Giants

On yesterday's chapel, the speaker reminded us of this quote "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants" (Newton). Here are two of the giants who offered me their shoulders and more. Audacious authenticity. Thank you and we love you Kuya Ed and Ate Page!

Two Serenades

Hi friends! Heto na po ang excerpts from Ervin's recital. Isa lang ang puwedeng mangyari pagkatapos niyong "mapanood" ito. You will promise not to miss his graduation recital sometime in March 2009! See you then!



Elaine & I finally caught up with the star of the night, at the after-show cocktails...

...organized by DCBC and led by the wonderful Ilongga Powerpuff Gurls!

(P.S. Photos in AVP courtesy of Anelle. Thanks, meni!)

Nakindatan ka na ba ng pusa?!?!?

Ito si Kapitan.

Siya ang dahilan kaya ako ngayon ay nagpapakain ng pitong pusa. Samantalang noong bagong lipat kami dito, araw-araw ibang strategy ang sinubukan para lamang huwag makapasok sa kusina ang mga pusa(kal) na ito. Tuwing umaga kasi kinakalkal nila ang aming basura(!).

Hanggang isang araw, kami ay nagwagi. Sa wakas. O yun ang akala ko. Nang hindi na sila makapasok, nakikisilip na lang sila sa aming bintana. Kaya minsang nakatitig siya, aba nakititig din ako. At sa hindi inaasahan, ako ay kanyang --- tama ka --- kinindatan! Sa buong buhay ko ngayon ko lang nalaman na marunong palang kumindat ang pusa.

Niweys, fast forward ... dahil sa isang kindat na yon, isinuko ko ang batalan. Sige na nga, friends na tayo. Ha?!? O siya pati mga friends mo friends ko na rin (demanding ka ha).

At doon nga nagsimula ang isang panibagong relasyon.

Hmp. Pero bawal ka pa rin sa bahay ko ha. Pinag-iisipan ko pa. Kaya mula ngayon, sa bubong tayo magtatagpo. Doon kayo kakain, intiende?

At yun na. Bow. (Err.. Meow.)

MRR Acknowledgment

A major requirement to finish Masters in Development Management was the writing of an MRR (Management Research Report). Mine was a "Strategy for Compassion International - Philippine's Expansion to Indigenous People Groups". I wish to share the acknowledgment page to honor all of you who supported, inspired, and encouraged me through my MRR in particular and my studies at AIM in general:

The following were instrumental in the completion of this MRR, the fulfillment of my other MDM requirements, and the realization of a Sabbatical Year that was better than I have hoped for:

My advisers Prof. Sol Hernando, Prof. Tony Perez, and Prof. Nieves Confesor, for the words of guidance, challenge, and affirmation, and for allowing me time when I most needed it;

Our professors from all three modules, who facilitated my learning of tools, skills, and perspectives on management and leadership;

Associate Dean Mayo Lopez and the CDM staff who inspired me to learn, live, and laugh; Ms. Chinks, saludo ako sa ‘yo, as in! Also, AIM security, maintenance, and support staff whose friendliness and efficiency assured me from day one that I came to the right institution;

MDM Class of 2008, sige, sige! I am nine countries richer because of your friendship. Kapwa Pinoys Pipo, Kat, Father Kim, Father Dex, Bambi and Lei – sa damayan chuvaness; KISS’D Learning Team (CL, Mercy, Huyen, Murty, Al, Akbar, Dil) – it was one amazing roller-coaster ride! I would do it all over again with you guys, no doubt about that; Shanaz, you became my MRR “buddy” whether you realized it or not; Twin, you are worth all the green teas in the world;

Compassion International family for your blessings, prayer, and encouragement: CMT, NACS, LDP students and alumni who kept sending encouraging SMS, all staff, SINGLES, WIVES, my guarantors Wonz and Vy for sticking your necks out, Kuya Toyditz and Ate Manet Cosico for the consistent advisory support from beginning to end of my study;

NAVpeeps: Ram, Jean, Charm, Grace, Trins, Roovin, Maela, Faith, Aleks, Shebs, KJaims – our Wednesday night meetings have kept my sanity; Gracey, thanks ading for going over my work despite your busy-ness; also,all the menises who kept in touch - thankee!;

Friends and loved ones here and overseas who supported me with resources and prayers at various times during the past 11 months, especially Ate Care, Ricci, Mai, Marlon & Elaine, DCBC family & council, young couples fellowship, Student Center family: Kuya Caloy at mga anakis Mark, Jan, Junjun, Joy, Malyn, D-na, Jojee; Kuya Rico & Ate Menchit Wong, pareng Dan, Kuya Ed & Ate Page Cvelich, my dearest Faye;

Ading ko ra: Margs, Bhynes, Edison, Tet, JR and their families, Nanay & my in-laws, for the generous support and understanding; Tita Tet, for the loving assistance to Rio while I was away, and for helping me de-stress;

Dad, thank you for believing in me and for the timely financial support; Mom, you have taught by example that relationship matters as much as results – I had to draw from that wisdom many times in my stay at AIM;

My husband Rommel and daughter Rio Gabrielle – because of your love I have nothing to prove.

You are all an affirmation that God has been with me in this journey. His Name be praised!

xin nein kuai le!

First time to wear a Chinese dress, sing a chinese song, with real Chinese chums! BUT this was not New Year for the Chinese only, as our Vietnamese friends gently reminded us. We celebrate the Lunar New Year! So, Chuc Mung Nam Moi as well!

(Unfortunately I couldn't upload the video, and I couldn't figure out why. So here are some photos instead:)


(Jing, Huang Shan, Hwang Shu)


(with MDM pals)


(a smile is a smile is a smile ... Pinoy, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian!)

Body and Soul

Classes have resumed. As if to signal my re-entry into AIM, I have been experiencing terrible bouts of migrane since day one. I passed out Monday night, while on my way to hail a cab. If not for Aleem (bless you!) who took me back to AIM dorm to rest, the sweet ladies from MDM (Mercy, Mia, Huan Shan) and MBA (Rosie) who became my instant nurses and dalaws, and of course Murty who made sure got home after recuperating, I don't know how I would have ended.

The next two days I missed a couple of classes, due to the recurring attacks. Even when I was feeling better, classmates were telling me I looked sick (veins were "poping out" my forehead) and must really follow the doctor's advise to go through a complete bloodwork. Honestly, the gestures of concern were better medicines than any pain reliever.

Learning of my condition, a friend who was in the Philippines for just two weeks vehemently insisted (and arranged) that I go for a Thai massage, saying it may be due to stress (it partly was, to be sure). So anyway, this treat at a wellness center in Tomas-Morato was another welcome "cure".

To cap it all, Tata (Rommel) came home two days ahead of schedule, to make sure I was ok.

Receiving care from a loving community does not exempt me from the need to go through medical procedures. But it surely does make the recovery as holistic as it can get.

Jehovah Rapah (God the Healer) has an army of medical practitioners and caregivers, I realize. Most of them are within arm's reach -- faster than any ambulance, better than any state-of-the art care.

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):

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

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]

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! ;)

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.)

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.