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Lessons I’ve learned from Beedle the Bard

Read: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Check!

Another bucket list check-off! Yep, yep! Yooray!

I came to the realization that bucket list check-off can’t always be pursued aggressively. A few weeks ago, I was kind of stressing myself over the fact that I was not accomplishing any bucket list items. Yes, OC-ness alert. So now, I realize that sometimes life presents you with things which you aren’t planned for and which ultimate leads to a bucket list check-off! Ako na ang nagexplain ng kadramahan at kaweirdohan. Haha!

Anywaaaaaay. As evidenced by my previous posts, I am a potterhead through and through. And I think I’m worse than the Beliebers or Directioners or the Popsters when defending the Harry Potter series. The only difference between me and the fan clubs mentioned is that I don’t trend useless stuff like ‘Bieber is my shiny cuddlykins’. And suffice to say, I was one of the devastated fanboys who were beyond elated when news of Queen Rowling’s spin-off to the Potter series was released.

When Tales of Beedle the Bard came out, I got super excited like a janitor in Mops ‘R Us. And naturally, I bought the book the minute it hit the shelf. Duh. Of course not. Being the cheapskate and hampas lupa that I am, my world did a supernova explosion when I saw the price. And, care na kung ikahiya ako ng buong fandom, I walked away in the hopes that a friend might let me borrow the book or Santa Claus would put it in my sock on Christmas Day.

Fast forward to today. My boss has added two new members of her staff and I was like, finally! Anyway, one of the newly hired staff is Grace (@graceimperial). And, she’s a Potterhead too!!!

that's grace at the backgorund! very busy girl lang ang peg! xp

To make this loooong backstory short, she let me borrow her precious copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard. Isn’t she the nicest? Yeahba!

As for the book, I suuuuuuuper loved it! I’d have to admit that the book was bitin though. It only had five stories and I obviously wanted more! Selfish lang. haha!

front

back

Allow me to share the things I learned from Beedle’s tales:

The Wizard and the Hopping Pot

If you have the capacity to help, help. We are given opportunities to be a beacon of light to other people in need. If it isn’t too much of a bother, may we have the initiative to share what we have. And, you may never know it but you’ll suddenly find yourself feeling good after giving. ‘Ika nga ng Globe, ‘Go lang ng Go!’

The Fountain of Fair Fortune

Sometimes we are so focused on a single solution to our problems that we fail to see the countless ingenious solutions around us. We just have to open our eyes, rely on our skills and use a bit of imagination and ounces of common sense.

There are times when we are so shortsighted that we ultimately exhaust all our efforts in a thing which has no assurance of bringing forth a desirable outcome. It is just a case of widening our horizons and perspective. We do not know it but solutions would suddenly crop up like little baby bunnies on springtime. Kalma lang always ang dapat. Wag masyado exaj kapag nadyan ang problema.

The Warlock’s Hairy Heart

We all need love. Abraham Maslow even had ‘love’ as one of the needs of man. After safety and security needs, love and belongingness needs follow.

As for the warlock, he may have had everything but he felt empty. He still longed for a companion in the end. It was just soooo unfortunate that his heart had grown accustomed to the desolation that when the time to love came, the dark and hairy heart consumed the feeling of love. And so, in an attempt to bring back what was once there, he dies. Whoops, spoiler!

Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump

In sticky situations, we can always rely on our innate skill to be cunning. In other words, we can use our ability to escape unfortunate situations. Ika nga ng isang Pilipinong Kasabihan, “Matalino man ang matsing, naiisahan din!”

In the story, I kind of felt annoyed with Babbity. She was a little show-off-ish which brought to the challenge of the fake wizard. That ultimately led to Babbity’s predicament (which I will not elaborate for fear of spoiling you alls too much). On the other hand, I also admire Babbity’s quick witted-ness. Proves that one should develop that trait.

The Tale of Two Brothers

No one can be master of death. No one. As in no one. No waaah-han. We can cheat it but at the end of the day we’ll have to face it eventually. The only difference would probably be the time and manner.

For the meantime, we just have to be prepared always. We can do that by attending disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation seminars and trainings. We just have to integrate these life-saving practices so that death won’t come knocking at your door ASAP. Yehesss naman, naisingit din!

As for the brothers, they were a bunch of great guys. The fact that they outwitted Death was admirable. What was saddening though was their choice of gifts. The deathstick and the stone only brought death. The cloak on the other hand brought a certain ounce of fear for the possessor because of the possibility of Death finding him (or not). Basta, all I know is that the Invisibility Cloak is the coolest among Death’s gifts.

So, there you have it: Beedle the Bard. Ah, Bards. Sounds like bread. I sure could use a sandwich.

Peace and love!

#beedle the bard #august #2012

#RIPDolphy

Rodolfo “Dolphy” Vera-Quizon Sr.

(1928-2012)

I woke up to news of the passing of Dolphy,Philippines’ King of Comedy. And well, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Don’t get me wrong though. It’s not that I wanted him to die or whatever but let me for a moment speak as a health practitioner. He’s been in intensive care for more or less a month already. He had several blood transfusions and underwent several cycles of dialysis. Add to that the fact that his body took in bajillion amounts of STRONG antibiotics to counteract his COPD, his pneumonia, and his other complications. Suffice to say that it was only the medications and the equipment attached to him and the sheer faith of his family as well as the Filipino people that is keeping him alive. And so, yes, I breathed a sigh of relief. At least, he can finally rest.

I did a quick doodle of Dolphy above. He’s wearing shorts, slippers, and camisa chino. He’s also clutching the day’s newspaper. Yes people, that’s a newspaper not a decapitated elephant’s nose. Quick doodle nga eh.

So anyway, I drew him in the best way I remembered him, during his ‘Home Along the Riles’ days. And yes, I grew up watching that show.

If I remember it correctly, and correct me if I’m wrong ha, the show was shown every Thursday. And well, watching it became a family affair. We would always catch the show and well, it served as a way for us to bond. And the newspaper? That’s pamalo for Babalu or the sunog-bagas along the riles. Haha!

Home Along the Riles ran for eleven years (1992-2003) and well, I’d be proud to say that the show comprised a huge chunk of my childhood. Dolphy was part of my childhood. My brother and I even had a Home Along the Riles-themed birthday party! Seriously! I’d post a picture but I’m so tamad to make halungkat sa old photos. some other time maybe hehe.

Cliché and slapstick man yung comedy nya, at least he did that without putting other people down (figuratively). And take note, he was the best at what he did. After all, he’s the King of Comedy, remember? Dolphy really did make a ginormous impact in each of us. Ang hindi umamin dadalawin nya! Joke lang!

