Christmas na!

33 days before Christmas!
On Sunday the first candle (violet) of the Advent of wreath will be lit.
I'm so super excited!
Grabe ngayon lang ulit ako naging excited na ganito. :)


Paglamig ng hangin

Pagalmig ng hanging hatid ng Pasko
Nananariwa sa 'king gunita
Ang mga nagdaan nating Pasko
Ang Noche Buena't Simbang gabi

KORO:
Narito na ang Pasko
At nangungulila'ng puso ko
Hanap-hanap, pinapangarap
Init ng pagsasalong tigib sa tuwa
Ng mag-anak na nagdiwang
Sa sabsaban n'ung unang Pasko

Sa pag-awit muli ng himig-Pasko
Nagliliyab sa paghahangad
Makapiling kayo sa gabi ng Pasko
Sa alaala'y magkasama tayo (KORO 2x)

Different parts and different hearts

by John Fischer

Why do we all have different passions? So everything that’s supposed to get done will get done.

Sometimes we get overwhelmed because we are constantly exposed to people with various passions for service, and when they represent their cause, they are so committed to that which has captured them that we feel guilty for not sharing their zeal. We seem indifferent in comparison.

… What we forget is that there are so many needs because there are so many of us to meet them. We aren’t supposed to get our bell rung by every appeal that comes by. We are a body made up of different parts and different hearts; we don’t have to all be moved by the same issues and needs.

This is where the concept and the practical nature of spiritual gifts come in. There are a variety of gifts and there are a variety of ministries, but the same Lord working in all and through all. No one has to do everything; no one can. It is up to us to find out where we fit and what God put us here to do. Soon you will be just as passionate about something because it’s your thing. This is the way it’s supposed to be. We only get frustrated when we forget this and try and take on everything, or get so overwhelmed that we take on nothing at all.

All of this should just make us marvel at the wisdom of God even more. He’s designed us all with different abilities and different interests so that we are not only good at what we do, we do not have to be frustrated or depressed over what we aren’t good at. When we all do our part in the Body of Christ, everyone gets a job, everyone gets honored, and everyone is important. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Super delayed post

November 1, 2006

"Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
And if I die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take."

~~~

Below is my email to Arlene on January 25, 2006 at 15:57, which also serves, as my draft last will and testament.

From: Guada
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 15:57
To: Arlene
Subject: RE: labadadadadadadadadadada!

sakit lalamunan. mamamatay na.
yung mga books ko pakibigay lahat ke Gello.
yung comforter ko ke baby Carlo (kapatid ni Gello).
yung collection ko ng Beauty and the Beast, pakisabi, wag tatanggalin sa
kwarto ko.
yung mga earings ko and iba pang abubot sa katawan ke Mae-Mae kasi malandi
yun bata pa lang. isama mo na rin ang kokonti kong make-up.
wala ring tutulog sa bed ko.
wala ring gagamit ng mga unan ko (more than 10 yun!) KUNG HINDI mumultuhin ko sila.
yung palm pilot ko ke Gello din.
yung digicam ke Mama.
yung mga damit ko - ndi tatanggapin ng mga pinsan ko yun kasi below their
taste yun. gusto nila malalandi. pakisama na lang sa collection ko ng Beauty and
the Beast.
the VCDs -- mamili ka. the rest will go to Maciel.
audio cds kung me gusto ka, kunin mo na,
yung iba ke Ms. Cha kasi HANGAD yun eh - ndi mo type.
nana.
konti lang pala ang ari-arian ko dito sa mundong ibabaw.
ndi pala ako rich...
ayoko pa mamatay!
magiipon muna ako.

~~~

November 6, 2006

I don’t know if this is just hormones again (I really hope so) but I just feel sad and lonely and depressed.

Ayoko nang gumising sa umaga kasi papasok na naman ako sa office namin. Maghapon na naman akong papagalitan ng boss ko. Since June, hindi siya nagsasawang pagalitan ako ng pagalitan. I know I can do the job that I am tasked to do but there is no drive to do those things any more. Nawala na.

The only thing that brightens my day is the scheduled SFC meeting every Wednesday and Angking Tanglaw’s practices and mass services every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Just yesterday, I was out of the house from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm attending five different meetings in four different venues. Grabe! Ang saya.

