic crisis, Cha-cha at term extension pa ang mga inaatupag. Tsk tsk.

Sana makaalis na din ako soon.

----
Last night, I received a call from Mr. David. He's an agent for some agency in the US. He conducted an overseas phone interview. I hope I made the right impression and will soon be working with his represented company. *Fingers crossed*

Buhay Estudyante, the 2nd time around...

2008-12-05T18:54:00.004+08:00

Last October, I started my review classes for the US National Physical Therapy Examination as a preparation for me to take the exam by mid next year. To date, we already discussed applied anatomy and kinesiology of the upper and lower extremities including the spine, wound management, rheumatology, some notes on pediatrics, organization and administration notes on PT practice in the US and there are sooo much more to discuss. And this is another hell of an adventure full of new knowledge, fun, frustration and disappointment!

All in a while, I thought everything would be easier for me now that I am a better and more experienced young man but it turned the other way around. I'm struggling to manage my time and get some energy to read. To be honest, I haven't really started reviewing by heart and soul. I do not understand why I lost sooo much energy and drive to read the books I used to read when I was completing my degree. Sobrang tinatamad ako ngayon! Hirap na hirap akong mag-aral at muling magbasa ng 'sang katerbang Rehabilitation Medicine books, reviewers at mga lecture notes ko. With Christmas, New Year, family reunions, Baste '98 gatherings and some more celebrations coming my way, I think, it will a lot more difficult for me to focus. Hay buhay ...

I am praying sooo hard that I will soon find a new strength to my will, to such a degree, at least, that I may clearly recognize the importance of reading, understanding by heart, and applying everything that I learned and will learn for me to fulfill my great American dream.

Thoughts to Ponder

2008-12-01T23:59:00.005+08:00

We have two eyes and one mouth.
This only means that we need to
look twice and talk once...

We have two ears and just one mouth,
so we need to listen more than we talk...

We have two hands and one stomach,
so we need to work twice as much as we eat...

We have two major parts of the main brain - the right and left hemispheres,
and only one heart. So that we can
think twice but love only one...

It's really amazing to realize that
our body reminds us how to live right.

---
Thanks Lala for the image (ako yun mga 8 years ago na ata) and to Nasti for reminding me on how to live right...

Twilight..

2008-12-01T10:32:00.000+08:00

I saw the movie last night.
And before I could utter a word,
everything has been said already -
paglabas ng moviehouse, sa mga coffee shops,
sa mga bahay, sa mga schools, sa kalye,
sa mundo ng blog, sa TV, radyo,
at sa lahat ng sulok ng mundo.

Just go out and watch the movie
and fall in love with it.

Holiday naman ngayon. Give yourself a break.

Happy Birthday Mommy

2008-12-01T10:27:00.002+08:00

We love you...

---
I believe they are celebrating with Kiko (my eldest brother who isspending some time here till he comes back to UK on the 14th), Ketty, Tatay and the rest of the clan in Mindoro. Too bad we (Me, Kaye and Agie), are not there. Sayang!

PacMan Fever

2008-11-30T16:47:00.006+08:00

The whole world is waiting...

7 days na lang...

LABAN PACMAN!

A Sunday that was!

2008-11-18T12:37:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday (November 16), I went out of bed early to attend Dj's christening (1st baby of my HS friend Dei and Wilmer), then headed to QC to visit my soon-to-be inaanak, Pipo ( courtesy of Car and Jon). Music filled my Sunday night as I attended the Chris Brown and Rihanna Live in Manila back-to-back concert with Kaye and Agie!

david jay's binyag DAD'S MEGAMALL

Sunday Afternoon Inuman Session with Baste98

chris brown live in manila!

rihanna Live in Manila!

-----
Thanks to KIWI - my Sony-DSC-H9 for the captured moments!

Iba Pang Mga Pilosopiya ni Bob Ong

2008-11-12T19:58:00.004+08:00

Ang mga pilosopiyang ito ay mula din kay Bob Ong. Nakuha ko naman ito sa bulletin ng Friendster account na ipi-nost ng classmate ko nung college. Happy reading ulit.

Sa PAG-AARAL

1. "Mag-aral maigi. Kung titigil ka sa pag-aaral, manghihinayang ka pagtanda mo dahil hindi mo naranasan ang kakaibang ligayang dulot ng mga araw na walang pasok o suspendido ang klase o absent ang teacher. (Haaay, sarap!)."

2. "Nalaman kong marami palang libreng lecture sa mundo, ikaw ang gagawa ng syllabus. Maraming teacher sa labas ng eskuwelahan, desisyon mo kung kanino ka magpapaturo. Lahat tayo enrolled ngayon sa isang university, maraming subject na mahirap, pero dahil libre, ikaw ang talo kung nag-drop ka. Isa-isa tayong ga-graduate, iba't-ibang paraan. tanging diploma ay ang mga alaala ng kung ano mang tulong o pagmamahal ang iniwan natin sa mundong pinangarap nating baguhin minsan..."

3. "Hikayatin mo lahat ng kakilala mo na magkaroon ng kahit isa man lang paboritong libro sa buhay nila. Dahil wala nang mas kawawa pa sa mga taong literado pero hindi nagbabasa."

4. "Dalawang dekada ka lang mag-aaral, kung 'di mo pagtityagaan, limang dekada ng kahirapan ang kapalit. Sobrang lugi. Kung alam lang 'yan ng mga kabataan, sa pananaw ko ehh walang gugustuhing umiwas sa eskwela."

Sa BUHAY (In General)

1. "Nalaman kong hindi final exam ang passing rate ng buhay. Hindi ito multiple choice, identification, true or false, enumeration or fill-in-the-blanks na sinasagutan kundi essay na isinusulat araw-araw. Huhusgahan ito hindi base sa kung tama o mali ang sagot, kundi base sa kung may kabuluhan ang mga isinulat o wala. Allowed ang erasures."

