Beauty that Speaks

FTM (First Time Mom)

2011-10-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

When I was still pregnant, I was so excited and can't wait to finally see my baby. I never missed taking vitamins, never skipped meals and had a perfect attendance to my OB. I had so much fun buying newborn clothes and accessories. I kept telling my family and friends how excited I was.

And as that day came….

“I can’t do this” – The first few words I have told to myself days after giving birth. Sleepless nights coupled with post-partum depression – I felt like giving up. Worst part is? I no longer have a mother to assist and to provide me with useful advises.

“Is this for real?” “Am I really ready to face motherhood?” “Can I actually take care of her?” “Will I even be able to bathe my baby in the first place?” “Will I be a good mother?”

Maybe most of the first time moms had the same feelings and thoughts just as mine during the first few days of their motherhood. It’s truly a brand new chapter for every woman’s life. It is something that requires full attention, proper care and full responsibility. In fact it (motherhood) is an obligation that you have to fulfill.

I admit it was not that easy at first but as time went on that mother instinct naturally came in. I have slowly known what and how to do the right things using the proper ways. I actually made this blog post in the hopes of reaching out to those first time mothers out there who are somehow finding ways on how to take care of a newborn.

First –

Since it is your first time, it’s best to consult other moms about the do’s and don’ts of taking care of a newborn. It’s always helpful to ask your mother (of course, if she’s still with you), your friends and relatives who are already mothers or just happens to have had experiences in taking care of a newborn baby. Take time to jot down all those tips and advises just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

Second –

Face your fears. Just like me, I was so afraid to even bathe my child as she was so fragile and I was too scared I might slip off, drop her and hurt her. I just can’t do it at that time until a relative of mine, who happens to be a nurse, taught me how to do it. She told me that there’s nothing to fear about as long as I do it with care. She just warned me to avoid water from entering the ears. She also advised me not to panic when my baby cries as it is just normal for a baby to cry especially during bath time (the baby is still adjusting). There’s one thing she said to me that convinced me to overcome my fear: “That’s your daughter, there’s nothing to be scared about”. So if you have the same fear as I had before, ask someone to assist you and help you overcome such fear. As I have said to myself before, “It can’t be like this forever! I am the mother and I have to forget my fears. Other people can’t forever be there to do things for my baby in my behalf”.

Third –

Let your pediatrician help you. Since he is the one who has a lot of knowledge about newborns, don’t ever hesitate to ask as many questions and doubts that you have in mind. Coming from a doctor’s advises, at least you would feel more as is doing things for your newborn.

Fourth –

Say hello to sleepless nights. Don’t expect to still have that luxury of sleeping time as it will already be impossible to happen since you already have a child to take care of. Face it, you have to get up during wee hours to feed your child, change his/her diapers and help him/her get back to sleep. Learn to adjust to your new life.

Fifth –

Try to know your baby and learn what makes her cry. Most newborn babies are crybabies for a lot of reasons. It could be that he/she is hungry, has a wet diaper, sleepy, bored or maybe because he/she is colic. During the first two months of my baby, I was so concerned and worried as to why my baby can’t sleep at night and why she kept crying for no obvious reason. I had to stay up until five in the morning just to carry and cuddle her as she can’t sleep if not hugged. I have experienced sleeping 2-3 hours because my baby kept crying for no reason. The only good thing though was that my husband and father were there to back me up. Finally, I decided to ask some advises (again) from my friends and relatives through Facebook and a relative gave a good advice. She told me that my baby might be colic. Colic, meaning, a baby has too much air in his/her stomach and no matter how many times you try to make her burp and cuddle her, it won’t go that easily. She told me that maybe I have to try using anti-colic bottles such as Dr. Brown’s and Avent. True enough, my baby was colic and just got better as soon as I fed her using anti-colic bottles. It was truly effective. I and my baby started to have a lot of good night sleep from then on.

Sixth –

ENJOY every single time you have with your baby. Your baby will only be a baby once and so enjoy every single moment that you spend with that precious little gem of yours.

Well I guess I’ve said it all. That would be all that I could share and I hope you did find it useful. My baby is now 8 months old and never did I ever regret having her in my life. Her smile simply melts my heart. She’s a charm. I am a proud mother and so should you. =)

AD-FOR: Why I joined?

2011-09-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am a freelance online writer and I am perfectly satisfied with my job. I am well compensated and I learn a lot from my writing jobs.

However, my current job doesn't stop me from looking for other ways of earning. It is still best to build a number of income sources just to keep me secured that I have other means of earning. Aside from my writing jobs, I also do e-loading business which is somewhat already a part of every person's everyday necessity (and so I am earning just fine), I have a vending machine that is currently situated in an internet cafe which is fairly earning, and I also sell some pre-loved items online.

Before, I was the most skeptic and doubtful person when it comes to PTC's or paid-to-click ads. I was like, really? I was not that really into that especially when I tried to register in one of the PTC sites where one click is only equivalent to .000001 cents. What a waste!

And then I suddenly bumped into an advertisement about earning $.10 to $100 per click advertisement which happened to have been posted by a person I actually know. That's the time my views on PTC's have been changed instantly.

I was introduced to AD-FOR. An advertisement forwarder company that give viewer's rewards for clicking an advertisement. You may ask, what convinced me to join AD-FOR? I joined ad-for because of three main reasons:

First, The compensation plan is truly amazing. You just need to pay $35 or Php1750 for the registration and you get to earn in four ways: That is you get 1 credit of posting an advertisement which is called as an e-catalogue. (This is quite helpful on my part since I can post my writing services and eventually find employers). Then you will earn $.10/ads click/day for 100 days. You will also earn $4 for every referral. And $8 for every pair (left and right) that you will have.

Second, there's basically no products to sell. You just have to refer and you will earn instantly! Cool right? Unlike any other MLM, AD-FOR does not have any product for you to sell. You just have to present the compensation plan, motivate your team to look for prospects and and once you get them to register, you earn. Everybody's happy! But, you have to remember though that you have to exert some extra effort in order to earn. You have to work to enjoy the fruits of your efforts. In all business ventures, you really have to move and act if you really want to earn and be happy with your earnings. Even Trump would agree on that.

Third, the AD-FOR team that I am with right now is very supportive and has the same goals as mine. In order to be successful, you have to get yourself surrounded with people who share the same goals (and that is achieving financial freedom) as yours and has the same positive attitude and happy disposition like you. After all, without teamwork and proper attitude, any business will never be as successful, right?

Now, I am looking forward to meeting more people as motivated and as determined as me. Earning online is simply accessible and unless you grab opportunities like ad-for, you will never get to enjoy and realize how easy it is to earn online.

If you think you have the attitude, the determination and the interest (of course), let me help you explore income potentials in AD-FOR. =)

Loving Life. Living Love.

2011-07-10T05:42:00.000-07:00

'Life it ain't easy, it's so tough, it ain't easy, watcha gonna do: Put a SMILE on your face' - quoted from the song of Vitamin C entitled Smile.

It really is a reality that life is not easy at all. It is not all about happiness and joy. Definitely not all about success and triumphs. It's tough. It's hard. And it bites.

