Writing this last entry is harder than I expected. It's like letting go of 6 years' worth of memories of a younger me. 6 year-enders, 6 birthday posts, 6 different countries and numerous local destinations, a lot of friends, a lot of work, and going back to school. A lot of different you's (some of which I don't remember anymore), 100-word posts, a handful of therapeutic private posts, and pieces that I'm truly proud of. There were those about God, about Christmas and Easter, about movies and favorite quotes from books. Posts about family, about my favorite people in the world, and those that I had a hard time writing. Yes, this is my feeble attempt to sum everything up. The past 6 years have been great and this blog stands as my proof. I'll continue living, laughing, and loving at http://chubbs01.wordpress.com. Let's continue the journey there :) P.S. Anyone know how to save Multiply pages? :D
Aaaand, I just can't welcome the new year without a recap. Here are my top 10 favorite experiences and moments of 2010 -- off the top of my head and in no particular order.  1. The Grand Northern Tour6 days, a coaster full of family, and numerous places up North. The picture s tell it all. The BEST vacation of this year with everyone that I love. :) 
2. Be Cool in BicolOf course the South needs to be conquered with friendskami. A lot of memorable tidbits from our time being cool in Bicol. Also the worst sunburn I've had in ages. 
3. Pasko 2010I think this is the best Christmas in terms of buying the gifts o n time. No last minute shopping this year! And as always, the season was truly filled with joy.
4. My 26th!A successful half-expected surprise and meet ups with friends that extended til the end of Oct ober. This year I had so, so much of everything. :) 
5. Weekends with FamilyI know it's not good to live for th e weekend, but I do. :P Sunday night Starbucks, Saturday dinners, badminton matches and even lazing in our pajamas. I love weekends with my family :) 
6. Tambay with MabsFor the doctor friend who had to study for the boards and later on, maximize her days of 'freedom,' we went everywhere! BHS, Eastwood, Katipunan, Laiya, MALATE! Everywhere! 
7. MBA MadnessLike last year, school was great! :) This year was a memorable collection of profs we hated and loved, a goodbye to our freshman year, a crazy MBA night, and fun, fun groupmates and blockmates :)  8. Team ChubbsI loved this team so much and I miss you guys :) But we all had to move on and touch more and more lives :)  
9. Weddings, weddings, weddings!The year of weddings and engagements! I attended a lot th is year. :) Tudoy & Hani, Matt & Aileen, John & Tanya, Jensen & Joanna, and King & Dea. Congratulations and Best Wishes!
10. Out of Town TripsAside from the North and Bicol, there were a handful of other out of town trips - kicking the year off in Anilao, Palibhasa Summer at Tali Beach, groupmates in Anawangin, Subic with family, Laiya with the girls and Tagaytay with Flo & Nhiza. This year was fil led with fun roa dtrips :) Aside from the ones on the list, there are still people, places and moments that I hold dear in 2010. :) Special thanks to YOU for making this a great, great 2010. Here's to a totally awesome 2011!!! :) Much love! <3
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14
Maligayang Pasko sa iyo at sa mga mahal mo sa buhay! :)
 I sit and take in the view. However common, any beach is still a sight to behold. I decide to rest and lie back at our cabana. The sun hasn’t shown its face all day, making the beach dreary. The salt wind is strong, blowing the white curtains against their will. The waves are crashing rhythmically, lulling me in and out of sleep. The pace has been slow today – nature does that to you. But the stories seem to be exchanged very quickly and to the verge of saturation, like a crazy torrent download. It’s as if we’re craving for something that reminds us of our life in the city instead of escaping to this sleepy world. I try to absorb everything that’s being said. But part of me wants to leave it as it is – have it carried by the wind or swept by the sea, I don’t care. My mind starts to wander from the conversations to strange ideas and seldom-touched memories. They are hazy like the events of today, but come to life as quickly and as clearly as I think of them. In a place like this, thoughts and feelings are left unguarded – as if the huge expanse of space can absorb them all. And so I indulge in what-could-have-beens and what-might-bes. I send out crazy dreams to the hiding sun and the vast sea. Never mind