COOKIES AND CREAM

Board Exam (First of Two Parts)

2008-10-22T03:13:00.000-07:00

COOKIES PAGE:

“I flunked the CPA Board Exam not just once but twice.”

This is the highlight of my speech during our Testimonial Dinner way back last June 2007. The moment my hands touched the podium I knew that it was my precious moment. Many people had said that day would never come in my life. As I delivered my speech (so serious speech) in front of my batchmates, friends from review school, bosom buddies way back in college, and professors, I was proud to say that I failed twice but never gave up.

This October, another batch of new CPA’s emerged. I extend my congratulations to those who made it. Cheers to all of you! Your sleepless nights are finally over! Go get some sleep!

And the rest of this article is for all men and women who failed the much prestigious exam.

I know the feeling of not being part of the list. I am not here to console you guys. But I hope my story would be an inspiration to all of you. Just like what I said earlier I’ve been in that position twice. I cried and cried. I spent so many nights analyzing what went wrong. I kept asking God what will be the next step and where I was heading. In short I asked this question a million times, “Paano na ang future ko?”

When I first took up my review, it was the time that we were financially stressed. I still enrolled in CRC-ACE in Baguio and stayed in a boarding house in Brentwood. During the course of my review, my expenses were all ballooning and I knew that my father was having a hard time financing my review. I made the greatest alibi in my life that I was sick and I needed to go back home. I packed my things, books and review materials and rode back to Lingayen. I decided to continue my review in an unorthodox style- self-review. I went back to Baguio only during pre-boards and the actual examination days. As a result I failed my initial try.

When I failed the exam during my first take, I applied immediately as a bank teller. For five months I stayed there but every time I see my old classmates back in college still reviewing after they failed their initial try, I finally decided to leave my work and asked for financial support to my Auntie Connie from abroad. She was an answered prayer. She lent some cash to finance my review. I immediately informed my father regarding my plan to resign and concentrate for my review.

With some extra cash I saved from my previous work and financial help from my aunt I enrolled once again in CRC- ACE. I was glad to see some familiar faces when I first attended my review class. I was so eager to go back to review like a freshman! Back then I woke up at early dawn reading theories, lobbied around in SLU library in the morning, attended everyday mass in the Cathedral after I had my lunch, joined the afternoon class in CRC-ACE and stayed till 9 in the evening in the library.

I pushed myself up to beyond my limit. I had lesser time to sleep and I felt the pressure through my veins. Still I registered for another try during October 2006.

And for still unknown reason I failed again the second time around.

On the day I got the result of my exam in the PRC, I was shocked that my rating reached 74%, only a hairline away from grabbing my title. I only passed 3 subjects and failed the rest which means I was not also a candidate for “Conditional”. I went home and said to my father that I planned to take the exam again for the last time. My father never doubted my capabilities and he immediately agreed. However, since financially we were not yet stable, I humbly accepted his offer to attend review classes in Dagupan City. (to be continued…)

GUEST BLOGGER FOR OCTOBER

2008-10-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

This October, Pat & I are privileged to have our good friend Judith write for us. Her article is one that wil inspire you to love yourself more. -Maan

JUDITH RIANN FERNANDEZ

PAIN OF THERAPY

Unlike Cookies and Cream, who undeniably have the passion to write, I admit I was someone who despised filling out a one whole-sheet of paper whenever asked to write essays and formal themes during our high school and college days.

To write was a torture for me. However due to the pressing requirement of my best friends, Pat & Maan to post this blog on Friday I am now focused on gripping my momentum by munching on this 240-grams garlic buttered toast. Gee, it seems effective.

…however, I could feel an extreme confusion on what topic to write about. Could it be “Getting Married”? since most of my officemates are piled off for marriage this year, or should the topic be “Living Simply” as inspired by Bo Sanchez? What about a topic on my recently celebrated 25th birthday?

Well, right now, all I can see from the four corners of this room is Love.

It isn’t Valentine’s Day tomorrow, I know, but even if we admit it or not, eventually, at the end of our days, we know there’s only one thing that could make us truly happy… it’s love.

Honestly and seriously speaking I am in love with this man, the kind of love which we are all familiar with – “eros” or romance. His features seem to be familiar with my ex-boyfriend except that he has this cute sense of humor like mine. We jive with each other’s joke and his eyes seem to conquer my world every time he stares at me. I thought my heart’s capacity to love had already reached its limit but I was wrong. For three years, after my first boyfriend and I broke up, I, once again feel this feeling which makes the world go round, or twirls the world in a spin. Oh gosh, how I really missed this wonderful feeling.

You ask me how? How could I not notice him when he gives me the special attention I need? How could I not want him when his smile gives a tickle in my heart? How could I not like him when I always see his face wooing me to like him?

From the day I met him, I knew I already liked him. And from the very start I tried to resist such feeling. The more I strived against my feelings the more he occupied my every waking and sleeping hours. Sounds crazy but it’s true. And when you’re in love, everybody gets to notice it because your eyes spark like a happy star. I remember very well yesterday when Janice, my seatmate in the office, asked me “Mare in love ka ba?”

But just last night, as I was reading one of Bo Sanchez’ book, “Fill Your Life With Miracles,” I read about the two types of pain – the pain of regret and the pain of commitment. I chose the latter. Know the song “Sad to Belong?” It’s the song that perfectly describes my situation. I would rather choose the pain of commitment than to weep with sadness of a thousand years. In life, we can really never escape pain but we can always settle for the pain that somehow can be cured by time.

My love story isn’t sad at all because it paves way to self-love. With my decision to let go, I had freed myself from the pain of regret, which indeed gave a meaningful love for myself.

My 25th birthday has been one of the most remarkable day for me. Not just because it’s my silver birthday, nor because I met with old friends, but because finally, I have learned to love myself again. Indeed, it gives me this unreserved happiness right now.

As I evaluate myself for this year, I came to realize that a lot of things have changed in me. I do things that I cannot do before like writing a blog such as this one, wearing a dress, singing on the stage in front of new acquaintances, treating myself to indulgences like a massage, pedicure and facial, riding on a treadmill to feel lighter, saying “No” to my friends sometimes when I don’t feel like doing or going with them, reading good books, giving tithes, enjoying my work, feeling satisfied with all I have and most especially feeling confident and in love about myself. Thank You Lord for these changes! I enjoyed these wonderful blessings so much.

Loving one’s self may seem selfish or self-indulgent but actually it’s not. Love experts even say that it is a pre-requisite to loving anyone else. So treat yourself very well starting today for we’ll never know what lies ahead of us.

Perhaps my writing is getting else where and I couldn’t find a way to end it. Maan, who happens to be seating in front of me, is already making a face while rushing me so much for this article so let me just end this with some lyrics, the song written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed, Greatest Love of all “The greatest love of all / Is easy to achieve / Learning to love yourself / It is the greatest love of all.”

- o -

Judith Riann Fernandez is a CPA by profession. Her sunny personality has attracted a lot of friends who, in one time or another, has needed a boost in spirit. In the sometimes stressful workplace where she belongs, her jokes and laughter can refresh and rejuvenate everyone.

INDIVIDUALITY

2008-10-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

Pat & I tried to apply our individuality this week so we decided to each write about a topic that is close to our heart. Hope you enjoy reading both. - Maan

P.S. Sa wakas may picture na kami ng pare ko.

COOKIES PAGE:

P R I C E L E S S

I went back home last week. I planned to go home since I am going to travel to General Santos City on the 16th for another audit engagement. I will stay there till the end of October. I was already in Cubao bus terminal and unfortunately I didn’t catch the air conditioned bus. I was late by a couple of minutes. I was so tired from the day’s work and I didn’t want to wait for another hour for the next one. I decided to take the ordinary bus.

My trip went quite good. I was asleep during the trip. I reached our house past four o’clock in the morning. I was welcomed by the cats in our front yard (yup we have ten adopted stray cats). I opened the door when I heard the voice of my father calling my name. As he approached me I reached for his hand as I make the usual mano po.

This is the usual routine every time I go home and arrive at early dawn.