You need to shed some tears to learn how to smile. You need to feel hurt to learn what happiness really is. You need to experience pain to know what true love is. You even have to stumble at times, as in many times, to learn how to stand up again, to move forward and keep going.

Life is complicated and it sucks most of the time but when you start learning to love it and just enjoy every single moment of it, it feels great, wonderful and worthwhile.

Back on Track

2011-07-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile. No it's been more than a year! Where was I? Hahaha. Well, a lot of things happened and I can't put it all into blogging. Just had some ups and downs the past year and wasn't able to have the time to post.

Well, now I am truly BACK! So be ready! =)

Disheartening Politics

2010-02-11T17:53:00.001-08:00

My thoughts are currently on the political sphere of the Philippines at the moment. Election time is coming and campaigns have already started. But I am not really interested with that because I know their game. Anyway, when I was on my way to the office, I realized that the President has really been good in protecting herself and her interest. I mean, she really is incredible when it comes to diverting the issues over her to other petty issues. I remember when the Magdalo stood up against the President because they cannot already take the guilt. But what happened? The leaders of such group were arrested and most of them surrendered and sent their apologies to the President. The next issue was about the “hello Garci’ scandal. Whoah, I really thought at that time, The President will finally be stepping down. But believe it or not, she just said “I am Sorry” on the national television. Wow. Then that’s it? Sorry and her ‘cheating’ was forgotten and forgiven? This is ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES. Maybe the Filipinos have also been passive with the issue because they just let it happened. Finally, the ZTE scandal exploded! At that time, I was more pessimistic than optimistic that the issue will finally be resolved since the 1st two issues were just left unresolved. And I was right. Despite the daily senate probe and despite the overflowing evidences and despite the presence of the star witness LOZADA, nothing happened. It was just basically a waste of time. The President was probably laughing at that time because (in Filipino), “NAISAHAN NANAMAN NIYA TAYO”. She successfully DROPPED the issue. She really is brilliant. Amazing.

And now, election is coming. All the while we think that Gibo is the candidate GMA but we are wrong. It’s VIllar. A text message has been forwarded to me about this ‘another’ scandal. It was stated in the message that Villar is the secret candidate of GMA and if he wins and GMA will be a Congresswoman, Villar will make GMA the Speaker of the House. And so what does that mean? GMA will run the Congress (the lawmaking body of the government) and so I guess by now, you what that means. Speaker of the House is basically the 2nd powerful person next to the President. Will we let this happen? Will we let GMA rule us again? Maybe it’s time for the Filipinos to really think before voting.

Personally, I don’t have any idea who to vote yet. Maybe it’s because nobody in the candidates has really convinced me that much for now. I just hope that majority of the people can choose the right one because Philippines do really need a leader who knows what PUBLIC SERVICE is (if there still is).

My Dream Wedding (10 years from now)

2010-02-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

My dream wedding will revolve around simplicity, purity and a romantic atmosphere. It is good to tie the knots with your partner in just a simple and peaceful ceremony. I would definitely love to see my wedding in a private island with white sand during either sunrise or sunset. It has always been my desire to be wedded near a beach where all that I, my groom and guests will be seeing is the calmness of the sea, all that we’ll be feeling is the comforting hush of the wind, and we would all hear nothing but the soothing splashes of the waves. As I walk, barefoot through the aisle, flooded with white rose petals, a violin shall be played as the musical background. And as we finally utter the words ‘I do’, I would like all the guests to form a circle around us to express their love and support. I would love to see our reception in white and with some touches of lavender. I want the guests to enjoy not only the Asian foods that we have prepared but also the tables and chairs covered with white fabrics with our initials embedded on it. And of course, the number of the layers of our cake will depend on how many years we have been together as partners. I just envision a wedding that represents bliss and serenity. I don’t need a glamorous and highly sophisticated wedding. I want everyone ‘TO FEEL THE SAND, THE WIND, HEAR THE WAVES, TO FEEL AND BREATHE THE LOVELY AIR’.

I just want my married life to be as peaceful and as blissful as possible that is why I want to start it in my most special day – my wedding day.

(How about you? What is your dream wedding?)

I need to eat ice cream to cool me down..

2010-01-27T18:16:00.000-08:00

I am mad. I am pissed off. My blood is just bursting like lava. You know the times when you just can’t help but get irritated by somebody? Somebody who doesn’t care, someone who is insensitive, someone who is no longer reasonable with his /her actions? I am honestly disturbed the past weeks. I no longer have the interest and the passion. I just don’t understand why a person has to make simple things complicated and make light things harder for another person! I just don’t get the point why a person needs to make small issues a big deal? I am neither stupid nor dumb to know what to do and what not to do. I just get surprised by the things I am hearing from that certain person. I have a life of my own and I want a life that’s not ‘kill joy’. We only live once and we have to make our journey through life as wonderful and as happy as possible!

I am too young to live in a world with this person with me! I can get old in no time. Omigod. I just hope some people realize that THEY ARE NOT PERFECT and we all STARTED from THE BOTTOM. We are all EQUAL in the eyes of the Almighty and that person definitely has no right to make me feel bad.

(Thank God blog exists. At least for one moment I can shout my anger out !)

A Socialist by Thoughts

2010-01-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I mean most of the time; I just wish I live in a socialist country. I remember back in college, we discussed many times about Karl Marx, Mao Tze Tung and Engel. We learned many about socialism and communism. If people can just take a look at the principles of Socialism, then perhaps, most of us, if not all, would want to have such a society.

If you would come to think about it, if only equality and equity exist in a society then there will be no chaos, envy, war, greed, crime, prostitution, corruption, smuggling, terrorism, etc. There will be no such thing as proletariat and bourgeoisie. Socialism may sound too idealistic but I don’t think there’s no wrong in trying to achieve such a society. It’s better to try and to fail than not trying at all anyway.

Why do you think women opt to sell their selves rather than looking for a decent job that will make them live through life? Why do you think people are pulling other people down in order to be successful? Why do you think people resort to violence when they can actually put it in a diplomatic and a peaceful negotiation?

I guess everybody knows what the answer is. I don’t think we are neither blind nor dumb not to see and know that inequality and inequity is the root of all undesirable circumstances that not only one country but all countries experience. In a capitalist society, “Rich are getting richer while poor are getting poorer” but in a socialist country, “Everybody gets everything”. In a capitalist-led society, “Rich dictates, and poor follows” but in socialism, “Society dictates, everybody respects”.

If I am not mistaken, it was I think in our Theology or Philosophy class that we learned that every human was born ‘good’. We all have good deeds within us. Each and every individual in this globe wants to do good for their self and for others even just for a moment. And so, with that in mind, it may be hard to practice socialism but it’s definitely not impossible to achieve a socialist country.

Achieving a socialist country may be done in two ways, through reforms or through a revolution. Hmmm, so if you’d ask me, I would go first for reforms. Let us start through making reforms and not aggressively engaging the society in a revolution. Many socialists argue between which is more necessary to achieve such a society. Some argue that reforms are needed to achieve socialism and not necessarily through a revolution. They believe that if there are more democratic rights and social reform programs that will be implemented in a society, there is a greater possibility of achieving socialism. It’s just a matter of prioritizing the society and not the higher class alone. For some, revolution is the answer. Well, revolution will most probably be effective but can lead to violence. So I would still rather go with reforms.