Our picture:

Covenant Orientation

~~~

In one of our household meetings, almost all of my ka-household commented that I am so secretive. Ha! Ngayon lang nila napansin. Ako dati pa. And I’m not proud of it. In fact I feel sad about it.

The truth is, I no longer know how to share myself to other people. Lately, there are only two individuals with whom I can tell almost everything, my mother and my former housemate. And I wanted to thank them both for sticking with me and for hearing me out when I feel like sharing.

Right now, I am forcing myself to talk to people again. I have to relearn the art of making friends, most especially the art of sharing one’s self.

Jess

I was watching the 6th season of Gilmore Girls since last week and i honestly don't like Logan for Rory - well Luke is just perfect for Lorelei. I keep on wondering about Dean and Jess.

Tapos! After a date with Logan and friends, she saw Jess lingering at her grandmother's lawn (or something). :) She invited Jess in and then...

JESS: And I didn't think you'd believe it if I didn't show it to you in person. [He pulls out a small book and hands it to her.]
RORY: Oh, color me curious. [She takes it.] A book. [She reads the cover.] The Subsect. Written by Jess Mariano. [She looks up at him, questioning.]
JESS: That's no misprint.
RORY: You wrote a book?
JESS: A short novel.
RORY: You wrote a book?
JESS: And through a fluke I got it to these guys that have a small press, and they read it, I don't know if they were high or something, but they decided to publish it!
RORY: You wrote a book.
JESS: There's no money in it. They only printed, like, five hundred of them. Believe me, I'm not quitting my day job.
RORY: But - you wrote it. You wrote a book. [She stands and flips through it.]
JESS: Yeah, I know, it's hard to believe.
RORY: You sat down and wrote a novel.
[...]
JESS: [laughing] Read it first. That way you can discourage people from buying it.
RORY: No way. I know it's good. Jess, you've got such a great brain. I knew that if you could just sit down and stop shaking it around you could do something like this. I knew it. I knew it.

~~~

[Rory runs after Jess.]
RORY: Jess, wait.
JESS [turns to her]: We shouldn't have done this.
RORY: He's just in a bad way lately.
JESS: He's a jerk!
RORY: He was. In there, definitely. I'm so sorry.
JESS: I read that guy the second I saw him. I should have begged off.
RORY: Well, I didn't want you to!
JESS: He'd better not come out here.
RORY: Please, Jess. He had a lot to drink. He's tired from traveling. This isn't him. I swear.
JESS: What the hell is going on?
RORY: I told you, he's tired! And his family's bugging him right now -
JESS: I mean, with you! What's going on with you?
RORY [stunned]: What do you mean?
JESS: You know what I mean! I know you. I know you better than anyone! This isn't you.
RORY: I don't know.
JESS [passionately]: What are you doing? Living at your grandparents' place? Being in the DAR? No Yale - why did you drop out of Yale?
RORY: It's complicated!
JESS: It's not! It's not complicated!
RORY [defensive]: You don't know!
JESS: This isn't you! This! You going out with this jerk, with the Porsche! We made fun of guys like this!
RORY: You caught him on a bad night.
JESS: This isn't about him! Okay? Screw him! What's going on with you? This isn't you, Rory. You know it isn't. What's going on?
[Rory is starting to get it. He looks at her, questioning.]
RORY [sincerely]: I don't know. [She looks around, thinking. She wraps her coat tightly around her.] I don't know.
[They look at each other for a moment.]
JESS [emotionally]: Okay, uh. Maybe, maybe we'll catch up at a better time. [He reaches out and rubs her elbow. He turns to leave. He stops at the gate and turns back.] Happy birthday, by the way. Wasn't that a couple weeks ago? Your birthday?
[Rory, still shocked, nods slightly. Jess smiles sadly and leaves. Rory watches him, then sighs. She narrows her eyes and marches inside.]

Transcript from: TWIZ TV - Gilmore Girls

Yup! I like Jess. Better than Dean and definitely better than Logan. :) Hay...

After the storm

I have been trying to write something since Friday the other week and up to now I only have scraps. I cannot seem to find the drive to write and describe what happened and yet I could feel my mind so full of them.

