Another Angel Above

As what I mentioned in my previous post, we received a very sad news yesterday. Our neighbor's four day-old son passed away after being confined right after birth. According to his Lola, the baby had a failing health and he suffered from pneumonia. The baby's mother is a first-time mom and she wasn't well-equipped yet with all the information about what was happening inside her body, which later on complicated a lot of things. According to the doctor, her water broke a few days before she gave birth but she wasn't able to figure it out right away. I'm not really medically-inclined but from what I heard, the baby's health started to deteriorate from that moment. He got out of her mom's womb alive so it was a miracle. And the fact that he lasted for four days was already a blessing.

However, I guess you couldn't say that when you are his expecting parent, or even grandparents. The anticipation was already there and the moment you see your baby just makes you visualize the next 10 or 20 years together...

 But he died four days after..

I couldn't even imagine how it feels like to be his mom or dad. Yesterday when we went to see the baby, everyone in the neighborhood was there and they were in the middle of a conversation about pregnancy and giving birth. Of course I couldn't comment on anything because I do not have a first-hand experience about it. But one of them recalled my mom's experience. I also had an older brother who died right after birth. One of our neighbors remembered how hard it was to be the one to tell my mom that her baby was dead. My mom had a feeling from the start, but hearing the news for the first time was just as painful. 

His name is Mark Gabriel. Smile (my 5 year-old god daughter) asked her mom why the baby died right away and her mom told her that heaven needs another angel so God took him away from his parents. Confused, Smile asked another question, "Why? Aren't they complete up there already?" And her mom answered, "No. They need more" And so she paused and sighed. 

Maybe it IS just that simple after all...

Exhibit for a Cause

It's one of those days when you just want to lay on your bed and sleep the whole day. Ugh. Weekend hangover!!! I'm all sniffing and cursing at the weather today so when Sinta asked to go out on a Monday night, I was anything but excited. But since today is an important day for him and the rest of his photographer friends, I half-willingly agreed to go. Plus the Giga Fries BBQ flavor (which is my favorite btw) was a good bribe too! Hahah.

Anyway, it's 1 in the morning and I should be sleeping right now. However, I feel like I had to write something today. So many things happened and all I have is a bunch of mixed emotions. First  of, I mentioned about cursing at the terrible weather. The sun was excruciatingly painful today. Second, we received a sad news in the neighborhood. Our neighbor's newborn baby just passed away. He was only four days old. :-( (I think I will write about it in a different post) But my day wasn't all negative vibes of course. 

I also had my simple joys today. For the first time, Sinta's group One Photo organized a fund-raising event for the Sendong victims. They are selling their photos at a certain price to collect a considerable amount of money to donate to all the victims of the typhoon. 

 Sinta submitted some of his works so I went there to see them all. 

Golden Globes 2012 (Red Carpet)

I've only had the chance to watch the awards night on TV a few hours ago so please excuse this late topic. I've always been a fan of awards nights (local or international) for two very important reasons (in percentages): 

• The winners = 10 %
• RED CARPET = Yes, that's right fellas. A whooping 90% (with matching fireworks)

I'm pretty sure a lot of people can totally relate with me. I mean, yeah Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams and George Clooney won. But the heck I care!!! Acting is totally overrated and it's absolutely easy to do! (?!*#&$%) You know what's difficult? It is obviously finding the best gown, shoes, purse, accessories AND date. And please don't get me started with hair and make-up! Oh God. I can only imagine the amount of pressure and hard work the stylists and their assistants had to go through. So if you're reading this Rachel Zoe, I feel you girl! LOL

Anyway, as much as I would love to list down my top best and worst dressed list here, I am in no appropriate position to do that. I'm just a PRETTY country girl living in a less glamorous life.

So what's on my mind? I listed down my top picks. These are the top looks that would totally look good on me. Take note, it's not a best-dressed list but more of a personal window shopping. Makes sense? So here goes...

