S H E M A !

SALAMAT!

2009-10-10T15:07:00.005+08:00

For the past weeks, I've been busy with the preparation for the launching of our parish Jubilee celebration and God has been continuously giving me experiences to really enter with a deep sense of reflection and not just focus on the festivities that goes with it.

Being part of the core team for creative communications where we are in charge of promotions, research, documentation and public campaigns, God always reminded me that on top of everything, He is the one important! and His plans are greater than mine :).

I nearly cried when I attended the concelebrated mass last October 7 -- our fiesta (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) and at the same time, the launching of the one year Jubilee celebration of our parish. Eric kept on saying to me that "ako ang ina ng lahat ng drama", kasi nga parati akong naiiyak. But this one is different.. Napapaiyak ako sa sobrang pasasalamat na binigyan ako ng pagkakataon ng Diyos na makilala Siya ng lubos-- that I was given an opportunity na kahit sa maliit ko na kakayanan, makapaglingkod ako sa Kanya. Because I'm part of the church. And it is true naman, that God has given me sooooooooo many blessings talaga all through the years.

How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? ..I can't.. Because His blessings are overwhelming--continuous.--and unselfish. At hindi rin naman Siya nag aantay ng kapalit..But I can always say..Thank You... Salamat..Maraming, maraming salamat :)

Salamat dahil may isang Diyos ..salamat sa Mahal na Birhen.. Salamat sa mga pari.. salamat sa mga kaba barrio ko.. Salamat sa aking pamilya.. sa kaibigan.. sa mga nakasamaan ng loob.. Salamat sa isang simbahan na Siyang pumatnubay upang patuloy kong makilala ang Diyos sa bawat pangyayari....sa bawat pagtawa..sa bawat pagdurusa..sa bawat tagumpay.. sa bawat pagsubok sa buhay... Sa lahat ng aking naranasan, tunay na pwede kong isigaw sa Diyos na "SALAMAT!!!"

Our Altar, taken during the feast of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary last October 7.

At 32!

2009-07-15T23:47:00.005+08:00

Today officially removes my age in the calendar BUT luckily, enrolment in the lotto numbers.. nyahahaha..It's my birthday today, July 15!yahoo!

I'm making a post on this blogsite before 12midnight, as I would like to thank all the people who are really part of my life...I hoped I can list them all before I fell asleep:)

Yesterday I received an advance greeting through email from a friend abroad with a very touching message :). Somebody sent a text message at 12midnight of July 15 ( the first who greeted this day) and my phone inbox was full today with all the warm greetings from my friends. My family had given me a breakfast greeting of "happy birthday". I attended the morning mass and God enlightened me through the life of St. Bonaventure (feast today) who makes use of his talents and efforts in serving God. My TYOC friends came to the house later today for dinner and we exchange "chats" and "laughs" that we missed when most of us are not around.

Ahhh!! what a day!!I'm really blessed to be sorrounded by wonderful people:)

At my age, where I felt that "this is it... i'm getting old.. no turning back...", I'm really thankful that I have experienced different facets of life -- rejections, persecutions, triumph, failures, successes-- that I get hold of all these events so I continue to grow. Life is not about age, --life is not planning either-- life is like our taste buds... might be bitter..might be sweet.. or sour sometimes.. ..But that's the way it is.. The most important thing is that there is a recognition of what it is.. define it.. accept it... learn from it... live to its purpose.

I thank God for this life.. for the gift of family, friends, officemates, community..I thank Him for everything. My only wish for my 32nd birthday is that God may grant me the gift of touching people's lives.. That I may live to the real purpose of my existence.

Happy birthday to me !!!

Viva ILOCOS!!!

2009-06-16T21:24:00.032+08:00

For the past 6months since I revived this blogsite, I failed to regularly make a post.. But with my latest get away this weekend, I can't help but share the wonderful experience I had. :)..

I really wanted to travel... and I got fascinated with nature..For me getting into these places keep me relax and free. I'm a big fan of Wow Philippines tag line: "Tara na , Byahe Tayo" !. hehehe..I knew that there's a lot to discover here in our country---maybe comparable or better than the other places I visited abroad.

My officemate, Helen, actually opened the idea of going for a roadtrip to Ilocos. She was influenced by her sister who had joined their cousins on a trip in the region two weeks ago- who said that the place is really worth visiting. Actually, I really wanted to go there as well, but I had always a conflict with the schedule with my other set of friends. and for me a group trip will be wonderful!!So, when she asked me I'm ok to plan for a trip-- its a GO!!!hahaha!. I didn't think twice.. Its a YES.. !!

Let's look at the map.. We are passing the four regions up to the peak of North. Total hours of travel is ~12-14 hours--> up to Pagudpod)

So, getting people together, we set the date--It's June 11-14. We go for a tour package instead of a previous plan of driving our own cars, because we thought it will maximize the time since we dont knew that place well. And wow!! I believed we are so lucky to get the best reasonable tour package!Thanks to Jem and his wife!Everything was superb! (http://www.explorenorth.multiply.com/).

We initially plan to leave Manila at June11 at 11pm, but due to the pussycat dolls concert, its almost 1am when we get rid of the traffic and went ahead to the north.. It was really a looooooong travel but the whole time was well spent when we arrived there!

The group: (L-R) Doods, Edmond (Doods youngest brother), Lordgen, Bebeth(my friend), ako!, Lina, Ana, Helen, Mark ( We re gain our strength when we finally saw the "Laoag" sign! heheh)

Jem, our official photographer.. este..our great tour guide pala..