Thanks for the laughter. Ang dami kong tawa. Pramis. At least, you are now free from the pain and sufferings of this world. Go laugh and entertain a bigger crowd up there. And oh, say hi to my grandpa for me, will you?

Eternal rest grant unto Dolphy O, Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Peace and love!

#dolphy #june #blog #2012

because you can't always get what you want

June 30, 2012

when i woke up this morning, i wanted to get up super early for a jog. instead, i woke up a little later.

when i was finally able to jog, i wanted to increase my jog distance. yes, there's such a thing as jog distance. kanina ko lang naimbento. (read: the haba of the road na itinakbo mo.) instead, i ended up not achieving the goal or else run the risk of a would-be-recurring sprain.

i wanted to sweat more because of the extra rice-s and java rice-s this past week and because i wasn't able to jog last thursday. instead, hindi masyadong quota ang pawis. at dahil din sa unfinished asphalt overlay sa main road.

i wanted to limit my carb intake. instead, i ate rice, bread, pansit, dilis, hotdog, scrambled egg/omellette. yes, carbs on carbs on carbs on proteins

i wanted to freshen up early to go and help iMind Review Center facilitate the students who took the Nursing Licensure Exam. instead, mom made utos that i should accompany my brother for a check-up.

i wanted to watch spiderman, the latest movie ha. instead, i slept.

i wanted to finish boss' task which i should have emailed to her early this morning. instead, im here, preparing myself for a reprimand on monday for failing to do the task.

i wanted to update my freaking blog. instead, i had laziness hugging me throughout the afternoon.

i wanted to fight laziness. instead, i woke up from my nap with a slight fever and a painful throat.

i wanted to read a book. instead, i got stuck watching two movies on cinema one.

i wanted to make my decisions for a change. instead, i welcomed guilt feelings for some decisions.

i wanted a happy ending. instead, im here wishing for happy.

sucks right. yes, it does. BIG TIME.

but hey, it's nine-thirty in the evening and my throat tells me that i should overdose on H2O and i hear charice's kinda annoying american accent on television. so, i better get to the point of this post. and, excuse me for the charice bash. her accent is just annoying. nasa pilipinas ka girl. #lerki

anyhow, here's me giving you some realizations.

yes, i woke up late. i got to enjoy the immediate post-sunrise feel.

i wasn't able to increase my jog distance but i prevented recurrence of a sprained ankle.

i wasn't able to sweat so much but i was able to enjoy the scenery. dad's cooking was also the best and i thank him for preparing a sumptuous breakfast. thanks also for the food on our table. being inis was so selfish of me. some families do not even have asin or toyo to make ulam sa rice. heck, they don't even have rice. thank you.

i wasn't able to go out but i was able to accompany my brother. while waiting for his turn bilang last siya sa nagpalista, we were able to talk and talk and talk about anything and everything under the sun. from work, life, the kakatuwang mensahe sa likod ng tshirt ni ate na katabi namin to the people walking by. pati ata conspiracy theories tungkol sa mga taong nakapaligid samin e napagusapan namin. we were also able to discuss some of his business plans and how he would build his empire as well as the hipster/vintage feel of the law office beside the clinic. thank you for this moment with my brother. i know it'll be a long time again before this happens since he'll be going back to manila for his review for his board exam this october.

boss' task is still undone. hay naku, care na. ihabol ko na lang bukas. there's always the 'baka delayed po nasend ng email' shhhhhhh. ramdam na ramdam lang ang pagsiwalat ng schemes. parang hindi public ang tumblr ko. haha!

update the blog? once i post this, it's updated na.

and the movies on cinema one served as a breath of sappy melodramatic pinoy cinema. yes, i relish those moments as im not secretly a fan of mainstream pinoy movies. yep, im talking to you people who hate on mainstream pinoy movies. instead of hating them, read a book na lang. focus nyo na lang yung energy nyo sa pagdilig ng halaman or sa pagtanggal ng gararapata ng mga overprice puppies ninyo. #affected?

but i don't hate indie naman. i love movies ha. care na kung mainstream or indie as long as maenjoy ko ang movie. di naman ako movie critic ha. hehe

and yes, im sticking with my decisions. bilang twenty-ish na ako, sapat na sigurong matuto ako na panindigan kung anu man ang mga desisyon na ginawa or gagawin ko. yes, rume-responsible lang ang peg. #emote

the happy ending ended. yep, it did. move on na yung peg but then there are just certain events which prompt you to recall moments of the past. there are also certain events which prompt you to wish you had someone to share it with. events which would taste a bajillion time sweeter if you have someone to share it with.

pero keri lang. sabi nga ni sarha geronimo sa pelikulang 'catch me im in love': true love waits. kung darating, darating. if not, i could just buy me one. kidding! wag masyado exaj.

ayun lang.

i realized this before and i still realize this now. medyo nakakalimutan ko kasi minsan eh. the good God doesn't always give want you want. He gives whant you need and what you deserve. He may not give what you want today but maybe in another time, in His perfect time. He may also be preparing something better for you, yung super above and a bajillion miles beyond your expectations. and well, i take comfort in that. at sabi nga ng Mark 9:23 "Everything is possible for him who believes."

wow. alas diyes na ng gabi. medyo maga na rin ang lymph nodes ko. mukha yatang magiging full blown tonsilitis ito bukas. talk to you soon (kahit di kayo nagrereply.haha!)

#KeepCalmAndKeriPa!

Peace and love!

p.s. i still think charice should DROP THE ACCENT like a pyramid, like a pyramid ey!

update on my ngaragness of a life

Just a quick update guys!

Had just completed a fifteen-day training. I was actually one of the facilitators which typically means ngrarag-ness to the maximum level. Added to that is the fact that it was a live-in training, camping style. Since I did not bring any tent (and because I chose not to bring a tent because I planned to go home everyday which I ended up not doing), I had to seelp in the aircraft hangar together with the non-tent-bringing participants and facilitators. And yes, I also double as a participant. Multiply the ngarag much!

I’m happy to announce that I have survived the training. I did manage to go home early in the morning to freshen up before the morning session. I did that for a couple of days, then I went home after two days. Then, when my wallet became lighter, I did not go home anymore. Yep, my family saw me finally yesterday. Uma-abroad lang ang peg.

Want an update about the training? That is not a question. Haha! Well, the training was a pilot implementation of a certain provision of a certain law. It mandates the graduates of a certain training course to undergo the training to serve the country during times of disaster as well socio-civic activities.

The fifteen days were a grueling fifteen days. There were countless times when I felt giving up and cursing some decisions that I made in my life. There were times when I was on the verge of breaking and falling apart. There were times when I just wanted to shout my head off due to the immense amount of stress,, frustration, irritation, anger, disappointment, and a whole lot more. Yes, a whole lot more. Oha! Ako na ang ume-emote. Bear with me.

