Signing In

I was checking my facebook account yesterday when my father chat me up with this, " Let's skype! " At first, I thought ...Why? We can chat on facebook. But then I realized, maybe he's trying to maximize his latest subscription to the internet. So I said okay. Now I'm starting to feel bad while writing this blog. What was I thinking?! Of course they wanted us to talk face to face and not just over a chatbox. I wasn't that eager then with the idea because I know I'm going to tutor him again on how to use Skype. The last skype-ing session we had was a couple of months ago so I was expecting we had to go over the process again -from app installation to signing up. ( My parents are sometimes technologically handicapped.) Good thing he had the app already installed. The bad thing is he forgot the password. If I'm going to let him recover the password, it would take some time because he doesn't know how. So to speed up the process, I decided to just create another account for him - his 3rd Skype account, actually. ( I hope we won't forget the password in our next skype-ing session.)

 

And so we started skype-ing. As soon as I saw my parents' excited faces, I felt like crying. I suddenly missed them. Why did we have to live separate lives after marriage? ( Of course it was just a rhetorical question.) Their smiles were priceless! We talked about everything- from talking about the weather to joking about how big our noses as we tried to stick our faces to the video camera.

It dawned on me that, someday when I have a child of my own, I will be the parent trying to bridge the techno gap between me and my child. I will be signing up with all these social networks just so I can keep up with the line of communication the younger generations are using.

So now, before you laugh at your parents' technologocal incapacity, recall what were they doing while you were busy updating your statuses on Facebook or hashtagging over on Twitter. Probably your bubble thought would say something like this - They were busy at the office and at home so you can have a good education and so you can have that pricey gadget you are holding.

Over Coffee

      No, this isn't about my withdrawal of drinking coffee and neither is this a paid write-up for SB (Starbucks). I am also not a coffee addict because I can survive a day without it. (Okay, maybe not too frequent.)

     I know there are some jokes going on that some go to SB to earn the bragging right that they can afford coffee at this "elite" coffee shop. Though I must admit that I find the prices of SOME beverages ridiculously high, but there are also some intangible perks to it. 

     I have this group of friends, though we seldom hang out, whom I really love and are very funny to be with. Because we each have our own lives to live and because our scheds are erratic, we seldom meet - usually when there's something to celebrate. (Lame excuse, eh). Whenever we meet, we always have dinner and then have coffee until the mall closes. (Maybe next time we should go to a branch that's operating 24/7, if there's any.) Coffee time is the time we catch up with what's going on with each other's lives. There's always a list of endless topics to talk about - personal lives, politics, careers, the latest in Showbiz and Yeye and Bryan's lovelife. ( Nope, they are not a couple.) The 2 to 3 hours of meaningful conversations helped rekindle and fortify the friendship that was somehow weakened by time and distance. It's a good idea that the coffee shop bills you for just at least P100 and you get to have one good coffee and an avenue for you and your loved ones to meet and greet. Hmmm. This leads me to this equation - Quality conversations equals quality time.

As far as SB is concerned, Yeye is Beauty.

Our group is getting bigger.

 SB already closing yet the conversation still continues.

Britannia Group of Islands

Some things are better when left untouched or hidden from the destructive hands of human. I speak of the group of islands and islets I visited recently- the Britannia Group of Islands. I was born and raised in Surigao del Sur but it was only last year that I have heard of such place. It's a good getaway for those who wanted to enjoy some privacy at the beach plus you get to experience the white sand and sparkling waters that Boracay has -at least that's what most people say after visiting Britannia. I have never been to Boracay, so I'm afraid I don't have the right to give you an objective opinion on which of the two is better.(not that my opinion even matters)

Buslon Island

Britannia Group of Islands consists of 24 island and islets. It is in Brgy. Salvacion, part of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. It's a two-hour ride from Tandag (capital of Surigao del Sur) by bus or hired van. If you are coming from Butuan, you can take the bus which will take 3-4 hours of travel. Then take the habal-habal (motorcycle) going to the shorelines of Britania. (If you are not of the adventurous type, brace yourself on this ride!) From there, boats for rent are available to take you to some of the islands. 