Exactly three weeks have passed since that fateful day when typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) hit the country with a vengeance. According to PAG-ASA, Typhoon Milenyo, which had maximum winds of 130 kilometers per hour, was one of the worst typhoons that hit Luzon since Rosing (Angela) in 1995. So many things happened, so many lives were lost and countless properties were damaged.

I was alone in the boarding house when Typhoon Milenyo battered the country. For three long hours, I became busy mopping rainwater splashing from the window above my sink and cursing the house I was in. I flared up because besides the fact that my printer, TV and other things were getting wet and my little sala was accumulating water from the outside, there was no electricity. I was not aware or probably just refused to acknowledge that there were others whose problems did not ONLY consist of splashing water but also of flying roofs (in some cases the whole house went along with the roof), raging flood of mixed mud and water, land slides, and even death.

When I went out the next day, the sight broke my heart. Trees were uprooted and the usual forested area became unrecognizable. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

News report said that death tolls reached 154 while the number of injured reached 246. A total of 73 people remained missing and are believed to be dead. The most number of deaths, mostly from drowning, were recorded in the CALABARZON area. Many declared their area to be in a state of calamity.

Providentially, like a relief from heaven, people from the different sectors of the society went out to share whatever was left with them and join hands in the cleaning and clearing up process.

I have always believed that things happen for a reason. From the very beginning God gave us the stewardship of this planet. He never said that we destroy or alter what He created. This was nature’s work - neither controllable nor preventable. Another proof that we are but part of the chain of life. And that everything moves along that certain path. What you have contributed or removed will soon be returned in any form possible, whether it is good or bad.

We, human beings are very much aware of this. Yet time and time again, we have become prisoners of our own intelligence and refrain ourselves from recognizing that the “return” could happen during our lifetime.

To others it was nature’s revenge, for me it was nature’s way of cleansing itself. In other words, homeostasis or the ability of nature to heal itself, on its own, without any help from the outside especially from us humans. Some things are for certain, though. The trees that were uprooted and the forest that were destroyed by the typhoon would soon be healed and be replaced by a more productive ecology, whether we like it or not, whether we extend out help or not.

And finally, in the midst of danger – with the winds howling and the storm raging, one has no choice but to humble him/herself. Amazingly, during times like this, the more spiritual side of us would resurface and would long for the love that is both gentle and strong. Praying is not just another option, but the only thing to do for He alone can stop the storm – both literally and figuratively.

P.S. Recovery may take some time, so let us continue to include in our prayers those who are severely affected by typhoon Milenyo.

~~~

The sight of the DOST compound after the storm broke my heart. Trees were uprooted and the usual forested compound became a common business area sight you would find in Metro Manila. Before kasi, trees conceal buildings from sight. Now, when you enter the compound, you’ll see the façade of at least three buildings.

I don’t know if I have mentioned this, but I have always been so proud of the DOST compound. From the inside you would never thought that it is located near the Bicutan exit / tollgate and South Luzon Expressway. Different trees exist in the compound and butterflies played the whole day. In the evening fireflies would accompany us as we walk from our building towards the gate.



Picture after September 28, 2006:



After the typhoon, Assistant Secretary Bravo issued a memorandum to all employees to participate in the clean up of the compound. Soldiers from the nearby Camp Bagong Diwa also helped in removing and cutting big tree trunks that fell on the road. And last Monday after the flag ceremony Secretary Alabastro mentioned that DENR is willing to provide seedlings for the replanting program of the DOST.

~~~

Three days after the typhoon, I went to Los Baños for the scheduled final exams (which was fortunately postponed). I could never describe the scene. Never. I don’t have the words. Probably it would be better if you visit Arlene for the link to the pictures. I only have this to remind me of that once beautiful tree beside the Admin building.