The first day was spent on tours within Ilocos Sur, specifically in Vigan. Vigan is famous on Spanish built houses, handicrafts, clay pottery, and Chavit Singson's Baluarte.

ehhemm..ehemm... nice vase... :) This is clay pottery "re-engineered". I better solder components than mold clay vases. Too bad I dont have the talent :(

Later in the afternoon, after buying market supplies for dinner and lunch picnic the next day, we went straight to Pagudpud. Everyone was tired but happy. The next day was the best.. The itinerary is just within Pagudpod--highlights were the trek to go to Kabigan falls, blue lagoon for our lunch..and we had banana boating there!! yehey!!..our last stop was the saud beach waiting for the sunset. Waaahh!! it was relaxing!

Pagudpod at a distant (did you noticed the curve in the map? I think this is a part of it. Imagine you in the middle of mountains and the vast South China Sea ! Wow this is really amazing!!)

at Kabigan Falls

Going Bananas :)

1st Batch :: Yey!! We are all first timers!! Yahoo!!

2nd Batch: Lordz, you are there again??!!heheheh

Leaving Pagudpud at 5AM

We woke up early for the last day, as we are heading back to Manila but will be passing through the Bangui windmills and back to Vigan again..

This is one of the best weekend getaway I had. Thanks to everyone--to Mark/Helen, Lina, Ana, Bebeth, Lordz, Doods and Edmond (mega thanks for the dinner !!) , and to Jem/wife for everything!!. Seeing the beauty of the north makes me proud that I'm a Filipino. It gives me a realization that there's so much to treasure here in our own country!

We are not happy, arent we? :)

Have a great week ahead everyone =)

Thanks to 2008 and Welcome 2009!!

2008-12-31T17:15:00.010+08:00

My last post was dated back in 2006. Wow! Am glad blogger had this password recovery that reminds people like me that there is hope on those who kept on forgetting the password!! More power to blogger!! yehey!

I always believed that everything comes in proper timing. As I renew my blogpost, I'm writing at exactly 6 hours and 45minutes before 2009 begins..Just in time to rekindle the 2008 events :)

I had a great year, and eventough I know that God did gave me countless blessings at 2008, let me share a few highlights of it.

My Job:

1. Ups and downs at my job have given me better response to pressure inside and outside the organization.I believed I was more mature than before :)

2. I handled several people where my leadership was tested so many times, and each and everyone had made me realized that a leader is truly a servant .

3. Recessions happening recently challenges me to manage my finances better!!haha!! I should apply my financial management subjects at my MBA class. (i dont like accounting subjects!!waahh!)

My Family:

1. The more I saw my mom and titas and titos getting older everyday, the more I loved them :) and the more I realized that despite difficulties, everything is amazing!

2. We might not be a perfect family, but I loved and appreciate what I have right now. To me, having everyone around in the table during dinner time sharing the same old stories (hehe) is one of the best events of my life.

3. Having my counsins and second cousins and family around the place, always give me reason that there is no big problem that cannot be solved. I really got a big support from them.

My Friends:

1. My friends from childhood (The Young Once Club -TYOC) had a summer class program with the less fortunate kids!This was a great experience for us -- a time of bonding once again. As we have our different profession now, its good that we have one common activity like this. Ulitin natin to!

2. We have additions sa tropa. Romar and Richard got married. Welcome Sheila and Fe!! We expect our bulilits to be 6 next year -- joining Sean, Jannah, Dinmuel, Jeh-ar and Shantel, and more and more to come. Of course, Nancy had Dhenlord this year, so, goooo girl!. Hay, Bebeth, and Emma --kaya natin to!!hahah!

3. Of course, aside from my childhood friends, syrempre my officemates naman. Helen and Sheila and Alain got married this year. Congrats to their partners, Mark, Dex and Ryna..Yehey ako na lang ang single!! waahahah!! Also, Clemence gave birth to my inaanak Gaby..

My Community:

1. My Neo -catechumenal Community - we entered the Traditio and it was a difficult but a very fruitful step for me, really. I really appreciate the blessing this formation had brought in my everyday life. Aside from family and friends, my community is the source of my strength! Kaya lagi ako me will to go on!!

at maraming marami pa events... but I can't list them all at baka abutan ako ng 2009!

I thank God for a wonderful 2008!! Thank you po Lord ng maraming marami. I prayed and hoped that you will guide us as we welcome 2009!! Your ways are better than others.

God's plan is the best! Happy New Year !!!

Reminiscing.....

2006-09-14T06:13:00.000+08:00

Two more weeks....and I'm going home....and this time..I really wanted to go.....
When I came here, its like having a big family -- a lot of GT engineers around, Cherry and I usually hang out after office hours -- wait until the mall closes...go to the gym..chat..and eat a lot after..hahahah!..explore new roads, getting lost..!!! that was fun....!!!

As I'm staying longer, a realized most of my colleagues going back (of course, because they came earlier..) and now we are only 2 left here, and my officemate is staying not really close to my apartment compound. So, I'm the only GT engineer in my compound and I need cheer up!! hey Rhea, smile and enjoy !!!.

I was browsing my old pics folder and I found some group pics that remind me when most of us are still here.

on my bday

Family pic??!! Jai, Coy, Rommel, Cherry , me at Monterey beach

Coy! shooting ba ito ng hunchback at Monterey??ano nangyari sa likod mo??, hehehe

abuchikik!!

Laban, pacman!!

Eto naman when Cocoy and Tonton left:

at Rommel's apartment: dale was taking the pic;lunch at Rommel's apt;

Livermore kulit pics:

ang gaan-gaan ng feeling....

ADSJ's picnic

I'm glad I'm in San Jose..Last time I was here I gained a lot of friends and I now that I'm alone I have a lot of time to visit them, chat and watch TFC...hehehehe ...

