tic.. tac.. tic.. tac..

In a few minutes, I’ll be leaving my humble abode to board Superferry bound for Cebu on its day trip promo with my friends. It’ll be my second time to be voyaging the sea at day time. My first being years ago I can’t even vividly recall. It was also bound for Cebu but was scheduled the night before, due to a storm the sailing time was postponed. I remember my father hurriedly coming home to gather and brought us to the port, we were almost running to catch up time. Anyway, kind of anxious to watch the sunset at sea though and hope to capture the majestic view on cam.

How was your Christmas?

On the 24th, my brothers and I were at a childhood friends’ house to celebrate their mother’s birthday and their coming home as well, having their whole family residing in Manila now. It was kind of a gathering for us childhood friends. And it was fun. Catching up with each other’s lives, work, school for some, personal life. Since we don’t belong to the same age range, some 5 or 6 years younger and 5 years older than me so expect that there would be lots of chikas and interesting things to bask on. Despite the age gaps and our status, I’m glad we still remain friends and the bond has now strengthened that we were already scattered in different corners of the country. We cherish each opportunity we can get together. What I like most about our friendship is that we more or less treat each other as brothers and sisters. We were almost 15 and no romantic relationships were made, so far. Great right.

Going back home, I noticed fire trucks lining up the street along Divisoria. Too bad for those firefighters who couldn’t be at home at the struck of 12midnight.

Anyway.. I’ll be off now. My friend is on her way here to fetch me. Till next time. Enjoy your days.

no-name-yet puppy

Our new puppy. She looks like a stuffed toy, and is fluffy too.

When she arrived two days ago, she slept a lot. Might be exhausted from her trip, hehe.. Or, experiencing stress and adjusting to her new home. She wants to be cuddled. If there are people person, she’s the ‘people doggie’. She doesn’t like it when she’s left behind alone, she wants to be with us always, be beside us. Even sleeps at our bed, and really tries her best to climb up our bed even though she’s still too small to jump over it.

Just glad we have another puppy in the house. At least our one and only dog now has his playmate.

hands that speak

I am so full I can hardly move and so exhausted. I didn’t noticed that I had been standing and walking around for straight 6 hours. Decorating the stage, finalizing the arrangements, preparing my handmimers’ costume, practicing my lines as the program’s co-emcee and the children’s presentations narrator, not to say, I think my wits ran out of me. Can’t seem to think of any sensible thing to ad lib. But somehow, I survived. We survived.

I’m so happy with my handmimers. Two of them were late so they failed to perform and I had to make a substition in their place. Tough duty, since I’m not really familiar with their hand positions. Yet I’m glad one of my mimers guided me, he even pulled my hands down when I had mine in the wrong place and it was so obvious. I was only suppose to be their guide, see the irony. Hehe.. But anyway, I’m very proud of them. They did great, they memorized their parts and I didn’t even prompt them or need to. And instead of guiding them, it was the other way around. Pardon my actions.

Not all handmimers were under my tutelage. Yet, in the course of time, through our practices, I got to know them, talked to them, befriended them and be part of their learning milestone also. I’m glad, I’m so glad. Being part of their life, of this kids with mental retardation and learning disabilities, is a blessing in itself. This, in a way, is the nicest Christmas gift I’ve received this year. Smiling with them and exchanging high fives after our handmime performance, despite the obvious mistakes I’ve made, is the best gift I’ve received today. Thank you kids.

a warm hug

Upon arriving at my workplace this morning, I was met with a sweet smile and a very warm hug from my student with mental retardation. She even repeatedly called my name correctly in front of her dad and my boss. Haven’t seen her for 2 months. She’ll be back in school sometime this week probably or after the Christmas vacation. I am so glad to see her again. She’s still the same sweet child I used to know.

This week had been the busiest so far, with all the practices for the children’s xmas party this Friday. It has been a whirlwind of rehearsals with the preschool students and the one-on-one. With the one-on-one students having different rehearsal schedule with the regular preschoolers. And I have to be present in both practices. Not to mention continuing my one-on-one sessions in between. Somehow, I’m being compensated with food. Hehe.. Christmas and birthday parties this week amounted to 4 already. Not to mention the food parents of the preschoolers brought for us during our practices. Yum yum!!

the boys

Some of these pictures were taken from our last overnight activity with Mcoy and the Cugman boys last month. Some of the guys were actually close, very close to us.

