12.28.2007

The Colors of Blessing (7 in '07)


On Christmas day we decided to make an artwork as a thanksgiving for 2007. Rommel listed down what needed to go in the thing, Rio took care of the drawings and I, well, made the border (lil stick figures)-- fun, fun, fun! This colorful masterpiece actually represents seven of our major faith encounters for the year (the "minors" would number a million).

R.A.I.N.B.O.W. of blessings, indeed!

R - etreat: We were blessed to experience and enjoy the Caliraya Recreation Center in Laguna, the Peninsula de Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas and Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City (for free)!


A - llergy-free. Rommel has recuperated from chronic allergy, just at the right time when we needed to cut on budget. More than the financial relief, we were grateful for the end of his painful ordeals with the needle everytime he visited the dermatologist.


I - t's a Party! Rio celebrated her 7th birthday this year. Family and friends are her greatest gifts from God!


N - ew school - Rio's transition into her new school (Neo-vision School) was easier that we imagined, thanks to friendly faculty and schoolmates! But before that, summer was doubly fun as she joined Trumpet's acting workshop, sponsored by Promil!


B - ack to school! I took the Sabbath year off work to get a master's degree at AIM --- the biggest leap of faith for us this year.


O - pportunities for growth! We are glad to have been involved in a study group for young couples, a weekly care group with the UP Diliman Navigators alumni, the DCBC Youth for my sister Matet, and continuous service opportunity as houseparents to the DCBC Student Center. Growing in faith through different communities have helped us go through a challenging year.


W - elcome to the family! The latest addition to the growing clan is PJ (Paul Jeremiah), who tied the knot with my sister Marjorie in December.


PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

12.21.2007

Lantern Parade (19.Dec.2007)

What did I get from watching this year's UP Lantern Parade?

-Aching muscles from walking, standing, tiptoe-ing and maneuvering to see the different gigantic creations;

-Aching heart for NOT being able to have a good vantage point;

-Aching neck for watching the amazing fireworks after the parade. AWESOME must be the right term, because it left me feeling "I had enough fireworks memory to last a year". (I heard the UP Centennial kickoff fireworks would even be better. Can't wait!);

-Aching tummy, because the food stalls were still a five-minute walk away, and I dare not lose my (by this time) already nice spot. Also, who would want to miss the next presentors - CFA! (Hahaha, obviously biased for College of Fine Arts. Initially I thought their obras this year are soooo simple compared to what they can do -- but hey, surprise, surprise: they still made my night, especially with oblation dancing the Papaya!);

-Finally, an aching head from thinking "I hope my classmates are enjoying this!" In the end I had to judge by their grouchiness, and they showed none! I therefore conclude they must have thought it was worth their trip. Thanks Murty, Aleem, and Pratap for coming all the way from the AIM campus!.

What an achy-breaky night. But hey, no pain, no gain! :)

Some photos (more at Murty's Flickr):

high tech conference



Today I had the rare opportunity to participate in an international video conference of young leaders from 12 ASEAN countries. Sponsored by the World Bank Knowledge Resource Center, this videoconference enabled us to glean from the wisdom and international experience of ASEAN Secretary General H.E. Ong Keng Yong and WB VP for East Asia and the Pacific James Adams.

Find out more at the Catalyst of Change (Philippines) blogspot.

12.17.2007

Purr-fect

DO NOT AIM FOR A PERFECT MARRIAGE - there is no such thing, says Manong Willie at today's discussion group. Four or five of us young couples meet every month to discuss about marriage, using Manong's book "To Have and To Hold".

This afternoon we had the privilege to hear directly from the author himself, and he has this to say: Strive only to improve the relationship.

How?

We have heard the answer a million times. Proven true a million times, too. C-O-M-M-U-N-I-C-A-T-I-O-N. Manong says 95% of all problems have to do with communication.(The remaining 5% is due to deliberate wickedness -- hah!).

Two words for me: SHUT UP. Communication involves listening, and that's where I fail most of the time, at least with my hubby.

So okay, wish me the best, because I'm shutting up now. (I'm glad wiser people tell us what we need to know.)

Peace on earth!

12.14.2007

And the semester comes to a close ...

Thank you, MDM friends, for a truly worthwhile Module I! This song is for you. Have a merry Christmas and enjoy your holidays!



