True generosity

An officemate gave me a container-full of her home cooked Laing this morning. Being a true blue Bicolana, her Laing is a much longed for viand in our office. When I got the Laing from her house, I gave her a family size Pillows (yummy and sweet). For a while, I had to convince her to accept the Pillows pack. I just told her that it’s for her daughter. Buti na lang tinangap.

I once heard that the true meaning of generosity lies not only in giving but also in receiving. A person should not only know how to give but also how to receive. I have not yet fully figured out the rationale behind this wisdom. But for now, I am guessing that in the heart of generosity there should also lay humility for the act to be complete and not to be confused with pride.

This dance of giving and receiving can be seen in my relationship with Ate Cha. She gives, I receive. I give, she receives – willingly, without hesitation or embarrassment because we both know that the giving and the receiving, no matter how small or how big it is, comes only from the heart. :)

Thank you

He left for Los Baños at around 3:00 pm; he arrived at 6:20 pm – almost three and a half hours ride from his place to the venue just to attend my graduation.

6:25 pm
Jopet: Tingin ka sa kaliwa mo.

6:26 pm
Jing: Ang guwapo mo naman.

Having seated in the front row, he asked me to look at my left where some of the guests stood, and there he was all lovely in his green polo. He waved. I smiled.

6:26 pm
Jopet: I’m so proud of you kahit pangit ka.

6:27 pm
Jing: Thank you, pangit ka din. I’m so glad you are here. I
love you.

He silently clapped his hands for me. I have never felt so loved and so proud to be where I was that time. I finally graduated after a year of cramming for my thesis. And he was there, with my family, sharing the glory with me.

I got back to my seat after receiving my diploma. He was there at the side again, clapping his heart out. He told me later that he was so proud of me and that I looked beautiful in my Filipiñana gown with sablay. I looked like a princess daw... prinsesa ng mga tribu (sabay tawa). I wasn't sure if he believed me when I told him that I super love the sound of his laughter – so sweet and sincere, kahit na puro kalokohan lang ang pinagtatawanan.

Later that night, I remembered thanking God for sending me someone to love.

Papa and Mama

I found this in my old files. :)

For two people who always complain about each other's faults, i find them sweet. Lagi din naman magkasama kahit saan pumunta. :)

Praying for both of you - love, peace, faith, happiness, wealth, and understanding - always and forever.

Instead of a RING...

he gave me this...


December 12, 2010
Lola Itang's Pension House and Restaurant
Puerto Princesa, Palawan

D'Birdie Love

Hindi ko malimutan kung kailan
Nagsimula matutong ikaw lang ang mahalin
At di ko malimutan kung kailan ko natikman
Ang tamis ng iyong halik
Yakap na napakahigpit,
Pag-ibig mong tunay hanggang langit
~ "Pag-ibig" by Apo Hiking Society



I love you D'Birdie. So much.

Papa

After being grouchy the night before, Papa woke me up at 5:45 am (Sunday) to ask if I wanted to go to the Church with him. Siyempre sinungitan pa rin ako kasi late na ako nakapag prepare. We were late, as usual. Homily na lang naabutan naming. The priest, according to Papa was one of his favourites. After the mass, we went to Jollibee to have breakfast. =)

It was something to record and remember as I rarely go out with my Papa alone. My mother is my usual companion in shopping, in going to places, in the church, in almost everywhere that does not include friends. That's why I am writing this, because I think it is our first time to attend the mass without Mama – she’s attending an activity of the Handmaids of the Lord. I hope there will be more bonding moments in the future with Papa. =)

On living alone

~A sister from SFC who just moved to another country asked for my opinion on living alone. I gladly gave it to her.~

From the point of view of someone who's living on her own for 14 years already - siyempre umuuwi naman ako every weekend. :)

1. I don't like living with someone who's not part of my family. I would rather live on my own kesa mapipilitan akong makisama. For several reason of course... :)

2. I am a people pleaser so lahat ng yaya sakin, kahit ayoko, I'll easily say yes. It is very hard for me to say no. Kaya naiintidihan kita sa point mo na kahit ayaw mo sumama, sasama at sasama ka pa rin kasi well, isinasama ka nila eh. Although it's a good thing kasi makakarating ka sa iba't ibang lugar pero sometimes, you just want to do other things - "me" time ika nga. :)

3. I consider my house as my refuge. Kapag pagod na ako, there i will stay to relax or to hibernate. :) hehe.

4. I can do anything I want. I can leave the dishes at the sink without any body telling me to wash them or clean the house or anything - hehe, kaya nahihiya ako pag may dumadating sa bahay kasi makalat, pero that's my place eh. And I love it that way.