When I asked my former teacher what happened, he said, “Grabe ang nangyari. We were not expecting it […] however, there’s a good news, the famous tree is still there.” He was referring to the Fertility tree.

~~~

It seems that every person I meet assigned him or herself the task of finding me a mate. Just yesterday, my “kinda tsismosang” neighbor mentioned that my landlord is pairing his son to me. Please note that I only talk to them when:

1. I am paying the rent, water and electricity, and
2. I am buying from their store.

I have not had any long or personal conversation with any of them. Grabe na ito! My officemates are doing the same. Each one has his/her bet. Eh nasaan na nga ba sila ngayon?! Everybody’s playing the role of a match maker, e bakit wala pa rin?! Nagtatanong lang po. :) I am not complaining PERO parang ganun na din yun!

Anyway, I am focusing on something different now. Bahagya ko munang isinantabi yang bagay na yan. I’ll get back to it when the right time comes. :)

~~~

For those who are also searching-slash-waiting-slash-whatever, may I recommend this:

Bo’s Book entitled:
How To Find Your One true Love
by Bo Sanchez

Yeah I know the title is a bit mushy. But be prepared. After reading the book, almost all of your romantic theories would be – and let me quote - “shattered into pieces”. So beware :)

Neighbors in the real world

I used to live with my cousin in Quezon City. In all the four years that I stayed there, never had I experienced going out of our compound and had people recognized and smiled at me. I only know the people I know there because I *need* to know them.

Samantalang dito sa Bicutan, two years pa lang ako, I already know people, sometimes even their family members.

I did not go out of the house the whole day Saturday. Hapon na lang because I had to attend a meeting. Paglabas ko, nakita ko yung may ari ng tindahan dun sa tapat. Kausap yung may ari ng tindahan sa tabi. They both smiled at me. Konting lakad pa, the lady who owns the photocopy saw me and smiled. Lakad pa ulit ng konti, sa kanto I saw a friend there – friend na kasi chika na kami. Nagkasabay kami minsan sa tricycle but before that incident every time we see each other we exchange small talks. Yung kuya niya ang official taga-repair ng computer ko, yung wife ng kuya niya ang tutor ng brother ko.

When I got back from the meeting, I bought food dun sa canteen near my house. The owner/cook once helped me arrange my things, nanlaglag kasi. Kaya friends na rin kami.

They are those who make my day a little bit brighter. Though at times they can be very annoying and noisy but that’s life eh, you cannot have everything. They are kind and polite to me naman whenever we see each other. Sometimes even if I’m not in the mood to socialize, once they smile and say, “kamusta?” I end up smiling all the way to wherever I’m suppose to go. And I feel welcome – naku, knock on the wood ha, at baka mabaliktad.

Last night, I realized that if ever I would transfer to another place, it would be somewhere where I would really really want to go and stay. Kasi kung hindi, I would rather stay here kahit gaano pa siguro kalayo ang work place ko.

Fix you

Coldplay

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

and the tears come streaming down your face
when you lose something you can't replace
when you love some one but it goes to waste
could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

Au revoir

Ate Helen will be leaving for Cebu soon. When she invited me to dinner with other Lisieux members at Glorietta last week, I did not think twice. I immediately said, “Yes, I’ll be there.” This was kind of unusual since I rarely go out at night. But in this case, I did not have any qualms in meeting them.

Ate Helen was the Minister (President) when I entered Lisiuex in 1997. During my second year as a member, she chose me to be part of the outreach committee (she was the head). It was the committee assigned in the preparation for the annual concert. In the middle of the school year, she entrusted the position to Mej and me due to her unexpected busy schedule. Nakakatuwang isipin that she believed in us even though we were just a couple of new members. With her guidance, the concert that year went well.

There was a time when I was pondering if I would attend the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) or not. So I asked for a sign – that someone would give me yellow flower/s. The night before the registration date she dropped by our house and gave me a bunch of yellow mums, she said, it was for good luck for the coming exam week. It was my sign. I attended the LSS and was blessed.

After graduation, she took time to reply to my questions regarding faith. She sent me long emails explaining the answers to my questions. Last August, she passed the Medical Board Exam and will be going to Cebu next week to live there permanently (?).

I would just like to write this down because I wanted to remember things. From high school through College, there are three people whom I would always remember for their kindness: Sr. Yel, Kuya Ram and Ate Helen. I hope I would be able to meet the other two in the future.

~~~

The above entry was written a few days ago.

We had dinner at Cafe Bola located at Greenbelt 3. Siyempre we have pictures :)

~~~

In a matter of three weeks, four people I know died.

