I am Jennifer Love, that is whenever merchants and strangers ask for my name and they have to call it out. Interestingly, I had fused casual amity with them. Call it feistiness, but it is madness you could benefit from. In a coffee chain, when they see me coming, they just say, “Hayan na si Ms. Jennifer Love.” Lol!! Alternatively, during first meets, it brings grins to their faces. I delight from being anonymous. I don’t know if it is bad, but whenever people tell me not so good things about other people I chance to know, I blot out on off-putting comments and learn for myself. Yep, perhaps they are precise, kasalanan ku na nung eku makiramdam, but I insists the opportunity to know them first. . . . . . . . . .
myKitchen interior design journey. Perusing my notes a day, you will find these scribbled on my very unique handwriting: my kitchen will have an island made of granite that is a functional piece to have and is a perfect extra food prep area. I visualized the entire countertop a butcher block with an installed sink where foodstuffs can be washed at once and under counter lighting to illuminate workspaces. As I see family and friends gathering and visiting, I picture a bar-type seating area at the island set on an entire wooden floor where they could stay while carrying out a cook fest over pendant or pot lights. Tiles will have to be the blue and white variety to create the effect of country ambiance. Haaay, pangarap. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I experiment with chilies, of range. I love everything spicy in general. That’s why Chilli’s is my pet refectory. Two weeks ago at the public market, I was taught how to make ‘the express’ upon purchase of a kilo of green sili. My critic said I did very well. Worth the try. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Having no more than a fleeting memory of the past. Dory lives in the now. She is that blue tang with severe short-term memory loss who calls Nemo by different names. Here is one of the memorable quotes between the fretful Marlin (Nemo’s father) and the very forgetful Dory…
Dory: Hey there, Mr. Grumpy Gills. When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do?
Marlin: No I don’t wanna know.
Dory: [singing] Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.
Marlin: Dory, no singing. Dory: [continuing] Ha, ha, ha, ha, ho. I love to swim. When you want to swim you want to swim.
Marlin: Now I’m stuck with that song… Now it’s in my head.
Dory: Sorry.
To Dory, life stirs on in split-second, and so does with me. Life is short. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
My trip in Malaysia in 2005 availed me of the encounter with wild monkeys. My ascend to the top of Batu Cave had been scary as they were there frisking and prancing on the barristers freely with fierce attitude. I said that because they kept on romping to all comers visiting the place and grabbing whatever they could snatched out of them. One did that to me with my Gatorade. Imagine a primate swigging on the rest of my newly opened drink without even a glance back of gratitude. What an inhospitable dweller. ;=) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I still am not divine. Nor am being virtuous. But praying the rosary everyday is my source of contentment. At whatever time I contemplate on the beads do I feel tremendous relief, peace and ease. The Blessed Mother is my queen sentry who completely steers me clear from indiscretion. An endeavor I assure to convey to my own children. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Yesterday, during late lunchtime at merienda hour @ my fave watering hole which is the yellow cab…. I was observed to eat like a construction worker by an office mate. I was giggly bemused to hear the opinion ‘coz I was not aware of my behavior. Siguru pin maranup naku talaga (as am already really starving). Am in fact imagining my pasta and huge slices of pizza to be yang chow fried rice and dim sum, as in sobra nakung maranup (as in, famished is the term). And maybe further, she noted me finished off my tin collectible of pistachio dairy in less than three minutes. That’s how I am. I delight in meal times with friends, family, loved ones. Whereupon I achieve respite as well. Ampong cguru, 2:30pm na ekami pa mag-lunch (And also, was past lunch hour). ;=) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
On Easter Sunday in Subic, I got to spend playing with my four and three-year old pamangkins Dannie and Kyle. These kids love staying in hotel rooms as they referred to them as the "cold cum refrigerator" rooms. All the time they kept on bouncing up and about the whole area laughing their hearts out. Just listening to their giggles is an absolute stress-buster. One of my natural highs in life. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Back in 2003, I and a couple of friends visited Bangkok on my birthday. It was my first trip outside of the PI. Agitated with so much expectation, I guess, I failed to have fun. I was so disappointed that Bangkok didn’t differ much. I was expecting better. Further, I was looking forward to riding the elephants and sailing in vendor boats at the floating market, two essential activities I wasn’t able to do. Kaya malungkut kung mibalik Pilipinas (I've been sad to go back home).=( But not for long though.. Thanks a many to Choy for the hotcakes topped with a bounty of fruits from the Pancake House @ the Power Plant. And now, as I got hold of a copy of the Unwind Holiday Inn magazine, Bangkok is once again illuminated to be one of the hot spots to visit. And I would love to go back anytime now. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Bookstores are just one of my little sanctuaries. My haven to disorder. I could settle here for days and be certainly peaceful. I love reading books and will always will. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