Anyway, I am not here to discuss everything about the principles of socialism but here to share how much I desire to live in such a utopian but can possibly be an achievable society.

Untitled (Part II)

2009-12-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

(after 10 years...),,,

The pain has now subsided
She is starting to feel uplifted
It’s just a matter of thinking
And hopefully forgetting
She can now begin to move forward
While not feeling awkward
She is now fighting the intensity
And eventually see him as nobody
It’s just a matter of controlling
That she won’t allow herself to be falling
And if the feeling comes back
She would no longer permit herself to crack

Untitled

2009-12-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

Outside, it’s her smile that shines
Inside, it’s the pain she hides
No matter how she try to ease it
Seems nothing can really beat it
She wonders
She crumbles
She thought it was over
But he still seems to bother
The feeling is still intense
Where she wished it made no sense
The mind do really forgets
But the heart never regrets
Now, nobody knows
How things will go
But whatever that is
She hopes it will give her peace

Missing my All time friends

2009-12-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

I miss my friends. My highschool friends who are all now busy with their own lives.

Nine years ago, we were still those girls who just wanted to have fun. We altogether go out to the malls and look for boys.. oopss. I mean to look for things we all love to buy. We even cut classes just go to the nearest internet cafe's to chat or to play counterstrike. Every lunchtime, we choose to stay at any of our friend's house where we can cook our favorite 'tinapa' (sardines mixed with eggs) and of course 'bulad' (dried fish)! yummy! After the delicious meal, we would all stay at the sala and talk about everything and anything under the sun. Cracking jokes and making fun of each other. We were all crazy. hahaha! Three years of friendship during our highschool days were so filled with fun, excitement and joy. We enjoyed everybodys company.

But of course, we have to graduate and separate ways. We had to go to different schools but some of my friends went to the same school however, we can't deny that we were used to being complete. Amidst the distance, we all still kept in touch and as the sem break comes, we all made it a point to go out and catch up. Years passed, and we all graduated from college. Some graduated on time and some had delays and one did not. But thankfully, we are all having a good life (I suppose).

Three of my friends are now already having their own families. One is already a registered nurse and currently enjoying her profession. One is just waiting for the result of the Nursing Board Exam, if she passes (which I know she will) we will already have two nurses in the group. My other friend is presently working in an airline (i am happy for her since she was the one who failed to graduate but look at her now, living a good life). And me? I am a freelance writer, entrepreneur(beginner) and a full-time administrative assistant in an export-oriented company.

You know what? I miss my friends. We have gone a long way. Now, it's quite hard to set a date, time and place where we can all sit down and talk about what's the latest in our lives. We've been friends for nine years now and I know that inspite of our busy lives, our friendship is still embedded in our hearts. I still listen to our 'girlfriend' music entitled 'wannabe' by spice girls =p

The night outs, the crushes, the craziness, the mall hoppings, the silliness, everything about us. I miss it! Wish we could still hang out!

For now, I just have to reminisce and remember how we enjoyed our friendship.. =)

The Sunday Game of Ms. Toothfairy

2009-12-06T22:05:00.001-08:00

(I'm sorry Ms. Toothfairy...I haven't had the time to blog yesterday that's why I wasn't able to play the game.. I hope it's not too late though...)

I like: To see the lighter side of life. It's been a week of bad news here in the Philippines. I like to see the good and happy sides of the country. In a personal level, I like to make other people smile and feel good about theirselves..

I don't like: To worry myself too much about things that don't really matter. I don't like to allow other people to ruin my happy day and make feel bad about myself. I just simply don't like to make my December dull and gloomy.

I want you to know: That I feel great winning our company's 80's retro look contest last December 05, 2009!!! I really enjoyed it! I felt like I was really Cindy Lauper that night. harhar =p

I've planned: To keep myself hands-on to my boutique business. I have to improve my inventory as well as the sales. It's time to prepare for the marketing strategies that I have to implement.. Any ideas?

I want to say to someone special: I couldn't thank you enough for everything that you did just to show your utmost support and endless love.. tsup!

THE TAO OF POOH

2009-12-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

There is this book I have read that I want to share with everybody. It gives a glimpse of the principles of Taoism- a Chinese religion. The main characters which include the Owl, Bisy Backson, Eeyore, Tigger, and Pooh, simply portrayed us on how we deal with the things around us. According to the book, most of us are like Owl who acquires knowledge exclusively for him and for the sake of having knowledge only. And instead of working for the enlightenment of others, we confuse things. Like the Bisy Backson we never learned how to slow down because we work and try so hard making us feel so exhausted and attain failure instead of success. Eeyore also portrayed us for we always complain about the results of the things that we did or things that have been done unto us not knowing that complaining accomplishes nothing at all. Another one is that of Tigger who thinks of himself as perfect and that he knows everything and not realizing his weaknesses and limitations. The book is trying to tell us that we should act like Pooh who lets things work out naturally, being effortless, to have simple-mindedness and to have a child’s mind. It is through the character of Pooh that the Taoist principles were clearly explained that is why the book is entitled the Tao of Pooh or The Way of Pooh.

Another thing that the book emphasized is the principle of Inner Nature wherein everything in the world has its own place and function. Like for us people, we do have our own unique potentials and capabilities. We can do things in our own special ways, however, along with this; we also have to know our limitations and weaknesses so we could work it out and see better results and outcomes. Having the awareness of our weaknesses, we know where we belong and where we do not. We should never consider ourselves as perfect and claim to be infallible because we are not. If we recognize our weaknesses, we can mold this into becoming our strength instead of making it work against us. We ought to have deeper understanding of ourselves to help us become an individual of worth and value. We just have to believe that there are so much more to discover within us, things that can never be stolen by anyone and as soon we come to discover and cultivate such inner treasures, we must remain humble and not to be over confident.

The Principle of Emptiness is another concept that should be considered. It emphasizes that cleverness does not help us understand everything about reality because a mind confused by knowledge, cleverness, and abstract ideas tends to go chasing off after things that do not matter, or what is right in front of it. Therefore, it is the knowledge that we attain from our own experiences that is more valuable than the knowledge that doesn’t. Knowing information and facts about a certain thing or reality is not enough because in every little thing, there is always more to explore and to be learned such that it is something that cleverness cannot really understand.

The Tao of Pooh also signified the Law of Wu-Wei wherein it encourages people not to go against the nature of things. We should not interfere with things but rather let them work in their own way in order to produce results naturally. Wu-Wei is telling us that things just happen in the right way and at the right time so we must let things work out by themselves. We just have to avoid doing tremendous efforts to gain nothing in return. And lastly, the Law of Reversion can never be forgotten. We should go back from where we started and that is being a child again. We know that a child enjoys life and let things go on naturally. Having this reversion we would be able to re-appreciate life and enjoy our surroundings which would eventually give us a youthful appearance, outlook and energy. Just like Pooh, we should consider these principles and we may not know it but we could live life in a simpler way yet with the most meaningful experiences.