2. "Kumain ka na ng siopao na may palamang pusa o maglakad sa bubog nang nakayapak, pero wag na wag kang susubok mag-drugs. Kung hindi mo kayang umiwas, humingi ka ng tulong sa mga magulang mo dahil alam nila kung saan ang mga murang supplier at hindi ka nila iisahan."

3. "Mangarap ka at abutin mo. Wag mong sisihin ang sira mong pamilya, palpak mong syota, pilay mong tuta, o mga lumilipad na ipis. Kung may pagkukulang sa'yo mga magulang mo, pwde kang manisi at maging rebelde. Tumigil ka sa pag-aaral, mag-asawa ka, mag-drugs ka, magpakulay ka ng buhok sa kili-kili. Sa banding huli, ikaw din ang biktima. Rebeldeng walang napatunayan at bait sa sarili."

4. "Tuparin ang mga pangarap. Obligasyon mo yan sa sarili mo. Kung gusto mo mang kumain ng balde-baldeng lupa para malagay ka sa Guinness Book of World Records at maipagmalaki ng bansa natin, sige lang. Nosi balasi. Wag mong pansinin ang sasabihin ng mga taong susubok humarang sa'yo. Kung hindi nagsumikap ang mga scientist noon, hindi pa rin tayo dapat nakatira sa Jupiter ngayon. Pero hindi pa rin naman talaga tayo nakatira sa jupiter dahil nga hindi nagsumikap ang mga scientist noon. Kita mo yung moral lesson?"

5. "Nalaman kong habang lumalaki ka, maraming beses kang madadapa. Bumangon ka man ulit o hindi, magpapatuloy ang buhay, iikot ang mundo, at mauubos ang oras."

Atbp.

1. "Wag magmadali sa pag-aasawa. Tatlo, lima, sampung taon sa hinaharap, mag-iiba pa ang pamantayan mo at maiisip mong di pala tamang pumili ng kapareha dahil lang sa kaboses niya si Debbie Gibson o magaling mag-breakdance. Totoong mas importante ang kalooban ng tao higit anuman. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maging ang mga crush ng bayan sa eskwelahan e nagmumukha ring pandesal. Maniwala ka."

2. "Ayokong nasasanay sa mga bagay na pwede namang wala sa buhay ko."

3. "Hinahanap mo nga ba ako o ang kawalan ko?"

4. "Hindi dahil sa hindi mo naiintindihan ang isang bagay ay kasinungalingan na ito. At hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohanan. "

5. "Sabi nila, sa kahit ano raw problema, isang tao lang ang makakatulong sa'yo - ang sarili mo. Tama sila. Isinuplong ako ng sarili ko. Kaya siguro namigay ng konsyensya ang Diyos, alam niyang hindi sa lahat ng oras e gumagana ang utak ng tao."

6. "Obligasyon kong maglayag, karapatan kong pumunta sa kung saan ko gusto, responsibilidad ko ang buhay ko."

7. "Masama akong tao, tulad mo, sa parehong paraan na mabuti kang tao, tulad ko."

8. "Mas mabuting mabigo sa paggawa ng isang bagay kesa magtagumpay sa paggawa ng wala."

9. "Iba ang walang ginagawa sa gumagawa ng wala."

10. "Iba ang informal gramar sa mali !!!"

11. "Para san ba ang cellphone na may camera? Kung kailangan sa buhay un, dapat matagal na kong patay."

Pilosopiya, Pag-Ibig, Bob Ong at Jaymee Joaquin

2008-11-08T16:39:00.012+08:00

Ang orihinal kong plano ngayong hapon ay magbasa ng Musculoskeletal Physical Examination textbook at i-rewrite ang past lectures ko sa review center. Ngunit ako ay muling inatake ng katamaran. With an unlimited, free internet service mula sa SkyCable at sa aking katamaran na magbasa, napadpad ako sa site ni Jaymee Joaquin - ang babaeng masayahin at maingay na napapanood sa ABS-CBN tuwing hating-gabi. Nakakaaliw ang entry nya na entitled BOB ONG's PHILISOPHY on LOVE mula sa kanyang site kaya, ine-repost ko ito.

Basahin at mapaisip, mapangiti, matauhan o magising, matuto at higit sa lahat magmahal. Maligayang pagbabasa!

1. "Kung hindi mo mahal ang isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka nya."

2. "Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawak ng iba."

3. "Huwag mong hawakan kung alam mong bibitawan mo lang."

4. "Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na."

5. "Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan ung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo? Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin."

6. "Kung maghihintay ka nang lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo... Dapat lumandi ka din."

7. "Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang."

8. "Hiwalayan na kung di ka na masaya. Walang gamot sa tanga kundi pagkukusa."

9. "Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka... Kaya quits lang."

10. "Kung dalawa ang mahal mo, piliin mo yung pangalawa. Kasi hindi ka naman magmamahal ng iba kung mahal mo talaga yung una."

11. "Hindi porke't madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wantusawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

12. "Huwag magmadali sa babae o lalaki. Tatlo, lima , sampung taon, mag-iiba ang pamantayan mo at maiisip mong hindi pala tamang pumili ng kapareha dahil lang maganda o nakakalibog ito. Totoong mas mahalaga ang kalooban ng tao higit sa anuman. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maging ang mga crush ng bayan nagmumukha ding pandesal, maniwala ka."

13. "Minsan kahit ikaw ang nakaschedule, kailangan mo pa rin maghintay, kasi hindi ikaw ang priority."

14. "Mahirap pumapel sa buhay ng tao. Lalo na kung hindi ikaw yung bida sa script na pinili nya."

