"UNDERWORLD, RISE OF THE LYCANS"

I have the urge to unload. I never thought I will be the subject of joke and ridicule in what I believed is my second home. Good that my son accompanied me to watch a movie. Just to get my mind off things. So I watched the talked about movie in our work place, Part Three of “Underworld” or what I thought is Part Three of the movie. On the early part of the movie, Victor came in the scene. My question had been voiced by my son, Victor had been slashed by Selene. How come he is in the movie? As the movie progresses, I realized that i am not watching the continuation of the last chapter of Underworld. I am seeing the full length the story of Lucian and Victors’ daughter. It is the beginning of the conflict between lycans and Vampires! Or is it? Remember that William had already been locked up and there had been a separate group of lycans that had been considered as enemies by the Vampire clans. Seemed that it happened even before Lucian!! Well, the last scene of the story"Rise Of The Lycans" is actually the beginning of what I believed is Part I of Underworld. If you had seen the last two sequel of Underworld, you will know that the movie currently showing in theaters here in the Philippines should be Part I of the Underworld sequel. The action is good, of course. That is needless to say!! Its just that I had watched a lot of bloody and gory movies before that the action scenes on what I believed is part three is standard!! just fine. I should say, though that the two previous Underworld movies are more hard packed in action. More blood. Not that gory though! By the way, If you had seen how Selene killed Victor!! Wow, I cant help but be amazed on the wonders of movies. Sliced so neatly you will not see it coming. So cunning. I liked that scene. I played and re-played that scene more that three times.

Anyways, Underworld is entertaining and a good movie. I just cant help but to be dismayed because I thought I will see something new. What I saw was something I already knew! Only It came in full length and in detail. My son and myself have the same question though, why is it that the movie, which supposedly should be the first part of the story, had been shown last. People thought it is part three. I thought it is part three. Only when I see the movie that I realized, Hey! This is the past of Lucian and Victor! This is not the present time. This is not Selenes’ time. I agree on one thing though. Selene has some similarities in physical features with Victors’ daughter. No wonder Selene reminded Victor of the daughter whose execution he sealed.

Source of Above Picture:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21698558@N06/3182261133

MY SON AND BESTFRIEND

The last few days my son had been so quiet and seemed too alienated. I love him so much and I should know better to respect his space rather than nag him to open up his mind to me. I kept the space, I want to give to my son the space he needs but I did some very short talking, “son, what ever it is that is in your mind, you may tell it to me when ever and where ever you are comfortable talking about it. I love you so much!! Just remember, I am here for you”!! Thats' it, I did not repeat my statement anymore. Yesterday, he hugged me real tight and told me he love me!! The usual persistence to call my attention, his usual attempt to make me laugh! His usual humor. I told him, I missed you, son! He said, “why? I am always here!!” I replied “ You were here but your soul seemed so distant! What was on your mind lately anyway, penny for your thoughts?” He became quite for a minute, then he stumbled for the right words..once he started talking I started listening, then our conversation started....long talk and I am glad. I looked at my son! Just looking at him makes me happy and I more glad even because he did not really remove me from his world after all!! I am still his best fried!! One day he will have a wife, a compadre, another best friend aside from me but I know that the space that a mother occupies in her childs’ heart, that space will always be mine!!

CHALLENGES!!

As I commented yesterday, the only thing that is permanent is a call centre industry is change. One minute you can gauge the scope of your work. You know by heart your work protocol. Then in a blink of an eye, everything entirely changes.

Just yesterday, three teams changed the scope of our work parameter. We assist our customers on setting up their adapters. Then, without prior notification, we were informed that a portion of our working hours will be dedicated to taking in sales calls. We are not profiled for Sales Account but well, directive as it is, we have to meet the requirements laid down before us. I suppose this is what it means to be flexible, being ready to make the most of what will be expected from us. Does being flexible extends to the point of dealing outside your field? Hmm.. but then for separated mom like me who have a son who goes to college and who wants a house and lot for me and my son, I suppose saying no to work is not an option. Well, for me at least!! I can not speak for all the single parents in the world! There are a lot of things i have in mind. I would like to make it in writing. I have to deal with my primary source of income and I have to cope with my other job!! Whew!!..that is life but as I said while we were on training this morning “Bring It On, Baby!!” I laughed hard because I have to. If I did not laugh, I will find my self being too tired. I might even cry!! I would rather smile or laugh heartily !!