5. Taissa Farmiga in Vera Wang - I'm all about the nudes! This dress is perfect for my body. Love the hair AND her smile. If there's one thing I want to add, it'd definitely be a classy bib necklace and some cuffs. But the 'less is more' thing still works just fine.

Taissa Farmiga of American Horror Story

4. Jessica Chastain in Givenchy - This look definitely screams CLASS. Very Kate Middleton. I'm definitely digging this, well, except for the hair. Heheh.

Jessica Chastain of The Help

Happy Chinese New Year!

In celebration of my lazy Chinese New Year (God I love long weekends!), I decided to check my horoscope/fortune for this year. I do not really read horoscopes since I usually tend to forget them right  away but hey, it wouldn't hurt checkin' em out right? Besides, I am the stubborn type of person so I don't really follow rules/horoscopes and all the other instructions most the time...

I was born in the Year of the Snake. And this is what I found out today...


"For Snake, the difficulties of the year 2012 will seem not quite so pervasive - he can avoid sharp corners, and will calmly work in a planned manner, focusing on his own subtle intuition and natural wisdom. He cannot be mislead by a grand speech or tinsel glitter of carnival for he is used to seeing things from the inside, inside out, pinpointing the worthiest and most perspective ones among them. Snake will try to turn around all possibilities and problems in affairs for the maximum benefit for himself, and if this his activity will be active throughout the whole year of 2012, Snake will be the winner among all members of the zodiacal circle. 

In early 2012, the position of the planets is favorable for Snake's activities. But a representative of this zodiac sign, having reached some success in work, may make a mistake, significantly slowing down his operations, while stopping at what has already been achieved. Moving forward is the key to successful development of all Snake's affairs, so any stopping can indefinitely push aside the success. Snake's tendency to analyze, draw conclusions, and predict will be a good assistant in planning. In the spring of 2012, Snake's quiet activity may encounter adverse currents, caused by conflict at work, gossip and backstage intrigues. Snake must remain neutral so as not to be dragged into these unproductive and unnecessary squabbles. By the end of spring, Snake may get a proposal for a new position or work, and must strive to assert himself in the activities, rather than in interpersonal conflicts. In summer, when all other zodiac signs will be quite content with a quiet, smooth flow of affairs, Snake will have to meet the intense pace of work. Snake is a good strategist, he can select keys for all the necessary locks at work, but a representative of this zodiac sign is rather clumsy in relations with others, and may show indifference to them, reject their views or completely reject collective work. Snake's pedantry and over adherence to principles can ruin very promising projects that can be triumphant in a more conducive working atmosphere in a team. In the autumn of 2012, Snake will witness a quiet period when he can take stock and assess what has been done. Snake in the autumn can relax a bit. Efforts to strengthen partnerships will be effective during this period. 

Whatever the case, Snake's personal life is both his rear and a source of pride and well-protected haven of comfort and tranquility. Snake in the coming 2012 will be full of charm and charisma, he will easily find a mate - if, of course, he/she is interested in such a matter. A married Snake will receive during fall unexpected pleasant news from relatives. He/she will strengthen relationship with a partner, take care of loved ones and help everyone who needs help."


Source: http://www.gotohoroscope.com/2012/chinese-2012-horoscope-snake.html



Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!! :-)

Sendong Victims Relief Operations

I had the chance to join the DYWC (local radio station)  team do their 3rd leg of relief operations to the Sendong victims yesterday. They have been all around the affected areas the past few weeks and this time, their next destination was Valencia. Now infrastructure-and-property-wise, the said town had the largest damage in the whole of Negros Oriental. You will see why in my next pictures (I hope they do justice though)

At the DYWC station getting all the goods to the truck

On our way

So I made this very amateur map (thanks to Google Map btw) just to let everyone check out our route. The pink one is the original road you take going to Palinpinon to Caidiocan to Malaunay and so on and so forth. Since typhoon Sendong hit the area, the roads aren't passable until now and that's why we needed to take the alternate road via San Antonio, Sibulan (the one in blue). It's not very accurate though, but you get the idea right? It's a whole different route from another side of the map. 