15. "Alam mo ba kung gaano kalayo ang pagitan ng dalawang tao pag nagtalikuran na sila? Kailangan mong libutin ang buong mundo para lang makaharap ulit ang taong tinalikuran mo."

16. "Mas mabuting mabigo sa paggawa ng isang bagay kesa magtagumpay sa paggawa ng wala."

17. "Hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohan, at hindi lahat ng hindi mo kayang intindihin ay kasinungalingan."

18. "Kung nagmahal ka ng taong di dapat at nasaktan ka, wag mong sisihin ang puso mo. Tumitibok lng yan para mag-supply ng dugo sa katawan mo. Ngayon, kung magaling ka sa anatomy at ang sisisihin mo naman ay ang hypothalamus mo na kumokontrol ng emotions mo, mali ka pa rin! Bakit? Utang na loob! Wag mong isisi sa body organs mo ang mga sama ng loob mo sa buhay! Tandaan mo: magiging masaya ka lang kung matututo kang tanggapin na hindi ang puso, utak, atay o bituka mo ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng nangyari sayo, kundi IKAW mismo!"

19. "Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal...nakakatakot mahulog...at kapag nahulog ka, it's either by accident or talagang tanga ka..."

----
Salamat Bob Ong, you're the best!

Tattooed!

2008-11-07T22:37:00.006+08:00

Made in Baguio, Philippines

---
I visited Baguio with my sister Agie last month and had my very first tattoo. Too bad it was just a henna tattoo but I loved it. Can't wait to get a permanent one.

Historic Victory

2008-11-05T19:10:00.006+08:00

The First Family

The change came to America last night when the world witnessed the sweet and historic victory of the first black American President. The Democrat Barack Obama is the 44th US President.

President Obama with first Lady Michelle. VP Joe Biden with wife, Jill

The trail towards the presidency was never easy for President Obama. And what lies ahead will even be more challenging- with US in recession, unresolved wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, unending threats of terrorism, problems in unemployment and the never ending lists of promises to be fulfilled. But I believe in him. I'm sure President Obama can! God bless you, President Obama!

---
Incidentally, a Filipino-American is elected as a state representative in Illinois. For more reads, click here.

Yehey!

2008-11-05T18:48:00.005+08:00

may internet na ulit kame!
Thank you SkyCable for the 15 day-free trial. Ang saya-saya!

Home

2008-09-17T17:30:00.000+08:00

Sabi nila, "there's no place like home", tama nga naman. When I was still studying in Manila, I always looked forward for the sem breaks and Christmas breaks. Yun lang kase yung time na nakaka-uwi ako sa Mindoro. Sobrang nakaka-stress kase dito sa Manila. I longed for the simplicity and relaxed setting in the countryside. Feeling ko pa nga until now, sobrang safe ako whenever I sleep in my room sa bahay namin sa probinsiya. Dito kc sa Manila medjo iba ang feeling.

Late last night, I was having a shot of vodka while my cousins Rain, Ian and Obee played our favorite pastime, I saw one of the security guards and some 5-6 policemen approached the unit near ours. I felt something weird. Forgive me but as I sipped my alcohol, I eavesdropped. One of the uniformed men invited our neighbor, warned him and tried to calm him down. Thirty minutes later we heard our neighbors wept. My condolences. To find out what happened, click here.

Two months na ako dito sa Manila. At 2 months na rin yung worry ko whenever I go out and enjoy the night out with my friends. Thank God Rain and Emman have their own cars. And whenever they did not bring their cars, I ride a cab just to be sure that I'll be home safe and sound. I don't want to take the risk. Ang dami ko pa gusto ma achieve. Nakakalungkot lang na sa sarili kong bayan pa ako nag-wo-worry ng ganito.

Pilipinas ang bayan kong sinilangan. It's my home. Mahal ko ito kahit na dito ako dalawang beses na-holdap at nasasaktan, dito na-holdap ang Nanay ko, dito tumalon sa jeep ang kapatid ko dahil din sa holdap at marahil dito rin sa Pilipinas naging biktima ng mga petty crimes at iba pang kabulastugan ang mga kakilala nyo.

People get what they deserve. I can't help but think, is this the society we all deserve? Kung ganito ng ganito, parang ayaw ko na lang umuwi.

2 Months and Still...

2008-09-14T22:18:00.003+08:00

Today, September 14, 2008, I am celebrating my 2nd month here in Manila, away from my previous job for some royal in UAE.

Am I happy? Yes, I am because I am free. I am with my family. I do not have to work with some bigots and dorks anymore. But with the happiness and freedom that I have, I still feel empty. I do not understand why. Basta lang, parang may kulang. Siguro trabaho, siguro sweldo. Siguro nahihiya ako sa mga na-disappoint ko or na-frustrate lang ako. Siguro medjo nanghihinayang din ako kc ang dami nanghinayang dahil nag-quit ako. Ewan ko ba. Bahala sila.

Sana lang sooner, I will feel a lot better. I am planning to start shedding some fats I gained and my review classes for the US State Board Examinations. Hay, I need luck. Millions and millions of luck. Wish me one, would you?

Arab Art

2008-09-11T23:53:00.005+08:00

I was not really into paintings, not until I saw this piece of art on sale last June 2008 when I was still working in Abu Dhabi, UAE. At napaka- affordable ng price (AED 66, mga PhP700). Noong una, I was hesitant na bilhin yan. Alanganin kc yung size at baka mahirapan lang ako i-pabagahe. So, hindi ko binili. After a week, I went back to the shop to check the said painting pero wala na akong makita. I asked for assistance from a kabayan sales rep, buti na lang na-itago nya yung last piece sa pinakailalim. Kabayan even warned me, kapag binitawan mo yan, di mo na yan mabibili. Binili ko na kahit alam ko problema kung pano ko ipa-bagahe ito. Good thing, I know how to find ways.