There are three things in life that could help us go through life's challenges;

1) Accept the things that we can not change

2) Never give up and try our best to just move on.

3) Smile sweetly and laugh heartily !!!

Those helps me through..

Have a nice day every one!!

ONE UNPREDICTABLE DAY!!

How should I start? Should I say call centre industry is dynamic?! It is like stepping into an endless pathway of labyrinth, when you know you are almost on the entrance way, you realize there are more turning points that you have to deal with! The only thing that is permanent here is change. Or should I say that this is just one of those bad days! No matter how I carefully plan my itinerary, even with the back up plan and everything, sometimes things could really get messy.

My day is already laid down to planning. After work today I am supposed to attend a seminar for my other job. I gave my son the money to buy his launch and buy my supper as well because I know I will not make it at home after my shift. I should be able to finish one task today because on my day-off I will be sitting and planning my selling strategy for this other job! The day did not went well actually, I was not able to eat my breakfast [ 12:00mn] because when I woke up I realized one of the cats were able to get inside the house and she ate my food! There goes my breakfast. I improvised. When I was about to leave I found out the cat also took my launch box. There goes my launch [ 6:00am]. There goes my budget as well because buying food in our canteen can be expensive, you know!! I should improvise because I still have to attend a seminar after my 8 hours work when all of the sudden, news came in at work on the latter part of our shift!! We have a change of schedule!! Just like that!! Prompting me to cancel the schedule for my other job and re-set it next week!! Well, at least I have to go home early. That’s when I realized, my son will be arriving at 3:00pm. He have the food or my supper, so to speak!! My gosh!! One change leads to another. One mess leads to another mess!! I suppose this is the part when I would be saying “I wonder why some people love life so much!!” Does any body knows how it is for a morning person to work at night time, not eating and coping with unnerving changes that messes up everything!! Wheww!! Thing here is this. No matter what, I should be like the bamboo, ready to bend and improvise so I would survive. Don’t allow a bad day affect me and deal with the situation. Move On!!

Well, have a nice day everyone!!

MY TEENAGE SON

Vincent had been awfully quiet lately. I can feel the distance lately. I used to be so hyper active and would tease him and would really mess up things but he would not mind. I would ask for a hug and he would gladly hug me real tight. Most occasions he would throw pillow while I am half asleep. Sometimes, he would go to my room and take a look at me. I felt him kissing my forehead before he close the door behind him. He used to be hyper talkative. He would talk about school or about his classmates. However, the past few days I noticed he became too serious. He had been quiet. I would be so hyper talkative and he used to join me by being hyper as well. It was as if we were just buddys competing. However, the last few days he was too serious so I would slow down because I knew he was not in the mood. It seemed as if he had been developing a world that he alone knows and I am not included in that world anymore. I had been worried. I think my son is catching up with himself lately. When I was a teen ager, I had quite a journey finding my own identity. I think my son is at the doorstep of that journey now. I did seriously talked to him. He assured me he don’t have any problem. I told him that if there is a problem that he would like to fix himself, I would understand but I hope he could give me a hint so I could at least give him an idea of the pros and cons. He assured again he does not have a problem. I stopped from there. I know I should give him the space he needs. I think all parents of a teen ager goes to the same process. This is the stage when I am slowly feeling I am loosing him. I did not lose him as a son, but this is the stage where he is developing a world of his own, a life and a path of his own, on his own. Some of those things that had to be done, I suppose. We all go through this process. I assured him though that no matter what, I am always there for him and I love him so much! He is my life, you know!

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!

January 26 is also the Chinese New Year! By the way, had you noticed that in every country there is a China Town? A friend actually bought that to my attention and come to think of it, we have China Town here in the Philippines. I know there is a China Town in the United States as well!! Is it all over the world? Well, today is the day when Chinese people celebrate their New Year. In the Chinese calendar this starts from the beginning of Spring. I am sure our Chinese folks know about the legend of Nian. Anyway, before the Chinese New Year, people will give their houses a thorough cleaning in order to sweep away any bad luck and welcome good luck when the clock strikes New Years Day. Red decorations and fire crackers remains the traditional mark of this day. Of course we have tikoy as well. During younger days I remembered people getting excited over Tikoy and exchanging gifts of tikoy when Chinese New Year comes so I can not help but associate Tikoy with the Chinese New Year!!

Anyways, to every one, specially the Chinese people :

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!

