Saturday, December 31, 2005

Happy 2006!!

The following is a nice read from www.dailyom.com which I would like to share to everybody.For the New Year, it will be wonderful if we will keep to mind the things written here.

December 30, 2005
Reversed Perceptions
Projecting

We all have issues, as well as undesirable qualities or traits that we don't like about ourselves. Most of us realize that we are not perfect and that it is natural to have unpleasant thoughts, motivations, desires, or feelings. However, when a person does not acknowledge these, they may ascribe those characteristics to someone else, deeming other people instead as angry, jealous, or insecure. In psychological terms, such blaming and fault finding is called projection.

When we are the target of projections, it can be confusing and frustrating, not to mention maddening, particularly when we know that we are not the cause of another person's distress. Even people who are well aware of their issues may find that sensitive subjects can bring up unexpected projections. They may feel insecure about a lack of funds and thus view a friend as extravagant. Or, if they really want to get in shape, they may preach the benefits of exercise to anyone and everyone.

While we can try to avoid people we know who engage in projecting their "stuff" onto others, we can't always steer clear of such encounters. We can, however, deflect some projections through mindfulness and meditation. A useful visualization tool is to imagine wrapping ourselves in a protective light everyday. At other times, we may have to put up a protective shield when we feel a projection coming our way, reminding ourselves that someone else's issues are not ours. Although it's difficult not to react when we are the recipient of a projection, it is a good idea to try to remain calm and let the other person know if they are being unreasonable and disrespectful. We all know that it's not fun to be dumped on. Likewise, we should be mindful that we don't take our own frustrations out on others. When we take ownership of our thoughts, motivations, desires, and feelings, we are less likely to project our issues or disowned qualities onto others.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!


Friday, December 30, 2005

SURF'S UP FOR HER

On the 29th December issue of Today newspaper (a Singapore newspaper)which was yesterday actually, I took noticed of a photo of a lady surfing. As I looked closer, I then recognised that she was the highest official of my born country, the Philippines. And I read:

"SURF'S UP FOR ARROYO: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo riding a surfboard at a surfing camp in San juan, La Union province, on Tuesday, Ms Arroyo is on holiday and taking a break from the political fighting in Manila."

Wahhh! What does this photo meant? My husband just said, "Mom she's just showing to the whole world that she has a well- balanced personality and like the rest of the people around, she has her hobbies and sports too." Really? But she happens to be a public official, mind you. "Public officials have their own lives too and they have the rights to enjoy what life can give," my husband added.

Whether my husband meant to say it in a sarcastic way or in defense of the lady, I really don't care. What I care about is that I see more people roaming the streets, more people with no jobs and food to eat as shown in many TV programmes, and many people expressed their desires to get out of the country . And here she was, escaping the fighting in Manila by surfing.

Ahh! She's the president and who am I to say something about her private activity? But she could opt not to be photographed that way. If only our country is a first country, seeing a highest official doing a private activity would be cool. With the economic status of our country being so low, seeing the president that way, projected once again, a negative Philippines.

I don't know. Maybe I am negative too.



Saturday, December 24, 2005

A Different Christmas

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I could not explain my feeling when I went to work today. I felt so stressed these past few days. Imagine, we had our Graduation Concert on the 10th. For sure you know how much effort I exerted in the preparation for my children’s performance. Then, we had our Christmas party gathering with the elderly in the elderly home nearby. Combined with all the preparation for the coming academic year like the new classroom decors and learning corners, and the Parent Teacher Conference scheduled today, how you could blame me if I felt so lazy to go to work. I even wanted to complain and say, “hey its Christmas Eve today.”

When the first set of parents arrived, my energy was boosted. Discussing about the child’s progress and development in all aspects made me feel so energized. Isn’t it a nice feeling to discuss a child’s creativity and interests to their own parents?

But this father and his child made me value my work the more and Christmas at the same time. My opening salvo made him really cry. Yes Virginia! The father did really cry for he was so touched by my words of appreciation for him and his wife in coming to the PTC which meant they really cared for their child. The father being overseas felt guilty that he’s not much of a good father. I assured him that quality time with his child is more important than quantity time. And with this episode, I realized the true value of my job, and that there is love among people made stronger by the Christmas moods.

So, I went home at twelve noon, satisfied that I went to work, what with the Christmas presents and greetings from colleagues. With a happy disposition, though tired, I prepared food for our Noche Buena.

While doing preparation and cooking, I managed to watch TFC cable programmes. I was able to watch Wowowee and Magandang Gabi Bayan. The families living in the streets and the prisoners who have been away from their families were shown on the shows respectively. Though I was so touched and in the verge of shedding tears for those people, I felt joy, for they were given help by the people behind the 2 shows.

