Birth Month Meme

Merry Christmas everyone!

As I browse through my mobile phone's calendar, I just had a "light bulb" moment... in a few days, I shall have my first encounter with the big three! Yes, that dreaded big three-zero is coming very soon. What is it gonna be like I wonder. I hope for a life filled with more excitement than anxiety comes up!

I've been tagged by my friend Novz about this birth month meme (how could you? :D). To top with, gave me a deadline to respond!

Okay, let me discover myself... my birth month is January.

Stubborn and hard-hearted
=> (I don't think so unless I've had enough).
Ambitious and serious
=> (oh, yes!).
Loves to teach and be taught
=> (to a certain extent).
Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses
=> (nah, I try not to).
Likes to criticize
=> (do I? maybe when I'm pissed).
Hardworking and productive
=> (I'd like to believe so).
Smart, neat and organized
=> (ehem, O.C! But my working table can remain neat for no more than 2 days).
Sensitive
=> (definitely! I can see through the eyes)
and has deep thoughts
=> (haha, I just think too much!).
Knows how to make others happy
=> (really?).
Quiet unless excited or tensed
=> (most of the time even excited or tensed).
Rather reserved
=> (perfect!).
Highly attentive
=> (yup).
Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds
=> (regular massage have kept me healthy lately but still prone to injury.).
Romantic but has difficulties expressing love
=> (hmm, ya I guess so, I'm just too reserved!).
Loves children
=> (oh yes! esp when they're in good mood).
Loyal
=> (count on me anytime.).
Has great social abilities yet easily jealous
=> (I beg to disagree.).
Very stubborn
=> (am I?)
and money cautious
=> (I save for an early retirement but I manage to indulge).

If you're a Capricorn like me, read on...

Astrologers broadly agree that the following are the characteristics of Capricorn: The Capricorn person is prudent, responsible, realistic, very wise, formal, patient, methodical, disciplined, traditional, cautious, conventional, hard-working, persevering, ambitious, dedicated, focused, honest, dependable, serious, self-reliant, businesslike, career-oriented, authoritative, conscientious, and competent. They can also sometimes be rigid, suspicious, status-seeking, demanding, insensitive, inhibited, possessive, cold, dry, aloof, lack of emotional depth, possesive, self-conscious, materialistic, narrow-minded, vindictive, bitter, lacks hope, melancholy, controlling, harshly critical, restricting, calculating, and saturnine. And some can be abusive towards children and animals.

Likes- Romance, Loyalty, Feeling secure, Financial/material stability, Ambitious mates, Feeling committed, Making long term relationship plans, Dependability, Reliability, Perseverance.

=> (I like everything well-planned and in order... with determination, commitment and focus. Although, I wish I'd be more spontaneous, it's just not me.)

Dislikes- Flightiness, Being bossed around, Crudeness/coarseness, dominance, Game playing, Ego displays, Extravagance, Being challenged by a lover, Indecisiveness.

=> (Ooh, never boss me around, else you'll get a dose of your own medicine. hehe)

Suitable occupations are where responsible, patient and economising qualities can be exercised; such as scientist, engineer, manager, civil servant, mathematician, farmer, builder, politician, director.
=> (I don't seem to belong here, do I?!)

To me, these may hit close to 80% true... yet I believe birth month has nothing to do with the dominant trait of a person -- each individual is born and raised unique just like you and me. :D

Whew!

Whew! I’ve never been this occupied. It’s finally over, at least for now. God is so good.

Twas my first experience to join a bazaar. So many lessons learned from merchandising, marketing to operations and customer service -- indeed a discovery of thyself… a far cry from my daily routine of counting numbers. I've sold close to 400 pieces of these! :D

The greater challenge was being part of the organizing committee. From the nicest comments to those constructive criticism, not counting the never-ending dilemma that came our way, those sleepless nights have finally paid off. To a few who did not believe in this project, i humbly say *wink*, ha we made it! It was not just a bazaar, twas indeed a feast! Those praises from shoppers I’ve never met before were priceless. The smiles and appreciation from the exhibitors were heart-warming. Thank you for believing in us. The feast shall continue very soon…

I just deserve the two sessions I had with the masseur and a shopping spree at the bazaar. My staff (that I have taken for granted during those busy days) will surely be delighted with the nice inexpensive earrings, bangles and bags I got for them! :)

Happy Holidays!

