Jeepney

I still do. Ride a jeepney that is.

And here are my reasons, in no particular order:

1. It's cheaper!
2. Depending on my destination, it is actually more convenient. I get a ride right in front of our office and get off right in front of the school gate
3. Less stress since I am not driving
4. One way to keep me grounded
5. Less gasoline consumption - better for the environment!

I get puzzled look and surprise reactions every know and then. If they only knew my reasons, then, it should not be a surprise!

Singin' in the Rain

I used to write e-mails to my friends before. Before e-mails, I even had hand-written letters sent to them.

Anyway, in our e-mail exchange, we usually have our random Top 5 things - the beginning of which I cannot remember. In the e-mail I sent on October 5, 2007, I had the

TOP 5
na gusto ko present sa first ever concert ko

1. Madonna Vogue Microphone
– Headphone pa rin ba
iyong tawag sa ginamit ni J. Lo sa wedding planner?

2. Microphone Stand
– Gusto ko maka-try talaga
magkanta/magperform na may microphone stand. Sige gud
katawa mga officemates ko when I asked them magkano
ang microphone stand.
(Gusto ko iyong makaluma na microphone (parang Michael Buble). Ayaw ko iyong glitter-glitteran gaya kay Mariah Carey and Charice)

3. I have to sing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough ..
hehe!
(I remembered when I sang this in our House Party in Manila. Akala ng iba lasing na daw ako, eh Coke lang jud ang giinom ko.. haha!)

4. I get a chance to play the piano, drums and guitar
.. hehe!
(Multi-tasker!)

5. Guest ko si Gary V
- local muna bago intl!

* Recent comments are in italics

Statistically Speaking

"SWS : Unemployment up, now affects 11.3M Pinoys"

Yup, that's one of the recent news you have probably heard or read.

I think it is pretty much a known fact that a number of people here in the Philippines are not employed.

But are we just going to end up with that statistics that the unemployment rate goes up?

Has anybody checked out the number of job fairs held every now and then, not just within this city but in Metro Manila as well?

Has anybody checked out the classified ads in newspapers with companies looking for people to hire, not just the national newspapers but local as well?

Has anybody asked why these people, who are part of the statistics, are unemployed?

Maybe some are just overqualified.

Maybe some just lack qualifications.

Maybe some just do not want to work in those fields where there is much hiring.

Maybe some work is not that appealing to many.

Maybe some feel that the compensation and benefits are not enough for that type of work.

Maybe some just do not want to work.

I know that the government should find ways to answer the unemployment problem.

But it does not end there. And it does not mean that we all have to blame it on our government.

I read the news everyday. And everyday. I read both the local and national news. I know I have something that keeps me going but I always check out the ads - companies looking for accountants, bookkeepers, drivers, sales person, etc. - and that's just within this city. If you check out the jobs section, there are huge ads from companies luring people to apply with them. They do not just offer bonuses, they even offer free breakfast! Most of them are looking for call center agents, among others.

Aside from that, has anybody noticed the job fairs in the malls every now and then? Jobs that are offered are not just for those who are interested to work within the Philippines but outside as well.

So, I guess it's pretty safe to say that there is more behind the statistics.

Just something to think about ;)

Xerox

Another e-mail I sent to another friend, dated July 17, 2005.
I really want to share this part:

May istory pala ako sa iyo. Kasi sa office ng daddy
ko may photocopyanan (imbento ng word) kami. Tabi ng
office kay parang bangko ng mga pulis at
sundalo. Anyway, si manong na malamang tagabukid, na
magkuha ug kwarta probably kay anak niya sundalo,
nagpafotocopy. Sabi ko "one fifty lang nong". Alam
mo magkano gibigay sa akin? One hundred fifty pesos.
Sus! Kaya pala siya nagkuha ng bill .. akala ko wala
siyang sinsilyo. Nag-ana jud ko Lyn na "piso and
singkwenta cents lang daw nong oi". Ana siya "aw,
abi man gud nako". Sus! Wala jud siyang idea ano ang
photocopy ba .. kay nag-ana pud gud siya na "in-ani di
ai ang Xerox dai". And he was willing to shell out
that much, eh malaki na gud iyon sa kanila. Paano na
lang kung buang (o mas buang sa akin) ang nagphotocopy
.. luoy kaayo. Maka-isip ka gani na sus na lang jud
ang Pilipinas, iba ang ginaprioritize gani .. like
politics.

Makaiyak pa rin ako hanggang ngayon ...