Oooops.time to get back to work... 'till next post!

God writes straight with crooked lines .....

2006-09-09T05:15:00.001+08:00

Today is September 8, Mama Mary's birthday. :)

I was moved by one the reading reflections that my friend forwarded me today. This was really true :

God writes straight with crooked lines. His will is sovereign and always gets accomplished, eventually, one way or another.

It is true that Jesus came from a "not so perfect" family. In fact, the biblical names mentioned where he is rooted are those that is known to be sinners, robbers, etc..
And yet, God choses this genealogical line to save mankind--to protect His people. And through Mary and Joseph, God's plan came into reality.

Really, God writes our history. In our twisted lives, there sprung forth goodness and achievements. In the middle of crisis and weaknesses, God shows His might and power.

We may all be looking forward for having an ideal life -- a perfect family..Dreaming of that is good. But we should remember that we can't all have such kind of life. There would always be imperfections. We are created differently, unique, and with very specific history. And whatever our history is, eventough we think that its the worst history ever written--it is good and best for us. We may not know it at first, but God will reveal the goodness in it eventually, if there's acceptance from us.

God is always good. No doubt.. I can attest to that.......

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!!!
May all of us have a great weekend!

Just around San Jose

2006-08-26T01:42:00.000+08:00

Been here in the US for 2 months..Wheewww..I remember my last time here, that my friends and I always planned for a weekend getaway..Four hours off the road, with all the maps, snacks..etc...and at long weekends making long trips going to another state..10 -14 hours just driving..??!cool..That was fun!!..
But when I came back, I just realized that there are many places just around the place where I stayed that I've never been to. So, I'm gonna share to you some pictures on some places where my friends hang out on weekends.......just around San Jose.

Winchester Mystery House - Winshester Blvd-just across Stevens Creek

This house is a 160 room mansion that Mrs. Winchester, the heiress of the Winchester rifle fortune, lived in. In 1884, the wealthy widow named Sarah L. Winchester began a construction project of such magnitude that it was to occupy the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death thirty-eight years later.
She had such a fear of the spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle that she created a very unique house. She had a fascination with the number 13 and never slept in the same bedroom 2 nights in a row. Some of the bizarre features are doors and windows opening onto blank walls: a staircase from the floor to the ceiling: a door opening outward to an 8 foot drop off: glass floors: a room you can go into but not out of the same door. [Patti, 07/13/2001]

Me and Piyu

with my Analog colleagues

Mt.Hamilton- Lick Observatory

The University of California's Lick Observatory, located in the Diablo Range east of San Jose, California, has a long and fascinating history. The legacy of the eccentric California millionaire James Lick, the Observatory was founded in 1888 and has been part of the University of California ever since. Lick Observatory has grown to keep pace with the changing demands of astronomy, and, after more than a century of operation, remains among the most productive research observatories in the world. (http://mthamilton.ucolick.org/public/history/)

It was also funny when learned from the tour guide that James Lick previously owned a place over in San Jose that is used to be a flower mill. and you know what ???!!! that was Lick Mill !!!! now that explains why it was called such... It is the place where we stayed!!what a coincidence.!!

the 120" telescope (huge!!) - the automated telescope so far the observatory had

A view from the observatory; the whole of San Jose.

NASA AMES Exploration Center- Moffet Field

Located ay the main gate of the NASA Ames at Moffet Field just off US101, the NASA exploration center offers a view of outer space experience. The facility boasts the largest Immersive Theater on the West Coast. The theater presents panoramic views of Mars and Saturn's rings as well as other eye-popping movies and special effects on a curved 40 foot wide screen. Content includes a true-color panorama taken by the rover Spirit of the "Cahokia" site on the Columbia Hills and images taken by the Cassini mission of Saturn can be viewed on the large screen. Some of the alien images are seen at twice the resolution of high definition television. (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/home/exploration.html)

my new weight!! (surprise!!) ..thanks to Yoga!! (just kidding!)
Now you have the idea how much do I weigh..(waaahh!!)

Rommel , Cherry and me.

The places are just a few minutes drive from our place..of course..except for the Lick Obervatory.(its only ~14 miles as per map, but the road is long and winding).It takes us about 50 minutes to go up....I do enjoyed the weekend...--see?! It really doesn't need long drive to go to good places,huh?!

May all of us have a good week ahead!! =)

Surprise!!

2006-08-18T14:03:00.000+08:00

Two weeks ago, a health fair was launched at ADSiv--and it was really a fun activity..Actually, Dale just invited me...thanks to Dale.....I actually dont know anything about it at first..I just knew there are free snacks !!(hahah!)....so I came ..(just kidding)....

Well fortunately, aside from several health services booths, there are also goodies given free of charge as well as a raffle draw..You just need to fill up the form, and go to booths, have your form signed by the representatives, and when you have 10 signed boxes on your forms!that's it! you are qualified to join the raffle!!haah!!

Now the most exciting part. ...heheh..The winners are announced through email, but I was not included in the mailing list..hehe.he...How will I know if I won or not??!!! Thanks to Cris, for bringing the good news to me....hhaah!!

So.....I won...this....( I bet most of you will laugh knowing what I got!heheh)

introducing.......tsararannnn.......(fireworks, please!!!)

I got the complete YOGA kit!!! yehey!!

So what's inside???

A book, a DVD, and a YOGA mat!!! hahahah!!

Now I'm ready to start!!!.

Welcome to the YOGA class!!!!

May you all have a great weekend!!!

Back in the US!