It's ideal to start your island hopping adventure early. You'd be able to catch the low tide (you don't want rough seas)  and you'd get to enjoy the place minus the scorching heat. 

First, we visited Hagonoy Island. It is the farthest of the four but the most wonderful. Sign says that cooking, camping and overnight stay are not allowed in order to preserve the place. Probably, this is why no cottages are provided on the islands to ensure that these prohibitions are strictly followed. I am totally A-okay with that. 

Hagonoy Island

We were amazed by the beauty of the place - pristine waters, fine sand and clean sea bed. It only proves that Nature, especially left uninterrupted, does really know how to take care of itself.

 Too bad we didn't stay long because we were in a hurry. We were worried that we won't have enough time to visit the other three islands if we stay longer in Hagonoy. So if you are planning on a island hopping here in Britannia, don't make the same mistake we had. Linger on the island as longer as you can- enjoy the pristine water, roll on the sand and never mind the heat!

Hagonoy Island

Next is naked island. As the name puts it, it's purely sand and no trees. My mom said its actually not an island but a sandbar. Manong Marlon, the boatman, said the island disappears on a high tide. So what do I think? Sandbar or Island? Hmmm...pretty much a sandbar to me. (Pardon me for being too theoretical on this.) Freedictionary defines sandbar as 'a long mass or low ridge of submerged or partially exposed sand built up in the water along a shore or beach by the action of waves or currents' while Island is defined as 'a mass of land that is surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent.' 

Approaching Naked Island

My brother said that it is a rare opportunity to see waves, coming from opposite directions, meet in one place. Hence, we did not let that rare phenomenon pass without proof!

Picture perfect for the much-tried jump shot!

Jump shots are for all ages!

Next is Hiyor-hiyoran island. The water is clear but the seabed has quite a number of seaweeds. We did not take a dip but we still enjoyed the place because of the very very fine white sand.

Hiyor-hiyoran Island

The sand in Hiyor-hiyoran is the finest of all the four islands. It feels like baby powder and looks like "polvoron". Mental note: If you are planning on taking some of the sand back home, be sure to pack it discreetly because airport security prohibits taking home of sand and certain shells. My sister-in-law tried to take home some sand and shells and a BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Agriculture) representative stationed at the Butuan airport confiscated all of them (well, except one tiny shell).

Look at those sand!

Last is Buslon Island. It's where we stayed longer and ate our lunch. (Remember to share your lunch to the boatmen.) Tourists usually stay on this place when they are done island hopping. It's the nearest to the shorelines of the barangay so that going back will only take a few minutes.

Buslon Island from afar.

From Buslon island, you can reach the nearby island by just taking a walk over ankle-deep waters.

Crossing from Buslon Island to the nearby island.

Here's to give you an idea of how much you'll shell out for this trip:

Manila-Butuan plane fare (roundtrip) - 4,000

Butuan-San Agustin (bus) - 200

Habal-habal - 20

Boat ride- 1,500 ( max of 15 pax)

If coming from Tandag:

Tandag-San Agustin (bus) - 150

Tandag-Brgy. Salvacion (hired van) - 3,000 (try to haggle if you can)

Nature is yours to enjoy but not to destroy!

My Road to A New Beginning

Just recently, the company I worked for organized a seminar on values formation. At first, I wasn't too excited about it. I felt like I was back in high school again where seminars like these were a regular thing. Good thing, I didn't allow my prejudices to get in the way. Actually, I enjoyed the seminar  and so with the activities we had prior to it. Yup, there were activities prior to the seminar itself. That's how serious the company was with this thing. The speaker was good and funny- never was there a dull moment; and believe me, my dear readers, I did not doze off! :)

The seminar also focused on working out ones goal and mission in life- and I didn't have one. :) We were given a few minutes to come up with the answer." Am I in a beauty pageant?", I thought to myself then. I had a lot of plans in my life but I just can't think of the most concise way to express it. Basically, I want a simple life and I want the people around me to understand it and influence them, too. There's joy in simplicity.

Now, I would like to share to you my life map. It's suppose to let the maker realize what has he accomplished in his life and what he has not; where his life is leading to; what were the ups and downs that he has gone through; and, most of all, how God intervened in his life. :)

My Life Map

I doesn't matter how many ups and downs we've gone through. Our life here on earth is temporal- a road to a new beginning with God. :) Wear a smile everyday. Just keep on breathing and let that heart beat while it can! :)

The Law of Balance...