Sleepless

I have always been the designated organizer of our group. Although I didn't initiate it, I always end up doing it. I have this urgency of getting things in order otherwise I won't be at ease.

Our company is coming up with a new project. Since we are pressed with time, here I am, volunteering myself to help out and get things in order. But this is completely different from the usual coordination that I have done, this is on a large scale which involves the society at large and our company's reputation. Whew, this is too much to handle but we got to do what we gotta to do; no compromise we have to do it well. A lil gain but so much to loose. It's no easy task and it's giving me sleepless nights. I could sense I'm aging this year.

Crowning glory

Yes, I am referring to the hair. Mine has a story to tell.

As a kid, I usually had this very short hair, with matching short bangs, "bagol" as we usually calls it as it has resemblance of a husk. My mom or was it my aunt wanted it that way and I never liked it. I was always black-mailed that if I won't get a haircut, I can't have a party. So if you go over my birthday pictures, oh my golly, I looked my worst!

A trip to the salon has always been a nightmare, I cried when I didn't like it. Very posh at a young age, huh. For the past 10 years or so, I go to the same hairstylist. Her assigned cubicle has changed a couple of times, but my hairstyle didn't change much. I never had it permed or coloured and I always want it low maintenance.

My hairstylist wasn't available last weekend, but I was desperate to get my hair done, so I went to another salon not knowing anyone there and challenged myself to get a new do. I'm getting compliments -- a reassurance that it's done well.

Petty as it may seem, I always had this comfort zone issue. It takes a while for me to get cozy but once I get so comfortable with something, I can stick to it for life. Not that I'm complaining, it's just that it's nice to be spontaneous at times. I hope I'd be more spontaneous without being impulsive.

DC

It has been a long weekend for me, had four days off from work (but not exactly though, had meetings in between). How I wish I had flown to some place but by virtue of family protocol, we have to be here for All Saints Day.

Rain has been pouring unexpectedly lately, loosing our DSL connection. Our internet provider responded by saying, sorry ma'am it's a long holiday we can't fix it until Monday. Whaaat?! No internet for the holidays?!

Things have changed, haven't they? Extended holidays used to mean extended hours of sleep, munching here and there, being couch potato-tv addict but in this day and age, it can't be complete without internet connection, right? Tried out mobile internet last night but it way too S-L-O-W!

So here I am with my lonesome self surfing in a cafe, taking advantage of free wifi after an afternoon of Yoga session and sporting a new hairdo. Just can't take being DC. ;D

*DC - disconnected

Value for money

I rewarded myself for nothing with a pair of south sea pearl earrings at greenhills for almost half it's listed price. I can't tell if it's the real thing. So my friend SMW rubbed it together and bit it to prove that it's for real. Thanks heaven I wasn't fooled.

Through the courtesy of CY, I recently got a sony t100 digital camera in Quiapo, which is 45% off it's retail price!

I thought I got a good bargain at Yonex badminton shop in Thailand which sells rackets at almost half the price here. But in my last trip, I found another shop across the National Stadium that sells at 15% much cheaper! Almost anything made in Thailand is cheap. They have this program called "Thailand's best", best bargain for Thailand made signature products like naturalizer, mizuno, wacoal, lacoste, etc...

In a recent trip to China by my bro, they went to this place that was a haven for good bargain. These are China made products sold wholesale that you can find in local department stores and that in 168. The prices are surprisingly lower... imagine a wall clock at P15? No wonder, these China-men can sell really cheap stuff.

In this day and age where almost anything is imitated, instead of being ecstatic, getting such a bargain makes me think twice if I got the real good stuff!

But no worries, after all it's value for money that counts.

Temptations

I love to bake.

I remember baking butter cookies, lengua de gato, polvoron and yema then selling them back in grade school.

Later, baking became a hobby, sharing instead of selling them. Took up a few classes in between and believe it or not, I am a certified Pastry Chef. haha But I must admit, I'm no master chef.