After putting down my bag, I went straight to the kitchen. There is still pork adobo left, one of my favorite home-cooked meals. I felt a bit hungry so I decided to eat some. I missed so much eating at home after dining almost every night in fast food restaurants. While eating, my father joined me as he sipped his hot coffee. I always treasure this moment, conversing with my Papa at early hours of the morning. I call this one as our “Kumustahan Moments”.

After I graduated in college, I began to talk too much with my father. As days passed by I became honest and opened up to him. It was hard at first, since I grew up having an impression that he is so strict and a disciplinarian. I shared many stories with him. He knows my dreams, my goals, and my plans in life. I narrated the places I’ve been to. I asked for his opinion regarding my decision to have my own business someday. He knows who my former girlfriend was and whether she passed his standards. And when I broke up with her he was there to give some advice (a one-liner advice). He is a man of few words. Meanwhile, he usually shares with me how his days went by with his students, co-teachers, and their principal (he is a Math teacher by the way). He always tells me his plans after retirement (3 years from now). He also frequently asks about my life in Manila and my work.

As I look at my father, I noticed how he has aged through the years. He now has gray hairs and a sporadically aching back. But he still owns a serious face which I think I inherited from him. That’s his signature. He is known for being so serious. But for me, he is not that much serious. Just like a coin, I’ve seen the other side- the lighter side of his life.

He was almost done with his coffee when I finished eating the pork adobo on my plate. It took us almost an hour having a great time talking. No matter how sleepy I was during that moment I still managed to stay awake because I didn’t want to miss tiny details of our conversation. No rewinds. No pause buttons. No replays. It goes spontaneously. It is so precious.

Our Kumustahan Moment is indeed… priceless.

CREAM PAGE:

A NEW FRIENDSHIP & BOXING

I used to workout alone. Now I have a new workout buddy, Weng, a 29-year-old call-center agent from Bulacan. I met her just this September. She is a pretty lady with a baby face. She had recently come out of a break up. We have the same sort of heavy body type that’s why it’s quite a challenge to exercise and slim down. We go to Elorde Boxing Gym located here at the 4th floor West Tower Tektite in Ortigas City. As much as possible, we schedule it every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I first enrolled in Elorde on January of this year with the hope of having a fit body before the summer. Fortunately, after 3 months of faithful training, my love handles reduced in size, my hips isn’t as wide as before & my flabby arms had firmed up a bit.

Before you commit to boxing, the Elorde staff will give you a free trial workout so if you happen to like the first session, you will now have to pay Php 700 for the annual membership & Php 1,500 for a 10-session workout. They have competent boxing trainers who were once participants of professional boxing tournaments here in the Philippines and abroad. My trainer is a short but swift guy named Gerald. He came from a region in Mindanao. His brows have scars & his fists have what seem to be permanent calluses. The cardio routines make us huff and puff and burn the fat. Doing the jab, uppercut, hook and footwork like real boxers develop our arm and leg muscles. The session will begin with a warm up followed by 3 rounds of sparring. Then we work the speed ball, swing ball and the punching bag followed by another 3 rounds of sparring. This will be concluded with the cooling down which is composed of lots of crunches. Whew! At the end of the session, we shower and feel refreshed once again. It’s all worth it – health-wise, money-wise & socially. Not to mention, boxing is a great stress-buster to all those couch potatoes out there.

Silent Killer

2008-10-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

Cookies Page:

"The only benefit stress provides to our body is that it sparks our adrenaline."

The very reason why I was hesitant to apply for a job in Manila is because I hate stress. I had this biased perception that living in Manila is stressful as compared to the way of life in my hometown or in Baguio City. My only categories of comparison are traffic and pollution. I had this great plan of building a career in Baguio where I feel the cozy atmosphere of a home. I was also decided to pursue a teaching position in one of the universities in the City of Pines not minding lesser income. What mattered to me back then is having a stress free life.

Unfortunately, things changed. Right now I am here in Makati, employed as an auditor and currently in a rush to finish my working paper. After spending months of stay in the firm beating deadlines, dealing with unfriendly clients, and handling pressures, I can say I became a part of growing number of victims by this Silent Killer- STRESS!

Stress is the one of the enemies of people in the workplace. It attacks by surprise and it’s like a habit that is hard to break when it enters your system. Workplace stress is the result of great amount of demands on the job. It is omnipresent in an unsupportive work environment. Co-workers which are hard to get along with or with irritating behaviors are the allies of stress.

The only benefit stress provides to our body is that it sparks our adrenaline. Our mind and body act on a fast pace in order to meet the demands of our work which is the natural scenario in the workplace. Without stress we wouldn’t meet deadlines, strive hard to achieve quotas in sale or reached the production target. Meeting all this expectations makes our work interesting and satisfying. However, problem occurs when stress is so overwhelming or constant that the tension never abates we never get the chance to relax.

As a warning to all of us, we are victims of stress if we already feel these symptoms:

Headache

Sleep disturbance

Upset stomach

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability

Low morale

Poor relations with family and friends

If you feel those listed above act quickly and find a remedy to fight stress. I found some friendly tips for all of us, victims of stress:

Get time away. If you feel the presence of stress, try to move out and break free. Walk away from the situation. Stand up from your sit and stroll around the office to catch up some fresh air. Spend a few minutes of meditating. Find a silent place and enjoy a 5 to 15 minutes break.

Talk it out. The best way to reduce your stress is simply expressing it out and share to someone close to you what you feel. However be careful not to sound hysterical or in panic mode. Simply talk it out. Surely support from others will be overflowing which is an excellent remedy to steam off stress.

Cultivate allies at work. The feeling that you are not alone in the battle field assures you that there are co-workers who are willing to assist you in time of stress. Just remember to reciprocate and help them when they are in need.

Find humor in the situation. Talking out your stressful experience to people around you hilariously and not seriously ensures you that series of laughter will fill up your atmosphere. Sometimes it’s nice to have co-workers who are naturally born comedian for instant laughter on gloomy days. Just like in a saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”.

I hope these tips can help you deal with stress. Enjoy life and have a stress free day!

Cream Page:

"I assure myself that any time now, things will get better and the task I’m working on will be accomplished. "

Stress Test
The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used in a case study on stress level at St. Mary's Hospital.Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical.A closely monitored, scientific study of a group revealed that in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical; a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins. If there are many differences found between both dolphins, it means that the person is experiencing a great amount of stress.Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may want to take a vacation.

Didn’t that make you laugh!? In this fast-paced stressful life we have now, it’s refreshing to take a vacation from time to time. If you want to live longer, just take it easy. Don’t take life too seriously. Laugh and have fun under the sun, and even under the rain. Be a child-at-heart.

Many people today are ambitious. And that’s not a bad thing at all. It’s not bad to desire a big house, your own car, a trip abroad or a self-established business. But many are hard-driving workaholics. They work 25 hours a day. And stress is one of the silent killers affecting their system. Work is the 3rd most common cause of stress after bereavement and divorce.

Stress is the body's response to any stimulus. Any type of stress triggers physiological responses: your adrenaline output increases, your heart pumps faster, and your breathing rate goes up. There is both healthy and unhealthy stress. Some stress adds the needed pressure to push us through an important deadline but there is also negative stress that can have some serious impacts on our health. The strain of negative stress manifests such symptoms as: chronic fatigue, headaches, a change in eating habits, inability to concentrate and general irritability. Stress hormones weaken the immune system, increase blood pressure and increase the number of blood platelets which can clog arteries.
Whenever I experience stress, I try to be optimistic. I assure myself that any time now, things will get better and the task I’m working on will be accomplished. Time is not my friend with the job I have. We always have to act fast, to catch up, to beat the cut-off, to make it no matter what. But at the end of the day, I always sigh with relief and relax once again. I never bring any work home. I usually read a good book before I sleep at night. And every weekend I see to it that I watch a good movie as well. But the greatest stress-buster I know is chatting with friends and officemates, and having a good belly laugh once in a while and even during that stressful time of the day. It makes things lighter and more bearable.

“If we agree that the bottom line of life is happiness, not success, then it makes perfect sense to say that it is the journey that counts, not reaching the destination”-Csikszentmihalyi

DELECTABLE FINALE

Stress is inevitable. It can either be positive or negative. It’s up to us how we’ll let it affect us but it’s always important to keep a positive and optimistic attitude. Let’s not take things too seriously and be playful from time to time. Life is still worthwhile. There are multivitamins in the market that may alleviate stress but there’s also a free stress-buster always available to us: a good belly laugh.

