Miguel, the boy who lived

Last Sunday, Miguel and his parents went to the pediatric ophthalmologist to have his eyes checked. You see, his pediatrician was concerned that since he was born premature and had been subjected to high level of supplemental oxygen, he will have a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). According to the Internet Low Vision Society:

Retinopathy of prematurity, originally called retrolental fibroplasia, was the leading cause of blindness in children in the 1940s and 1950s. It was first described in the medical literature in 1942 by Terry. In 1952, Campbell theorized that the condition was caused by the use of oxygen therapy to treat the immature lungs in premature infants. Today, we realize that oxygen is not the only factor in developing ROP. High levels of oxygen have been associated with ROP, but lower levels of oxygen may lead to more respiratory complications and death in premature infants. Better oxygen level monitoring has led to better control of the oxygen given to premature infants. Today, however, there is an increase in ROP due to the fact that neonatal care advances mean more low weight premature infants are surviving.

Having survived for almost 3 months already, my mama, papa, and I believed that he would be ok. And true enough! As soon as they arrived form the hospital, his parents announced that Miguel was cleared and that he will be able to see normally. :) We were so amazed and thankful!

Another kwento about our little angel.. he loves being cuddled to sleep (his father's fault) and being hugged. The thing is, we cannot refused him his whims. We assumed that since he was separated from us for almost two months, ngayon lang siya bumabawi ng lambing. And we would gladly give it to him. :)

Our God has been very good to this little angel. I just hope and pray that he grows up health and so much in love with his Creator.

Miguel at day 2

Miguel at day 8

Miguel at day 20

Miguel at 2 months and 1 day with Papa and Mama

Miguel during his Christening on August 7

Spain, Mexico, and Japan

I would like to

...smell the Castilian Rose of Spain;

...see the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a tilma in Mexico;

...pursue my graduate studies in Japan and smell their Cherry Blossoms.

Very loving and nutty ways

In preparation for the opening day of the Dragonfly Inn, Lorelei instructed Sookie to prepare a zucchini soup. Sookie said that Jackson had some concerns about the freshness of the zucchini. But Lorelei insisted that it is very important to have the soup served on the opening of the Inn because people were expecting it. And so, Jackson decided to sleep with the zucchini - literally. He wanted to be with the zucchini because there was a forecast that a cold front will be coming from Canada and he knew how important the zucchini was for the opening day. Realizing the situation, Lorelei, Sookie and Michel went to the zucchini patch to get Jackson.

LORELAI: What are you doing here?
JACKSON: I'm sleeping with the zucchini. Didn't you tell her that I was sleeping with the zucchini?
SOOKIE: She had a little trouble grasping that concept.
LORELAI: I do not want you to sleep with the zucchini.
JACKSON: You said it was important.
LORELAI: They are.
JACKSON: And to keep them safe, no matter what it takes. And there's a possibility of a cold front.
SOOKIE: I told her about the cold front.
LORELAI: That's why you have heaters.
JACKSON: But the heaters could fail, so I'm here to service them.
LORELAI: So technically, you're sleeping with the heaters?
JACKSON: I guess so.
LORELAI: But I don't want you to do that either.
MICHEL: It's cold.
LORELAI: Sit down here. It's warm down here. Jackson, I love you. I love that you're doing this, but I also feel like I should call the guys with butterfly nets to come get you...and me and all of us.
JACKSON: Well...
LORELAI: I'm so sorry, guys.
SOOKIE: For what?
LORELAI: For freaking out about dumb things like zucchini and not realizing that people would respond in very loving and nutty ways. This is not the way to do this. We're too stressed out. We're not having fun. This whole inn experience is flying by. Tonight it stops.
SOOKIE: Sounds good to me.

I love the way these people responded in very loving and nutty ways. :)

Source: Luke's Diner - Gilmore Girls s04e20: Luke Can See Her Face

Happy New Year, again!

Two years. I never thought we would last this long, but then we did.

Thank you…
for your patience whenever I am having my mood swings;
for your time, whenever I demand for more than what you are giving me;
for your beautiful and contagious laugh, whenever I am lonely and sad;
for your kindness, whenever I am too mad to even be kind at you;
for your sweetness,
for your hugs,
for your prayers,
for your love.

For everything, thank you.

I love you so much.

Hindi ko malimutan kung kalian, nagsimula matutong ikaw lang ang mahalin… :)

Kiss!

Pang tele-novela na dialogue

3:15 pm, through text

Jopet: Paano kung magising ka na lang isang araw at malaman mo na hindi mo na ako mahal?

Jing: Mamahalin pa rin kita. Aalahanin ko nung una pa lang kitang minahal. Ikaw, paano kung magising ka na lang isang araw at malalaman mong hindi mo na ako mahal?

Jopet: Hindi na lang ako gigising...

~~~

Anu kayang nakain ng bata? Tsk! =)

Beloved Juan Miguel

From the moment they announced that you were coming, I was one of those who were so excited to see you. I considered your arrival as one of the most wonderful things on earth – a gift from heaven for both your father and mine. I was so excited. I even told your parents that they could occupy the other room in my apartment as soon as you come out.

And then you came. And you made all of us cry. And then you made all of us smile and laugh. And then you made us cry again. You are a fighter from the very beginning – a feisty fighter at that. I prayed so hard for you to live. We prayed so hard. We even asked people to pray for your fast recovery. I even asked the hospital admission staff to pray for you. I asked almost all the people I met this afternoon to pray for you. I hope you live. I really really hope you live.

For the very short time that I have known you, I know that you are a brave young heart. And that you are a brave young soul ready to fight for life.

We wanted to stay with you at the nursery ward but they would not let us. They just allowed me to take pictures of you. When I arrived here in Bicutan, I bought a Chocolait. I drank it for you, for all the milk that you were supposed to drink since yesterday. I had a simple toast in my head, I think I said, “Cheers to Life!”

I will be your super cheerleader aunt. I will be here for you. I will be your most loving Tita Ninang because I will really volunteer to be your godmother, I don’t care if they don’t want me to be your ninang because I will just volunteer or I will just designate myself as one. Basta, I will be here for you. Just please live. I love you so much already. I will be waiting for you to get out of the hospital healthy and so much in love with God. I will wait for you to play with Carlo and with our other cousins. Just please live. I love you so much Miggy. Please don't ever let go.

Love,

Tita Ninang

ACT OF HOPE ~ Saint Augustine of Hippo

For your mercies' sake, O Lord my God, tell me what you are to me. Say to my soul: "I am your salvation." So speak that I may hear, O Lord; my heart is listening; open it that it may hear you, and say to my soul: "I am your salvation." After hearing this word, may I come in haste to take hold of you. Hide not your face from me. Let me see your face even if I die, lest I die with longing to see it. The house of my soul is too small to receive you; let it be enlarged by you. It is all in ruins; do you repair it. There are thing in it - I confess and I know - that must offend your sight. But who shall cleanse it? Or to what others besides you shall I cry out? From my secret sins cleanse me, O Lord, and from those of others spare your servant. Amen.

Beautiful prayer from one of my favorite saints. =)

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

:)