I miss baking. In recent years, my parents are very conscious with eating healthy. Undeniably, baking pastries would mean use of processed ingredients. Sigh, I don't get to do this as often anymore otherwise my mom will nag endlessly. A trip to a desert shop is satisfying but nothing beats the freshly baked goodies.

On the other hand, I've been trying to learn to cook. I find it more difficult, but practice make perfect they say. I just need to spare some time to experiment, hmm... when will that be?

Anyway, let me share some of those best kept secrets here.

It's a beautiful day

It's a beautiful day, tara-ra-ra-ra... Fine, i don't know the lyrics. I'm never good at that in the first place.

It's been days and the melody just keeps on playing on my head. Last song syndrome? More than that, it brings back fond memories of our European tour. This song is played everytime we were about to make a pit stop.

I've been terribly loaded with work lately. Yet a hectic weekend awaits me - Friday hiphop class at Holiday Gym - Saturday buffet dinner at Marriott - Sunday scuba dive at Cabilao.

Aaah... it's a beautiful day, tara-ra-ra-ra!

The battle continues

I prayed for her. The biopsy result is negative but she still has to undergo a series of therapy & gamma ray treatment.

I flew to Manila to visit her and brought her request of dimsum steamed rice. It broke my heart to see her in her current physical state. Her left side remained weak, she can't close her eye to sleep, her arm & leg feel heavy. Thanks to my friend who warned me beforehand to put up a brave front when I see her, otherwise I would have broken down. She's in a much better state now, they say. She didn't want to be pitied, she remained to be a fighter for herself & for her baby. All she said was, "good thing it's the left side".

This experience was also a test of friendship, it brought our barkada even closer. Talks of her bring us to tears but the constant exchange of thoughts is comforting. We can only find solace in the company of good old friends.

Two months after C-Section and two weeks after brain surgery... the battle is not over.

Who cares?

In a small community like ours where everyone somehow knows everyone; it is amazing to learn how people get the latest buzz or have an impression even without meeting the person.

I admit, I am as guilty as anyone else. You just can't help to judge a person by the reputation of the people around them, especially that of his family without knowing them personally based on what you see or hear.

For us, I am lucky that the legacy my late grandfather left behind is something to be proud of. Perks comes with it, coz I can easily introduce myself and gain their confidence. On the otherhand, what comes with it is a standard of how I am perceived to behave. What bothers me most is that some get intimidated for no reason or reasons based on perceptions.

In a casual conversation, someone I haven't met commented that it is so not us, that we got no curfews and we get to do adventure sports like diving. Such comment made me laugh out loud in disbelief! It makes me wonder so what is their standard for being us?

Hermit

Parting is such sweet sorrow. I am happy for them who have finally take on the challenge to move out of their comfort zone. Yet, I am sad coz five goodbyes is more than enough to handle.

It's starting to sink in... in their absence, I could be an hermit in the making, oh no!

Surfing in Siargao

"Habal-habal (motorbike that sits 5 or more!) takes one from Dapa pier to Cloud 9 - the most well-known surf break in the island of Siargao, Philippines.

I'm no surfer and I don't think I have the power abs & legs and balance to match with to stand on a surfboard and conquer the waves. Butofcourse, my adventurous self won't let this opportunity pass. I've tried diving, whitewater rafting, trekking, spelunking, free-fall... i'm sure surfing would be equally fun & challenging. Here I come, ready in a purple rashguard.

Daku island has more mellow breaks, great for us beginners to learn. After a physically stressful day, laid on a hammock with the best view of the sunset.

Not to be missed is the whole day island trip to Bucas Grande (a striking resemblance to the Rock Islands of Palau in Micronesia, they say). On a kayak, paddle through Sohoton Cave, the sole entrance that leads to a labyrinth of a lagoon where the pool with stingless jellyfish is.

Too little time, so much to explore..."

What an adventure weekend that happened to be Siargao DAW*!

*a reporting particle that expresses that the information in the sentence is second-hand; they say, he said, reportedly, supposedly, etc.

Passion for badminton

Badminton has always been my favorite sport. As a child, I play along the streets or in a club with either my childhood barkada or my brother or our household help. It didn't matter if we played barefoot or not, used wood or lousy steel racket, plastic or feather shuttlecock...

