Today I was looking at my friend's baby album. She just gave birth a few days ago and as I cooed (through the computer) at the precious little life on the screen, it made me realize how far we (some of my girlfriends and I) have come from even as short as five years ago.
This is Dylan. He's 5 (6 in May) His mom, Thea Arvisu, packed their bags, and moved to Baguio last year and is raising him on her own. He's a funny little dude, and never fails to put a smile on my daughter's face.
This cutie belongs to me. She's almost exactly one month younger than Dylan up there. Thea and I were pregnant at the same time in 2004. Her curiosity could kill a million cats- a big ball of energy and sometimes hard to keep up with, but I wouldn't have her any other way.
This is Kaya. She's a year younger than Dylan and Ananda and turning 5 this year. She has the cutest smile and inquisitive eyes. Her mom is Sarah Meier-Albano, and is one of my dearest friends.
Fast forward to five years after. This is Ella. She's Ananda's baby half-sister. She's four months old and her mom Jena Daza has given up a lot to take care of her full time. I have yet to meet her, but already her smile is infectuous.
Finally, say Hello to the newest member of our family, six day old Noa. Her mom, Cynthia Kurleto is one of the most beautiful women I've ever met, and Noa is sure to follow suit. If only Peru was around the corner, we would surely come and visit every week!
Five years ago, all our lives were so different. Childless (well, 6 years for me and Thea) and free, we were night life staples. We lived for no one but ourselves, and suddenly God said, whoops, here you go-LEARN. LOVE. LIVE FOR SOMEONE ELSE.
...and life has never been the same since.
it also has never been better.
--Erica Paredes
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
I found him
September 9, 2007 --- I met him. I liked him the moment I saw him and I know there’s something. But I just waited and thought I could never deserve a guy like him so I just stared and longed.
September 9, 2009 --- exactly 2 years later… US happened. He’s in Florida, im here in Cebu. Really far from each other but we made it! It’s a really long story but to cut it short, everything is just working. God is always present, we want the same things, we have the same goals and just so happy that we found each other.
Arthur changed everything in my life. He helped me become a better person and taught me how to love everything around me. he made me realized that life’s good! And its getting better because everyday with him is purely amazing! Long distance relationship is really hard but we’re doing it because we love each other that much that it can’t shake us. As long as we know that we have each other, we’re ok.
He gave me more reason to smile every morning. He loves me like no other and until now I still can’t believe I have someone like him. Im blessed! And im thankful for the love and patience he’s giving me. I miss him everyday since he left last February. But June is just around, and I know we’ll have more blast together. Im excited like crazy!
**** Squeep, If you’re reading this, know that I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you again…
Agnes Pasco, Cebu City
September 9, 2009 --- exactly 2 years later… US happened. He’s in Florida, im here in Cebu. Really far from each other but we made it! It’s a really long story but to cut it short, everything is just working. God is always present, we want the same things, we have the same goals and just so happy that we found each other.
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Arthur changed everything in my life. He helped me become a better person and taught me how to love everything around me. he made me realized that life’s good! And its getting better because everyday with him is purely amazing! Long distance relationship is really hard but we’re doing it because we love each other that much that it can’t shake us. As long as we know that we have each other, we’re ok.
He gave me more reason to smile every morning. He loves me like no other and until now I still can’t believe I have someone like him. Im blessed! And im thankful for the love and patience he’s giving me. I miss him everyday since he left last February. But June is just around, and I know we’ll have more blast together. Im excited like crazy!
**** Squeep, If you’re reading this, know that I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you again…
Agnes Pasco, Cebu City
Reaction Formation
Last August 31, 2009, I was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). It was confirmed because of the dsDNA test which was performed on August 29, 2009. The reference range of the test should be at 10-15 IU/L and my result showed 53.2 which leads to a positive result.
“You have it. It’s not curable but treatable”, said my doctor. And my reaction?? I just smile and laugh. But when I arrived at home, I got depressed. Good thing, my Mom is always here supporting me, friends who would always remind me that I should drink my medications religiously and bring my umbrella because when you have SLE you are not allowed to be exposed in sunlight.
I can say that I’m in good condition now though sometimes the symptoms would appear. Yes, I know that it’s not curable but that doesn’t mean that I will give up. These days make me stronger and made me realize that I’ve got to fight for every dream. To be strong in the middle of this lupus battle is the greatest gift I can give to the ones who love and support me.
Spend each day with a smile. My mother once said that, “Just think that those medications are just your favorite candies, I love you!”
To all SLE patients, someday there will be a cure for this. Never never give up. Remember that we are stronger than Lupus.
-eunice v.
I forgot to smile.
Yesterday I had a major milestone in my pregnancy. Justin and I saw my tummy wiggle from the baby's movements!! Her movements have just been getting stronger and stronger everyday as our delivery date gets closer!! A very exciting thing for a new mom and a very good excuse for some tears of joy!!!
After all the excitement I thought up of all my worries and fears about being a new mom that I completely forgot how beautiful the moment was when we saw her move. I gave myself an excuse to have a crazy hormonal rant with all the tears I could possibly shed. I forgot to smile. I forgot the happiness and lightness of life that was right there for me to enjoy! I have an amazing man right beside me and an amazing little girl growing in my belly. How could i forget such a thing?
I forgot to smile when I forgot all the love that was around me. We are all surrounded by love and when we take the time to remember that Happiness is available when you choose it, when you seize it and when you exude it.
Today I choose love and happiness. Smile =)
Trish Bote, Manila
After all the excitement I thought up of all my worries and fears about being a new mom that I completely forgot how beautiful the moment was when we saw her move. I gave myself an excuse to have a crazy hormonal rant with all the tears I could possibly shed. I forgot to smile. I forgot the happiness and lightness of life that was right there for me to enjoy! I have an amazing man right beside me and an amazing little girl growing in my belly. How could i forget such a thing?
I forgot to smile when I forgot all the love that was around me. We are all surrounded by love and when we take the time to remember that Happiness is available when you choose it, when you seize it and when you exude it.
Today I choose love and happiness. Smile =)
Trish Bote, Manila
What's YOUR feel good song? :-)
Always loved Stacie's feel good songs, and this one--even after five years--still gives me that little pick-up whenever I play it.
True life true to me, the way it's got to be, so simple, so simple, so simple...
Live to love, love to be absolutely free, so simple so simple, so simple...
Give me wisdom, plain and truthful, give me something I don't know, plain as education, inspiration I suppose
Give me family on a Sunday, and I'll be just fine/ There's nothing in the world that's worth all of my time...
Hope this video reminds you of how the simple things are what matter! :)
Have a good good day, everyone!
Cheerios,
Andrea de Guzman
True life true to me, the way it's got to be, so simple, so simple, so simple...
Live to love, love to be absolutely free, so simple so simple, so simple...
Give me wisdom, plain and truthful, give me something I don't know, plain as education, inspiration I suppose
Give me family on a Sunday, and I'll be just fine/ There's nothing in the world that's worth all of my time...
Hope this video reminds you of how the simple things are what matter! :)
Have a good good day, everyone!
Cheerios,
Andrea de Guzman
Monday, March 29, 2010
Love in every bite
Baking, smelling and eating these cookies made my day. At first glance, they may seem like regular cookies, but these babies have an odd, but very good combination of ingredients, including chocolate, bacon, potato chips and toasted marshmallows. Aaah, the simple joys of life.
--Erica Paredes
Pleasant Surprise
So I went over my girlfriend Christina's house for her family's Palm Sunday Dinner. When I arrived her whole family was over already finishing their dessert. (Filipino time of course) After they all left I was at the long dining table with my Christina's grandma who has become very fond of me. As Christina was clearing the table of the left over pies and assortment of cookies, her grandma says to me in her New York-Italian accent," J.C., I really love ya. Even if I never see you around here I would still love ya." This caught me as a surprise; not because I didn't think she liked me but the genuineness of her voice made the statement all so true. This caused Christina to shed a single tear and left me blank. Whatta statement!
