Walking in a Field of Daffodils

These bright yellow flowers cheer me up today. I wish I could grow these gorgeous blooms...I'm taking it soo easy this time.

My Philippine Travel Map

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

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Created by Eugene Villar.

Next stop: Palawan!

No One

Alicia Keys

I just want you close
Where you can stay forever
You can be sure
That it will only get better

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all i know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all i know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel

I know some people search the world
To find something like what we have
I know people will try try to divide something so real
So till the end of time I'm telling you there is no one

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

Just the Two of Us

I see the crystal raindrops fall
And the beauty of it all
Is when the sun comes shining through
To make those rainbows in my mind
When I think of you some time
And I want to spend some time with you

/ Cmaj7 B7 Em / Dm7 Cmaj7 / B7 Em7 - / :

{Refrain}
Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us, just the two of us
Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I

/ Cmaj7 B7 / Em7 Dm7 / Cmaj7 B7 Em - / :

We look for love, no time for tears
Wasted water's all that is
And it don't make no flowers grow
Good things might come to those who wait
Not to those who wait too late
We got to go for all we know

{Refrain}

I hear the crystal raindrops fall
On the window down the hall
And it becomes the morning dew
Darling, when the morning comes
And I see the morning sun
I want to be the one with you

{Refrain}
...Building big castles way on high...(up north hahaha)

Just the two of us
Just the two of us
We can make it, just the two of us
Let's get together, baby
Just the two of us
Just the two of us
We can make it, just the two of us
Just the two of us
We can make it, just the two of us
{Repeat last two lines to fade}

Theme song..:)

You Make Me

You make me wanna get up in the morning
You make me wanna stay up all night long
You make me wanna get up to the dancing
You make me wanna reach up to the sky
I feel so high

When I first met you, I read in you
Something special happened I never knew before
Was it in your eyes, feelings you can't disguise
Something's telling me that
Destiny knocked on my front door

It's better to believe that to let by
The happiness I feel inside
Don't let go
I know that you feel safe
Let passion grow
And this better day by day
----------------------------------------------------

Is 2008 such a hapeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee new year?

You betcha.

I met Bo Sanchez last Friday. It was a great post bday surprise! Nagpa autograph pa ko and photo op and my hands were cold. Grabe. He has been a great spiritual mentor and I'm so glad he has inspired me to do my Life Wish List notebook. Been writing since last weekend. And will continue to enumerate the dreams of my life..

I can't believe I'm gonna quote Ferdinand E. Marcos but here it goes:

"Take me to Paoay!"

(pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee or Laoag :)

2007 in Retrospect

2007..drenched in utmost grace. New friends, experiences, places, renewed faithwalk. Dizzying pace and yet filled with serenity. Iam so, so amazed!

toured the country - Ilocos, Cebu and Davao for free..and there are fringe benefits ha..nakakatuwa. Now ko talaga narealized na pang countryside ang beauty ko. I think I'm gonna retire in the mountains or the sea, simple living with nature and my beloved family (Rye and soon to be chenes).

met a lot of people from different places - for an introvert and a self-proclaimed cloistered nun, that is a HUGE improvement. I've never smiled so much in my life..and it felt soo good

knowing my place in the sun - i now have a clearer picture of what I'm good at, of what I can offer the world (ano ba, kaweirdohan..)

more responsibilities on my lap - aba dapat lang kasi 3 decades na ko in just a few days noh..pero hindi naman masyadong halata kasi nakakabulag pa din ng bata..(ano ba, subplot itoh!)

enjoying friendships, family - dahil super busy ako, the quality time i spent with each important person in my life increases in value kasi todo kwento, todo bonding pag nagkita kami.

Rye surprises me no end
(mommy, ayaw ok - meaning he's not ok)all his sentences begin with "mommy"
he can sing! he really can carry a tune singing "beautiful girl" - suicidie (so double dead na)
he's funny..he will mimick what i say and then laugh at me!
he can manipulate kids except KT
he will charm you till you obey all his whims
he can create a flood in the house..thanks to the water dispenser
he will kiss you immediately after doing a bad deed

gratitude and love for the Lord - He has always been my Dayspring - the One who refreshes my soul and I will always be in the shadow of His wings

I'm sooo excited for 2008!