AUSTRALIA DAY

January 26 is a National Holiday in Australia because today is their Australia Day. It is also known as their National Day because this day marks their nationhood. This day commemorates the First Fleet of the British Flag at Sydney Cove. This is also the day of the proclamation of the British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia. There had been a lot of controversies surrounding this day for the Australian people. Some call this day the Invasion Day. For the Indigenous Australian, this day is perceived as British colonialism, thereby bringing the destruction of the Indigenous culture. Well, so much for history. At present, It is observed thru family gathering, parades, citizenship ceremonies and various presentation. I suppose fireworks as well! Bottom line of this entry is, on this day, our Australian brothers and sisters are celebrating their National Holiday!! It is a Holiday so heres’ a toast to the Australian people;

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL, ILOILO CITY

One of the famous festivals here in the Philippines is our Dinagyang Festival. It is held in Iloilo City every 4th weekend of January. The celebrated festival started way back 1968 when the image of the Sr. Sto. Nino from Cebu City was brought and enshrined to San Jose Parish church. Since then a novena was held and the first parish feast was celebrated a year after. As years passed it had become very successful to the point that it draw political figures ensuring their mark to the people, not just the locals of Iloilo City but to the Filipino people as a whole as well. It was as if reminding the people that they are very much visible. On top of these political big shots, the Dinagyang Festival had also been one of the tourist attractions.

Dinagyang Festival is celebrated with frenetic stomping of the feet, ear-braking drumbeating, fireworks and colorful and eye-catching costumes of dancers bursting with energy and enigmatic rhythm that you will see only here in our proud country, the pearl of the East! Actually, the dance contributed by the participants is more than just about rhythmic movements and bashful costumes, it is also to remind the people of the rich cultural heritage of Iloilo people and its city amid what seemed to be a rapid change in our cultural heritage. It is more than merry making and celebration, it is history and thanksgiving as well!!

For our brothers and sisters from Iloilo:

HAPPY DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

THE MAGIC OF SMILING!!

The difference of being young and being an adult is that for young ones, you don’t have to find any reason to smile and be jolly. For adults who already have responsibilities, if you try to find a reason to smile, you’ll be damned. As one customer told me, be happy just for the sake of being happy. After all being happy is when you decided you will be happy today! The thing about emotion is that it is contagious. If a person is gloomy, it affects the person near him or her. However, when one smile you will find other people smiling back at you!! Now, that is very true. I just have to say something though!! One day a lady approaching was smiling, the first instinct was to smile back. However, as the lady got nearer, I realized her eyes were looking past through me, I looked behind and there was no one behind me. She was smiling but it was not sincere. I felt I made my self foolish for smiling back because my smile had meant nothing for her. I want a sincere smile. Nothing replaces the genuine. Smile brightens your day and your face as well! A good smile makes it a good way to start our day! As they say, smile and the world will smile back at you!! Happy Smiling every one!!

SPINELESS??!!!

It is said don’t judge a book by its cover! I saw this phrase somewhere “No matter what people think of you. Even if people thinks you are a loser. It does not mean you are one. The important thing is what you think about yourself and what you would do to become one. The only wall between you and the kind of person you would like to be is Yourself ". This reminds me of a woman. Once a young girl who were too diligent to her parent to the point that she had been tagged “papas’ girl”. That was fine I suppose but then upon adolescent she was already tagged “puppet” because she took every bit of advise her father gave to her, thinking he knows better. A very close kin called her “spineless” and thinks she is a lesser person. Her relatives addressed her as “too feminine and weak”. Maybe because she talked less. Maybe because she is not argumentative and confrontational in nature. Maybe because she was tagged as a “puppet” for closely following her fathers advise and opinions. Or maybe all of the above.

But you know what? This spineless and weakling little lass had done something that only a woman with courage could do. Well, for me at least! Her husband abandoned her and she proved that she could live and raise a child on her own. She did not have a support thru those years. She did not get herself another husband so she could be happy again or find a strong shoulder to lean on or for purposes of having a strong man supporting and protecting her and her son. Instead, she worked for herself and her child. She transferred from one job to another. She may be not outspoken but she did not shed a tear. She went thru the psychological and emotional turmoil of living and dealing with everyday task of a single parent through the years. She stood alone. Can a weakling woman do that? I remembered her past when I saw this phrase. I know by heart that every word in that phrase are very much true. It is not what other people think of you that matters. The important thing is what you think of yourself and how determined you are to make something out of your life. That’s whats’ matters the most. Have a nice day everyone!!