It seems that this Christmas Eve is really a Christmas full of angels. From the father of my student who saw an angel in his child and an angel on me so to speak and me on his child for making me realized the goodness of my work and to those people of the shows who helped our poor countrymen in prison and those living in the streets ,who are also angels on my eyes and on the eyes of the children and adults they made happy, I encouraged one and all to be angels too in their own simple way. Let us be angels not only on the birthday of Jesus, but also in all the days to come.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Monday, December 19, 2005

Christmas in Orchard Road






It is Christmas time in Orchard Road. It is a nice feeling walking the stretch of Orchard Road with your family at your side. You really feel that this season is a special occasion with all the lights and beautiful things to see and sounds to hear. Though, it is really commercialized, I am thinking positive of all the glitters I see and hear around. For in all the golden colours, the happy faces and wonderful sounds, you'll feel the presence of someone GREAT.

Truly, a photo speaks a thousand words. For in these photos, I can see a lot of meaning on what Christmas is all about.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Comfortably Buckled- Up

On my pinay expat site, I wrote before that my twin granddaughters were very uncomfortable wearing their seatbelts. Most of the time they would scream when it was time for us to buckle them up.

And now as you can see, they are very comfortable with their seatbelts. At their age of 2 years and 1 month 19 days, they already found the naturalness of buckling up once they enter the car.

And that is what is so wonderful with children, they learn easily. At first they will try to defy adults rules but then as days passed by, they will follow the routine naturally.

You may wonder why I revived this blog site of mine too. I feel I owe it to AnP to state here why I am with Blogger again. I feel that I have to protect her and me as well from negative perceptions.

Well, when I got so affected of an entry I wrote that sparked misconception, I told her that I wanted to be on temporary hiatus which she did for me. After a few weeks, I wrote her that I was ready to post entry again. After 2 or 3 posts in a span of 1 week, I could not access the site anymore. As AnP explained something got wrong and she wrote: "Sorry! Mea culpa, mea culpa... when I transferred the database of Ruth's blog to her new domain, I made a mistake and somehow changed the name and code for yours, as well." She asked me how she could be of help. And since my youngest daughter initiated my return to Blogger, I decided and informed her that I'll just continue with Blogger. And this is the reason why I am with Blogger again.

I am proud that AnP invited me to join her pinayexpat. Now, I understand the situation . Anyhow, I am contented and comfortable with Blogger. Since AnP wrote that our relationship remain the same and wish to meet me once she visits Justice here makes me glad.

And that's it. AnP and me are in good terms. And I respect her as one of the first I met in blogosphere.

So like my twin grand daughters, I also learnt how to be comfortable and be natural of my present situation and make the most of it. This is applicable to all adults too. May we adults, learn from children how to be contented on following present routines and or rules with a happy heart.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Thank You!

I would like to say thank you to all who greeted me on my birthday. You know who you are.

I also would like to say thank you for the mention about my entry on Professional Storytellers. Though she mentioned me days ago, I still feel I have to thank her for taking notice of my entry.

Many thanks Millicent Frastley of http://tonsil.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Special Day

When I was a child,
I used to believe on the negativity
And the bad things
Of what Friday the 13th brings
To people in general.

Then I discovered that
I was born on Friday the 13th.
It made me cry.
It made me terribly sad.

After many years ,
I then learnt to realise
The beauty and specialness
Of Friday the 13th.

And though it is not Friday today,
For today is Tuesday the 13th,
I consider 13th a lucky number.
For I was born today.

Happy birthday to me!!
(My age is a number I don't bother!)

Sunday, December 11, 2005

It turned out Okay

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It just turned out okay. Nothing more to say.....

Saturday, December 10, 2005

My Daughter's Best Friend With the Girls















Chei Wee with my daughter and the girls


My eldest daughter Krizelle, visited her best friend, Chei Wee in South Carolina last October. They have never seen each other for years. Their friendship developed in Insead where Chei Wee worked in Reseach while my daughter was a marketing executive in the same building.

Chei Wee is a Singaporean who holds her Masters from a Sweden University. After her stint in Insead, she went to USA to pursue her doctorate in South Carolina University.

And so on Thanksgiving Day she flew to Williamsburg to be with Krizelle and spent Thanksgiving with the girls.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

On Focus

KLM: Mom, focus on us, okay....
L: okay, smile! 123 click!
KLM: wahh! Mom naman, we said focus on us, not the ship.


L: okay girls, take a shot of me naman.

P: smile Mom!

L: why is M with me, daya mo P!

P: mana ako sa 'yo Mom eh.

