My Little Dolphin

I have this little dolphin on top of my monitor. It's cute and looks light, but actually it's quite heavy since it is stuffed with sand inside. I got this for free from Dad's Restaurant when Ma'am Mimi gave us a treat last April for my despedida.

Ever since I brought it here in the office, I just placed it like this on top of my monitor.



But when I come here in the morning or at other times during the day, I'm always surprised to find it turned into different positions.

Sometimes it's curled like this...



At other times hanging like this...



Still at other times lying like this...



Or tumbling like this...



and best of all, diving like this!



I can't help but laugh sometimes! :) And it even makes me wonder, "Maybe this little thing is alive!"

But I think I know now who the culprit (or culprits) are! Who else? No other than my big brothers here. They can't deny it...I saw them with my own eyes. (hehehe...) I already lost count how many times they changed its position everytime they get near my desk. I think they have a crush on my little dolphin. Poor little thing...(hihi...)

Hmmmn....I guess I need to bring some adhesive soon (or better yet, a mouse trap! hehehe). (",)

Blessed with their Music

It's been a while since I last went out with Ate Aileen and Ate Jenny. They are some of my closest friends from Church. Though they're several years older than me, being a wife and mom that they already are, I'm glad that we enjoy each others' company a lot.

I received a text message from Ate Aileen last week inviting me to attend at their Church this Sunday (her family now attends at Alabang New Life). They'll be having Darell Evans and David Baroni as guests. Ate Jenny and I gave a resounding "yes" to her invitation.

We met at around 4:30 this afternoon. Ate Jenny also invited her friend, May. We managed to arrive early for the 5:30pm service, so we were able to occupy the seats near the stage. I noticed that the sanctuary was filled upto the balcony just as the service was about to start.

The service began with a prayer led by Pastor Paul and then the Music Ministry team lead us to a couple of upbeat songs. Then the guests were introduced immediately after the last song.

David Baroni was the first to come up the stage. He went straight to the keyboard and started to play. It was a solemn time for us as we meditated upon the words of his song "Bow Down".



What amazed me though was the fact that David was able to usher the people to worship God by encouraging us to sing with our own words. He just kept on playing with the keyboard and uttering words of praises to the Lord. I felt like each of us was able to compose a song at that moment. I'm sure God loved it! :)



David Baroni is indeed blessed with great talent for singing and writing songs. Until now I still remembered one important thing from what he said yesterday. He said, "It's not about the songs we sing, it's about the presence of the King." And yes, I definitely agree to that.



After his final song, David introduced Darell Evans. Darell played his acoustic guitar (which he's so good at) while David accompanied him with the keyboards. I saw that the congregation not only enjoyed the songs, but we're really touched by the words. They were like prayers to God. We all jumped to our feet and danced as Darell led us to one of his famous songs "TRADING MY SORROWS". It's a personal favorite of mine and it really had a different impact because we're singing it with the singer/composer himself! :)



Another one of his famous songs followed - it was "Freedom". Darell, with his great voice, sang the chorus: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is..." and all of us in response shouted in unison, "There is Freedom!!!". It was really an awesome declaration of victory. I could also sense that all of us were touched when he sang his final song in a cappella. A song truly sang from the heart.

Darell was the one who shared the Word for the evening. I didn't know he's also a good speaker. When he invited people to come to the front, the three of us were so glad that Ate Jenny's friend, May, responded to the invitation!

I wished the evening wouldn't end so soon. I wanted to sing some more. (hehehe...) But I know Darell and David really needed some rest. They just arrived last Saturday and they still have a lot to do this week. Anyway, I know I'll see them again someday. But for the meantime I'll just be contented to hear their music through my earphones or over the radio.

Needless to say, I felt so blessed for being there. Their music has touched my life and indeed they're a real blessing to many others like me.

“Inspite of…”

This morning, I had to choose between going to our Music Ministry practice in the afternoon or accompanying my cousin who’s been taking care of her boy friend in the hospital. Hmmm…I realized my cousin needs some assistance so I decided to choose the latter.