But then, there’s always the good side of it. During the training, I did make new and hopefully lasting friends. My co-facilitators, co-participants, and co-facilitator-slash-participants made the ngaragness which I felt seem lighten. It’s prolly due to the fact that we managed to turn it all into laughter and jokes and curses directed to some power-tripping facilitators. Evidence of this is that we managed to device code names when talking about certain people. If that doesn’t say that we became close, then nothing would (unless I remember a better example later on, which I won’t be able to post so…)

Also, the ngaragness seemed to evaporate whenever there is the presence of inspiration. Truly, one of the greatest mysteries of life, it calms even the most painful muscles, tissues, and ligaments with aid of deep muscle pressure. #fact

Follow me on twitter! @24darius #hint

Sad thing is that some inspirations are fleeting and might do a Katy Perry (just like the previous one). I’m sorry for being kinda ambiguous but you’ll really never know who will read this. Ha!

So that you aren’t wasting your bandwidth and electricity and internet shop credits in reading my kaartehans, let me share some of my learnings.

Well…

I learned to control my temper and not spit out the hateful and hurtful words in front of a person.

I learned to stay calm while a non-out participant semi-harasses me by being very inappropriately close.

I learned to put on a professional face even when I was actually feeling sad, tired, frustrated, burned-out, and hungry.

I learned to control certain feelings which so don’t look appropriate for a twenty-something person like me but would look adorable for sixteen-year-olds.

I learned to not judge by hearsays. I got to the bottom of the gossip. And then, I judge.

I learned that my judgment was right. I gave my self a pat on the back.

I learned that the observation techniques regarding body movements and facial expressions that my teachers in college taught me would come in handy when investigating a certain chismis.

I learning that you should always put a serious face during a fire drill no matter how stupid you all look or feel.

I learned that not because I am a nurse, everyone would honor my opinions/suggestions. Some just ignores them and proceed to go on their way.

I learned to accept that I could not control everything. That everything can topple out of balance.

I learned that when everything goes awry, you step back and assess the extent of damage.

I learned that you do not step into the scene without observation of some important cues.

I learned that map reading and map lines are good forms of exercise and self-defense. Read right, up!

I learned that laughing can cause you to lose all the stressors that are bugging you.

I learned that food no matter how unappealing is important for the sake of energy. It causes you to have loads of energy to consume during the day. And still, it is a blessing from God.

I learned that prayer really helps. When you forget Him, He never forgets. You give yourself a slap on the head literally for forgetting. Apologize to Him and He’ll gladly tell you that he never left. And that he carried you when you felt exhausted.

I learned that when everything’s done and over, you have nothing to do but look back at the memories. You can do two things: sigh or smile

I prefer to smile.

So there, an update on my life. Written on May 29, 2012. Posted on May 30, 2012. Ako na ang zombie mode forever.

Peace and love!

P.S. Will post pictures once my schedule permits me. Naks! May schedule lang. haha! Currently attending a three-day seminar eh. i know, #MeAlready

#may #blog #bran nasayao #2012

holy week 2012

Otherwise known as the week when I had max stress-level, paracetamol overdose, migraine, and diarrhea.

For most people, Holy Week serves as a sort of pause. Some people take this pause and go on a vacation and travel, enjoy the work-free week or perhaps catch up on the dirty laundry. Some on the other hand take this time to nourish their souls and spirits like participate in church-related activities, attend a recollection or go on a retreat, or simply pray. I on the other hand (assuming you have three hands), go into full i-can-do-this! mode. Fair warning, this post would have rants embedded within it.

Let’s do a recap. Monday – I still had work. (Yep, I promise to write about work soon.) I had the normal hectic day. no biggie.

Tuesday – it was a holiday per proclamation of Albay Governor Joey Salceda. Albay Day. I was able to rest.

What rest? Mom took me to the market to buy cooking ingredients. Oh, these ingredients were bought in bulk. Like a kilo bulk.

Commence “Backstory”! March 31, 2010. My brother JB finally got his 10th birthday present from Mom and Dad. Like any boy who turned 10, JB refused childish toys. Unlike any boy who turned 10, JB requested..erm..asked..erm…demanded that the parents gift him with a life-size image of Jesus Christ specifically Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. Queue “gasp”. You don’t believe me? Click here.

Then, we bought fresh flowers in preparation for the procession. BTW, the image would join the procession every Holy Wednesday. Then, we attended my cousin’s graduation party at night. When I say ‘attended’, I mean, I became an extra set of arms used to augment the lack of helping hands. In simpler words, work mode.

Wednesday – Le big day. I still went to work in the morning since no work day would start in the afternoon. This was also the start of migraine day. I figured it was just because of the intense heat and the alternating temperatures from inside the office and out of it. i got home at around noon. Headache galore. Preparations for the procession was already drawing to a close. I managed to snatch a quick nap after lunch. I woke up semi-feverish if that is even a word. You get the point, I hope.

At five in the afternoon, we proceeded to go to the church. At six pm, the procession started. By this time, my head felt like a jackhammer was pounding against it. I wasn’t semi-feverish anymore. I had a fever already. I’d like to take this moment to thank my grandmother for giving me 1 tablet Biogesic. Thank you!

At the end of the procession, the fever lessened into a kinda fever but the headache was still present. Due to the great number of people who went back to the house with us and being part of the family, I had no choice but to help. And, not helping would so eat up my conscience. And, it’s not me not to help during occasions like these. I finally slept at around eleven.

Thursday – Kawa-Kawa day. It was Maundy Thursday and the family was supposed to go toKawa-KawaPark inLigaoCity. BTW, it’s a hill without a hilltop. I still felt weak and it was decided that I won’t go with them. I practically slept the whole day. Then, I almost fainted inside the church during the Maundy Thursday Mass. Then, diarrhea. (which I will talk more lengthily soon! watch out!)

Friday – Good Friday. We received the sacrament of confession in the morning. I did not participate in the procession because Mom deemed it that I am still sick. I just watched and took pictures (because JB said so) from the sidelines. Since our camera is in a coma state now, I borrowed my uncle’s camera to find out that the batteries were breathing its last and that a defibrillator erm..a charger wasn’t around. So, cellphone camera photos. This was better than no photos at all or else face the wrath of JB later.

I did regret watching from the sidelines this year. Joining the yearly processions had been our family’s tradition ever since I could remember. The last time I did not participate was when I was still a kid. It was different back then. I was to young to appreciate the meaning of what we were doing. Now, as I watched, I realized that one could really feel or perhaps commemorate Christ’s suffering when you join the procession. Merely watching doesn’t have that effect. When you watch, you just see people walking. When you watch, you just see the images of Christ. On the other hand, when you join, you somehow feel different. There is a certain solemn something that I feel when I join. I don’t about other people but joining the procession does good to your spirit.