FOR GOOD
(Composed by: Stephen Scwartz / "Wicked: The Musicale")

I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them and we help them in return

Well I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
(But) Because I knew you I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again in this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant world

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
(But) Because I knew you, because I knew you
I have been changed for good

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I’ve done you blame me for
But then I guess we know there’s blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore

Like a comet pulled from orbit (Like a ship blown from its mooring)
As it passes a sun (By a wind off the sea)
Like a stream that meets a boulder (Like a seed dropped by a sky bird)
Halfway through the wood (In a distant world)
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you, because I knew you
Because I knew you I have been changed for good

12.09.2007

Sili, Balut, Durian at Lambanog

At the AIM Christmas party, I was "pushed" into joining an eating contest. For the sake of the MDM class, hokey! Besides, balut was there, no problem!

Or so I thought... in addition to the 2 yummy-looking baluts, there were 3 large, red siling labuyo, durian, and a glassful of lambanog (palm wine)!

I can never survive that combination. I would have wanted to, y'know. But (thankfully) I realize there can be limits to adventuring (hmmm...very famous word these days, thanks to Sen. Trillanes).

So anyway, the survival tip: I enjoyed the durian, while waiting for someone to win (what a cheat I was hehe). Finally this Indian from the MBA class wins! Great!

The question I have not answered: was I scared about the chili? or the lambanog?

Guess :)

11.14.2007

To Have and To Hold

Monday, Nov 12, 2007, Greens-QC.

Best wishes to the (very) happy couple Kelvene and Belle! :)

With me are friends from Compassion and UP [L-R: Anne, Venus, Jing, Kiwi, Arni, Anelle]

10.29.2007

Microeconomics at Work

At Prof Sol's surprise birthday bash:

Classmate 1: Total utility! (Sarap ng Goldilocks!)

Classmate 2: I have maximixed my capacity. (Burp.)

Jing: Another marginal unit, please? (Penge pa isang slice ng cake.)

Sigh Moment

I have been alone for 4 days now. Rommel and Rio are already on vacation in Dagupan, and my sister is in Bayambang.
*************
I hope to follow on Wednesday night. That is, IF I have enough time to squeeze into the already piling up homeworks and readings.
*************
"Are you alone or are you lonely?" asked my classmate Murty. (Hmmmm...nadale mo.)
*************
Anyways, it did not help that at least two people asked this week about the wisdom of my pursuing this MDM degree in AIM. (Too tired to make patol ha. Lets just say I have asked that a million times myself. But right now, it is too improper for me to ask (or be asked) again. I am almost 2 months into it already! No turning back, no turning back.)
*************
My friend, for your peace of mind, please know that this has been a step of faith for me. I may not know the answer to the WHY, but I am quite sure that this is the WHAT.
*************
PLUS a friend feels bad about me for something I did not intend to do (or say). Sorry po ulit :(
*************
Sigh.
*************
Sighs are good. I can breathe in the Lord's comfort each time.
*************
Sigh.

barangay elections

Di ako nakauwi!

Pasensiya na po at may klase. Hay. Ito na lang ang natitira kong karapatan hindi ko pa magawang isakatuparan. Waaah.

Sa lahat po ng mananalo, nawa ay maipagawa na po ninyo ang mga kalsada, lalo na yung nasa tapat mga terminal ng sasakyan. Kakatakot pag tag-ulan, sayang ang laba sa Ariel.

Salamat din sa mga magpapatupad ng "for official use only" sa sasakyang pambarangay (at iba pang kagamitan). Paki-pulot na rin po ang mga batang papunta ng eskwela na walang pamasahe, para di sayang ang gasolina.

Higit sa lahat, MAGTANIM ng PUNO! At sana po may programang maipatupad para sa problema sa basura. Pramis.

Sa mga SK (dati din po akong tulad niyo) --- huwag sayangin ang nakalaang pondo. Sa totoo lang, kung makakapag-umpisa kayo ng negosyo para sa mga kabataang walang trabaho, yun na lang kesa sa mga palarong nauuwi sa gulo.

Yun lang, bow.

10.23.2007

pagsabog at ekonomiya

Q: What is the effect of the Glorieta bombing on the GDP (Gross Domestic Product)?

A: Would you believe, it will increase! With the explosion comes increased consumption. Hospital bills. Transportation. Consultancy services. Water. Police expenses. Funeral.

That, my love, is macroeconomics.

I think I'll stick to the other Social Sciences for now.

10.12.2007

Total Recall

What could be more exciting than being called by your name?

Yet I must admit name recall is not one of my strengths. I do try to work on it whenever I can, and this one particular week I felt I succeeded.