Some 6 years ago, I met a couple of strangers on the court. We first bonded with the same passion for badminton and later, with common values in life. I looked forward to every Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays for a fun game. It had been like that for many years, not even a knee surgery kept me off the court for so long. It became an addiction I should say... to the extent of owning a court and a couple of branded gears and equipments.

-0-

It has been more than a year since I last joined a tournament and I have been off the court for the longest time. Apparently, I'm not missing it. Why the sudden loss of passion for the game? I should say, it's not sudden. I have been prone to sports injury for many years, one leads to another, even litterally getting into my nerves. And in recent years, many has left the court so the group has evolved as we welcome others to join and we join other groups as well.

I play because I simply love the sport. It didn't matter if I win some or loose some. I enjoy the game and most importantly the company. Unfortunately, it's not the same anymore.

Yet, I wait for the day - for that passion to come and haunt me again.

(Philippine Open 2007 is slated on July 18-22. Few players will come to play in Cebu on July 23-25)

Travel light

For today's homily, the priest talked about scuba diving... yes, he just got back from Tubbataha, Palawan. (lucky him!) He was the chaplain of a ship of scuba divers. He sighted that scuba divers carry weight belts to dive, yet in strong currents, they may have to release them.

His message was, just like in life's journey, we carry burden, nevertheless, we should learn to let go -- to travel light.

Two days ago, a dive buddy chose the road less travelled. :(

And today, "barefoot" or "finned" she opted to be in Paradise.

In a short time that I was acquainted with her, I admired her artistry and bubbly personality. I pray that she shall enter the gates of heaven with her usual charm.

As she wished, her ashes will be spread in Tinggo, Mactan, one of her fave dive spots. A memorabilia will also be laid 130ft down under a cave in memory of her.

Lovn' it!

Sunset on a cloudy afternoon at the Mall of Asia, Manila Bay

July 1, 2007

Captured by my new 2 megapixel N6300 plus a lil touch of magic.

After missing it a few weeks ago,

I purposely went back for this. hehehe jk!

I stood by

Moral values are things held to be right or wrong or desirable or undesirable. While morality is sometimes described as 'innate' in humans, the scientific view is that a capacity for morality is genetically determined in us , but the set of moral values is acquired, through example, teaching, and imprinting from parents and society. Different cultures have very different moral value systems. Moral values, along with traditions, laws, behaviour patterns, and beliefs, are the defining features of a culture.

I just can't believe how some people forget their moral values when overcome with emotions... be it for love or hatred. It has been days but I still have earned an irked from a person who apparently (in my view) out of desperation and impulsiveness has forgotten it. I believe I did what I am suppose to do/say given that circumstance. I stood by our moral values with due respect and utmost concern for the person.

In solitude

Today, I spent the day in solitude.

Did some site visit in the morning and opted to spend the rest of the day malling all by myself. I cannot imagine taking a meal in public all by myself. As I ordered my fave Beef Bulgogi by "Kimchi" for lunch, I sat in one of the many tables in the foodcourt. Later, a girl approached me, "can I share the table with you?" gladly, I said yes.

I seemed to be in impulsive shopping spree at the Mall of Asia for six hours. Am I depressed? I can just laugh off the only reason I can think of at the moment, "how could he..." My usual mindset of "I'll think about it, I'll come back later" just won't work in this humongous place. I even got a SMS from a friend that said, "I'm so proud of you! This is so unusual." (Thanks to SMS, they kept me company.) I probably forgot what my mom always say to ask myself when I shop, "Do you need it? Do you want it?" What's my point here? Nothing really. Shopping in solitude is harmful to my pocket. hahaha I just ought to reward myself, anyway the stock market is up 50 points today. wow!

At the end of the day, I wished I could have stayed longer to lounge and see the sunset along Manila Bay; I arrived at the airport 40 minutes too early.

Dumaguete dive log

Last weekend, we went on a 4-hour landtrip-barge via the Southern tip of Cebu, Santander for a diving trip to Dumaguete. I was excited to use my newly purchased Aladin Prime dive computer.