Unforgettable City: Baguio City

2008-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Cookies Page:

“Baguio City has amenities of a city and a province.”

“Tara Baguio tayo this weekend!”

These are the words my co-worker utters out of the blue every time he feels upset or mentally stressed-out from audit. Of course all the people around him including myself positively reply from his invitation. Unfortunately due to time constraints our plan for a weekend in Baguio always does not prosper.

Why do people like to go to Baguio? Well for me, this city plays a big part in my life. I’ll share with you tidbits of my family background. My mom grew up and studied there being an alumnus of University of Baguio. I still remember her stories about her childhood days and on how much she spent (25 centavos) for a movie ticket with sandwich and her taxi fare back and forth to their house. My mom’s sister, Tita Naty and her family, who lives in Loakan, were my only relatives in Baguio. Also my parents were married in Saint Vincent Church, (near SLU Girls High).

On my part, I was lucky to study in Saint Louis University. I met the nicest and coolest guys who became my friends. My old flames were both from Baguio (just a coincidence). The city I loved most also gave me my first job as a banker assuring our clients that they are in good hands.

What’s with Baguio anyway? A friend of mine once said “Baguio City has amenities of a city and a province.” I guess she is right. Life in Baguio is just like in Manila. The city is becoming thickly populated each year but the people are still kind, warm and good-natured. SM mall and establishments, mostly food and restaurants sprouted like mushrooms as well but the simplicity of life remains and the cost of living is far cheaper as compared to other major cities in the country. There are already traffic jams at some streets and air pollution is evident but taking a different perspective, walking along the city is still enjoyable because of the cold climate and still green environment (though there are lesser pine trees as compared before).

Well back to the present, my co-worker’s invitation is finally fulfilled. Ten of us went to Baguio during the first weekend of September. After being in Manila for months, I was so eager to go back to Baguio. It was the joyous weekend escapade I ever had. We were like tourists in the City of Pines as we wandered along Lourdes Grotto, Burnham Park, Mines View, and Botanical Garden (whew!). We had our lunch in Good Taste where foods are served just like in fiestas (burp!). Finally we ate our dinner in Don Hen (I still love their pizza!). I met my old friends and enjoyed the rest of the evening listening to the acoustic sound of Baguio City.

I guess it is not only the beauty and coolness of Baguio which make this city an unforgettable one, but the memories I created with people I met during my stay. People who were once strangers became friends.

“Tara Baguio ulit tayo this weekend!”

PS: My co-worker in the office suggested this topic. He wants to see an article in our blog about the Baguio City. Nelson your request is granted.

Cream Page:

"I had a fun time shopping for a week’s supplies at Sunshine."

I had the chance to read this interesting section in a particular blog:

You grew up in Baguio City if…

…you bought your school supplies from CID Educational Supplies

…you bought your fabrics from Tiong San Bazaar

…you went to Tea House for coffee and siopao

…you went to see movies at Pines Theatre
…you think that the best chinese restaurant in town is Rosebowl Restaurant

…you had your photos developed at Pines Studio

…you buy your potted plants at Orchidarium

...you know what cooking oil looks like if not in bottles

…you know that the best San Rival is from Sizzling plate

…you don't have an inclination to eat at mcdo/jollibee/dunkin donuts which came to baguio only in the middle 90s

…you always prepare vegetable salad in any handaan

…you speak straight and clear english without an annoying colegiala accent

…you do not wear the Baguio City hat (only tourists wear them)

…your idea of a good weekend is a picnic at burnham or john hay or swimming at asin hot springs

…you have eaten Pinikpikan at least once in your life

…you have a photographer take your picture at Burnham in the morning and then claim it in the afternoon

Baguio City brings wonderful memories to me. This is the place where my mom and dad met when they were still college students at Saint Louis University. They weren’t from this City to begin with. That was destiny. Eventually, they decided to settle there as well. I had been working here in Pasig City for almost 3 years now and it will be a precious treat to stay for at least a week in my own hometown. Although the “Cleanest & Greenest City” had deteriorated a bit in terms of cleanliness, orderliness & coolness of climate, the place is still so nice compared to the urban areas here in Manila.

My fondest memory of Baguio is of course the time when I was growing up. When I was about 7 or 8 years old my mother would already give us a list to buy from the supermarket. I had a fun time shopping for a week’s supplies at Sunshine. I bought necessities like milk, sugar, hotdogs, soap, shampoo, etc. Sometimes it was too heavy that’s why I rode a taxi going home. I grew up to be independent at a very young age. I thank God for having Baguio as a home because it was a peaceful and secure place. There were no hold-uppers, snatchers, kidnappers and the like – a very safe place for a kid like me to have gone walking all alone and practicing my soloist attitude.
I recommend Baguio tourists to visit Pink Sisters Convent if they want to have a solemn moment to pray or to attend mass. Pink Sisters has a chapel ran by sisters who have angelic voices. If you are lucky, you will have the chance to hear them sing and you will feel peace and tranquility inside you.

I will never trade Baguio City for any other place because this is my home. Someday, this is the place where I may consider spending my golden years for good.

Delectable Finale:

All of us belong to a place where we are born. We have our own place which we call home. And still we also have a place which in one way or another became a big part of our life. For Maan and I it's Baguio City.

This city touches our lives. It nourished our needs during our years of stay. How ironic we found the warmest love of the people in the coolest place of the country. How about you what's your unforgettable place?

The Best Movie I Ever Watched

2008-09-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Cookies Page:

"It sounds corny to some, but admit it, all of us wanted to experience a one-of-a-kind love story."

I belong to a family who loves to watch movies. My father used to rent VHS tapes when I was still a kid. Every time he arrived from work, it was my instinct to check out what were the tapes he rented for our evening’s movie time. Being exposed to movies as early as my childhood days, I am lost in my count on how many movies I’ve already watched. And for this week’s article I am again in a dilemma what movie really fits the tag- The Best.

And then memories flashed back in my mind. What genre of movies do I really like to feature. Will it be a comedy, a serious drama, a mushy romantic one or a full packed action film? I really don’t have an idea. It is a totally bizarre scenario.

But wait, speaking of bizarre scenario maybe this one will fit in.

I watched this one on a DVD during one of those lazy Saturday nights back in dormitory days in college. It is a movie about a man who meets a woman unexpectedly and both their lives were changed during that moment. It’s a bizarre romantic comedy. I admit I felt somewhat bored at first especially during the first half of the movie but I was definitely fascinated by the latter part especially the finale. Most of all I was so tired reading the subtitles. Yup my friends you read it right- SUBTITLES, I spent my time reading subtitles and not actually listening to the dialogues because it was a Korean film! Still my effort was not put into waste. It was truly worthwhile watching this film. I guess you already know what I am talking about. Here are more clues- there’s a train station scene, a drunk lady, a pathetic guy, a long-stemmed rose during a piano recital, a scene of switching of shoes, a tree and… a time capsule.

Ladies and gentlemen you all got it all right. It is My Sassy Girl.

In 2001 this South Korean romantic comedy film was a phenomenon; a second highest selling film in Seoul over its 10 weeks in the cinemas. It is based on the true story told in a series of love letters written by Kim Ho-sik. His letters were initially posted in the internet and later adapted as novel. Recently, I also got the chance to watch the American remake (of the same title) of this film. Jesse Bradford and Elisha Cuthbert are the stars in the remake which is also directed by Yann Samuell. The plot was still the same but I still prefer the original version. While I was watching the Hollywood version, what I only did was to keep on comparing it to the original one.

I enjoyed watching My Sassy Girl because of its different plot as compared to typical love story. Most of all what attracts me to this film is the significance of believing in destiny. It sounds corny to some, but admit it, all of us wanted to experience a one-of-a-kind love story. At a certain point of our life we believed that someone is destined for us. That there is someone truly made for us.

I asked a lady friend of mine if she still believes in destiny and you know what she said? “Minsan hindi.”

There is nothing wrong believing in destiny. However in order to achieve what is destined for us, we need to make a move. In the movie after a year of separation, the guy (Gyeon-woo) worked hard to improve himself in many ways. He changed for the better.