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Of Love and Abuse

Finally I finished reading the books I bought at Borders bookshop in Berjaya Times Square.

I finished the first book titled, Call Me Elizabeth days ago. It tells how a mother decided on a career for the love of her children.

Last night, I finished reading this book, A Brother's Journey. I was shaken. It was difficult to accept the abuses one child can get from his own mother.

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Life is really full of conflicts, mysteries and unexplained emotions. How can one mother sells her own body for the love of her children and how can one mother abuses her own child for the heck of it?
For me, I will still try my best to point to one and all that children are the best gifts of God. I may also be guilty in one way or another of not giving much love to children, but then, what's more important for me is the thinking that we, adults, need to try our best to understand why children behave in such a way. By that understanding, we can interact with them in a more positive way.
But for child abuse, whether done because of emotional instability or for disciplinary purposes, is still the most unforgiveable act an adult can do to a child.
Therefore let us act now. Stop the cycle of abuses. Let us be aware of how an adult's words and actions could affect a child in his development and lately in adulthood. Let us put LOVE in our words and actions to children so that they will grow to be confident and loving adults in the future.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Let's Walk

I really want to walk.
Oh! I better follow those people.

Where are you going? Wait for us please!

Oh! This is the Heroes' Walk. Nice! Nice!

Hey David! Why did you stop?

What? A beach! Virginia Beach, I hope to visit you again....

Kapuso in KL







It was only in Kl in our hotel suite that I learnt that GMa 7 has already its cable TV shows. For here in Singapore we only have the TFC . That is why we only know personalities from Channel 2.
I was wondering over the years whatever happened to Janice de Belen. It was nice knowing and watching her in the show Sis with her sister Gelli and Carmina Villaroel.
I noticed that there are now a lot of new and young showbiz personalities that we have no idea what their names are. Like the ones above. I like that Darna girl too. Who is she? She's such a pretty girl. And that young man? He's also good looking.
We watched shows like that Mulawin, Sugo, Darna and Encantadia. I noticed that all of them are fantasy shows. With TFC's Kampanerang Kuba, it then means that most of the shows now deal with fantasies. Well, fantasy stories stimulates the mind too.
Over all, I'm happy with my KL trip for I was able to watch GMA 7 shows too.

Monday, November 28, 2005

A Year Ago

Oh, I almost forgot this. I've been blogging for a year now. How really time flies.

A year ago, I only visited the news sites. I never ever expected that there was a thing called blogging. I've been looking at my daughters then and I wondered how they were able to access sites that were too personal. Later I learnt that they also have sites of their own and for free. I thought that only people who could pay and mostly celebrities like Alice Dixon and Ruffa Guttierrez could have their personal websites. I was wrong. Ordinary people like me could have one. Thanks to Blogger.

Many things had happened in my blogging life. And still, here I am. For what? There are many reasons why a person maintain a blogsite/ blogsites and write entries. But for me, this is a documentation of who I am, though only a percentage is revealed in things I write, at least, my grandchildren and my future grandchildren will know something about me.

So, after a year, I will still continue on blogging. And I hope I'll be able to blog till my golden years....

Friday, November 25, 2005

Three Days in Kuala Lumpur


This is the Petronas Twin Towers

This is in Petaling, the Chinatown in KL

This is the view from the 41st floor of the Petronas Twin Tower

On 21 to 24 November, my husband and me decided to go on a coach trip to Kuala Lumpur. It took us more than 6 hours to reach KL from Golden Mile Complex in Singapore. The country road view was nice.

We stayed in Berjaya Times Square West Wing Hotel 43rd floor. That was why the view from our hotel room was captivating too.

KL is a fascinating place to visit. We enjoyed our three days stay there.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Almost Done


In all the things we do in our life, the initial stage is always the most difficult part. Like in publishing a magazine/newsletter for our centre. It took me a lot of efforts to convince parents and teachers alike to write an article or a short paragraph about a certain topic . It takes a lot of focus and hardships. But then, after all those pains, the joy of seeing the result is immeasurable.

I am happy that our maiden issue's lay out is almost done. And I am so proud of this baby of mine. This issue is consists of 16 pages only and with topics about the children's visit to the farm and the K2's visit to Marsiling Primary School for their getting to know the school session.

As you can see the young children on the cover are the Toddlers and Nursery One. It's because the cover story is about them talking to adults about belongingness and "Watch Me Grow".

Though this newsletter/magazine will be printed in black and white, I am sure it will turn out fine. I hope. I hope.

When I was in another organization, I was also so happy in doing this type of project wherein we have 4 issues in a year. But here in my new organization I am doubly happy because I can be the real ME.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Professional Storytellers Live!

