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Farewell, MJ

2009-06-26T17:12:00.012+01:00

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

I am overwhelmed with sadness. Today is a sad day. An icon of my childhood, gone too soon. Such a brilliant performer, and so much a part of our lives. If only the respect and adoration was given to him while he still could hear the praises and the tributes, instead of the scandals and controversies that seemed to plague him especially during the last years of his life.

I am so sad, to the point of being heart broken. What a waste. He gave so much of himself as an artist, and as a person wanting so desperately to experience the childhood he never had, but then at the end of it all still lived such a sad, strange life. I pray he is finally happy now. RIP Michael.

Thank you, Dad

2009-06-21T02:37:00.005+01:00

I am reposting this entry I wrote several years ago. Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you much!

Sunday, June 19, 2005

THANK YOU, DAD

Today is Father's Day, all over the world. Though I
wasn't able to speak to my dad, I sent him an sms and
was actually chatting with him (and my mom) last
night, and was even able to 'see' him & say goodnight.

I went to church today, and the service was all about
Fathers. I was remembering my dad so much, and so many
parts of the word brought tears to my eyes. I miss my
dad. I can never get used to being thousands of miles
away, no matter how much time has passed. My heart
will always long for home. And it's my mom and dad I
miss most of all.

Indeed how blessed I am for being born into my family,
for having parents such as mine. I grew up
priviledged, and had a happy childhood. How I was
brought up is something I'm very proud of, because it
has given me character, which has proven to be most
useful, now that I'm far from my family. I sometimes
watch other people, and wonder. What could have
happened to them in their life that made them the way
they are?

I know I am the way I am because I grew up this way. I
have parents who love each other, and who are actually
good friends. Till today, I see them still so
connected to each other. They are each others'
partner. They still kiss and they cuddle. They are
true-blue foodies, enjoying new places as much as
their old faithfuls. They watch movies together, go
gimmick together. They sing together. They dance
together. I love watching them dance, having fun and
being happy together.

I have my dad to thank for this and a lot more. My
dad, who works hard from morning till night to finish
jobs he has set out to do. When I was growing up, even
if he had to stay late at the office, he made sure we
still spent quality time. I grew up going to the beach
every summer (and christmas), Caliraya almost every
weekend in the summer, the zoo, the parks, the movies, the plays,
the shows (Holiday on Ice every single year -- even until
now!!!)

My dad who is everyone's dad, even my cousins, they
seek his advice and find comfort in his wisdom. My dad
who is the mediator in family disputes, whose counsell
everyone trusts. My dad who loves his employees, who
is good to their families.

My dad who is always wanting the best for his
children, giving even when it hurts. My dad who has
supported me and my (in)decisions, not always happy
with the choices I've made, but has given me my own
space, and allowed me room to grow and and make my own
mistakes and learn from them.

My dad is a good provider. He is a good son, and
brother, and husband. My dad is the best dad, not only
because he is MY dad, but because it is true. Anyone
who has met my dad can attest this.

My dad who is ever affectionate, always hugging and
kissing. My dad who so openly expresses his love for
his family. Who never fails to tell me how much he loves me,
misses me and how he wishes he could hug me right now.

I know for a fact that my dad is a rare breed, and I
could search the world over and never find anyone who
can quite compare to him. No man can ever replace
what my dad is to me. Ever.

Thank you, Dad, for all that you have done and are
continuing to do for us, your family. You know I would
never be where I am if not for you, and I would never
be who I am without your wisdom, support, guidance
and love. For having you as my dad, I am truly
blessed. I love you, Daddy! Happy Father's Day.

The Prayer of Jabez

2009-06-09T18:57:00.007+01:00

Oh Lord that You would
Bless me indeed, and
enlarge my territory.

Let Your hand be upon me
to keep me from evil so
that I may not cause pain.
Amen.

hopefulness

2009-06-02T15:47:00.001+01:00

I am waiting for something big to happen, and I am praying, and waiting on His perfect timing.

Please, Lord.

