Archive for December, 2006

My new year’s resolution…

                  

It’s hard not to start making resolutions and creating goals on New Year’s Eve. There’s that sense of renewal, of rebirth, and the guilty awareness that you ate your own weight in chocolates, a lot of foods during the holidays. Sure, last year’s resolution didn’t make it past the fifth of January hehe, but hey, this year’s going to be different, right? Sticking to resolutions are hard. Resolutions are often changes that you would like to see yourself make, but changes are very difficult to enforce—and it only gets harder the older you get. But that doesn’t mean change is impossible. Don’t try everything at once I guess… I whish I could go to gym everyday… but that’s impossible because I have work. So most probably I’ll do that 2-3 times a week. Not bad huh? Or just a simple sit up everyday will do haha!I’ve noticed that the temptation of the New Year is to run off a list of everything you’ve ever wanted to change. Don’t fall for it! You’ll have better luck fulfilling one or two goals than you will a list of fifty. You can always add new resolutions to your list later. Take one thing at a time. Lke for 2 weeks now, I’m trying my best to eat I cup of rice in every meal… every 6 meals a day nyahaha! Oh my… I really love to eat, huhu! Less shopping? Yeah.. I’ll try my best to do that… I’ll make sure that I will save money this year! Hmmmm… Ialso suggest to make a plan. Once you know what your New Year’s resolution is, try to break it down. Nobody accomplishes anything of significance by trying to do it all at once. This doesn’t have to be a complicated resolution plan; just brainstorm enough to give you a place to start.we should Get help as well, ask help to your family members, to your friends…. You don’t have to be the only one to enforce your resolutions. You may want to ask a friend or family member to help you through this "trying" period. You might even be able to help your friend stick to his or her resolution. It’s always easier in groups than it is alone.i think we should Forgive yourself also. You’re not perfect, so it’s unreasonable to think that you won’t make a mistake. When you do, don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t give up. One mistake isn’t the end of the world (or the end of your resolution). Keep at it. You’ll be glad you did. Wahhh!well, that’s all that I can contribute for this new years resolution poblem hehe! Have a Blessed New year to everyone! Muahhh!

siLeNt niGhT…

                       It was Christmas Eve, everyone was aglow with the amiability and random
mirth which the occasion demanded. A long and lavish dinner had been partaken
of, waits had been round and sung carols. The house-party had regaled itself
with more caroling on its own account, and there had been romping which, even
in a pulpit reference, could not have been condemned as ragging. In the midst
of the general glow. Young ones keep on playing and checking their gifts every
now and then. While the elders keep on chatting and have a wonderful
conversation about their children (that’s us) Suddenly I look intently outside
the window…gazing at the stars and wishing my mom could see me.at this very
moment hoping that she’s happy… longing that everything will be back.to
normal.My younger cousins singing the christmas carol… elders having their
conversation,it’s deafening but it seems a soundless night for me…. Then my
aunt called me while they’re opening the gifts I gave them… I saw them excited
while opening their christmas present. My grandmother approched me and hug me
thight… she wisper ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS APO…you’re really like your mom” then tears
from my eyes started to fall. My younger cousin appoched me and gave their gift for me. My first Christmas present are
usually from my mom… Everyone says that I’m tough and brave facing all these
challenges,but then again…this fighter desires to cry sometimes…wanted to lean
on your shoulder and just cry…I told my self that “hey girl! It’s the Lord’s
special night” then I came to realize that it’s Christmas and I know that my
mom is happy with him watching me. making merry the most special occasion

my sassy mom

 This
is my first Christmas without my family… I miss my mom and my brother so much…
although I’m not physically alone coz I have my cousins, my sisters and
relatives with me. But then, I still
feel empty this Christmas eve… I’m actually blessed because I’m here… I’m alive…
I have a good job… a good house to stay… I also have my special someone… what
else can I ask for? Well, I have an answer for that…. My dearest mom…. I so
miss her…. I wish she was here with me. I wish she’ll cook my fave dish… I wish that I could kiss her and hug
her. I wanna see her opening my present for her. I want to see her smile, her
sassy clothes and accessories… the way
she hold a glass of champagne, the way
she prepare
food for notche
buenna… I don’t wanna cry anymore.. I want to be happy coz I know she’s happy
now… but I can’t help it… I miss my mommy so much…

Does gift giving take away 4m da true meaning of Christmas?

You’re all probably in a dither by now over your lengthening list for Christmas gift-giving, and the unchristian repercussions that addressing that list will have on your future. No, make that present. As in: the more presents you give, the more challenged becomes the present state of your coffers.

You wish you weren’t so Pinoy, or that Pinoys don’t enjoy a 1.5 degree of separation – far more remarkable than the usual six, the global mean. But birthright can be mean, too, so grin and bear it.