Back to the Future

I was going through the e-mails I sent and
I chanced upon an e-mail I sent to my friend last Oct. 6, 2005.
Here's an excerpt of that e-mail :

Meron akong classmate na sabay kami ga-uwi kasi sa
kabilang street lang din siya nakatira.
Kwento-kwento intawon sa jeep. Gi-ask kasi ako nung
isang classmate ko if gusto ko ba jud mag-law kasi if
gusto ko jud bakit pa ako nag-work before. Sabi ko
gusto man gud i-save ang world (hahaha .. pero dala
tinuod gamay .. this was a part of ms n's message
to me, parang ayaw niya ako paalisin pero what can she
do if I want to save the world). In addition, sabi ko
sa classmate ko na may opportunity kasi na nagdating,
and natanggap ako kaya kinuha ko. Tapos sabi ko ok
man ang work ang people. Pero hindi ko lang talaga
makita ang sarili ko long-term and I had the feeling na I
had to study law na, since naisip ko na man din iyon
before. Kung ayaw ko na rin mag-law, eh di
mag-artista! Katawa na gud sab mi! Sabi ko din,
ngayon na naga-aral ako, mahirapan ako makita ang
sarili ko asan ako after maging-lawyer (char lang).
Gusto ko man jud mag-serve, pero ayaw ko maging
politico. Gusto ko maging lawyer pero hindi ko makita
ang sarili ko sa court. Gusto ko sa government, pero
sa napag-aralan namin, dapat wala kang financial
interest sa business when you are in top government
positions. In short, maka-sideline ka lang at the
staff level. Gusto ko maging lawyer para mag-teach ng
law sa undergrad (mas madali I think compared if I
teach tax .. basic accounting and partnership baka
pwede pa) and mag-sign ng mga affidavit. Gusto ko sa
government pero kahirap when you earn or receive
something, baka isipin ng iba nangurakot kahit hindi
naman kasi bigay ng kapatid ko from States .. hehe ..
Sabi ko ok lang sa akin mag-aral uli na related sa
crime scene investigation, pero maulaw na pud ko na
mag-aral na naman .. hehe! Anyway, malayo pa man yun,
napag-isipan ko lang pero hindi gina-worry, mamaya
mamatay na ako bago ako maka-graduate, nagworry pa ako
di ba?

I was really amused at myself - on what I wrote and how I wrote.
But reading this e-mail and relating it to my present life ... it's weird!

A Day in the Life

6:00 a.m. - Alarm goes off. Wake up and cook breakfast.

7:00 a.m. - Surf the net or go back to sleep

9:00 a.m. - Eat breakfast, wash the dishes, prepare mom's lunch, take a bath and prepare

10:30 a.m - Leave the hotel. Suroy-suroy with Jeremy

5:00 p.m. - Go back to the hotel. Watch TV or take a nap

6:00 p.m. - Prepare dinner

7:00 p.m. - Dinner time

8:00 p.m. - Wash the dishes

8:30 p.m. - Watch TV or surf the net

11:00 p.m. - Prepare to go to sleep, answer sudoku and read a bit.

12:00 m.n. - Go to Sleep

Automatic Reappropriation

Section 25, Paragraph 7 of Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:

(7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.

In the 1998 Philippine Bar Exam, the following question was asked:

Suppose the President submits a budget which does not contain provisions for CDF (Countrwide Development Funds), popularly known as the pork barrel, and because of this Congress does not pass the budget.
Will that mean paralization of government operations in the next fiscal year for lack of an appropriation law?

SUGGESTED ANSWER FROM UP: No, the failure of Congress to pass the budget will not paralyze the operations of the Government. Section 25(7), Article VI of the Constitution provides: "If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.

To many, this may seem just an ordinary provision under our Constitution. To those who are studying law or who have studied law, this may be just another provision to understand just in case it would be asked in the bar.

However, this is NOT just another provision. It is actually a provision that we Filipinos must be proud of somehow considering that this same provision is not present with that of the United States.

If you are into international news, you may have heard of the looming government shutdown which is possible to happen within 24 hours as of the time I am writing this piece. When I first heard this from the news, the one thing that caught my attention is that the Smithsonian museums, which are free to the public, will be closed. Thousands of tourists are visiting Washington, DC during the spring break and they may likely be welcomed with this government shutdown.

So, I tried to understand what this government shutdown is all about. About.com provides that a government shutdown is a result of the failure of Congress to enact an annual federal budget within the timeframe established by law. The U.S. Constitution requires that all expenditures of federal funds be authorized by Congress with the approval of the President of the United States.

There have been 5 US government shutdowns since 1981. There was a US government shutdown in 1981, 1984, 1990, 1995 and 1996.