(I do not own this photo)

A recent stressful event reminded me of nature's law of balance (sigh). Just when I was in the midst of giving myself a break after a series of grueling tasks at work, here comes another one...Life never forgets  to keep its balance. You can't be on the same side for a long time; otherwise, your life will tilt and it will be hard to regain the balance. Aja aja! :)

Acceptance is Happiness...

Acceptance is Happiness... I should make this my quote for life or maybe for as long as I finally let my heart accept the painful truth -whichever is shorter. Life is a cycle of ups and downs and the repeated moral lesson is...life still goes on no matter what. I should move on...look at the brighter side...maybe He has better plans for me...

Re-visiting My Roots - Cantilan

Nostalgic. This is what I exactly felt a week after I left my hometown -Cantilan. The intensity of longingness was the same with what I felt way back when I left my hometown to study here in Manila. I thought I'd get past the loneliness this time because I was with my hubby. But I was wrong...:( So much for the drama...

A lot of my friends here in Manila don't know where Surigao is located. And when I tell them it's in Mindanao, they presumed I am a Muslim. And more often than not, I let them believe I am one! ( as a warning to the bad guys ). So here's a map to give you and idea where my hometown is. Consider this as a short review of Geography 101 . :)

It would take around 2 hours by plane and 36 hours by boat
when travelling from Manila to Butuan/Surigao

For the food, I wasn't able to go food tripping. But I did ate my favorite dishes - Kinilaw na tangigue and adobong pusit. yum...yum... :) I wouldn't trade them for crab and shrimp dishes ! ( unlike most people I know)

Nothing beats Tatay's adobong pusit!
 I was too excited to eat I forgot to take a pic.

Kinilaw (Tangigue) with balibayon

Now let me show you the municipality proper. We live just a few blocks from the center of the municipality. (photos from http://tilangnet.page.tl)

Cannon during the Spanish period

Immaculate Conception Church

Remnants of the Daang Lungsod (Old Town) after  tidal
waves hit  the town in 1856

Cantilan Watch Tower

St. Michael College ( my alma mater)

More than just the food and the place, I went home because I miss my parents. For me, nothing beats spending quality time with family- heart-to-heart talk with my mother & bantering with my father while lightly punching his big belly :) . Meals took longer than usual because of the endless kwento and tsismis. :) Until we meet again, Nay & Tay!

Manong Chicharon

There's this late-60-year-old guy I used to see near Jollibee-De Castro selling chicharon. Unlike the usual street vendor, Manong Chicharon is always dressed in polo shirt, maong pants and rubber shoes. Where it not for the sack of chicharon he carries on his shoulder, you would not think that he is someone who is in dire need of money. It breaks my heart to see him work so hard when supposedly he should be at home sitting on a rocking chair watching TV (just like what I see in movies!). Out of pity, I buy his chicharon even though I find them expensive. It's been months that I haven't seen Manong- probably he is selling his chicharon in another place (I thought).

Now why did I remember Manong today? Hmmm...I was walking along Shaw Boulevard today (as usual, traffic kasi). And lo! I saw Manong Chicharon , dressed in his usual  attire and no longer selling chicharon, begging from the insensitive passersby. He holds a white paper on his other hand and begs the passersby to read it. I was really surprised to see Manong in such a heart-crushing situation. Why did he end up as a beggar? What made him gave up and allowed his life to be dependent upon others? Several months ago, seeing him selling chicharon reminds me of the old cliche- where there's a way, there's a will. Maybe Manong Chicharon has exhausted all his options to live and all there is left is the hope that one of those who walks along shaw boulevard will pay heed to the predicament he is in now. Aja, Manong Chicharon!

When the going gets tough...

♪♪ When the going gets tough, the tough gets going ♪ ♫. True enough, Boyzone! Life is a jungle-only the fittest survives. The struggle may seem like forever, but it will pass...soon...soon. And when the struggle is over, I will be stronger and wiser...and I will be geared up for the next battle! Aja!