Like Mcoy, I’m glad I got to know them and had shared precious time with them. Be part of their day and their family as well.

They’re in their late teens and some just hitched 20’s already yet we still fondly call them boys.

Why? We first met them almost 2 years ago and they were still very much teenagers at that time, being boys.

Through time, they’ve changed and become more matured and guided. They’ve also become more motivated and sure of what they want in their life. Thus, the boys moniker is no longer befitting to them. But its nice to remind them once in a while how far they’ve gone since we first met them.

Music bonded me to them and it has been an instrument to our continued friendship as well as my tool in getting to know them well, aside from the lakwatsas that we go.

wanna know what i did yesterday?

After teaching hand mime to 8 students with special needs for their presentation on our school’s xmas party, I headed to MPSC to add another master’s program subject. It was kinda late already so I didn’t expect offices to be open since its a Saturday and enrollment is a week over for the masters. I was only planning to add a subject that I feel is applicable to my program. Anyway, I was glad they’d still accept adding/changing/dropping of subjects for the master’s program. So I hurriedly got a form and went to our department’s office, it was only around 20 minutes before the offices close. I was set on adding that subject when upon writing the subject name and all the details in the form, I decided to not pursue with my plans. Haha.. Why? I’m sure it’ll took a lot of my time since it is scheduled on selected Saturdays, 8am – 5pm. And I just feel lazy going to class of that schedules nowadays. Hhmmm.. Justifiable? Hehe.. I don’t think so, but it is for me. And I’m sure I won’t regret it. My Saturdays have other worthwhile activities anyway. So I threw the form and texted Rhiane who was also bored and had nothing to do. And so he arrived at our school and we decided to roam around and try to explore the campus a little, as if there’s something to explore. Hehe.. And that we did, from the rooms to the cafeteria where we bought fruit shake, sipping it while making sensible and silly comments on the people playing volleyball not far from us. Next destination was the building at the far back. It was not so old though as it houses their library which I haven’t gone to except for clearance signing and other enrollment related agenda. My name wasn’t even entered in their database before I got my clearance signed last semester. Hehe.. Call it a non-library-user student. In front of the building was a barbeque station. And of course, having a food-lover as a company, we ordered 2-sticks each of the yummy barbeque over chit-chat about anything. Then Ketkai was our next destination. Just roaming around, window shopping as we were waiting for a text from another friend before we went to Divisoria as there’s Night Cafe and Market. Then went home, ending our 4 hours of roaming around and not giving our feet some rest.

Yesterday may be tedious and just another ordinary day. But somehow, I enjoyed it. Not because we met other people, giving silly and sensible comments to almost everything we saw and passed by. Yesterday was another happy day for me. Spending time with the people I value and learning about their life. That is what makes me happy. Its doing things I love to do, spending worthwhile time with the Cugman boys, getting to know them and being part of their day’s activities, teaching and exchanging smiles and giggles with my students, simple things that cannot be bought with money. Its the happinesss that paints smiles on my face and makes me feel good, like a kid devouring an ice cream in his hand.

he gave me a week-long smile with what he did..

This happened last Sunday yet it still didn’t fail to gave me a smile. Just a little act that could be judge as just fancy little thing. But for me, it was already a feat and a stepping stone for some more of those someday, hopefully. It may be a very small and unimportant act for some, but for me, it was by far the best for my week.

You see, when I first met him over a year now, he was still very silent guy in the corner. Only nods his head, shrugs his shoulders and looks at me as a reply to my statement. Seldom speaks a word and when he does the few words can be counted out with the fingers. Though he is dependable with the guitars and drums as well, as they are. Through time, he would talk to me, exchange thoughts we didn’t do before, ask me questions, open up, even go with me for walks at times with others. And I started to hear his voice over the microphone as well during practices, when before, no voice could be heard over the speaker when he’s given the microphone. And last Sunday, he sang over the microphone while strumming the guitar in a crowd of almost 20. He’s a self-proclaimed shy guy, and he really is. Wheeew!! It may just be a passing fancy for others, but not for me. Being a witness to who he is right now, who he has become and what characteristics he possess. I wouldn’t be surprise if he has more talents up his sleeve that I didn’t know of yet. As for now, I’m happy with what he has become and hope he’ll keep on, continue on with his journey, for the better.

thank you guys =)

Ever experienced being in an uncomfortable situation?