New Moon

2009-06-01T11:32:00.013+01:00

Oh my, my, my! Thanks, Toni, for the heads up.

I CAN'T WAIT! I CAN'T WAIT! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Life's a beach...

2009-05-31T02:55:00.000+01:00

I so need this right now...

We've been having really lovely weather here the past few days, and I'm hoping it will remain bright and sunny throughout my days off. I am so in need of a vacation and how I wish hitting the beach, as we do in Manila, were as easy.

Sun + Sand = Happiness.

I'm so, so tired. And so, so fed up.

I need to feel the sun on my face and the sand between my toes.

I wanna go home!!!!!!!!!!!!

bea ballerina...er...skaterina

2009-05-25T02:17:00.006+01:00

So so proud of my niece Bea, who brought home gold - #1 in figure skating.

I hope and pray she does pursue this and eventually land herself in London - for the 2012 OLYMPICS!

Well done, Bea-pottie! we are so proud of you. we all love you very much!

Home Alone

2009-05-21T14:50:00.004+01:00

After a really tiring week, looong looong shifts and super lack of sleep, I'm finally off and chilling at home. Alone. And although I have a hundred and one things to do on my list, there's this sense of "me-time" in the air. I'm finally alone without the need to talk - to anybody. I love this feeling. Sometimes we all just need to be on our own.

First off my list, I baked. Pranav's been hankering for me to bake cake, but my schedule the whole month's been so hectic that I kept having to put it off. Wawa naman, so today by hook or by crook, I finally did it, and baked 60 chocolate cupcakes. There's something so comforting about the smell of baking...and baking chocolate, at that. The whole house smells sooo lovely.

I have yet to do loads of stuff, but just thought I'd slow down and just bask in the quietness of my home, and the beautiful sunshine streaming in through my window. Days like this make me just want to stay in and waste the day away...too bad I don't have the luxury of wasting time just right now.

Forever My Mom

2009-05-10T17:56:00.023+01:00

"In the childhood memories of every good cook, there's a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot and a MOM."
~ Barbara Costikyan

For my Mom, who will drop everything, cancel everything, and be with me...whenever, wherever I need her...who has me covered in prayers that the Lord cover and protect me with His precious blood...that my life be always filled with His blessings and favour...for my Mom who so lovingly sends me packages filled with all my favourite things, through the post...who will always take the time to patiently teach me and share with me recipes only she knows by heart...for my Mom, who can dry my tears down the telephone...for her wisdom, and her love, and for "loving who I love"...I am forever grateful.

Thank you for my childhood.

Thank you for my life.

Thank you for a life filled with memories to see me through.

Thank you for making me feel that nothing is worth more than having me home...and for making my every homecoming the highlight of your year.

Thank you for my "hero's welcome" year after year after year.

Thank you for making me feel wanted, precious, irreplaceable.

Of all the Mothers in the world, how wonderful that you are mine.

I love you, Mom, and I miss you everyday. Happy Mother's Day.

Filipino Pride

2009-05-03T10:28:00.003+01:00

The whole world watched...

...how Adobo & Rice battered Fish & Chips

The Battle of East and West

2009-05-01T12:17:00.005+01:00

The world is ready for the Hitman vs Pacman Fight...

ARE YOU?

Piggy Flu in UK

2009-04-28T15:46:00.009+01:00

Sometime last week, out of the blue, I asked Pranav if he was interested to go to Cancun, Mexico. He then asked me why Cancun of all places. I answered, "because I want to swim with dolphins!". Why I came up with that, I don't remember.

I forgot all about Mexico until last saturday, while on my lunch break at work, when breaking news reported of the latest deadly virus, Swine Flu. Scary! First, Mad Cow, then Bird Flu...now this. I am a bit concerned, because although I have no more desire to go to Mexico, Pranav and I work at the airport, in an environment where we can very easily pick up any virus. We deal with passengers that fly to/from Mexico and this is alarming. Last night, there were two confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Scotland. Today, I noticed several people wearing masks. I wonder if it will get so bad that we'll be required to wear them as well...?

