My birthday

Geeekk!
Birthday ko na bukas. Maghahanda ang nanay ko para sa akin. Si Papa Andrew naman me ibinigay na advance gift to me nung sunday pa. It's a titanium bracelet. Gamut daw ito. Sinisipsip ng bracelet na ito yung mga sakit-sakit sa katawan na nararamdaman ko. Meron sina Mom and Papa noon. Years na rin nila itong sinusuot and according to them napaka-effective naman.
At sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mommy, lola at ngayon ako na isinusuot ang titanium bracelet na bigay ni papa, natutuwa ako ng husto. Cute lang kasing tingnan na ang lahat ng bidang babae sa buhay nya ay me tatak na bracelet from him!

dalawang taon ko na ring naging ritual na kapag bday ko, hindi ako gagastos ng pera. Wala lang, sariling pamahiin ko lang naman na mas lalong lalago ang bulsa ko kapag ginagawa ko ang ritual na 'to. So far naman, ang pamilya at mga malalapit kong kaibigan ang gumagastos. Sarap no? I feel so important!

Tapos ngayon habang pinipindot-pindot ko ang keyboard na ito, biglang tumawag si Gladys. She is inviting me for a boracay mix party bukas ng gabi. Birthday ko daw kasi kaya maghahanda sila. Me duda akong mag-iinuman kami bukas ng gabi. Sayang wala si Daddy Ervs. Busy. Nasa ibayong bundok. Nakakamiss tuloy. But for sure I will be having an enormous day bukas. Yun naman ang dapat. Make way to be happy!

On my birthday, 31 na ko! Nine more years pa para magpasexy ng katulad ni Beyonce. Ayuko naman yung payat. Baluptos lang.... mas in yata yun. Hehehehe... nangangarap lang namang maging fabulous at 40! Wala namang masama dun.

Siyanga pala, I'm not really a fan of Kris Aquino pero kanina habang nakikipila ako sa grocery ng KCC upang bayaran ko ang binili kong quakeroats, nakita ko ang magazine ni Kris Aquino. Out na pala sa market 'yung newest issue niya. Binili ko kasi dun sa nakasulat na topic about "Ukay going glam"
Na-curious lang, kasi ifi-nityur ni Kris yung tungkol sa ukay-ukay.
Naka-relate ako, kasi maarte nga akong tao pero di ako bumibili ng morethan 100 pesos na damit. Di ko pa nababasa ang magazine but for sure I'm going to enjoy it.
Naalala ko tuloy si Jei.
Sya kasi yung talagang nagpu-purchase nga magazine ni Kris. Nakigaya uli ako. Hehehehe

Elvie and Chona Baby

I had a good time connecting with my old friends and officemates just today.

Chona who is still employed in that agency and my other friend Elvie who is currently working in Singapore.

First Meeting with Chona.

We are in our twenties and still single when we started working together.

I remember Chona wearing her suit on my first day of work. She was in a red mini-skirt with a white tops roofed with a red blazer which made her look like an executive.

I was really thinking that she was my boss next to the Project Director Ma’am Venus Bermudo. That was why she made me so confused when she asked me kung nasaan nakalagay ang mga brooms ng opisina. I was new then so I told her honestly that I didn’t know. Kinabahan ako ng todong-todo. I keep on blaming my self for being so insensitive sa needs ng boss ko, only to find out na pareho lang pala kaming bago sa office noon. Upon knowing it, I was laughing so hard alone inside the comfort room. I can’t believed na na-loko ako sa porma ng babaeng yun!

Years passed by, we became not only a working mate but a friend as well. She married our office-mate Tonio. The couple were popular at that time. They made our mornings, afternoons and evenings complete! Inaabangan namin ang bawat scoop ng mag-asawang ito. They give us so much joys and laughter.

She didn’t know kasi that in her own ways, she can make us smile and laughed so badly.

Tonio and Chona was really a pair that I can’t forget.

My everyday is full of funny moments with her. I might have forgotten the exact scenarios but whenever I see her, I could still remember the pleasure it bears in my heart.

Fun with Elvie

She was a Dindi Gallardo look-a-like.

Carefree and flamboyant.

She was actually working with my mother-in-law in the other division where our office was connected. Maybe at that time, she was hearing something not so good about me, obviously, since me and my mom-in-law were still in the process of acceptance. These were just but a typical mom and daughter in-law scenario. The good thing is all were tolerable right now.

What I remember about Elvie is that she is always loud.

Kahit saan sya ilagay, napakaingay nya.