The Principle of Inner Nature will remain embedded in my heart and in my mind until the last breath runs out of me. For long, I have looked at myself as someone inferior, weak and incapable of doing significant things. I thought of myself as being worthless. During my elementary and high school days, people around me never gave me the chance to prove my worth making me feel of no use. Well of course my family has always been supportive of me but the people outside of my family strengthened my inferiority complex. I remember when I would rather choose to stay home than going to school and see and face again those people who have nothing to do with their lives but to intimidate and discourage me.

When I reached college, things have changed. People around me started to appreciate my works and me. Some gave me compliments that lifted up my spirit and made me confident about myself. I was able to join publications of our department, join several dance competitions, being a member and an officer of a school organization, when I have performed well in my academics, when I gained an International Scholarship from American International Group (AIG), and when I was able to get my article published in the most-read national publication. It all came in a blast. Small achievements it may seem but through these, I have been able to value myself and gave me the feeling of worth that I have always been wishing to earn. The book helped me to trust myself even more and to believe that there are so much more inside of me to explore and discover. I also owe my achievements to the few people who have been there to help me bring out the best in me.

The Tao of Pooh somehow enlightened me about dealing with reality but most importantly, I was able to learn that each and every single one of us has significant roles to be played in this world and we just have to look inside us. We must also try to celebrate life as much as we can instead of getting preoccupied with worries and struggles. Life is beautiful if we know how to deal with the things around us, how to understand and value the nature of things and learn how to let things work out naturally at the right time and at the right way.

grrhhh

2009-12-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

There are just days that you can't help but to feel pissed off and super mad. My morning didn't came off well. There's this lady who just made me feel so terrible. She made me feel that I don't use my head or I didn't do my job. Excuse me? I always make sure that I get things done! I'm not dumb and definitely not stupid. She acts as if she's the boss. She rush things, she demands, she always treat me as if I am her associate. I know who my bosses are, and she's definitely not one of them!

I did everything that she requested me to do, and what do I get?An email stating that 'I should give what she's asking so we don't have to do it again and again'. If she's just here in front of me, she'll see how I will react and she might not like what I will be saying. It's too much. 'Strike 3 na siya sakin'. I had enough. It's time to speak out. Time to let her know that when I know I'm right, I will speak out and will definitely fight back.

She's definitely barking at the wrong tree.

Whew, wish I could still end my day with a big smile!

Underground

2009-12-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

I asked my officemate any topic that she could give me that I could possibly write about. And you know what she said? 'Underground'... Hmmm... interesting but have no thoughts about it.

That's it.

Just kidding. Well it made me think though. Let's talk about life underground. What if I am leaving underground with nobody around me and nothing to keep me longing to live longer underneath the busy streets. It's dark. It's lonely. It's boring and it's one heck of a gloomy world out there. Honestly, I don't think I can live in that place but let me see... I think if I'll be given the chance to live underground for let's say about a week, it's the best time for me to reflect and realize of how's my life gonna be without my friends, family and loved ones.

Being in the dark alone, will also make me appreciate what's there outside. The trees, the birds, the sky, the rain, the sun, the sea, the mountains. I will also get to realize that I need my friends to cheer me up and to uplift my social life. That I need my family to keep my spirits high and to keep me going. That I need my loved ones to keep me happy and at peace. It will be the time that I could think of every single thing that I should be thankful about.

How about you? Will you be willing to live underground? Or rather, should you need to live underground first before you can realize what completes your life and what keeps you living?

This is the time, not that time. This is the time that you should appreciate what you have. Don't wait for the time that you'll be wrapped in darkness before you could say thank you, sorry or i love you to whoever or whatever. It may be too late...

2009-12-01T00:40:00.000-08:00

Konnichiwa minasan!

Gosh. I just miss my japanese classes with my I.S. classmates! It was sooooo fun! We were so proud of ourselves when we finally get to translate english sentences and phrases into Japanese. We were even cracking jokes with the American Studies since they don't understand even a single word! Pity them. lolz... Memorizing all the alphabets in hiragana, katakana and kanji was so terrible and yet I enjoyed a lot. What's more funny at that time was how we cheated in our exams easily! Our Sensei (teacher) was a pure Japanese and can't understand a single word of Tagalog and Bisaya. It was so easy for us to ask our classmates aloud "Ano sagot mo sa number 2? or kinsa nakahibalo sa japanese ug lingkuranan?" hahahaha... But seriously, I wish I could still remember my learnings, it's just so hard when you don't have anybody to talk with who knows the language... I am planning, though, to refresh my mind with the language. I have like three japanese books in my closet, I think it's time to learn again. =) who knows i might bump into somebody who can converse with me, right?

2009-11-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a long weekend for me. 4 days of no work, no pressure. But not really. I was too busy with my clothing (RTW) business. Had to add my inventory and prepare for my exhibit at the Oval Plaza on Dec. 4, 2009. Last night, we pulled out from Gaisano Mall, was too tiring but it was fun. We all brought our 'paninda' back home and have to wait for December 4 to arrive in order for us to showcase our products. I just hope Oval Plaza is a very good market for all of us. After all, it's Christamas Season already, it's December!

People do go out to shop, spend and buy during this month that's why I am so excited to be part of such a fun-filled exhibit. Wish me luck people! =)

R A I N

2009-11-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

‘The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.’ And to enjoy it even more, play with the rain and feel the freedom of being free. Just the act of looking up the sky while feeling every raindrop reminds us that in this problem laden and crazy world there still exist a serene occurrence that would shatter all our difficulties and worries. The rain simply allows us to go back to where we started and that is being a child again.

Remembering when we were still a child, we have our own world. We create our own world. We choose to live in a peaceful, organized and a happy world and a place as colorful as the rainbow. We used to believe that everything we see and feel is endless. We were simply enjoying every second without having to worry what tomorrow will offer us. Not minding what is going on around and above all, not really loaded with mind boggling questions like why’s, how’s and what if’s. We just live life. We allowed things to go on naturally and appreciated every inch of our daily lives. How cool is that?

Now that we get older and more mature and live in what many of us call the ‘real world’, we think nothing but problems, hurdles and difficulties. We are all being so negative. We are all conscious of what’s going to happen in the future, we actually fear tomorrow. We fear death. We fear failure. We fear everything that life may and may not bestow us. Isn’t that exhausting? We are all so bothered of what will happen next and eventually forgets that what we should be thinking about is the ‘now’ and the ‘today’. We are all stuck in discomfort and uneasiness. We allow ourselves to be caged in our fears. We choose to be imprisoned by anxiety.

Also, we are all used to measuring our contentment and happiness by the money we have, by the achievements we made and by the popularity we gain. All of these are nothing compared to the happiness being given by being free - entirely free from stress, doubts, fears, worries, regrets and insecurities.

Raining doesn’t necessarily imply that everything around us is dull and gloomy but rather, rain reminds us of our childhood days where we were all living in our very ideal and positive world. With all that is happening in the human race nowadays maybe it is time that we all take some break and begin from being a child again - a child full of hope, idealism, vibrancy, energy and positivism.