For those still waiting for their special someone just like me, let’s make a move and change for the better. Who knows our SASSY someone is just around the corner.

* * *

PS : Happy Birthday to Vincent Escueta, Edna Diano and Mercy Reyes. Thanks Eds and Mercy for being avid fans of our blog. Also belated Happy Birthday to Acie Coballes, Abeth Loyola, Marco Pinez and Francis San Andres!

PS (again): Yesterday we had our bowling games, one of the events in our Sportsfest. Thanks for the support teammates! Go go go Blue Team!

Cream Page:

“What benefit does it have, if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?”

Profitability is one of the factors that will determine whether a movie is a big success or an embarrassing flop. Looking at the list of Hollywood films that are considered to be the most profitable, No. 1 on the list is… anybody could guess it, TITANIC – the 1997 film that earned an enormous $ 1.8 Billion, followed by the third and final installment of the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King with $1.1 Billion. I can’t believe that the 2008 movie, IRONMAN, which I truly enjoyed, is only on the 47th spot. It’s even under Ratatouille (37th) and Kung Fu Panda (38th). Going back to IRONMAN, the latest film adaptation of the Marvel Superhero, the story line put me at the edge of my seat. The special effects, the remarkable high technology devices & equipments that were shown made me exclaim “Wow”. The director of IRONMAN, Jon Favreau, is a genius. And for that moment, I fell in love with IRONMAN (Robert Downey Jr.)
As you can see, a movie can entertain us, teach us, and move us. The movie which I actually chose for this article kind of pulled on a heartstring. It almost made me cry. This is a 2006 film inspired by a true story. The movie: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS directed by Gabriele Muccino.

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) and his girlfriend (Thandie Newton) started out fine, and they eventually had a son (Jaden Smith). Chris had big dreams for him and his family but it didn't seem to come together for him. In order to survive, Chris has to sell the Ostelo National bone-density scanners, an apparatus twice more expensive than x-ray with practically the same resolution, which is no doubt, difficult to sell. Their financial trouble got even worse until she couldn’t take it anymore and she left Chris to care for their 5-year-old son. Chris lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm but he will not receive any salary. If he passes, which is a 1 to 20 chance, he can become a big-time stock broker. He hangs on to that situation. He and his son got evicted from their apartment because they couldn’t pay anymore. They had to experience sleeping in bus stations, bathrooms, shelters or any other place where they can find refuge for the night. But through perseverance, love and patience, father and son was able to overcome the hardships.

The thing I learned from PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS is “Success is sweeter when achieved through hard work”. Trials make a person stronger and more grateful for the blessings that come. Anybody can easily get rich through illicit acts but as the proverb goes, “What benefit does it have, if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?” Chris Gardner is definitely someone who proved that no amount of hardship will get him down. For the love of his son, he just kept on going until he made it through.

Delectable Finale:

As kids, we loved watching colorful animated cartoons. Then we eventually became fond of teen movies. Right now, we can watch any movie with various themes – comedy, action, horror, drama, sci-fi, fantasy, western, musical. You name it, a producer has definitely made it. Haven’t you noticed? It’s much more pleasant to watch a movie whether at home or in theaters, together with the whole family, the whole barkada or with a significant other. It’s the whole incredible experience of “dipping” into another world, and sharing that particular experience with somebody close to us. After a whole stressful week, relax, unwind, sit back, have your popcorn ready, and watch a movie. There is a lineup of great new movies in theaters now.

Picture Perfect

2008-09-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

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"We were baptized as Dorm Boys of our batch."

I had a tough time choosing for a perfect picture to be presented for this week’s article. I thought it will be easy as pie selecting the best picture since I already have plenty of pictures in my file. I was wrong. Selecting a perfect one gave me a headache!

As I review the pictures in my file, my cursor stopped to some pictures I had with my closest buddies back in Men’s Dorm days.

Way back in college, I made a great bond of friendship with these six great guys. These fellows were from different provinces (from north of Luzon), five of them are Ilocanos actually. They were my batchmates, classmates and at the same time dormmates. We were baptized as Dorm Boys of our batch.

Dexter, the guy sporting a cap, is the genius among the group. He is such a remarkable student from Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, receiving Latin awards to both bachelor degree in Accountancy and Financial Management. Not known by many, he has a talent in poster making- a magnificent artist indeed. Thanks to him, I got the chance to be hired in the audit firm I am working now.

Jonax, (in orange T-shirt) the guest blogger for the month of September, is the most silent but deadly among the group. A former seminarian from San Fernando, La Union is the epitome of the saying, “Silent water runs deep”. A great writer, a musician who idolizes Goo Goo Dolls, and at the same time a singer being a part of a chorale back in college days. Right now, this English-speaking fellow is my roommate.

Raffy a.k.a “Kadafy” (the guy seated on my left side) is the most diligent (even the fastest guy in finishing assignments and projects) among the group. He hails from Cauayan City, Isabela and has the identity of being the moody type of guy in the group. He is also a prolific dancer, imitating the moves in the movie You Got Served.

Chix, (on my left) is my kababayan from Mangaldan, Pangasinan. Every time we go to their house, wow the food is so great especially the sea foods! This guy is also a singer who once became a part of chorale just like Jonax, and an artist, being good in brush and paints just like Dexter. (By the way Chix if you read this one, we haven’t heard about you for so long pacheese burger ka naman!)

Mcdo, (on my left) the guy from Dupax Sur, Nueva Vizcaya is the most popular among the group. He is our batch most favorite guy. A true blue stage actor, he once owned the stage during his performance in Drama Feast during the University Days. He took the road less traveled by choosing to establish a career on Special Education (Sign Language for deaf and mute and Braille Alphabet for the blind). He is the jolliest person in the group. I never have seen a frown on his face. Indeed he has his own way of making people smile.

Lastly Jerry (at center), from Bangued, Abra is the most talented guy in the group. This guy is jack of all trades master of all. He is a singer, composer, master of different instruments (piano and guitar most notably), table tennis champion, all around basketball player, a great leader and most of all a great friend. He is the first one I became close with since we were on the same block section during our freshmen year. Indeed he is a worthy friend to keep! His antics and jokes are truly one of a kind!

In the days to come we will take our own different paths towards our chosen careers. Some will move to other places while some will decide to stay. We may not see each other as often as we want to; still our friendship remains.

I can’t find any group picture we had. I guess these pictures I selected are like pieces of a puzzle… combining all them creates a picture…

A picture perfect!

* * *

PS: Dex hope you read this one. This one's for you tol! We'll surely miss you! Keep in touch always! Be safe always there!

PS (again): I was down by flu during the past days, thanks Jonax for the medicines. Thanks CPA for recommending bioflu is best for flu. hehehe! Thanks Maan for the concern. Thanks Beth, A/P- Accrual Team and Cash team for everything.

Cream Page:

"I was the one who sung to him every night before he went to sleep."

This is the picture I chose for this topic Pat and I chose for the week. This picture, taken of me and my younger brother, Carl Christian, was during their summer vacation of 2008, if I can remember it right. We were eating at Yoshinoya in Megamall for the very first time. Together with us are my older brother & his girlfriend. Both of the big guys had almost 10 cups of extra rice because the extra rice was for free.

Carl Christian is my big “little” brother. He was born when I was already 7 years old. I was the one who sung to him every night before he went to sleep. The songs were commonly the theme songs from teleseryes of the past like Valiente . When he started going to school, he told me about the time when his teacher in Grade 3 scolded him and terrorized his other classmates for petty things and I got sad because those children’s hearts are still tender and fragile. He told me about his other teachers (whom we made fun of sometimes), about his classmates and friends. Then he grew up again, I caught him smoking one time in Session Road with his friends and I didn’t even tell our Mom. She had a way of finding out anyway.

My brother is 18 years old now and studying in Baguio City. As my Mom said, she doesn’t expect me or my other siblings who already earns money to support her financially or to contribute anything to the household expenses. It’s all right with her that we help our brother through college and give in to some of his lambing like a new pair of shoes or a new shirt or pants.
Feel free to sing IF by Bread. This is such a wonderful love song about not being alone. And the opening phrase happens to be true about PICTURES: A picture is worth a thousand words. Every picture tells a story.

If a picture paints a thousand words,

Then why can´t I paint you?