practicality, never mind logic, never mind the consequences. Today I let my guard down and indulge in the giddy, passionate, and even ridiculous thoughts. I send out more dream beams when I finally fall asleep for the night. The waves and the rocks absorb them all. I feel invincible. ~ The same thoughts buzz through my head as we head out to the city the following day. We whiz along the highway and the trees are a blurry sight. As if on cue, a small voice reminds me that I should keep my mind in check – we are going back to the city after all. And so I try to keep busy and shut my mind, like what I’ve been doing for ages. The concrete of the city brings back the consequences and shows me its harsh realities. It is easy to be busy and lose touch of dreams. There is so much happening that it hurts to keep the pace. I wear my sunglasses and become a city mouse once again. Sipping my coffee and cursing at bad drivers, I return to the fast-paced life – all along afraid of my own thoughts. Afraid of how they’d make me feel when I think of them. Afraid that the concrete will not absorb them, but send them back to me at full speed. © Isabel M. Casas, 20101201
O shut your bright eyes that mine must endanger
With their watchfulness; protected by its shade
Escape from my care: what can you discover
From my tender look but how to be afraid?
Love can but confirm the more it would deny.
Close your bright eye.
Sleep. What have you learned from the womb that bore you
But an anxiety your Father cannot feel?
Sleep. What will the flesh that I gave do for you,
Or my mother love, but tempt you from his will?
Why was I chosen to teach his Son to weep?
Little One, sleep.
Dream. In human dreams earth ascends to Heaven
Where no one need pray nor ever feel alone.
In your first few hours of life here, O have you
Chosen already what death must be your own?
How soon will you start on the Sorrowful Way?
Dream while you may.
W.H. Auden
====================
Beautiful. This was shared by Father Arevalo during a recollection held at the Gesu yesterday. I just love how it portrays Mary as the mother of Jesus. Mary as a human, someone exactly like us. Indeed, how will one feel if you know that the only thing you can give the Son of God is your humanity?
It's nearing Advent and my heart awaits Jesus with hope and joy. :)
 Again, I am a month late in creating a birthday post. I admit that I’m pressured to write something as inspired as last year’s or even the year before that, in the same way that I was afraid that this birthday will pale in comparison to my 25th. But I was proven wrong. I feel that my birthday this year was so full. Not to cover up som ething that is missing, but to show me just how much I have.           I’ve spent time with a lot of friend s whom I love dearly. High school, college, work a nd grad school friends -- I’ve spent time with everyone. I know that I am blessed to have so many for this long. I am thankful, because life will be less interesting and unbearable without all of you. Thank you especially for making me feel so loved this year.       Of course, celebrating my special day with my family has been the tradition. I am thankful for another year with them. Our strong foundation of love and support is something that I am very proud of. At the end of the day, they are the people I come home to -- the ones that I know will always be there. And again, I am more thankful than I am proud to be a part of this family. We are truly blessed. There are certain people in my life that I know will be there til the end. It touches and overwhelms me that I am blessed with so much to last a lifetime. And at 26, I hope there’s still a long way to go. The journey ahead is unknown but I do have a big support group behind me. And of course, He who has been there from the start will never leave my side. As with every year, I offer up everything to Him -- 26 years up to a whole lifetime. Every day, every task, every relationship I work on -- I offer up to You. It’s the least I can do in return. Just as how the clouds portend of what is to come, I can see that You have so much more in store for me. And like the heavy downpours that I love -- the blessings, the love, the people, the experiences -- I hope that You continue to let it rain. <3