Go visit tiangges, fairs and bazaars. Pick up freshly, often ingeniously, preserved and packaged native delicacies, which indeed make up a sunrise industry. But for those special, enlightened people in your list, nourishment can be of the more permanently stimulating sort.or better yet, be the first on line,a lot of sale items at malls for sure! But then,  What is the best gift for christmas? Should we give gifts? Does gift giving take away from the true meaning of Christmas?"

I remember what Sister Ligaya told us way back grade school in Colegio de Sta. Rosa… Many people take the idea of gift giving at Christmas back to the scripture in Matthew 2:10-11 which talks about the Magi (wise men) giving gifts to Jesus at his home: "When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

The Bible gives a wonderful story about the gift God gave us - Christ - and we can use it as an opportunity to present the gospel and to show love. Giving and receiving gifts can be part of fulfilling what Paul says about giving in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, "Since you excel in so many ways—you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. I am not saying you must do it, even though the other churches are eager to do it. This is one way to prove your love is real." Paul was talking to the churches who were giving him gifts (financial) so that he could keep on in the ministry. We can apply this same lesson to our own lives by being giving to others, not just at Christmas, but year round!

So, can gift giving become the focus of Christmas instead of thanking the Lord for the gift of His Son (John 3:16)? Absolutely! Does giving gifts have to take away from the true meaning of Christmas? No, it does not. If we focus on the wonderful gift of salvation the Lord has given us (Isaiah 9:6), it is a natural expression of that gratefulness for us to give to others. The key is our focus. Is your focus on the gift, or the ultimate gift-giver - our gracious Heavenly Father? "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…" (James 1:17)

a letter for kikai

26463770036607l_1Miss ko na bestfriend ko.. si kikai, full name: vianca vargas… she’s in L.A. for like 6 years now.. almost 7 na po next year, damn kiks! I miss you sooooo much!
I actually remember some of our kalokohan…ang takaw takaw mo pa hehe! Yung mga road trip natin with alnie, ava, princess, riz and agnes… yung natangalan pa tayo ng mags
Sa intramuros then nahule tayo sa roxas blvd. Driving w/o license.huhu

Yung kapag grounded ako pero if ikaw yung tatwag pwede ako gumamit ng phone. Kapag sa house mo ako pwede din, then ganun din ang drama kapag ikaw ang grounded… kung paglalakad natin from makati ave. hangang bahay namin sa cityland. Imagine buendia yun…. So in short makati ave to buendia? Feeling niya kasi nasa L.A. pa siya that time. yung kapag tinatakasan namin driver ko and trip talaga kami kahit saan kasama barkada. She’s one of the family talaga, even my grandmother.. may picture niya si kikai sa wallet. What else? Si mommy napagalitan kami kasi birthday niya then 4:00am na kami umuwi, kala kasi namin tuloy si mommy sa out of town nya… buking kami kasi that time super crush pa niya yung ka-gimikan namin BJ Palanca and Lee Robin Salazar <celebreties diba?> and madami pang iba… yung mga concert na naguubos tayo ng money hehe! Wala eh, parents pa natin gumagastos that time. I would never forget the moment that we became best of friends! Madami pang kwento na ang hirap ibigay yung details… all I know is that, I’m so thankful because you’re my bestest bestfriend.
Ikaw yung taong kilala ako from head to foot. Mas kilala mo pa nga ako kesa sa sarili ko. Thank you for the love and support. Sa mga long distance, sa mga letters and cards… sa emails, sa mga testi… sa lahat ng love and care na pinaparamdam mo even your miles away from me. For all the support and understanding. I love you kiks! Don’t worry, pag nagkita tayo hindi lang cake bake ko for you… lahat ng alam kong luto and e-bake gagawin ko for you! I miss you so much

some of her pictures:

25742059034011l_1 sa lahat ng program nung debut ko kasali siya.. cotillion de honor, 18 candles, 18 tokens and 18 tost.

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friends niya sila bamboo and the teeth sa L.A. that time… magaling na singer and gitarista!

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at ito na siya ngayon.. after ilang beses niya kulayan hair niya.. yan na siya! with her fave drinks! i miss your smile kiks! kahat ng kalokohan mo! muahhhh!


   

ThE HoMinG bEe…

You are belted with gold, little brother of mine,

   Yellow gold, like the sun

That spills in the west, as a chalice of wine

   When feasting is done.

You are gossamer-winged, little brother of mine,

   Tissue winged, like the mist

That broods where the marshes melt into a line

   Of vapour sun-kissed.

You are laden with sweets, little brother of mine,

   Flower sweets, like the touch

Of hands we have longed for, of arms that entwine,

   Of lips that love much.