The words will never show

The you I´ve come to know

If a face could launch a thousand ships,

Then where am I to go?

There´s no one home but you,

You´re all that´s left me too

And when my love for life is running dry,

You come and pour yourself on me

If I could be two places at one time,

I´d be with you

Tomorrow and today,

Beside you all the way

If the world should stop revolving

Spinning slowly down to die,

I´d spend the end with you

And when the world was through,

Then one by one the stars would all go out,

Then you and I would simply fly away

(Turnaround)

If a picture paints a thousand words,

Then why can´t I paint you?

'Cause the words could never show

The you I´ve come to know

And one by one the stars will all go out,

But you and I will simply fly away

We'll fly away.

Delectable Finale:

We all love taking pictures. With the advent of technology we now have digicameras with us. I guess it's not the color, the lights or the background which makes every picture a perfect one. But the people at one time or another we spend a moment with for a snapshot.

Say cheese!!!

Guest Blogger of the Month

2008-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is actually an experiment. Maan and I would like to share our blog to our friends who would like to share their stories and experiences in life. We decided to have a GUEST BLOGGER every month!

We would like to invite all our friends who would like also to be part of our blog. Feel free to contact Maan and I.

In the mean time, here's our Guest Blogger for the month of September: Jonax.

First

2008-09-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Guest Blogger of the Month:

" I promised not to fall for her. I was wrong."
- Jonax

This world is just so amazing. No one really knows when things will happen in his life. Unpredictable! Ah, such thrill and ecstasy that envelops a person’s bits of consciousness especially when it’s experienced the first time.

Honestly, I don’t exactly know how to go about writing my first. It’s not that easy since I’m the type of guy who would rather keep personal experiences locked up in my closet than freely unleashing them out in public. But then I guess I have no choice but to give in and share at least a single first or else I’ll be sacked by Mr. Starfish!

Rewind… It all started on the month of June in the year 2000, the first month of my college life in Baguio City. There she was the most popular girl in our block section… pretty, simple and definitely a head-turner. Most guys knew something about her but as for me I didn’t really care because I was then a cold cake freshly baked from the ovens of the seminary. I was not really interested in women. Its not that I’m an “it” or something but I guess it’s just that I was taught to live a life of chastity and celibacy. Whew, religious vows! In other words, the things I learned really sunk in and occupied my senses.

Fast track… Days passed, we became close to each other and the cliffs of being complete strangers were slowly abridged. I was her confidant. She would seek my advice from time to time. At that time she had a boyfriend, a basketball player from one of the popular leagues in the country. Long distance relationship… no communication… disloyalty… distrust… eventually they broke up. I was there to hear the whole story. I was there to see her pain.

Turning point… We went out from time to time. Text messages bounced to and from our cellular phones until the wee hours of the morning. I promised myself not to take advantage of her recent break-up. I promised not to fall for her. I was wrong.

Downside… One day, our common friend asked me to accompany her in a photo shop. I agreed since I was free at the moment. I was not asking anything in return but then our common friend insisted so we end up eating in a fast-food chain. Someone saw us. Misinformation… miscommunication… all was lost in thin air.

I didn’t exactly know what to do… I was too scared… I was too immature… This was the first time I fell deeply in love and the first time that I have to let go…

***

Jonax, is a CPA, a singer, and a writer. Check out also his blogsite at http://neoscribbles.blogspot.com/.

Turning Disability into Grace

2008-09-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

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"I read articles about her accomplishments and stories along side with her clutches. I see in her a disabled lady but with a mission. "

Every morning I always see a man sitting in the sidewalk, meters away from our client’s office. He sits on an old cartoon box with his clutch at rest on the wall. In front of him is his precious plastic cup- his main source of income for him to survive each day of his life. There is no placard telling how pitiful he is as he begs for spare coins in people’s pocket. He sits there silently from morning till afternoon, displaying his thin left leg. He is an epitome of a man who quitted dreaming a long time ago. Maybe he had forgotten that he is also a man with a mission in life.

He is a beggar.

He is a beggar probably crippled early in childhood by polio.

***

One of the Ramon Magsaysay awardees this year is Gov. Grace Padaca, a former local radio broadcaster in Isabela turned politician. She became famous after ending a dynasty in politics in Isabela. She received the award for Government Service after serving her constituents with candid public service and for being a vocal advocate of “Free Isabela” campaign. She has brought a new image for Isabela during her term as a governor by reminding her people that they are no longer “victims of cheaters and opportunists”. I see her on TV walking with her clutches. I read articles about her accomplishments and stories along side with her clutches. I see in her a disabled lady but with a mission.

She is a public servant.

She is a public servant crippled early in childhood by polio.

***

These are two people with the same disability but with different status in life. One had chosen to receive while the latter decided to give.

We all have our own weakness and disabilities in life; physically, emotionally or even financially. Yet it is not a reason why we need to sit down and pity our situation. Let’s not blame our parents and their genes for being handicapped. Forget the freak accidents or ailments we had which had destroyed our physique and our capability to work. Stop cursing people who once in our life betrayed and hurt us. There is nothing we can do about it. Accept the fact that we are born with all these imperfections. Our imperfections must not be a hindrance for us to fulfill our mission in life. What we only need is to have a different perspective in life by turning our disability into grace.

If only we can find the real mission that is assigned to us then we will all have this enthusiasm to live and to grow. We have all the time to make a move. Making a giant step would not be necessary. Making a small step though will do in order to escape from our old and disabled self. Encourage everyone to help one another to overcome each others disabilities in life. Just like Gov. Padaca, she liberated her people as well from their disabilities by being a model of change in serving the people.

I hope one day, we will not all be beggars of hopelessness and pity but be givers of passion and life.

Cream Page:

"As you can see, her disability was never a hindrance to free her province from a tyrannous administration. "

Maria Gracia Cielo Magno Padaca, a Filipino, received a Ramon Magsaysay Award together with other exemplary individuals from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Sri Lanka last August 31, 2008 at the CCP Complex. This prestigious award is one of the highest honors a person from Asia may receive. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Upon knowing of Padaca’s story, I myself can tell you that her story is one that will inspire you. She is a courageous and passionate woman whose battle in the political arena in Isabela can be compared to the battle of the Biblical characters David & Goliath.

Grace was born in 1963 and was crippled early in childhood by polio. She was a scholar and by the age of 21, she became a Certified Public Accountant. She took an accounting job at Bombo Radyo and eventually became a broadcaster, too. She exposed Isabela’s persistent corruption, gambling, illegal logging and other problems that worsened the province’s economy. Isabela was then controlled by the Dy “dynasty” and nobody in Isabela ever challenged their ruling.

To cut the story short, Grace defied the odds by winning as Governor in 2004 and re-elected in 2007 for her second term. With her will and determination, she transformed Isabela into a better and more democratic place. She paid off 2/3 of the province’s huge debt. With the support of her constituents, Grace has improved the transportation, communication and medical facilities of Isabela. She also increased the budget for education and reforestation. She is a leader who empowered the people of Isabela to use their right to elect honest and democratic leaders and to refuse to be victims of cheaters and opportunists.

As you can see, her disability was never a hindrance to free her province from a tyrannous administration. She was an ACTION WOMAN. She had a belief and a strong will. And that was all that mattered. During the 2008 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, she received the special award for Government Service.

All around us, we see DISABILITY. The “taho” vendor or the “puto” vendor has a burden over their shoulders. Literally speaking, they do carry their goods over their shoulders. But because most of them lack some formal education, they have to endure the hard life. They lack the mental skills to work in a bank, teach in academic institutions, or build bridges and roads. That is why I strongly suggest that education be prioritized. Poverty itself should ignite determination to succeed in life. Like Lucio Tan, the 3rd richest man in the Philippines who formerly mopped floors in China to become a chemical engineer, and now, he is a rich businessman. And like our very own Sen. Manny Villar, the Philippines’ 5th richest, who was a shrimp vendor’s son. Manny worked all his way to the top.

Every disability, whether physical or the status in life a person was born with, can always be turned to GRACE.

Delectable Finale:

Everything happens for a REASON, even the most embarrassing disability. But God has a purpose for all of us. He has that great master plan. Pray to God for that special purpose in life. Ask Him what that mission on earth is. And I’m sure that a person’s disability can eventually be a GIFT.