 He sits eating a cracker, making a mess of everything. Cracker bits are on his face as he continues to eat with both of his hands, making a larger mess of everything. He makes a mess of my hair too, shows me his cars, and then almost immediately has his eyes glued to the TV. He chuckles at something funny and speaks in broken Tagalog. I call his name and like a miracle, he actually notices me. His eyes are already smiling before he shows his teeth in a perfect smile. There are mornings when I am thankful even before I open my eyes. Those are the ones when I awake with his voice calling my name. He who is the most organized, the MOST talkative and the one with the highest energy. He is our survivor, our little big boy, and our constant source of happiness. His names both mean a gift from God. It is only fitting that it is expressed twice, because we are truly blessed to have him: Sean Matthew. © Isabel M. Casas 20100704 ***For Sean, on his 4th birthday :)
For most of us, the Bicol trip was the event to look forward to. Having purchased the tickets in early March, September was quite a long wait. That meant a lot things happened in between, including the cancellation of the Donsol stopover because the whale sharks were just not there at this time of the year (fail). But we all still made it just in the nick of time for our Legaspi-bound flight. It was a Friday and we were finally off to beautiful Bicol!  The beauty that welcomed us once we landed was, of course, Mayon volcano. If I remember it right, the Bicolano word for beautiful is magayon and I think 'Mayon' is just so fitting. Like any other landmark, there was that shortest moment when I was struck with awe. I like landmarks because they're like pictures and postcards coming to life, only at the middle of your moment, you realize that it's not anything like the photo in your mind -- it's even better and more beautiful. Caramoan had its own charm as well. White sand beaches, starfishes, beautiful landscape and even more beautiful sunsets made the long boat rides well worth it. We were blessed with little rain. And we did soak up the sun and live the beach life with an excess of sunblock and early mornings. The best lunch I've had in recent memory was at a Caramoan island that we had all to ourselves. We had liempo, pusit, different kinds of fish and fruits. These are the simple things in life made even simpler by eating with our bare hands under our makeshift tents. On that day, simple was just so good.  We weren't up to just chillaxing, we also had our share of adventure. I don't know how most people would define adventure, but for a group of IT professionals, I think it's anything physically taxing. On our first day of island hopping, we climbed a 15-foot rock to get to the hidden lagoon in our swimsuits and Havaianas. Also, at the end of the trip, we tried out knee boarding and wake boarding at CWC. Both are reasons behind our tired muscles, but it was well worth the experience. It goes without saying that going through it with fun friends makes the jitters go away. For me, the funniest and most memorable things in this Bicol trip are in the details. To be honest, I've started a draft with funny quotes from everyone to remember the trip by. But the list is just so crazy and I can't imagine anyone aside from us reading it and being able to relate. So, suffice it to say that it was a trip of time checks, head butts, fish fights, comic underwear, trampoline jumps, birthday greetings and flirty laughs. It was also an adventure of being carried to the boat, waiting a long time for our ride to CWC, getting stranded in Naga City, and looking for a certain Kapitana. And our OST? Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko, the Survivor theme song, Merry Moe (who is actually Mary Moon and who is a vegetarian) and really, really bad Pinoy rap. As always, there is just so much to say. It was a great and well-deserved vacation. After all the trips up North, traveling to south Luzon is a refreshing change. I'm also glad I got to share this vacation with my friends. We haven't been together too much as a complete group in the last few years, but it was quick to pick up with the old humor, jokes, and quirks -- a proud sign of good friendship. Pips, ang tatag natin. :) We'd do our emo college selves proud. Coron next? :)  *Photos by Kyaps
Sometimes it’s hard to know just who you want to be.
When I was a kid full of dreams, it was easy to answer. Maybe because I was too young to know exactly what is needed to actually be someone. Or maybe I was young enough to have the strongest hold of my dreams.
Over the years, I somehow convinced myself of things I cannot be. “I’m too lazy to study, I can’t become a doctor.” “I can’t become rich if I write for a living.” Call it growing up. Call it being practical. Call it knowing my abilities and the world better.