5. I can practice my faith in any way i want.. mejo nahirapan ako nung may kasama ako sa room (my brother's wife) kasi hindi man lang ako makapag light ng candle kapag magpa-pray ako. Little things pero big deal sakin..

At siyempre, yung opinion about your faith... hays... hard yun.

Sensya na po, kung mejo negative, pero i feel for you. Pero this doesn't mean na icu-cut mo yung ties mo with them. Kasi there will be times na hahanap hanapin mo yung company nila. Yung kakulitan ng nila mo at yung "pangengealam" niya. :) And when that time comes, you will love and appreciate them more. :)

My two cents. :)

One year and one quarter

Because I Dreamed You
by Gail Vareilles and Tommy Faragher

You’re heart and soul above the rest
You’re cutest when your hair is messed
I love that your belly’s almost fat
The way you scratch my back like a pussycat
All my life I was looking for you
I didn’t know how I was going to find you
So then I dreamed you
I had to dream you

I love the way you apologize
I’m always right in your eyes
I love the way when you’re with me
Pretty girls walk by but you don’t see
All my life I was looking for you
Then I knew how I was going to find you
I had to dream you
I had to dream you

The sweetest dream, a dream come true
Out of the dream, and in came you
You hold my head while I fall asleep
Your love for me, a river deep
All my life I was looking for you
No one ever loved me like you do
Because I dreamed you
So glad I dreamed you
All my life I was looking for you
No one ever loved me like you do
Because I dreamed you
Because I dreamed you

Tagbilaran City, Bohol

You have shown me once again how wonderful your creations are - above the clouds, across the sea, in another island, of another culture - all beautiful, all my praises to you, Lord.








I had the honor and the opportunity to listen and dine in with the 2010 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, Acd. Christopher Bernido and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido at the Bee Farm, Panglao Bohol. :)

062809

Happy new year, Mahal! =)
Thank you for loving me...

Send me...

For you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.
- Jeremiah 1:7-8

Here I am Lord, is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart.
- Here I am Lord

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the
Lord, and my spirit exalts in God my
Saviour. For he has ruled with mercy on my
lowliness. And my name will be forever
exalted, for the Almighty God has done
great things for me, and Holy is His Name.”
- Magnificat

Starting something is the very best way to finish it.
- The Universe

A reminder

Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 3:47:23 PM
Subject: TUT... A Note from the Universe

Dare not wish to change even the slightest thing about a loved one, Jing, without first understanding how it might change the rest of them.

Keep your eye on the ball,
The Universe

The Call

Regina Spektor

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
Till it was a battle cry
I'll come back when you call me
No need to say goodbye

:)

Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue -- Book 1

Mine is always your Highest Thought, your Clearest Word, your Grandest Feeling. Anything less is from another source.

Now the task of differentiation becomes easy, for it should not be difficult even for the beginning student to identify the Highest, the Clearest, and the Grandest.

Yet will I give you these guidelines:

The Highest Thought is always that thought which contains joy. The Clearest Words are those words which contain truth. The Grandest Feeling is that feeling which you call love. Joy, truth, love.

~ Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue -- Book 1
By Neale Donald Walsch

You are who you are

Today, I will start doing my thesis. Along with it, I will start writing again. I have to do this. Kuya Richard has been telling us during choir meetings that practice makes permanent. Not perfect, but permanent.

I have always wanted to be a good writer. I guess I am just too lazy to practice the skill/ craft. In writing, I will be able to capture memories and keep them with me for the years to come. In practicing, I will be able to develop my own style of writing. Although, I do not think I am good at it, I have been trained to do technical writing. But feature writing, I have to practice and develop.