How Dirrrrty Politics Can Be

2009-11-24T16:53:00.004-08:00

"AMPATUAN" - the name that can be heard in all radio stations, read in all newspapers and seen in all television news. I just don't understand why that has to be done - the mass killing.

I am a Muslim but I definitely don't condone what they did. More so, Islam doesn't speak of any violence. Islam means peace. Islam means loving and living. It saddens me to see all of what is happening with my fellow Muslims (or shall I really call them Muslims?). They no longer know what their religion is. I feel that they give the people the wrong impression of what our religion really is. I am just stunned with how they killed all those innocent people and how they manage to ignore it. I know my faith and I know that all Muslim communities are disappointed and very much disheartened with such unbelieveable event. I pray that justice will prevail and not power nor money (again).

It is till six months to go before the election day but violence is already happening. I wonder what these people think. With that I see, they just think about theirselves and how to retain their money, stature and power. They want to rule the place and they surely don't like anybody to take that away from them. They will steal lives not minding the innocent people. They are selfish and are definitely greedy. Up to now, I am still in awe. I don't know what the government will do about this but what I am more curious about is what Muslim Communities across the country will do about such a cruel event.

I am waiting and praying that people who must be punished, must be punished and people who should be awarded with justice, shall be awarded.

2009-11-22T17:51:00.001-08:00

I see the bright blue sky

That seems to be no longer high

I hear the birds chirping

As if telling me to say goodbye

I feel numbness

I feel lightness

It’s like I am floating

And that I am leaving

But as I leave

I wish my loved ones no grief

As I pass

I wish my memories with them will last

And as I go

I hope our love will remain to grow

To my friends

I hope our friendship never ends

To my colleagues

Continue reaching for your dreams

To my special someone

Don’t stop loving

And to my family whom I love most

Learn to live without me

But never stop remembering me

Because I am sure

Even if I go

You’ll always be the family that I know

Somewhere I belong...

2009-11-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

As I have found myself in a place where I truly belong, I am grateful and living at peace. The past may be cruel and unfair but as they say, the best is yet to come. I am just a simple lady longing for a place where I would feel accepted, respected and treated fairly. I just needed to be in a place where one can say ‘What you see is what you get’. Unlike before, I never saw what’s real in every person. I just saw masks. I just saw fakes. I just saw unreal and untrue individuals. It was then that I thought that maybe, just maybe, this is what really the world has – people who don’t care.

But that view and thought changed when I stepped into the place called RDEX. At first, I was expecting to deal with the same people all over again but I was wrong, so wrong. People here are surprisingly sincere in their acts and deeds. I am humbled. I am gratified.
You get the feeling of belongingness and acceptance. They treat you right and they treat you fair. It’s like they listen to what you have to say and they give time to share their thoughts.

People here know how to appreciate and how to criticize. They certainly don’t wear masks. They are so true to their words and actions. I never thought that I could meet people like them and more so, I was not expecting to meet true people in a workplace because that wasn’t the case with my former ‘colleagues’. Aside from knowing their real personalities and attitudes, there is so much fun in here! Hell yeah! Everybody just loves to crack jokes and laugh. We all love eating together and enjoy the food to the maximum level even if it’s just a ‘pandesal’! We simply have a good camaraderie in here. I can’t ask for more.

Most of all, people here mind their own businesses. They don’t exert much effort in hearsays and whatsoever. They work and they enjoy. That’s it. They don’t have the time to make stories about other people. It’s a family in here. They are professionally oriented and most of all, they care.

I am proud and happy to belong in this company. It truly rocks!

2012

2009-11-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

I finally had the chance to watch the most talked about movie '2012'. Special effects aside, it was the gist of the movie that really caught my heart. The possibility that by that time, the world could end in just a blink of an eye. It wasn't a hypothetical and fictional movie. It wasn't unreal at all. That could really happen in two to three years time if people would continue to ignore the reality of global warming. This was not the first time that I felt that the world could really turn into a whole damn mess in the near future. When I was in college, I watched the documentary film of former US Vice President Al Gore. There, he showed what was really happening in many places in the world at present. Rivers have dried up and in the north pole, heat is already felt. Trees dried up so fast and animals are slowly losing their habitat. Just now, I saw in the yahoo news about the giant jellyfishes swarm into the Western part of the Japan Ocean. It was considered to be the worst jellyfish swarm in the region since it occurs every 40 years. (to know more about this news log on to http://new.yahoo.com/s/ap/climate_09_jellyfish_menace)

It's frightening if you would think about it. It makes me think and ponder if I am ready. 2012 is fast approaching, am I prepared? Actually it may happen sooner or later than we expect. Even here in the Philippines, floods are unstoppable. Aren't those signs that we have to act NOW and not when it's TOO LATE? I just hope that people would no longer be as selfish as in the movie when the world do come to an end. It was so sad to see in the movie that even in the most challenging time of humanity, money still talks. They still ask for green cards and even sold tickets to people in order to save their lives. What do you expect? Of course, only those who ate in golden spoons can be accommodated. Duh? Who can possibly pay 1 billion euros for just one seat??? I hope that when that time really comes, selflessness and love for humanity will rule and not money nor power.

I pray that it's never too late to save the world.

How about you? Are you ready? Share your views.

HOW TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND...

2009-11-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm... It's a Saturday! Just want to share some of the many things that you can do for the weekend:

1. You can go out with your friends and spend time in a beach resort and try to enjoy the beauty of nature

2. You can choose to stay at home and watch your favorite movies (movie marathon) just to relax your mind and body (try to be a potato couch once in awhile)

3. You can spend the weekend alone or in a group to watch the latest movie in the theaters like 2012 which I heard to be an awesome and a worth watching movie. Feel the thrill!

4. You can also choose to lock yourself in your room all day to have your beauty rest and when the night arrives, party 'till you drop! Go to the newest and most hip bars in the town and enjoy the night as if there will be no tomorrow!

5. Or lastly, you can always have your spa treatment. In that way, stressed nerves will be relaxed and eventually give you a refreshing feeling!

Hope my list helped! =) Have a great weekend everybody!

What's happening?

2009-11-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

It's all bad news. Tragedy. War. Discrimination. Unrest. Calamities. Poverty.

In the television, in the newspapers, in the radio, in the internet, everything in the world seem to be in a mess. It's like you can no longer expect to see light in darkness, see peace in war torn places, see food in poverty-striken places and see life in a dying world. I don't even know if we can still see ourselves living in a world where there are more postive things going on rather than all these heartbreaking stories to hear and see.

I myself can't even tell what things we can do to 'heal this world and make it a better place' (MJ). I watched the 'This is It' documentary film of the supposed-to-be comeback concert of Michael Jackson in London. The lyrics of his songs relates very well to the world at present. Very striking and a very heartfelt kind of music. If only many people can hear the songs and internalize the words expressed and put it into action then perhaps we can really create a better place to live in. Whether Black or White, Asian or European, Rich or Poor, Old or Young. The songs of MJ are really inspiring and makes you stand up and fight for the world! A world that creates unity, love and peace among the people. Get inspired!