Now, I set practical targets for myself and my dreams. But doesn’t it take away a lot from childhood dreams? Aren’t we all supposed to reach for them, no holds barred? But what if we really can’t -- does that qualify to be a life less lived? Are we meant to live lives of compromises -- of passing up big dreams for more practical ones?
There are some people who know exactly what they want and never ask these questions. There are others who don’t ask at all, because they’d rather just ride with the flow of life. I’m asking, because I guess like most of us, I’m at the middle of the road. Not knowing exactly where to go and not just letting it be.
 I admit it. I’ve written too much about Ilocos. During my past 3 trips and on a bout of nostalg ia, I’ve churned out a lot of words for the region – about its beauty, its simplicity, and how it feels so much like home. It seems like my 2006 promise to come back has been taken to an extreme.  My latest trip was my fourth one and I can’t promise that it was my last. From the bottom of my heart, I love the place. And there’s no stopping me from coming back to experience it again. There are still a lot of words to be said, though a lot of things stayed the same. I can go saying that Vigan has retained its charm with the old houses and the calesas. Or that I finally learned that it was FPJ and not Jericho Rosales that shot Panday at the Bell Tower. Or that Playa is like mini Bali and that Thunderbird is like mini Santorini. I can go saying that Paoay Church is still a sight to see and that it took my breath away for the second time. I can verify and re-verify that Blue Lagoon is still my favorite beach in the world, even with the huge waves. I can say that Saud beach is a beauty of gentle waves this time of the year. Or that the Bangui windmills still blew me away. I can say that the long ride sucked, but made it all worth it. As I said, there is still so much to say. But for now I forgo the imagery, as nothing stood out more than the people I was with. There are very few words to be said, but there is a lot more that is felt when I’m with my family. Vigan, the bell tower, Playa, Thunderbird, Paoay Church, Blue Lagoon, Saud beach, and Bangui windmills – they all stand for something to me, but nothing more than how my parents, sisters, cousins, nephew,  niece and relatives mean to me. For the fourth time, Ilocos was beautiful. But the true beauty of this trip was that we all traveled together. What stood out to me were Sean’s and Shay’s smiles in the water, the long talk with Ate Mitzi in Saud beach, and Mama’s effort in documenting everything with more than a thousand photos. I can clearly remember Shay singing “lalalala” so loudly in the morning, Papa super loving Thunderbird, and the thousand pictures Kris and Ate Mai posed for. What stood out to me were Kuya Sonny's superb organization skills, Paula being called by Sean as ‘sexy’ in Blue Lagoon, and Ate Cel’s freak sunburn because she’s mestiza. During the trip I remember Kuya Paul and Paula bickering like siblings, Uncle Ed conquering the huge waves, and Mommy Luz finding her missing shades. Yes, I can go on talking about the beauty of the places we’ve been to. But much as I try, this post is not about Ilocos, but about my family. If we went anywhere else, it would have been just as special and just as memorable. Ilocos was just a beautiful backdrop for us third generation Ilocanos to discover our roots and strengthen our relationships.  Yes, for the nth time, the North was beautiful. But more importantly, nothing is more beautiful than being with the whole family that I love. Here’s to more road trips and plane rides! :) I miss you all so much! :)
I recently thought of this entry that I posted roughly 4 years ago. Five years after graduation (technically, it's not until the end of the month) is a small milestone. It feels right to create a similar post again. 
Five years ago year I was... - Defending e-NoDeS at the Undergraduate Research Competition in Eng'g. Meeting some new people. - Donning my sablay during graduation. Taking pictures with Oble and the pretty sunflowers. - Driving around the campus, crying, and saying goodbye to UP.
- Attending our Graduation Ball. In pink, loveless, dreamy-eyed, and contemplative. - Looking forward to Ate Cel and Kuya Sonny's wedding and hoping that by then, a prince will already be by my side. - Looking for a job. Going to a ton of interviews. Walking in high heels in Makati, Libis, Ortigas and everywhere else. - Having the very first summer outing with friendskami. An unforgettable Labor Day weekend.