JC Albano, New York
JC Albano, New York
The Need to Live Well
*Posted this originally on my tumblr {patriciamalay.tumblr.com} a few days ago. It's a Holy Monday and soon, days off for everyone. Hope everyone can get rest and really learn to live well. ;)
+ + +
I saw an Anthony Bourdain episode where he went to Brittany and thought, wow. I wouldn’t mind living there. Although I know I’m a cosmopolitan girl at heart (and feel like my lungs will collapse without the daily dose of carbon monoxide in the air), the idea of living among people who care about living well attracts me. I watched as Olivier Roellinger explained how he turned his back on the Michelin star system at the age of 51 and hied off to Brittany to open a restaurant cum bakery cum farm on his own terms, without pressure, without fanfare (he grows his own pigs for his own hams, etc.. the pig pen, he explains, doesn’t smell nor are the pigs kept how industrial farms keep animals.. he says happy animals taste different!) Or how another guy who makes sardines (in olive oil and in jars!) said it didn’t matter if he didn’t sell any as long as he did it right. Or how a woman who ran the only legitimate Balon oyster farm scoffed at the thought that other oysters were stealing the name Balon—she didn’t seem to mind the fact that these people might have made more money than her. What worried her was that they were stealing the name when it wasn’t as good as her oysters.
I’m sure an hour-long show can’t do justice to a place or a culture. Besides, all it presented were how Mr. Bourdain saw things and experienced life there. I’m sure there’s crime and irritating things like neighbors that drink too much and make loud noises at 10pm… or something. The point is, I know life can’t be that good. But that shouldn’t stop us from aiming to live our own lives well.
The French seem to have it down pat. Take your time. Don’t do something because you need to… do them because you want to. Money isn’t everything. But passion is.
So, more than ever, all signs point to happiness being a choice, yes? Maybe you don’t live in Brittany, where things seem to be easy. Maybe you’re stuck in hot, stuffy Manila, in a job you hate, making hardly any money. Maybe you’re unhappy in your relationships, surrounded by people you don’t like. Maybe you’re sour about your circumstances and really wish things would improve as soon as you win the lotto. But say things don’t change, people don’t change and circumstances don’t change. What happens then? Can you really choose to be happy, where you are, no matter what?
I’m going to say yes. Sure. Not easily, but it can be done. Perspective changes everything. It’s not a matter of putting on rose-colored glasses and wearing a fake naivete… it’s a matter of seeing things for what they are and choosing to smile anyway. Bloom where you’re planted and know that you’re part of a bigger plan. When you realize that life is more than yourself and your concerns, life begins to feel more important, significant, meaningful. When you stop trying to fix things, struggling to put everything into place, fighting the status quo so you get what you want. When you sit back and tilt your head just so and put your feet up, you will realize that life is good no matter what. The fact that you’re alive and have one more day to live makes you just as blessed as everyone else in Brittany or any place in the world you’d rather be. You’re here, you’re breathing and maybe that can be the start of good things today.
So, what are you choosing to do today?
Knowing is half the battle
Have been thinking of this blog and mulling over my next entry... have been thinking of a story that I could tell, something funny or quirky or particularly touching.
I couldn't think of a single one.
I'm not saying I'm unhappy... on the contrary... I am very, very happy. I have a feeling of contentment and peace that I haven't felt in a really long time. And it's only now that I've really analyzed why that is.
It's because I am loved. And I know it. I know it, because I have been shown, I have been told, I have been held and hugged as I was told. I have been given a beautiful blouse and a box of chocolates for absolutely no reason.
But this isn't enough to know, I realize - I have to take the next step.
And that is to let people who are important to me know that I love them, too.
Hm. I get the feeling that when I do that, I will finally have a funny, quirky, particularly touching story to tell on this blog.
-Gloria Sicam, Mandaluyong
Why I love being a teacher.
If there is one perk from my job that I absolutely love, it's being shown small gestures by my students that tell me, in their own special way, how they appreciate what I do for them.
I once had a Thai student, who works as a chef, bring me a take-away container of delicious crispy catfish and pomelo because I mentioned it was one of my favourite dishes to eat whenever I visited Bangkok.
A Korean student wrote me a sweet letter in her broken English and told me that if I ever needed a haircut I could come to her salon for free and she would personally give me a style and colour.
Just last week, a shy Japanese student, who had his own music zine in Tokyo, came up to me after class and proceeded to hand me two CDs.
"I made you mix tapes," he said quietly in his thick accent.
"These are Japanese bands I think you will like. Maybe you can make me a mix tape of bands you think I will enjoy."
I've spent most of today just listening to the songs he put together for me and enjoying his random act of kindness.
The video below is one of the songs he put on my first Japanese inspired mix-CD and I can't get it out of my head.
They're a lovely band named Quruli.
Enjoy.
- Cat, Sydney
I once had a Thai student, who works as a chef, bring me a take-away container of delicious crispy catfish and pomelo because I mentioned it was one of my favourite dishes to eat whenever I visited Bangkok.
A Korean student wrote me a sweet letter in her broken English and told me that if I ever needed a haircut I could come to her salon for free and she would personally give me a style and colour.
Just last week, a shy Japanese student, who had his own music zine in Tokyo, came up to me after class and proceeded to hand me two CDs.
"I made you mix tapes," he said quietly in his thick accent.
"These are Japanese bands I think you will like. Maybe you can make me a mix tape of bands you think I will enjoy."
I've spent most of today just listening to the songs he put together for me and enjoying his random act of kindness.
The video below is one of the songs he put on my first Japanese inspired mix-CD and I can't get it out of my head.
They're a lovely band named Quruli.
Enjoy.
- Cat, Sydney
[Smile Project] Episode 2: The Case of the Secret Smile and the Tag-Dag Gag
I think I'm gaining momentum in this Smile Project of mine (thanks Sarah for the name).
Today I jumped on my bright yellow bike - Tilly the Tulip, happiness on wheels and pedalled furiously to work.
Popped over to my see my barista and bought the usual - large soy latte with 2 sugars, thanks!
Ran up the stairs and got dressed into my work gear - you just can't pedal in a skirt and heels.
As I lifted up my black t-shirt I noticed a small bright white tag cheekily waving at me.
Crappy-poo Batman!!!
I had been riding and walking around with my shirt inside out.
Bright white happy tags against the sombre black shirt was obviously cause for the wider than usual
smiles of my baristas this morning, and the 5 people lined up behind me waiting to get their coffee.
Recovering from my shock, I couldn't help but chuckle.
But damn them all for not saying a thing!
[Note to readers: I am a tragic fan of the Nancy Drew Mysteries and am on a mission to reconnect with my inner sleuth to hunt down these books to pass on to my baby girl. Pardon the cheesy mystery story themed titles]
--Lisette, Sydney
Today I jumped on my bright yellow bike - Tilly the Tulip, happiness on wheels and pedalled furiously to work.
Popped over to my see my barista and bought the usual - large soy latte with 2 sugars, thanks!
Ran up the stairs and got dressed into my work gear - you just can't pedal in a skirt and heels.
As I lifted up my black t-shirt I noticed a small bright white tag cheekily waving at me.
Crappy-poo Batman!!!
I had been riding and walking around with my shirt inside out.
Bright white happy tags against the sombre black shirt was obviously cause for the wider than usual
smiles of my baristas this morning, and the 5 people lined up behind me waiting to get their coffee.
Recovering from my shock, I couldn't help but chuckle.
But damn them all for not saying a thing!
[Note to readers: I am a tragic fan of the Nancy Drew Mysteries and am on a mission to reconnect with my inner sleuth to hunt down these books to pass on to my baby girl. Pardon the cheesy mystery story themed titles]
--Lisette, Sydney
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Real Talk
Last night, I had VIP tickets to watch the Changing Lives concert featuring Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Jojo.