On 10 and 11 of November, I attended the Asian Congress of Storytellers held at Furama Riverfront Singapore. It was a nice experience, making me wish to attend the next Congress again. For meeting those professional storytellers as they tell their stories was an experience to remember. Not only did I learn techniques, I was also entertained. Want to know them? Here they are folks....


This Japanese lady is Hiroko Fujita. She has toured schools and libraries in Japan and American libraries and schools there. With her American interpreter, Fran Stallings, she was able to capture the participants attention not only with her charms but also her storytelling techniques that are so apt for young children. I learnt a lot from her. Those paper folding techniques and finger plays would be a big attention-catcher for my children in the centre.

Storytelling With Music was another concurrent workshop I attended. The leader, Fran Stallings of the USA demonstrated how to tell stories with musical instruments. She taught us how to use melodies in telling stories to children. Being a recording artist and singer/songwriter herself, it was wonderful to hear her telling stories with her nice voice as she play her musical instrument.
I was not able to capture her on my camera, that's my regret. But anyhow, her voice and storytelling technique was the best for me.


Meet Randel McGee from the USA with his puppet pal, Groark the Dragon. He is a storyteller, writer, musician and performer.

His workshop was about Tandem Telling for One or Ventriloquism. He presented his storytelling technique in an interesting way. And with him teaching simple technique in ventriloquism, for sure my own children in the centre would be more amazed of the spoken words once I try this technique also. They for sure would not know that Teacher Luchie is just a neophyte. That's the wonder of being with children. They think you are the best around. Katuwa! That is why I must really work out on doing the best I could.


The lady in white is a workshop leader too. She
is Cherry Pua-Africa from the Philippines. She is a teacher, trainer and a storyteller and has conducted seminars in Singapore, USA , Thailand and the Philippines.

Her topic for the workshop was Creating Occasions for Children to Tell. She gave us a demonstration on how to create story rituals. Though I am sure she is a brilliant lady, yet her presentation turned out dragging. I could not see the main rituals she presented as applicable in the classroom setting.

But then, I am proud that she is a Filipina like me. Having produced storytelling CDs for children that is marketed internationally is a great achievement. With her around, I could again declare that ours is really a land of beautiful women with brains and talents.

And oh, with the above professional storytellers I met in person, for sure I would be more inspired to tell stories to my children in more stimulating ways.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Coat of Arms


My daughter commissioned somebody to make coat of arms for her family name which is my husband's and her husband's name. Since my daughter's husband is really proud of his Spanish roots(or is it Mexican roots as my daughter teased him most of the time), the frames and with writings/explanations/details of the families are prominently displayed in their living room. And yes, with coat of arms, you tend to be so proud of your ancestry.

I remember my daughter ,who was then in grade 1, came to me in tears and said that some girls teased her in school as her surname sound so awful, like a name for a "basurero". I then explained to her that she should be proud of her father's family name. I showed her the encyclopedia and pointed to her the great spanish poet, Gongora. The next day she brought the encyclopedia to school and showed them all that her lolo is a great Spanish poet.

My eldest gave me a smaller version of the coat of arms for my husband's family name. So when I came back here in Singapore, I displayed it also. Though it got no written expanation, it is still a nice wall decor. I like this coat of arms. But as for the name, I'm sorry folks over there, "wa ako ma say...."

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

So Much Happiness




So much happiness. That was what we all felt when she was born.
So much joy. That was what we all felt when she uttered her first words.
So much pride. That was what we all felt when she proved that she could be responsible.
So much appreciation. That was what we all felt when she fought for her sisters' rights.
So much understanding. That was what we all felt when she decided to be independent.
So much devotion. That was what we all felt when she gave us beautiful angels.
Now, we feel all those emotions all at the same time.

And with so much love. So much love.

The little girl.
The young woman.
The pretty young mother.
Is celebrating her birthday.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAREST KRIZELLE!!

From Singapore with love,
Mommy, Daddy, Marielle and Paula.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Passion and Interest

Since I was a child, I was hooked on reading books. I felt so happy whenever my mother who was then a principal in the public school, brought home some books to read. As my father was very strict then, and never did allow me to play outside, I almost always stayed inside our house. And having no friends to play with, I consumed my time reading my mother's books which as far as I remember were borrowed from school and were donated by UNICEF. Imagine me reading those elephants from Burma and the pioneers in America. I was so amazed of the printed words as I imagined those far away places. But how I wish then that my mother had that time to read stories for me.

So books became my passion. That was why when I started to teach young children back in the Philippines, I saw to it that I read books to them. The way I read and the tone of voice I used made them more interested. And here in Singapore, whenever I read a storybook, the children would say "Teacher, I want some more." I then realized the power of good storytelling. But am I a good storyteller? I don't think so. I need to learn more storytelling techniques.