Now what I want is this, I will write everyday of things that interest me or things that I found amusing. I have to do this, so help me God.

~~~

Yesterday, one of the Foundation’s officers gave me a note. She has been handling the arts program for 10 years already and she will be leaving the Foundation soon. I would just like to share it with you:

Dearest Jing,

Remember that you are who you are and that your dreams will always be an essential part of your life.

Don’t wait too long to explore what’s out there.

Thank you for opening your doors to me.

Keep in touch.

F.

I cried when I read this. I cried because for the past few months already, I feel that my soul is dying. And that my dreams are being sucked away by the very institution that has been helping a lot of people reach for their dreams and excel in it.

“You are who you are…”

Five words that I should remember. Because, wherever I am right now, I am not who I am and who I want to be.

To stay still and focus

"Learn to become still. And to take your attention away from what you don't want, and all the emotional charge around it, and place your attention on what you wish to experience"
- Michael Beckwith

Integration Process

Jopet and I attended the 2010 Comics, Manga, & Graphic Novels Seminar hosted by Glasshouse Graphics Inc. yesterday from 10 am to 8pm at the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

Having attended numerous scientific meetings, conferences and fora, this seminar took me into a whole new dimension by introducing me into the world of graphic arts – world full of beauty and intricacy. People who attended the event were overflowing with passion for their craft that they willingly share their portfolios to fellow artists for their comments and criticism, which I think were all constructive.

Jopet’s work entitled “Wolverine” was chosen by Mr. David Campiti, CEO and President of Glasshouse, as one his many examples in his lectures. For a brief moment, I felt what it was like to be a mother, beaming and proud as the two other budding artists recognized him (I even heard a hint of admiration) as the one who created the featured “Wolverine” art. =)

Immediately after the seminar at around 8:30pm, we proceeded to Quiapo to visit its famous Church. Since it was my first time there, we said our wishes (I hope he really did… because I did =), bought a dvd worth 50pesos and went home at around 11:00 pm.

It was a fun and fulfilling day, full of new learning and new experiences. A process of integration – his world into mine and my world into his.

Ilan beses pa?

Ilang beses ko pa kaya kakantahin (ipo-post) ito?
Hoping against hope that it would ease my longing
for something bigger,
for something greater
than what I have right now.

Ilan pang beses, Lord? :(
I'm becoming desperate..


Pilgrim's Theme
by Bukaspalad

Tired of weaving dreams too loose for me to wear
Tired of watching clouds repeat their dance on air
Tired of getting tired of doing what's required
Is life a mere routine in the greater scheme of things

Through with taking roads someone else designed
Through with chasing stars that soon forget to shine
Through with going through one more day - what's new
Does my life still mean a thing in the greater scheme of things

REFRAIN 1:
I think I'll follow the voice that calls within
Dance to the silent song it sings
I hope to find my place
So my life can fall in place
I know in time I'll find my place
In the greater scheme of things

Each must go his way, but how can I decide
Which path I should take, who will be my guide
I need some kind of star to lead me somewhere far
To find a higher dream in the greater scheme of things

The road before me bends, I don't know what I'll find
Will I meet a friend or ghosts I left behind
Should I even be surprised that You're with me in disguise
For it's Your hand I have seen in the greater scheme of things (REFRAIN 1)

BRIDGE:
For Yours is the voice in my deepest dreams
You are the heart, the very heart
Of the greater scheme of things (REFRAIN 1)

REFRAIN 2:
Why don't we follow the voice that calls within
Dance to the silent song it sings
One day we'll find our place
For all things fall in place
For all things have a place
In the greater scheme of things

Trusting you

To: Me
From: The Universe
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 4:47 PM

Expecting "end results" - such as wealth and abundance, health and harmony, friends and laughter - in broad brush strokes, is part of the secret formula, Guada, for manifesting the life of your dreams.

Expecting your path to follow a certain route - such as writing a bestseller to accumulate wealth, having a particular someone fall in love with you, or insisting upon this idea, that diet, or the other invention to be your deliverance - is just plain messing with the cursed hows and severely limits my options... (I hate when that happens.)

Cool?
The Universe

For your patience, thank you.