GOOD MORNING!!!

2009-11-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

A fresh morning to everybody! The weather may seem too dull and gloomy today but why go along with such weather? Cheer up and make your day as bright as the sunshiny day! =) Everything is a choice. If you choose to be happy, then you will but if you choose to be lonesome then what do you expect? =p

Every single day is an opportunity for us to live our life to the fullest so as this opportunity knocks at our door, grab it and live it! Be happy and share that happiness!

back to the 80's

2009-11-05T22:03:00.001-08:00

Christmas season is coming and our company already announced that the theme for our Christmas Party will be 80's/retro! Yeah, so cool when I learned that we will be going to wear colorful and really 'bibo' attires! Not only that, I heard that there will be a contest for the 'Best 80's Look'... Hmmm, I must admit I am excited and I am up for the contest! C'mon, need some extra cash so why not?=p

Now the question is, where shall I find 80's inspired attires here in Gensan? Well, I guess I just need to exert extra creativity and initiative huh. Among the many different 80's look, I'm wondering what shall I really wear? What color or style... Would it be more of a Madonna look or shall I wear the dress in the picture?lol..

I am so excited yet so 'wondering' where I could find the best 80's dress... If only anybody out there who can atleast share some ideas... (calling all fashionistas)! But anyway, there is still a month to go and who knows? Maybe I can bump into a small store where I could find what I am looking for... =) So guys, wish me luck!

2009-11-04T22:00:00.001-08:00

I am officially in my 'bored' mode. I wonder what I can do to atleast keep me on a higher spirit. Could I just sing out loud and disturb my officemates? Definitely crazy and impossible. Can I just dance to my own beat and forget that I am in the office? Yeah right, as if that's possible. Or can I simply just browse and browse through the net and get nothing at all to flush away my boredom.

Hmmm... That's why there's blogging, right?It's the best way to keep my mind working, to keep my reflexes moving and to keep myself busy!!! =)) Now the problem is, I don't know where to start. Shall I talk about fashion? technology? love? Apparently, I am just blogging about myself and what I am feeling at this very moment. Can anybody just entertain me and help me get away with this lousy feeling?!? Maybe in a few a minutes, I can change mode... Just maybe.

A PIECE OF ME (game)...

2009-11-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

I like: to eat chicken fillet rice of Mcdonald's right now... yummy!

I don't like: to talk to people who are just giving me negative vibes...I need a positive and energetic environment! C'mon!

I want you to know: that as of now I have this adrenaline rush to write and write! Or maybe I am just too bored and writing is just the only way to cheer me up and keep me moving!

I've planned: to buy new stocks for my boutique this weekend! I have to add newer stocks since Christmas season is upcoming. Have to look for tops and dresses that are in demand in the market nowadays at the same time unique to keep my boutique's identity

I want to say to someone special: Mom, I love you and I always pray that you get your strength back!

Till next month!

Wanna play the game? Visit notesfromthetoothfairy.blogspot.com

AMNTM..Wishful Thinking!

2009-11-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

MY most favorite reality show! America's next Top Model. I don't really see myself as a model in the future and I don't even know if I can be a fashion designer but what makes me love this show is simply the themes that they have whenever they pose for a pictorial. Apart from that, I love the Ty-over part or the episodes where the aspiring models get their make overs! I am amazed of how the looks can be turned into different unique and stylish persona!

Really really looking forward to many more cycles to come! Everytime I watch the show, I can't help but imagine myself being part of it. I wonder if I could also pose in beautiful angles and what I would look like.. Well, it's just a wishful thinking. Just imagine I am in these gorgeous pictures! lolz

D.A.V.I.D.

2009-11-03T04:36:00.000-08:00

It must be in the name! The two of my most admired hunks! Wish I could see either of them. But no doubt, Beckham is much more sexy and 'macho' than Cook. But when we talk about voice, Cook is sexier!

The Devil Wears Prada

2009-11-03T00:12:00.000-08:00

Brand New Prada is out! Isn't is so classy and hip to look at? It looks so oriental but so modern in style and color. You can grab it for only $139.99.

Technomarine Fever

2009-11-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Technomarine seem to be on the top of the fashion accessories nowadays. Many are now going crazy over the very chic and eye-catching wrist watch! With its different colors and strap designs, you just can't resist it!

Ghost Whisperer - My All Time Fave!

2009-11-02T22:55:00.000-08:00

From Season 1 to Season 4, never missed a single episode! I really like the character of Melinda Gordon. After the long seasons of Charmed, Ghost Whisperer is surely the next big thing. So far, Season 4 is my most favorite! You should have seen the heartbreaking episodes after her husband died and episodes that followed. Great ending! Love it!

SEIZE THE DAY!

2009-07-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

Another day to see the beauty of life. Another chance to make other people happy. Another opportunity to make the best out of everything. Another reality to face. Another moment to seize the day and release the stress. Every single day is brand new day to make things straight, to ease all the hardships, to make ugly circumstances turn into a beautiful situation, to make angry heart go soft and calmed, to turn messed up mind into a peaceful one and most of all, another brand new day to thank the Above for giving us another chance to live and to enjoy life’s gifts. Another day is given to us in order to realize that each day there are surprises, good or bad, sad or happy, frustrating or uplifting but what matters most is that every day we learn to appreciate life and everything around us. Let’s make some extra effort to see the positive side of things and let’s give some time to think of things that we should do in order to keep us alive and high spirited rather than thinking of things that would only make our day lousy! CHEER UP! CARPE DIEM!

HAPPY THOUGHTS, HAPPY DISPOSITION, HAPPY LIFE!

2009-07-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

Most people are preoccupied with issues related to their work, their family, their friends and even issues that are not even part of their lives. We all are, one way or another, problematic and are so wasting our time thinking about our problems and even other people’s problems. With this, we all look sad, haggard or worried at times. We even forget how to smile, to laugh and to enjoy. In this world we live in, we can always choose to be happy. We can always choose to enjoy every little thing that we have. And we can always opt to laugh all our problems out! Smiling even once or twice in a day really feels different. We cannot always frown and complain. Can you imagine how many lines you will be having if you always choose to be sad or to be problematic? Of course, you wouldn’t want to see wrinkles in your forehead anyway. So better relax, take a deep breathe, think of all those happy and funny times you had in your lifetime and then smile! It is a beautiful day!!! As the song goes ‘Smile though heart is breaking, Smile though your heart is aching” Smile as if you can never smile again! =)

Finally

2009-06-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve searched and I found nothing
I’ve waited and I found something
I’ve been praying
And I saw it coming
I will keep it
And will never regret even a bit
It is a treasure
And its value can never be measured
It is an answered prayer
That couldn’t be even better
It was once a dream
But now it is as real as an ice cream
I finally feel bliss
I finally found peace
I finally found true love in you…

Expectation

2009-06-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

In life, we expect too much hardships and challenges. We expect to see darkness instead of lightness. We expect to see badness in every person instead of goodness in their hearts. We expect to be poor and to get deprived instead of being rich and accepted. We expect to be hated rather than be loved. We expect to be criticized rather than being respected. We expect that things will not be in favor of us. We don’t expect life to be bright and colorful. And we definitely not expect life to be filled with absolute happiness and tranquility.