PRAYER TAG AND LINK FOR THE PHILIPPINES AND THE FILIPINOS!!

Again and again I would like to thank Richard for this Award. Actually not just for this tag but for the previous tag i received from him. On top of that i also would like to thank you Richard for your kind heart, for being patient to newbies like me in the blogging world.

This is a prayer TAGandLINK for the Philippines and the Filipinos. You are enjoined to utter this prayer for nine (9) consecutive days and to tag as many bloggers as you can with preference for Filipinos. But only bona fide Filipinos shall be included in the official registry of Filipino bloggers in this blog. Each time a new blogger makes a link, be sure to send me an email of the entire link through melalarilla@gmail.com so that the official list will be consolidated in a master list in this blog. For our Muslim brothers, you may make your own special prayer formula but you must never deviate from the formula of this entire post.


Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we consecrate to you our beloved country- the Philippines and all the Filipinos around the world. We acknowledge Father that apart from You, we can do nothing and it is only your divine providence and grace that can unite all Filipinos as one nation. We therefore humble ourselves before your throne. We confess all our sins to you individually and collectively as a nation. Forgive us our sins Father and wash us clean by the precious blood of Your beloved Son- Jesus Christ. Mend our wicked ways and let us experience a strong and genuine spiritual revival for ourselves and for our country. Let the Holy Spirit imbibe us with power, love and wisdom to return to Your path of holiness and righteousness. Bless our country, heavenly father. Bless all Filipinos wherever they maybe. Let progress, unity, harmony, stability, justice, peace and prosperity reign in our country.Bless our leaders, from the President down to the lowest Barangay official. Touch their hearts that they may serve our country with all honesty and with love and integrity. Bless our children and our future generation. And bless us all Father in all aspects of our lives. This we pray to You heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.


To all Filipino Blogger, kindly grab this......Thank you...

ON EQUAL FOOTING

I was having my launch this morning when I saw the morning news in one of our leading stations here in the Philippines. I took it as just one of the passing morning news until the latter part of the report caught my attention. Forgive me if I am unable to get the details simply because I thought it was just another one of the passing news. Next time I will make sure I have the complete details for you. Not that this is a nationwide event like the Obama inaugural speech. It can be categorized as one of the every day news only that it caught my eye because it includes some sensitive issues. The news is about an event wherein there had been a parade of gays with different costumes and colorful designs. After the parade there was a community service rendered and participated by gays. On the last few sentences, it was mentioned by the anchor lady that the catholic church advised the city to slow down or think twice before engaging in such event, or perhaps habitually performing such event. I know this is a sensitive topic and my intention is merely to express an opinion.

I cant help but to think. If that parade is participated by beautiful ladies or masculine men and the community service had been rendered by those who are “straight”, will the church be standing for the same ground? Does it mean that because a person is gay that he and she can not render community service anymore? Or run a parade anymore? Let us eliminate the parade, just the community service! In my eyes, rendering community work is like a service to people, does it mean that because one is gay that he or she can not render such service? For me, emotions, hurts, joys, love felt by straight people is also felt by gay people. Basically we are the same. If we have gays with bad attitude, we also have straight ladies and men who have bad attitude. If we have discreet and refined straight men and women, we also have discreet and refined gays. The value of a person is not measured of whether we are straight or not but by our character and the decisions we chose to make. We are all equal. Straight or gay!

Don’t get me wrong, my reader. I am not pro-gay! Obviously, I do not dislike gays either. I am neutral. I am even baptized in the Catholic church. It just so happen that we have different views. Catholic views is of course not something that had corresponding fines when we do not follow. Right? It is a free country and people or organization can express our respective opinions. Maybe the church is also expressing an opinion. Its just that I believe that being gay does not make them different from straight people when it comes to feeling, rights, privileges and proper treatment. How we want to be treated is how gays would like to be treated as well! Have a nice day!!

TRIPLETS AWARD

This award is from Richard. Thank you so much not just for this award and the other tag you made for me but also for giving me tips and answering my unending question about blogging. You are so approachable and friendly. No wonder you have so many friends! Thanks so much!

My son is the best thing that happened to my life. He gave me the direction and the courage to lead a straight path. He inspired me to move on specially on times when i am already tired to go forward. He calls me "Bestfriend", "Teddy" or "Natay" simply because i am his Nanay and Tatay as well!! Time will come when he will have his own life but my motherly love will always be there to guide him in every way that i can. It is my pleasure to pass this award to Cecille, qwonk and dvianty.