The father of my former boss died of massive heart attack last August 28; the person who used to hold the position I am currently occupying died of cancer of the pancreas last September 1; the owner of the sari-sari store in front of my former boarding house died of heart attack last September 4 and just last Friday, my former math teacher died of diabetes.

My initial thought was, “Gosh, people are leaving.”

We Christians were assured when the Son ascended to heaven that death is not the end but rather the beginning of life with the Creator. In the article entitled, “The Secret of the Poor Souls in Purgatory,” Maria Simma of Austria, having given the chance to communicate with these souls, once asked them if they would rather go back to earth to gain enough (goodness) to cleanse their souls. They answered, “No,” because they have seen the greatness of God’s love and would never even want to be away from it again.

I am not sad that they died. My sadness belongs to those who were left behind. I am glad that finally they would be able to meet the one true perfect and wonderful God in the glory of His paradise.

Looking forward to meeting you there. :)

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace... Amen.

~~~

Sorry, pero umiinit na ang ulo ko.
it's already 1 in the morning and I am still here in the office, finishing something.
And it's not even my event.

So tired.

SFC@WAR

It was another night to remember as the SFC-Bicutan family welcomed 21 more brothers and sisters during the Lord’s Day celebration on 2 September 2006 at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Bicutan. The celebration culminated the 15-week Christian Life Program (CLP), which started on 27 May 2006.

Compared to previous CLPs, this year was a special one as the community celebrated the Lord’s Day with a theme, the SFC at War Against Regression or SFC@WAR. The evening was highlighted by the presence of Mr. Jayson Mira, Chapter Head, who delivered the welcome remarks to the group. His message focused on the activities of the community beyond CLP as he challenged each and everyone to participate and continue the WAR.

Of the 21 graduates, brothers dominated the group as their number reached 13 while the sisters reached eight. The newest batch of Bicutan graduates include: Brothers: Allan Altamera (Al), Orbel Camoy (Orbel), June Cuenca (June), Nestro Gulfre (Shane), Rene Roldan (Choi), Preciouso Aclon (Jay R), Richard Joseph Alcazaren (RJ), Denver Deomampo (Dhenz), Eped Hibionada (Phed), Roxly Taguinod (RT), Jay Ar Dela Cruz (Jay-Ar), Eddie Ruedas (Ed), and Ryan Usman (Ayan); Sisters: Ana Linda Abaigar (Ana), Angelita Amazona (Angie), Sherly Tagulao (She), Jenna Mae Alcazaren (Jeann), Nemia Cabrera (Nemz), Apricelda Dela Cruz (April), Raquel Nava (Raquel), and Rona Subrado (Ron Ron).

The celebration was also graced by the presence of Brothers and Sisters from Hagunoy, Signal and Tenement who joined in welcoming the new members.

Not yet...

Author Unknown
Sep 7, 2006

Sometimes I ask the question, "My Lord, is this your will?"
It's then I hear you answer me, "My Precious Child ... be still."

Sometimes I feel frustrated, cause I think I know what's best.
It's then I hear you say to me, "My Busy Child ... just rest"

Sometimes I feel so lonely and I think I'd like a mate.
Your still small voice gets oh so clear and says, "My Child ... please
wait"

"I know the plans I have for you, the wondrous things you'll see;
If you can just be patient, Child, and put your trust in me.

I've plans to draw you closer. I've plans to help you grow.
There's much I do you cannot see and much you do not know.

But know This, Child ..... I LOVE YOU. You are Precious unto Me.
Before I formed you in the womb, I planned your destiny.

I've something very special I hope for you to learn.
The gifts I wish to give to you are gifts you cannot earn.

They come without a price tag, but not without a cost;
at Calvary, I gave My Son, so You would not be lost.

Rest Child, and do not weary of doing what is good.
I promise I'll come back for you just like I said I would.

Your name is written on my palm, I never could forget;
Therefore, do not be discouraged when my answer is... "Not Yet"

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we ask You to guide us as we pray for your guidance. May
your love shine on us, so that it we may reflect our trust for You to
others.

from:
"F O O D F O R T H O U G H T" group
To subscribe: subscribe@dailyfoodforthought.org

Preliminary list

As early as September I'm going to post my wishlist :)
Madadagdagan pa as time goes by. For the mean time ito muna :)

Album of:

Sitti Navaro
Caffe Bossa

Apo Hiking Society
Kami nAPO Muna (Tribute To Apo Hiking Society)

Gary Valenciano
Relevance, Still Connected With The Times

Agot Isidro
The Island

Di pa kumpleto yan. :)

~~~

Just finished a report, almost done with another and will start a new one tomorrow.