Pero, sobrang galing ng PR nya.

She can make you love her.

Kahit na yung mga Boss namin finds her amusing.

She got talent!

She is a terrific dancer.

A singer as well. She sings even better that Susan Boyle.

I am thinking nga right now, na kapag sumali lang yang si Elvie sa Survivor ng GMA, she will make it. Talented kasi sya. Walang sinabi si Ai ai de las Alas kung si Elvie lang man ang magpapatawa.

Ngayon nga that we were in a conference chatting, sobrang happy at tawa lang kami ng tawa. Paano pa kaya kung bibigyan si Elvie ng break sa showbiz?

She will make it.

I am sure of that.

footsteps on the ground

I was delighted to be able to do the whole hiking in less than four hours with my Lola and still able to catch her smiles, the more she became alive and energetic. Regardless of what emtions life might be holding in reserve for her this year, she always found this experience happy to bear. She would always tell all my friends about her Mt. Apo trip when they visit me home.

We were dancing actually in that mountain to dutifully perform the rituals and dances she had taught me, but what I can see in her eyes is the yearning to be out in the world, to see a little nature.

It was an overcast and the clouds were very low but the physical exercise and the whiskey helped fend off the cold. The path was a little narrow for us to walk along side by side so I went ahead, my Lola followed, mom was in our back and Gina was busy taking pictures. It was hard to talk in these circumtances but we always do and even laughed together at times because my Mom really is a funny person. She can easily makes you laugh, that way we enjoy the nature around us.

She was gazing with a childlike fascination at the landscape. It was indeed a God's signature.

This was the moment were I felt like using all my senses. The path we were walking suddenly felt wider and all my senses were working. Then Lola murmured something to me. My heart was afraid. As I looked up the sky, I realised that this woman is important to me.

"Love-love,Ikaw ay laging magpakababa. Yumapak ka lagi sa lupa sapagkat diyan tayo nagsimula at diyan din tayo papunta." Lola told me.
It feels like as if the whole nature is seeping my soul. She began stroking my hair and prayed for me silently. Various thoughts flashed my mind. I no longer felt the cold then at last my Lola hugs me.
"Lola"
"Bakit, Ineng?"
"Mayabang ba ako?"
"Aba, Oo naman. Lahat ng tao ay me kayabangan. Kaya nga ang dasal ko ay lagi mong alalahanan na yumapak sa lupa."
I smiled to her and kissed her in her forehead.
I was such a good follower but it confuses me actually.
I told my mom about my feelings and she told me that I will get more confused if I still refused to believe na me kayabangan ako. I must believed that naturedly mayabang ako and in that way I can always keep my feet on the ground.
I tried and I realised that Lola is right. Kaya pala, literally, kaming lahat habang naglalakad ay di gumamit ng tsinelas. Kami ay nagpakababa at umapak sa lupa.
Being humble is morethan that, I would still have to learn it as long as I live.

sailormoon moves

Sailoormoon dance with Gina.

Lola Sings

Lola shared to my father how she had dream to reach the Holy Mountain as she calls Mt. Apo. Strongly, she believes that God will hear her more when praying on that highest tops in our country. The holy week made her dream came true.

And oh, my…….. she actually sings when she is happy!

Lola is in the bliss during our travel. The emotion is so much visible in her face. In fact very contagious that even us felt the aura! While she sings, the kids attentively listens to her. I was thinking that somehow I am so like my Lola.

I also sings when happy. Kahit na nasa mall pa ako o kaya nasa jeep with matching dancing pa yan. Kaya nga ako parating nakukurot ng nanay ko nung kadalagahan ko pa but now it’s my husband who would just smile when I do that thing. Ay… siguro nakyu-kyutan din si Daddy Ervs like how I find Lola very pretty singing in joy while we are mobiling!

My cellphone rings ( as rin ringing tune na kring….. kringggg….)

It's a message from my Mother who at that time sits beside Lola.

She texted me na “alam mo na kung saan ka nagmana?”

I smiled and looked at her habang si Lola ay nag-si-sing pa rin.

And so I replied….

“Bakit di mo kinukurot?”

“Bruha, ikaw kaya ang kurutin ko?” replied by Mom thru text pa rin.

And while reading it, pinigilan ko talagang tumawa kasi baka isipin ni Lola na mina-mock ko sya.

Happy birthday, dad

Lift your head, baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
You can't win at everything but you can try.

Baby, you don't have to worry
'Coz there ain't no need to hurry
No one ever said that there's an easy way
When they're closing all their doors
And they don't want you anymore
This sounds funny but I'll say it anyway.