Now, this Arab painting hangs happily in our simple and humble condo unit. Next time sana sa sarili ko ng bahay ma-hang ito! Hehehe. Ayos ba?

Roger Federer is Alive!

2008-09-09T11:47:00.000+08:00

To read the whole story and view more images, visit this.

Congratulations for winning
the 2008 US Open title!

---

Btw, Roger Federer is the first man in the Open Era to capture the event five straight years. Galing!

Late Night with HS Buddies

2008-09-06T17:21:00.011+08:00

Me and my HS buddies, Au and Emman were supposed to take part of the kick-off party of San Miguel OktoberFest last night. I went to Robinson's Galleria to meet Emman then we headed to Seattle's Best Mega Mall to meet Au. It was so humid at 24 deg. And damn, the streets were filled with so many people from all walks of life. The entrance gate to the venue was overflowing with so many people. Au even said,mas "Ayoko pumasok baka mahipuan lang ako jan sa loob (Oktoberfest Venue)! We just could not handled the situation so we decided to go to San Mig cafe in Ortigas. Almich, another HS buddy, joined us after an hour.

Spending some time with my HS buddies has always been a refreshing to me. I miss them all. I hope soon we'll all find time to eat, drink, enjoy and celebrate our 10th year as the centennial batch of Baste. Bravo Baste 98!

War in Mindanao

2008-09-04T13:45:00.012+08:00

There's too much going on right now in the Southern Philippines. Lots have been said and done, lots have been left hidden. I am a peace loving man and I condemn any kind of war be it here in the Philippines and elsewhere abroad.

It's so sad to hear and know that peace down there is far from reach. Siguro nga, some stupid politicians and some greedy individuals make this war a business at the expense of the lives of the innocent children, civilians and the poor soldiers. I still believe and I continue to pray for the peace in Mindanao and in the whole world. Both parties should always bear this in mind - "One cannot talk peace and have a gun on hand."

We are Filipinos and whatever religion we believe in, we are all brothers. And we do not kill our brothers for some selfish intentions. It's against the teachings of the Christianity, it's against the teachings of Islam. We cannot deny it.

END WAR in MINDANAO NOW!

---
I've been hearing this song since I was a little boy. Para 'to kina Esperon et al, Kumamder Bravo et al, at para sa ating lahat.

Bayan Kong Sinilangan
By Asin

Ako'y isinilang sa isang bayan ng Cotabato
Kasing gulo ng tao, kasing gulo ng mundo
Dahil di magkasundo sa relihiyon at prinsipyo, nagkagulo.
Ang bayan ko sa Cotabato, kasing gulo ng isip ko
Di alam kung saan nanggaling, di alam kung saan patungo

Kapatid sa kapatid, laman sa laman
Sila-sila ang naglalaban, di ko alam ang dahilan ng gulo.
Bakit nagkaganon, ang sagot sa tanong ko
Bakit kayo nag-away, bakit kayo nagkagulo
Prinsipyo mo'y igagalang ko kung ako'y iyong nirespeto
Kung nagtulungan kayo, di sana magulo ang bayan ko.

Sa bayan kong sinilangan, sa timog Cotabato
Ako ay namulat sa napakalaking gulo
Dahil walang respeto sa prinsipyo ng kapwa tao
Kapwa Pilipino ay pinapahirapan mo, ang gulo.

Ako'y nananawagan, humihingi ng tulong n'yo
Kapayapaa'y bigyan ng daan, kapayapaan sa bayan ko
Bakit kailangan pang maglaban, magkapatid kayo sa dugo
Kailan kayo magkakasundo, kapayapaa'y kailan matatamo ng bayan ko?

Kung ako'y may maitutulong, tutulong nang buong puso
Gitara ko'y aking inaalay, kung magkagulo'y gamitin mo
Kung ang kalaba'y walang puso, puso na rin ang gamitin mo
Ituring mong isang kaibigan Isipin mong siya'y may puso rin katulad mo.

Coda:
Sa bayan kong sinilangan (bakit may gulo...)
Sa timog Cotabato (sa timog Cotabato)
Ako ay namulat (kailan matatapos...)
Sa napakalaking gulo (ang gulo)
Dahil walang respeto (kailan magkakasundo...)
Sa prinsipyo ng kapwa tao (ang tao)
Kapwa Pilipino (kapwa Pilipino...)
Ay kinakalaban mo (bakit kinalaban mo) Ang gulo

The Eraserheads Reunion Concert

2008-08-31T11:41:00.028+08:00

It was one of the most anticipated night in the history of Philippine music industry. 4 extra ordinary men, 1 great band reunited for the first time after some years of parting ways.

Thanks to my very good friend Chabe. Her powers made my name appear on the VIP list! Thanks thanks Chabebs!

My original plan was to post an entry without words, only images but for some reasons I was not able to see the opening number and some 3 more songs because I was denied to enter the venue with my Sony DSC-H9. The security personnel thought cam is an SLR camera. I called my cousins Rain and Lala for help. But just before Ely Buendia sang their 6th song, I was already inside! Yooooohoooooo! Thanks to this one member of the staff for he knows what an SLR camera is and what isn't. (if you're in doubt, read this to know that Sony DSC-H9 is not really an SLR camera)

These are the very few images I managed to take. My apologies, but I was so overwhelmed watching Ely, Raymund, Buddy and Marcus perform my very eyes. Parang panaginip lang! I was ecstatic, sorry talaga.

General Admission Gate

The Patron Entrance

Minutes before the show starts

The long cue to Alapaap!

Rock 'n Roll

Long Live E-heads!

The Greatest Filipino Band!