Last week, had an assignment to lead a crowd of about 200 in singing. Though I may be a singing enthusiast but being in front of the crowd and had to say some lines really makes me nervous. I may stumble upon some words and it may sound inaudible. Or worse, no words would come out of my mouth. I would want to stay in the corner and hide. But could not do so and had to face the challenge. It was indeed another experience for me that really needs a lot of my courage and support from others as well.

I am very grateful indeed with the team. We had made it through. Encouraging each other. Supporting one another. Even a single, simple pat on our shoulders helped lighten up our anxiety and nervousness. Its a different feeling when you’re not comfortable with the situation and the crowd (its definitely a big crowd). Though they were as nervous as I was yet they still pushed on. We had practiced our songs weeks before and had memorized it by heart, it cannot be denied that we were still nervous and lacked confidence. If we could only run and hide, we could have done so. Oh well..

It was not only last week that they proved their worth but countless times already in different occassions and circumstances. They never failed to watch my back and give me support. Kudos to these guys. I’m proud of you.

By the way, they’re also my bass guitar mentors. Woohoo..

an inspiration

Just got home from music practice. I was glad Macky was there and is feeling well again. He texted me out of the blue late afternoon yesterday informing that he had fever. I went to their place last night but he was already fast asleep, clad in jogging pants and sweatshirt, and wrapped in a blanket. So didn’t got the chance to talk to him.

This afternoon, he excitedly texted that he was already well. When I saw him playing the bass guitar while jiving with the music tonight, I was thankful that he was back to his old self again.

Macky is only 17 years old yet he inspires me endlessly. By doing what he knew he SHOULD do, he pushes me to do the same thing I had promised myself to do. I might get tired and feel down at times, yet he always gives me fresh air and rejuvenates my spirit. He also has his perks, like he doesn’t have enough courage to face a large crowd (like me) yet he overcame it and shared to them what he had and is able to. Looking at him, he may not be the person you expect him to be. But Macky has a willing heart for service, more knowledge and deeper understanding.

He is only 17, yet he inspires people older than him. He inspires me.

card update

Got my ATM card from the branch where its machine captured it this afternoon. And I’m glad the machine didn’t ate it up again as I tried to transact after retrieving it from its personnel. Wheew!!

Nighty night blog hoppers..

card captured (again)

Yups, my ATM card was captured again. Blame it on the machine. Hehe.. Kidding.. I tried my card again this afternoon if its already okay cause the bank personnel I talked to yesterday said it’ll be useable again as of yesterday after office hours. Trusting what he said, I used my card to transact again. Darn!! I am not stubborn, I’m only following his words. I have to wait ’till monday to get my card, again. This time in a different branch. Hahayz.. This is twice this week. Hope this’ll not happen again next week.

card acptured

For the first time in 6 years, one of my ATM cards was captured by its machine yesterday. Tried to call the hotline posted in there but to no avail (why would they post it if its unreachable anyway..). And the security personnel was not helpful also. Grrr… So I went back this afternoon to the bank and retrieved my card. It was only then I discovered that my account was already closed. I haven’t been using my card for almost 2 months now. That long! I never even noticed it. It seems only weeks ago that I used my card in paying something. Whew! Anyway, at least I have my card back and plans to go to my card’s opening branch tomorrow to reopen it again. That ATM card has been so helpful to me. Used it for cashless purchases in any SM store, aside from the fact that I put my savings in there. Hahayz.. The perks of life.

work.. work..

Quite sad and upset right now. Just finished meeting with my boss concerning my student. It upsets me to think that my assessment and observation with my student is different from the specialist’s assessment when she only had an hour or two with my student. I have trust in her abilities though. I just wish she’d observe my student more than relying on her hour-long test.