- Preparing for our 3-week-long US vacation. Literally packing all our wearable clothes.  This year I am... - Still considering e-NodeS as my last programming stint to date. I don't remember too much of Java and of AI now. The "friend" I met back then, I haven't heard from in years. Let's just say it was a crush that ended with a big fail. :)) - Still looking forward to wearing my hablon sablay in 2012. :) I pass by the University Ave almost every night and anxiously wait for the sunflowers to grow. I hope they make it in time for graduation. - Back in school after years. Was welcomed by another college and a new mode of teaching. I'm glad I'm back. :) I never should have said goodbye. - Have attended other formal events after the Gradball -- a lot of weddings! I've toned down with pink, still dreamy-eyed and contemplative, but full of love. - Looking forward to a lot of my friends' weddings (shoutouts: Hani, Aileen, Jensen :) I don't feel a prince is necessary, but still a nice-to-have. :) - Still at the same job. Finally learned work-life balance. Is still in love with heels. :) And there will be a final office move to Taguig. - Already planned a trip with friendskami. Now, the in thing with us is to travel off-peak. If June was late for us 4 years ago, wait til you hear our September Bicol plans. - Not missing business travel too much. Visited 6 different countries and feels that's enough for now. I haven't packed my bags for an international trip since Bangkok last year and my trusty Voyager already has cobwebs. Also, I've grown to hate plane rides. Life is getting better and better everyday. I guess I've grown out the angst of the early 20s and hopefully (hopefully!) I'm over the quarter life crisis. Late 20s, here I come. :) So. Where were you 5 years ago?
We remember how You loved us to Your death
And still we celebrate for You are with us here
And we believe that we will see You when you come
In Your glory, Lord, we remember, we celebrate, we believe
Christ, the Father's great Amen to all the hopes and dreams of every heart
Peace beyond all telling, and freedom from all fear
See the face of Christ revealed in every person standing by your side
Gift to one another and temples of your love
Christ is risen! Happy Easter!
Have you ever felt that you're trying to "break in" an author? When you read his first book, you find yourself going over the lines and understanding the dictionary words. And then gradually, you feel that you get a hang of it, it's full speed ahead and you read a hundred pages in one sitting.
When I started reading Harry Potter, I had to get used to Rowling's English writing. With Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, I got used to his never ending sentences and stories that tended to loop within themselves. And with Nicholas Sparks, it's all about the simplicity, the details and the romance.
If there's one author that I feel obliged to collect all books he's written, it'd be Nicholas Sparks. I broke into his writing years and years before. And right now, his books feel like weekend reading, something light, something very familiar to me.
There are a lot of similarities in his books -- countless moonlight walks along the shore, a handful of steak-and-salad dinners, and to a point the characters seem to follow the same line of thinking. But however similar, Nick Sparks somehow crafts these different love stories that stand independently from each other. And I do hope that there are a lot more to come.
For his style of writing, for retaining the romantic within me, and mostly for his familiarity, Nick Sparks stays as my favorite author. :)
 | :x | Jan 31, '10 10:22 AM
for everyone |
<3 Cheesy.
Pagbigyan, please lang.