My cousin stayed at the hospital last night since there’s nobody to take care of her boyfriend. His family is supposed to arrive Saturday morning. I know my cousin hardly slept and hasn’t even changed her clothes. So I decided to bring her some clothes and accompany her in the hospital until the family arrives.

I got in the hospital a little after lunch. Her boyfriend was asleep when I came in. I saw that he still has a high fever. I can see the worried look in my cousin’s face. I just tried to cheer her up a bit and then asked if she already had lunch. She hasn’t eaten yet, just as I expected. (tsk, tsk…) I went out to buy her lunch at the nearest fastfood.

Her boyfriend seemed a little better when I came back. I smiled at him and started a conversation. I was glad to see him smiling inspite of being sick. I told him he has to eat his lunch already because the nurse might come to give his medicine. He’s hesitant at first but then gave in after some more convincing.

After they had lunch, my cousin finally had the chance to take a bath. I promised her I’ll look after him as he sleeps. Good thing I brought the book she lent me (“The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks) so I was able to read some chapters while baby-sitting, or should I say boyfriend-sitting? Hehehe…

I stayed there almost all afternoon. I was just amazed at how my cousin patiently took care of him. Of course I know their love story, their ups and downs, their issues and stuff (you know, being my cousin’s shock absorber. Hehe…) But inspite of all the hurt, she’s there by his side loving him so unconditionally…giving and sacrificing…caring and understanding. I just thought her boyfriend is so blessed to have her.

Well I guess that’s how love works. It never ceases to be patient…It sees beyond all the flaws and differences...It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs…It simply understands even without reasons or explanations.

Because the truth is, we come to love not “because…” (he/she is like this and that…)

It is really loving “inspite of…”

Turning the pages of “The Notebook”

When I saw my sister so engrossed reading this book by Nicholas Sparks several weeks ago, I was reminded of Noah and Allie as I read about their love story a couple of years back. It was really a touching one, which caused me to shed tears just like in any other Nicholas Sparks novel that I’ve read.

I’ve never seen the movie, though. I just wish I wouldn’t be disappointed because experience tells me, the book is always better than its film counterpart. Take “A Walk to Remember” as an example…hhhmm...I guess the movie is okay but the book is a lot better.

Coincidentally, Tabel told me that Angie has a copy of this movie (The Notebook). Wow! Just what I’ve been looking for. My sister and I watched it yesterday afternoon. It’s quite different from the book but nevertheless, it’s good that it didn’t lose its touch.

Apart from the not-so-wholesome scenes (hehehe…), I love the story. I’m amazed at Noah and Allie’s genuine love for each other. A kind of love withstanding the circumstances, the time, their distance apart and even social status. A love so unconditional that not even any disease could tear it apart. Just like how a review puts it, the movie “expresses just how two people can stay committed to each other their whole lives, no matter what. It is a beautiful story that clearly affirms marriage, love and lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.”

I’m amazed at how Noah expressed his love for Allie even if they’re miles away. Just like all the letters he sent for every single day for an entire year and the house he built for Allie, just the way he promised her it would be.

But what really touched my heart was the fact that Noah stayed at Allie’s side as they grow old together and especially during the time she was suffering from a heartbreaking disease. It’s like I’m feeling the pain that Noah was experiencing all those years when the woman he loves so much doesn’t even recognize him. (Oooppss sorry…I might be spoiling the story for those of you who haven’t read or watched it yet.) But I think it’s his genuine love for his wife that made him endure all the pain…the same love that he so unselfishly gave until the very end.

Actually, Noah reminded me of the Bible’s definition of Love. “Love is patient, love is kind…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…Love never fails.” It is this kind of love that his life manifested.

Hmmm…It makes me wonder now if there are still “Noahs” out there. (hehehe…) Well, I’d like to believe they still exist. (“,)

As I end this entry, allow me to quote these lines (my favorite) from this novel.

"I am nothing special, of this I am sure.

I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life.

There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten,

but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me,

this has always been enough."

Not so late for Chocolate!