Saturday – I continued to rest. Not. We had lunch at one of my aunt’s house. I was already feeling alright after vomiting my breakfast. We stayed at our aunt’s until around three in the afternoon.

Sunday – Easter Sunday. Woke up at three in the morning to attend the Salubong – the reenactment of the first meeting of Jesus Christ and His mother, Mary. By this time, I’m already feeling okay.

We arrived at the church grounds just in time. The Salubong also included a scene wherein the Easter Angel removes a black veil covering the head of the Virgin Mary. The veil removal symbolizes the lifting or freedom from sadness brought about by Jesus’ death. The Easter Angel is brought down from a raised platform using a pulley while he utters a prayer of joy for the Virgin Mary. Other Angels sing while these are happening. While watching, I suddenly realized that tears were starting to form on my eyes. I really don’t know. Maybe I was just caught in the moment. Emotional lang. Then, “TAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Panira ng moment talaga.

While I was at home and recuperating from the blasted diarrhea, I decided to turn on the television. I was hoping to catch one holy week related movie. The previous years, one cable channel showed the life of Barabas (the man they chose to set free instead of Jesus); one showed the Old Testament; one showed Judas Iscariot’s life; and several showed different versions of Christ’s life. I turn on the television and what do I see: a Kimerald movie. A KIM CHUI movie for crying out loud?! I’m like, since when did a break-up movie of Kim Chui and Gerald Anderson became related to Holy Week???

OA lang reaction ko siguro. Or epekto ng sandamukal na Paracetamol na nainom ko. My point: I have nothing against Kim Chui. It’s just that in a time when all people think about is themselves, twitter, facebook, sex, video games, etc. something holy week related or Jesus Christ related would (I hope) make them jolt and realize what the important thing is. I mean, I risk being branded a hypocrite but I’d still risk it. Just think about the kids. They’ll grow up weak in faith or perhaps faithless.

So, allow me to share some reminders. This was a text message from a friend:

“Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our soul. Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole. Sometimes, He sends us pain so we can be stronger. Sometimes, He sends us failure so we can be humble. Sometimes, he sends us illness so we can take better care for ourselves. Sometimes, He takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of everything we have”

Inisip ko na lang tuloy, at least Kim Chui. God forbid, baka atakihin ako sa puso kung next year, “So Happy Together” ni Kris Aquino ang ipalabas.

Happy Easter!!!

Peace and love!

#april #blog #holy week #2012

‘may the odds be ever in your favor’

Because I believe that everything is better and non-violence-inducing and safe with disclaimer…

I haven’t read the book so anything that I would say would be basically derived from the movie version of it. I do not know the back story of the characters since back stories are often discussed in detail in the book. Any opinion that I would make would be solely be directed to the movie version.

Why the disclaimer? I am a hardcore fan of a certain seven-part-book/movie-series about a young wizard who goes on to fight the greatest dark wizard of his time. I totally would strangle and cook in a vat of boiling fat someone who would diss that certain obsession slash life. Plus, I absolutely understand where hardcore fans are coming from. It also saves you from a great deal of hate mail. Now, I return you to your regular programming…bleeep…bleeep.

On March 22, 2012 (yesterday), I watched the global phenomenon that is ‘The Hunger Games’. I actually wasn’t really planning to watch it since a) I’ve been saving money to watch an adaptation of a classic children’s story about envy and the effectivity of ending the life of a princess using apples which have been tampered; b) I haven’t read the book; c) I was too lazy; and d) I still think the story of the young wizard is the best. But, as fate would have had it and because I’m such a pushover, I accepted the invitation of a friend to watch the movie with them.

This friend whom I will not name because he forgot to tell another friend who was looking forward to seeing the movie invited me and Edward. Because it would be too space-consuming, let us just refer to him as Kuya Honest. So, Kuya Honest and Edward were my companions.

As the movie started, I got quite irritated due to the unstable camera movements. It probably was the director’s style but it did cause a feeling of nausea to me. Too much movement for my taste. But, as the movie progressed, the I did got used to the camera movements.

I could say though that the movie was a feast for the eyes or in Filipino ‘busog na busog ang mata mo’. They definitely went all-out on production and set design. Very Avant-garde lang ang peg: clothes, make-up, interiors, exteriors, etc. The contrast between the poor districts and the city was anything but inconsiderable. We had a running joke throughout the movie that any moment Nicki Minaj would suddenly appear and sing the national anthem ‘Super Bass’.

Storywise, it wasn’t anything new really. It was basically a reality show where the main objective was the survival of the fittest. The love angle on the other hand was also not new, ‘star-crossed lovers’ fighting for their place in the world. BUT, mix all those ingredients together, the movie came out as something new. Correct me if I’m wrong but I could not think of any movie with the same storyline.

Of all the characters, I admired Katniss Everdeen the most. Her strong will to persevere despite the circumstances presented to her ultimately helped her to succeed. Even if she did some things which are morally gray, like the love-angle thing to get some sponsors,I’d let that pass. I still love Katniss! Haha!

As for Peeta Mellark, I couldn’t get passed the fact that he’s named after bread. But hey, the other meaning of my name is ‘the outer covering of grain’. Who am I to judge? Haha! Peeta just made me hungrier for food. He was also so ‘showbiz’ ie. doing whatever it takes to get a favorable attention from the crows. I still get where he’s coming from though.

In the end, I was glad I still watched the movie. Not being able to read the book was actually a good thing since I came to the theater not expecting anything. You see, when you’ve read the book for like a bajillion of times from cover to cover, your imagination tends to make you expect things. Like, a certain person should look this way only to be disappointed that in the movie version, they totally look different. Based from experience, it is utterly disappointing to not see on the big screen what you’ve imagined.

Nevertheless, I’d still give the movie a bajillion thumbs-up! It was worth my one-hundred-ten pesos ticket price, going home late, and a teensy reprimand from mom. Definitely something I’d recommend to watch. Now, I have this urge to go save-up enough cash to buy the books or look for a generous and loving soul to gift me the complete set. Also, can’t wait for the next installment of the movie series. Ugh.

Until then, ‘May the odds be ever in your favor.’

Peace and love!

#march #blog #the hunger games #2012

My ‘Major, Major!’ blunder and Venus Raj!

If you’ve been following me on twitter, you may have read that I now have a job! Whoop whoop! If you are not a follower of mine, well it’s time that you do by clicking this link.