A government shutdown will definitely cost taxpayers since they will be paying for federal workers who will not be reporting for work. Government will not be able to process social security and healthcare transactions, among others. And, national parks will be closed.

When I found out what it is all about, the Automatic Reappropriation Law (Section 25, Paragraph 7, Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution). I guess that's one of the things we, Filipinos, have to be grateful to the framers of our Constitution. It may sound such a simple provision but indeed has a great impact.

Of course, I am not saying I know a lot about this government shutdown and how different it is from the Philippines. This is just an opinion on my part based on what I have understood so far.

With that somehow being taken care of and considering that we won't be encountering a government shutdown, our government still has to deal with a gamut of obstacles to hurdle and problems to solve. And that's another story!

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

I guess we started on the wrong foot. There is supposed to be a free shuttle from our hotel to LAX. The problem is we got on the wrong shuttle. We had to be dropped off at another hotel and took the cab from there. Good thing though that our hotel was not that too far.

-oOo-

The hotel where we stayed in had complimentary continental breakfast, free wi-fi and free shuttle to and from LAX. It was far-off from downtown Los Angeles but we chose for the freebies. It was a blessing in disguise since it was near a post office and my mom had to send an urgent mail.

-oOo-



Universal Studios – Hollywood! It had a few changes since the last time I was there. They now have that King Kong 3D feature in their Studio Tour, which was cool, and I got to see up close Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, which was closed the last time I was there since they were taping. I still had fun riding the Jurassic Park! My brother and I decided not to ride the Mummy because we felt that one thrill ride would be enough for us. 3Ds and 4Ds were all over with the Simpsons, Shrek and Terminator – truly a “D” overload with 3Ds and 4Ds. Although, I guess it is really much better when my sisters and my father were with us.

-oOo-

On our way back from Universal, traffic had to be rerouted because there was a robbery on a jewelry store. The police had to block the street where the bus we will take was supposed to pass. We had to figure out other possible route of the bus and we were lucky we found it.

-oOo-



Santa Monica! I had fun that day since it was my first time to visit a beach in the US (First time mo? First time jud!). The Santa Monica Beach was pretty cool and I was able to truly appreciate it because the weather was great that day! I was really excited when I got to visit Santa Monica beach. California Girl was really my song for that day!

-oOo-



Next Target: Hollywood! We had the usual pictorials with the imprints of the stars at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater and I was lucky enough to see Keanu Reeves’ Star on the Walk of Fame. At least, kahit papano .. konswelo kay hindi ko pa siya nakita in person. On the side note, Speed was on TV a few minutes ago. And I was happy watching it since makarelate ako kasi LA yung location and it had scenes featuring some of the places we passed by!

-oOo-

Commuter on the Go with matching Walking Exercise! Thank you Google maps and the Metro Los Angeles Web Site! We got all to the places because of the directions I got from the said sites and we were never lost! The sites give you the schedule of the bus and train as well as time to walk to the stops. All in all, it was an achievement!

-oOo-

I get to see different kinds of people in riding public transportation in LA. There was that bus driver who was really kind to me when I asked questions. There was another driver who was sort of rude when, in a bus stop, a passenger who had difficulty walking and was using a walker of some sort was by the bus door and therefore, he had to use the bus ramp. Their conversation went something like this:

Elderly man: Please, please
Lady bus driver: Please what
Elderly man: Please, the ramp .. it’s common sense
Lady bus driver: Well, I ain’t got no common sense

I guess we were just lucky that nobody was that rude to us. Although, when the elderly man got off the bus, I think they exchanged apologies. I am also grateful for a passenger who gave us tips on our way to Santa Monica.

-oOo-

I am appreciative of how people with disabilities in US can still commute and go to places. They can still visit and enjoy Universal Studios among other destinations.

-oOo-

Well, that’s it for our LA trip. Until the next update!

Raising the Bar

This is a shout-out to my law school friends who successfully passed the 2010 Bar Examinations. I am so happy and proud of each one of you. And we all know that this is the beginning of a new journey for all of you. And, thus, I pray that you continue to make your family and friends proud and that may you be blessed more and be a blessing to others as well!

Congratulations to:
Charmee Abad
Emman Acuña
Andrey Alcomendras
Jaja Almazan
Sol Marie Andoy-Gawiden
Carrie Mae Bangayan
Rex Batay-an
Cherry Canda-Melodias
Gil Ciudadano
Jong Cortez
Percy Donalvo
Lala Dulla
Tyntyn Ferrer
Xyza Gemelo
Sasha Go
Kim Ledesma
Rey Mar Ondi
Ferlyn Ong
Globel Rama
RR Roque
Rizza Mae Sam
MR Zulueta
Ryan Erik Santiago

and of course, the Top 4 Cat Ancog!