A significant way to start a new year right is in, where else, but in a paradise. And Boracay is definitely one! Though teeming with aliens, thus the feeling that it is not an island by the Visayan region, me and my friend still felt so at home with the locality, relaxing to our hearts content plying the powdery white sand, shore waves and simply enjoying the breeze. The grand thing about Boracay is that there a lot of the unpretentious things I love doing (be it a tattoo, a milk shake, a massage below coco trees, the cogon-baked pizza, banana split, bbq isaw….). . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Last Saturday (7/21/07), after doctrine class, Melissa and I passed by the Fruits in Ice Cream house in their neighborhood. In short, migpigged out kami! Ala lang aisip mi mu (we just craved for it). It had been for a time since we’ve done something on impulse. Most often, we do things as planned and of thoughtfulness. Makauplift ing ice cream talaga, lalus na itang pigkamalan ming sugar-free (esp. ice cream we thought sugar-free). ;D . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
“Back to reality kayu ne,” Doc Carlo was saying when he passed by us to fetch his wife. Indeed, he confirmed what we were all been dreading the last day in Makiling (na sana, could be stretched to a week in the future). Even Madame Rica, a mirror image of Madame Imeldific with the teased hair and all, did mention the trepidation in one of our table talks. A gracious lady, whose late husband had been the chief executive officer in two of the top corporations in the country and an esteemed academe, was in every aspect hip to discuss what we need to know especially with regard to family life, and what should we doing in our lives in full (balami ikami mu ing e magpigil king kadaldalan)/(and we thought we're the worst in curtailing loquaciousness;). I have to say, I had fun. I had fun talking with the elders. They are the largely experienced class in the journey of life. In the three-day refuge, our lay member Fr. Liao, who is an avid fan of Gloria Romero, endeavors a modernized conduct of means but still inculcate the traditional and straightforward wisdom of the Catholic doctrine in the Oratory (my most revered place in the house, an ultimate harbor of tranquility and composure). It pays to listen. And I have without reservations. God manifests His love in the unanticipated. When you entrust completely unto His care, He certainly takes pressure off your back. So now, I keep my cool. There was a time when I really doubted a situation to be doomed. As in, I kept on saying, “how could things get better? No chance.” Until I met up a good thing. It dawned on me that God indeed is looking after me. I have said my confession. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
“When God takes something from your grasp, He’s not punishing you, But merely opening your hands to receive something better.” During a chat with my spiritual mentor yesterday, we talked about a lot of things in the past. Funny how some of the experiences apparently gained meaning at present. Asabi ku tuluy, “balamu ata magsisi ku kareng meging choices ku?!” Good people and things were right under my nose but I took them for granted. Many times we say, we should have no regrets, for whoever/whatever may have distressed does make you stronger. In the first quarter of ‘07, God manifested His magnificent ways of turning things in full circle for me. Yes, I deserve better. God wanted me back in His trust. It is because of the occurrence that I indeed learned and will be evermore grateful to The Father. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
My guy friends do ask what presents to give their wives and girlfriends on special occasions. Unblinkingly, I always reply back with my simple “a hug, a kiss and unconditional love.” In these times when standards are easily negotiated, into which much justification/reasoning is heavily laid down with much gusto, both husbands and wives ought to supply generous affirmation that they appreciate their partners not only in words but also in deeds. Yes, actions do speak louder than words; it still is the unbeaten means of bliss. Marriage should be the least difficult of all relationships. I used to think that I‘d never get married. That was because I have lost faith in men, ha ha (just kidding though). I am silent with what I know and observed amongst people. All I can say is that the state of affairs is not that encouraging. How I wish that married couples lived up to be the same as our elders who grew old and gray together. I am enchanted whenever I see aged couples who still hold hands and assist each other