Here are the rules for the recipients: 1. Put the logo on your blog or post. 2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! (sorry I have to break this rule) 3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. 4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Have a nice day every one!!!

MY BROTHERS’ FIRST DAY OF WORK

Today is Lloyds’ first day of work. He had been given moral support by the members of the family. I told him to value his work the way he value his life because this is going to be his bread and butter. He is not receptive to advices, you know! I had been worried though because his whole life had been luxury and convenience. His normal day ranges from sleeping, playing computer games, eating and working on the family vehicle. I was worried he would not make it on a blue colar job. I am hoping he would persist. I hoped he could have continued to college and landed on a high paying job. Unfortunately, too much comfort and being spoiled had made things very easy for him that he did not think much of the future. He started a family very early and had not thought of the responsibilities that goes with being a father on a very tender age. Anyways, we all have decisions that we make. Sometimes we learn the hard way, sometimes the easy way. I am hoping my little bro would cope and would not give up. I am hoping further that he would have a happy life with his family. I would like to see him have a solid marriage with Abby. A happy life together.

A TO Z TAG !!

Thank you so much Richard for this tag, i appreciate this much!!




A - Attached or Single? - Separated
B - Best Friend? – My son, Vincent
C - Cake or pie? - Cake
D - Day of choice? – My Day Off
E - Essential item? - Bank Book. I worked hard so i would like to make sure money will be going to things of future value.
F - Favorite Color? – Orange and Pink
G - Gummy Bears or Worms? - Gummy bears
H - Hometown? – Quezon City, Philippines.
I - Indulgence? - My family and friends
J - June or July? - June because that is my sons' birthday!
K - Kids ?- Definitely, one kid! His name is Vincent
L - Life is not complete w/o - My son and family!
M - Marriage date? – January ( marriage already terminated)
N - Number of magazine subscriptions -none as of yet i only buy newspapers
O - Orange or apple? - Apple
P - Phobias? – closed rooms, without ventilations.
Q - Quotes? – Responsibility above anything else. We are measured by the decisions we make.
R - Reason to smile? – Quality moments with my son.
S - Season of choice – December, cold season.
T - Tag people - Cecille and other blogger out there.
U - Unknown fact about me - hard to tell
V - Vegetable? - asparagus
W - Worst habit? Slacking off
X - Xray or ultrasound? - both i guess
Y - Your favorite foods? – Pasta, salad:
Z - Zodiac sign -Pieces

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA PART III

On my mamas’ birthday I included a birthday card as well. Inside the birthday card, I wrote a letter addressed not just for my mom but for my father as well. This is a tribute for the two person who did everything on their power to support their children: Here is my letter for them.

Papa and Mama,

Ma, Happy Happy Birthday! I hope you’ll like my gift.

Pa, ma, I should have written last Christmas but I was always running out of time. I just want you both to know that I love you both very, very much. I know I don’t really show it but I really do. I would like to thank you for all the help that both of you had given to me and my son, Vincent. Had it not been for both of you, I don’t know what could have happened to me and Vincent. I owed a lot to you, papa and mama. I am in gratitude to everything you did for me and Vincent and I do appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

Pa, I am just sorry I was not able to become a lawyer. Just believe I am doing my best to make something out of my life. Someday you and mama will be proud of me. Maybe not because I am not able to follow papas’ profession, but because your first born is the kind of woman who wont give up until I made something out of my life. I am doing everything I can to make something out from scratch. Maybe not that big but something you both and I myself can be proud of. Your contribution to this world is not just another separated woman. I will do everything I can to make my life better. I can be a responsible parent, just like you and mama. I owe everything to you and mama. I hope that the person I would like to become and am striving hard to be one is enough reason for you and mama to be proud of me. I will never trade you both for anything in this world and I could not thank you both enough for all the help and the support that you had given me.

I love you both so much!!!