It was fun, although I left a little early so I wouldn't get caught in traffic. I was supposed to go to the after party (original plan from the day before) but instead ended the night quietly watching a dvd with my boyfriend, Abdul, whose presence in my life has been so shockingly important and necessary to me from the moment we met.
Before I left the concert, my friend and I were discussing post-concert plans, and I declined to go to the after party because I realized I'd rather end my day with Abdul, than partying with JT, Timbaland and Jojo.
He's awesome. So grateful he got sent my way. Thanks Big Guy!
--Erica Paredes
It was fun, although I left a little early so I wouldn't get caught in traffic. I was supposed to go to the after party (original plan from the day before) but instead ended the night quietly watching a dvd with my boyfriend, Abdul, whose presence in my life has been so shockingly important and necessary to me from the moment we met.
Before I left the concert, my friend and I were discussing post-concert plans, and I declined to go to the after party because I realized I'd rather end my day with Abdul, than partying with JT, Timbaland and Jojo.
He's awesome. So grateful he got sent my way. Thanks Big Guy!
--Erica Paredes
Surprise someone today.
What's not to love about receiving a random positive text, letter or email from someone you value in your life?
We all know the sky becomes a little bluer, the world a little clearer, and a smile a little easier to form when you receive a simple SMS text from a friend, a random email from a lover, or a call from family, letting you know that you were on their minds.
So, please indulge me.
Think of one person you haven't heard from in at least a month. Someone whose company you adore, a person who makes you laugh till your eyes tear, gives you their ears when you need to vent, or whose hugs you genuinely miss. Send them something, a quick email or text.
Do it right NOW.
I just did.
I promise you that you've made someone's day a little brighter.
Happy Sunday, folks.
- Cat, Sydney
We all know the sky becomes a little bluer, the world a little clearer, and a smile a little easier to form when you receive a simple SMS text from a friend, a random email from a lover, or a call from family, letting you know that you were on their minds.
So, please indulge me.
Think of one person you haven't heard from in at least a month. Someone whose company you adore, a person who makes you laugh till your eyes tear, gives you their ears when you need to vent, or whose hugs you genuinely miss. Send them something, a quick email or text.
Do it right NOW.
I just did.
I promise you that you've made someone's day a little brighter.
Happy Sunday, folks.
- Cat, Sydney
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Luck vs. Blessings
You know how nowadays we use God bless instead of saying Good luck to
our friends before separating paths or wishing goodness? Yeah. It’s
part of being closer to God why we now choose bless than luck.
Yesterday though, I learned their difference.
I’ve been unlucky this past few days. Missing train, getting on the fx
line then it moves cos it just got full, leaving the key, print shop
in faura’s full gonna need to walk to P Gil, cash not enough gonna
need to walk an extra mile to withdraw, lost a bill (don’t ask the
denomination). And stuff like that. Unluck at it’s finest.
Luck is when things come your way. You win in a bet. The train comes
just when you arrive at the station. You get picked in a raffle. You
win exclusive party passes. You win Katy Perry VIP tickets. You… win.
Out of nowhere.
Blessing, on the other hand, is sweeter. It’s when He gives you
strength to endure it all even when you don’t have anymore physical
strength. It’s when you get shared blessings from loved ones or even
from strangers.
Blessing is when life seemed to fall apart the past few days, but I
felt deep the love of those around me, giving me hope and strength to
keep on.
Blessing is even when you lost in a game or got a low grade, you end
up receiving a good news text from your dad saying you’re going to
Bohol, or from your boyfriend asking what time your dismissal is cos
he can wait for you and drive you home.
Blessing is feeling God forgiving your bleing lazy—slothslothsloth—and
allowing you to feel that yes, maybe, you are graduating.
Blessing is deep.
And yes, I’m not lucky. But I am so blessed. :)
---Angel Directo, Manila
our friends before separating paths or wishing goodness? Yeah. It’s
part of being closer to God why we now choose bless than luck.
Yesterday though, I learned their difference.
I’ve been unlucky this past few days. Missing train, getting on the fx
line then it moves cos it just got full, leaving the key, print shop
in faura’s full gonna need to walk to P Gil, cash not enough gonna
need to walk an extra mile to withdraw, lost a bill (don’t ask the
denomination). And stuff like that. Unluck at it’s finest.
Luck is when things come your way. You win in a bet. The train comes
just when you arrive at the station. You get picked in a raffle. You
win exclusive party passes. You win Katy Perry VIP tickets. You… win.
Out of nowhere.
Blessing, on the other hand, is sweeter. It’s when He gives you
strength to endure it all even when you don’t have anymore physical
strength. It’s when you get shared blessings from loved ones or even
from strangers.
Blessing is when life seemed to fall apart the past few days, but I
felt deep the love of those around me, giving me hope and strength to
keep on.
Blessing is even when you lost in a game or got a low grade, you end
up receiving a good news text from your dad saying you’re going to
Bohol, or from your boyfriend asking what time your dismissal is cos
he can wait for you and drive you home.
Blessing is feeling God forgiving your bleing lazy—slothslothsloth—and
allowing you to feel that yes, maybe, you are graduating.
Blessing is deep.
And yes, I’m not lucky. But I am so blessed. :)
---Angel Directo, Manila
Happiness is a Choice.
Hi everybody,
I'm Sarah. I'm the one on the left in (most of) those pictures up there - pictures of my girl Vicky and I, goofing off and having fun at the beach a few weeks back.
I didn't only post these shots of us on this blog because they exude happiness and positivity, but because I wanted to let you know that these were taken on quite possibly the most painful and emotionally/spiritually testing day of my adult life. I won't go into details, but I guess the lesson is this; I could have locked myself up in my room and cried my eyes out that day. I could have chosen to isolate myself, and sulk. There was definitely a part of me that felt like it was hanging on the edge of a cliff, and that letting go would be easier than trying to pull myself back up.
But I made a choice. I splashed water on my face, looked in the mirror, and I chose to offer up that pain, and confusion, and fear, and weight, and anger to God.
And then I chose to smile.
Because when you believe, you know:
He's got your back -- in a Big Big Way.
Still smiling ;)
-s.
Reflection Eternal
I know this is going to sound cheezy, but seeing how many people are contributing to this site makes me smile! For realz!!!
Yesterday, at an event, someone told me that she loved this blog idea and she thought I was such an inspiration to other people. I was very thankful that she thought of me that way, but in reality, I started this blog so that we can all be an inspiration to each other.
I realized that the older you get, the easier it is to be cynical, and jaded, and to lose that sense of wonder and amazement that children seem to innately have. I remember telling myself years ago that I never want to lose that. I always want to look at the world the way a child does, because I KNOW there is ALWAYS something amazing that can happen--even on your worst days.
Don't think so? A lot of things we wish for happen in ways we don't expect it to. Be aware, recognize good things even in their smallest forms. And in return, give back good things to the world as well. Stop expecting things in return and give willingly, love life unconditionally and learn to laugh at yourself.
Took me 30 years, but I think maybe I'm starting to take the right steps and going the right way. Fingers crossed for the best, looking forward and trying to let go of all my issues and baggage and forever grateful to those I have in my life, and everyone I crossed paths with along the way.
--Erica Paredes
Yesterday, at an event, someone told me that she loved this blog idea and she thought I was such an inspiration to other people. I was very thankful that she thought of me that way, but in reality, I started this blog so that we can all be an inspiration to each other.
I realized that the older you get, the easier it is to be cynical, and jaded, and to lose that sense of wonder and amazement that children seem to innately have. I remember telling myself years ago that I never want to lose that. I always want to look at the world the way a child does, because I KNOW there is ALWAYS something amazing that can happen--even on your worst days.