2006-07-31T04:05:00.000+08:00

Its been 3 years since I've been to California. It's nice that I was given a chance to visit this place again - chat with so many friends I gained with since I last came here and experience the beauty of this state. ( honestly, I feel that I was not really far away from home). Filipinos are all over the place.=)

I havent updated my blog for quite a while and since I came here a month , this is the only time since I posted my pics.. Busy??!!! heheh. busy on almost everything ---work, visiting friends, and going everywhere..!

July 4 weekend - trip to Los Angeles :

entrance to Disneyworld and California Adventure

the group at the Sleeping Beauty Castle - me, mayyang, rommel, jai

with Mulan

with Mickey =)

Mickey Toontown

Day 2 : Universal Studios (sa entrance lang..hhehe) and CityWalk, Hollywood

July 16, 2006 -Ate Marls bday picnic at Monterey Beach

group pic at the Lone Cypress - me, cherry,rommel,cocoy,ton,jai

I'll be staying here for 3 months. So far, I've been here for a month..Haaayy..many things changed, specifically in the place where I am staying and the building where I'm now working at..wheeew.Two more months to come, and I bet I will have a lot of new experiences to share.

May God always bless us always =) .

Missed ko na kayo!!!!

2006-06-09T10:29:00.000+08:00

I'm back.. after a serious post last time, hahaha!. =)

Well, one of my management subject relates that one of the reason why people stay longer in the company is when a good work environment exists-- friendly people, not too much pressure, good benefits, etc..... Hmmm....I gained friends from the company I now belong with, and it was nice that despite our heavy workloads, we still find time to hang out for a while, share silly jokes and take some pictures in the cubes.. hhahahah!!

This is just to share some pics that I viewed, when I was cleaning up my files.
I really missed my friends who already left the company, but I'm sure they are happy with where they are now.. =)
To all of you --- thanks for the friendship!! and I hope to see you soon.... missed ko na kayo lahat!!

Christmas Party 2002 ulit!

i try ang bagong cam ni apol!

Rey and Elanie's despedida at Yellow Cab - Tagaytay

kulitan w/ K' Bims before kami kumain ng lunch

isa pa!

Disappointments and Humility

2006-05-24T20:17:00.000+08:00

In times that I wanted to meet the target date for my project and, still, I have a lot of things to do, I feel disappointed.

When my plans are not met, my day ended in distress.

When I feel like doing something big to surprise someone, and things turn out not the way I’d like it to be, it’s unfulfilling for me.

Disappointments really make me feel bad, it is true, but in most times that I felt weak, I strongly feel God’s power. I just have to realize that I always need to cling to Him so when things get fixed, it's all because of God's intervention...and not through my own effort..

......for me to STAY HUMBLE AT ALL TIMES.

Staying Alive!

2006-05-03T09:02:00.000+08:00

I was working for almost 7 years now but never in my whole working life that I stayed in the company for 35 hours...(imagine that?!)but I set the record this time.wheeww!!I thought I wouldn't have the energy to go home. naaah!! too bad , I have to baby sit my setup for the project I'm currently doing ...but thanks to God! I'm still writing my blog, so I'm still alive!! I survived!!!
You know what?after that tiring struggle to stay awake for such long hours, I still didn't quit with the original plan of taking a break at the city of Pines -- Bagiuo City!!!!So... I got home around 7:30pm, Saturday (from work starting Friday, 7:30am), slept at around 8:30pm and wake up at 11:30pm!!! I'm ready for my Baguio trip!!! Our bus schedule is 2:30am (Sunday), my friends and I agreed to meet at around 1am, because we still need to take few more rides to the bus terminal.
At 2:10am, we are set for the ride.yehey!! This my first trip to Bagiuo!!hahaah!!

at the bus..with bebeth and nancy

nancy , gigi and bebeth on a bus stop ( we were stranded for 1 hour, waiting for the bus backup!)

in front of the house where we stayed..(we recommend this.. the house is ok and the price is affordable! thanks to gigi for saving the calling card!!!hehee)

The NEW GENERATION OF IGOROTAS
(he..he... so, mukhang hindi naman kami nageenjoy noh!!buti me kasya sa akin na damit!!!)

All of us ..at the MANSION.. (oy, nancy, bakit malungkot ka?!!he..he..)

Sean, my inaanak, K'Jay and Gigis's son, while waiting for his horse ride.
Sean: me pera kaya ako pambayad ?? gusto ko pa sumakay ulit, eh!!!

K' Jay and Sean, with the horse named after the man of steel (naks! Superman!)

the four of us taking a pose again in front of the house where we stayed ,for our next set of tour (day2)

On our way to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (whew..100 steps...!)

Boat Ride at Burnham Park..

Wala lang.. lagay ko lang itong picture ko...cute eh!!!he..he...

We went back to Cavite Monday at 1pm. It's really a tiring BUT memorable weekend for me..It's really good to give yourself a break. =)

Ang Bride at ang TV!

2006-02-27T15:40:00.000+08:00

Wow...February is almost over. I was quite busy this month, dami tinatapos projects, pero nde pa rin matapos, up to now!!and hirap maging isang inhinyero!!! huhuhu...
Well anyway, syempre, kahit disappointed ako sa updates ng project ko, I still need to unwind and find time with my friends. Here's some of the pictures taken last Friday, where we held a surprise bridal shower for annie!! She's going to get married on March18.

Actually, nakakatawa and setup namin. hindi nga kasi alam ni annie.. So ang script na ginawa nung isa naming officemate ay nag ask ng help nya to bring the TV sa bahay ng nurse namin, where we are going to have the party. Yung the rest of the girls ay waiting lang sa bahay. So, ito palang si annie ay medyo naasar na..hahah..kasi ang bigat ng TV, eh..he..he..he.buti na lang, kahit nainis na sya ay dinala pa rin nya ang TV..
Here are some of the pictures bago sya dumating. kung ano-ano pose. Grabe, nainip kami, sobra tagal ni lola annie.