The Crowd sings with Ely

20-minute Break

The happy days

Crowd patiently waiting for the 2nd set

And waiting---

And waiting...

Lights off...

The puppet watches...

Sad news delivered

Buddy delivers...

Final walk

The crowd on the way to the exit points after hearing the sad news

Jessica, Mac,Aisha, Jun, Chabe (infront)

With Lorraine, Bads, Marya, Ikoy

----
I hope Ely gets well soon. Long Live E-heads!

And there was no Gold again....

2008-08-22T23:30:00.010+08:00

I was able to watch the battle between Tshomlee Go and the Australian taekwondo jin last Wednesday. I admit that I do not know everything about taekwondo. And to be completely honest, I do not how the scoring works. But when I saw the fight, I have come to realize that it does not take someone to be a taekwondo jin to know whether the kick landed on the opponents body solidly. The Australian even fell, and the Filipino commentator said "2 points yun!". But there was none. Not even 1. Nakakaawa talaga. :-(

Earlier this afternoon, I saw Toni Rivero's fight with the Croatian jin. My sister kaye and I were crossing our fingers and kept on cheering for Toni. But it just did not work. :-( The first two rounds were good but the Croatian was tougher. Naiwan na si Toni on the 3rd round. Hay, bokya na naman. :-(

Someone told me days before the Olympics, "winner ang makaka-gold sa Beijing. Milyonaryo na pag-uwi dito. Pero malalakas lang ang loob nyan mag bigay ng mga milyon na yan kase alam naman nila na hindi makaka-gold ang isa sa kanila". Hay, another harsh reality. Tsk tsk tsk.

Sabi ko nga, it does not only take pure heart in the Olympics. It takes a lot more. And whether we admit it or not, in the game of Olympics, biases and partialities are part of the game. Ask Onyok Velasco, ask Nastia Luikin, ask Tshomlee.

Check this and this out to know what I'm talking about.

---

Incidentally, a Pinoy athlete bagged Gold in Beijing Olympics. The consolation came from the sport's demonstration event earlier today. Anyway, Congrats Willy Wang!

I am Ninoy. R u?

2008-08-21T19:57:00.007+08:00

I was only 2 years old when Ninoy Aquino was shot to death. He landed face down, embracing his homeland. The guy must really loved our country!

Too bad we don't have a Ninoy now. And I must say we can never have somebody like him. Good thing though, we can start to work, and try and be a Ninoy in our own little way. Click here and unleash the hero in yourself. I already did!

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Please watch Beyond Conspiracy on ABS-CBN this Sunday night. It's a docu about Ninoy's assassination.

Pakistan President Resigns!

2008-08-18T23:32:00.009+08:00

I was not able to catch the early evening news kanina. I was out with my very good friends Au and Eman. Ang dami ko palang na-miss. Good thing, I have an unlimited and free wireless connection and there's the late evening news program. Thanks to Hampstead Wireless services.

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's President for nearly nine years once again made it to the TV, print and radio headlines worldwide. He addressed today that he will step down. Click here for more. Hmmm, I wonder what my Pakistani friends Sultan, Pirbhaksh and Falak have to say.

I still pray that Gloria will step down too soon. Basta ako, JUNK CHA-CHA at ISAMA NA SI GLORIA!

RAFA takes No. 1!

2008-08-18T21:59:00.007+08:00

After more than 3 long years and after several hours after winning the men's singles Olympic gold in Beijing, Rafael Nadal of Spain takes the number 1 spot in the world of tennis. Your dedication and your drive is truly admirable. I hope US Open 2008 Cup will be added to your collection!

Congratulations Rafa!

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Image taken from here.

Beijing Olympics

2008-08-18T00:01:00.004+08:00

The quest for winning the Philippines' first Olympic gold continues after Harry Tanamor lost in his very first fight last week. :-( To be honest, I was not really expecting for the swimmers and other Pinoy athletes to bag any medal except for Harry, Toni Rivero and Tshomlee Go. Go Toni! Go Tshomlee!

I like to point out that I am not being negative about other Pinoy Olympians. It's just that, they are competing with the world's best, fastest and fiercest athletes, so we should accept the fact that they do not match a Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser and many others.

When I heard the news that David Coakley, a Filipino swimmer based in Hawaii, notched a new swim RP record for the 200m breststroke, I told Rain: "Sana tayo-tayo na lang ang nagswimming dito sa Pinas. At least naka-medal pa siya!" Sana maisip na natin na hindi kailan man magiging sapat ang puso para makakuha ng Olympic Gold medal. It will take a lot mopre than it! I'm crossing my fingers that our Taekwondo jins will at least put the Philippines in the Beijing Summer Olympics Medal Tally Board. Kahit hindi gold, pero Lord, mas masaya kung gold... Please po. Please po.

Anyway, Congratulations to the all World Record Breakers and Medalists: To Michael Phelps of US - the greatest Olympian to date, to Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser both from Jamaica, to Guo Jingjing of China, to Rafael Nadal of Spain, to Roger Federer and teammate Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland and to all other athletes who won the Beijing Olympic medals. Thank you for the inspiration!

The Wafi Experience

2008-08-11T13:35:00.018+08:00

This entry is months late but the feeling and memories are still very much intact. I had the chance to see and visit one of the most distinctive shopping centers in the world, the Dubai's Wafi Mall. The visit happened last may 2008 when my cousin Michael decided to spend some time with his brother Ernel in Dubai before having his vacation in Manila.

This shopping center has an ancient-times theme. Its opulent décor as well as its range of shops and restaurants made this mall a one of kind. The building is shaped like an Egyptian pyramid, it has hieroglyphics that decorate the walls, while statues of pharaohs sit next to the gold-foiled white pillars lining the walkways. The stunning stained-glasses display an array of colors as the sun strikes its rays on it. Astig talaga!