Don't think so? A lot of things we wish for happen in ways we don't expect it to. Be aware, recognize good things even in their smallest forms. And in return, give back good things to the world as well. Stop expecting things in return and give willingly, love life unconditionally and learn to laugh at yourself.
Took me 30 years, but I think maybe I'm starting to take the right steps and going the right way. Fingers crossed for the best, looking forward and trying to let go of all my issues and baggage and forever grateful to those I have in my life, and everyone I crossed paths with along the way.
--Erica Paredes
The sweetest Thing
My son, Liam, is 1 and 9 months old. Almost at the terrible-two’s stage, he’s starting to show potentials that he’s really going to be a handful. He likes climbing up on almost all furniture in our house, may it be on top of the coffee table or on top of the cover of our dishwasher. He hardly listens whenever we reprimand him. And he likes bullying his big sister, Gabie. And she’s 8! Yah, he’s that “pilyo”.
But Liam is the sweetest kid you’ll ever meet. Whenever I come home from work, I see half of his little face peeking through our safety gate by the stairs and will start screaming, “Mooooom!” in the most excited way. Once I reach the top stairs and hopped over that gate, he’ll come rushing to me and will hug my one of my legs and say, “Blab-Blab”, which means LOVE-LOVE. There are nights that before I put him to sleep, he’ll play with his mouth and make these funny-weird sounds and will try to make me do it too. And when I do, he laughs at them like there’s no tomorrow.
These are some of the simple things that I get to cherish everyday. I know that life can sometimes be hard and complicated. There are times that we get too preoccupied “living” our lives that we actually forget to “LIVE”. Then we ask, why are we not happy? Contented? But the truth is, happiness comes from the simplest things and gestures. We just have to realize that they are there. We must always keep an open heart.
Carl Laroza – Anchorage Alaska
But Liam is the sweetest kid you’ll ever meet. Whenever I come home from work, I see half of his little face peeking through our safety gate by the stairs and will start screaming, “Mooooom!” in the most excited way. Once I reach the top stairs and hopped over that gate, he’ll come rushing to me and will hug my one of my legs and say, “Blab-Blab”, which means LOVE-LOVE. There are nights that before I put him to sleep, he’ll play with his mouth and make these funny-weird sounds and will try to make me do it too. And when I do, he laughs at them like there’s no tomorrow.
These are some of the simple things that I get to cherish everyday. I know that life can sometimes be hard and complicated. There are times that we get too preoccupied “living” our lives that we actually forget to “LIVE”. Then we ask, why are we not happy? Contented? But the truth is, happiness comes from the simplest things and gestures. We just have to realize that they are there. We must always keep an open heart.
Carl Laroza – Anchorage Alaska
A Touch of Grace
I’ve been visiting a women's prison for almost nine years now. I started out by visiting women on death row. After the abolition of the death penalty in 2006, I got to know women serving other types of sentences, as well.
Nanay R, a good friend of mine, celebrated her birthday last Thursday. Because I had some time off in the afternoon, I decided to pay her a visit, especially since I hadn’t been to the prison for three weeks due to my busy schedule. I brought lunch, a birthday cake, and toiletries—not only for the birthday celebrant, but also for Ate B, another close friend who treats me like her daughter.
I couldn’t stay long, but we had enough time to eat and catch up. We shared stories, secrets, and sweet moments as usual. I sat between Nanay R and Ate B, and they took turns massaging my hands as we talked—even after we ran out of things to say. Soon, visiting hours were over, and I had to go back to work. I glanced at Nanay R. She hugged me without saying a word; that was one of the best hugs I had ever received in my life. Ate B texted me this morning and told me that I’d made both of them happy that day. Bless her heart.
My friends in prison have seen me grow through the years. I’m honored to be part of their journey, as well. After everything we’ve been through, I still believe we find love in the most unexpected places. Truly, we find God in the most unexpected places.
Diane Veloso, Manila
Nanay R, a good friend of mine, celebrated her birthday last Thursday. Because I had some time off in the afternoon, I decided to pay her a visit, especially since I hadn’t been to the prison for three weeks due to my busy schedule. I brought lunch, a birthday cake, and toiletries—not only for the birthday celebrant, but also for Ate B, another close friend who treats me like her daughter.
I couldn’t stay long, but we had enough time to eat and catch up. We shared stories, secrets, and sweet moments as usual. I sat between Nanay R and Ate B, and they took turns massaging my hands as we talked—even after we ran out of things to say. Soon, visiting hours were over, and I had to go back to work. I glanced at Nanay R. She hugged me without saying a word; that was one of the best hugs I had ever received in my life. Ate B texted me this morning and told me that I’d made both of them happy that day. Bless her heart.
My friends in prison have seen me grow through the years. I’m honored to be part of their journey, as well. After everything we’ve been through, I still believe we find love in the most unexpected places. Truly, we find God in the most unexpected places.
Diane Veloso, Manila
ICe Cream and Future Lil' Guys
just as i thought i'd surround myself with positive influence regarding my food intake, i turned to ben and jerry as they offered me a taste of their version of heaven (in this case, my weighing scale's future hell if i visit them one too many times). i never really had much resistance against pretty things. so it was inevitable that those rainbow sprinkles got me on the hook.
ellis and i walked my vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and his chocolate fudge brownie over to the port imperial park, just a few feet past ben & jerry's. and as we staked out our spot, towering over everyone else from the platform fountain, i noticed that while we were walking our 200-calorie-filled single scoops, everyone else was walking their dogs.
i was never fond of dogs. or more correctly, i was never fond of pets. my family had a white askal (asong kalye or stray dog) when i was much younger. my uncle meant to bring him home to act as a guard dog. instead, we all had to watch our backs for when the little thing escaped its restraints. because as much as he was supposed to be a guard dog, it had trouble differentiating master from burglar. one time, i was trapped on top of this table in the patio for half an hour while my uncle tried to calm 'squeaky' down. i always wondered why my uncle named him so. with the bark and the bite on that dog, he was anything but squeaky.
after squeaky, my parents, my sister and i moved across the street from our ancestral home, where we didn't have to deal with my uncle's strays. so growing up, the only pet my sister and i ever had was a school of goldfish (which her class eventually overfed and killed after she volunteered to bring them as class pet/mascot). i knew i wasn't much for pets because the whole time we had them, the only responsibility my sister and i ever assumed was to feed the fish. clean-up was mostly up to the maid or my dad. that's also why i think we never pushed for getting a legit breed pup. i didn't want to do the clean up. i wasn't sure we'd have the time to walk them. and unlike most households on our block, we didn't want to just keep them tied down in the backyard (which, back then, we didn't even have). we wanted them to be playthings, have them roam around freely and come back to us at the end of the day without having to go through training them. so my dad put his foot down and said that if we weren't willing to do the work, then having a puppy would be too much of a waste.
even now, i couldn't see myself owning a dog. last year, my cousin's ex-girlfriend was moving apartments, and she asked us if we could take care of her cairn terrier, spanky, while she figured out the living arrangements. mind you, my cousin and i were condo-sitting for my aunt who is working in montreal at the moment. we're staying on the 10th floor of the building with a small balcony. and because my cousin and i have completely opposite schedules, i got to experience part of the puppy-parenting process (though i highly doubt i qualify). my cousin would feed and walk him in the morning. and i would let him out on the balcony with a pad at the end of the day so he can poop and pee. i could see he was miserable in his cage on most days. so sometimes, i'd let him out of his cage and let him roll around in the apartment. when he ends up acting too hyper, i lure him back into his cage with a treat (which mostly happens after 5-10 minutes of letting him out of his cage). i felt bad for the little guy, but i didn't have much patience for him. maybe it's a mood thing because sometimes, i do have fun just watching him run around the apartment and being all happy, wagging its tail and jumping up at me. those days were very rare though.
recently, ellis got me hooked on fish. while he has a small set up in his parents' home for 3 goldfishes, and a small set up for a beta at his allentown apartment, i had a small set up for a beta, HAD being the operative word. after a few months, i came home from work to find my beta grey and floating upside down. i don't exactly know what i did wrong, since fish ranks low on the maintenance department. but again, they never stick around for too long with me. somehow, that makes me worried about having my own kids.
if i can't even take care of a low-maintenance beta, how should i take care of a kicking and screaming baby, waking me up in the middle of the night without any way of telling me what's wrong?
after all this rambling, i get jolted out of my head when ellis asked, "are you going to finish that?" pointing to my cup of melting vanilla ice cream. i look at my cup and feel bad about not finishing it, so i handed it off to ellis who gladly scarfed the rest down. as he finished my cup, this feeling of relief slowly washed over me.