Si annie.. yehey!!..at last... dumating din!at hindi tuluyang nagalit sa amin!!! haha..nakangiti na sya, kahit sobra bigat ng TV!!! heheh!

To Arvin and Annie... cheers to your new life together!! With God at the center of your family life, I'm sure whatever happens along the way, you will always be fine! =)

5 Years =)

2006-01-23T16:08:00.000+08:00

My friends and I had a picture taking at the HR room last Friday for our forthcoming 5-year awarding ceremony. Wheeww! Ang bilis…nde ko namalayan..ang tagal na pala..Kami ang mga 2K babies!!

Hmm..I remember the time when I was interviewed here..That time I was still working on a different employer and was on a night shift.. as in.. antok na antok na ako and my interview sked was in the afternoon pa….I didn’t get a chance to review my college notes..tskk..tskk.
But then, you know, God is good. He really knows the desires of my heart. The one who interviewed me was very considerate and on questions that I failed to answer correctly, I cannot forget what she said to me: “Rhea, if I give you some time to review your notes again and give the same question, can you solve the problem and give the correct answer?’ And I said “yes.” And she followed up and ask me a question which I feel ay parang pang Ms. Universe question: “How do you see yourself five years from now?

Wow… made me think for a while....I answered back at her saying this: “ I see myself as a solution provider 5 years from now” ….
Am I really a solution provider? Sana kahit paano naging solution provider ako..yet I also knew that at times I’m a problem giver… he..he.. but not as giving big headaches to my bosses, mga mini-problems lang=) It is just, sometimes I need to present my ideas din naman and demand for something..he..he..

Well anyway, masaya ako na I was given the opportunity to work here. My company is a nice place to work. May mga problems din along the way--- expectations not met, issues and everything.. Pero, as a whole I enjoyed my stay here..
Until when pa kaya ako mag wo-work here? I don’t know..Sana until 10 years…grabe noh? Single pa rin kaya ako that time? Siguro ma malinaw na kung ano ang vocation ko sa mga panahon na yun…he..he… eh sino-sino na lang kaya makakasama ko dito, if ever? Sana marami pa rin kami… =)

A more closer look !

From L-R (standing):Rhea, Alain,Clemz,Elanie,Sheila,Helen;(seated) Brian & Mark

Celebrations..celebrations.!

2005-12-28T20:38:00.000+08:00

Hay . naku. tagal ko di nag update ng blog ko. kaya eto, naipon lahat ng mga news ko...=)
Well, I think you will agree that December is the most celebrated month of the year!. pano ba naman.

Christmas party. New year party, at kiddie party atbp. na most of the time sa month na ito na ce-celebrate. Plus dami rin yata wedding this month! Congrats kina Jamie, Eman, JD, Mara, hmm.. sino pa ba? Rhea! he.he.. nde ako kasama!! joke lang! at sa bagong baby ni Germaine at Lorraine-si Gerlaine!
I am going to list lahat ng celebrations na na attend -an ko at kahit na yung hindi!

(sensya na kung hindi nakarating...tao.. lang... marupok..mahina...)

December 1: Birthay ni Jowel!! yippee! ang friend ko na gwapo! na may pusong girl(?!) 28 na cia!!

December 6: Birthday ni Mimie! yahoo! 28 ka na rin! be firm and stay humble!

kaya mo lahat ng mga trials!! andito lang kami!! fighting!

December 9: Christmas party ng Analog !!

December 11: Joseph and Clemz's 1st year Wedding Anniversary !! Congrats!

December 13: Gen. Trias Day!! (ala pasok!!)

December 16: Start ng Simbang gabi! nag start na rin kami na gumawa ng belen namin!!

(ala pa si baby Jesus dito, kasi sa Christmas pa namin ilalagay!)

December 17: Glitz & GLamour :Christmas Party ng MBA class - DLSU Dasma

( nde ako naka attend!he..he.. sensya na!)

December 20: ADWil Christmas Party! - nainvite ako !!

December 21: birthday ni Jolens!! Happy Birthday Jolana!!!

ADSiv Christmas Party - lunch time sa Magdaragat!

December 25: PASKO na!!! Happy Birthday Jesus!It is also my Father's Bday!

Christmas Party ng tropa nung gabi!

here's the picture of my "few" inaanaks last Christmas sa bahay!

December 26: Birthday of the little girl with a big smile! : Sheila!

December 27: Bday naman ni Markie! yehey!

December 29: Anniversary ni Rey and Elanie! All the best!

Haaayy... minsan maiisip mo sa dami ng pupuntahan mo pag December nakakapagod.. pero come to think of it.. its the favorite time of the year! and there is always a reason to celebrate that, once again, we are reminded of God's abundance love that we felt eveytime we celebrate it with our friends and loved ones. =)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!

A Nice Sunday Lunch!

2005-10-24T11:28:00.000+08:00

I dont appreciate cooking before. Maybe because i thought that it wasn't really interesting. When I went to the US back in 2003 and left alone in the house, I feel the need to learn how to do it. In fact, I was the "cook" of my colleagues there, and they have no option but to eat the food I prepared eventough at times they cannot recognize what it is .. (hehe..)

It all started there. When I went back, I thought it would be worthwhile to cook food for my family even on Sunday only, where most of us are in the house. With my collection of menus, I decided to make things happen. I must admit that my mom is a good cook and I cannot compete with her.. (ha..ha). You'll see different facial expressions from them while trying to taste my menu, but would conclude that " this is ok for a start!" . whew!! I knew it doesn't taste good!! =(

Since then, when i'm in the house and is not that busy, I'll make sure that I cooked a menu I found interesting in the cookbook or internet and share the meal with them.