We all know these are all part of our life. Without such unpleasant experiences, we will not learn, we will not grow. Every person of every continent of every country of every nationality has their own stories of struggle and sufferings to tell. It is nowhere to be found in this world that ‘somebody’ who will say that he had not experienced any sad or horrific things in his life. Sometimes, or rather most of the time, we tend to get ourselves so preoccupied with our life problems. We usually pity ourselves and think that we’re the biggest loser of all. We oftentimes see ourselves burdened with too many problems and challenges. But that’s not how we should deal with life. We shouldn’t let our difficulties overcome us nor suffocate us. We shouldn’t allow our setbacks to pull us down but rather, we should dare to move against it. It is your life and nobody else could run that for you. We are the drivers of our own lives.

If we continue to permit our hurdles to rule over us, we would surely not expect to feel happy and peaceful. Fight back and never allow yourself to be dragged into the world of gloominess. The book entitled The Secret would strongly advise to think and feel positive in dealing with our everyday lives. What we think and what we say can greatly affect the outcomes of whatever we are doing. So if you think and really believe that you can do it! Then you will surely will!

FREELANCE WRITER

2009-06-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

As I see myself passionate in writing, I have never given up applying for online writing companies as a freelance writer. Thanks to the person who gave me my first few writing projects. The trust he had given me and the chance of proving my writing skills was something very helpful in my writing career. I have always been addicted to writing anything and everything under the sun. May it be literary, fictional, personal essays, feature articles, academic pieces, whatever the topic is, I will take the challenge. It makes me think, ponder, reflect and writing gives me the feeling of being hungry for knowledge. It really is my passion. And now that I am already currently writing for three online research and writing companies, I want to expand my scope by creating my own site. I hope that through this blog site, I can slowly put up my own writing site. So here’s how it works.

1. Visit my site (unsurpazzed.blogspot.com) to give you a glimpse of my writing style
2. Submit your order through my email at zsay_07@yahoo.com or zsaymae@gmail.com or you can simply post at my CBOX your queries and other concerns
3. Indicate in your email the: topic, deadline, style of citation (APA, MLA, Harvard), font size, margin, number of pages, number of words per page and other specific instructions.
4. After reviewing your order, I will email you within 24 hours if I can accept the order or not
5. If accepted and submitted on deadline, I am open to revisions if it is necessary – for free
6. I will charge $5-$10/ page depending on the nature of the topic

23 lessons I learned in my lifetime’s journey

2009-06-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

1. Nobody else can help you but you yourself
2. When everything goes wrong and helpless, God is up above to listen to you
3. Never miss a day to smile, it makes you and even other people happy
4. Don’t let your fear overcome you
5. When you love, love as if you have never loved before
6. When you are in doubt, pray
7. See the good sides of every person. Learn to love and not to hate.
8. Try to see the positive things of life
9. If you know that what you do makes you happy, go for it! Happiness matters.
10. Never think of what others will say, that’s your life anyway
11. Never waste your life talking behind other people’s back, mind your own business
12. Life is too serious to be taken seriously, Enjoy while you still can!
13. Always try to share positive and happy thoughts to the people around you
14. Let the problem, problem you and if the problem doesn’t have any solution, why problem?
15. Believe in yourself! Every person has their own unique personalities and abilities. Explore yours!
16. Don’t complicate things!
17. Appreciate the beauty of nature and you will see yourself at peace. Try to meditate once in awhile
18. Value even the smallest thing you have in your life
19. A friend will tell you what you want to hear but your family will tell you what you don’t want to hear
20. Be contented. Don’t be greedy
21. When you are feeling blue, think of the colorful things you experienced in your life. You will surely feel better
22. When in abundance, share.
23. As long as you have faith in yourself and to the Above, life isn’t a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived and enjoyed!

Somewhere

2009-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

My mind is somewhere, my heart is nowhere.
I think blankly, I feel impassively.
I don’t know what to follow
My mind that tells it’s him
Or my heart that tells it’s you
I wish I had never met you as well
So things might have not been in hell
I thought I found someone better
Yet, I don’t seem to matter
Everything appears to be in blur
And what I feel seems to be an err
All I know is that I am not myself right now
All I want is to forget you, but I don’t know how…

THE TEN SECRETS OF LOVE

2008-12-02T03:33:00.000-08:00

(This piece was emailed to me by a close friend in college and I couldn't agree less; just wanna share it to everybody especially to those who loves to love!)

The FIRST secret - the power of THOUGHT Love begins with our thoughts. We become what we think about. Loving thoughts create loving experiences and loving relationships. Affirmations can change our beliefs and thoughts about others and ourselves. If we want to love someone, we need to consider his or her needs and desires.Thinking about your ideal partner will help you recognize her/him when you meet her/him.

The SECOND secret - the power of RESPECT You cannot love anyone or anything unless you first respect them. The first person you need to respect is yourself. To begin to gain self-respect, ask yourself, what do I respect about myself? To gain respect for others, even those you may dislike, ask yourself, what do I respect about them?

The THIRD secret - the power of GIVING If you want to receive love, all you have to do is give it! The more love you give, the more you will receive. To love is to give of your-self, freely and unconditionally. Practice random acts of kindness. Before committing to arelationship, ask not what the other person will be able to give to you, but rather what will you be able to give them. The secret formula of a happy, lifelong, loving relationshipis to always focus on what you can give instead of what you can take.

The FOURTH secret - the power of FRIENDSHIPTo find a true love, you must first find a true friend. Love does not consist of gazing into each other's eyes, but rather looking outward together in the same direction.To love someone completely you must love him or her for who they are and not for what they look like. Friendship is the soil through which love seeds grow. If you want to bring love into a relationship, you must first bring friendship.

The FIFTH secret - the power of TOUCHTouch is one of the most powerful expressions of love, breaking down barriers and bonding relationships. Touch changes our physical and emotional states and makes us more receptive to love.

The SIXTH secret - the power of LETTING GO If you love something, let it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours, if it doesn't, it never was. Even in a loving relationship, people need their own space. If wewant to learn to love, we must first learn to forgive and let go of past hurts and grievances. Love means letting go of our fears, prejudices, egos and conditions. Today I let go of all my fears, the past has no power over me - today isthe beginning of a new life.

The SEVENTH secret - the power of COMMUNICATION When we learn to communicate openly and honestly, life changes. To love someone is to communicate with them. Let the people you love know that you love them and appreciate them. Never be afraid to say those three magic words: "I Love You". Never let an opportunity pass to praise someone. Always leave someone you love with a loving word -it could be the last time you see him or her. If you were about to die but could make telephone calls to the people you loved, who would you call, what would you say and why are you waiting?