And today, I am glad to announce that my centre will send me to the Asian Storytelling Congress . Wow! For sure, I will learn professional storytelling techniques.

Like books, pets and animals are my interest too. Growing up with many dogs and cats around as my own mother is an animal lover, I learnt to love those animals too. And yes they are humans. Most of the time, they are real friends too. That is why when I discovered this site, Animals Are Humans Too , I told myself that I want to belong. Luckily, Thess sent me the invite pronto. Thank you Thess!

My passion and interest, they make me more happy these days.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Finding Christmas


I look at my window.

I see the MRT track line.

Maybe the MRT train will come in a minute.

I want to travel and see.

And look for something .

I have to hurry.



I am down now. Where is the MRT train? Oh! I better follow the road and walk faster.


I will try to follow this path wherever it may lead. Maybe, I will see what I am looking for since day one.


I walk and walk.

Then I reach the Christmas House.

This is what I am looking for.

I am waiting for Christmas to come.

Christmas, where love is in abundance.

How I wish it is Christmas everyday!

How I wish! How I wish!

Saturday, November 05, 2005

A mother's daughter


This is my youngest daughter, Paula. She graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Engineering Informatics. Her last paper was taken on April but the graduation ceremony was held on August.

She really wanted to be a teacher as in her Industrial Attachment, she was able to teach computer. That was why she applied for one with MOE. Unluckily, she was not accepted. I told her to be positive.

She then applied as a stewardess with Qatar Airline. To her dismay, her bond stipulated that she need to work only with local companies and or MNCs that are based here. Qatar Airlines is based in Kuala Lumpur. So, she tried Singapore Airlines. She did not make it. I told her to try again for like my eldest daughter's friend Shana who applied three times and then accepted after the last application. But she did not apply again.

My daughter then applied as a research assistant and was readily accepted. Imagine, she was working already before her diploma was handed to her. She was so happy. She did like the environment in that CBD office where she could be a grown woman what with those corporate attires and fashion accessories she could wear. One thing, mingling with those high flyers made her confident.

But something happened along the way. The office politics made her sad. She could not take it anymore. But how could she leave when she signed an agreement that in case she would resign, her salary would be deducted? Two week's salary deduction was something difficult to swallow. I then told her that money in that case was not important. What was more important is job satisfaction. So she resigned from her post.

With a call from a friend she was scheduled for an interview as a programmer. Luckily, she was accepted and was very thankful. So she already had a job while serving her notice of resignation.

Now for the second time with the present company, my daughter handed me a part of her salary. Ang bait naman. Ayy, sarap maging Nanay!!

And yes folks my daughter is a programmer with Singapore Technologies. I am really so proud of her. And I am sure someday she'll be able to climb the ladder and be a developer.

Why I write about my youngest? I am sure that many youths now get disappointed that easy. Be not. Take my daughter's story.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Trick or Treat

Kyllene is a ladybug while Darrielle is a fairy.

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Why are they wearing these costumes? For their trick or treat. And I do hope they had a lot of fun.

What is trick or treat? Read here...

Trick or treat, Smell my feet Give me something good to eat !!!

The history of "Trick'O'Treating" can be traced back to the early celebrations of All Soul's Day in Britain. The poor would go begging and the housewives would give them special treats called "soulcakes". This was called "going a-souling", and the "soulers" would promise to say a prayer for the dead.

Over time the custom changed and the town's children became the beggars. As they went from house to house they would be given apples, buns, and money.
During the Pioneer days of the American West, the housewives would give the children candy to keep from being tricked. The children would shout "Trick or Treat!".

* source:
www.holidays.com

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Far and Wide

I travelled far and wide....

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And found peace and contentment!

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Monday, March 14, 2005

TDAM Award Ceremony

Yesterday 12 March 2005 at 2:00 in the afternoon my daughter accompanied me to Suntec City for the award ceremony of TDAM winners. It was also an IT show, therefore there were a lot of people. At the same time, we went to Starhub booth for our digital cable box and of course we registered for another channel, TFC. Now, we will be more updated of what is happening in RP. Nice!

And the best thing is my daughter Marrielle paid for our Marche' bill. What a lucky day!

Here are some photos:
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snippets of my entry as published by Today newspaper here in SG

Friday, March 11, 2005

It hurts to let go

Excerpt:

"Love really involves pain as we have to let go of the person we love. As parents we must constantly decide when to hold on to our children and protect them, and when to let them find their independence. This conflict continues from the moment our toddlers take their first wobbly steps alone to the years when our teenagers stay out late and eventually leave home."
*Heaven in Ordinary by Angela Ashwin

Yeah, it is really painful to let go. My eldest Krizelle married at the age of 20. But I am thankful that she found a good person in David and she is happy and fulfilled with her twins Kyllenne and Darrielle. They will be more happy with Darzelle(tentative name) coming out to this world on April or early May.