Blessings vs Complaints

I attended a Sunday mass in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church ( a.k.a EDSA shrine ). As much as possible, I  would want to have the 3 pm mass because the celebrant would be Fr. Dave Concepcion. His homily never failed to make me laugh. His messages are also profound that it will leave you thinking until you go home. And my pondering led me to this question: Have you ever tried tabulating your complaints versus your blessings? Probably the list under "Complaints" would be endless while, on the other hand, you would still stop and think to complete a 10-item list for "Blessings". I don't mean to make this article sound like a daily reflection pamphlet ( not that I hate it :-)  ). Let me share a part of  Fr. Dave's homily and my opinions about it.

• An 80-year old woman was complaining to Fr. Dave , " Father, ang hirap ng tumatanda. Maraming sumasakit na parte ng katawan ko. Di ba unfair ang Diyos ?" and Fr. Dave wanted to answer her this way, " Lola, otsenta na po kayo. Ano pa po ba ineexpect nyo?"- Come to think of it. Reaching the age of 70 is a big achievement these days considering the kind of lifestyle we have now. Being able to live another year after 70 is already a bonus! (at least for me ü ).

• A man was telling Fr. Dave, " Ang hirap ng trabaho ko, Father. Nakakapagod!" And he simply answered, " Ah ganoon ba. Eh di tatanggalin na lang natin ang trabaho mo?" - Did it ever occur to you that the (false) agony that you are complaining now is a product of the things you desired to have? Be reminded always that WORK is a BLESSING.

• In a family dinner, parents would always tell their children, " Ubusin ninyo ang pagkain ninyo. Maraming nagugutom..." And with a hint of sarcasm the child would answer, " Bakit po? Kapag inubos ko ba iyong pagkain ko, mabubusog din ba sila?"  - Fr. Dave said that in every food wasted from your table, somewhere someone around the world has been deprived of that food; and in every pair of unused shoes you have, somebody is walking barefooted. Hmmm. I once asked myself the same question. Finally, I am enlightened! ü  It's always a blessing to have more than what you ACTUALLY need.

• A cancer patient ask, " Bakit ako pa ang nagkaroon ng cancer of all people?" And Fr. Dave replied, " Masuwerte ka pa rin dahil buhay ka pa. Maraming cancer patients na ngayon ay pumanaw na." - Even in the most adverse situations, there are always things that we should be thankful for.

And Fr. Dave ended his homily with this, " If you envy your neighbor's lawn because their grass is greener than yours, bear in mind that their water bill is also higher than yours."  ü ü ü

A Silent Rusher's Tale

Traffic has been a regular adversity for any commuter here in Manila. We'll just have to deal with it, right? Instead of getting annoyed with the unproductive hours spent every morning on our way to work, most of us opted to listen to our favorite music from our ipads or cellphones using the earphone. But in my case, I tune in to RX 93.1 and listen to The Morning Rush (hosted by Chico Garcia and Delamar Arias) which airs from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on weekdays.

I have been a silent rusher (someone who listens to The Morning Rush program but does not submit entries) for 3 years already. I practically tune in to the program almost everyday but I rarely get to completely listen the four-hour stretch because of crazy days at the office (not that I'm complaining).  Now you may be wondering what gets me hooked up with the program - it's their Daily Top Ten! You will be cracking up most of the time as you listen to the different entries :) Plus you will love the tandem of  Chico and Delamar. They are the most smart and funny DJs I know. Their comments and reactions to the the entries added more spice to the show. I love it when Delamar squeals to Chico's crazy rants. Now going back to the Top Ten...The topics for the daily top ten may either be suggested by the listeners or by the DJs themselves. There will be four batches of top tens every morning. The listeners may send their entries via SMS or Twitter. The DJs will decide which entries will land on the top ten. Prizes like tickets to major concerts will be given to those who grabbed the 1st place (which I consider a major achievement!).

Here's one batch of top 10 aired last Sept. 13, 2011. The DJs chose the topic to keep up with the Miss Universe Pageant aired on the evening of the same day.

Top 10 Answers to the question: Why should you win this pageant?  

logo from http://www.crescentcity.com/pageant/reviews.htm

#10 -Because I was made for the crown and the crown was made for me. I thank you 

#9 - I should win this pageant because I don't need an interpreter. I thank you! 