Going North

I will have my 1st Northern Exposure! Hello Laoag and Vigan..Naimbag nga aldaw yo, apo.

Excited na ko makabili ng sangkatutak na chichacorn at makatikim ng bagnet..Goodluck sa hiblood ko..

This year God has blessed me with trips in Davao, Cebu and now Luzon naman. I met a lot of new friends, became sociable again, enjoying my job to the highest level. At mas nachallenge ako to do better. Hindi ko namalayan matatapos na ang 2007, it was all soo fast..napakabuti ng taon na ito, lahat ng bagong experiences sobrang saya.

Ang aking Christmas gifts hindi pa nabibili! Yikes, panic mode na. I was teaching Rye to say "Merry Christmas" over the weekend and it sounded like "Pahimas". Pwede na rin di ba. Pahimas or touch in english..Touch others with love and joy. Hmm..pwede nga.

My and Rye's 1st Kiddie Mass at St Jo

I was excited to go to the Children's Mass yesterday. Rye was just an excuse to go. Hehe. I was tired of the usual adult mass which makes me want to sleep sometimes and late na pag Sunday night kaya the 3pm sked was just right. Ayun, Rye slept on the first half and was groggy awake the rest of the hour. But it was fun! May action songs yung Papuri, Santo and Kordero..lahat! And the gospel was explained simply and the priest was acting the part of the bible characters..the kids can participate in the question and answer portion during the sermon..There's also something so spiritual listening to a children's choir. Mas nafeel ko ang presence ni Lord.

Dati ko pang iniisip if I wanted to convert into a baptist Christian. Because there are certain beliefs that I really don't practice like regular confession, novenas and others. But then I love the Mass itself, the good rituals like Baptism, 1st communion and the devotion to Mama Mary. And Andrew Greeley always remind me through his books just how great it is being raised as a Catholic. It's also something that Mama passed on to me which made me who I am now. It's not just a religion. It's a way of life. Although maraming imperfections, I've come to terms with it.

I taught Rye how to do the Sign of the Cross. He wants to say "..and of the Son" only and "Anem". He Calls Jesus as "Jushush".

Anem.

Gab's Birthday shots

October survey

Name: A mix of my parents' names

Age: will always be a tween

What are you passionate about: Jesus, Films, music, books, writing

Most played songs: Hill Song and Corinne Bailey Rae

Heroine / Hero: My sister / My Dad

Best quality about me: I'm determined

The worst: I get distracted

Do you have direction? Yes..surreal nga lang

Last semi-sensible purchase: tokong as pambahay - could be used as jogging pants

If you could buy one thing right now it would be: Little Tyke slide for rye

Beach or mountains: Beach. Lap it up!

Sport: a little bit of badminton, pacute swimming, some basketball, table tennis

Movie that makes me cry: mother-daughter scenes with susan sarandon. And also the "stepmom" scene where julia roberts and susan talked about being the past and future of their daughter..oh oh..pass the towel please!

Apart from what you're doing now, what would be your dream job: It would Samantha Brown's show on Travel and Living..touring Europe for free!

Temptation you have successfully avoided thus far: compulsive shopping

Temptation you have succumbed to recently: junk food feast

The one thing you can never be: basta anything that needs immediate counting like being a cashier, a toll person..puro abono ako!

The one thing you strive to be: more patient

The one thing you struggle with the most: angry outburst

The most beautiful woman you've ever seen: My mom.

The best thing your mom taught you: Kindness

The best thing your dad taught you: Integrity

The thing you surprisingly enjoy doing: clipping kids' fingernails

What turns you on: witty, God fearing, cowboy

What turns you off: rude, mayabang, bad breath

Most pointless thing a girl can buy: useless treatments like pouty lips, breast enhancements... self esteem can never be bought!

Best thing a girl can buy: moisturizer and tweezer, plus sexy nail polish

Favorite sound: my son's laughter, shriek of joy, the way he calls me "mum" with a british accent to boot (malay ko kung san nya nakuha)

Worst sound: loud snoring or water dripping or clock ticking at night

Favorite word to hear: mwah

When no one's looking I like to: dance like a freak to any kind of music that's playing on the radio

What would the movie of your life be called: Life Like Lynette

What is the most ironic thing about yourself: I'm OC but don't show it..in my head, I've had it all figured out but can't execute it well enough. I'm a closet fashionista - I know the latest trends and yet can't wear it with ease..