/start of cheesy bit/
i feel dumb about getting lost in my own thoughts and working myself up to worry about parenthood when i know i've got something good here. ellis may not know it yet, but i believe he'd be a great father. he's got this easy way about him that draws the kids in. he's open, caring and goofy. and though he hasn't been all that close with his younger sister, i see how she looks up to him. the way he takes care of his fish is another sure-fire indication of his parenting skills. he makes sure they are fed well and on time, and he meticulously cleans his aquariums religiously. i should be so lucky as to still have him when that phase of my life rolls around. he really does bring balance to my life. while i approach situations with a carefree, live-in-the-moment, let's-cross-the-bridge-when-we-get-there type of reaction (which mostly results in me flailing around like a chicken with my head cut off if things come at me a bit too fast), he approaches every situation with a calm, well-prepared, and methodical manner. hopefully, ours is a future lethal parenting combination.
/end of cheesy bit/
i watch as he jumps off the ledge with the empty cups and soiled napkins to make his way to the trash bins a few feet away from where we were comfortably people-watching, the whole time thinking to myself, "well, at least we know who's got the diaper duty in this relationship."
--Pat Enriquez, New York
ellis and i walked my vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and his chocolate fudge brownie over to the port imperial park, just a few feet past ben & jerry's. and as we staked out our spot, towering over everyone else from the platform fountain, i noticed that while we were walking our 200-calorie-filled single scoops, everyone else was walking their dogs.
i was never fond of dogs. or more correctly, i was never fond of pets. my family had a white askal (asong kalye or stray dog) when i was much younger. my uncle meant to bring him home to act as a guard dog. instead, we all had to watch our backs for when the little thing escaped its restraints. because as much as he was supposed to be a guard dog, it had trouble differentiating master from burglar. one time, i was trapped on top of this table in the patio for half an hour while my uncle tried to calm 'squeaky' down. i always wondered why my uncle named him so. with the bark and the bite on that dog, he was anything but squeaky.
after squeaky, my parents, my sister and i moved across the street from our ancestral home, where we didn't have to deal with my uncle's strays. so growing up, the only pet my sister and i ever had was a school of goldfish (which her class eventually overfed and killed after she volunteered to bring them as class pet/mascot). i knew i wasn't much for pets because the whole time we had them, the only responsibility my sister and i ever assumed was to feed the fish. clean-up was mostly up to the maid or my dad. that's also why i think we never pushed for getting a legit breed pup. i didn't want to do the clean up. i wasn't sure we'd have the time to walk them. and unlike most households on our block, we didn't want to just keep them tied down in the backyard (which, back then, we didn't even have). we wanted them to be playthings, have them roam around freely and come back to us at the end of the day without having to go through training them. so my dad put his foot down and said that if we weren't willing to do the work, then having a puppy would be too much of a waste.
even now, i couldn't see myself owning a dog. last year, my cousin's ex-girlfriend was moving apartments, and she asked us if we could take care of her cairn terrier, spanky, while she figured out the living arrangements. mind you, my cousin and i were condo-sitting for my aunt who is working in montreal at the moment. we're staying on the 10th floor of the building with a small balcony. and because my cousin and i have completely opposite schedules, i got to experience part of the puppy-parenting process (though i highly doubt i qualify). my cousin would feed and walk him in the morning. and i would let him out on the balcony with a pad at the end of the day so he can poop and pee. i could see he was miserable in his cage on most days. so sometimes, i'd let him out of his cage and let him roll around in the apartment. when he ends up acting too hyper, i lure him back into his cage with a treat (which mostly happens after 5-10 minutes of letting him out of his cage). i felt bad for the little guy, but i didn't have much patience for him. maybe it's a mood thing because sometimes, i do have fun just watching him run around the apartment and being all happy, wagging its tail and jumping up at me. those days were very rare though.
recently, ellis got me hooked on fish. while he has a small set up in his parents' home for 3 goldfishes, and a small set up for a beta at his allentown apartment, i had a small set up for a beta, HAD being the operative word. after a few months, i came home from work to find my beta grey and floating upside down. i don't exactly know what i did wrong, since fish ranks low on the maintenance department. but again, they never stick around for too long with me. somehow, that makes me worried about having my own kids.
if i can't even take care of a low-maintenance beta, how should i take care of a kicking and screaming baby, waking me up in the middle of the night without any way of telling me what's wrong?
after all this rambling, i get jolted out of my head when ellis asked, "are you going to finish that?" pointing to my cup of melting vanilla ice cream. i look at my cup and feel bad about not finishing it, so i handed it off to ellis who gladly scarfed the rest down. as he finished my cup, this feeling of relief slowly washed over me.
/start of cheesy bit/
i feel dumb about getting lost in my own thoughts and working myself up to worry about parenthood when i know i've got something good here. ellis may not know it yet, but i believe he'd be a great father. he's got this easy way about him that draws the kids in. he's open, caring and goofy. and though he hasn't been all that close with his younger sister, i see how she looks up to him. the way he takes care of his fish is another sure-fire indication of his parenting skills. he makes sure they are fed well and on time, and he meticulously cleans his aquariums religiously. i should be so lucky as to still have him when that phase of my life rolls around. he really does bring balance to my life. while i approach situations with a carefree, live-in-the-moment, let's-cross-the-bridge-when-we-get-there type of reaction (which mostly results in me flailing around like a chicken with my head cut off if things come at me a bit too fast), he approaches every situation with a calm, well-prepared, and methodical manner. hopefully, ours is a future lethal parenting combination.
/end of cheesy bit/
i watch as he jumps off the ledge with the empty cups and soiled napkins to make his way to the trash bins a few feet away from where we were comfortably people-watching, the whole time thinking to myself, "well, at least we know who's got the diaper duty in this relationship."
--Pat Enriquez, New York
Real Love
Masaya pero hindi parin. kala mo non eto na pero hindi parin pala. pasalamat narin kasi dumating sya nung masaya nako magisa, kumbaga buo nako sa sarili ko.kaso aalis ulit, maiiwan ulit ako, walang kasiguraduhan kung kelan at kung magkkikita man kami ulit.it was a good run sabi nga nila, halfway through sobrang saya.mabibilang ko sa daliri yung mga pagkakataon na hindi kmi nagkasundo, mas madami ung mga tawanang sobrang lakas, mga hirit na parang barkada lang, mga tingin na alam mo na ung ibig sabihin. malabo man kung anong nasa hinaharap, ayos narin, focus on the here and the now sabi nga sa greys anatomy. masaya ako ngayon, sobrang saya. na nakakatakot kung san na naman ako pupupulutin pag alis nya, pero d ko muna yun iintindihin, tska nalang kapag andyan na. sa ngayon, makikinig muna ko sa walang katapusan nyang pagdaldal tungkol sa pagpapalipad ng eroplano, nanotechnology,kotse, science at lahat ng ka-geekan.
i found myself crying while reading this last night. being so far away from him makes me cry like until my tearducts are dry. i miss him so much. and i love him even more. its odd that despite the cultural clashes and religion differences we were so happy together. all the pain that i am feeling right now because we are halfway around the world apart still makes me smile, because its the pain is the only thing that reminds me how much fun we had and that he was real.