#8- Because this pageant is governed with criteria that I believed that I have met and best fit among the contestants. I thank you! 

#7 - Dahil hindi ko kailangan ng pera. Ang kailangan ko ang Koron 

#6 - Because I am a woman of substance. And beauty without substance is like a shell without a pearl. I thank you! 

#5 - Because I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day. Spread my wings and fly away. I thank you! 

#4 - Kasi madali akong mapasubo sa hamon at willing akong sumipsip sa judges kung kailangan. 

#3 - Because I believe that the more entries you send, the more chances of winning. I thank you! 

#2 - That is a very good question. Thank you very much! Give me the crown so I can prove to you why I deserve it. I thank you! 

#1 - Hello! Di ba beauty contest to? Eh di ako ang panalo! :) 

For a sheer enjoyment, listen to the podcast at http://www.4shared.com/u/GLclAQHM/Blue_Ritz__httpcdtop10blogspot.html or http://www.4shared.com/audio/AJZ1UGda/20110913-Answers_to_the_questi.html. Happy listening! :)

A Knot to Have and to Forever Keep

I never had a vivid picture of what my dream wedding would be. All I know was that it would be a church wedding and that I will be in white - the details of which I let the future decide. Then that future came and told me that a grand wedding is not meant for me, but rather a simple one witnessed by people we know and dear to us. My hubby and I are very much proud of our wedding for it went well even though we only had barely three months to prepare. Although it was a simple one, the preparation was still physically, emotionally and financially ( to be honest!) exhausting. The  preparation was indeed a test of love, patience and understanding we have for each other. Since we were having the wedding on a tight budget, I would like to share to you how we managed to have a wedding worth to be remembered.

Invitation Cards - We made it ourselves! We both decided on the paper and the motif. I was in-charge of the wedding program and my hubby took charge of the design.

 Bouquet - Two dozens of red and white roses arranged by my hubby (ironically, I know little of flower         arrangements :"> )

Souvenirs - pre-designed souvenirs bought in Divisoria while the tags were designed and printed by my hubby (who else will? ;) )

Food and Reception -  Catered by Buma Seafood and Restaurant in Tiendesitas. The manager and his staffs were accommodating. The manager even gave us a discount! :D We had around 50 guests and they said the food was great.

Click to view more photos

Wedding Gown- I did not go for a custom-made gown for there's not much time left. Good thing we got a ready-to-wear gown in Divisoria that suited my style and size at a good price! It is a white gown with a fitted bodice detailed with beads while the train is accented with mesh and some beads. I had my maid of honor fitted the gown for me. So if you are buying a ready-to-wear gown and yo do believe in superstitions, better bring with you someone who has a similar body frame with you. :)
   

Groom's Attire - My hubby opted for a cream-colored jusi barong with embroidery and paired it with black pants. He would always go for comfort over style when it comes to dressing up. He looked good in barong though. :x

Secondary sponsors - This part I owe to the sponsors themselves. I let the my bridesmaids decide for the design of their dresses as long as the color is aligned with the motiff. While for the groomsmen, I just provided them with the maroon undershirt. Big hugs to all of them for being so considerate. >:D<  >:D< >:D<

 Wedding Cake -A simple two-layered cake for my simple wedding. :) I also liked that the cake was gift-inspired because it was actualy a gift from one of our ninangs. ;)

Church - We did not go far for the choice of church. We got married at Sto. Rosario de Pasig-just a short distance from where I live. With additional fees, the parish took charge of the church decoration, carpet, lights and choir. It's a good idea for couples like us who can not afford hiring a wedding coordinator. :) I really loved the look of the church at that time. The real poinsettias (an indispensable Christmas decor) at the altar was a perfect match with our maroon motif. ;)

The wedding is the first ceremony that has to be undertaken together by two persons who are in love. It marks a new chapter in the couple's lives wherein love and patience is tested all the time. It is a day of union wherein God is your major sponsor and the Indispensable Being in your entourage. No matter how much or how less you prepare for it, be it extravagant or just simple, there will be no assurance of a "happily ever after" ending. Ah! Getting married...the best and worst is yet to come ! :)