For my friends who did not make it, it was just appropriate that the Daily Bread reading on the date the results were released was:

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. — Psalm 9:9

When my brother-in-law was a missionary in Mali, West Africa, he was involved in a traffic accident. A man had wandered into the road in front of Chuck’s motorcycle. The cycle struck the man and send Chuck and the bike sliding along the ground for more than 200 feet. Shortly after Chuck regained consciousness in the hospital, his doctor told him he had been “really lucky.” Chuck smiled and replied, “God is good.”

Later he thought about the day’s events. The man who was struck hadn’t received any permanent injuries, and Chuck would also recover from his injuries. But what if one of them had been killed? He thought, God would be no less good.

When we experience tragedy, we may wonder about God’s goodness. Is God always good? Yes, He is. He doesn’t promise that bad things will never happen to us, but He does promise to be “our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1). He doesn’t promise that we will never walk through heart-wrenching circumstances, but He promises that we won’t be alone (23:4).

God is good — no matter what suffering we are experiencing. Even when we don’t understand, we can say with Habakkuk, “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). — Cindy Hess Kasper

O taste and see that God is good

To all who seek His face;

Yea, blest the one who trusts in Him,

Confiding in His grace. — Psalter

Red Riding Hood

Contrary to speculation, it was never mine.

The Red Car was bought so that my sister could start driving. I was a "saling-pusa" so to speak. But since my sister and I had different schedules, I got to use it for my classes.

I can't forget the day I first I drove the car to school. It was the first day of the Conflicts of Law 2007. From the house, there were a number of things I need to bring to school. I really didn't think of bringing the car but when my mom learned I was going to school, she gave permission for me to bring the car and saying that I could do it.

I was really hesitant. The first thing that popped in my head is to find someone who will ride with me. And Bem, my friendly neighborhood classmate, was ever ready to go with me.

I was nervous. The engine stopped at the Sandawa-Boulevard intersection. I kept my composure and Bem and I had our nervous laugh. And then, the car stopped again when I tried to turn left to Roxas. I can remember the horns and our nervous laugh.

I was happy that we got to school safely with the red car.

There were a lot of moments I remember with the red car - the front seat passengers with their seatbelts, the shrieks, the nervous laughter .. good times indeed!

Top 10 Events with the Red Car

1. My first drive to downtown with Bem

2. Elaine shrieking on the front passenger seat and saying she will never sit on the front passenger seat again

3. Bumped the car @ Pards and Christ rescued me by parking it properly

4. Dropping Blithe, Ryan, and other cheerdancers after practice and passing by Central Bank

5. The car broke down when I tried to turn right to Roxas and some men helped pushed the car and revived it but I somehow forgot to give pang-kape to them

6. Sharone helped push the car when we were in AutoShop

7. Slightly bumped a pick-up at the G-Mall Parking space, with Felai and Blithe, but it was just the bumper rubber which touched it.

8. RR seating in the passenger seat saying that he feels safe with me but secures his seatbelt at the same time

9. Allan and I had to fix the wipers at home in the dark with his flashlight

10. When Felai, Blithe, Noche, Ryan, Jad and I went to Bankerohan but somebody forgot to tell me in advance that I had to turn right at San Pedro Extension so we ended up having a joyride through Sandawa to Magallanes to Bankerohan.

Actually, there are a lot of things I can remember aside from these moments. I

will always be forever grateful to the Jacinto boys for assisting me, not only for looking a parking space but guiding me, especially with regard to parallel parking. I am eternally grateful that I had no major accidents with the car, only little bumps and it is not that much. I am likewise grateful to all my friends who have been patient with my slow driving. I am grateful to everyone who have given me the privilege to pick them up, drop them off and drive them around town. I am grateful for the wonderful stories we have shared .. if only the Red Car could talk!

My friends suggested before that I should name the car. But I did not name it since it was not mine. I guess the "Red Car" was just the most appropriate name. At home, we just call it "Pula".

Bye Red Car! Me and my friends really had good times with you ;) Thank you :)

Boggle

It boggles my mind why people seem to think that the practice of law is a business where you haggle for the price.

There is a "tariff" that serves as a guide for lawyers how much to charge. Most often than not, a number of lawyers, I think, charge lower, but more or less at the same rate, than what is stipulated in the tariff just to show that the practice of law is not a money-making business where clients look for the lawyer who can give the lowest price.