I wish also my student would continue to come to school (or else I’d lose my income.. hehe..). She’s not good in academics but she’s coping in her emotional, interpersonal, and cognitive skills. She would even engage talks with me and even answers knowledge and comprehension questions correctly. She is indeed doing well, though not with the areas we expected her to. But for children like her, it is already an achievement. She was not like this when I first met her more than 2 months ago. She is a sweet girl and always has a warm smile to people she knows and are comfortable with. Hahayzz..

woohoo.. i am ECSTATIC!!

Tomorrow will be another first for me. The first time that I’d be playing the bass guitar with 5 songs in a crowd (a crowd of about 30 people makes me nervous since this is not my forte y’know). Woohoo… Though I’ve played the bass before but with the usual people in our practices. Thanks to these guys who gave me free lessons, helped me understand finger positioning, the rhythm, so on and so forth. Yes, they had become my teachers in this field. They’re good musicians anyway.

Though my sister is better than me in this and I have no plans of surpassing her skills.

* i have a slight fever *

ever wonder where your next coin would come from?

ever thought that the rain could wash out

disturbing thoughts that creep in your head?

how would it be if this world we live in hadn’t been corrupted?

ever wondered what would happen

if instead of walking down the curve hurriedly

you paused for a while to take a glimpse of a child

playing in the sidewalk?

what would i do without music in my life?

* * * * * * * * * *

Strange isn’t it, when unexpected things suddenly pop up out of nowhere when at one point you were asking, or rather begging for it. And yet, realizing in the end that it still is unreachable.

saying goodbye

Sometimes there are things in our life that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes change may not be what we want. Sometimes change is what we really need. And sometimes saying goodbye is the hardest thing you think you’ll ever have to do, but sometimes it’s saying ‘hello again’ that breaks you down and makes you the most vulnerable person you’ll ever know. Sometimes change is too much to bear, but most of the time change is the only thing saving your life.

Change is inevitable.

Saying goodbye could break our heart or give it relief.

professional 'traditional'

Know what? I didn’t expect there would still be traditional teachers nowadays, especially in the masters program, when its suppose to be modular and fast-paced. Its funny though to think that they still exercise traditional traits.

Imagine this: we spent half of our day electing our class officers. Duh.. Do we really have to? We’re on the masters program for crying out loud. We don’t even elect officers in our college days. And its not enough, after electing our class officers, the then elected people planned for our culminating party. Hhhmmm… And by the way, we started our class only on the 1st day of August and would meet for 9 days this month alone, including the culminating party in which we’d be submitting an assigned paper. Hhhmmm… Lahi ra gyud… Hehehe..

Pardon my ranting..

workday escapade

I was at the town of Tagoloan yesterday to watch the opening of their local college’s intramural and cheer dance competition which two of our friends joined. It has been quite a long time also that I haven’t in an opening of a sports event. I missed raising my right hand with pride as I declare the athlete’s oath. I missed hearing the ’so help me God’ at the end of each athlete’s oath. I missed the spirit of unity and sportsmanship shared in each team. Oh well… Then again, I’m glad I had gone through those things back then.

Though never been a cheer dance participant myself, I came to be curious and interested with these because of my sis. She was a participant for quiet some time, equivalent to the number of years I also spent as an athlete. Haven’t seen her performed live before though, only in videos. Not that I don’t support her, I just don’t like to be in a crowd of perspiring teens.

Anyway, so at Tagoloan I went with my friend. Our friends in different department bagged the 2nd and 3rd place. T’was a break also for me though. Being under the heat of sun and the shade of the trees, witnessing them dance in which one of them confessing to be an unskilled dancer. Watching them perform, the acrobatic stunts and being awed at some of their moves. Not to mention, yesterday was supposedly my workday at Jasaan. Hehe..

counter strike??

Guess where I am right now?

I’m actually with my guy friends, 5 of them in a cafe playing Counter Strike. They invited me but I declined. Why? Though I played CS years before and enjoyed it actually. I already forgot the functions and shortcuts to be used. And I might impede their enjoyment for the whole hour. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not tomboy and a war-freak. I just like that game cause it keeps me alert. Haha.. And they’re good friends actually.