with a great deal of gentleness and affection. One may think twice if the younger set could even progress to be the same. Last Friday during a talk on career and family, we were given sheets of paper each and were asked to jot down the roles we play as individuals – be it as husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, employee, etc. I am seven. After which we were asked to etch down next to each role the number of work hours we act out the parts in a week. Not surprisingly, I know I commit more than a hundred hours a week at work. And more than ten for another task. I wonder how others in that group managed to survive the time to be husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, et al when they have other responsibilities in their job and society, with countless duties and yet seemingly so little time. Again, it makes you think of priorities. I love my work. Am blessed with it. I have worked with the best people in their trade. And they have become my dear friends. But I know that I can give it up any time for something more important. As nothing beats priceless time with family, friends, dear people, passions, and the unfussiness of it all. Just the thought of it makes me smile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
In a doctrine class, Fr. Villar talked about marriage. This is as if God’s timing is at work. This is at a time when a problem has arisen and one just need to make a valuation of a judgment call. It is disheartening to note that for some spouses, the immediate solution to a problem is to leave the partner for him/her to learn the lesson. Ay ali rugu (Of course not)..Maybe if the move stemmed from deceit. However, in my friend’s case, the problem is about dependency on something pathological, a gambling addiction that is a progressive disease that devastates not only the gambler but also everyone with whom he or she has a significant relationship. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological gambling as a "disorder of impulse control." It is an illness that is chronic and progressive, but it can be diagnosed and treated. Thus, it was not meant. It was not planned. It so happened that it is a spouse’s weakness. And not one human is perfect. My wife-friend, thanks to Our Almighty and parents, is one good woman. She did not even think of dumping her husband and for that my respect for her amplified further. My friend figured to be one of the literati blessed with a pretty face. Still she chose to stick with her husband. Ita naman ing dapat (I opined, the right thing to do). You never ditch someone (especially if that someone is your husband) because he has caused you pain or shame due to the illness. The more one should dispense consuming affection, patience, loyalty, commitment, understanding and encouragement as the path to healing is not easy. Purely as you never say sorry for loving someone, more important are the lessons learned. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I have an unwavering penchant for coffee. No matter what had been narrated about packaging, I can’t help to drop off Starbucks coffee outlets to purchase a grande of peppermint mocha/java chip frappucino/latte. What even inspires me with Starbucks is their adherence to corporate social responsibility, which is such an inherent part of their business model, seeing to it that it plays one of the most important roles as a leader in the industry and to imprint the values on each new generation of the company. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Laughing at thy self is a perfect way to recover from a mishap. Knowing that you can easily smile about it now somehow substantiates that you have taken note of your mistakes and there’s just nothing that could be done about it. In some way also, blunders come as strokes of luck for these will keep you grounded. With the acceptance, that you have gained knowledge out of it comes the feeling that in one way or another you have done something right because you can look back at it now with grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I love mornings! It signifies opportunities in day-by-day living. The first daylight assures a hearty breakfast of garlic fried rice, eggs, tuyo/bacon/hotdogs/corned beef and coffee prepared by my one-and-only dad. My father is a very good cook. Only him in my so ordinary life could set up the hearty meal par excel lance. ;D My cherished reminiscences with my father were when I get spanked/scolded by my mother due to not having siestas, my dad would bring me with him to see movies and buy me popcorn to console me, and during the Holy Week naman, he will bring me to watch sinakulos. There were also those times that when He comes home from work in Manila, I have my collection of dolls as pasalubong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Some say an antique typifies mustiness and eerie appearance. But to me these depict refinement and novelty. Something about its stuffiness is very appealing. Meaning it hold scores of tales of generations past. The stories I look forward to listening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Every Sundays, I follow Tahanang Pinoy, a 30-minute feature on home architecture and interior program on channel 5. The hosts are