Day 1, dive 1 & 2: Dive Dauin [74ft, 66mins] and Masaplod [57ft, 66mins]

Unlike the dive spots I've been to, Dauin is primarily composed of brown sandy bottom. One has to have the spotter's eye to see those small creatures and critters found at the bottom. Masaplod on the other hand, is a small fish sanctuary, where corals grew in the middle of this sandy bottom. There we found this 1 meter-sea turtle, that didn't mind our presence.

L-R: leaffish, mating crabs, frogfish, clownfish, blue-spotted stingray, pufferfish, sea turtle, pipefish, scorpionfish

Day 2, dive 3, 4 & 5: Dive Apo Island [86ft, 71mins; 80ft 60mins] and Ducomi [76ft, 67mins]

Coconut Groove in Apo Island was the experience to beat. The waves on the surface was fierce, thus, we have to descend fast. Luckily, the decongestant worked well this time, I made it down fast. At the bottom, the current was even stronger swishing here and there, thus, we have to hold on to our dear life line (a rope). We almost aborted the dive when there was nothing to hold on to. Thanks to the school of huge mating jacks that appeared below us, we were enticed to descend again. Thanks too to our Dive Masters, who made us feel safe amidst the strong current. The reefs of Apo Island is a vast area filled with corals and schools of fish.

With slightly strong currents and ships docking on the surface, we need our dive light in Ducomi Pier. The pillars of this pier are filled with corals and different interesting creatures. You can actually hear the fishes flap their fins! Lionfishes dominate the area as well.

L-R: commensal shrimp, nudi, us, jacks, black seahorse, me with dive light, lionfish, octopus, eel

Day 3, dive 6: Bahura Resort House Reef [92ft, 63mins]

I skipped the morning dive in Ducomi as I opted to take a good rest and lounge around the resort with a hearty buffet breakfast.

As rain started to pour, waves started to pick-up, we were about to start our dive at the house reef. This reef is deep and with limited visibility, there goes my ears again, it took me some 10 minutes to reach the bottom (entry down 80 feet). As I slowly worked my way down, I got stung around my philtrum (for the 2nd time)! 'Twas worth it though. My first to see spiny lobster, mantis shrimp, boxer shrimps, jaw fish... i can go on and on :D

L-R: jawfish, boxer shrimps, mantis shrimp, spiny lobster, ghost shrimp, bahura resort


Can't wait to dive in Philippine's prime dive spot -Tubbataha, Palawan next year.

Masteral

If I had the choice, I would have studied in Ateneo de Manila (or La Salle or UP Diliman). I would have taken some business management related course, just because there was no better option. But with unexpected turn of events, shattered dreams and lost confidence, I was stuck with University of San Carlos, taking up BS Accountancy.

But everything happens for a purpose. If I have taken some business course, I would probably be still be in limbo trying my luck here and there. Ever since I passed the CPA licensure exams, I looked back with no grain of regret, I have somehow redeemed myself. I have found my own niche especially where I work now. Beyond the numbers, it has remained interesting and challenging. (It's coupled with law and taxation, operating systems, & audit.)

There is still so much to learn but it has to do with applied accounting and finance. Of course, I don't want to go about the theories again.

Is there such a thing as Masters in Accounting and Finance?
Google found 1,420 matches. wow! didn't expect it to be this much.
9 matches for Singapore...
230 matches for London...
356 matches for Australia...

Shall i join the bandwagon?

There are so many other things to take into consideration. I need more inputs for this.

Head banging day

I was trying to reach down and insert the usb drive at the back of my CPU when my cellphone rang. By nature, I could not stand the thought of the person waiting on the other line. So i hurriedly stood up and BANG! I hit my head on the corner of the cd rack made of welded steel, attached to my computer table. It literally rocked my world for a moment! Yet, I manage to answer my mobile phone only to find out, the person calling was the one who also banged his forehead on a ladder earlier that day.

Whatta day. It looked like a kid had just drawn a 2-inch line on my hairline with a red pentel pen. 3 days later, 'twas still sore. So I went to the ER, the doc found an open wound. He gave me an anti-tetanus shot + a week dose of antibiotics + anti-inflammatory drugs + ointment + an appointment to a general surgeon a week later. Wow, overkill!