Some say that Wafi Mall is so extravagant and over the top shopping center. But I think, its nice to have Wafi in this part of desert. Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng maraming pera!

With my cousin Michael

The man on my right is an Indian, on my left is the owner of this carpet shop

A Kabayan CSA in Wafi Mall. Akala nya turista ako.

----

Thanks to my Sony DSC-H9 for the wonderful images. My apologies kung di masyadong organized. I have limited knowledge palang kc sa Photoshop but I'm learning. Anyway, these images are 100% genuine.

Desert Lessons and Scenes 101

2008-08-09T15:42:00.001+08:00

---- No matter how good you are, people will still do bad things to you.

---- No matter how good and intelligent you are, you are still a second or even lower class person just because of the color of your skin and the language you speak.

---- Ambition is a lame excuse for being lazy. LOL!!!

---- I am unique, just like everybody else.

---- Most of the Filipino sales representatives here are not interested entertaining fellow Filipinos whenever you try to look for an item that are a little bit expensive or maybe way too expensive for you. If you showed a little interest with the help of an Indiano or anybody else, they will try to catch your attention.

---- A physiotherapist here, especially a Filipino and other Asians, are better known as simple masseurs or masseuses.

---- Chinese women here wander on the darkest streets every night. They are not selling any goods. They sell themselves instead.

---- Pakistanis complain about the smell of the Chinese ladies here without even saying a thing about the disgusting scent of themselves and their fellow Pakistanis.

--- Pakistani cab drivers like kabayans very very much because the kabayans are very good, some kabayans are even better in the so-called "foreign affairs"!

---- When a Filipina or even a Filipino waits for a cab at night, some motorists would throw glances at you that insinuate something you do not like before they go on with their driving.

---- Filipinas and even Filipinos are well-known here to be suckers of everything you can imagine!

--- Most of the people you will meet are either half-human, half monsters or entirely evil!

--- You will be annoyed by the fashion sense of the people you will meet inside the mall.

--- You will see Arab ladies purchasing the most expensive dresses but will never ever see them wear those dresses because they always and forever wear the "abayas".

--- Most of the people there expect you to understand and respect their beliefs where in fact they do not even know how to practice it themselves...

--- When you get the chance to work in the Middle East, you will realized the little things you took for granted while still in the Philippines.

--- Most of the people you will meet there think that they are way better and greater than you even if they do not even know how to construct a simple sentence and a simple paragraph.

--- If an idiot comes and tries to argue with you, it's best to just walk away. Believe me it is not worth it. Because they will drag to you their level and then beat you with experience.

08-08-08

2008-08-08T23:22:00.000+08:00

I had an interview earlier today for another possible job in the Middle East. It's a hospital job out there so I gave it a try. When the employer soon learned that I used to for a member of Abu Dhabi's Royal family, he commented (verbatim): "Oh, you are a very big man! You worked for Sheikh?" Like in my previous interviews, I answered the best way I can without being too proud and arrogant.

Well, the Arab man is quite right, I'm really BIG, literally and figuratively! But just because of the thought that I worked for a Sheikh does not necessarily mean that one hospital or employer can never pay for my monthly compensation. My previous salary is not as grand as what you think, believe me. Feeling ko nga, underpaid pa ako dun kc sa Sheikh ako nagwo-work tapos ganun lang ang sahod ko.

Back to the interview, the Arab man took down notes, asked more questions and said: " We will call the one we will hire after finishing all the interviews. Good Luck." Good luck talaga sa akin, I don't think they will hire me. It's not that I'm being negative, I just can feel it. Okay lang naman yun, mag review na lang ako for State Boards. After all, yun naman talaga ang orihinal kong plano.

----

That same day while I was waiting for the train in Ayala MRT Station, I got a call from Mam Marvie. She gave me an offer that is hard to resist. Doc Raf needs a PT for one PBA/PBL (Not really sure about it kc Mam said the team belongs to the latter but when I checked it on-line the team she said is included in the former) team and he wants me for the job. Maraming salamat po Doc Raf dahil sa pagtitiwala sa kakayahan ko. I started to weigh things out. I will soon start my review classes for the State Boards dahil yun din naman ang isa mga maraming rason kung bakit ako umuwi dito sa Pinas.. Mahirap din naman kase na tanggapin ko yung trabaho tapos sooner magpapaalam din naman ako to let my American dreams happen. I politely said I cannot accept it because of my plans to go work abroad sooner. But we might talk about this matter again when I visit them sa RMC Rehab this week.

----

My very good friend Au is right when she texted me this: " Life isnt lyk a train dat wen u miss it u can say " i'll catch d nxt one." never waste d oportunity 2 liv it n hav fun coz ds joyride passes jst once."

Some would say that turning down the PBL job is a wasted opportunity or even stupidity. I'm sorry but I just think I should prioritize things by now. I should have a clear vision of the road I really want to take. Mahirap din naman na sakay ka na lang ng sakay without knowing where you really want to go. I should decide based on my long-term goals and not just settle with the available ones just to impress the people around me. I know what I want to do. I want to work in a hospital because it gives a a sense of fulfillment that I never had after working inside the palace. I know what I want to achieve and I will do everything in my power just to let my dreams and my dreams for my family happen.

----

The Beijing Olympics sarted and the opening ceremony is the best I've seen. Galing talaga! Go Team Philippines! Bag the Gold! Just wondering, why is Manny Pacquiao looked a little confused when he was carrying and waving the flag? Is it because of the hair-do? Ahihi.

A Sunday with Princess

2008-08-04T23:43:00.002+08:00

Princess Vargas Tinimbang

I received an SMS from my HS friend Yehlen inviting us (baste '98) to attend Paul T.'s daughter christening last Saturday. I did not respond immediately though I wanted to. I forwarded the message to my HS buddies and started to plan everything.