I won’t give you the details of my job since there are still some technicalities to be resolved. I do promise to write about it soon. So, I’m going back to the real topic at hand: Venus Raj.

Today (March 19, 2012) is the recognition rites of the Bicol University College of Arts and Letters. Coincidentally and incidentally and practically purposely, I and my office mate had to submit our respective documents to offices located at the BUCAL building. Enough reason to brave the inconsistent with the summer season rain outside, get our shoes wet, and troop to the building which was a good 20 or so meters from the office.

So, we arrive at the amphitheater and ushers of the program are blocking the way. Officemate exercised his power of superiority since he is an teacher in the college. I wasn’t a teacher so I used the power of deadma. Walk tall, chin up, ignore all living things until you reach the other side of the door, then breathe a sigh of relief lang ang peg ko. Whaddayaknow, it worked!!!

Upon crossing the door’s threshold, I turned my attention to the one speaking in front. Then, surreal-ness: Venus Raj.

In college, I never knew Venus Raj existed even if she was just a year ahead of us. I mean, that was until she went on to become a beauty queen and correct me if I’m wrong, she was already a graduate then. Hence, she became a bucket list item. I had to see her in real life!!! *evil laugh*

Back to reality. Venus (close lang ako? Hahaha) was already wrapping up her speech when we entered the amphitheater. She was wearing a gray cocktail dress. Her hair was in a ponytail. Well, basically she looks like what she looks like on television. Very Pinay lang ang ganda niya!!!

She was recounting moments from her college years. She was also very happy to be able to visit the university. She was such a crowd pleaser. I mean, the crowd loved her. And bentang-benta ang jokes nya. Then, it was over. She had to catch the 2pm flight back to Manila.

Officemate and I went out of the amphitheater to go back to the office. But then, there was the heavy rain. I felt sad for my already drenched feet, socks, and shoes so we opted to make sakay in the padyak. Only there was no padyak.

Then, commotion from inside. Venus Raj was leaving the building. Then, every stalker..erm..fan’s dream, the celebrity standing just within their reach. Well, I did what any stalker erm fan would do. I asked her if I could take a picture with her. Not.

Well, I just stood there. Tulala. In English, dumbstruck. She was really maganda. I can now tell mom who’s not a fan of her that she’s really pretty. So, there. After more or less 30 seconds, she got in the car and left for the airport. I did manage to take some picture though. Unflattering nga lang for her. Sorry!

For people who don’t know her: Venus Raj graduated from Bicol University in 2009. She joined and won several local pageants. She joined the national pageant and won the top prize. She got dethroned due to citizenship issues but was rethroned after social networking people power and topnotch lawyers and a big television network did their thing. She then became the frontrunner for the Miss Universe crown until her final answer to the question. Her answer, as experts would say, cost her the crown. She lost but she earned the tagline ‘Major, Major!’ because of her answer. Google nyo na lang siya. Nahirapan na ako magexplain.

Which brings me to my ‘Major, Major!’ blunder. Every Monday, an office sponsors the flag ceremony. Today, our office did. I was quite delighted that it was raining until I arrived. The flag ceremony would still push through. I was tasked to lead the pledges.

The pledges consisted of the Pledge of Allegiance (Panunumpa sa Watawat), the pledege of government employees, the pledge to care for the environment, etc. In other words, there were a lot of pledges. And, if you by any chance know me, I am terrified of public speaking; hence, the reason why I blog or write about it in the first place.

So anyway, there I was reading the copy that Madam Boss gave me. All of a sudden, I hear sniggering. Then, murmurs. Then, my hands felt cold; tremors came after. Lastly, my voice was shaking. Diagnosis: Typical Stage Fright.

Thankfully, Office Mate 2took over. I thought everything was over after she was done. I breathed a sigh of relief. Then, the Madam Vice President for Academic Affairs took us aside. She half-reprimanded us about the way the pledges were read. According to her, we have to pause every after phrase/sentence to allow the people to repeat what we are saying. Apparently, we just went from point A to point B in a flash.

Fast forward to the time when all of that was over and I was finally moving on. Ate Office Mate 2 told me the reason why she took over. She told me that I bungled up the Panunumpa sa Watawat. I did not just go from point A to point B; I skipped the subpoints beneath them. To put it bluntly: I skipped some lines of the incredibly short pledge. To make matters worse, I realized the reason for the sniggers and murmurs.

I then devised a plan to move, change my name, and dye my hair green, STAT! It’s so easy to say ‘Kebs.’ but in reality you want to bury your head underground. Nakakahiya talaga.

Venus Raj in her speech said that she would never ever forget where she came from and that she would never change. That when she was invited to be a guest speaker of the college’s recognition rites, she said ‘yes’ in a heartbeat despite her busy schedule. That one should always remember.

Yes. That’s the word remember. Venus Raj serves as an example of the Filipino adage ‘lumingon sa pinanggalingan’. She’s a testament to the fact that change should not change you. I realize that even if I am now an adult and part of the workforce, I should not forget the stuff that I learned in school. That sometimes, we overlook the little things that someday would be the cause of our embarrassment. That planning to move and change your name would not be a great idea. That I should take the Major, Major! blunder into a learning moment instead.

With that said, here’s a copy of the Panunumpa Sa Watawat ng Pilipinas for future references and also so that you may not result to dyeing your hair green.

“Ako ay Pilipino,

Buong katapatang nanunumpa sa watawat

ng Pilipinas,

At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag,

Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan,

Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang

Maka-Diyos, Maka-kalikasan, Maka-tao at

Maka bansa.”

Peace and love!

Ps. I did not dye my hair green although I might try it in the future. Keep posted! xp

#blog #bran nasayao #venus raj #2012

sudden realization

random stuff that needed to get out of this head of mine.

it's been a year since the super deadly japan tsunami. i was still a nurse trainee back then. i was on the 3-11 shift.

when news of tsunami warning for the philippine broke out, i suddenly felt a sensation of impending doom. my mind raced. a bajillion thoughts entered my mind. a mixture of thoughts really. it ranged from the superficial to the not superficial. things like: 'what would happen to my harry potter books?' to 'would my parents ever cope with the loss?'

looking back, i realize that it's events like the japan tsunami serve as our wake-up call. it's like fate nudged us back to reality. in a world and time when we people almost feel invulnerable, indestructible and master of all, i believe it's the higher being's way of telling us that 'hey, get a grip of yourself. snap back to reality. high ka na naman no?'

we are reminded that we are mere mortals. we are not indestructible. we are just puny beings on this vast universe. and, we must remember those facts.

fast forward to now. it's a sunday. i spent the whole that with the family. not just the nuclear family (no pun intended) but the extended family. i may sound like i'm making a big deal of it but that really is what i feel is important. i'd rather have happy moments with the people whom i love than a bajillion oysters. yes, i still think money is important. 2nd runner-up lang siya. God being the number one then family/loved ones next. gets nyo na yun.

life is totally unexpected. make the most of it.