experts in their fields inculcating touches of very pinoy temperament in the details. I became very fascinated with structural design as I was hooked on a copy of Robb Report a year ago. Though my interests lean way before then, I never really got the opportunity to probe and delve on it. It is also inspiring of male friends (being they men) who are very much into the nitty-gritty on building their own homes and draw up plans of the interior. I, for one, am a fanatic of town and country style homes with rooms flowing uninterruptedly into a large open breakfast area and kitchen (the best part for me) with a walk-in pantry. And plenty of over-sized glass windows and doors too. =) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I feel at home in Cebu. It seems that all goes well for me whenever am there. Cebu exemplifies a combination of modest progress and a laid-back state. I have only been there twice – for AdCon and ASEAN Forum. Every time, I have enjoyed my stay, in spite and despite of the work assignments. The people were most helpful and resourceful. Upon my return for the business forum, the very same people whom I’ve worked with during the Ad Congress a year ago still exhibited the same fondness and warmth. Herein, I say my thanks a many to PCG.;D They are now what I call long-time friends. Am a proud Capampangan, but I adore Cebu, with its lovely people and tranquil character. It is indeed the sovereign of the South. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Something about speed excites me. My work brings me to Manila and Subic for meetings with various agencies, chambers and offices every week then. And it is a must that our driver (I have my favorites from the Motorpool) is someone knowledgeable with the road networks and major thoroughfares as well as eskinitas. And too, it is essential that he is a skillful driver who drives just as the allowable maximum speed limit as am apt to get jaded with slow-driving (just as I get bored with long haul flights). Thus a trip to my destination is inclined to be a fast-drive on the track, an inspiration from my regular viewing of Raceday on cable tv. In addition to my kilig moments in monitoring my preferred race car driver Button. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Never underrate the influence of television ads. My 4-year old niece who is a resident guest in our house exhibits familiarity of the candidates running for office. Her favorites are Pichay, Angara and Recto. Compared to us who are full-time at work would not know the approaches displayed by these candidates if not for her who recites their campaign aliases/slogans with much zest. On the afternoon after the polls closed, she dropped by the house to give my mom her flowers for mother’s day. She then quickly inspected our point fingers if we have gone to vote for her Tito Ed and beloved aspirants. Seems she has got it in her head that Angara is now her bona fide tito. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
An uncompromising practice for me is sincerity. I make an effort to dispense time to really appreciate the people for whom, what and for simply being the way they are in the now, not for later. I am normally responsive (except anything to do with green ;D). It is usual for me to be that. Especially to those who deserve it. I don’t explore to rave about any one just so I may perhaps gain approval nor ramble for the heck of it. I wouldn’t want to delay it for later. I deem for those to hear it at the present while they might.
myKitchen interior design journey. Perusing my notes a day, you will find these scribbled on my very unique handwriting: my kitchen will have an island made of granite that is a functional piece to have and is a perfect extra food prep area. I visualized the entire countertop a butcher block with an installed sink where foodstuffs can be washed at once and under counter lighting to illuminate workspaces. As I see family and friends gathering and visiting, I picture a bar-type seating area at the island set on an entire wooden floor where they could stay while carrying out a cook fest over pendant or pot lights. Tiles will have to be the blue and white variety to create the effect of country ambiance. Haaay, pangarap. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I experiment with chilies, of range. I love everything spicy in general. That’s why Chilli’s is my pet refectory. Two weeks ago at the public market, I was taught how to make ‘the express’ upon purchase of a kilo of green sili. My critic said I did very well. Worth the try. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Having no more than a fleeting memory of the past. Dory lives in the now. She is that blue tang with severe short-term memory loss who calls Nemo by different names. Here is one of the memorable quotes between the fretful Marlin (Nemo’s father) and the very forgetful Dory…
Dory: Hey there, Mr. Grumpy Gills. When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do?
Marlin: No I don’t wanna know.
Dory: [singing] Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.
Marlin: Dory, no singing. Dory: [continuing] Ha, ha, ha, ha, ho. I love to swim. When you want to swim you want to swim.
Marlin: Now I’m stuck with that song… Now it’s in my head.
Dory: Sorry.