September

2008-09-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

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"Abundance and happiness is hard to find for many Filipinos but never on Christmas day. "

I woke up early last Monday morning and I saw Edu Manzano on TV greeting everyone with his “advanced-Christmas greetings” in one of the segment in Umagang Kay Ganda. Edu and the rest of the cast of the morning news program were discussing about Christmas while Christmas song was being played in the background. The spirit of Christmas season was very much present in their set with all the glittering decorations, Christmas trees and Santa Claus displayed. Then I realized it was the first day of the month of September. Ber-month officially started and for us, Filipinos it is the start of Christmas season!

They say, the Philippines have the longest celebration of Christmas season. Radio stations play Christmas carols during the early hours in the morning and we greet one another “Advance Merry Christmas!” even if it is still September. I don’t know where we got this practice of considering all months ending in ber as part of the Yuletide season.

I have my own point of view why we tend to celebrate Christmas so early. Christmas for us connotes happiness. It is only during this time of the year we feel joy and abundance. People, particularly the working class, are rich during Christmas with bonuses in their pockets. Noche Buena packages are present in every employee’s dining table. Malls and commercial centers are jam packed with sales from all corners. Promos and raffle tickets are distributed to customers. Children are happy with their new toys, clothes and instant money from their ninong and ninang. Others consider this occasion as the best moment for reunions. Families divided by time; friends separated by their careers; and long lost classmates in high school and colleges of all ages were all reunited again during this special occasion. These series of events are not present in our regular days during the year. Abundance and happiness is hard to find for many Filipinos but never on Christmas day.

Amid the crises in our lives we still never lose hope. Even if the price of gasoline and basic commodities is rising; even if there is rice shortage; even if our expenses are ballooning while our salary increases are not enough to cover our needs and wants, many of us are still in positive spirit. Celebrating Christmas as early as September is an example of how optimistic we, Filipinos are. We even keep telling to ourselves “Sana Pasko na!” every time we face problems- financially most of the time.

I have nothing against this practice because I also enjoy the euphoria that I feel every time I feel the spirit of Christmas. Since we have the longest Christmas season, we also have the longest time to give and share our blessings to the needy. Isn’t it that Christmas is also about sharing our blessings to the less fortunate. Why don’t we start to give as early as September? As we celebrate Christmas on ber-months may we all be instruments of charity and a source of happiness to all our brethren.

Advance- Merry Christmas everybody!!!!

Cream Page:

"Make the most of this exciting month"

The following events are a few of the historic but sad events that happened in the month of September:

September 11, 2001: The 911 terrorist attacks in the USA that shattered the whole world. This is one of the many important events of September in the last 2000 years.

September 5, 1997: Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who devoted her life to helping the poor, died at the age of 87.

September 4, 2006: “Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin dies while filming in Australia's Great Barrier Reef when a stingray's barb pierced his chest.

But there is no use getting sad over this merry month of September because we all know that the Christmas season is fast approaching. Do you feel the slight chill in the air? I do coz I live in a mountainous part of Rizal. I even feel a little bit excited. Ganyan talaga pag malapit na ang Pasko.

It is also Grandparents’ Day on September 7. I should remember to greet my Lolo Rudy on that day. He is my only remaining grandparent. Lolo Rudy is my mom’s father who lives in Olongapo City. From him I got my sociable personality – making friends with almost all the people I meet.

Allow me to introduce my other three grandparents who are no longer with us, and let me share with you why I’m so proud to be their “apo”.

Lola Rose – my mom’s mother. From her I have this patience in making arts and crafts no matter how “busisi” or delicate the project may be.

Lolo Felix – my dad’s father who was a soldier. I got from him his love for reading books. He was the original bookworm. An intelligent man.

Finally, Lola Maura, the mother of my dad. She was a hardworking entrepreneur. This is the reason why I want to have a business of my own, too.

So guys, make the most of this exciting month. Don’t forget to greet your grandparents on the 7th.

Delectable Finale:

There are a lot of things to look forward to on September. Let's celebrate each day with full of enthusiasm as our countdown begins in anticipation for Christmas. May we all start extending our helping hands to the poor and share our blessings!

Don't forget to give our warmest embraces to all our lolos and lolas as we celebrate Grandparents' Day on the 7th. Let's make their days more meaningful as they face the twilight of their lives.

Live life to the fullest!!!

The Best Teacher I Ever Had

2008-08-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

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"Boy I couldn’t wait to grow up and skip elementary! I wanted to become her legitimate student back then. "

I knew her ever since I was a kid. She was well-known in our community as a kind and approachable English teacher. Many positive feedbacks I heard about her from her former students. Some of them are young professional already while others remained to be common faces in our place, yet all of them have one thing in common- they keep on uttering words of praise and admiration as they pay tribute to their ever beloved Madam Ellen.

Back to my childhood days, I used to stroll inside the campus of a private school where Madam Ellen once became a member of the faculty. Our house was a stone’s throw away from the school where she’s teaching back then. During those days I had access to stay inside the school campus. I played with the freshmen; had snacks together with the sophomores; watched the juniors marched during their CAT and became a mascot of the seniors during the intramurals. Being popular and familiar with the students I got the chance to sit-in with them during their classes. Of course I acted the way they did. I had my own pen and paper and even my own seat as well! When their heads were bowed down during quizzes and exams, I was also busy on my paper writing my name in every line of intermediate paper. During recitation though, I was the quietest person inside the room since I didn’t care what they were discussing about. And during those days I had seen how energetic and enthusiastic Madam Ellen was.

Her students liked her very much. Neither did I see her scold nor embarrass students in front of the class. She also had a reservoir of stories- from her childhood days up to the time she first landed a teaching job. During her class, I couldn’t remember a single moment when I saw someone sleeping. She had this magnet to attract the eyes of her audience- call it charisma as other people describe it. Boy I couldn’t wait to grow up and skip elementary! I wanted to become her legitimate student back then.

Soon my glory days were over. Gone were the days where I rubbed shoulders with high school students. I was no longer a saling pusa during PROM nights, Christmas parties and intramurals. Reality bit me. Time had come to go to elementary. I felt so bitter back then, no more time to sit inside Madam Ellen’s English class.

During my early years in elementary, I admit my luck ran out. I was tortured emotionally by my teachers. I was humiliated in front of the class. I was compared to my classmates for being so slow in Math- my waterloo. My teachers back then where traditional in nature wherein they believed in the mighty power of wooden stick to discipline us. They were far different to Madam Ellen. Compassion and authentic love to pupils never became a part of their system. In other words, I had a terrible stay in elementary.

Years passed by and I graduated in elementary. Deciding where to enroll in high school was easy as pie on my part. I went back to the school I used to hang out when I was young. I was so lucky Madam Ellen was still there, though I never became her student at once. I waited more till my junior year. The long wait was finally over. I finally became her formal student.

She was still the same. She had some gray hairs and wrinkles in her face but the enthusiasm to teach and tell exciting stories of her life was still there. I envied the way she spoke English with ease and how articulate she was. Because of her, I grasped a better foundation in English language; fascinated by the history of English and American Literature and captivated by Filipino-English literary works. Because of her I fell in love with writing.

Beyond all the knowledge that she imparted to our young minds, her personality outside the school was even more astonishing. She was a devoted Catholic being an active individual in our church. She was also a loving and generous neighbor. During calamities, she never hesitated to lend a helping hand by providing canned goods and noodles from her small store. Even though she never talked in front of the class about her good deeds, her actions were loud and clear for us, her students to imitate. Indeed she was well-loved and respected in our community.

After high school I went back to Baguio City and bade farewell to my beloved teacher. I kept our communication lines open. A year after she became a school registrar and she still managed to have some teaching loads. Then I received the saddest news about her. She got ill and for three years she dealt with excruciating pain brought by her ailment.

I frequently visited her during her ordeal. Even though she was weak she still managed to draw a smile on her face. Her physical stature deteriorated but the warmth of her heart and her never ending stories remained. My visits to her were all filled with laughter, stories, hugs and tears. All of them are still fresh in my memories. She was indeed far more than a teacher inside the four walls of a classroom. She was a teacher of life.