--Alexa, Manila
i found myself crying while reading this last night. being so far away from him makes me cry like until my tearducts are dry. i miss him so much. and i love him even more. its odd that despite the cultural clashes and religion differences we were so happy together. all the pain that i am feeling right now because we are halfway around the world apart still makes me smile, because its the pain is the only thing that reminds me how much fun we had and that he was real.
--Alexa, Manila
Give us a smile, luv!
This blog has inspired me.
Brimming with positivity (and burnt rice & other fried things),
I woke up yesterday morning with a positivity mission:
To smile at every person I was going to meet that day.
Admittedly, I spent most of the day locked away in the office scowling at my computer screen.
Not very positive, I know but computer screens don't count as a person.
I must have met 15 people all up - all of them I smiled at.
How did I go with my positivity mission, you ask?
5 of them were ones I work with who just assumed I was on my usual caffeine high.
The rest were the regulars at the cafe where I get my lunch.
Half of them happily flashed their pearly whites,
while the remainder just looked at me with a puzzled expression - probably thinking I was completely bonkers!
Despite the mixed results, I shall persevere.
Watch this space...
- Lisette, Sydney
Brimming with positivity (and burnt rice & other fried things),
I woke up yesterday morning with a positivity mission:
To smile at every person I was going to meet that day.
Admittedly, I spent most of the day locked away in the office scowling at my computer screen.
Not very positive, I know but computer screens don't count as a person.
I must have met 15 people all up - all of them I smiled at.
How did I go with my positivity mission, you ask?
5 of them were ones I work with who just assumed I was on my usual caffeine high.
The rest were the regulars at the cafe where I get my lunch.
Half of them happily flashed their pearly whites,
while the remainder just looked at me with a puzzled expression - probably thinking I was completely bonkers!
Despite the mixed results, I shall persevere.
Watch this space...
- Lisette, Sydney
Seesters
Thankful for my "seesters"
I'm the youngest of three, and the only girl. But both my brothers are happily married which makes me lucky enough to have gained two older sisters. Angie is one of my bestfriends that knows EVERYHTING about me. We even get to work together, and carpool 2 days a week. Our daughters are 6 weeks apart in age, go to preschool together, and they all love eachother dearly. Liza is like the "Ate" I never had. I can confide in her about tons of things, but I also learn a lot from her like how to make chicken adobo or how to dissect health care reform.
I was also lucky to marry someone who has 2 sisters of his own. Joanne is the goofy little sister I never had who I get to boss around and complain about too.
But Trina is the older sister I always felt distant from and I guess we were just getting to know eachother. In preparation for our visit to LA to see her (and Disneyland) in April, she surprised meand her brother (my hubby) by treating us to a date night, and massage by the beach at a spa in Santa Monica while she watches our two kids and spoils them dearly. It was a very sweet and nice random gesture that means a lot to me and our relationship.
And then there are my BESTEST FRIENDS around the world who are all sisters to me in their own rights. They know all my deepest and darkest secrets, they're not afraid to tell me what they think, and I know no matter the weather, they'll always be there for me. They know who they are.
Today, I am THANKFUL for my sisters who know when and how to reach out to me.
Amanda Jose, Virginia
I'm the youngest of three, and the only girl. But both my brothers are happily married which makes me lucky enough to have gained two older sisters. Angie is one of my bestfriends that knows EVERYHTING about me. We even get to work together, and carpool 2 days a week. Our daughters are 6 weeks apart in age, go to preschool together, and they all love eachother dearly. Liza is like the "Ate" I never had. I can confide in her about tons of things, but I also learn a lot from her like how to make chicken adobo or how to dissect health care reform.
I was also lucky to marry someone who has 2 sisters of his own. Joanne is the goofy little sister I never had who I get to boss around and complain about too.
But Trina is the older sister I always felt distant from and I guess we were just getting to know eachother. In preparation for our visit to LA to see her (and Disneyland) in April, she surprised meand her brother (my hubby) by treating us to a date night, and massage by the beach at a spa in Santa Monica while she watches our two kids and spoils them dearly. It was a very sweet and nice random gesture that means a lot to me and our relationship.
And then there are my BESTEST FRIENDS around the world who are all sisters to me in their own rights. They know all my deepest and darkest secrets, they're not afraid to tell me what they think, and I know no matter the weather, they'll always be there for me. They know who they are.
Today, I am THANKFUL for my sisters who know when and how to reach out to me.
Amanda Jose, Virginia
Friday, March 26, 2010
Adorable cartoon comedy
Traffic on Friday is always horrendous and I was expecting it to be really bad today because I had back-to-back meetings lined up. Luckily enough it was such a crazy efficient day with everything getting done on time or early! Thank goodness! And then this evening Nino and I went to watch How to Train your Dragon in 3D and it made me smile and laugh non-stop. Such an adorable cartoon and so funny too. (Plus I think I really liked it because the dragon reminded me of our adorable pug!) Along the hilarious vein of Kung-fu Panda if you want a fun and adorable cartoon that is witty and captivating, catch How to Train your Dragon while it is still in theaters! Have a good weekend!
Think happy thoughts,
Michelle
The city that never sleeps
Hey New York, the thought of you always makes me smile. I think it's time we reunite. How does July sound to you? Yeah, sounds great to me too :)
--Erica Paredes
The day I became the Princess in the storybook
I have been living in China for over a year now. I studied Chinese and now I'm working as a speech therapist to expat kids in Shanghai. It's an amazing job, but at the same time, living in a communist non-english speaking country can become very lonesome. But it was here in China that I met the love of my life. Tim and I have been together since last year and he is the most amazing thing that has ever came into my life. But last January he had to go back to the US, and yes, he took my heart with him. Of course we stayed together, talking on skype for 2-3 hours a day and only stopping coz our bodies needed sleep, even if our hearts still longed to continue talking. It hasn't been an easy journey, but its one I'm willing to tread until I'm finally back in his arms for good..
Then last week came the surprise of my life. It was his spring break, and little did I know that he planned to surprise me. First, he came to Manila for a day just to ask my parents permission to marry me. And then the next day he flew to Shanghai and asked me to become his wife. It was a day I will never forget. On a cold and rainy March 15- I got engaged. He could only stay for 6 days coz he had to go back to school.. but those were the best 6 days of both our lives. Now Timmy is back in the US and I am still here in China.. and we are back to our old skype routine.
Life isn't easy here. I barely earn enough for me to be able to pay for my rent and living expenses, and I hardly save anything. I don't know anything about planning a wedding, and handling visas and paperwork. It's stressful but just knowing that someone out there loves me, just knowing that I have found my soulmate.. He gives me the strength to persevere. He is my light at the end of the tunnel. I love you Timmy and you make me happy every second of every day. <3 I can't wait to love you and take care of you for the rest of my life. Thank you for being there and just being you.
-Steph Afzelius, Shanghai
Dear Nana
I started baking because of my Nana and later found out that it helps me out of my deep rooted sadness.. When the room is filled with the smell of vanilla, and I get ready to top the cupcakes with icing and heart shaped sprinkles, my heart flutters and I feel a sudden rush of gratitude and love. And when I see how much happiness they bring other people, It just makes my entire day.
Its the simple things in life that are worth living for. Like cupcakes.
This is for my Nana, who continues to inspire me in whatever I do.
-Dane Gonzalez, Boracay Island
Its the simple things in life that are worth living for. Like cupcakes.
This is for my Nana, who continues to inspire me in whatever I do.