It was my first time to see how it looked like a month after the horrible typhoon so I was a little bit excited (and a little bit worried too) to see how the place is now.

And so we arrived to Brgy. Caidiocan... 

Caidiocan Brgy Hall

This is where some of the affected families are staying.

This was supposedly some sort of a covered court. This is what was left.

Still full of soil piled up from the heavy rain. They were still getting some of it out when we arrived.

Continue Reading...

Sinulog de Kabankalan 2012

I hope you guys don't mind my posting of the third Sinulog entry this year. This is from a whole new different place so please bear with me? Heheh.

Sinta had the chance to visit and celebrate the Sinulog festival of Kabankalan City last January 15th and these are some of the pictures he took. 

Kabankalan City is approximately a 3-hour ride from Dumaguete City via the long and winding road of Mabinay. Aside from the slight to heavy nausea during the travel (if you have motion sickness of course), you should arrive at your destination just fine. 

Sinulog de Kabankalan is more inclined towards the Ati-atihan of Aklan rather than the Sinulog de Cebu. If Cebu gives you paint all over your body, Kabankalan gives you CHARCOAL! Very environmental! Heheh. Everything else is basically the same. Dancing. Merrymaking. Energy.

From the looks of it, everyone surely had a great time. And if you want to do away with a very heavy crowd and you want a more provincial festivity, Sinulog de Kabankalan is what you're looking for.

Sinulog 2012

If you've read my previous post, you've probably figured out that this year was less grand, less noisy and less festive. And yes, while they're basically all true, my Sinulog was still a great and fun day.

Attended mass and danced to the Sinulog beat afterwards...

Baptism of baby Yve Antoine Marcelino. Sinta was one of her godfathers. Since he spent Sinulog in Kabankalan City, I had to take over as his proxy (for photo-op's sake. :p). 

 Had videoke at the Marcelino's place. We (the Hijas de Maria group) also had our prayer meeting at their humble abode. More videoke right after!!!

And oh, we also had the chance to visit the Sto Niño chapel in Barangay Maslog. The place was overflowing with people! 

Eventually, my feet just gave up on me and I felt super exhausted that I had no choice but to go home and rest. So it was really a simple day for me. But it was filled with lots of dancing, singing, eating, and pictures of course! And now that I think of it, it actually doesn't matter where you spend Sinulog or any other occasion on the calendar. Sinulog is all about thanksgiving. And I (together with all the others) celebrated it that day. 

My Sinulog 2011

It is Sinulog weekend once again and it sucks big time to be me right now because I won't be able to go to Cebu. The moment I found out that I can't go was the moment I had my first  tears this year. (Second time was when I thought I lost Sinta's receipts yesterday. Phew!)


Anyway, I decided to do a self-torture today by reminding myself of how great I spent my Sinulog last year. I was in Cebu the whole time (because I was working) and I had  Mama and Sinta come over to celebrate with me. And since almost all of my college friends (Ka-gangs) were in Cebu, we unanimously agreed to celebrate it altogether.    

Dinner at my place!

Cebu Capitol with Sinta

Sto Niño booths at the Fuente Osmeña cirle 

Sto Niño booths at the Fuente Osmeña cirle

Continue Reading...

Reminders...

Hi everyone! Today, I'm gonna be all mushy with a video post I found while browsing Patty Laurel's blog. I've been looking at lots of videos and films lately (which is needed for my report! so yes mom, i've been studying still) and this one is another simple heart-warmer (at least for me). It is originally a video for a newly-wed couple from a few of their family members, made by the bride's older brother. 

And if you watch it and pay real attention, it's obviously not just a reminder for these two. It is a reminder for everyone who has their own relationships whether romantic or friendly. Well, the "enjoy each other's bodies",  "make babies" and all those intimate stuff do not necessarily apply to all  but you'd get what I mean for sure. 