Counter Strike, by the way, is a game consisting of 2 teams, the terrorist and counter-terrorist which a player could choose to be with, or just be a spectator, like me. Each team attempts to complete their mission objective which to my knowledge is a race to eliminate the opposing team. Each team starts at the opposite end of the map, armed with its default equipment. Standard monetary bonuses are awarded to the team who wins a round, lose a round, kills an enemy, be the first to instruct a hostage to follow, rescues a hostage or plants a bomb. The players could also buy equipments to replenish used rounds with their money earned.

That’s just what I could remember. I enjoyed it then though. Their shouts of excitement and laughs actually echoes inside the cafe right now. I get to glance into 2 of the screens and be excited with their fights. Friendly fights that is. I envy them. Anyway, at least they enjoyed their game and me here, blogging.

found it!!

I was rummaging for a polo for a friend yesterday afternoon. But instead I found my lost pair of earring I blogged about previously. Hehehe.. It kind of looks like this, and its silver too.

angel in disguise

This is Macky, my angel in disguise today (he’d probably be mad at me for posting this pix – sorry mac). Here’s how it went: I made my round of reports late last night, procrastinating, so in effect I woke up late and skipped breakfast. Feeling down, sleepy and tired I go aimlessly about my way to Cugman for a task. I was not psyched up to do the task and was pushing myself for it to no avail. I finally decided to do my duty even if my heart was half into it cause I was running out of time. Just then, Macky came running to do his share of duty as well. He was sweating and catching his breath. It was not necessary for him to be there on time but HE DID, because he has a responsibility and commitment to do it, he said. And he even left his chores at home to be with us. Wow! In a way, it encouraged and inspired me to do my duty as well. I am very grateful indeed.

07.24.2008

Since I have no topic in mind to post, lemme share my day instead.

I hadn’t had breakfast this morning because I woke up late at 6:30. Thinking I would be late for 7:30, I hurried myself preparing my things and for my lunch, leaving no time for a few bites of breakfast. It was already 7:32 in my watch when I left home and most probably the same time of the school I’m newly employed right now. I had to walk about 100meters from our house to ride a jeepney since they had a rerouting, and another motorela ride to the school. When I arrived, I wondered why it was still deserted and only 1 staff and the directress who greeted me at the gate were there. I didn’t know that classes starts at 8AM. Hehehe.. Anyway, that was a good start. Imagine my fear seeing the directress, much more greeting me upon my arrival, at the gate.

Secondly, today was rather a decision-making day of sort. While talking with the directress, she asked me if I could sacrifice my Wednesday afternoon for a one-hour remediation session with my student so there might be continuation in the topics discussed in their school. My whole day of Wednesday were spent in my other work also with the same job but different center which she’s aware that I cannot give up. We’ve arrived at a compromise but she has yet to talk to one of her student and ask her permission first. So I still have to ponder on this.

Next, of the 6 of us in the group, only 5 were invited by our well-loved undergrad instructor to attend his long-planned wedding this Saturday. Take note also, of the 60 something of us in the class, we were the only ones invited. It is indeed an honor. The mass starts at 2PM so either we had to ditch the reception and attend our 4PM class on our Master’s or not come to class at all. And, we had to decide if we had to inform our other member or just make excuses or what cause he might be wondering why we didn’t attend our class that day. Plus the gift. So we met after work and went straight to SM to buy our gift. I’m glad this ones not so hard. Looking at the displays and discussing about its functions and importance, we voted for a dish organizer since its not common to give dish organizers on wedding. And its also useful for the newly weds as well.

Tum tum tum dum… Decisions, decisions. Why can’t it be just black and white? Why does it have to have some colors? Hehehe… Duh… Colors made it all meaningful and enjoyable, right?

fried ice cream, at last!!

The first time I’ve heard of fried ice cream, I immediately became curious and interested. Curious as to its packaging, appearance, taste and how its made. Whenever I stepped unto Dumaguete City, I always yearn to try out its famous and only-in-Dumaguete fried ice cream. I had been to Dumaguete City a couple of times before but due to time constraint, I hadn’t had the chance to try their delicacy.