All beautiful songs have to end and the melody of Madam Ellen’s life was played on its finale. She passed away peacefully on 11th of August 2004. Her former students paid their last tribute to their much loved mentor. Her stories are now passed on to the next generation by her students. Indeed the legacy of a great teacher was made for eternity. The legacy of Madam Ellen will be forever evident in the life of her students.

Thanks Madam Ellen for being an influential persona in my life. Thanks for all the lessons you taught. Thanks for being a part of my life.

Thanks Mom for being such a great teacher of life!

PS: People in the primary picture are my classmates in high school who also became students of my mom.

Cream page:

"A teacher’s influence on the life of a student can never be quantified or measured in terms of distance and number of years."

During the May 2007 election in Taysan (Batangas), some teachers, supervised by Nellie Banaag had just finished counting the votes and were about to bring the ballot boxes to the Taysan Town Hall when masked and armed men arrived with firearms. These men poured gasoline on the ballot boxes and all over the place. The teachers and some crew burned inside the building.

-0-

Imagine, for just one small town election? Lives were destroyed. This is just one of the tragic stories that happened and continues to happen to teachers every election. For P3,000 as compensation, the lives of the public school teachers are put to risk. The teachers are required to serve during elections mainly because of the lack of manpower. But more important than that, teachers are considered to be the most honest and credible members of the civil service.

****************

My dad died when I was 9 years old. This happened during the summer after my 3rd grade in Elementary school. When I started Grade 4, I had this teacher in Home Economics who knew my dad and also about his death that summer. My teacher’s daughter was a student of my dad in Saint Louis University. I will never forget that teacher of mine, Mrs. Esperanza Sabater. She was old, about 50 years old during that time, skinny, she wore glasses that magnified her wide compassionate eyes, and she had short curly hair.

I learned a lot from her Home Economics class - the perfect combination of foods like champorado & tuyo, mami & siopao, suman and thick tsokolate drink. I learned to clean fresh fish, to sew manually and to use a sewing machine. I had the impression at that time that they were rearing us, girls, to be good housewives someday. But aside from that, I can never forget her because during our break time, she always called me aside and gave me money to buy snacks. Sometimes P50, sometimes P20. Actually, my mom already gave me my snack & lunch money that morning. I dunno, did she pity my “orphan” situation? Did I look like I haven’t eaten for a day? As I can remember, I was quite healthy & round during my 4th grade. I was even one of the tallest and healthiest in my class. Anyway, I will never forget Mrs. Sabater because she cared about me, a mere student of hers. She was like a nice grandmother to me. In the eyes of a child, the kind deeds that she showed will always be in my heart up to now.

-o-

A teacher’s influence on the life of a student can never be quantified or measured in terms of distance and number of years. What a teacher taught us will still be with us wherever we go, how old we become. Teachers are called second parents for a reason. They should be the role models outside our homes. They are presumed to be more knowledgeable and masters of their subjects. We should listen to them and appreciate their hard work. They are human too. They commit mistakes; they may not know the answers to some questions. But in the end, their only objective is to teach us what we need to know. That is their main concern.

DELECTABLE FINALE:

Among all the teachers in history, the greatest one of all is Jesus Christ. With His parables and stories which always contained lessons, He thought the people about goodness and compassion to fellow brothers. He introduced us to that Big Guy in heaven who loves us so much. He didn’t need a classroom or a blackboard. He was simply there for the people. His presence and His teachings enlightened the people’s path so they may not stray.

Doubt

2008-08-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

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How could my readers love my work?... The worst part of it I quit writing.

My dream of writing a book started when I realized I had skills in writing essays. I had the mind set that I could write whatever topic people would throw at me. So I read newspapers and idolized the way the columnists construct their articles. And then I compared my writings to them… hmmm something was wrong. Theirs looked so precise and deep while mine was so simple and shallow. How could my readers love my work? And then I began to have a doubt regarding my writing skills. And more anxieties came into my mind. Lots of questions ran in my mind. I doubted myself every time I hold a pen. The worst part of it I quit writing. That was in high school by the way.

When I was in college things changed. I was exposed to different areas in life which helped me realized I was wrong when I quit my passion for writing. I began to write again and I learned to love my work and most of all I eschew away doubts in me.

People are prone to have doubts, that’s a fact. It is just natural having doubts but to live life shadowed by anxieties and questions brought by our doubts is something we need to overcome. Having doubts is negative in nature. It will only lead us to become pessimistic- living life within our comfort zone. Later we will feel afraid to make a step to move out. Worst is that, it will soon remove our confidence and our capabilities to make best decisions in our life. Our doubts can kill our dreams and the chance to achieve the best life intended for us.

When I read articles about successful leaders and businessmen, I never see the word doubt nor identify a sentence indicating that they experienced having doubts during their journey towards success. However, all of us will I agree that these triumphant men and women once doubted their own self. The only line that separates them to losers is that they never entertain their doubts.

Defeating doubts in our mind is not easy. Back in college, the only reason why I felt like a mediocre every time I compared my composition to the articles in broadsheets is the fact that they (columnists) tend to use highfaluting words and their topics cater to serious issues like politics and current events. As compared on my part I keep banking on the light-hearted topics about the daily experiences I encountered. I also used simple words to let my readers enjoy their time reading and quickly absorb the thought I would like to impart. I removed my doubts simply accepting this reality. Most of all I began to embrace the truth- that I have my own way of writing my essays.

In life in general, having doubts is inevitable. Doubts will come in our work, career, competition, family, relationships, business ventures and even in our faith in God. Still the only remedy is to search for the truth. And when we find that truth, believe in it; keep your trust in it. For only the truth shall set our minds free.

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The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the true source of all art and science.
- Albert Einstein

Last Sunday I had the chance to watch BIG STAN, Rob Schneider’s latest movie which he also produced and directed. I mentioned this because aside from sharing what transpired in my long-weekend that was brought about by the celebration of Ninoy Aquino’s Death Anniversary, it will bring us to the topic Pat & I chose for this week: DOUBT. In the movie Stan has to go to prison because of his fraudulent and deceptive businesses. He doubted his survival inside prison. He feared that big guys will try to rape him. He cried and bawled over the situation until he met The Master.

A particular scene in the movie:

Stan and his wife are having dinner with The Master. With an aura of wisdom and confidence The Master said,

“I find weakness and turn it to strength.
I find fat and turn it to muscle.
I find blister and turn it to canker sore.
I find doubt and turn it to will.”

Truth be told, The Master trained Stan to defend himself against the big guys inside prison. Stan became the little “bully” that each prisoner feared and respected. So actually doubt can be changed to certainty, then to confidence and eventually, to a strong will.

You know what? I think if we always have doubt, this can hinder our growth as individuals. We must not forget that life is a journey. At the end of our days we’re going to look back and ask ourselves, what are the things we have accomplished? What are the moments that we will cherish? And definitely the moments we will never forget are those moments that took our breath away- the moments that made our hearts race, the risks we took, the courage and the bravery that we showed. And all of these will never be achieved if we forever stay in our comfort zones.

I am not afraid to try new stuffs. This is the reason why I chose, without second thoughts, to work here in Manila with its fast paced lifestyle. Many provincianos say “Maraming magnanakaw, manloloko, holdaper, kidnaper, drug-pusher sa Maynila. Maraming basura at sobrang init ang panahon dun”. But I still took the risk. After passing the board exams, my friends and I immediately applied jobs here because there were more opportunities. Luckily, I found a job in a real-estate company in Pasig City. So I enjoyed my new-found freedom in this metropolis. I wanted to explore new places, but I was still vigilant and cautious. The only thing that does not set off my sense of “adventure” are the night out “gimiks”. I don’t want to drink, get drunk and meet random people at bars all throughout the night. I guess that’s just not my kind of fun.

Last Saturday, I went to one of our company’s projects, Chateau Valenzuela. It was my first time to go to Valenzuela City. I just rode a bus going there. A non air-conditioned bus to be precise. Mainit, mausok, matagal ang biyahe dahil sa traffic. But it was perfectly fine with me because along the way going to Valenzuela, the bus passed through Caloocan then Malabon. I had never been to those places yet. So for that day, I saw 3 new places. And I was alone. Solo. I had no fear or doubt. I just trusted that I’m going to arrive Valenzuela eventually, which I did. It may seem shallow, but to me, coming from Baguio City, exploring a new town is still exhilarating.