Peace and love!

#march #japan #blog #2012

Bucket List: Donate Blood

I made my bucket list about two years ago while I was doing what I do best: be bored. Kidding aside, I was actually inspired by the movie with the same title (even if I haven’t watched the full version of it as of the moment). I began listing stuff I wanted to do, people I want to meet, movies I’d like to see, books I’d want to read and a whole lot of other things. The list actually grows. Some days, I discover that I want to do a certain thing but could not financially, emotionally, physically, psychologically do it at the moment so I write it down. So there goes the obligatory back story.

If you have been following this blog or maybe this other blog, you may find that I’ve mentioned the checking-off a thing or two from the bucket list. It’s usually embedded in a blog post about another thing. It’s just now that I decided to devote a separate entry for each item. Yes naman ang explain! Second paragraph na, umeexplain pa rin.

DONATE BLOOD. Check! You may think that since I’m in the medical field (I’m a nurse. Look at the description guys.lol), I had done this before. I thought so too. The thing was that every time there was a blood donation drive at our school, I never could donate because I was either the organizer or I was helping the organizer. And, taking the role of organizer is such a physically taxing job that needed utmost strength and we all know that when you’re blood volume is decreased, you strength naturally is diminished. So, there.

Fast forward to February 22, 2012, Edward, one of my friends informed me about the annual blood donation drive of our former college – the same drive that I once helped organize. I immediately checked my schedule and found that my schedule is nonexistent so I automatically said yes. He also told me that donating blood is also on his bucket list to which I replied ‘Gaya-gaya.’

Aside from the reason stated above, I also came for the free stuff! There’s the usual free shirt and lunch. There are also freebies from sponsors. Really superficial, right?

Joke lang. Being a nurse, I know the importance of having available blood for the needs of the patients requiring transfusions. Now, having trained in a government hospital, I witnessed firsthand the dire need of the patients for blood products. I also know the importance of replenishing the stock of the blood banks all over the country. Did you know that someone in the United States alone is in need of blood every two seconds according to the American Red Cross? So, it is just feels right for me to help answer that need.

Fun fact: there is actually a law that covers blood donation. Republic Act No. 7719 or the National Blood Service Act of 1994 is ‘an act promoting voluntary blood donation, providing for an adequate supply of safe blood, regulating blood banks, and providing penalties for violation thereof.’

Not everyone can donate blood though. You have to be eligible based on the set requirements. You also have to pass the interview, physical examination, and the necessary blood exams.

To be eligible, you must be:

Be in generally good health

Be at least 17 years of age; upper age 60

Weigh at least 110 lbs. (45 kg).

Pulse: 80 to 100 beats/min and regular.

Temperature: Should not exceed 99.5 (37.5c).

Blood Pressure: acceptable range is 160/90 to 110/60.

No tongue, nose, belly button or genital piercing in the past 12 months

I passed all the tests of course. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be writing about it now, do I? Anyway, I wasn’t really nervous. I know that the introduction of the intravenous cannula would hurt. It was a huge needle by the way. As in huge! This was because blood cells are large and could not pass the regular and less painful needles.

my arm

The first minute, I felt my arm getting numb. I assumed it was because of the tourniquet and the open-close motion of my hand to pump out blood and the notion that your blood was traveling out of your arm into a tube into a bag. The next few minutes went off without a hitch. It wasn’t even five minutes when one onlooker informed the nurse that the bag was already full. I was like ‘What? Full na?’ I managed to fill a 500 cc blood bag with blood in under five minutes. Me already!

my blood being processed

When I was already allowed to stand, I felt quite pleased with myself. I was like, yep, I donated blood. I felt noble. It did not matter that there were no free shirt and other freebies or that I did not receive the free lunch. It’s the fact that I helped a good cause. Exaj much lang.

my blood

edward's blood

So, four days later bruises appeared on the puncture site. Don’t panic. It was a complication because the blood was pumped out of the vein too fast. Yabang lang kasi. Best in pump ang lolo nyo. Lesson learned. Next time, I’ll do it slowly and surely.

bruises

On that note, I am encouraging everyone to do your share to help our fellowmen. Click on the following links for more information:

Philippine National Red Cross

World Health Organization

American Red Cross

Wikipedia: Blood Donation

Whadaya waiting for? Give love. Donate Blood.

Peace and love!

#bucket list #blog #february #2012

The Graduate

Yes, the title is misleading. This post is not about the 1967 movie based on the 1963 book about a “21-year-old recent university graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older woman and then proceeds to fall in love with her daughter.” That pretty much was the movie’s plot. This post is actually dedicated to my brother, Ben Francis. And as the title says, he is the graduate. Again, to make myself crystal clear he graduated from college (finally!)

Last February 16, 2012, our family trooped to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) to attend Ben’s graduation. A little backstory for those who don’t regularly read my posts: Ben took up Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at Mapua Institute of Technology – Intramuros Campus. He was slated to graduate earlier but due to events leading to the hold-up which I’m not sure if I’m allowed to state here, it is just recently that he graduated.

More about Ben. Originally, his first choice as a course wasn’t interior design. He wanted to take up Broadcast Communications but being an obedient(?) son, he followed our parents orders. He eventually learned to love the course. And, being the artsy person that he is, it is inevitable that he’d become skilled at that.

He’s currently working as a part-time design assistant at an interior design firm in Ortigas. He’s also been keeping busy with his review for the Licensure Exam for Interior Designers. Fun fact: I’ve actually featured him on my other blog. Check it out here. (shameless plug! haha!)

With that I leave you with Ben’s design philosophy: Design has no boundaries. I live, I breathe design.

Oha!

Peace and love!

P.S. follow Ben: on twitter (@BENasayao), on tumblr (BEN THERE DONE THAT)

#ben francis nasayao #blog #february #2012

safety first!

Last February 7 – 11, 2012, I attended the 40-hour Basic Occupational Safety and Health Training sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment – Association of Safety Practitioners of the Philippines, Inc. (DOLE-ASPPI) Bicol Chapter together with PEME Consultancy held at Kanzo Hall and Restaurant, Legazpi City. This also served as my crash course in the all things related to the Construction Industry.

My mom actually urged me to undergo this training. She told me that I needed the training because companies need nurses and it would look good on my resume. She also told me that there are nurses who attend the training and that it would be easy.