I can hardly remember the last time I prepare the food for lunch on Sunday, for i'm always out for almost 6 weeks. yeah!, really busy with school and church activities!
At last, I had the whole day with my family last Sunday, and with whatever food present in the refrigerator, I prepare a menu that I'm really proud of! At last, I made my family smile !! yehey!!!

And my recipe...........tsaararaaann......(drums rolling....)

STUFFED PUSIT ! ( stuffed squid!)

(I must learn how to make better food arrangements next time!)

And of course, this recipe goes well with chopsuey, which I also did. Guess what ? I have used the squid heads and shrimps with the veggies. Hmmm...delicious!!!

Combo meal#1 : Chopsuey with stuffed pusit!

Actually, I knew you can find this recipe on cookbooks, but what makes me happy, is that for the first time, I got a thumbs up from my customers (my family), at last!!
Before I forgot , I'd like to thank Mama Sita's oyster sauce!! it helped a lot!!

In the end, all of us are happy, and as usual, no left overs....=)

To a good Shepherd.....

2005-09-26T10:39:00.000+08:00

Hmm.. It's been a long while since I updated my blog site. I'm really busy these past few weeks....my work projects are outpouring plus my studies have been eating a lot of my time..tskk.tskk. well, anyway the 1st semester is over and the next is coming this week. =) So, I need to save the few days to relax and have fun! ( is that possible?)

Today, September 26, is a very special day for someone whom I'm really thankful of ----showing me the right path, inviting me to work in the Lord's vineyard and setting an example on how it is to be a good shepherd.

Fr. Ollie, during a break in a convivence at La Salette, Silang Cavite - March 2004 with me and Ate Baby

To Fr. Ollie, thanks for all the good things done not only to me but for all those in need of a guidance. We thank God for giving us a good shepherd in your presence, who tends the sheep like what Jesus Christ did.

We all wish good health, courage to withstand the pressures from the community and, continuous God's wisdom for right judgment and discernment for the years to come!!!

Community of Amaya with Fr. Ollie on his early bday celebration last Saturday, Sept.24,2005

..Sunday at zoobic!

2005-08-22T13:34:00.000+08:00

at last ! our long wait is over. after several plans disregarded due to different schedules...just last sunday, when we finally agreed to have a long trip to subic,to treat ourselves from stress and relax with one of the finest spots in the north--- SBMA(subic bay metropolitan authority)..

Bebeth, our friend, got some information from her officemate that its worth visiting the zoobic safari adventure, just a few miles away from the Ocean Adventure.So, without anyone of us, getting there --all are excited and have their bags ready. We left 4:30 a.m and expect to be there by 8:00, but we dropped by a church in Calo,Bataan, to attend a Sunday Mass. We were exactly at subic 10:00am, just in time to catch up the start time of the tour.

The group: Emma,Romar,Gigi,Richard,Nancy,Dustin,Baldwin,Jowel,Bebeth

sila pa rin kasama naman ako!

While waiting for the start of the tour!

Tiger Encounter: grrrrr!! nasa cage kami tapos may trip sa habitat ng mga tiger!! ngeekk.. kakatakot, pero masaya!

This is the picture of San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, Pampanga, greatly devastated by lahar flow from the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo wayback September 3, 1995, buried the church at half its 12m height. A museum was built inside, and the parish had just elevated the altar, keeping everything the same as it was flooded with lahar.

The Church before affected by lahar..

Everyone was tired that day, but not being together always, we enjoy this long trip and hope to have more in the future.=)

......at 28!

2005-07-15T00:21:00.000+08:00

Whew... its 12:00 a.m, July 15, 2005..... I'm officially 28 years old!!. yipeee!!!

Unfortunately, I'm here in my office. =( I decided to extend my working hours to do some extra tasks assigned to me that needs to be done immediately.. haaayyy....

Well anyway, I decided to temporarily stop working at our lab by this time and take some moments to reflect on the 28 years of my life... i cant imagine that this is going to be this fast, without knowing that few more years and my age will not be reflected on the calendar...
When i was in my highschool years, I was thinking of what will I be--parang gustong gusto ko na mag mature at maging grown up. And its good to see that its really nice to be an adult---though there's a lot of worrying (!), responsibilities, success and failures.
And now, I'm thinking of what will I be 10 years from now?.. parang nakaka-pressure, kasi , parang 'ito na ito!!' ...Actually, what i'd like to point out is that my vocation should be clear to me by this time----
I was very fortunate and I'm really grateful to God for all the graces He has given me--all these years. I often felt that I was always protected and saved by God. What can I offer him?? I can only offer a prayer of gratitude for all the things He has done to me..

" Lord, maraming salamat po sa lahat-lahat.., sa paggabay sa aking mga desisyon, sa pagaalaga sa akin, sa pagtatama sa aking mga pagkakamali, sa pagkandali sa mga oras na wala akong matakbuhan, sa laging pagbibigay ng paalala sa mga pagkakataon ng ako'y nagkakasala...

Salamat po sa pagiging isang kaibigan, kapatid at higit sa lahat , sa pagiging isang ama na laging nagaalay ng kanyang pakpak upang maging aking kanlungan sa oras ng kapahamakan.....

Patuloy mo pong ituro sa akin ang bagay na laging maglalapit sa iyo at ibukas ang daan ng isang bokasyon para sa akin kung saan matatagpuan ko ang tunay na kaligayahan, makapapamuhay ng may dignidad , at magiging kalugod-lugod sa paningin mo...