-Dane Gonzalez, Boracay Island
Baby Love
After almost three weeks of cold, gastro and hundreds of jellyfish larvae bites, my little girl is back to normal -- laughing, goofing around and dancing to Hi-5. I'm okay again. Plus, Daddy took us to his work yesterday and left us at the mall so my little girl and I watched a movie together, bought gourmet chocolates, went shopping and played at the mall's playground. It was a great no-chore day.
Kristyn Maslog-Levis, Sydney, Australia
Kristyn Maslog-Levis, Sydney, Australia
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The magic of a papa bear panini guy and his free four-cheese panini
..apart from a few things not going so well with work right now, along with a little tiff with the boyfriend, one of the reasons i'm having a bad day is because i kept waking up every half hour last night to make sure that i wake up in time to turn the slow cooker off. i had made a mushroom beef stew that i'd been looking forward to having for a while now, only to find out that they have these glorious four-cheese paninis that rarely make an appearance at the cafeteria today as well. it felt like i was torn between two lovers (come on, sing it with me: "...feeling like a fool"). ultimately, with everything else that's going on, this week feels like it just keeps getting worse and worse.
i went downstairs to the cafeteria with my co-worker heather so that she can get her lunch. she ended up getting the four-cheese panini, and told me i can have a few bites. we chatted up the panini guy, this burly papa-bear-ish native of the dominican republic, about our orders and our plans for the long weekend (yes, that's the way it is at the UN--strangers feel like long-lost cousins, and it's natural to ask how things are going). he was always fun to talk to.
while he was tending to heather's panini, he asked me if i wanted anything. i declined and said i already brought food, but that it would've been awesome to know that they had the four-cheese paninis beforehand. it was after paying for the meal and getting drinks at the water station that the panini guy intercepted us on the way out. he handed me something small wrapped in tin foil, and i just knew it was my four-cheese panini! i looked at him for confirmation, and he said, "i don't know when we'll have the four-cheese again. so you might as well get your fix now."
just like that, the day turned around for me. things at work are still so much worse than i'd like it to be. and the tiff with the boyfriend still hasn't been addressed. but for that moment, everything just seemed to wash away. with one generous act, it felt like i was blessed with the strength (literally) to tackle the day's dilemmas.
pat enriquez, new york
hangin out with Fam is a happy thing!!!
Today i went to the bank to encash my Mulah w my Boy Jhego,yes me and Jhego are Again Legit Misfitz,after that we hung out @ Starbucks Podium for Coffee,waited for my Sister Iza,we bonded talked about things,catching up,memories and all,as usual Jhego with the witty outrageous "hirits"said in filipino"Aararo ako para sa asawa ko para masiyahan siya.. Wala ka ng hahanapin pa" Translation"I Will sow my royal oats for my wife to make her happy won't ask for anything more"somting like that LM_AO!!! but yes it was a good afternoon despite the earthquake that happend but it wasn't serious,just happy happy moments with my sister and my partner in rhyme,time for another Misfitz Reunion....Jabongga 2010 LOL! I love my Sister she is the best sister in the whole wide world,i thank God for her and to Jhego,we will always be Misfitz 4 life!!! God Bless Peace!!!!
MC Dash Calzado
MC Dash Calzado
Love Rain
When Ondoy happened last September, it devastated the homes and lives of both rich and poor. It was the one calamity that I really felt brought the country together and brought out a sense of community in everybody.
Seeing this photo always puts a smile on my face, not because of Ondoy but because I remember that week of GIVING and SELFLESSNESS that went on at my house. People I did not know were coming in and out, bringing food, helping us make rice meals and sandwiches, and going to areas struck in the worst way by the storm.
It makes me believe beneath all the cynicism, anger and depression people have, there is hope, love and happiness.
--Erica Paredes
Seeing this photo always puts a smile on my face, not because of Ondoy but because I remember that week of GIVING and SELFLESSNESS that went on at my house. People I did not know were coming in and out, bringing food, helping us make rice meals and sandwiches, and going to areas struck in the worst way by the storm.
It makes me believe beneath all the cynicism, anger and depression people have, there is hope, love and happiness.
--Erica Paredes
The Man Who Changed My Life
May 16, 2007. It was a Wednesday. At roughly 6AM, that’s when my life changed. I found out I was pregnant. And I knew that everything would be different from that point on.
Later that year, he came into my life. He has changed me in more ways than one. Captured my heart and soul completely.
Here he is at one of our family lunches. Taken in early February. He was 2 years and 1.5 months old then.
He has brought so much joy to our family! He’s our dear little boy. The main man in my life right now :)
--
Katrina Villareal
Manila, PhilippinesHappiness in a Box
My job can be really stressful. But come lunchtime, this little critters cheer me up while I wolf down my lunch. And they force me to be healthy too! Bento making is LOVE. :)
-Ella Reyes, Manila
-Ella Reyes, Manila
A Facebook message
Sometimes, you don't realize, that just by being, you are inspiring someone. And every now and then, you might just be lucky enough to hear about it.
"Hey Kristine, it was nice bumping into you. I hope you're not freaked out when I tell you that you somehow seem like an inspiration to me. Dubai has been tough, you get lost out here (well, that's for me). Anyway, just wanted to ask how you stay happy and content with your life? I used to have that feeling back home, it's just different here...."
A message which I have kept in my inbox since it was sent in October, 2009, from a beautiful stranger who has become a friend of mine. What she may never know is that her message means a million to me, and that she warmed my heart probably a hundred times more than she thinks. Ahhh it makes me feel mushy just reading it again. :)
-Kristine Fernandez, Dubai UAE
"Hey Kristine, it was nice bumping into you. I hope you're not freaked out when I tell you that you somehow seem like an inspiration to me. Dubai has been tough, you get lost out here (well, that's for me). Anyway, just wanted to ask how you stay happy and content with your life? I used to have that feeling back home, it's just different here...."
A message which I have kept in my inbox since it was sent in October, 2009, from a beautiful stranger who has become a friend of mine. What she may never know is that her message means a million to me, and that she warmed my heart probably a hundred times more than she thinks. Ahhh it makes me feel mushy just reading it again. :)
-Kristine Fernandez, Dubai UAE
Ice Cream Love
Her name is Rowena. We call her Ninang Weng. She's a firecracker but she'll tell you she's just insane. We're miles and miles apart since she chose to live in Davao and so we mostly communicate through Plurk and FB. Her entries, shout-outs and updates never fail to make me giggle. But today, she managed to pinch my heart, make me smile and thank God for having her as a friend.
What did she do? She spent P190 on ice-cream, not for herself, but for the kids in her neighborhood. Others may think that it was no biggie, ice cream for just 10 bucks apiece; she may nonchalantly say that it was nothing, but I know, P10 Pinipig Ice-Drop + 19 Kids = One Delightful Afternoon. For those kids, it was a a little glimpse of heaven, even if their Ice-Drop were quickly melting under the scorching sun.
It was a random act of kindness, it was her random act of "whatever". But it touched a lot of hearts. I sure know, it touched mine. Ninang Weng is one fine lady. And I can't wait to see her again so we can have our own Ice-cream moment.
- Melai Angeles, Manila
We Are The World
Sarah & I are blessed with a beautiful, gifted, & loving 4 year old
princess named Kaya. She had her school concert today (Wednesday March 24,2010).
I took this video Tuesday night as she practiced for her big day.
She rocked it at the concert.
All her Cambridge Makati classmates did too! They are THE FUTURE! And let's not forget the lyrics:
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
It's really on us to make things better for our loved ones & the rest of the world!
Peace & blessings!
Banj
ps - Check out "The Shift" on http://dailyupgrade.tumblr.com/. Hope it inspires you like it inspired me. I'd like to get your feedback regardless. Thanks in advance =)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Admirable Friendship
i've been working as an educator since june of last year, and i've never regretted any part of it, most especially when these girls came into the picture.
in the course of ten months, we have already inspired and encouraged each other to the best that we can be. they always claim that i do inspire them, but in reality, every good word they utter about me, every smile, and every hug fuels me to be better despite all the stress at work.
today, March 24, 2010, these girls celebrate their ninth month of great friendship. i would like to tell them through this blog entry that they have really touched my heart and that i am very, very thankful to be part of their lives.
our profession will never be hard for as long as there are people like them around.
i love you girls.