  

It's simple and sweet. And I hope you guys love it the way I do.

Secret to Happiness (Coca-Cola Ad)

Stumbled across this touching ad during my usual channel-surfing yesterday and I thought it's worthy of a post. Coca-Cola has been known to produce a lot of heartwarming ads through the years and this isn't an exception. It's very Filipino and I love it!

Translation:

"I am Lolo Maryo. And in my 100 years of existence I have been lucky...lucky to have been born like you…to have friends and family…to live a happy life to this day. You have been born in challenging times. The world is a big place. It is so easy to get lost. To guide you, my advice is simple: Go find what makes you happy. Time flies by so fast. Don’t waste it on nonsense stuff. And no matter where you end up, don’t ever forget where you came from. Looking back on all my years, I am grateful for every moment spent with my friends and family. Now, I can see that 100 years is not nearly enough time to spend with them. Happiness is your birthright. Your friends and family will help you find it."

Somewhere Only We Know

I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin


And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go? So why don't we go?

Oh, this could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know

Adele Brings Tears to Everyone (SNL)

Any else who thinks Adele makes you cry like crazy? Btw, i love Emma Stone! AND Coldplay too!

Hijas de Maria Christmas Party 2011

It was a rainy Christmas party for my Hijas group the day before the start of the new year. Nevertheless, attendance was good and some people who 'hibernated' for a while came back! 

Sarah (our PRO, the girl in pink) was assigned to do the games but since the weather was so unpredictable, we couldn't make it to the other ones she prepared. We only had that silly (because we looked like crazies) Maria Went to Town and the ever present Charade game.

The traditional gift-giving came after and we all had a great time opening our presents. I got a piece of silver and ocean-blue cuff from Cristy. I gave Sheena a diary and a cute pen to go with it. (Too bad I don't have pictures)

We didn't have too much time in our hands since most of us had to go home early for the Media Noche prep. We only had to squeeze in all of our activities so it wasn't really the most extravagant celebration. 

And so it was time for the imperative group shots! 

Oh wait. That's not yet it...here goes...

Going Green for Father Boy's 61st!

TAMBONG 2011

High School reunions have always been fun. I graduated high school 7 years ago and I have always loved spending time with my HS friends at least once a year. This year, oh I mean last year was a whole lot different. Tambong was a once in a lifetime alumni homecoming (or maybe a first of the many) for all DuScians (read: gorgeous geeks) all over the world.

Date: December 29, 2011

Venue: Negros Oriental Convention Center

venue

Stage Setup

Twenty-one school years have passed since RTPM-DSHS was founded...

I belong to the Probers Batch 2005 (The ROCKERS!!)

   

The night was full of presentations, games, testimonials from different alumni, food and of course photo ops! Hahah. Only a third of our batch attended so we just scrunched ourselves into two tables.

Photo Op with former teachers!

Probers with Maam Gina Anqui. Former Calculus teacher. Now principal of Junob HS.

Probers with Maam Lee (Physics), Oira (Research) and Jatico (PE). Still in Sci Hi.

With Maam Haide Duran (Algebra teacher)

Probers with Binibining Avanceña. (Filipino teacher)

Probers with Sir Suasin (Chemistry), Patrimonio (Geometry)
and Jauculan (Computer major in MIRC!)

The Boys with the Sirs!

The Girls! Hahah.

T-shirt souvenirs. It says "The Heart of a True Champion is Pink!" 

And of course, high school reunions wouldn't be complete without some teasing of former flames! Hahah.

Batch 2005 Salutatorian (Krista) and Valedictorian (Marvin) who were once an ITEM.

Group shots!

So yes it was a fun night obviously. Aside from spending time with my co-rockers, i got to see some familiar faces from way back...kuyas and ates during our earlier years and little brothers and sisters too. It was a great night to celebrate the DuScian spirit (whatever that means.hahah). 

And I am and will always be proud of being a DuScian. 

:-)