The EIGHTH secret - the power of COMMITMENT If you want to have love in abundance, you must be committed to it, and that commitment will be reflected in your thoughts and actions. Commitment is the TRUE test of love. If you want to have loving relationships, you must be committed to loving relationships. When you are committed to someone or something, quitting is never an option.Commitment distinguishes a fragile relationship from a strong one.

The NINTH secret - the power of PASSION Passion ignites love and keeps it alive. Lasting passion does not come through physical attraction alone; it comes from deep commitment, enthusiasm, interest and excitement. Passion can be re-created by re-creating past experiences. When you felt passionate spontaneity and surprises producepassion. The essence of love and happiness are the same; all we need to do is to live each day with passion.

The TENTH secret - the power of TRUST Trust is essential in all loving relationships. Without it one person becomes suspicious, anxious and fearful and the other person feels trapped and emotionally suffocated. You cannot love someone completely unless you can trust him or her completely. Act as if your relationship with the person you love will never end. One of the ways you can tell whether a person is right for you is to ask yourself, Do I trust them completely and unreservedly? If the answer is no, think carefully before making a commitment.

Break Free

2008-10-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with my mind thirsty for thoughts and ideas. There could be millions of topics I could write about but I just cannot focus on one specific thing. When I catch a significant insight and start to write its introduction, another idea pops up and more ideas keeps popping up! And so I decided to write nothing and just let the thoughts overflow. Now, the night has come and I have finally been able to spotlight a topic that I believe is worthy to write about.

Freedom. They say that all of us are free to do what we want to do, free to express our feelings, free to decide, and free to choose. I may have to disagree about such belief. Until now I haven’t really found the freedom that I want. Why? Primarily because of the pre-judgmental nature of the people. Since I was elementary I have always been conscious of what other people thinks which refrained me from what I really want to do or what I want to choose to do. It was more like; the people decide for me or let us say I have allowed them to run my life. Many individuals nowadays are afraid to pursue their desires and even happiness just because of what other people are saying and may say.

Most of the time, people prejudge other people just to cover for their own mistakes and flaws or simply to appear better than the others or to appear righteous and all that. Many individuals are being halted to pursue what they want just because of being too imprisoned by the criticisms and judgments of other people who are not even directly part of their lives.

Happiness can only be felt when one is free. I am not actually that happy because I am not that free. It makes me wonder why people are trying to pull me down or why they take so much of their time to say things against me and even make up stories about me. I am not a superstar but I feel like I am being followed by too many paparazzi. Hehe Shall I conduct a press conference? Just kidding.

I have slowly reflected on things that have happened to me the past months and now I have this rush not to care at all! I mean this is my life. Maybe it’s time for me to pursue my happiness by freeing myself from all the people who doesn’t contribute any good to my life. I feel sorry for those people who doesn’t want to see me or other people happy. I can’t believe I allowed them to make me feel caged. From this moment on, I will live MY life. I will run MY life. I will have MY free and happy life. I live only once and I cannot let myself die without having lived a life of my own!

Why Blog?

2008-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Writing has always been my passion. I write whatever is on my mind, may it be expressed as an essay or a poem. I have had my writing pieces based on my personal thoughts, insights and experiences which makes it more interesting for me. It's what I feel, what I hear, what I see, and what I think. Now, I wonder why I have made a blog of my own? It's not necessarily because it's the trend among the youth and teenagers or even professionals but simply beacuse it frees my mind. Having my own choice of template, theme, layout and all that, makes it so much fun to write and post all my stuffs.

It has been four years now when I last wrote a heartfelt article which has been fortunately published in the Youngblood of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It wasn't that easy for me to get my article published in such a newspaper and so having this blog site makes it much much easier for me to get my pieces published. Cool huh?

I don't really pay much attention on the credits I will be getting from my blogs but it's really more of the freedom and fun I am feeling from doing it. It's just a matter of spontaneity and just to write and post and publish til I drop. It's really fun! My blog. My thoughts. My pieces. My Self. So blog it on! \m/

Food for my Soul

2008-09-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

I have always been a music lover and I will forever be. Name it, R&B, Pop, Rock, Alternative, Punk, Classic and even Jazz and OPM. I remember when I was just a kid, I used to sing Whitney Houston songs and then when I reached 1st-2nd year of my highschool, I used to listen to boy band songs such as those of Nsync, Five and BSB (Backstreet Boys) and girl duo songs like M2M. During my 3rd year, I started to appreciate Linkin Park and Greenday as well as some R&B and Pop Hit songs. As my college years arrived, I still listen to punk and rock songs but more specifically those of the local artists (OPM). After college, I still have with me that rocker thing but I learned to appreciate classic and jazz music. It was very soothing to the ears and very light. It is what I need when I want to calm myself or if I am in my 'reflection' moments.

Music has consistently been the food for my soul. Every song that I listen to either relates to my present feelings or it is what I want to hear to make me feel what I need to feel. Did you get that last 10 words? I mean for instance, if I am terribly sad or disappointed, I will choose to listen to lively and energetic songs to uplift my spirit and eventually regain myself. Ironically though, I oftentimes end up listening to hard rock music when I am super mad which makes me more mad most especially when I can relate well to the lyrics. hehehe

I am in love with music eventhough I am not gifted with golden voice and I don't play instruments. What matters to me is how music touched and touches my life. =)

Superpower under crisis

2008-09-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

I turned the television on and see the news worldwide. As an international studies graduate, I have been reading and listening to the latest global issues. The most recent headline: United States under serious financial crisis due to house loans and mortgages. Bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers and the crackdown of other financial institutions of the superpower United States. As they say when the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches colds.

Countries worldwide are somehow affected by what the US is experiencing presently which is not really a surprise. We all know that many countries especially those that belong to the 3rd world nations are directly or indirectly dependent to the Superpower for aid. So there must be a decrease in the volume or amount that the United States is donating. Stock market shares in Asia and even Europe has plunged a number of points. Apart from that, the United Nations has also been affected by the crisis that the most influential and most powerful representative in such world organization is currently facing.

Now, where is US going to? I don’t know – I am an Asian studies major anyway. Just kidding. The superpower might need a very very very good and not just good but excellent crisis management committee. The White House should use their financial resources to save those investment/financial institutions that are in danger of collapse. This may take a long time to completely elevate the financial status of the country but if the Government takes decisive measures then sooner or later, they will get back the financial freedom they have always had.

Beauty of Tomorrow

2008-09-19T19:06:00.002-07:00

It has been a long time that I see grey in everything. I felt the tortures of fear and anxiety and has been living in a whirlwind life. But that’s over now. So over.

I now see the calmness of the green trees. I now see the peaceful look of the bluish white sky. I now slowly see the colors of the things around me. I finally feel the strength that the mad sun is giving. I finally feel the subtle embrace of the comforting breeze of the wind. I now feel I am back at myself again and ready to celebrate the colorful journey of my life! LEAVE the past behind. FACE the beauty of tomorrow!

Shadows of the Past

2008-09-19T19:03:00.002-07:00

I rewind the days gone by
Giving me tears to cry
The worries and fear
All coming back so near
BUT this time there’s no forever
Since this time it’s all OVER
The past has been left in the yesterdays
I now live for the bright coming days
No more traps. No more craps.