*Secret from Postsecret
| Rainbow | Jan 22, '10 1:55 PM
for everyone |
I unexpectedly heard this song on the radio tonight. It's funny how it brought back a simple memory, a simple email on encouragement, care, and looking out for a person you love. This is a very optimistic song. So let's take it as it comes and not forget that we are never alone. :)
Fallin out, Fallin in
Nothing's sure in this world no no
Breaking down, breaking in
Never knowing what lies ahead
We can really never tell it all
Say goodbye, say hello
To a lover or friend
Sometimes we could never understand
Why some things begin with just love
We can never have it all
But oh, cant you see
That no matter what happens
Life goes on and on
And so baby just smile
Coz I'm always around you
And I'll make you see
How beautiful life is for you and me
Take a little time, baby
See the butterfly's colors
Listen to the birds that sent to sing for me and you
Can you feel me
This is such a wonderful place to be
Even if there is pain now
Everything will be alright
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me
There's a rainbow always after the rain
Hittin high, hittin low
Win or lose you should go
Getting warm, getting cold
Weather can be so good or bad
But baby this is life so don't get mad
Life's full of challenges
Not all the time we get what we want
But don't despair my dear
You'll take it each trial
And you'll make it through the storm
Coz youre strong
My faith in you is clear
So i say once again
This world's beautiful
Let us celebrate life that is so beautiful
So beautiful...
I just realized that I had to write this. It's been crazy busy even during the holidays that I almost missed the year-end blog thingy. For this year, I figured to do away with the survey and create something of my own. I've missed writing so much.
In a nutshell, 2009 has been really, really great and really, really emotional. If it ended in October, in March, or in May, I would have answered differently. So here's to hoping the next few paragraphs are coherent enough for you to follow.
 I'm really ha p py that I'm back in school. I'm often asked what I'd do after I graduate and til now I don't have an answer to that. What I know is school is making me happy. And it just about compensates the normality of everyday life. And I'm also happy that I've re-met and met some great people in grad school -- Earl, Kaye, Jomar and James. :) Thank you for being good friends through the fuzzy-crazy terms.
In the latter part of the y ear I've also started attending an out-of-school/out-of-work/out-of-this-world class. :) And I can't say anything more a bout it aside from it's fuuuu uun, it's tiring, and I hope to be very good at it someday. T h anks to this class I've reclaim ed my jam-packed weekends. :)  I've also shifted my Sunday mornings from jogging to playing badminton with Kuya Sonny, Ate Cel, and Kris. I can't say I'm really good, but all I 'm th ankful for the regularity of exercise. And we do have fun, especially when Kris makes those funny shots. :) I've also been to a lot of places this year. A huge chunk was spent on vacation and for that I'm very thankful. : ) Our family's February Boracay trip kicked off my travels for the year. Boracay is beautiful as always, but I guess less b eautiful when you ha ve work in mind. I believe I still e njoyed that Bora trip even if I didn't get th e tan that I longed for.
 Bangkok was the next s top in April. Kris and I went with Kuya Sonny's fam ily. Visiting and discovering a n ew place is always fun. :) We've had some great pictures with the temples and h ad our adventures in the floating markets and beating Bangkok traffic.  During one of the long weekends in September, our family went on a beac h day trip to Subic. Although the hard rains can be considered as an epic fail, we still had fun under the rain and the waves. It was marked by a lot of shop-shop-shopping! It was just the break that we all needed to recharge.