Apparently, you can not get Swine Flu from eating pork, but through contact with infected pigs or areas where pigs have been. You get it from an infected person, and it is spread through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated areas. Its symptoms are:

*

Google has created a Swine Flu Map where one can track how the infection has spread.

Let's all take necessary precautions, and pray we and our loved ones are spared from this flu virus.

* photo taken from wikipedia

Chicken a la Carte

2009-04-26T01:33:00.000+01:00

This is so sad.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

We're 8!

2009-04-23T01:00:00.004+01:00

I always thought you were the best, I guess I always will.
I always felt that we were blessed, and I feel that way still.

My heart overflows with gratitude, that I have you in my life. Through the years, and changing seasons, I know you and I will always have each other. It's been a Great 8, babe. Who would've thought, huh? And they thought we'd never make it.

I love you much and thank the Lord for you everyday.

Sophie at 13

2009-04-19T15:28:00.003+01:00

Today my eldest niece turns 13. Wow, I can't believe we have a teenager!!! When I was home for vacation last November, I sort of got a sneak preview of the long and winding road ahead...waaaaaaaaah!!! Needless to say, the experience had quite a bit of drama. I do not want to think how I would be with my own kids once they hit adolescence. Puberty always scared me.

Nevertheless, I marvel at how grown up our Sophie has become, all independent and responsible. I loved the late nights spent chatting and sharing secrets, the endless question-and-answer sessions. In the same way, I didn't exactly like the little spats, and wasn't really too keen on the non-verbal-Sophie, and her being on the net for hours on end, but hey, it's part of the whole package. I've realised that. When I left, there was a little tampuhan, but it touched my heart how she insisted on not going to school that morning, so she could come to drop me off at the airport. We sat in silence the whole trip to NAIA. When I got to London and started to unpack my carry-on luggage, I saw her letter. Beautifully written. How I cried. This is it, I thought. She's grown up now and no longer a baby.

I can only pray for Sophie, and that her life be always blessed. May she also always know how very loved she is, and I wish she continues to grow into the beautiful, sweet young lady she has started to become. Most importantly, may she always be a good girl the whole Ohana can be proud of.

Love you, my little Ping. Happy Birthday!

Gone too soon

2009-02-09T16:57:00.013Z

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

It took a while before I could share this. This here, is a pastel portrait of my niece, Angelie Fellici. Born at 6 1/2 months old, on the 1st of January, 2009.

Our little Angelie went back home to be with Jesus after 17 short days, all of which she fought her hardest to survive the tubes and needles inserted into her tiny body. My mom said she never once cried or complained, she just took it all, as if saying, "look, I can do it!". Just before she passed, she was breathing on her own, unsupported by machines, willing to live. In the final moments, she suddenly smiled, as if she was seeing something so wonderful, or seeing someone whom she knew loved her. Angelie's life was physically hard, and painful, and to this day I often wonder, what was the whole point? I've known other babies born premature to survive. Why not our Angelie??? No one, especially babies, should ever have to suffer like that.

But, the Lord has reasons, and His ways are indeed higher than ours. I may not understand all that has happened, but I know that Geli's life had purpose. She is now looking down on us from Heaven, dancing in streets of gold. I cry at never having had the chance to know her, touch her or hold her. I can only hope she knows have very much she was loved and wanted...and that we will finally meet, someday, in Heaven.

Angelie was buried on the 18th of January, the saddest birthday of my life. My birthday will never mean the same again.

First Love

2009-01-16T21:01:00.001Z

Anyone who has ever 'loved and lost' will definitely relate to this. Heartwarming. I love it!

Another year older...

2008-12-03T14:12:00.001Z

Jaanu, today you turn a year older (hah!). I wish for you every good thing Life has to offer... may you have all your heart's desires and may all your (good) dreams come true. You have been the best friend, partner, ally and companion I could ever hope for. Every day I have spent with you has been a blessing. You make my life complete and I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy Birthday, P. Love you much.

voices in my head

2008-11-17T09:46:00.007Z

When my pamangkins are all together, oh my God, chaos!!! And even if there are just two of them at a time, nakakabaliw yung ingay. Like yesterday, on our way from viewing the construction of the house my brother recently bought, Bea and Joaqui were sitting in the backseat with Yaya Chinnie, ang ingay-ingay, I could hardly carry on a conversation with my mom, who was driving, beside me. They were playing their usual game "I spy", so of course they were getting more and more excited, their voices getting louder and louder. I woke up with a headache, and the noise was making me masungit.