Hihi! :)

Downd... down... down

Nalulungkot ako.
Monday na naman.
I'm really not happy here at work...
maghapon na lang ako napagalitan.
Kahit yung mga walang karapatang magalit,
nagagalit.
hay...
I just feel so down.

Prepare The Way

BER na!!!

114 days before Christmas!

yeah!
yeah!
yeah!

:)

~~~

Prepare The Way
V1:

He has come to bring light into the darkness
He has come to bring freedom to the captives
He has come to restore the broken hearted
It's time to proclaim the year of the Lord

Refrain:

Prepare the way
Prepare the way for our redeemer
Prepare the way
Prepare the way for our restorer
Make ready your heart
Make ready your home
Make ready the people of God
Prepare the way

V2:

He has come to bring hope to the hopeless
He has come to comfort all who mourn
He has come to heal our every sickness
It's time to proclaim the year of the Lord

Update

Grabe! Mid-August na at wala pa rin akong kahit isang finished report.

Arrrrgh!

I have to prepare six (!) reports in two different subjects and one extra subject from a different institution. Feeling ko nga nagpapanic ako kaya hindi na rin ako makagawa. The "fear of fear itself" sabi nga.

Anyway, I'm planning to post some pictures of Carlo here. Hindi ko pa lang naayos. I'm on a blog leave* till further notice.

* Got the term somewhere. To whoever coined the word, borrow ko po muna.

~~~

Ay, pahabol!

I’m looking for these books:



If you know where I could buy them, please, inform me.

Thank you :)

PGMA and DevCom

President GMA should really really study Development Communication.

While reading my DevC 208 module (Social Marketing and Social Mobilization) I came across these three trends and definitions of development. Allow me to share:

(copied verbatim)
1. Development must be PEOPLE-CENTERED - The aim of development must be the improvement of the quality of life of human beings, not improvements in economic production.

2. Development must be PARTICIPATORY - In order to realize development, concerted efforts from the government and the grassroots are needed.

3. Development must be SUSTAINABLE - True development doesn’t sacrifice tomorrow’s resources for the sake of today’s needs.

Am I loved or what?

Natutuwa naman ako sa mga kapatid ko.

Last Sunday, while reading the messages in Gian’s cell phone (he allows me to read his messages sometimes), he showed me the picture of his current girlfriend. Pretty, if I may say so.

Then he added in a very casual manner: “Ikaw ang gusto kong unang ma-meet niyan. Naku Ate, pag nakita mo siya, super ganda, super bait, yada-yada…” The usual praises dedicated only to his girlfriends – including the previous ones. I know kasi narinig ko na yun na sinabi niya before.

Then last night, my other brother, Jay-jay asked if I’d be staying over at our house during the weekend. I said, “No, I’ll be going home. Why?”