Boy I'll stay through the bad times
Even if I have to fetch you everyday
We'll get by with a smile
You can never be too happy in this life.

In a world where everybody
Hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go round
But dont let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song.

(Too doo doo...)
Let me hear you sing it
(Too doo doo...)

In a world where everybody
Hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go round
But don't let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song.

Lift your head, baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
Now it's time to kiss away those tears goodbye

(Too doo doo...)
Let me hear you sing it
(Too doo doo...)

'Wish you are here....
Happy birthday, Dad!

May all your dreaMs come true .
This song is for you.
Kisses...muwaaahhhh ..muwahhhh...muwahhhhh

Dancing with the mountain

Hot sun as warm as the kissing of the wind
Fooststeps in perfect time
Heartbeat as loud as the whisper in the wood
Hold me this dance is mine
The dance is mine


We are alone, your love excites me
You are the earth moving inside me


I feel like dancing with the mountain
Feel the rhythm walking on air
Feel like dancing with the mountain
Feel the rhythm dancing with the mountain


We climb up into the shelter of the sky
Footsteps on higher ground
Your voice as soft as a river running dry
Hold me this dance is mine


We are alone, your love's exciting me
You are the earth, moving inside me


I feel like dancing with the mountain
Feel the rhythm walking on air
Feel like dancing with the mountain
Feel the rhythm dancing with the mountain


I feel like dancing with the mountain
Feel the rhythm walking on air
Feel like dancing with the mountain
Feel the rhythm dancing with the mountain

My Mom and My Dad

We took-off early from General Santos City to Mt. Apo where we spend our Holy Week.
We had taken our brunch in Kidapawan Plaza's river-side at around 11 o'clock. Imagine, all of us had only bread and hot choco for a breakfast. But despite of that, we were so happy travelling! Para bang ngayon lang kami uli nakalabas ng GenSan.

The plaza had a simple, cozy and quite ambiance. It is amazing! Napasarap tuloy ang kain ko.
We had our baon na niluto ko at ni Gina (My Mom's adopted sister) na parang kapatid ko na rin. Kapag kami pa namang dalawa ang cook, masarap talaga.

After eating , we strolled the area. The kids were busy gracing the mini-zoo. They saw some of the wild animals and they joyfully played in the playground.

I was with Gina and my Lola watching the scenery in the area.
We also saw Mom and Dad in their sweet moment. Para silang bagong lovers na nag-dedeyt!
"Ang sweet talaga ni Pat, hane?" Ani ni Lola sa akin.
"Oo nga" sagot ko naman ke Lola.

Di namin mapigilang ngumiti. Ke ganda nga namang pagmasdan na even in that age, they're still sweet.
I'm used watching this sight esp at home pero mas nakaka-touched palang pagmasdan if you would see your parents dating like a newly weds at katulad ng mga lovers rin na nag de-deyt dito sa plaza na nakasabayan namin. The difference is that, they're younger. Sumisibol pa lang yung love nila. Kina Mom and Dad, crunchy na.
Tested by time.

Me nakita nga akong ngalalambutsingang lovers. Feeling ko mga highschool pa lang yung mga yun.
Naisip ko agad si Leslie. Panu kaya kung sya yung nilalamutak ng ka-date?
I dont know how would I react.
"Yuckk Tita. Kalu-od sa girl o. Naga-kiss sa boy!" bIglang enter ni Leslie from my back.
"Luka, mas lu-od kung naga-kiss sa kapwa girl." sagot ko naman.
"Ewww..." si Leslie pa rin.

Hinila ko na palayo. Baka saan pa mapunta ang usapan namin.
hehehehe
Si Mom and Dad pa naman bida ko ngayun.

Conversation with God

I don't know how to make our God happy but at this moment of my life I wanna do something worth that will satisfy Him.
In that mountain I prayed so hard . I wanted to feel Him.
After an hour, I cried. I don't even know why.
And so I continue crying.
With no reasons at all.
but deep inside my heart
I feel happy.
I feel light.
I knew that God touched me.
With out words, I had my conversation with God.

After the Holy week in Mt. Apo, I've come to love having a few moments with God in my room especially during dawn time.
It feels happier.

Second good thing

I have already shared the story of my sister-in-law who went back to her mom and dad because of personality differences with my brother. For some reason she and my mom decided to coninue the studies of my nieces here. That decision made my Mom love her more than ever. The two became really good friends. She came here in GenSan (for a visit) with an open arms from us. I know my brother is happy everytime she is near kaya lang siguro yung pride nilang dalawa ang pumipigil sa kanilang magkabalikan.