Miss Ria
-Ria Arana, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Here comes the sun...
Happiness is indeed all around us even when times can get difficult and tiresome all we have to do is remember the good things and realize that life is beautiful indeed! My happiness comes from being with family and friends! :) Their love and constant support get me through anything. And in particular, I think sunshine radiates off of my darling nephew Jordan or Jordy as we lovingly call him. I love baking cookies with this adorable little guy who never fails to make me smile!
I can not resist his laughter! Just being with baby J is enough to brighten up my day! Seriously, if you want to just have hours of fun and laughs - spend some quality time with your favorite children - nieces, nephews, godchildren, they not only make you feel loved and special but they also keep you young at heart!
Think happy thoughts,
Michelle Alejandro, Manila
What made me smile today?
1. Being hugged by a sweet and loving two year old boy when I came home.
2. Knowing it's my best friend's birthday today and that I was able to celebrate it with him in person 2 days ago.
3. Watching "How to Train Your Dragon" with my 16 year old nephew and hearing him say, "This is a cool movie."
-Gloria Sicam, Manila
Every girl's must-have accessories are....
BEST GIRLFRIENDS.
Here are mine!
Cara (in pink) and Eloise (in gray) brought me to Venice Beach, California, and San Francisco when I was feeling really sad last year. We danced by autumn leaves and went on liberating bike rides along the coast and on the Sta Monica boardwalk, and ate all the In-N-Out we could take!
Try something new with your girlfriends every once in a while. Go trekking, biking, eat the local food in foreign places, or just walking around a little town or city you're not very familiar with.
Letting go and getting lost is a good form of therapy for anything. I will always remember the high we got from our 2-week adventure! It puts a smile on my face and a little warm hug around my heart each time :-)
Cheerios!
Andrea
Cheerios!
Andrea
Simple Things
I'm thankful that at this moment in time, my 5 year old baby girl, Olivia, says " It's fun to hang out with your parents."
We all know one day, we'll be enemies, only to discover that we are the best of friends.
Amanda Jose, Alexandria, VA
A cupcake a day keeps the wrinkles away
When I'm sad, I think of three Words: SPRINKLES RED VELVET :-)
Happiness.
But since we don't have it here in Manila... CUPCAKES by SONJA :-)
Cheerios,
Andrea de Guzman, Manila
My Godsend
The crazy climate changes has left me feeling a bit under the weather recently. Just last week, a fever hit me. I could barely get out of bed, let alone do daily chores around the house. I haven't felt so useless in ages.
As i'm lying in bed fighting the shakes and wishing the fever away, my ever-so-hyper 5 year old runs into the room and asks me to come out and play with him. I sadly decline his invitation and explain to him that "Mommy's not feeling very well... i'm sorry, i can't". Suddenly, with a look of concern, he hops onto bed with me and asks if i'm ok. I politely explain to him that i'm ill and that i just really need to rest. He then runs out of the room in a dash and comes back with our digital thermometer at hand. He hops back on the bed, sits right next to me, turns on the thermometer and shoves it in my arm pit.
"There, you'll feel much better", he exclaims proudly.
Since i've used the thermometer on him every single time he's been sick, he's under the impression that using it is somewhat like taking medicine- it's supposed to make you feel better. I'm a single mom and i do... well, everything. There's always something to be done and I pretty much take care of everybody. It was a good feeling to be taken care of for a change.
Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes the downs can be so overwhelming, you find it difficult to believe that you'll make it back up again. But these little things, these silver linings... like a little kid and a tiny gesture- it's a good sign that everything is gonna be alright.
My son is my godsend. I'm thankful for him everyday.
As i'm lying in bed fighting the shakes and wishing the fever away, my ever-so-hyper 5 year old runs into the room and asks me to come out and play with him. I sadly decline his invitation and explain to him that "Mommy's not feeling very well... i'm sorry, i can't". Suddenly, with a look of concern, he hops onto bed with me and asks if i'm ok. I politely explain to him that i'm ill and that i just really need to rest. He then runs out of the room in a dash and comes back with our digital thermometer at hand. He hops back on the bed, sits right next to me, turns on the thermometer and shoves it in my arm pit.
"There, you'll feel much better", he exclaims proudly.
Since i've used the thermometer on him every single time he's been sick, he's under the impression that using it is somewhat like taking medicine- it's supposed to make you feel better. I'm a single mom and i do... well, everything. There's always something to be done and I pretty much take care of everybody. It was a good feeling to be taken care of for a change.
Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes the downs can be so overwhelming, you find it difficult to believe that you'll make it back up again. But these little things, these silver linings... like a little kid and a tiny gesture- it's a good sign that everything is gonna be alright.
My son is my godsend. I'm thankful for him everyday.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_UM9QeoDi8NCnxuF606KkW9VLHnM-75s3il4l2MGU2SmDd657YzmHNYwN569y09svk12_o9zzlkfWKvM-OzM0fOcGhYYC8tos69skxnizH1yaVEh6dDmihbc5ZyGYK0LZ_XP1UOJmJ8/s400/16369_334425810649_899385649_10089414_761338_n.jpg)
-Thea Arvisu, Baguio City
If there's one thing that made me smile today....
It's this.
I made strawberry pie. When my daughter tried it she said. "Mom, this isn't good...."
"It's aaaawesmazing!!!!"
-Erica, Manila
I made strawberry pie. When my daughter tried it she said. "Mom, this isn't good...."
"It's aaaawesmazing!!!!"
-Erica, Manila
rice and other fried things
12 hour shifts at the office were starting to wear me down.
Noticing my disheveled state and dazed look every time I walk through the door, Timmy, the hubby, surprised me tonight with a nice home-cooked meal.
Nothing fancy - burnt rice and deep fried spring rolls of some sort.
(How does a rice cooker even burn rice?)
You see, cooking is the one thing he hates most in the world.
So for me, tonight's dinner was the best meal I've ever had.
[Bonus points for perfect table settings]
- Lisette, Sydney
Noticing my disheveled state and dazed look every time I walk through the door, Timmy, the hubby, surprised me tonight with a nice home-cooked meal.
Nothing fancy - burnt rice and deep fried spring rolls of some sort.
(How does a rice cooker even burn rice?)
You see, cooking is the one thing he hates most in the world.
So for me, tonight's dinner was the best meal I've ever had.
[Bonus points for perfect table settings]
- Lisette, Sydney
Today I went To pray To God At EDSA Shrine....
Lately i've been through personal problems,but on my way to work i thought of going to EDSA Shrine since it was near where my work place is,so i went and tears just came down of my cheeks,but i felt a sigh of relief and comfort,cuz i know i was at the presence of Our Lord & Saviour,all my burndens was lifted as i was crying like a child,praying for Strenght and Happiness,i prayed hard...soon after that as i walked out of the EDSA Shrine heading to Work i had a Smile on my Face,And it Was Good walk,so now im here @ the Station All Jolly and Looking forward to Another Day,to Pray for Positivity,Happiness and all the good things A Good Hearted person needs,eliminate negativity and create possibilities! Peace!
MC Dash Calzado
MC Dash Calzado
Heart Makers
See the two little girls in this picture? The one on the left is Ananda. She's a little ball of fire.Hard to keep up with at times, but amazing to watch as she grows and learns. She's fiercely loyal, and unconditionally loving. That other one to the right? That's Kaya. She's the sweetest little girl-Wide-eyed and innocent with a smile that can melt.
And the one in the middle? That's Sarah. I love her to death.
-Erica Paredes, Manila
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