Some people can make you feel like you could memorize a zillion names in a flash! Always ready with the warmest smile, they absolutely made my day, every day. I guess that what made their names [s]tick:

Mang Noriel - guard at the front door
Kuya Edwin - photocopy man at the library
Michelle - washroom maintenance lady
Mang Jun - taho vendor (MRT Magallanes station)

I hope to add to the list as fast as I can. Hopefully I get to know more people before the break.

10.03.2007

Araw-araw

3.00AM Wake up to the cellphone alarm. Snooze. Another thirty minutes please!

3.30AM This will be the 3rd time the alarm goes only to be shut off.

4.00AM Ok. Real thing now. Read cases. Do homework. Doze off sometime midway, but not too long now.

5.00AM B-r-r-r. Ligo, fix up, breathe, & pray. Read some more.

6.00AM Still reading. Quick breakfast (coffee or oatmeal, or milk & banana).

6.30AM PANIC!!! Leave now. AS IN NOW na. Bye baby, labyu mwah mwah.

6.50AM MRT North Avenue Station. From here on, every second (and step) counts. Think "Hope For The Flowers" (Trina Paulus). Caterpillars squirming their way up [to third floor] MRT North Avenue Station. That's me and the entire QC working force on a Monday morning.

7.10AM There's my train! Seated or not, continue reading. Time is precious.

7.30AM Magallanes Station! Yey! Taho muna from Mang Jun, ten pesos. Walk, walk,walk to the jeepney stand. Biliiiiis!

7:50AM Get off at Greenbelt 1. Wear school ID. AIM! Just in time for class. Whew! If I'm lucky I could still pass by the washroom. :)

Another day to seize.

10.02.2007

PEP Talk

Hello friends!

Greetings from the Asian Institute of Management, my "home" for the next 11 months as I take the Master in Development Management (MDM) program. It's been a month of classes (seems like ages to me!) and I am really grateful for all your continuous prayer and encouragement.

How has it been these days for me? I have been giving a generic answer which says it all: PEP! Pressure, Exposure, Pleasure. The daily readings, case method approach, and student-centered class discussions are overwhelming. Yet the richness of interaction, cultures, and environment are a real delight. Thus far I am convinced that I am in for more than an academic exercise, but a daily dose of self reflection: clarifying, challenging, strengthening of values, character, and calling.

We are 31 in class, a good mix of 10 Asian countries, representing different sectors like the military, church, bureaucracy, nonprofits, civil society. As per my personal experience (which I now realize is very limited) this is the widest range of religious backgrounds I have ever been with: Muslim, Jesuit, Protestants, Atheist, Esmaelis, Buddhist, Hindu, and a few who are still searching. (Exciting, I know!) :)

Anyway, I'll keep this update short. Here is a picture of Learning Team 1, my group for the duration of this one-year program. (L-R Back row: Murthy [India], Cherryl-Lyn [Malaysia], Akbar [India]; Front row: Mercy [Indonesia], Jing (me!), Aleem [Philippines-ARMM], Huyen [Vietnam]).


Please know that you are being fondly thought of and your continuous support (please say hello now and then) are truly appreciated. May the Lord strengthen your heart and be your portion every day, as He has been to me.

Be well...

love and blessings,
Jing

9.07.2007

Transitions

R: Mama, pag nag-resign ka ba ay hindi na tayo puwedeng pumasok sa office nyo?
J: Puwede pa naman, pero sa 2nd floor na kasi yun ang common area.
R: Ganun po ba? (Long Pause)
Palagay ko mama, ikaw lang ang bawal sa 3rd floor.
J: Ha? Bakit?
R: Kasi, hindi naman ako nag-resign e.
(Ayos.)

9.02.2007

Silent Retreat

I just came from a 2-day silent retreat (Cliffside, Tagaytay City). This is my second time of similar experience (the first one was 9 years ago at another retreat house in the same city).

The rule is simple. Although I came with a group, we are not to talk to each other. Not on meals, not on hallways, not even on washrooms. No reading, no SMS, no music. We convene 3X a day and that's the only time we get to hear music or Scriptures being read out, or exhortation from the leader.

The first thing I did was slept. The three hours felt like three days of slumber. One participant later described her experience as being gently rocked on a hammock. Mine was like sleeping in a floating boat.

The only sound I hear were the crickets, or birds, or the mighty winds rushing through the forest on the surrounding mountains, or other creatures I do not recognize.

Interestingly I may not have heard my own voice, but inside me was so LOUD. Thoughts, feelings, songs, questions rushing here and there as if I was in the middle of a busy Cubao intersection. Zing! Zing! Zing!