To Dory, life stirs on in split-second, and so does with me. Life is short. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
My trip in Malaysia in 2005 availed me of the encounter with wild monkeys. My ascend to the top of Batu Cave had been scary as they were there frisking and prancing on the barristers freely with fierce attitude. I said that because they kept on romping to all comers visiting the place and grabbing whatever they could snatched out of them. One did that to me with my Gatorade. Imagine a primate swigging on the rest of my newly opened drink without even a glance back of gratitude. What an inhospitable dweller. ;=) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I still am not divine. Nor am being virtuous. But praying the rosary everyday is my source of contentment. At whatever time I contemplate on the beads do I feel tremendous relief, peace and ease. The Blessed Mother is my queen sentry who completely steers me clear from indiscretion. An endeavor I assure to convey to my own children. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Yesterday, during late lunchtime at merienda hour @ my fave watering hole which is the yellow cab…. I was observed to eat like a construction worker by an office mate. I was giggly bemused to hear the opinion ‘coz I was not aware of my behavior. Siguru pin maranup naku talaga (as am already really starving). Am in fact imagining my pasta and huge slices of pizza to be yang chow fried rice and dim sum, as in sobra nakung maranup (as in, famished is the term). And maybe further, she noted me finished off my tin collectible of pistachio dairy in less than three minutes. That’s how I am. I delight in meal times with friends, family, loved ones. Whereupon I achieve respite as well. Ampong cguru, 2:30pm na ekami pa mag-lunch (And also, was past lunch hour). ;=) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
On Easter Sunday in Subic, I got to spend playing with my four and three-year old pamangkins Dannie and Kyle. These kids love staying in hotel rooms as they referred to them as the "cold cum refrigerator" rooms. All the time they kept on bouncing up and about the whole area laughing their hearts out. Just listening to their giggles is an absolute stress-buster. One of my natural highs in life. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Back in 2003, I and a couple of friends visited Bangkok on my birthday. It was my first trip outside of the PI. Agitated with so much expectation, I guess, I failed to have fun. I was so disappointed that Bangkok didn’t differ much. I was expecting better. Further, I was looking forward to riding the elephants and sailing in vendor boats at the floating market, two essential activities I wasn’t able to do. Kaya malungkut kung mibalik Pilipinas (I've been sad to go back home).=( But not for long though.. Thanks a many to Choy for the hotcakes topped with a bounty of fruits from the Pancake House @ the Power Plant. And now, as I got hold of a copy of the Unwind Holiday Inn magazine, Bangkok is once again illuminated to be one of the hot spots to visit. And I would love to go back anytime now. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Bookstores are just one of my little sanctuaries. My haven to disorder. I could settle here for days and be certainly peaceful. I love reading books and will always will. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
A significant way to start a new year right is in, where else, but in a paradise. And Boracay is definitely one! Though teeming with aliens, thus the feeling that it is not an island by the Visayan region, me and my friend still felt so at home with the locality, relaxing to our hearts content plying the powdery white sand, shore waves and simply enjoying the breeze. The grand thing about Boracay is that there a lot of the unpretentious things I love doing (be it a tattoo, a milk shake, a massage below coco trees, the cogon-baked pizza, banana split, bbq isaw….). . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Last Saturday (7/21/07), after doctrine class, Melissa and I passed by the Fruits in Ice Cream house in their neighborhood. In short, migpigged out kami! Ala lang aisip mi mu (we just craved for it). It had been for a time since we’ve done something on impulse. Most often, we do things as planned and of thoughtfulness. Makauplift ing ice cream talaga, lalus na itang pigkamalan ming sugar-free (esp. ice cream we thought sugar-free). ;D . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
“Back to reality kayu ne,” Doc Carlo was saying when he passed by us to fetch his wife. Indeed, he confirmed what we were all been dreading the last day in Makiling (na sana, could be stretched to a week in the future). Even Madame Rica, a mirror image of Madame Imeldific with the teased hair and all, did mention the trepidation in one of our table talks. A gracious lady, whose late husband had been the chief executive officer in two of the top corporations in the country and an esteemed academe, was in every aspect hip to discuss what we need to know especially with regard to family life, and what should we doing in our lives in full (balami ikami mu ing e magpigil king kadaldalan)/(and we thought we're the worst in curtailing loquaciousness;). I have to say, I had fun. I had fun talking with the elders. They are the largely experienced class in the journey of life. In the three-day refuge, our lay member Fr. Liao, who is an avid fan of Gloria Romero, endeavors a modernized conduct of means but still inculcate the traditional and straightforward wisdom of the Catholic doctrine in the Oratory (my most revered place in the house, an ultimate harbor of tranquility and composure). It pays to listen. And I have without reservations. God manifests His love in the unanticipated. When you entrust completely unto His care, He certainly takes pressure off your back. So now, I keep my cool. There was a time when I really doubted a situation to be doomed. As in, I kept on saying, “how could things get better? No chance.” Until I met up a good thing. It dawned on me that God indeed is looking after me. I have said my confession. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