Of course, that wasn’t what really happened. When I arrived, I found out that the training wasn’t really focused on the Health part. It was focused on SAFETY and Health in Construction sites and other industries. There was no time to back since I already paid the registration fee. And, if you know me, I’m not really the type of person who backs out of a thing which I said or agreed to enter. So there I was, shocked. I just told myself that this would be another opportunity to learn and just to keep an open mind.

But do you know what’s more shocking than that? It’s knowing that most of your training-mates are the owners of construction companies in the Bicol Region. I found out that they were there in compliance of the Department Order # 13which says that to be eligible for bidding of government projects or issuance of a building permit, Authorized Managing Officers (AMO) or owners must undergo the said 40-hour training. To which, I cringed because I realized that puny regular me was in the company of rich people. Haha!

The speakers were Dr. Albert Asprec and Joel Ello of PEME Consultancy, Engr. Mike Arguelles of EEI and some of the DOLE ROV officials and personnel. The four out of the five days of the training were full of the lectures and workshops. On the fifth day, as much as I’d want to say that we rested, we had a site visit so that we would be able to identify the unsafe acts and conditions that we have learned. And, any training would not be deemed as horrifying if the dreaded post test is not present. So, yes, there was a post test. And I got high marks! Hah!

I’m actually glad that I underwent the training. Not only it is an added bit to my resume, it is also an added chunk into my knowledge, skills and attitude bank. I also got to meet and rub elbows with interesting people. I realized that rich people are just like us normal people. The difference is just the number of zeros in their bank account. More importantly, I learned the value of safety in whatever we do. With that said, I leave you with two quotations from the speakers.

“Approach Health and Safety in a proactive way.” – Dr. Albert Asprec

“It doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.” – Joel Ello

“The hardhat is your best friend” - unknown

Peace and love!

#blog #bosh training #february #bran nasayao #2012

friolo night!

“Friends are like stars. You may not always see them but they’re always there.” I heard this from a speaker in a seminar that I have attended a few years ago. And, I super believe and hold on to this quote.

Last February 4, 2012, the long-postponed and never matutuloy-tuloy dinner finally came true. It basically was a very boisterous and laughter-filled night. The main culprit was the Friolo game that we played. FYI: Friolo is an iPhone app. There are two teams. A member of each team would have to let the other members of his team guess what the word is without saying the actual words or any of the taboo words. It is really a challenging game which works up a real big appetite.

Here are some of the words with the clues:

Asawa ng pen! – PAPER (kinasal na pala sila)

Ako (Bran) ito! – SKELETON (wag na po kumontra)

Si JR ito! - ATHLETIC

Asawa ng paper! – PEN

One, two, three… - FOUR! Hindi! Yung bisaya nun! – POUR (ang galing lang ni Rej)

Yung tatay ng anak ni C*****n! – LEMUEL (hulaan niyo!!)

Lizard with another letter! – GIZZARD! Hindi! – BLIZARD (answer courtesy of Tinay)

Kailangan nito ni Kath! – LIPOSUCTION

We ate dinner @ Red Labuyo Restaurant in Daraga, Albay and had drinks @Howling at the Moon in Embarcadero de Legazpi, Legazpi City.

Of course, I did not want the night to end. These days, everyone is quite busy and has their own stuff to do. So, this rare moment that we all managed to fix our schedules for a simple dinner was like a huge thing for me. It is just so nice to be with people whom you can let loose and be crazy. I’m sure you are like that with your friends, right?

Sappy as this post may be, it is what it is. I just hope that next time we won’t go through the rigorous process of scheduling and re-scheduling and re-rescheduling (yes, it happens). And when that happens expect another sentimental post about it! Haha!

Peace and love!

#blog #2012

quickie

so i was supposed to write about something. it's not that someone told me to. i do want to write. actually, a bajillion things inside my head want me to write about them. so what's stopping me, right?

here's the catch. this is a case of 'the mind is willing but the body is not'.

i dunno. i did have a busy day. yes, that would be it. exhaustion. i blame the errands that my family members gave me. it's not that i'm complaining though. i just happened to realize it.

now, my eyes are half-closed. i realize that i have to wake up early tomorrow because my training would start early. yes, i'm going to undergo another training. five days. that is reserved for another post.

wow. it's getting quite lengthy already. this is my subconscious self talking to you. the one who rambles all the time. wish me luck!

Peace and love!

#blog #february #2012

one shot!

Learning is a continuous process. We learn not only within the confines of a school but also out of it. In other words, we learn everywhere. Oha, how’s that for an introduction?

Last January 26-28, 2012, I attended a 3-day Basic Intravenous Therapy Training held at Aquinas University Hospital. The training is a continuing education program offered by the Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines (ANSAP). It is offered to all registered nurses who wish to improve their skills.

The law actually mandates nurses to undergo such training. Article 5 Section 27 (a) of The Philippine Nursing Law of 1991 (RA 7164) states that intravenous injection is within the scope of nursing practice. This means that nurses have the privilege to administer treatment intravenously. And because it is a privilege, one has to have a card to certify that one is trained – a license that is.

So what now is intravenous therapy (IV)? Intravenous therapy is the insertion of a needle into vein based on the physician’s written prescription. The needle is attached to a sterile tubing and a fluid container to provide medications and fluids. Being a trained nurse gives you the permission to do that stuff. It also increases your chance of employment.

The training had two parts. The first part consisted of 12 lectures about IV therapy. The topics ranged from the historical background and ethico-legal aspects of IV therapy to administering chemotherapeutic drugs and managing complications of the therapy.

The second part of the training was the return demonstration or the practical exam. We had to perform five procedures. The first one was the insertion of an intravenous line to a dummy arm. I kind of sucked at this procedure. Being the first out of the five procedures, I was still nervous. The second procedure was blood transfusion. I got a perfect score on this one. Nuff said. The third procedure was administration of medications and the fourth was administration of parenteral nutrition. I got acceptable marks on both. The fifth and last procedure was again insertion of an intravenous line. The only difference this time was the line was to be inserted on a partner, a live human partner. You only have one shot. Another shot would mean deduction of points and a fee of one-hundred pesos for the cannula. Let me just brag but I got it in one shot! HA!

one shot (courtesy of zaza)

Now, this means that the training has ended. Wrong. I still have to acquire my 3+3+1 cases: 3 IV insertions, 3 medication administrations and 1 blood transfusion. Keri ko ito. Haha!

with zaza

For now, let me share you this realization: I’m glad that I learned a lot during the three-day training. I know that it is indeed a privilege and a great one at that since one mistake could mean another person’s life. That one misstep could mean the end of my career. That I should always aim for perfection and zero errors to assure the good quality of care that the client needs. And that I should remember that a mutated superhero’s uncle once said, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ Sa wakas naidugtong ko din. Yehessssssssssss!

Peace and love!