At last! I've satisfied my craving for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" last night. It only took a suggestion from my officemate, Monica and for the rest of us girls here (which happened to be only 5) to concur. So it was a girls-night-out with me, Monica, Tina and Lea (Thet wasn't able to come, though).

During lunch, we're asking each other if the movie is still being shown. None of us were sure, so we're having second thoughts of pushing through. Good thing when I checked sureseats, I saw that they are still showing it in Glorietta 4 (yey!). It wasn't too late for us to get a doze of some chocolate afterall. (hehehe...)

Overall, I enjoyed the movie - a nice reward for a week's work. :) The chocolate factory is just amazing! I really wish there's a factory like that and I wanted to have a tour there as well. hehehe... (well, just one of my childhood fantasies. :P) I could just imagine myself taking a sip of chocolate with my bare hands from the choco river or getting a huge slice from the fudge mountain. (yum, yum! salivating here...haha!)


The movie also showcases a great cast. But my favorite is Charlie not only because he manifested a great performance. More so, because his role in the film embodies a good example of what kids (and even adults) should be.


Johnny Depp (as Willy Wonka) also gave a great performance. Though I didn't like much how he looked, but in the end it's nice to see him smiling genuinely as he realized that one thing he's been missing in his life - the love of a family.


And of course, the oompa-loompas! They're (or he's) not that cute, hehehe..., but I was so fascinated by their song and dance numbers! Really cool!




If there's something I learned from the film it's that, nothing could ever replace the love of a family. It cannot even be substituted by fame or fortune. Because you see, everyone around us can leave us behind but our families will always be there for us no matter what.

And of course, evil cannot go unpunished. Thus, the fate of the 4 bratty kids (haha!) and their parents.

It's also good to note the other essential elements of the film which teaches us about "respect for elders (and their wisdom), selfless loyalty, humility, love, and honor".

I'd just like to quote this one

"And so shines a good deed, in a weary world." - Willy Wonka

(true!)

Hmmmn...I guess I still have some "chocolate hang-over" from last night. Hopefully, I could go grab some tonight. (",)

Whew!

Thank God! I was just right on time with my deadline this afternoon. I really, really thought I wouldn't make it...with all the test plans/test scenarios I need to revise and create, aside from the fact that I had to train and assist a newly-hired fresh grad. Oh no...I'm not complaining. It's an intersting task, actually. =)

I was kinda feeling the stress and the pressure yesterday since I was totally not sure if I would be able to finish my deliverables today. So I really forced myself to come to work early. Got in the office this morning at 8:15. I was the first one to arrive here in our room. (applause! applause! :))

Didn't go to Ephil for lunch since yesterday. Just had to take quick lunches (and breaks) for the sake of maximizing my time. Oh well, it definitely paid off. I was able to email my deliverables at exactly 5:30 this afternoon. (yey!)

I'm just waiting for my officemate to finish up her tasks as I write this entry. I promised her last week that we'll be attending the service at Cathedral of Praise tonight. You might not believe it, but yes, she's so excited to attend Church. She's also asking me if we could attend the service at Bread of Life - Greenbelt 1, tomorrow evening. We're able to attend last week with Jayjay, Fatima and Cynthia. It was a great time and we surely learned a lot from the preaching.

And so I thought that's how my day would end. Apparently, not. (but that's another story)

Well I guess that's what my day is all about - test scenarios and test plans deliverables, assisting fresh grads, Church service and... a talk over coffee? (oh no...)

But no matter what happens (even if I don't like some parts of my day. hehehe...), I'll always be grateful. (",)

Photographer wannabe

Since I was asked to be the official photographer of our visits in Cavite City, I made sure I have my digicam with me when we went there the other Sunday (and this time, I made sure also that I’ve fully charged the batteries. hehe...).

During our Sunday School class, I got the chance to take a picture of the kids as they sing to the tune of “The Love Jesus”. It was a fun and enjoyable time with the kids once again.


"Higher than the mountain..."


"Wider than the universe..."
The guys and gals asked for a picture while having lunch. You see, that’s the disadvantage of being the photographer - you can’t get to join the picture taking (hehehe…).