Wala namang nakikialam. Kahit kinikilig kami kapag nagmamatigasan ang dalawa, hindi pa rin kami nakikialam sa kanila.

And so she came back here to celebrate the first birthday of their daughter Lyrha kasabay na rin ang pagkuha kina Maxine and Lean para naman makapagbakasyun sa kanilang lolo at lola na nakabased sa Davao del Norte.

During the party, nakamasid ang lahat sa kilos ng mag-asawa. Syempre the kids were very happy. Complete ang family kasi. Wala ng tatalo pa dun. Pero sana magkabalikan na at magkapatawaran. Or sana ma-realized nilang dalawa na in a relationship, kailangan talagang mag sacrifice. Matutong magtiis, umunawa, at pagsumikapang i-respeto ang isa't -isa.

" Aba'y Enle, para silang si Sharon at si Gabby." ani ng Lola ke Mommy habang nakamasid sa dalawa.
"Nanay, di naman nagkabalikan yung dalawa. Hwag naman sana." Sagot ng mommy.
Umentra ako kasi di alam ng Mom and Lola na nasa likod lang pala si Ruffaya (hehehe, joke lang po)
"Hoyysss... anu ba yan. Magkakabalikan yang silang dalawa Mom.
Ala Martin and Pops." sabi ko.
"Di pa naman nagkakabalikan sina Martin at Pops." Hirit ni Lola
"Pero magkakabalikan yang dalawa." si Lola uli.

I keep quiet. But like my mom, the kids and my Lola, I am also wishing for a happy ending.

So the second best thing happened today is when Cielo and darwin gives us hope that they will patch things up.

First good thing

"Bien, ayusin mo naman yung posing mo."
"Ahh, Mom, mas maganda ito."

But he also posed naman ng nakaharap. Kinum,binsi ko pa ngang pictyuran sya ng nakatalikod pero sabi nya pang witchyboop lang yun. Ayaw nyang gayahin. Ahahahahaha!

There’s two good things we celebrated yesterday.

The first one was Bien’s recognition in grade one.

He was a bit disappointed for making it top 6 in his class but at the end of the recognition program, he realized that all his classmates who made it in top ten deserves the ranking.

I asked him what made you realized that?

“It’s in the record, Mom” he answered shrugging his shoulder.

It’s more important to realized how we have done things. I think my son was disappointed because he did not make it good during those days where in he still have the chance to make his academics better.

“Bien this is something worth celebrating for. You must be happy. Kung disappointed ka, just make it better the next time. Me bukas pa naman.” I said to him.

“How about my future?” he asked again. Natawa ako.

“What about your future?” tapon-tanong ko uli sa kanya.

“’Yung future gud, if I have my work,tapos mag-asawa na kami ni Cammille.”

“Ah, hindi naman porke you have no honors eh wala ka ng future. Bunos yung me honor ka kasi parang it’s a gift from your self that you were recognized at the end of the school year. You also make your Mom and Dad very happy kasi pinapapawi mo yung hirap nilang maghanap-buhay para mapa-igi ang future mo. But it doesn’t mean na wala kang future kung wala kang medal.”

I was looking at him seriously pero para bang kulang pa yung mga explanations ko.

“Mc Do tau?” Aya ko sa kanya.

Hindi sya excited! He usually shows excitement kapag niyaya ko ng ganun.

Neh, sabi ko sa sarili ko, explain na pud!

“Sad ka talaga?”

“Di naman, iniisip ko lang.” Bien said while we were riding a jeep going to Mcdo.

“Bakit mo iniisip?”

“Gusto kong malaman eh.” Ani ni Bien

“May future ka, believe me. You are a good son and I am sure in time, you will be a good father and a husband as well.” Hirit ko.

“Just like my Dad?” Tanong ni Bien, nakangiti na.

“More than your Dad.” I assured him.

“Happy na ako Mom. I will do better the next time. I asked man my teacher kanina what is wrong. She said kasi daw pangit ang writing ko. Alam ko na, magpractice ako mag write this summer.”

“Sige, tulungan kita.” Sagot ko naman habang ginugulo ko ang damit nya.

Typical kid kasi when we were in Mcdo, nakalimutan na niya yung mga things that made him worry. Or siguro nasagot ko ‘yung mga tanong niya.

Ethan 2

Another video clip of Ethan.
He sings!!!!