It was not until later that I started to calm down, and while walking in one of the prayer areas I "heard" these messages:

1. From the enchanting chorus of forest sounds (crickets mostly): "I know every single one of these creatures. And I care for them. I know every single experience you are going through. And I love you. Anyway. All the way."

2. From a plant stem, which caught my curiosity because it had no leaves, unlike those around it, but it was still standing tall. Touching it I realized it was already hollow. As I traced it, turned out to be hollow all the way down until at some point it was "alive again", and then connected to the main trunk. Could it be that I was like this plant? At some point I was already "hollow" but it the eyes of many I was still preforming, standing. Thank you Lord for reminding me before it gets too late. Slightly beneath the part that was still alive, I saw a budding shoot. Hope. That is me right now. Perhaps taking this Sabbath I am treading will take me to this new growth.

3. The birds and the bees. This is the longest time in my whole life spent on watching bees gathering nectars from a bunch of flowers. "I do this to you a lot, child. Just gazing in wonder and love and delight."

God is here. It is I who was absent.

The spiritual director says, in a retreat like this it normally takes you three days to settle. And then you can hear, with your senses: sight, sounds, feelings. I haven't got that time, but I did get a foretaste. I am looking forward to my next time off.

Meanwhile, I made sure to "capture" some of that peaceful spot, and keep it in my heart. I think I will need to come back to it more often than I think.

8.28.2007

From the pages of your lives


(Silliman LDPs,) Yesterday was my last day with you as a staff. But our friendship hopefully lives beyond the titles. Thanks for your generous words and the wonderful token. Have I really been a Certified:Nanay to you? You have taught me more from your own life stories! Here are some nuggets I have received (did you know?):

Honesty pays. Honest! (Julien)
Best does not always mean loud. (Ivy)
Passion for your craft must travel from the heart to the hand. (Bilshan)
Conviction makes the man. (Gino)
Victory believed is already half-achieved. (Jona)
At the end of the day, it’s all about how you cared. (JC)
Know who you are, and live it! (Cathleen)
Good humor fuels good insights. (Marzon)
Deep sorrow prepares us for deep joy. (Lalaine)
Stand up when you fall, and on your own when necessary. (April Joy)
Life is too precious to spend hesitating. (Lourdes)
Take one step at a time (why else are feet separate?) (Claire)
Live tough. Love deep. Accept grace. (Donna)
Forgiveness is the better medicine. (Rizza)
Optimism – the investment that yields high, every time. (Adonis)
Christ alone can make us whole. (Javie)
Tragedies are opportunities in disguise. (Sylah)
You will only be as poor as you allow yourself to believe. (Jeric)
Let your joy so shine before men. (Loeje)
Inner peace makes the Christian. (Luv)
Somebody has got to say what hurts. (Wil)

Will mean another post for the other LDPs nationwide? (Gudlak naman!)

Chimneypeeps, thanks for everything. Luv u po mga anak, mwah! ;)

8.26.2007

Ayawan na?

Kaibigan,

Hindi nasayang ang mga taon ng samahan. Kaya lang, wala ring saysay kung ang patutunguhang inaasam ay hindi naman narating.

Bakit ba nagbago ang isip mo?

Sa kabilang banda, hanggang ngayon ay nagtatanong pa rin ako.

Mas mahalaga nga ba ang paglalakbay kaysa patutunguhan? O mas may saysay ang dulo sa dinaanan?

(Sabayan mo na lang muna ako sa isang malalim na buntong-hininga.)

4.03.2007

The Best Coffee in the World

February.22.2007

The best coffee in the world is now in my hands. I am inhaling, sipping, and mulling over a [paper] cup of dunkin’ donuts coffee on a bus to Canlaon.

My friend Sheryl held this coffee for thirty minutes, waiting for me. I was traveling on official business and was passing by her city, so we planned to meet, at the terminal where my bus arrives. I haven’t seen her for two years.

Forty-five minutes was all we could have (or so we thought) because I would be transferring to another bus. She decided to bring coffee and bread, so that we can have “breakfast” together and lose no time.

Alas the bus schedule went crazy. My next bus was leaving immediately! We need to go to the other station, now! Hurriedly she hailed a taxi and all we were able to do was hug inside the cab.

Her husband recently died of cancer.

“How are the kids?” They are coping.

“I’m sorry.” It’s ok. I’m ok now.

We hugged again.

That was that. As soon as we exchanged hi’s we said our goodbyes.

Here, just take both coffees with you. “We were supposed to have these together.”