 The grandest trip this year was the most recent -- Dos Palmas in Palawan. Okay, so I was sick for most of the trip. But I got a bit of a tan, I got to sunbathe, to relax, to think too much, to make sandcastles, to s norkel, to eat a lot, to visit the beautiful island where the waves meet... Well I guess I did a lot of things (this includes sleeping too) and the vacation was a year-ender in a lot of different ways. :)  On the social sc ene, I am thankful for my different group s of friends that I got to spend time with this year. Friends (pa rin pala) kami, newly-Christened FK, came together in March and had s ome pretty constant meet ups ever since. The loss of Ate Caren touched us all very deeply, some more so than others. And if it was a test of our friendship, I'm glad FK passed it with flying colors. Special shout outs to co-Octoberbabies Hanna and Miki! Thank you for improm ptu coffee dates at McKinley or Katipunan or Diliman or wherever. They kept me sane. Also significant this year is the constant meet ups with the Pisay Sampa folks. Lunch-to-sawa, movies, plays, let's-nag-JB, lunches, dinners, chismisans -- we almost see each other every two weeks! It's funny tha t we never get tired and that we've known each other for 11 ye ars and counting. Thank you especially to Mab. :) Love you Mab! :) You know I'm here for you as you've always been there for me.  Of course who would forget my girls at the office? Flo and Nhiza for the Red Ribbon lunches, Nutella pandesal merien das, and wherever-our -feet take us dinners. I love you both very much. :) Thank you for listening to everything I say (even if it's all my fault). You know that among the three of us I'm the most talkative -- thank you for bearing with my stories. :) Here's to more adventures, corny jokes, dance moves, and foodie trips!  Last few shout outs to friends I've missed: - Mike F & Quel - I miss our lunches. I'm happy we're still somehow in contact :) - Maymay - To the best virtual friend ever! :P Thanks for listening and g iving advice. - Krizel - Through the busy manager times and having Zoe, thank you for being a good friend. I miss you :) - AR and Jade - Wasap yow? Jade, thanks for being my seatmate through the year! I like that when I think aloud, you sometimes answer. :) AR! Lab kita sobra. More gyozas for the both of us (and I mean the literal ones :P) - The email thread team Ponch, Sars, and Chess - Our crazy email threads are real stress relievers. More to come next year. :) Work has also been crazy this year. In the earlier part, I was very close to taking a break and changing careers. Obviously, I haven't chosen that path but instead grew with my teams during the year. I'm happy where I am right now. I'm happy with my teams and I can see that we can still continue to grow and help each other in the coming year. :)  If there's one event that stood out this year, it would surely be when I turned 25. I've mentioned this so many times before; this year gave me the happiest birthday yet. With family, friends, and you, everything was very memorable. I know this for a fact because whe never I say that I'm happy, it means I'm overflowing with happiness that I just have to say it out loud. So thank you for making my birthday this year one for the books. :) 2009 was also a hard year for all of us. The loss of Pres Cory, Ondoy, Pepeng, and the Maguindanao Massacre stand out as noted events that impacted a lot of people. On a personal level, I've grown apart from a close friend, there were times that I worried about work too much, I don't pray as often as before and I've gotten myself hurt. In some aspects, it has also been a tough year. There are times I feel that I just came back to where I was exactly a year ago. But I think the key right now is really moving on and leaving all this behind.   It has been happy and challenging year in a lot of ways. It has brought a lot of changes, I got to experience new thin gs and met new people who left their own marks in my life. And through everything, my family has always been there. From my daily late night arrivals to the vacations, the challenges, the extensive singing and dancing in the car, the quiet moments, and the good and not-so-good food, they have always been there. And even if you take away everything I've just mentioned, I'm certain they will still be. :) It's amazing how big a chunk of my life is spent with family and I wouldn't have it any other way in the years to come. :) BIG shout outs to Papa, Mama, Kris and Pau! And other people close to my heart especially bulingits Sean and Shay! :) Thank YOU for everything! So this is it -- I hear the first batches of fireworks going off outside and 2009 is finally coming to a close. I'm very thankful for the year that was and at the same time, I'm super excited for the experiences, people, and places that 2010 will bring. I don't know why, but I have a giddy-good feeling about 2010! Through God's help I'll be able to have another great year. :) Always with and through Him. :) And always for and because of Him. :) It's been a long post, and all I can say is thank you for being part of my life and looking forward to spending more years with all of you. :)
Here's to a happy 2010!!! :)
I miss writing.
A couple of days ago I had a lot to write about -- more than 5 Christmas gatherings that I really, really enjoyed.
Now I can't just write anything. My mind draws a blank.