“When God takes something from your grasp, He’s not punishing you, But merely opening your hands to receive something better.” During a chat with my spiritual mentor yesterday, we talked about a lot of things in the past. Funny how some of the experiences apparently gained meaning at present. Asabi ku tuluy, “balamu ata magsisi ku kareng meging choices ku?!” Good people and things were right under my nose but I took them for granted. Many times we say, we should have no regrets, for whoever/whatever may have distressed does make you stronger. In the first quarter of ‘07, God manifested His magnificent ways of turning things in full circle for me. Yes, I deserve better. God wanted me back in His trust. It is because of the occurrence that I indeed learned and will be evermore grateful to The Father. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
My guy friends do ask what presents to give their wives and girlfriends on special occasions. Unblinkingly, I always reply back with my simple “a hug, a kiss and unconditional love.” In these times when standards are easily negotiated, into which much justification/reasoning is heavily laid down with much gusto, both husbands and wives ought to supply generous affirmation that they appreciate their partners not only in words but also in deeds. Yes, actions do speak louder than words; it still is the unbeaten means of bliss. Marriage should be the least difficult of all relationships. I used to think that I‘d never get married. That was because I have lost faith in men, ha ha (just kidding though). I am silent with what I know and observed amongst people. All I can say is that the state of affairs is not that encouraging. How I wish that married couples lived up to be the same as our elders who grew old and gray together. I am enchanted whenever I see aged couples who still hold hands and assist each other with a great deal of gentleness and affection. One may think twice if the younger set could even progress to be the same. Last Friday during a talk on career and family, we were given sheets of paper each and were asked to jot down the roles we play as individuals – be it as husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, employee, etc. I am seven. After which we were asked to etch down next to each role the number of work hours we act out the parts in a week. Not surprisingly, I know I commit more than a hundred hours a week at work. And more than ten for another task. I wonder how others in that group managed to survive the time to be husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, et al when they have other responsibilities in their job and society, with countless duties and yet seemingly so little time. Again, it makes you think of priorities. I love my work. Am blessed with it. I have worked with the best people in their trade. And they have become my dear friends. But I know that I can give it up any time for something more important. As nothing beats priceless time with family, friends, dear people, passions, and the unfussiness of it all. Just the thought of it makes me smile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
In a doctrine class, Fr. Villar talked about marriage. This is as if God’s timing is at work. This is at a time when a problem has arisen and one just need to make a valuation of a judgment call. It is disheartening to note that for some spouses, the immediate solution to a problem is to leave the partner for him/her to learn the lesson. Ay ali rugu (Of course not)..Maybe if the move stemmed from deceit. However, in my friend’s case, the problem is about dependency on something pathological, a gambling addiction that is a progressive disease that devastates not only the gambler but also everyone with whom he or she has a significant relationship. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological gambling as a "disorder of impulse control." It is an illness that is chronic and progressive, but it can be diagnosed and treated. Thus, it was not meant. It was not planned. It so happened that it is a spouse’s weakness. And not one human is perfect. My wife-friend, thanks to Our Almighty and parents, is one good woman. She did not even think of dumping her husband and for that my respect for her amplified further. My friend figured to be one of the literati blessed with a pretty face. Still she chose to stick with her husband. Ita naman ing dapat (I opined, the right thing to do). You never ditch someone (especially if that someone is your husband) because he has caused you pain or shame due to the illness. The more one should dispense consuming affection, patience, loyalty, commitment, understanding and encouragement as the path to healing is not easy. Purely as you never say sorry for loving someone, more important are the lessons learned. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I have an unwavering penchant for coffee. No matter what had been narrated about packaging, I can’t help to drop off Starbucks coffee outlets to purchase a grande of peppermint mocha/java chip frappucino/latte. What even inspires me with Starbucks is their adherence to corporate social responsibility, which is such an inherent part of their business model, seeing to it that it plays one of the most important roles as a leader in the industry and to imprint the values on each new generation of the company. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Laughing at thy self is a perfect way to recover from a mishap. Knowing that you can easily smile about it now somehow substantiates that you have taken note of your mistakes and there’s just nothing that could be done about it. In some way also, blunders come as strokes of luck for these will keep you grounded. With the acceptance, that you have gained knowledge out of it comes the feeling that in one way or another you have done something right because you can look back at it now with grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I love mornings! It signifies opportunities in day-by-day living. The first daylight assures a hearty breakfast of garlic fried rice, eggs, tuyo/bacon/hotdogs/corned beef and coffee prepared by my one-and-only dad. My father is a very good cook. Only him in my so ordinary life could set up the hearty meal par excel lance. ;D My cherished reminiscences with my father were when I get spanked/scolded by my mother due to not having siestas, my dad would bring me with him to see movies and buy me popcorn to console me, and during the Holy Week naman, he will bring me to watch sinakulos. There were also those times that when He comes home from work in Manila, I have my collection of dolls as pasalubong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Some say an antique typifies mustiness and eerie appearance. But to me these depict refinement and novelty. Something about its stuffiness is very appealing. Meaning it hold scores of tales of generations past. The stories I look forward to listening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Every Sundays, I follow Tahanang Pinoy, a 30-minute feature on home architecture and interior program on channel 5. The hosts are experts in their fields inculcating touches of very pinoy temperament in the details. I became very fascinated with structural design as I was hooked on a copy of Robb Report a year ago. Though my interests lean way before then, I never really got the opportunity to probe and delve on it. It is also inspiring of male friends (being they men) who are very much into the nitty-gritty on building their own homes and draw up plans of the interior. I, for one, am a fanatic of town and country style homes with rooms flowing uninterruptedly into a large open breakfast area and kitchen (the best part for me) with a walk-in pantry. And plenty of over-sized glass windows and doors too. =) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
I feel at home in Cebu. It seems that all goes well for me whenever am there. Cebu exemplifies a combination of modest progress and a laid-back state. I have only been there twice – for AdCon and ASEAN Forum. Every time, I have enjoyed my stay, in spite and despite of the work assignments. The people were most helpful and resourceful. Upon my return for the business forum, the very same people whom I’ve worked with during the Ad Congress a year ago still exhibited the same fondness and warmth. Herein, I say my thanks a many to PCG.;D They are now what I call long-time friends. Am a proud Capampangan, but I adore Cebu, with its lovely people and tranquil character. It is indeed the sovereign of the South. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Something about speed excites me. My work brings me to Manila and Subic for meetings with various agencies, chambers and offices every week then. And it is a must that our driver (I have my favorites from the Motorpool) is someone knowledgeable with the road networks and major thoroughfares as well as eskinitas. And too, it is essential that he is a skillful driver who drives just as the allowable maximum speed limit as am apt to get jaded with slow-driving (just as I get bored with long haul flights). Thus a trip to my destination is inclined to be a fast-drive on the track, an inspiration from my regular viewing of Raceday on cable tv. In addition to my kilig moments in monitoring my preferred race car driver Button. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Never underrate the influence of television ads. My 4-year old niece who is a resident guest in our house exhibits familiarity of the candidates running for office. Her favorites are Pichay, Angara and Recto. Compared to us who are full-time at work would not know the approaches displayed by these candidates if not for her who recites their campaign aliases/slogans with much zest. On the afternoon after the polls closed, she dropped by the house to give my mom her flowers for mother’s day. She then quickly inspected our point fingers if we have gone to vote for her Tito Ed and beloved aspirants. Seems she has got it in her head that Angara is now her bona fide tito. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
An uncompromising practice for me is sincerity. I make an effort to dispense time to really appreciate the people for whom, what and for simply being the way they are in the now, not for later. I am normally responsive (except anything to do with green ;D). It is usual for me to be that. Especially to those who deserve it. I don’t explore to rave about any one just so I may perhaps gain approval nor ramble for the heck of it. I wouldn’t want to delay it for later. I deem for those to hear it at the present while they might.
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