To which he replied: “Ay sayang, may ipapakilala pa naman sana ako sa’yo. Friend ko. Ang name eh: girl’s name. Taga UP din siya… yada-yada…”

~~~

They are my brothers. I feel honored that they want me to meet their special someone. Nakakataba ng puso na kahit inaaway ko sila minsan-minsan (?) I can still feel that they love me and that I am important to them. :)

Lost books

I am currently reading Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown at hindi ko pa rin tapos hanggang ngayon. Haven’t finished any Brown book yet. Kahit Angels and Demons ndi ko pa rin tapos, nasa gitna na ako, but I cheated kaya I lost interest. Have the attention span of a two year-old. Ang daling madistract. Dan Brown is really an excellent writer. Well researched talaga ang books niya. However, I don’t like what he's imparting. Pero siyempre kanya-kanyang opinion yan - to each his own. Tatapusin ko pa ring basahin yun. :)

But…

In just a day, I finished reading Acts of Faith by Erich Segal.

I found a copy of the book the other night at SM book sale. I had a copy of it before. “Before” kasi I lost it almost two years ago. Buti na lang nakakita ulit ako kasi kahit sa National Bookstore, wala. Mas nauna ko pa siyang natapos basahin kesa sa kay Dan Brown.

By the way, ilang Erich Segal na bang book ang nawawala ko dahil sa mga nanghihiram sakin na hindi na isinosoli? Hay… madami-dami na rin. Dalawa – madami yun noh? More than one! Yun dalawa pang pinaka paborito ko sa lahat ng sinulat niya. Yung Love Story and Acts of Faith.

Sayang yung Love Story. It was a gift from my beloved housemates on my 17th birthday. With matching dedication pa yun! Tapos, hiniram ng neighbor ko tapos naiwala niya. Until now, I still couldn’t find the heart to buy a new one kasi naalala ko pa rin yung nawala.

Hindi lang Erich Segal, Og mandino din. I lost my copy of Christ Commission. Kasi my former housemate borrowed it. Sayang talaga!

The Hilario sisters introduced Segal to me. And I already have these: Love Story (lost), Oliver Story, The Class, Prizes, The Doctors and Acts of Faith.

On the other hand, John partly introduced Og Mandino to me. Yun ang legacy niya sakin – kaya salamat na rin at nakilala ko siya. I have several Mandino books – Christ Commission (lost), The Greatest Salesman in the World 1 and 2, The Twelfth Angel, Secrets for Success and Happiness, The Greatest Mystery in the World, etc.

These are just few on my list of “lost books”. Marami pang books na nawawala. Hindi ko na maalala yung iba.

Kahit nga yung 1st book of Sweet Dreams entitled P.S. I Love You that was given to me by my Tita Ann, nawala na rin.

Sayang! Sayang! Sayaaaaaaaaaaang! Tsk! Tsk!

Bo's advice

Don't throw away the 90% that you already have!
By: Bo Sanchez

ADULTERY happens when you start looking for what you don't have.

“Bo, this girl in my office is a real looker,” many husband will say.

“But it's not her Wynona Rider features that got me, I'm head over heels with her because she's also understanding, intelligent, tender – so many things that my wife is not.”

Guys, trust me on this. Somewhere along the way, you'll find a woman who will be more charming, more alluring, more thoughtful, richer, a better cook, have a great sex appeal, more efficient housekeeper and you will find a woman who will need you and pursue you and look over you more than your wife ever did. Because no wife is perfect! Because a wife will only have 90% of what you're looking for. So adultery takes place when a husband looks for the missing 10%.

Let's say your wife is melancholic by nature. You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk whos has a cherry laugh no matter what she says: “I broke my arm yesterday, ha...ha...ha...” or because you wife is a homebody in slippers and pajamas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representatives that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt. Or because your wife is the quite type (a rare find), your heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame who has the makings of a talk show host like Oprah.

But wait! That's only 10% of what you don't have.

Don't throw away the 90% that you already have!

That's not all. Add to your wife's 90% the 1000% that represents all the years that you have been with each other. The storms you have weathered together. The unforgettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple. The many adjustments you have made to love the other. The wealth of memories that you've accumulated as lovers.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have. But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have.

But I'm not just talking about marriage, I'm talking about life! About your jobs, your friends, your prayer groups, your lifestyles.

Are you like the economy airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the firt class cabin, obsessed with what he's missing? “They have got more leg room! Of my, their food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they've got personal videos!” I guarantee you'll be miserable for the entire trip!

Don't live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. (Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class – because they're not riding in a private Lear Jet?)

My main message: If you start thanking God for what you have right now, wherever you are.....is first class! You have wealth under your nose, thank Him.

“Let's pray to God that we be blessed with a grateful heart and thankful attitude all the time.”

“ADULTERY HAPPENS WHEN YOU START LOOKING FOR WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE.....BUT FAITHFULNESS HAPPENS WHEN YOU START THANKING GOD FOR WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE.”

A simple reminder

Please click: Parents Wish

New template

I'll settle for this. :)
The template I used yesterday’s too girly and too flowery for me.

Ito na lang munang "Nautica" courtesy of Blogger Templates until I find a “beauty and the beast” template.