Knowing that my daughter is happy, my husband and I are both happy for her. The same way when my parents were happy for me when I married very young too.

Though painful at the beginning, letting go could turn out surprisingly better as we are much more closer to my Krizelle ever than before.

Image hosted by Photobucket.com David and Krizelle at San Diego Zoo
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Kyllenne and Darrielle at 12 months
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a very happy Kyllenne
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Darrielle wondering why...

Sunday, March 06, 2005

TGIF

Thank God its Friday! A nice walk around the neighbourhood and eating out are one of the best things Friday night can give. Oh how I love Friday nights!

Friday night can also be a revelation. As we talk longer on Friday nights compared to ordinary days from Monday to Thursday, it is only on Friday nights that we get to digest longer the snippets of things we talked on ordinary days. Therefore Friday nights is a conclusion night.

Yesterday night, we discussed about the lurker. To my amazement, my two daughters were unanimous in saying that what the lurker wrote was just a creative way of being in touch with me. They added that this is the internet age and if a person don't want to be known it is okay.
Wahh! I could not understand that.

With my daughters having a thinking like that, it revealed something to me. I brought them up well. For a person to have wide perspectives on life is an asset in itself.

Now, I am more inspired. I pray that there will be more Fridays to come for us.


So here is one of my favourite poem,
DESIDERATA, as written by Max Ehrman. For the Tagalog translation, you can ask Rolly as this is one of his favourite post in his famous site.

Excerpt:

Be yourself
Especially do not feign affection
Neither be cynical about love;
For in the face of aridity and disenchantment
It is as perennial as the grass.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

To Lisa

As you can see I already deleted the whole entry I wrote yesterday.
But I still have your comment with me as it was automatically forwarded to my email account when you commented though of course I got no resource to know who you really are.
I salute you for commenting like that and with links pa, meaning you labored on it.
WALA KA TALAGANG MAGAWA SA BUHAY!
Why not use your talent in useful means?
Here I was making light of the result of the contest, and you entered my site as if you have the right on my private life.
You don't even know who really am I .
To tell you frankly, I am proud of what I have achieved here in Singapore.
And for me to reach that far is something I am proud of.
Can you speak that of yourself?
Or are you just simply proud of lurking in the dark?
Or are you Filipino enough to malign our being Filipino reputation the more?
SORRY, your kind are just for TRASH!!!!!!!
Thank you for commenting okay!

Fourth Place

The final voting result: I am only in 4th place. This is life. No regrets in joining.
I will paste here some entries I never pasted before. My remembrance.

In iTunes With My iMac
Posted 1 week, 1 day ago on February 20, 2005
True, I accepted a proposal, a short-lived love affair with iMac G5 17-inch widescreen computer. I was mesmerized. Could you blame me? For I loudly said I can’t take my eyes off you.

Nevermind, if people declared that fools fall in love in a hurry. I didn’t care. What important was that I will survive. And for once in my life, I could say I had an endless love.

So I said hello with desire in my eyes.

Oh! How the world reacted to this affair of mine.

People could be so honestly convincing.

More than two weeks had passed by, and I truly declared that yes, I can’t help falling in love.

Even my Kyllenne and Darrielle reacted with amazement and relayed that since I am in love, they too are all for love of my iMac.


But now, my iMac seems to say softly, as I leave you . I can’t stop the tear dropping from my eye.

Tell me, how to react calmly with my iLife unfolding in front of my very person?

Yes, save the best for last is the best thing to do.

I’d rather sing this…….

“but I always thought that I’d see you, baby
one more time again, now....”

Goodbye my seductress!

NOTE: THOSE ARE TITLE OF SONGS, IF YOU'LL VISIT the todayonline site thtose songs are linked to the LYRICS.





Mistake and Atonement, My Safari World
Posted 1 week, 4 days ago on February 16, 2005
Mistake and Atonement, My Safari World

I am not perfect, I admit that. I made mistakes in my life; mistakes that made me stronger as a person, mistakes that made me stop for a while, ponder and evaluate various issues in my life, mistakes that made me understand people and loved ones the more. Mistakes are just tools for us, a wake-up call, and a learning experience that makes life more interesting. Therefore I could say that mistakes are just part and parcel of our daily lives.