Lesson learned... don't rush to answer a mobile phone... there's such a thing as caller id, i can always return the call, more so, if it's loaded with unlimited call and text. huhuhu

Ergo, don't expect immediate answer from me, from here on. :p

Bridal Shower

We threw a bridal shower for a friend over the weekend. The invite went like this...

We treat you for an overnight stay at

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

On May 13, 2007

Come in beach attire

Fun starts at 2pm
relax and enjoy our company… see yah!

The agenda was 2pm check-in, 5pm photoshoot, 7pm dinner, 8pm night swimming, 10pm shower party, then swim and lounge around the next day 'til check-out.

Our weekend getaway was not only meant to be a shower party but a despedida party as well since the bride-to-be is moving to Manila. It was a fairly wholesome affair because I was the game master for the night. Sorry folks, no macho dancer around. Our male friends won't be happy to see them around either. Nevertheless, with a little touch of "kinkyness" and an unexpectedly, playful bride-to-be, we all sure had a good laugh. I hope the couple that stayed on the adjacent room had a good night sleep when we were being boisterous.

Okay, I won't spill all the details. Most importantly, it was another fun-filled weekend.

Best wishes to her, congratulations to him! :)

Girl friends

I met my girl friends in 1st grade. We shared a lot of happy moments together growing up, i will always cherish our adventures and misadventures. However, life's circumstances brought us apart. They got married and priorities changed. Two of them moved to Manila, one in Bohol, while two of us remained in Cebu. But true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.

As we mature, table topics have gone from books, relationships, party, fashion to marriage and motherhood. I may not have 1st hand experience over marriage and motherhood, but I felt, I have somehow experienced it through them.

Girl friend #1: She had to undergo emergency C-section since her unborn child seemed to be loosing his heartbeat. Now, her son is suffering from occasional convulsion, which is driving her maternal instincts crazy.

Girl friend #2: Her baby and a cyst were growing at the same time in her womb while her 2nd baby has an enlarged kidney.

Girl friend #3: She had too much morning sickness that caused laceration on the esophagus. She had to take a lot of medication including antibiotics. Now, her daughter is suffering from severe recurring UTI.

Girl friend #4: She waited for 4 years to get pregnant. She has done aggressive treatments, not to mention emotional roller coaster for false positive test results. Until finally, 6 months ago she conceived what we call her "multi-million" baby. I am so happy for her. But life can be so treacherous, a tumor is found in her brain few months later. It is still unknown if it is malignant. The hormones she took to get pregnant and maintain her pregnancy probably triggered the growth of the tumor, the doc said. She is scheduled for C-section on her 7th month (by the end of this month) and undergo brain surgery 2 months later.

This news brought me to tears yesterday. Just as I thought everything is doing perfectly well because all along, she has been putting up a brave front.

My heart goes to her, at this point, all I can offer for her(them) is my support and prayers because life can get so complicated.

Take care girl friends...

"It's hard at times to keep in touch, with those who mean so much, but side by side or far apart, friends live within the heart."

Fate or Destiny

I have been closely watching Sana Maulit Muli starring Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu. (Thanks to "you tube", coz I can afford to miss the live telecast.) I just found the story line interesting, it is something different from the usual Tagalog teleserye. It's a love story that tackles about having a second chance to live life and defying destiny.

Do you believe in fate or destiny? As Mang Andres, the servant of death, said, "hindi mo mababago ang itinakda; mangyayari ang mangyayari."

As wikipedia defines

• Fate is an outcome determined by an outside agency acting upon a person or entity.
• Destiny is when the entity is participating in achieving an outcome that is directly related to itself.

In short, fate is something that is bound to happen, while destiny is something you willfully participate to happen.

I have never been to a fortune teller; neither do I want to. First and foremost, it is unChristian, secondly, in this world of uncertainty, I still don't want to know what my future is.

Then, the other day, I received news from my cousin. A geomancer (feng shui master) unsolicitedly just spoke about my destiny! He told my dad about my destiny on relationships.

I only heard bits and pieces of it, like I am not suppose to go out of Asia until 2010 else I'll miss the opportunity to meet my mate. In fact, I just visited Europe last year and by then, my US visa is due to expire. Uh oh! I hope this won't influence my parents when I decide to travel soon.