I can't not have a birthday post. With my 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th all documented in this blog, will I let my silver year pass by just like that? This does n't pass for a birthday post -- it's a wish list. So after more than a month, here we go... In the past, I've had "normal" birthda ys, but there were a handful that stood out -- those that made me feel most loved, most blessed, and most grateful. This year was dubbed as simply the happiest. My happiest birthday yet. I was happy because of so many things falling into place. I was happy at work and I found added happiness with school that started this year. With the turmoil that I went through early this year, I felt that I finally found my peace. :) Of course I was also very thankf ul for my family and frien ds -- them that make my life worth while. The celebrations were simple and the gatherings were tight, but we still celebrated lasting friendships, fullness of life, and love for each other. Du ring birthdays, I find that I don't just celebrate my birth, but also the bon ds I've had with people over the years. It's like saying, thank yo u for being in my life, because it wouldn't mean anything if you weren't there. And I do. I do thank all of you for being part of who I am. :)       This year as well, happiness was found in a smile and crinkly eye corners. Although short-lived, I celebrated this happiness fully and I wouldn't take it back if given a choice. I was very happy, and I don't take that away. With a full heart, I look forward to lasting happiness -- one that would surpass this. At least now I know that this kind of happiness is real. :) Lastly, all credit is given to God. Not only for beautiful sunsets and for saving us on rainy days, but also for being there even when I forget to take a moment to pray. This year has been crazy busy, but I know that God has always been there. He is present in every breath and every step, every sigh and every silent prayer. He has been there from my start 25 years ago til the end. A love story that is truly worth while to tell, one that I wake up to everyday and see unfolding before my eyes. This is my life. This is our love story. And from start to finish, I live it with God. Salamat sa 25 na taon. Til the very end, Lord. Mahal na mahal kita <3
I don't understand tad of French - just the usual Lady Marmalade lyrics (which I presume is not a good thing to know). I just chanced upon this song that was performed by the Philippine Madrigal Singers at a church in New York. It's so beautiful to listen to. And even if I don't understand the lyrics in French, the English translation is just so beautiful. It's an obvious translation, but the emotions, the feelings, are all there. You can feel it and visualize the story right with the song. :) C'est fini C'est fini la comédie Tout avait commencé Comme une pièce à succès Dans le décor tout bleu D'un théâtre de banlieue Nous n'étions que nous deux On s'est aimé longtemps Au point d'oublier le temps Qui tout au long des scènes Transformait les joies en peine Il a gagné le temps Il est content Quand il nous voit chacun de son côté Comme des étrangers Nous n'avons plus en commun Que les mots quotidiens Le décor n'a pas changé Mais les acteurs n'ont rien à jouer Il faut baisser le rideau C'est fini C'est fini la comédie On était bien parti Eternité garantie On était seuls au monde Devant tout l'amour de l'onde Pas de sens interdits Il a gagné le temps Il est content Quand il nous voit chacun de son côté Comme des étrangers Nous n'avons plus en commun Que les mots quotidiens Le décor n'a pas changé Mais les acteurs n'ont rien à jouer Il faut baisser le rideau C'est fini C'est fini la comédie Tout avait commencé Comme une pièce à succès Dans le décor tout bleu D'un théâtre de banlieue Nous n'étions que nous deux C'est fini C'est fini la comédie Everything is over, The comedy is over Everything began As a brilliant representation In blue scenery Of a suburban theatre (Where) there was only the two of us And we loved each other so long Almost forgetting about time Which in all our stages Transformed pleasures into a pain And time has defeated us It is glad To see us, both on different sides As strangers Nothing more connects us Except threadbare words The scenery has not changed But the actors have nothing more to play Time to lower the curtain. Everything is over The comedy is over We part well (And) Eternity is ours. We are alone in the world On waves left our from love But nothing more remain of our forbidden feelings. And time has defeated us, It is glad To see us, both on different sides As strangers Nothing more connects us Except threadbare words The scenery has not changed But the actors have nothing more to play Time to lower the curtain. Everything is over The comedy is over Everything began As a brilliant representation In pink scenery Of a suburban theatre (Where) there was only the two of us Everything is over The comedy is over...
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