What do you like most about yourself: I can do research like a spy
What do you hate most about yourself: I seem to attract the wrong type of guys.

One thing you will never be: whiner

Issue most important to you: street kids and programs for their benefit

What is the bravest thing you've done: love! hahaha

What is the one brave thing you've still yet to do: get married and face the in laws.

What's food for your soul? praise and worship songs, communing with nature

If you were to enter heaven, what would you like to hear at the pearly gates: "Hi there! Your Mama is having a homecoming feast for you at the mansion."

Life Notebook

Yesterday I bought a notebook from Papemelroti. This brand of recycled notebook has been witness to my life's most significant and mundane journal entries since I was twelve years old. So maybe I need to write again. I have been keeping a digital journal since 2004 but it's not the same. Just as a digital album is not as poignant as turning the pages of a real photo album. Call me backwards, but it's really something else.

My nephew had his 1st bday party yesterday. Looking at the next generation of our family, I feel all these mixed emotions..it's looking forward to the future and yet wanting everything to remain the same at least for a little while longer. Rye had so much fun spending time with his cousins. I hope they can preserve the friendship even when they've grown up or been separated by distance. Eight cousins in all..ranging from 22 to 1 year old. I pray they have a great life, bounded by faith and love.

Big Girls Don't Cry

The smell of your skin lingers on me now
Your probably on your flight back to your home town
I need some shelter of my own protection baby
To be with myself instead of calamity
Peace, Serenity

[CHORUS]
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, Myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But Ive got to get a move on with my life
Its time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry
Don't cry
Don't cry

The path that I'm walking
I must go alone
I must take the baby steps until I'm full grown
Fairytales don't always have a happy ending, do they
And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay

[CHORUS]
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to with you
It's personal, Myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
Its time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry

Like the little school mate in the school yard
We'll play jacks and uno cards
Ill be your best friend and you'll be mine
Valentine
Yes you can hold my hand if u want to
Cause I want to hold yours too
Well be playmates and lovers and share our secret worlds
But its time for me to go home
Its getting late, dark outside
I need to be with myself instead of calamity
Peace, Serenity

[CHORUS]
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, Myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
Its time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry
Don't cry
Don't cry

This song is on my mind these days. A bad case of last song syndrome..

Times a-changing once again. It's been a really dizzying year for me. Wonderfully so. May term bang ganun..anywayz..Tama bang october na..I have a Christmas list but don't have time to shop or the budget to start shopping..hehe.

Rye 2.4

Rileyisms:

Suri, suri - sorry
Mouse - Mickey Mouse
Kitty - KT his cousin
Jushush - Jesus
Pepper - paper
Pakaw, pakaw - pacquiao or boxing

He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and other Disney shows especially High School Musical. He eats Daddy's fried rice, chicken liver, tilapia, adobo and peanuts. Love nya ang boxing, he would raise his fist and tries to box with anyone. Love nya ang cousin nyang si Gabby. Love nyang i-wrestling!

He loves lots of people. He's in his element when they are all over him. In short, bibo at pasikat. He knows how to turn on the aircon, how to plug electrical chenes at itapon ang lahat ng liquid mapa cologne, alcohol or lotion..

these days

these days are swamped. As in totally loaded. And then there will be last minute hostings and seminars. Like this week, may biglaang tie up with QTV, first time na may GMA network pips dito. And then today, I didn't know I had to attend a marketing seminar by the guru himself, Josiah Go. It's called Blue Ocean Strategy - one of the top 10 business concepts of all time. Apparently, hindi rin alam ng organizers that we are going to attend since we are not listed in their registration. It was supposedly exclusive for suppliers only. Kaya hindi kami pwede umatend.

Nakakaaliw, we had to wake up at 7am to go to MOA (the guards didn't know there was a seminar din..napakaconfusing ng umaga ko). We didn't know where to go, we didn't have an invitation. Armed only with a prayer, an encouraging text and my poor bladder which led us to the rest room inside the seminar venue which prompted us to sneak inside..voila! Instant gate crashers..