You are better than I, little brother of mine,

   Than I, human-souled,

For you bring from the blossoms and red summer shine,

   For others, your gold.

i miss you so much…
little brother of mine… whose sweet as the honey
who give sunshine to my life

CHRISTMAS GIFT:

I was late getting off work on Christmas Eve and I hurried across to the Department store, hoping it was still open. I had to buy a scarf as a last minute gift for my brother and Mother. {Christmas of 2004, 2 years ago}
It was so traffic and there was Christmas light everywhere. I check my cellphone if my mom was texting me or something… But as I was about to enter the store, I noticed a small boy, about five or six years old with his face pressed against the window. He was dressed in shabby clothes and he was alone.
I approached thelittle boy and said. “You shouldn’t be out this late, it’s almost Christmas Eve” He turned towards me and I could see the tears in his eyes.
“I was wishing that I could buy that for my Mother, because she is so sick.” he said as he wiped his eyes on his shirtsleeve.
I glanced in the window to see what he meant and saw that it was a mirror, comb and brush set.
“Can’t your dad buy it for you to give to your mother? I asked.
“No,” “My dad doesn’t have any money. He works as a conductor and all his money has to pay bills.” he replied.
The price of the set was sixty-five pesos and I wondered why he couldn’t spare such a small amount for his child. My heart went out to the little boy. I took his hand and said. “Come on in with me while I do some shopping and then I will take you home. “My name is Thursday. What is yours and where do you live?” I asked him.
I live beside the railroad of this town and my name is Peter, but I don’t think my dad will like you to take me home. Peter replied. “Let me worry about that.” I said.
Do you have any siblings like brothers and sisters? Who’s with you right now? Why are you alone?
“I was playing and I’m with my friend a while ago but he already left” he replied. “ I have a brother, but I don’t know where he is” he added.
We entered the store and some of the people glanced at the child with a look of distaste. How could they look at a small child like that, especially at Christmas time. I asked myself.
I did my shopping with the boy close behind me and just before I was ready to checkout, I passed the display with the mirror set. I picked up one of the boxes and placed it in my cart. As I did this child looked up at me with an excited smile.
I returned his smile as we proceeded to the checkout and I placed the items from the cart onto the counter.
After leaving the store, we look for a cab and I put the all the packages in the back except for the mirror set., When we were in the cab, I gave the package to the boy.
“Give this to your mother for Christmas.” I told him.
He looked at me, then his sad face broke into a smile.”You mean it?” he asked. But the smile faded almost as soon as it had appeared as he said.
“But my dad won’t like a stranger giving me things. He will think that I was begging.
I ask the driver to drive and headed in the direction of the address that the boy had given me.I didn’t know much about that area of town, but the driver drove while Peter directed.
We turned onto a street where the houses were close together and some of the yards were cluttered with junk. First I was scared because I never been on that place before. But I take a deep breath and face it anyway.
‘There!” He said. The driver pulled into the driveway of an old story house that was badly in need of paint.
There was clothes piled on the front porch, along with papers strewn over the lawn.“
Peter said. “My dad says it isn’t much, but we have to live here.” Then he jumped out of the car and turned to me and said. ”Come on please, we have to go upstairs.”
I talk to my self not to be scared since we’re going upstares. This little boy is totally a stranger and the place was totally new to my sight. We went around the side of the driveway and up some rickety stairs. Peter opened the door as he called out.”Dad, I’m home and I have a lady with me.” I feel so cold and there were goose bumps as well.

A tall slim man came through a door from another room. He was unshaven and his clothes were rumpled. He looked as though he hadn’t slept much.
“Hello,” “I ’m Thursday and I brought your son home” I said.
“Thank you, but he shouldn’t have been out.” he replied.
“She bought this for mom.” Peter said as he held out the package to his dad.
“We don’t take charity and you shouldn’t be begging. He said sharply to Peter.
Peter hung his head as he left the room.
“I didn’t mean it to be charity, I just wanted to help.” I said as I turned to go.
“Wait, please.” “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I am sorry.” he said.
“My wife had leukemia and her time is short. I can’t take care of her and Peter because I have to work there just isn’t enough money for everything. I can’t seem to do everything that needs to be done.” he said in a choked shaky voice as he turned away.
“Mr. everyone needs help sometimes. You should accept it, please let me help you and your family.” I said. He nodded his head apparently unable to speak.
I went home, and talk to my Mother and my family. I made some telephone calls to some of my friends, with them all telling me they would be glad to help.
When we arrived back at the Peter’s place, my friends were already there. The small kitchen was packed with groceries and gifts for the family. It was arranged to have someone care for Peter’s mother while his father worked. We also took up a small collection among us for some bills.
As we drove home, I leaned back in my seat and let out a sigh of relief, as I said. “This is truly what Christmas is all about, giving the Gift of Christmas.” Honestly, it’s not much that we gave… Now, my mom was not with us anymore, I’m pretty sure she’s okay with our Lord’s place. Because a year after that, my family and I lost our mom. Actually, my mom died earlier than peter’s mom. My friends and I are not that rich to give medication for Peter’s mom since we just started our job, but then, making their Christmas blessed with vitamins, foods and gifts would make it fullfield as bringing them the Christmas spirit.