Takaw nila...grabe...
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon on our way to Cavite City that’s why I wasn’t able to take a picture of the sea again. =( Hopefully, the weather would be fine on our next visit. We arrived there at around 4pm already.

Since the facilitators were still preparing some things, we decided to buy some snacks first. We went to a nearby street and found a store selling burgers. While waiting for our order, I got the chance to take a picture of Sangley Point Naval Base entrance.


Sangley Point Naval Base (w/ extra tricycle =P)
Our activities started at around 5pm. It was not only a fun time during the icebreaker games, but it also allowed us to know our brothers and sisters in Cavite City better. And I guess the favor was still on us because for all the icebreaker games, my team won again. Yey!

For the serious stuff, we brainstormed about our group’s logo design. Several nice suggestions came up but it would be finalized by next month. We also discussed about some fund-raising activities.

Then the best part came, eating time! Tita Susan prepared some delicious lomi – just perfect for the rainy weather. (Yum, yum!) Here are some pichoors! :-)


While eating Lomi (uy kasali ako sa pic! hehe...)


Still eating Lomi
Honestly, I wasn't that satistified with some of the pictures I took (that's why I only posted a few here. hehehe...). I know I still have a loooong way to go before I could take nicer shots.

Hmmm... as they say, "Practice makes perfect". But then it's as if I could hear my friend as she would always continue that statement by saying, "But nobody's perfect. So why practice?!" (hahaha! good point.)

Nevertheless, I think it's still worth taking the challenge. (",)

Feeling Celebrity!

Visiting my friends' blogs has already been a ritual for me every morning and sometimes whenever I have the chance during the day. I actually learned about this site which gives you your celebrity look-a-like from Don's blog.

I was feeling sooo sleepy with the weather and all so I decided to try this one while taking my break, just to perk me up a bit. I tried two different pictures and I was surprised with the results!

Shannen Doherty, Krista Allen, Natalia Oreiro

Kate Beckinsale, Ashley Judd, Anna Beatriz Barros
Try and see your celebrity look alike. Check it out at Analogia.

I'm actually not familiar with some of the celebs but that's okay, they all look gorgeous just the same!

Hmmm...I was wondering if I really look like them. (hehe...) I guess the effect of caffeine isn't kicking in yet. Maybe I'm already asleep as I write this entry... and so this is just all my dream - a gorgeous and beautiful dream, that is. (hehehe...) (",)

Last Friday together

Though I was awake for more than 24 hours from Thursday until Friday last week, it was definitely all worth it. The look of sincere appreciation on Mommy Weng’s face when we handed her the scrapbook was priceless. Yes, tears overflowed from her. And no matter how I tried to keep myself from crying, I was just not (as in never!) successful. (So what’s new? Heheh…) If it was in a movie, it was definitely a touching scene.

For me, the experience itself of creating the scrapbook was just great, considering it’s my first time to make one. But what really touched me was when I saw all those messages for Mommy Weng coming from the people who love her – her friends and colleagues. It was also wonderful to see their creativity coming out as they make their own design for their page. I’m sure Mommy Weng will treasure that gift for life!

Tabel took pictures of every page of the scrapbook (So that we may also have a souvenir of our first ever scrapbook created! Hehehe...). So for those who haven’t seen it yet, you may check it out HERE.

Then Friday evening, it was dinner at Mama Sands’ house. She was so kind to prepare Mommy Weng’s favorite dishes – Kare-kare and Crabs! (really yummy!) Tabel, Mommy Butch and I brought some delicious barbeque from Ineng’s (also a favorite of Mommy Weng).

Happy together!

Cute talaga ni Jin :)

Kainan na!