Last May, I had the chance to visit Dumaguete City for 2 short days with friends, actually, it was only 40 hours. Nonetheless, a chance to taste their fried ice cream as a treat from a buddy and good friend of Dumaguete City. At last!! He bought me to Panda Fried Ice Cream, its famous maker of fried ice cream and a local store. We ordered chocolate, ube and vanilla flavors among the others offered at a lesser price than ordering it by piece and soya milk for our drink. Healthy living huh. When our orders were brought to our table, I can’t help but be curious and meticulous. It was my first time, so forgive me for my actions. Well, the Panda store made their own ice cream which they put in the filling and wrapped it with cooked dough, not baked. I wonder how they closed the dough with the ice cream inside? Surely, with the heat required to cook the dough the ice cream inside would melt, but it didn’t. It was served frozen in our table. Hhmmm… Whatever they did, it was just great. Finally had a taste of their famous fried ice cream.

Panda Ice Cream, ice cream just for you…

whattadei!!

Today was rather an unusual day.

1st: Upon preparing to leave this morning, I dropped the other pair of my favorite casual, simple earring and I’m not sure where in my cabinet it landed. Its a silver, small looped earring. Now I can’t find it. What’s left is its other pair which would be useless without the other pair. So for now, while its pair is gone, the remaining loop lies on my earrings box.

2nd: I was with Macky this afternoon helping him with his songs for tomorrow when we decided to fetch the other members and inform them of the line-up. As we were going to the house of our last member, I accidentally slipped beside the pathway and my rubber sandal’s strap snapped. Darn! I had no choice but to limp to our other member’s house. Macky didn’t notice it. As we were leaving that house, he noticed my now snapped sandal and limp, and volunteered that we exchange slippers. I hesitatingly obliged knowing that he’d probably be uncomfortable wearing my heeled, rubber sandal. In the end, I obliged. We were on our way to their house when he took my sandals and walked barefoot. Wow! Such a nice gesture. And he even borrowed her mother’s sandal for me since I still have to go somewhere else.

There it was. Nonetheless, I had a fine day. Chit-chats here and there, smiles at funny and nice conversations. I had bought a new sandal though cause I promised Macky’s mother to return her sandals after my errand, she might need it.

the kids I teach

I find it more enjoyable teaching special children in the center I’m connected with right now than normal kids. I’m more patient with them than the normal ones.

One 9 year old Deaf kid would even gladly welcome me with a smile and an open arms when I arrive. I was handling him, teaching him sign language of the alphabets. He was a fast learner in puzzles though. He could assemble 2 combined parts of 24-pieces each and made it into 2 separate pictures without a guide picture. I’m not sure yet if he had already memorized it or he was just a fast learner with pictures. Haven’t made further tests yet.

jeamar, our deaf student

Another 6 year old Down Syndrome girl would even cling to my hands when its her time to go home. Would even have tantrums if I withdraw my hands. She would want to be hugged, lifted up, played around and wants to get our attention. We didn’t had much cognitive lessons on her, instead, we do some mild physical exercises for her.

charlyn, our crying student

And another 13 year old Down Syndrome student just wants to write and she writes legibly. She is now good with puzzles yet non-verbal, still. She likes to touch my nose and kiss my hand and cheeks. She is indeed sweet and thoughtful. She would even want to take care of her 10 year old autistic classmate. And is very picky, doesn’t want to use broken crayons. That’s how she is.

lm (left) helping khaye, her autistic classmate

It was indeed a worth-while experience being with them. They may be special kids but they strive to survive and learn the ways of this world.

.. passing thoughts ..

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one’s who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you can’t get them back.

I have no regrets embracing you into my life and accepting you as part of my family as well. =)

.. passing thoughts ..

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one’s who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you can’t get them back.

I have no regrets embracing you into my life and accepting you as part of my family as well. =)

26 and counting..

A teacher asked her pupils to give an example of things which are countless.. One answered water.. Another answered sand.. The other answered air.. Everyone answered until the teacher called her last pupil to answer, he said, BLESSINGS..