Katulad ng ginawa mo sa akin sa loob ng 28 taon, ipnagkakatiwala ko sa Iyo ang aking buhay, kasama ng aking pamilya, kaibigan , at lahat ng aking mahal sa buhay...

Amen.....

Tying the Knot!

2005-06-27T16:33:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I was able to attend the wedding day of my friend, Rose.

Rose and I are room mates when we were sent for an offshore training in Sta. Clara, CA, USA back in 2003. Since then, we shared different stories about almost everything-- sacrifices, family situations, trials, happy moments and of course .. lovelife (ha..ha..ha..)

I knew Evar from her stories,he..he.. and also because she kept a picture of him on her room(he..he..). We always teased her nga, if she was able to talk and pray to her "anito". From her stories, I knew how Evar loves her and how she also shared the same feelings with him. (haaay!!!).

They both fulfilled their promise to one another last Saturday, June 25 in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Manila.

It was a simple wedding, yet, a very meaningful one. I was the commentator (for the nth time) in the mass and since I was standing beside the altar, I can clearly see the faces of almost every people present. I can feel the happiness that's both within the two newly weds, and Rose kept on making signs to me that she's very nervous.. pero I feel that she's really, really , happy :) The words from the priest kept in my mind . He said ,"Let this day be a day of thanksgiving, as you both find the very source of your happiness. Even if you face a lot of trials in the future,always keep this in mind. That you marry today the person you love--as in the PERSON, and not the material things around him/her.With that, even tough there are fights, struggles, you would not look at the limitations outside the person, but rather look on his presence which includes the weaknesses and strengths, para you may be reminded that he/she is the same person that you marry, ready to accept and live with him/her through the rest of your lives. That, amidst her/his limitations, you'll still be able to find happiness in him, that would further strengthen your marriage and family life".

To Evar and Rose, please keep the promises you made to God and together, build a Christian family.

I wish you all the best!!

DIFFERENT VOCATIONS

2005-06-03T13:40:00.000+08:00

I was about to make a post two weeks ago, but because I have my hands full of so many work to be done, I missed publishing these news immediately.

I just like to share two different celebrations I am part of---- where each one leads to fulfillment of their own chosen vocations.

Ang BAGONG PARI!

I attended the ordination of my long lost friend, Kuya Ronel last May 20 at the Imus Cathedral. It was actually my first time to attend an ordination having a friend ( which I personally knew) entering the religious life. I really felt happy for him. Bishop Tagle has given inspiring thought of how is it to be a good shepherd. I cant forget these lines"Ang Mabuting pastol handang magutom para sa kanyang kawan, handang magdusa, handang magparaya , at laging handang maghanap sa nawawalang tupa"...Simple pero mabigat... To be a priest is no joke, all your life is for the church--for the people. It is self-giving!!

Congratulations, K' Ronel!! (este., Fr. Ronel na pala!)

Fr.Ronel with his mom and brother in law in procession

BALIK -PAMILYA

Last May 23, Howard, my officemate gave a lunch treat at Yellow Cab-Tagaytay as despedida. He is moving to Ireland to finally join his family , after long months of waiting!

Howard has been my groupmate when I was just starting to work in Analog. Actually, he just came 3 weeks before I reported for work ( year 2000). I knew him as being friendly, helpful and religious, too. We often called him "Air Howard" for his breathtaking basketball stunts and shooting ability. He got married year 2003 with a Filipina nurse working in Ireland, the girl he met when sent for an offshore assignment in Limerick, Ireland. (lucky guy!).

Well, there's really a reason to celebrate!, Good luck, Howie!!

Howard (wearing the orange checkered polo, seated) with the ADSC family and friends

Ako naman kaya, ano vocation ko??!! =)

S e n T i =(

2005-05-20T03:13:00.000+08:00

haaayy.. at last !!I was able to sit on my chair and rest for a while.. whew!!

I did report tonight coz I had an appointment in the morning. My boss allowed me to finish my task because I need to present the evaluation results early Friday morning=( and as of this writing (now at 3:15am), I did not have a reliable experiment data to present.
I was so tired and a little bit frustrated with what I'm doing. wheww... huh!! the results arent ok!!
Setting up using the handler isnt really a funny thing. I dont have a technician and I need to do it by myself. In times like this, I do realized that there are really some things that women can hardly do and that men's help is needed.. My back aches ..uuhhh!! The handler is too huge for me. hu..hu..hu...
Well, I dont have anyone here to talk to and listen to my sentiments... thanks to blog! I can express myself through writing.. =)
After this, I'm going back to the laboratory to seek for more possibilities and hopefully get better results..May God help me !!! :-)

BuOnG BaHAY ! ! !

2005-05-06T11:24:00.000+08:00

I was really not fond of watching telenovelas, specifically, those that are dubbed for Philippine TV viewing. But when I watched Lovers in Paris, having almost perfect dubbing which I found very suitable for Filipino audiences, hmmm..its okay naman pala.=). I began to like also Save the Last Dance for me, huh!! made me cry!!. And just recently, I really liked the Korean telenovela "Full House". I was really eager to come home early to watch it. Even if the last episode was shown, a week after, I felt like seeing Justin and Jessie (Filipino name for Han Jin-Eun and Lee-Young Jae) fighting again and reconcile afterwards.