Rain, Ikoy, Eugene & Elena, Yehlen, Ikoy and our long-legged friend Au will be joining the proud Daddy Paul T. and Mommy Ednalyn in welcoming Princess, their beautiful 1st daughter, to the Christian world. The Paul T. and Ednalyn are both our batch mates in HS. Nobody expected that they will end up in each others arms. But that's another story. Then we all agreed to meet up in Gateway-Cubao at 8:30 in the morning because the Paul T.'s place is an FX ride away from the mall.

I woke up soooo early on that wet and rainy Sunday morning. Though feeling lazy, I still managed to fix myself and dress up for the occasion. I was soooo excited to meet my HS batch mates after being away. Then I received an SMS from Au, " Nates, di ako makabangon. Lakas kc ng ulan. Antok na antok pa ako." Huwattttttt? :-( I had no other choice but to go on my own.

God is sooo good because despite all the hustle and bustle brought by that lazy wet Sunday, all of us managed to be there and witness the ceremony inside the Church. Too bad Princess' tantrums did not allow us to take some photos with her inside the church. But I still managed to take some shots. Though I am not in the pictures, I'm as happy as they are just taking those images.

It makes me feel good whenever I spend moments with my high school buddies. Nakaka-alis sila ng stress! There are no dull moments with them. Last Sunday, we ate, talked, sang, laughed and learned from each other again. It's fun and it will always be. I love them all and I'm looking forward for another session with them. Sana lang sooner.

Welcome to the Christian world Princess!

BASTE 98 - 10 YEARS NA!

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CHURCH PICTURES:

Eugene, Elena, Maisie, Rain, Ikoy, Sonny Boy

Ninang Rain, Ninong Ikoy, Ninang Yeh

Ninong Ikoy, Ninong Eugene, Ninang Rain

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RECEPTION PICTURES:

Princess & Ninong Nates

Princess & Ninang Rain

Princess with Ninong Ikoy & Ninang Yeh

Princess & Ninong Ikoy

Princess & Ninong Eugene

Baste 98: (L-R): Rain, Ikoy, Maisie, Elene, Yeh, Nates, Eugene, Paul T.

Baste 98 Ulit

Busy Bees

Meet the Ordenes

Dyesebel, is that you?

The Singing Bee

Busy. Busy. Busy

..ZZzZzzzZ...

Shhhh.

Eugene at si Raul na humabol

Images from Maroc

2008-08-01T23:09:00.023+08:00

These images were taken way back June 2007, my first time in Morocco and in Africa! Wooooah!

On the third week on June 2007, due to insistence of Kiko and Ketty, I asked permission to see some sites in Morocco's capital city. I don't own a digital camera back then so the images are not as clear as they should be. Good thing I got a camera phone. Thanks for the generosity of my brother Kiko.

Here here's what I found:

This is Chellah. The ancient Madina of the Kingdom of Morocco.
This was the center of Rabat during the ancient times.

All smiles at the entrance of Chellah. The entrance fee is
only 10 Moroccan dirhams (a little over $1).

Ruins inside the Chellah.

More ruins.

Birds' nests inside the old Madina. These birds also
found their haven on the top of the top Mosque in this ancient city.

I just took a snapshot near the entrance of this ruined structure because
I was too afraid to get lost. I went there alone. And I do not even speak Arabic or French.

Behind me is the map of the ancient Chellah.

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Visit this to see more of Morocco.

Jolly Me, JOLLIBEE!

2008-07-25T15:16:00.002+08:00

Ever since I was a child, I've always wanted to have at least one Jollibee outlet in my hometown. Of course, it was impossible during those days. Our little town barely had a 5 km concrete road that time. My siblings and I always looked forward for the summer vacations because it was the only time that we would visit a Jollibee and purchase a Jolly Kiddie meal during those forgotten days. We did not have other choices but to eat and enjoy the comfort and meals of Chow Queen, Bahay-Kubo, Burger Junction, Yolly Bee and Kutsintaan ni Nini. Days passed, and so were different administrations. The dream of a Jollibee outlet in Sablayan remained the way it was.

Fast-forward to 2007, Jollibee started to operate in San Jose Occ. Mindoro. Reports said that the Jollibee-San Jose holds the record for having the biggest sale on the opening day (Way to go Mangyans!) According to what I heard, the cue started to build up as early as two in the morning! Yes, two in the morning, alas dos ng madaling araw. Tsk tsk tsk. Everybody was really excited, I must say. Too bad, I have not visited the branch because San Jose is way too far from our town. It is like a 3-hour bus ride on the roughest roads one could ever imagine.

On my second day here after more than 13 months in a foreign land, I invited my childhood friend Bonna to eat out Though it was raining, she said yes minus my godson Cedric. We decided to eat in “Luiscious”, a new resto in front of my Lola’s house. While waiting for our food, she told me that there is a Jollibee outlet in the town plaza. I was overwhelmed. Because of excitement, I almost canceled our orders, but Bonna insisted that we stay. We canceled the burgers instead. We enjoyed our food and we immediately went to the town plaza where Jollibee on Wheels took a stop!

---

Jollibee On Wheels started last July 18, 2008 and will stay there until the 26th of this month. Reports say that the most successful businessman in Sablayan - Mr. Mintu, invited the most popular food chain in the Philippines in my hometown. The Mintus have future plans of having a franchise of their own of said food chain. The rumored location is perfect. It will rise along the national highway, in front of the town plaza and a few meters away from my Lola’s residence.

---

These reports were denied by a crew of Jollibee On Wheels who said that it is still impossible to have a Jollibee-Sablayan. Sa ngayon, happy na ang mga taga sa amin 'pagkat abot-kamay na ang langhap sarap na dala ng Jollibee On Wheels!