The unknown is where growth resides. Be the best person that you can be.

Postscript: Belated Happy Birthday Mom! Your love is one thing in the world that I will never doubt.

Delectable Finale:

There was a funny line we had back in college and it goes like this:

"If you are in doubt… press F1 for help. "

I thought this is just a humorous and non-sense saying but at some point it is true. When we are in doubt, our mind was clouded by questions and anxieties. We tend to lose a vivid view in making decisions. Always be reminded having doubt is normal, however, we need to overcome our doubt in order to avoid its negative effects. We need to find our way out and seek for help in finding the truth. As we find the truth, learn as well to trust our own selves.

Always seek for the truth and believe in our own capabilities.

I hope our article serves as F1 button to all.

A Decade From Now

2008-08-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

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“Ten years from now all I want is to have time.”
-Patrick Celino

In my whole experience in writing, I just realized that I was prone to write about my past and not about my future. Maybe I treasured so much about what happened in my life during the prior years and forgetting to make a short glimpse at next years ahead of me. Right now I am pushed to write about what I would become ten years from now.

Honestly, I am not comfortable writing about this topic. However, I guess it is just on time to write something to look forward to since I am not getting younger anymore. I keep thinking- what will be my driving force or a spark plug for me to stay hopeful and enthusiastic towards the next decade of my life. Would it be- money, fame, family or simply enjoying the simplicity of life?

Then I finally realized that all I have wanted for so long is to have time- to have time for everything I love to do. My bucket list for my next ten years would be all concentrated on how to control and enjoy my time.

Have time with my family. I stick to my initial plan of getting married at 28 but not later than 30. Ten years from now, I would be the happiest husband in the whole world. I would spend my very first moment of every morning of my life greeting my wife a sweet kiss. I would prepare our breakfast and enjoy our every morning meal with our kids. I would drive my kids to their school every day.

During special occasions and vacations we will be in overseas touring around the beautiful cities in Europe. Summer days will be spent along the beach with inihaw and fresh seafood to satisfy our tummies. Christmas and New Year will be the best time for us to have reunion with our relatives.

Have time with my father and siblings. After years of being away from home, I wish I could spend my time more often with my Papa, Kuya and Ate. I want to spend more time with them especially with my Papa. I don’t want to entertain the idea that he might be with my Mom ten years from now. I still want to see him enjoying the weekends playing with my kids- his apo’s. I will invite him to monthly trips to Baguio, our favorite place to unwind; enjoy the beauty and madness of Palawan, Bohol and Boracay; and live like king and prince in our luxurious trips to Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. He has some reservation though going in States and Europe thinking that he might not get used to the cold weather- that’s according to him.

Have time managing my business. After long years in the corporate world, I would like to see myself having business lines on my palm. I have this dream of having not just 1 but 5 kinds of business ventures. Topping the list is a Coffee Shop in Baguio City. I wanted to be a barista- enjoying my time serving my customers as a hand on manager/owner. I also like the idea of inviting my father to have a cup of coffee and a cinnamon on the side as he read newspaper during his visit in the City of Pines.

Next venture would be a bar and restaurant. I want to have one not for profit but for the love of fine dining moments with my family and friends. During special occasions I will offer my place as a venue. Having a place like this one is like a magnet- I can attract dearest people in my life to spent time enjoying the moment together. I will have a wall in my bar/resto for all the pictures of celebrations and gatherings held in my place. Take note there will be free drinks to all of my relatives and friends.

Next ventures would be a photo shop, a grocery store and a bakeshop.

Have time to teach in universities. My ultimate goal in life is to teach. Maybe it is in my blood since my parents are both teachers. I have this thought that the legacy of a teacher would never stop. It will be an eternal legacy to be passed on to every generation. Funny thing about this is that I am a barista in the morning, a professor in the afternoon and a bar owner at night.

Have time watching movies/ concerts. I am an avid fan of movies and music. Although my passion watching movies temporarily died during audit days, it will soon come back to life.

In line with music, I still dream of learning a single instrument. My friends are musicians so I want to be like them. Probably drums or bass would fit my style.

Have time watching PBA/ NBA/ Olympics. This is really included in my bucket list. No question asked but it’s really my wish to see my NBA idols. But most probably Lebron, Kobe and Garnett were already retired by then. Still I am hoping sons of Michael Jordan will be stars of the ball game in the future.

I want to learn bowling even more. I was addicted to this sport during college. I hope bowling would be added to the Olympics and let me bring the house down for the team Philippines.

Have time to pursue Masters/ Law degree. My heart still begs for me to continue my dream to pursue law. Besides my Uncle Delfin passed the Bar exam when he was in his forties.

Have time to write a book. This is already in the making.

Have time to establish a foundation. After all the blessings I received and will still receive, I will return the favor of helping others. Sharing my wealth is not enough but giving my time is the noblest deed I can do to my brethrens.

Have time with God. At the end of the day, I want to say thanks to the Lord for the life He has given me. Besides, after all things were said and done, my long and lasting time would be with Him.

This is my bucket list ten years from now. What about yours? Remember clock is ticking. Make one now.

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"... I still have the same smile I always wore on my face ..."
-Maan Chaguile

I’ve reached the tender age of 35 and until now I still have the same smile I always wore on my face since I was a little girl. I dunno, I guess I was just born with a smiley face. I remember when I was about 6 years old, how my mom told my dad one night when they thought I was asleep that the name “grace” suited me well because even if I was sick, it never bothered me. I still played and went about the day like I wasn’t sick at all. Maybe this was a sign that for all the challenges I went through in the past years of my life, nothing will put me down.

Right now, I’m sitting quietly on the terrace of my Tagaytay home looking at the nice view while savoring a cup of creamy coffee. Our household helper makes the best kapeng barako. I added a lot of milk to reduce the bitterness. Besides I need the calcium for my bones now that I’m past my adolescence. My husband and two kids are inside watching an ABS-CBN show. I can hear their laughter and happy voices. It’s weekend once again and we’re relaxing in our Tagaytay home. Our weekend retreat has always been a habit. My kids are growing up so fast. Gabriel is already 9 years old and his sister Reese is 5. I appreciate how Kuya Gabby protects and guides his little sister all the time. My husband Rey is still the same caring guy he has been since I met him. A few white hairs are growing on his temple but I am attracted to him more. We’ve surpassed trials together and the love just got stronger.

Rey and I got married 9 years ago in Quezon City. It was a May-December love affair. He is older than me by 13 years. I realized that deep down inside, I have always longed for a father-figure to take care of me and guide me as I got more matured. And for 9 years now, our relationship has been like a blossoming flower… getting prettier every day.

I had been the Ambassadress for the Philippines in Italy for 3 years. With this responsibility I had the chance to help my Filipino countrymen in Italy most especially the Overseas Filipino Workers with their employment problems. I had leisurely visited the major countries of Europe, toured some Asian countries and had been to some of the nicest beaches in the world. And in most of these trips I brought along my husband or my mother.

When my three-year term as Ambassadress had ended, I accepted the job as Comptroller in San Miguel Corporation’s financial department, and for two years now, I’m still enjoying my job and the company of my staff.

Ten years ago I was working in a real estate company. This was the job I accepted after I passed the board. There were high and low points but the important thing was I learned, I got tough, I got molded, and I earned sufficient enough to buy my own car when I was 27 years old. It wasn’t brand new but it was alright for me at that time. A black Toyota Corolla. I stayed with the company for 8 years and I will always be thankful for the people I worked with.

On the side, I give in to my passion for dancing. I like ballroom dancing especially Tango and modern dance. I have organized a small group composed of my friends, co-workers and neighbors to meet every Thursday and dance. We meet in this exclusive club in Pasig City. Dancing has kept me in shape since I gave birth to my kids.

If Thursday is for my dancing, Friday is especially reserved for me and my husband. We dine out or watch a movie just like we did before we got married.

Through wise investment in stocks and bonds, we had enough to put up a small resto that is being run by Rey’s family. Rey has his landscaping and interior decorating business. And our family has five apartments being rented.

All of these were made possible with our strong faith in God and belief in ourselves. As they said, do not put a limit on what you can do.