I turned to them and said, "Please guys! don't make so much noise naman!". It quieted down for about 20 seconds. Then loud talking and squealing again. I decided to bribe them (I know, bad me!), I said I'd give a prize to whoever can keep quiet ALL the way to their other lola's house in Tahanan, where they were going to fly a kite. Aba, silence. Wow, that's all it needed, bribery. After a few more seconds, I could hear rustling, as both of them were doing sign-language and trying to talk in *loud* whispers. My mom started to talk amidst trying to stiffle her laughter. The kids were getting restless.

Me: Ma! that goes for you too! No talking!
Mom: Waaait, I have a question!
Me: Ok, what?

Before my mom could ask her question...

Joaqui: Tita Boo? is it okay if I talk lang with my brain?

*laughter all the way.

The Long Journey Home

2008-11-09T22:00:00.000Z

Just one more sleep to go, and I'm HOMEWARD BOUND! Doesn't matter that the flight(s) will seem to take forever, like they always do... I'm going home!

I'm so excited cause my Mom and Dad will fly to Hong Kong again this week, to be waiting for me when I land. It will be such a lovely salubong, and I'm really looking forward to this holiday with them, before we fly back together to Manila.

I can't wait to feel the sun on my face again. What a welcome break from the freezing cold, I just hope I don't get sick again (which always happens) when I go through extreme climate changes. Anyhow, I'm going home!

Poppy Day

2008-11-09T16:10:00.004Z

In the UK, today is Remembrance Sunday. It marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Every year, on the 2nd sunday in November, Poppies are sold as an act of remembrance, and thousands of people gather for memorial services to pay respects to Britain's fallen soldiers.

"Remembrance Day gives each of us, from all walks of life, from every cultural background, and from every corner of the nation, the opportunity to stop, and reflect, and give silent thanks. For there are still those who today risk their lives for our sake. Whether in a church, or in a public place, whether standing at a war memorial or in private at home, let us acknowledge for two minutes, our debt to those who have gone before, and our responsibilities to those who come after us. What others have died for, let us now live for, lest we forget." -Rev. David Lunan

Paola is 4!

2008-11-08T00:00:00.000Z

Today, the baby of our family turns 4 yrs old.

Happy birthday, dearest Paolala! May you always, always know how very much we all love you, and how precious you are to us.

Fifa Boo can't wait to see you again. I love you.

Soul

2008-11-03T16:21:00.005Z

Today is my day-off, and although I'd planned to complete my checklist of to-do's, I ended up staying home the entire day because it's freeeeezing outside!... and because I'm a little bit sad. =(

I want to so much to find my 'happy work place', but it's so hard to do. I want to have job fulfillment. I want to be content. I know it's a matter of thinking something to be good for it to be good, but I just can't seem to fit in, in my new(ish) environment. I feel myself dragging behind. I can't put my finger on it, but I guess I have some overwhelming work tampo issues I need to address. And resolve.

I was reading Mai's blog and came across this:

"The companies that survive longest are the ones that work out what they uniquely can give to the world not just growth or money but their excellence, their respect for others, or their ability to make people happy. Some call those things a soul." -Charles Handy

How apt that I read this today. Makes me realise how much I'm really missing(out on).

I so need a break right now, and I know my going home will heal me from some of the things that are hurting me right now. I can't wait.

Inner Strength

2008-11-01T01:42:00.000Z

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct her/him,

If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

Then. . .

You Are Probably The Family Dog!

Festival of Lights

2008-10-28T02:13:00.003Z

May the light of prosperity and happiness always shine on us all.

Happy Diwali!