Picture muna!
It was a sumptuous dinner and enjoyable “chickahan” for all of us. The kids, Juwan, Jin and Karl also had so much fun together as they watch “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

Mommys and Kids (kulit talaga ni Jin. hehe!)
And of course, the night will not be complete without the MagicSing. Tabel gave the opening number with “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “I don’t wanna miss a thing”. Of course, those were especially dedicated to Mommy Weng (heheh…)

I don’t know if the MagicSing was playing tricks on us. Because when we tried to play random songs, it was selecting songs related to “leaving” or that of being “lonesome” hehehe! Some of the songs it selected were the famous graduation song, “Farewell” and a song for mothers, Carol Banawa’s “Iingatan ka”. So I had no choice but to sing them. Mama Sands sang again her winning piece, "Bluer than Blue" (hehe...). Still, those were especially dedicated to Mommy Weng.

Singing with Mommy Butch and Mama Sands
I was asking Mommy Butch to give us the pleasure of singing even just one song. She was hesitant at first but then I knew she likes Carpenters songs as much as I do. So I selected some Carpenters songs and she finally sang (yey!) We both enjoyed singing our favorites together.

Before 12 midnight we decided to call it a night. It was the hardest part, because it’s bye-bye time. We all knew it would take years before we could see Mommy Weng again. But just like what the book of Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time for everything.” And though it’s parting time for now, we just believe and look forward to that time when we could see each other and be with each other again. (“,)

What a way to start the week!

I had just been called by our Technical Manager in his office 15 minutes ago. I was feeling a little nervous but then what we talked about is something that really made my day! Apparently, he just informed me that my probationary period has expired and I'm already a regular employee! Yippee! It's also good to know that they've been satisfied with my performance so far. I sincerely thanked him as I left his office but he replied, "I should be the one thanking you."

How time flies! It's been 3 months and I didn't even noticed it. Wow! I really praise and thank God for this wonderful blessing! A truly great way to start the week!

Badminton Night

Here are some pics from our last badminton session with Mommy Weng (huhuhu...) I'm really gonna miss her.

Daddy Joey doing his service

Mommy Weng on a smash!

Me and Ken on the lookout

Ken preparing to serve

Me going for the shuttlecock

Tabel doing her service

Mommy Weng and Tabel

Me, Mommy Weng and Daddy Joey by the net

Who is She?

She...

She's...

She's...

She's...

She's a...

She's definitely a...

Rowena
(Famous friend : English)

"Energetic and courageous you stand up for your beliefs and for what you desire. You are independent, strong willed and fiercely competitive when needed although your ambition is tempered with patience. You maintain a positive attitude and with a more organised or practical approach to life material success is very likely. Your immensely loving and generous nature brings joy into peoples lives and ensures your happiness. "

Words may just not be enough to describe who she really is.
Because she's all these... and more!!!

**********

A Poem especially created just for you...

As I look back down the path we’ve trod
I realized how blessed I am
For having been given the chance
To share a walk with you

I’m thankful for your presence that brings light and gladness
Just like the refreshing warmth of sunshine
And the gentle touch of dew
Adorning a beautiful spring morning

And like the soft afternoon breeze
Carrying the sweet-smelling fragrance of flowers blooming
So is your unconditional love and genuine care
Enormously flourishing through everyone around you

You are indeed a woman of worth, wisdom and beauty
Determined and courageously standing amidst all of life’s challenges
You are a beacon, my source of guidance and inspiration
One who has constantly encouraged me to become the best that I can be

As you continue on your journey
May you be safe in every path you take
May you find solace in every seashore
And may the seas be calm as you sail

May the bright skies welcome you
As you soar to greater heights
Until you reach that glorious mountain top
Where you’ll find your dreams awaiting you

But even in the stony paths
Or through the storm and raging seas
Even when dark clouds surround you
And strong winds blow against you

May you remain steadfast and true
Strengthened by the Faith within you
Holding on to the Hope before you
Empowered by the Love surrounding you

And as we go our separate ways
Bring the assurance that you will always be loved and remembered
I’ll take with me all the memories as it gives me all the hope that someday,
I’ll be able to share a walk with you again.

May the grandest of God’s Blessings, Favor and Love follow you

all the days of your life…

**********

To my...

"Those truly linked don't need correspondence. When they meet again after many years apart, Their friendship is as true as ever."

All the best to you, Mommy Weng!!!