Nanay enjoying her Jolly Yum with Cheese

Lunch Date with Ketty Kets

2008-07-20T13:16:00.001+08:00

My family decided to have a lunch date with the soon-to-be-part of our family. Ketty just came from the United Kingdom and will be leaving in two weeks. So, it is a must for my parents to see here (don't ask why).

We decided to have a lunch with Ketty in Trinoma considering its proximity from where she lives. And besides, I haven't seen the mall since it opened last year. The call time was 11:00 in the morning. Fifteen minutes before the clock hit 11, I received an SMS from Ketty. The message said that she will be a "little" late. I replied: "Ok lang. Late din naman kami." Traffic was horrendous along Araneta Avenue. Really.

When we finally met, it was almost half past eleven. Then Ketty asked me where we are eating. I said anywhere except the restos serving Kebab and Arabic dishes. We kept on answering one's questions with another question. Hay, mga Pinoy nga naman. Then, she told me that Jay wanted us to try something new -- like Vietnamese foods. And we did. Without any hesitation, we headed to Pho Hoa while Nanay never left Ketty's side.

Mommy and Ketty

Kaye and Tatay

Agie and Obee

Me and Kiks

----

My family brought Ketty back to Hagonoy minus me and Kaye. I went straight home after our lunch date because I needed to pack my things for Sablayan. Kaye, on the other hand, went to work at the hospital.

Happy Birthday Agie!

2008-07-18T12:17:00.007+08:00

Agie, my youngest sister, celebrated her 23rd birthday three days (July 17) after I came back. Though it was not as grand as the celebrations of some people I know, it was truly an unforgettable one. Seeing my closest relatives always brings me joy.

Too bad Kiko, Bads, Rain, some titos, titas, and cousins were not present.

These are some of the stolen and non-stolen images:

May your dreams come true Agie. Happy Birthday. Lab u.

I'm Back!

2008-07-14T23:53:00.000+08:00

After soooo much waiting and praying, I am finally home!

I'm excited. I'm happy. I'm sad. I'm slightly afraid. I'm worried. I'm missing my bed inside the palace. I'm missing my friends there. But I am very glad to be with Nanay, Tatay, Agie and Kaye again. I'm happy to see my cousins: Lorraine, Ian, Kim and Obee; and my friends- Emman, Au and Michael.

Here are some pictures:

With Kaye and Tatay (Bigote Boy)

Nathan's Back

Three Kings

With Agie

Big Four

The Big Four

Rain, Au, Michael and Me

Emman, Rain, Me, Au, Michael

Congrats RAFA!

2008-07-07T17:56:00.001+08:00

Image taken form here.

Congratulations Rafael Nadal for winning the 2008 Wimbledon title. You have shown the world that everything is possible. We just have to play and pray harder. Thank you for the inspiration. All the best Rafa and God bless you.

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I commend Roger Federer for being a fierce and great competitor. Nadal and Federer gave the best championship match in the world of tennis. Thank you for delivering tennis at its best! May God bless you too.

Patience is a Virtue

2008-07-04T20:54:00.002+08:00

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

After more than thirty days and a week of daily visits to the office, my resignation was finally approved! Truly, patience is a virtue!

The good news came yesterday July 3, 2008. The HR head threw a joke that I am staying but my compensation would be reduced by 50%. I said, that is not fair! And then he finally broke the news. Congratulations to me!

Worry-filled days and nights are over. There will be no more demons ranting about my existence. No more homesickness and tears. No more anxieties. No more sleepless nights. No more deceit and betrayal. No ungratefulness. No more bigotry and discrimination. No more disgusting smell from co-workers! No more working with people who knows nothing but money! No more dorks, no more jerks! Professional growth will be revived. My neurons will regenerate and continuous learning process will linger. My heart will once again be home, right in its proper place.

My journey continues and dreams persist, and shall never die!

Thank you Lord for another answered prayer. I leave everything to You. I know I am in good hands.

Drink 4 Free

2008-07-02T22:51:00.003+08:00

I am drinking with my big brothers now. One of my big brothers managed to puslit an alcoholic beverage tonight! I am drinking like a fish (alright Au!), I wanna feel numb, I wanna get drunk, I am free! Oh sori, I chose to be free! Bwahahahah!

Truly, the best things in life are free!

Good News?

2008-07-02T20:03:00.005+08:00

I went to the office this afternoon. As usual, they gave me open-ended answers. I asked for more, I wanted clarifications, I wanted to make the plans and start a new life. But they kept on giving me false hopes and unacceptable answers. I just gave deep sighs. What can I do, I am just a servant.

I am visiting the office tomorrow again. They promised me some good news. I dunno, I do not want to expect. I just really hope and pray that they are giving me some REAL good news. Help me pray. I really new yours.

Hombre Grande- Calentado

2008-07-01T15:02:00.004+08:00

Last night, my big brothers and I here watched the Pacquiao-Diaz fight. Willie told me to purchase a pirated DVD copy of the boxing match in a Pinoy Grocery somewhere in Tourist Club area here in Abu Dhabi. I luckily got one even though these pirated DVDs are selling briskly. Thanks to my charm. Hehehe.

The world witnessed the Manny Pacquiao at his best - calm, powerful, swift, elusive, well-coordinated and precise. But I also acknowledged David Diaz, the latest Mexican casualty of the power of Pacman.

Though (based on what I saw) Diaz is skill-deprived, he has a big heart. He fought like a man, lost like a man and admitted his limitations like a man. He has won the respect of many Filipinos and boxing fans all over the world. ¡Los sombreros lejos a usted demasiado Diaz de David! Dios le bendice.