I'm browsing some reviews on the internet and found out that this mini-series started out as a comic book back in 1993 where it gained ratings on Korea,HK,Taiwan,China, and Japan - and learned that the house used on the shooting was really meant for that purpose. Imagine that it cost approximately $1M dollars ??!!? whew!! Well, it really pays to invest such amount to a very good mini series. J

"Full House"

You know what I like most on this mini-series?? It makes me smile due to the weird fighting scenes of Justine and Jessie. The story was light and the romance is unique J . Imagine yourself going home tired of office works and watching dramatic telenovelas?? Unlike, other telenovelas this mini series was full of sense of humor that would lighten up your mood. I love the ending and I hope there would be a part2, which I figure to be showing how that two (Justin and Jessie) lived a family life taking care of their kids (hmmmh..can I write the script??!!)

the characters(L-R): Lorraine (Gong Hye-Won),Luigi (Min-hyuk),Jessie (Han-Jin Eun),Justin (Lee Young-Jae)

I was now watching the Korean version of Full House (thanks it has an English subtitle!) and I kept enjoying it. I missed some of the episodes shown before and my friend told me that there are some scenes cut during on the TV version that I would like to watch. I just finished 5 DVDs and there are 3 more:) And I hope to finish by this weekend. Whew, my DVD player seemed to complain about over usage. I might need to cheer up my DVD player by saying " Aza,aza, fighting!!"

2005-04-27T15:25:00.000+08:00

HABEMUS PAPAM !!!

Pope Benedict XVI

With the event of Pope John Paul II's death, it seems that the whole world was in a mourning. Everybody is waiting for another shepherd that would carry his flock to God. Actually, I was praying that may God grant us a pope who's very firm in implementing the doctrine of the Church because today, we face a radical social transformation brought by new technologies.

And God has been very good to us. With less than 1 week, He bless Cardinal Ratzinger, to continue Peter's apostolic work. I was very happy! =)

With so many challenges facing the Church today, it's really difficult to carry the "sheeps" on Pope Benedict XVI's back. Our prayers are really needed to lead his decisions, strengthen his faith that he may truly be a "humble labourer in the Lord's vineyard".

May God bless us all!!

Goodbye.... Karol !!!

2005-04-08T13:21:00.000+08:00

The first time I heard about the Pope's death, I felt that I lost a father, and I can't stop crying. In some discussions with a friend, we are wondering what keeps us shedding tears for him, --- he's not our relative, neither a Filipino, not even someone who we can chat with about our problems , yet we feel affected about what happened to him. Seeing him alone in TV, moved me, in some way or another which I can't explain. Maybe it's because, I met in him a shepherd who always finds his flock, always willing to leave the 99 and look for the one mis-directed. His smile is enough to tell me that there indeed is a God who always watches over me.. J

I am a Neo-Catechumen, walking in one of the parish here in Cavite, Philippines. I knew that he is very close to the way. There are several gatherings where he personally appeared to send his blessings. I won't forget a video coverage about sending of family missionaries where Kiko, as a final song, sang "He Rose From Death". He was about to leave and upon hearing it, he got back, clapped his hands and joined the families in singing together the song. He was the one who approved our statutes, blessed the Domus Galilee for the baptismal renewals, and make Neo-Catechumenal Way known throughout many parishes in the world.

I thank God for giving him to the world , for giving us such a holy man, which makes me feel that it is really not impossible to follow Christ. He served as an inspiration to me, to offer my life unselfishly, so that others may live. J It is hard ,but is totally possible.

With him are my prayers that he may rest peacefully with God, and continuously pray for us that we may be able to fight evil and be real imitators of Christ.

Goodbye for now Pope John Paul II, and please bring with you my love and prayers as you enter the gates of heaven and meet God!! J

True L O V E !!!

2005-02-28T15:40:00.000+08:00

Today marks the last day of February. I haven’t updated my blog for a while, since I have a lot of work to do these past two weeks. Huh!! At last! I can now have my 2nd post uploaded, hopefully =)
February is often regarded as the month of love. When I was in my teenage years, I view this month as something romantic! As in .. love is in the air!! He..he.. I created valentine cards for friends, for my mom, obviously none for my boyfriend !(since I still don’t have one now! he..he..) cut out cupids in a red cartolina , post it at the door of our classroom, prepare for senior proms…. Whew! It seems that everybody is in love during this month!!
But at my age now, things changed. Now, this season is unusual … without a card, without hanging cut-out hearts and cupids, without roses… but I feel something extraordinary. Un explainable ….but, because I’ve given LOVE with a new definition.

Have you heard the gospel this week, 3rd Sunday of lent? About the encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in Jacob’s well? This is one of my favorite gospel =)

Why?! Because, I see myself present in the Samaritan woman. Like her, I also want to dig into the well to get water to satisfy my thirst. The water signifies all my dreams – of being known, of being rich, of being loved by someone. Without knowing that even if I have it all, I will be thirsty again. Knowing Jesus, who spoke to me in front of my “idols” which was killing me, I was enlightened and the love that I’m longing for was already given to me --- in the presence of my family, officemates, friends… the thirstiness I felt was filled with God’s love, shown to me EVERYDAY!!!. Imagine.! I almost don’t realized that before.??!?

With this reason, I believed that love really is in the air!!!, and it happens not only in the month of February but everyday…every moment. So, when you feel this kind of love, there’s no reason to frown! , keep on smiling and share it to others, too!

2005-02-15T07:26:00.000+08:00

H a P p Y V a L e n T i n E !!!
Today, I was able to make my first post at my newly created blog. Hmmm... thanks to Elanie for pushing me to draft my own blog... ha!!ha!!! I should have done this before, =) cause I feel that I had a lot of kwentos to share...=)
Well anyway, this is just a start and you would know more about me on my next posting. I chose my blog title to be Shema! It's a Hebrew word which means listen !!! --its because we discover many things upon listening. And through that, we may be able to respond, act and produce results when we listen attentively. I hope that you will benefit on my insights, experiences , stories which I planned to post on this blog !
Stay happy =)