Ho-hum, actually I do not know the rest of the details. My dad seems do not want to discuss it; although I get curious, that is absolutely fine with me. Besides, I believe I should choose my own destiny and I don't want my decision be influenced in any way by something credulous.

But for now, I can't get it off my head, damn!

Lenten Ritual

Although I went to a non-sectarian school and may not be well-versed with the Bible, I was raised to be a Catholic and I choose to be one.

Pardon me, for I have not been very religious and spiritual for the past year. I made a little effort for spiritual growth, I attended a few Kerygma Feast (talk of Bo Sanchez) but I know that wasn't enough.

Through the years, I managed to keep the sabbath day holy and practice the Lenten ritual. A few catholic I know still practice what the church asks us to.

For the season of Lent, here are my usual rituals:

No meat on Ash Wednesday and every Fridays of Lent. As one priest describes in his homily, depriving oneself means training oneself to say no to temptation. For this season of Lent, I tried to deprive myself from eating sweets and junk food. Wow, it was far more difficult than depriving myself with meat!

Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. I have been skipping dinner for the past years so having just one full meal should be easy for me. I thought it would be easy but I was wrong. Just like any challenge, when you are forbidden to do something you like, the more you think about it, and the more you want to do it! hmmp, rebellious inner self at work!

Holy Thursday - a day of rest and relaxation. Early evening, we attend the mass commemorating the last supper then we visit 7 churches (Bisita Iglesia). I welcome this activity since at least once in a year, I get to visit different old and new churches around the city.

Good Friday - in the morning, we go up the mountains to do the "way of the cross" (but I missed this one) and attend church service in the afternoon.

Black Saturday or Easter Sunday - attend the easter vigil.

It may sound so boring, but the mass on these days are not the usual mass we attend on Sundays and they are a couple interesting ceremonies like the washing of the feet, veneration of the cross, blessing of the paschal candle, "sugat", etc...

It is so tempting to go on a vacation this Holyweek considering the extended holiday. But we rather stay in our hometown. We will hit the beach this Saturday yet, we will make an effort to keep our Lenten Ritual.

frienships and larsian

One of the many ways to show that i value our friendship is I never fail to keep in touch with them. Even when I am occupied with other tasks, I make an effort to communicate and reply as soon as i can and find time to be with them. For me, i make an effort and find time... it's a matter of priority.

It is disappointing however, when they do not seem to look at it the way i do. I understand, in every relationship, you have to be selfless... not counting what you received after what you have given. But isn't it necessary as well that both parties need to make an effort to keep the relationship? It takes two to tango, right? One can't be selfless all the time, you'd get burn out as well. This is what i am feeling. :( I am even starting to communicate less often, they seem to care less anyway. Should I just give up reaching out to them? I know i should not, but how long can i hold on?

I felt so frustrated yesterday, that i felt i need to binge. I thought long and hard what would satisfy me, then I thought of the new Larsian.

It's been 10 long years since i last set foot on this place. They recently moved to the next block... it looks much better and cleaner now. Frankly, the former place by the roadside and food preparation there were not that clean. Many would be surprise to know that I come to this kind of place. I love their food, the aroma and taste is just irresistible.

My first bite of barbecued pork brought back memories. This is where my siblings and I used to convince my parents to take-out barbecued pork and puso. Yeah, we go for take-out because they do not allow us to eat there for sanitary reasons. This is also the place where I occasionally eat with my childhood barkada. We can consume as much as 10 sticks after an afternoon spent on swimming and playing badminton. After which came a moment of truth... wait and see if we had to relieve our stomach hours later. hahaha!

Those were the good 'old days.

After several sticks of pork BBQ, chicken BBQ, white marlin and pork belly (served on a basket lined with banana leaf, eaten by hand wrapped in plastic) matched with puso and coke... all i can say is, it satisfied me, i give it a thumbs up. burp!

blogging

opening myself up to the blog world is a phenomenon. never in my wildest thoughts did i ever consider writing a blog for everyone to read. i consider myself as someone who is very private. i even seem aloof around strangers, but very candid around friends. a friend of mine is challenging me to come up with one, and here i am today, freezing my thoughts for the rest of the blogsphere.