Yesterday, I made a mistake, a mistake that can be seen in different perspectives and so if taken in another perspective, it could not be a mistake at all. But I took responsibility on it. I made my atonement. Though I know in my heart that I never did hurt anybody with this called “mistake” for I believe I did my best, still there is a lingering hurt in my person, a hurt that will stay with me for a longer time.

Oh, let me make this clear. It is not a big issue, actually. Why? Have you forgotten that I have a lover, my iMac G5 17-inch widescreen computer? This lover of mine makes me forget all the hurts in this world. It brings me to a level where I can be a more confident person as I learn more things, become more broad minded, more in tune with nature and more at home.

With all these things that my iMac could give me, I know I could face my everyday life with meaning. So why would I mind the hurt inside me if my lover, my iMac could give me all this happiness that I believe I truly deserve?

Wait a minute, I want to reveal to you a secret of mine. My iMac could bring out the widest smile in me when I am here and there. These places make me more happy and comfortable. So if you could not see me anywhere, you now have an idea where I am.

Well, all these places where my iMac brings me, I can visit very fast and with ease. I could even visit them all in one go. Impossible? You really don’t understand my lover. My lover, my iMac introduced me to this world of mine, my safari world where I could have the superior web experience with outstanding performance. In my safari world, I have the built-in Google Search, a Snapback, browsing with tabs, bookmarks, functional forms, seamless downloads, precision layout, java maximized, privacy reset, down with pop-ups.

You may wonder what they are all about and why safari is the fastest browser. Well, why not try to understand her the more by showing you care.

Now, can you blame me if even though I am hurting and in pain, there is still a glow in my eyes?

So why not have your own safari world too?








My iMac, My iLife
Posted 1 week, 6 days ago on February 14, 2005
My iMac, My iLife

What is so special about my life? I can say I am just an ordinary woman, a wife, mother and grandmother all rolled into one. Though I have been fascinated by the internet since before, my life became exciting when I started writing my web logs. I got to meet a lot of people who made me realized that this is really a great world. Opinions and outlook on life may vary, but still there is a common desire to learn even more. And that makes life more meaningful and special.

The opportunity to test drive a Mac, my iMac G5 17-inch widescreen computer, is a learning experience in itself. I have this thinking that I am no match to all those young people who are well versed with computers and the new technologies. I accept the fact that there is a slim chance for me to win this contest. I don’t care whether I win or not. For me it is not about winning or losing. It is about learning something new. And learning about Macintosh, its operating system, its features, and knowing the fact that not all things that came first is the best, is something I am proud of. I can shout to the whole world that yes, I live my life to the fullest and that including test driving a Mac with people half my age as my competitors. Can you match that?

It has been more than a week since my iMac became a very important part of my daily life. Others may tease me and say that oh, you’ve been very slow. Or they may ask me what is so special about that Mac? Of course I will not be able to answer them in technical terms, I will not be able to explain how one operating system differs from another in that lingo. All I can tell them is that I am learning day by day and that I am happy and satisfied than before. My answers will be from the heart. And I know at the end of the day, I will be more happy, enriched and entertained. Isn’t it what living is all about?

Now you may ask me what made me say that I am more entertained? The iMac G5 has this iLife 05 with these features:



1. Garage Band. (Best Jukebox + Store) It lets you easily perform, record and create your own music. It also let you edit your recorded music- adjust, replace or move notes using the new music notation view.

2. iTunes. ( Rock Your Own World) It is recognized as the world’s best digital music jukebox. Once your music is in iTunes, you can use it in many forms and exciting ways.

3. iDVD.(Share your life on DVD) Here you simply need to convert your video camera to your Mac and iDVD will quickly transfer your video onto a DVD. It also rewinds the tape for you and automatically creates an auto play movie on DVD.

4. iMovie HD.( Instant Widescreen) It lets you create movies automatically. It offers easier and more powerful editing features. It comes with an assortment of new audio and video effects and transitions.

5. iPhoto. (Better Photos in a snap). It delivers a completely new way to make books that’s dramatically better than it was before. You can have iPhoto automatically create a book for you. You just need to choose the photos and the iPhoto lay it out for you. The new layout editor will turn it into a personal work of digital art- rearrange photos, change page designs and even edit photos until they are perfect.

I am so confident of my life now with all these entertainment features. And that makes my life so special.

Be entertained too my friends, and taste the excitement of what life can bring. Are you ready?

Of iMac Happiness
Posted 2 weeks, 1 day ago on February 13, 2005
Of iMac Happiness

Today, 13 February 2005 is a happy day for me and my family.

Me and my family are completely happy today as my iMac G5 17-inch widescreen computer is now running in her fastest speed. What with our BroadBand Plan of 512K.