Today marked my 26th year here on Big Daddy’s land. As such, let me count 26 among the countless blessings He has bestowed on me. Here it is in random order:

1. my God, my faith, my fortress, my comforter, my friend, my brother..
2. a blessed life
3. loving and supportive family
4. caring and loyal friends
5. experiences (the ups and downs of life that strengthens me and made me into who I am today)
6. my voice (though it got damaged, still I’d like to thank Him for using it to praise Him)
7. songs and music (can’t last a day without it)
8. intellect, talent and skills (had been my venue in helping others countless times already)
9. my eyes (my window to the world)
10. my hands (used to helped people and share what I have to others)
11. my feet (which brought me to different places)
12. bestfriend mai-mai
13. the cugman boys and our music (glad I met you guys, glad to be part of the group)
14. mentors
15. groupmates
16. my pet dogs (my destressors)
17. my degrees
18. the special children who made me feel blessed
19. the families who treated and cared for me as part of their own
20. my swimming hobby
21. my new acoustic guitar (my bday gift to myself)
22. the unending physical nourishment (the FOODS!!!!!)
23. the laughters
24. the tears
25. the company of friends; old, new, near, far and cherished ones
26. the smiles =)

There it is.. Happy Birthday to me!!

Only spent the day at home, in this computer, with my guitar and the chicken curry salad I had prepared (my younger bro asked for something he hadn’t tried yet). Had no plans of going out today or tonight. I already had an advance celebration of sort with my friends last Saturday and Sunday, since they’d be busy today. Nonetheless, their text messages of birthday greetings made me smile. =)

another first-time experience..

Last Sunday afternoon, our city experienced a sudden burst of heavy rain for 3 straight hours. 2 of the rivers in the city overflowed thus flooding their surroundings. I was at one of the barangay in our city beside one of those rivers when it overflowed. I was trapped in one of my friend’s house as the rain was still pouring and the sky was getting darker. Another friend of ours texted that the water in their floor was already ankle-deep. Their house is in the riverbank, and even elevated by a foot from the ground. While some of my friends soaked in the rain to help neighbors near the riverbank. Watching from the window, I saw 2 wood houses being carried in the water, a washing machine and a refrigerator. When the rain slowly died down, we went to the friend whose house was near the river bank. I didn’t mind wading in the flooded, muddied alleys going to their place. We just wanted to reach their house, took a glance at the riverbank and get near the brown river. At the back of their house was our usual hang out place which was already gone with their fence. Infront of me, I witnessed 2 banana tree uprooted by the strong current and the Gmelina tree gone earlier. That’s how strong the current was. Soon after, the water level receded. Thankfully, I can already go home, and my friends in that place safe.

I visited our hang out place beside the riverbank yesterday and was glad that a little portion was still there. Though the water almost ate up everything, making a cliff 10-feet deep beside the river. As of last night, the river widened and was back to its normal level again.
Wheew!!

the diagnosis??

Thank God its not laryngitis!! Good news right. Hehe.. The bad news though is that it was permanently damaged, it will no longer totally close thus its hoarseness whenever I hit a high key. The specialist forbade me to sing for long hours and whenever my throat starts to strain, and high pitched songs are a no-no for me from now on. He even totally forbade me to sing or talk in long hours before learning of my profession. Gosh.. I can no longer sing some of my favorite songs, huhuhu.. But I can’t promise to not sing them again one of these days, hehehe.. Stubborn me.. I love to sing.. It’s my way of expressing myself. Nonetheless, I’m thankful it’s not the worse thing that I imagined and hope it will not worsen. Though it depends on how I use it anyway. =)

mild allergic rhinitis?? or laryngitis..

I’ve been having this cold and sore throat for 3 months now. On it’s first week, I had runny nose and sore throat. What’s worse is that I taught swimming for two whole days under the heat of the sun and I had to shout with what little voice I could let out plus some bodily stress and short sleeping hours. Worsens my sore throat aye! And I thought it was only sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, having had the 2 conditions years back. Sinusitis by the way is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may or may not be as a result of infection, from bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic or autoimmune issues. And rhinitis is described as irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose. So I let it pass until this time. I still have a mild runny nose which is the symptom of allergic rhinitis and mild sinusitis. What alarmed me is my sore throat. Whenever I use my voice in singing or in teaching for quiet a long time my head aches. I can’t even and no longer reach a high note.:( This is unusual for me. I hope this is not laryngitis. I’m afraid I might not be allowed to sing again, or worse, forever. Huhuhu… I planned to see an ENT tomorrow to be sure. Haay, I’m crossing my fingers. Hope it’s not worse.