#ivt training #blog #bran nasayao #2012

my sort of "Welcome 2012!" post

Today is already the ninth of January. Since I am a firm believer in the saying “better late than super duper late”, I am making my sort of “Welcome 2012!” post. Ha!

just because 2012 is a leap year!

Here’s an update on my life (if anybody cares). Ever since the last week of 2011, I have been super busy. I just wish that it’s a job that pays – the monetary kind that is. You see, our household help who comes every day got sick. This basically means that I am stuck with doing the chores at home. From the Christmas-holidays-related chores to the household chores, I kind of unwittingly accepted them all. So to put it in simple terms, imma nanny/kasambahay/katulong/personalassistant at the moment. I’m actually on my third week and I can proudly say that I already got the hang of it. Haha! This is also the reason why I haven’t been able to post something worthwhile. Reasons!

So here it is, a simplified lookback on the year that was 2011.

Given the nine days since 2012 started and during the times when I am washing the dishes, doing the laundry, sweeping the floor, etc., I had been able to assess the past year. I can safely say that the year 2011 was full of surprises and twists – good and not that good. I had a taste of how it was to be a professional kahit volunteer lang at walang sweldo. At least, I experienced how it was to be a nurse. As in yung nurse ka na talaga. Yung tipong, accountable ka sa lahat ng actions mo and all that jazz. Over-all, it felt great! Siguro this part of the year would receive the high points. The sixth-month-and-a-half experience was worth all the paghihirap complete with blood, sweat and tears! Literally!

As I’ve said earlier, there were not so good moments also. I won’t write about them anymore and that goes without saying na I won’t go into details but I said na so fine, sue me. Don’t sue me! I’ll just share some of my realizations.

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Coping Mechanism makes the difference.

Family and friends (the true ones ha!) are the people whom you can count on when your life seems to have taken a detour. They give you the much needed reality check and boost to help you bear the unexpected detour. They are also the significant people who made my year oh-so-good.

Prayer helps A LOT. There is nothing wrong when you lift your burdens up to the Lord and let him take the steering wheel. He may have other great plans for you. You just have to trust Him.

Oha! I summed my 2011 in two paragraphs ha! Achievement na yun for me since I tend to talk a lot. Haha!

Last bit of info. Before 2011 ended, I had a bucket list check-off! The task said, “13 pieces of grapes inside mouth at midnight on new year’s eve” Feng Shui experts say that eating 13 pieces of grapes at the stroke of midnight would bring the eater/doer luck for the following year. So grapes, do your thing or else. Hahahhaha! Kidding!

13 pieces of grapes...

... inside my mouth

Luck or not, I am taking the reins this 2012. According to the Mayans, the world would end this year and Armageddon-Apocalypse fanatics are having the time of their lives. With that said, I’m making the most of this year – once our household help recuperates or we manage to get a new one.

Happy New Year everyone!

Peace and love!

#grapes #realization #emote #bucket list #blog #2011 #2012

simbang gabi: completed

(20111224) Brag mode alert but HA!!! Who completed the nine-day dawn masses? I did!!!

Today is Christmas Eve. As I write this hurriedly, my family is busy preparing themselves to go out. I was so rudely interrupted from my afternoon nap for that reason. I didn’t really know the reason to go out. There are so many last-minute shoppers around. Ah, that may be the reason. Last minute shopping.

Let me get back to that later. Mom and I were late for mass because JB came with us. It was a rather hot dawn. I was sweating bullets inside the church. I couldn’t remove my jacket because I was wearing the t-shirt which I wore to sleep and it was kind of non-church appropriate. I of course had to endure the heat.

Anyway, I really did not understand much of the homily. The priest had a rising-and-falling-tone style. His voice would be normal then kind of almost a whisper and then almost shouting. It was hard to keep track of what he was saying. Add to that the fact that JB was asking me a lot of questions. Toddler much! What I got though from the homily were the values of optimism and thankfulness.

In a world wherein hope seems to have left us, optimism would be the one that will get us through. If we think our prayers go unanswered, optimism and faith would greatly help us. God may be designing a great answer for us. And when the blessing finally comes, thankfulness should be in order. Whatever we received satisfied or not, we must be thankful for it.

So there, I did get something out of the homily after all. Oh wow, we are leaving. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

jb with mama bems

me with mama bems

peg ko lang si @kimpoyfeliciano dito haha!

Peace and love!

#misa de gallo #december #2011 #blog #simbang gabi

simbang gabi: halfway there

the moon smiles. there is hope

(20111220) Yep, halfway already. It’s the fifth day of the Simbang Gabi. I previously planned to write my learnings for each day but you know, plans change. Lame excuse for laziness alert!!! Anyway, being that I reached the halfway point, I decided to write.

I did not really catch the theme for the priest’s homily. I only got one word though: SHARING.

He talked about how important it is for us to share our blessings with other people. Since we aren’t really the owners of anything on this earth, he talked about responsible stewardship. We are just caretakers of God’s properties and it would be really kapalmuks if we become selfish about it. It’s like your friend asked you to look after something which is ‘free for all’ but you choose to be stingy if you see someone who needs it. That is just wrong, right? Another thing that the priest said that struck me was you have to share something that you have whether you are rich or poor. It doesn’t necessarily mean wealth or riches. Sharing can mean support, prayers, love, time, and the other intangible stuff.

In light of this, I applaud those people who go out of their way to share their blessings to people in need. A recent tragedy in the southern part of the Philippines, specifically in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City could be well a perfect example. The aftermath of the onslaught of Typhoon Sendong (Washi) left seven-hundred-plus people dead and scores of families displaced. The quick and immediate action of our countrymen made me so glad that the act of sharing can still be found. If I had the means, I’d be more than willing to help but I don’t.

Since I’m in the Bicol region, I have no means to volunteer and since I don’t have money, I can’t send the stuff they needed. I don’t mean to brag but I what I did was the simple act of praying for them. I prayed for the souls of the dead. That they may find eternal rest and peace with the Creator. I prayed for the families of the dead and the affected people in general; that they may have the courage to face the future and learn from the tragedy. That they may grieve so that acceptance would come soon. That they may have the optimism to see the light amidst the darkness of their situation. Lastly, I prayed for the people who are there, the rescuers, volunteers, etc.; that they may have the strength to face the grimness of the situation so that they can help more people.

I know that I’m just sitting here in front of the computer and it’s not much that I can do. What I know that if one person reads this who has the capacity to help, I think I may have helped raise awareness to what the people in the south need. To that someone who will help, I thank you in advance. Let us share. It’s still Christmas anyway. =)

***info on how to help, click HERE.

Peace and love!

#misa de gallo #december #2011 #blog #sendong

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