HAPPY BIRTH DAY MAMA…

Love, She

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA PART II

I would like to dedicate few entries for my mom simply because I appreciate her and she is much loved. Her birthday had been simple. She is already on her late 60s’ . She bought clothes and jewelries on her birthday. She liked jewelries. It is a simple buffet among the members of the family. My father, my brother Lloyd and his wife and of course my son, Vincent. I bought her a gift wrapped in red with green ribbon..and a birthday included. It is simple but nice. I want to see that smile on my mothers face always. Thru this entry, I would like to greet again my mom “Happy Birthday, mama and thank you for everything that you have done for me and my son!! We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA! PART I

This entry and a few more will be dedicated to the important woman in my life. She is none other than my mom. My moms name is Leonie and 15th of January is her birthday. She is your typical picture of a mother. Protective in nature, caring and often times nagging. When she wants to say something, she would repeat it a hundred times. Sometimes it can really get in ones nerves. But then, her maternal instinct is so strong. Protect her children, no matter what! That’s her. When I was still working in an office environment where my work schedule starts 8:00 am to 5:00pm, it was my mom who picked up Vincent from school.I used to drop Vincent to school and she would pick up my son after his class. That was from his preparatory up to the early part of elementary years! Now that my son is already a teen ager, it is my mother who always remind him to take his breakfast before going to school. At 6:00am I am still at work. That is our lunch time in my work place. The most that I could do is to call at home but it is my mother who is personally in front of him to make sure my son will not miss his breakfast. She had been the second mother for my son and i appreciate her help so much. 15th is her birthday and I would like her to make the most out of it. Be happy!! Relax, for once because its her birthday. I am wishing a relaxed years for my mom!!

MY BROTHERS NEW JOB!

On the early part of the week, I had been wishing that my brother could finally have a job and it is good that before the week ends, my mom told me that Lloyd had been referred to a job in Proj. 8. Imagine, quite near to where I work. It is a blue collar job. Lloyd told me that the salary is low. For me it is fine and it is already a start. My brother is excellent with cars and his new found job is about the mechanics of cars. My mother felt relieved. I advised my brother to take the job seriously. I hope this is a good start for him. I hope that he will do good on this job and finally be able to meet his obligations now. I am very much hoping so!

GET EVEN OR MOVE ON?

It is quite cold this morning and I am listening to a music of Don Mc Lean, it is now singing American Pie! Do you know the artist? Well, maybe the song is familiar. A coffee beside my laptop. I think I can sit and write today. Anyways, a while ago I was watching CSI-New York, Season 4. The episode revolves around the story of three women who had been victims. Vibrant and smart women who wears a confident smile on their faces but holds a deep, fresh wound that stays like for an eternity. It is a wound that does not go away but becomes a part of their soul. What if the culprit gets away with full smile and enjoys a grand time of his life. What is more damaging? The fact that the culprit got away with it and having a blissful life as well or the fact that the damage he left had caused a permanent damage in your life? So, two of these women chose to confront the culprit and get even.

When I watch a series or a movie, I have the tendency to grasp the concept of the story specially if it somehow rings a bell. Would you rather leave the pain behind and go on with your life or would you rather confront it? is confronting the pain meant getting even? This question rings a bell for me. My husband had abandoned me and my son. No financial support, not even a cent. Ten years ago he was smiling when he told me “I don’t replace wives, I add wives!” He had been confident that upon old age, my son will be there for him. Regardless of the fact that he abandoned my child, he can have my son on his own terms nonetheless. His is confident that he can take anything away from me any time and any how he wants!! His confidence is so unnerving. He did not gave me the copy of our divorce and he still refused to support my child. In time, he will be having his full citizenship in a western country. He treated me like I am a piece of rag that he can and will use when he wants and throw when he does not have any use anymore. He took something away from me and he got away with a smile on his face. He is having a grand time on a western country right now. My father told me “One day God will make a way, there will be twist some how.” It has been almost nineteen years and I seriously don’t believe that anymore. Anyway, I can say with confidence that I picked up the pieces and I am on the process of making something of my life.! I know deep inside I will and can make something good in my life. Even though I did and still will do it all alone. Even though I am not as religious as my father is and not close to my fathers’ God as well. Going back to the series, about the story of the three girls. One of the women uttered “they get away with it with full smile..i cant let that happen!” Makes me have this thought. Well, maybe sometimes, it is not really about getting even because that will not restore what had been taken away from us. Maybe it is about accepting the imperfections of life and moving forward, right? What do you think? Have a nice day to you!!

Sourceof picture:

http://dna11.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/csi_ny_thumbnail.jpg

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PART II

Initially, it started with a short procession, without the Holy Mass, attended by some relatives and neighbors, with the Image of our Lady of Fatima being carried. As the year progresses it had been placed on top of an private jeepney or on top of a car. There was even a year when it was placed on a cart used for lechon delivery, with proper ornaments and decorations. The cart had been decorated with fresh flowers. At present it has its own cart. We call it “Karo”. Every year a group from Las Pinas will arrive early in the morning every first Saturday of each year to fill the cart with fresh flowers. In the evening, the cart will be filled with lights as well. Neighbors would always bring their own images and would include these images during the procession.