My ISP called us yesterday night and so the ADSL Ethernet modem was installed with no hassle at all. It took my daughter, Paula Luzcelle just a few minutes to install it. And voila! What a lovely computer! Do I have to say more? Patience has its reward, really.

As my love, my iMac was in her natural, most perfect mood, I immediately took control to the irritation of my youngest who proclaimed she must be the first to explore her in that speed as she was the one who installed her in that magnificent mood. "Oh no my dear daughter!", I could not hep saying. That time, my seductress, my lover was entirely mine.

Filled with the desire to please my granddaughters, I immediately uploaded a clip art for them to see. I could imagine their sweet faces as their Mom shows them via my web log, Cherubim’s Tales. For sure a thank you note from them would be coming up.

Didn’t I tell you? Krizelle was already on the phone in an instant. David, her husband, added that they were fine there and would like to give their regards to the one that made us more closer my iMac.

Marielle, my middle child, who saw the opportunity immediately explored the iTunes. and Marble Blast Gold while I was busy on the phone. ”Unfair”, shouted my Paula. “I should be the one touching her for the iPhotos”, she protested.

My husband there and then told my daughters that iMac is here to be shared together and so, he tried the Mac Excel. He then tried the Garage Band and promised me that he would sing Fire and Rain by James Taylor. Isn’t that something!

Who could not be happy with this happening in my family? We are all so in love with my dear iMac G5 17-inch widescreen computer. We all wanted to be the one hugging her. But in the end, we shared her with each other and we will still do. I already planned the timetable, mind you. Now, I can really say then that a family that use iMac together stays together. So you wanna try to?

So for all of you there our greetings, HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!!!!

Monday, February 28, 2005

My last entry for test drive a mac contest

Through Laughter & Tears, Lessons From My iMac
Posted 2 days, 20 hours ago on February 24, 2005
www.todayonline.com

My three weeks love affair with iMac G5 17-inch widescreen computer is now coming to an end. As with all other relationships, this fling of mine will not be ending in naught. For through laughter and tears, my iMac had been there with me, and she will leave me lessons in life and the world in general. Lessons that, as also inspired by Phil Bosmans, will make me a better person.
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BE UNDERSTANDING. To understand people and their frailties is one of the best asset one can ever have. Yes, in moment of depression, of weakness and anxiety in our life, it is of overwhelming importance that we come across a good person, someone with understanding who doesn’t give you an ice-cold lecture, but consoles you and supports you.
You see, for three straight weeks,my iMac never even showed irritation for me, even though I admit, it took a lot of trials and errors before I was able to upload a clipart or a photo. She completely understood a computer moron like me. And if the world has an attitude like her for sure this world will be a better place to live.
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A KIND OF CREATIVITY. My iMac taught me a kind of creativity, Forgiveness! Forgiving is a kind of creativity that brings new life, new joy. It creates new possibilities within ourselves and within others. Nothing can weigh us down as much as our inability to forgive. And nothing is so tragic as to live day after day, with a sharp resentment and hate in our hearts. We have to forgive again and again. We must forgive seventy times seven times. Forever. Because we too need so much forgiveness.

My iMac never even hanged or quitted on me in a single moment. She was so forgiving of my errors in my wishes to be technically creative with iLife’s features. And as always I could still be creative on my own terms.
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ACCEPT LIFE.To enjoy a little happiness, to have a taste of heaven on earth, we must accept life, our own life, just as it is now.

With photos uploaded in my iMac, and seeing my own family, my friends, my children in the centre, all made me realized that yes, this is my life. And oh! I can’t deny it, there is simple happiness seeing them in photos time and time again.
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TO BE ALIVE. To live simply and normally, to be good, not always wanting everything, not to be jealous, not to nag or complain, but to help, to do more, to comfort, to visit a sick person, to stand by if someone needs you, to make yourself tire for others, to fall off asleep in a comfy chair, to eat and drink together… and all these because we must but because it makes sense to us, because we are alive.

Do I have to explain all these? iTunes makes me more alive. The music of my heart makes life simple and worth living.
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BE CHILD-LIKE.Anything children touch is suddenly fresh and natural, full of colour and warmth. And yes with my iMac’s Nanosaur and Marble Blast Gold I felt fresh and natural. How can you beat that?
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LET GO. To say it is over and to say goodbye is the hardest part in the relationship. But I will let go knowing that I learnt a lot in life.

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There are more lessons in technical aspects that I am sure even my Kyllenne and Darrielle will be able to learn.

But one thing is for sure, through laughter

and tears,

like me they will also learn how to be understanding, how to be creative, how to accept life, how to be alive, how good it is to be children and later how to let go for these are what iMac is all about.