You need to go. It was great seeing you, Jing. I was glad to see her, too.

The bus was now leaving; she was on the other side of the road. I pulled out my cellphone to call her, but she beat me to it. We were both looking for as long as we could see each other, while we talked.

Now the coffee she bought for the both of us I am taking alone. If there was such a thing as an exaggerated smell or taste, that was how the coffee was. Every sip brought regret that I could not be with her longer. I wasn’t even there for her in her grief. But also it gave me memories of a friendship that defied time and distance.

The best coffee is one shared with a friend, for the memories give you a higher kick than the caffeine.

Let’s have another cup.

4.02.2007

Haberdi

Kay Tata, salamat sa walang kasawa-sawang
pakikinig ...
pagdamay ...
pagpapatawa ...
pang-aasar ...
gudtaym ...
badtaym ...
Waaaah ... all da taym!
labu! misu!
Sana'y marami pang pagpapala ang dumating :)
Maligayang bati! :)

3.28.2007

31 must-try foods


I am no food expert, but I know good food if I ever taste one – masang pinoy standard! :)

It just occurred to me that I can pass for somebody in her midlife (already!), so while I can, let me remember (ah, with much gusto and longing) thirty-one of my most favorite foods! Try them all!

1. Avocado shake (or mashed, if a blender’s not available. Be very generous on the milk!)
2. Balut! (The best places will be Dumaguete’s boulevard during sunset & UP’s Sunken Garden). But of course, a balut is a balut wherever you go. Absolutely the best.
3. Bayi bayi on your bus trip anywhere in Negros
4. Bicol express … oooosssst… grabe.
5. Bulalo ni Mang Tony sa Dagupan
6. Calasiao Puto at Chokolate-ah…..
7. Camote bread with pesto --- at Bohol bee farm!
8. Coffee, coffee, more coffee (Batangas, Canlaon, Baguio); special mention ---Davao’s Durian (flavored) coffee – of course, who can forget CafĂ© de Bohol? Nothing beats the homemade coffee, though! Roasted rice or peanuts in old fashioned claypots!
9. Colette’s buko pie (free plugging to ha)
10. Dinuguan. Try the kind they cook at a bisperas ng kasal in the North. If you see lots of Kamias, that’s the kind you’ll want to feast on. Try also Bar 21’s chicken dinuguan in Bacolod.
11. Empanada at mami ng Batac, Ilocos Norte (must try! Look for Glory’s.)
12. Ensaladang kamatis, mangga, talong, bagoong! (or ginamos in the South). Miss ko na si manang cart sa Kamia dorm ...
13. Inihaw anything fish! Dagupan bangus, nothing can beat. But coming close is inihaw na tahong at hito.
14. Isaw sa UP Diliman. Try mo malapit sa Kalayaan at Ilang-Ilang dorms.
15. Kinilaw na isda ng Iligan, Cagayan, or Davao (each own has its own special ingredient).
Kilawin! (kambing is the best, but do try other variations of meat and fish)
16. Labong at saluyot. Di ba, di ba, devah???? Anybody dare to disagree?
17. Latik (da best pa rin ang homemade, so maghanap na rin kayo ng Auntie Merly nyo like mine).
18.Mang Jimmy’s (Balara) unlimited rice and a variety of all time fave meat meals (aka pulutan for many).
19. Pancit habhab ng Lucban (?) Quezon.
20. Pancit Molo (huwag mag take two ha! maalat na.)
21. Pinakbet!!!! Walang kokontra.
22. Pinapaitang kambing (I used to eat this only when my Lolo cooks! Thank heavens he was able to transfer the family secret to uncle Bert..). Ilocos has a counterpart --- Sinaglao na baka. Sssssssarap talaga.
23. Sinigang na isda! Try malaga at hipon sa Lingayen.
24. Sisig ng Cebu (Golden Cowrie’s)
25. Steamed lapulapu ng Palawan, aw!
26. Talaba --- anywhere! Kabankalan, Hinigaran, Iloilo, and my all time favorite – Pangasinan!
27. Tocino (Pampanga’s pork, and Cebu’s fish)
28. Tupig ng Bayambang
29. Ube Haleya

30. Batutay (stuffed frog) ng Bulacan
31. Strawberry taho! marami sa mga kalye ng Baguio :D

Okay now, I think at this point this list thingy is becoming a torture. I am in an airport and nothing among these stimulating items is within reach. I will just settle for a bottle of water (gulp) but wait ‘til I get home … a bottle of tamarind pickled in Ilocos vinegar. This is definitely life. Kain na :D!