It was great to be surrounded with entrepreneurs and business bigwigs..parang feeling magaling sa math na rin ako. I learned a lot of marketing know how's. The free seminar should've cost around a thousand pesos. Ang catch we need to present what we learned and report it to management. wahh!

How Could I Ask for More?

I first heard this song in Elim, specifically Barbie Dumlao singing it on PY's show. It was soo beautiful. And hearing it again tonight after what, 15 years..soo amazing! I found a Christian radio station online and it played just now, sung by Cindy Morgan. Nawala ang headache ko.

How Could I Ask for More

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more

(see, gotta hear it when you're feeling ungrateful or grumpy or having a major headache hahaha)

Rye and Nette Simpson

www.simpsonizeme.com - One of the coolest sites to come out this year! I grew up with Bart, he was my favorite character when the Simpsons came out in the early 90's. I haven't watch the film though...Ok, here is the Riley and Lynette Simpson pictorial. Enjoy simpsonizing yourself!

Halfway

I just got back from a 2 week spiritual sojourn called the Halfway House Program, sponsored by the company and I felt like I'm reborn all over again. I got renewed or accepted Jesus as personal Lord and Savior when I was 14 years old. Back then I was in spiritual high, going to church service thrice a week. I was so hungry for the Word of God. Until college and work ate most of my time and simply got too busy.

I went back to choir just before my Mama passed away in 1999. But then the world just got too tempting with lots of fleeting fancies that I took the Lord for granted. Up until 2 years ago when I was down in the pits of darkness. It was the culmination of a troubled life. And the Lord just scooped me out and kept me in the shelter of His wings.

Sa Halfway House, confiscated ang cellfon, bawal magwork unless super urgent, 6:00 am ang start ng activity kaya 4.30 am pa lang gising na ko. Merong lectures, praise and worship, inner healing, deliverance (eto yung ma-action at madramang tagpo) and commissioning of the Holy Spirit. I got the gift of intercession - praying for other people's burdens and I think evangelism. Sana, sana..

Ang saya ng batch namin - puro makukulet na comedian hahaha! Mang Joseph - pinasaya mo kaming lahat, kakaiba ka! Saludo ako sa lahat ng servants lalo na kay Pastor Edmund and Sister Shirley. God bless you for helping save souls for Christ.

Now I'm back to work, back to the real world and still reeling from the joy of praise and worship for 8 straight days, meditating on God's Word and loving fellowship with batch 50 (we're gold!).

I'm going the whole 9 yards for you Lord, hindi lang halfway! Isasama ko si Riley and we will be a household of faith. Amen.

Be Bench Presscon

We've attended the Be Bench: The Next Model Search and it felt like old times when I used to work for a concert production company. Syempre, picturan with artistas (na hindi ko ginawa noon, ewan ko bat natuwa na kong gawin ngayon) - mas kinilig pa ko kay Christian Bautista kesa kay Sam Milby kasi I was watching his concert dvd just that weekend and sobrang gaganda ng songs dun. And he was really nice pati naman si Sam eh, though a bit shy. And I was so happy to see Haydee, my friend since elementary days pa kasi haven't seen her since 2004.

Worth Going to Prison For

My new love - Wentworth Miller of Prison Break! Dati ko pa syang nakikita but haven't found the time to watch PB until 2 weeks ago. Although I saw the "Human Stain" in which he played the young Anthony Hopkins. Oh such beautiful eyes. Oh perfection.

Basketball has been my favorite sport watching activity for as long as I could remember. At 10 years old my parents brought me to Rizal Stadium to watch Ronnie Magsanoc(my 2nd cousin) play in the UAAP. The UP-UE match was a classic finish. After that, it was PBL and the PBA. How I loathed Ginebra during that time. There's the rush of excitement watching it live and winning it by a just a point or two or even a 3 pointer.

During college, it was just sheer heartbreak losing over UST. And having googoo eyes at Jason Webb and Luigi Trillo.

Yesterday, I had fun watching the Jones Cup with Team Pilipinas winning against hometown favorite Taipei. All my good manners flew out the window when I watch a game. I cussed, I scream, I jumped and I howl like a man.

And Rye is soo amazed. He's now a basketball fan too. He says "shoot" and then proceeds to dunk in his mini court.

Cool.