On the third year, however, it was decided to celebrate the Holy Mass before the procession started, being celebrated by a priest from different parish. The mass celebration have the blessing of the Lourdes Parish Church. It has been the procedure for street mass. This will also ensure that we will be getting a legitimate priest. As the year passes, participants grew in numbers. The whole project had been financed by the Aguas Family, without any solicitation or monetary contribution from any one. Any financial assistance had been courteously declined to avoid any impression that the occasion is used for money-making project. There had been contributions of course. These contributions are in the form of candles for the procession, flowers they gave to the image and time and effort for the occasion. My father used to say one of his children will inherit these practice. I can not really say at this stage who among us will continue this tradition. Personally I don’t think I am qualified. For one, I am not as a traditional religious practitioner per se as my father is. In fact, I am otherwise. He never misses a Sunday mass. Not ever. I can not recall him missing a mass, in fact. It had been a successful project though and I think my father will carry on for as long as he possibly could.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PART I

It has been more than ten years now since my parents started the mass every first Saturday of the year in our barangay . It is a community mass or a street mass. It is a mass celebrated on the street. The main purpose of this mass is to bring about peace, love and harmony within the Salvacion Community and among the members of its family. The community and its members are being blessed by a celebrating priest and the members of the community may place their special and personal intentions during the mass. After the mass there is a procession where the members of the community brings their respective images in the procession. Through the years, it had become a tradition that families in this baranggay had been looking forward every first Saturday of the year. After the mass comes the procession which had been assisted by Tito Ramon and Tito Abet, along with his wife, Tita Luchie. They are the ones who assisted and made sure the procession will always be in order.

This years’ mass celebration had been in order. Everyone was busy. In fact, my nephew, Paul, joined in the preparation of this event. There had been a lot of visitors from different places like Proj 8 and Las Pinas. They also participated in the mass and in the procession as well. I was not able to attend because I have work but I know that everything went well. I know for a fact that this is one event that my father and mother will continue for as long as they possibly could.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!

January 8 was my brothers 20th birthday. His name is Lloyd. He is the youngest in the family. He had been spoiled. Maybe because he is the only son and the youngest in the family. He have a two year old child whose name is Lawrence. By the way, I'm Lawrences' god mom. My brothers’ birthday had been simple. The ones' present were limited to the members of the family. His common law wife, Abby and of course, Lawrence, mama and papa and myself. I don’t have a gift for my little bro but I do have a wish and a hope for him.

I wish my brother and Abby will have a happy family. My father and mother have a solid marriage so I hope my brother will follow the same foot step.


My hope, and much that I would like to tell it to him without being misunderstood. I hope he will find in his heart to find a path of his own. What is a man if you can not live the kind of person you would like to become? Right? When I say “man” I don’t mean just male. I mean a person per se. Man and Woman. I hope my brother would find his own path, would learn how to stand on his own ground and be the kind of man his wife, specially his son will be proud of and respect because respect can not be commanded. It should be earned.

Here's to your birthday, little brother, cheers with a wish of a happy life for you and your family!!

SPITZ TUNES -- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ANNIVERSARY OF WAVE 5 UNDER THE WELCOME BANNER

January 7 is exactly one year since wave 5 started under the banner of "Welcome " project. It seemed like only yesterday and many had been achieved during the one year period. I will be elaborating each further on the next days. At this point, i would like to greet each and every member of wave 5 " HAPPY ANNIVERSAY, GUYS!!!" I say, job well accomplished!!

LESS PERFECT MAKES THINGS PERFECT

In the midst of what seemed to be like an unendless errands I find my self often confused. What should I do first? What is more important? Whew, everything seemed to be as important as the others. In my mind I have this setting: “I can do it all.” But then, I realized! I am not super woman. Sure I am optimistic when it comes to meeting obligations. However, being optimistic does not mean putting realistic goal in prejudice, right? Once I talked to my son. It is only the two of us to deal with our lives and we have to help each other. I told him I am not super woman and I will be needing his help if we want an organize living. I am lucky that he is doing his best to extend his share. However, before we went to that point, It took accepting on my part that I am not the sole driver in our life. I have to accept that there are things I can not do anymore and I need my sons help. After that I have to really sit down and think what are the real necessities and isolate those that needs immediate attention from those that can wait for a few more days. Of course, accepting that situations will not always go according to how we want things to be helps me to be more open to different possibilities. I suppose It is making the most of what we have that matters. I suppose that accepting that I am less perfect can make things perfect after all.



Picture came from: http://icenet.typepad.com/emotion/images/workaholic2.html

JOURNEY PART I

I watched a movie about a group of people who had been trapped in a ship. In order for them to survive, they have to follow set of rules. Neither did they suspect that they were actually being tested and the one who will pass the test will be given the chance to have their lives back. The catch here is that these people are all dead and they don’t have a hint that they are not anymore included in the living world. So it is like a ghost ship or something like that. How are they supposed to pass the test? They should show and utilize the lessons they learned from their lives. Lessons learned will be their key to pass the test and be given another chance to go back to the world of the living. Hmm..you know as I watched the movie, thought that came to my mind are the facts in life that we always fail to see. In every failure in life, in every down fall, there is always a lesson behind these incidents that we should be able to identify. They say “History repeats itself”. If we fail to see where we wronged or if we fail to see the lessons behind these down fall, there is a tendency that we will repeat the same mistake and dwell to another down fall repeatedly until we would be able to see the lesson that we should learn. Learning, however, is futile if we don’t have the courage to put it in action. I think that is very true in our journey in this life.

Source Of Picture:

http://www.lifesjourney.net/images/lifes_journey1.jpg

FIRST DAY OF WORK FOR THE YEAR OF THE OX

This is the first day of work for the year of the Ox. A night before the first day of work I still would like to slouch. I am hoping time would come when I don’t have to go out at 1:00 AM in the streets so I can earn money. I am hoping that time would come when I would be in the confines and comfort of my home at wee hours. It does not matter if I would be sound asleep or wide awake. What matters is that I would be inside the four corners of my home. Or maybe it is the fact that I would like to enjoy my vacation further. Well, when I entered the premises where I work, I saw optimistic faces. I saw people greeting “Happy New Year!” It was nice. I am glad seeing Jess-she smiled so sweetly today, Zhey, Pang aka Chris, Kenneth, Rhona, Kat- she is so hyper active today, Tin-tin-she greeted me with her sweet smile, Jhay-who greeted me so warmly, Ross-I shared with her a short but good chit-chat, Eunice- who said I look beautiful today, Eric – the first one who greeted me when I entered the work premises, Team Lead James who hugged me and said he missed me! Those pleasantries meant a lot for me. One of the people I am expecting to see is Richard but he is on vacation leave today. Haven, too! I was not able to text Haven during the Holiday Season!! I was looking for him but he is also on vacation leave today. I still hope that one day I don’t have to go out in the street during wee hours to earn a living but for now I feel so happy seeing my co-workers!! These are the people who have great influence on making my work place not just an office-but a second home. Have a nice day everyone!

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION!!!

I celebrated New Year with my family. It has been a tradition to prepare eight rounded fruits on the table like apple, orange, chico, water melon and more. The requirement is that these fruits should be rounded. I prepared “balut” and “penoy “. We always give ten “balut” and ten “penoy” to our relatives nearby. When the clock strikes midnight, we always share abundant foods on the table. There is always the ham, cheese, fried chicken, jumbo hotdog and of course, crispy pata. After dining together, my father will go around the compound and throw coins in every part of the house. Specially our house. It has been a lucky charm for my father. He welcomes the year with showering the compound with coins..from P10 peso coin to 5 cents. When I was little, I used to get a lot. One year I got a almost a hundred pesos. Needless to say, as soon as my father starts throwing money people would surround the area. Even neighbors would be going inside the compound and pick up the coins on the ground. Its quite fun, you know! I remembered I used to wake up early in the morning sweeping. I reached beyond the gate just to find the money that were left in the street. This has been practiced by my father for years and he never missed even once. Sometimes I thought of continuing what he started. However, it is only me and my son. My son is not a bit interested joining the crowd picking up the coins. Even just for the fun of it. Until now I pick up some of the coins but I am not anymore as persistent as I was when I was still a kid. I now leave it to the younger generation to make the most of the fun. Well, that was how we celebrate our New Year. I know every family have our respective ways of welcoming the new year. What is yours?

Source Of Picture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamakap/339793042