It boggles my mind why someone would insist in paying P 100 for an SPA and another P 150 for a Release of Chattel Mortgage.

That someone is driving a vehicle worth almost P 1M, which was fully paid recently, and her children go to one of the priciest school in town.

And by the way, a consultation was rendered for free to that someone. Moreover, that someone engaged the services of the lawyer in which documents were checked, research was made and a demand letter was prepared but thereafter, there was a change of mind and decided not pursue. So, no fee there.

It boggles my mind why someone, who is already retired from service and somewhat old, did not hesitate to pay P 800 for all 4 affidavits he executed. No haggling.

That someone first came to execute just one affidavit. Since he forgot another requirement for him to be able to withdraw some money, he had to execute another. And then, he was later told that additional requirements were required that he had to execute 2 more affidavits. The office felt sorry for him since he had to come back and forth just for these affidavits and decided to just notarize the last affidavit free of charge. He said that it was okay. The lawyer insisted that he keep the P200. He decided to give it to the secretary, in which the secretary declined. It turned out that it was his birthday and he was just happy that he was able to receive some money from his account so that it was okay for him to pay.

And by the way, that retiree did not receive millions of pesos, just a few thousands not exceeding P 10,000.

Yes, it's boggling!

At least, there are stories like that of the retiree which uplifts the spirit and compensates for stories similar to that in the first situation.

At least, a nice birthday gift was given to a somewhat total stranger. May GOD bless him ;)

Bee

This week has so far been the busiest after I graduated from law school.

I have deadlines to meet with regard to pleadings.

So far, clients have been coming in and out of the office.

Then, I have my classes to attend to and prepare for plus exams and other requirements.

There are personal errands to attend to as well.

I have masteral class over the weekend.

Valentine's Day's was just over and a wedding to attend as well.

No, I am not complaining.

I am just taking note of this because I believe my prayers have been answered.

Galing talaga ni Lord ;)

That's why I could not miss blogging this one.

The Sweetest Thing

I am not the most romantic person in the world.

I am not that sweet either.

But, then, I am one person who appreciates the smallest gesture.

I am not really a big fan of the Valentine frenzy - dinner dates, concerts, flowers, chocolates, hearts and whatchamacallit. Although I greet Happy Valentine's Day, it's not because of the common notion of Valentine's, that of lovers, but rather it's more of celebrating love - love between and among everyone.

Considering that it was a work day, it was pretty normal.

Except that for the first time, flowers and chocolate were delivered for me at the office.

Honestly, I was not expecting it considering that Allan already knows that I am not a fan of flowers .. hehe. And I just sent him a message the night before regarding gifts (not related to Valentine's day though) But considering that he called up and asked if I was at the office, that made me think that probably he is up to something. I did not bring the red car that is why he had to make sure I was there to receive the flowers. Although he later on said it was also ok if I wasn't around so that I would be surprised, hehe.

Anyway, he was happy after JR, his delivery boy, let him know that I was smiling and happy when he received it. Yey for that!

Later, I told him that it was okay not to send me anything on Valentine's Day. But he replied that he just wants me to feel how it is to receive flowers and chocolates from a boyfriend on this special day and to let me feel how I am loved by him.

I know - cheesy! But it was indeed the sweetest thing!

As for me, dinner was my treat!

Celebrate LOVE!

Good Day

A twitter friend shared this article. I am just reposting this from:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/02/07/30-ways-to-make-today-a-good-day/

One today is worth two tomorrows.
-Benjamin Franklin

Yesterday is history and tomorrow is merely a figment of your imagination. So if you think about it, today is the only day you’re truly alive. Here’s how to make it a good one:

1. Get started a few minutes early.
2. Work on something that’s meaningful to you.
3. Complete an important piece of unfinished business.
4. Spend time with positive, friendly people.
5. Do something nice for someone else.
6. Be present. Focus on where you are, what you’re doing and who you’re with right now.
7. Do one thing at a time. (Read Getting Things Done.)
8. Listen to your self-talk. When you hear negative thoughts, think about the positive side of things.
9. Smile, even when there’s no pressing reason to do so.
10. Unplug. Entertain yourself with real-world experiences.
11. Go somewhere new. See something new. Meet someone new.
12. Do something that makes you laugh.
13. Challenge your mind. Learn a new skill.
14. Challenge your body. Exercise for 30 minutes. (Read The 4-Hour Body.)
15. Let someone help you.
16. Clear a little clutter by getting rid of something you don’t need.
17. Be honest with yourself and those around you.
18. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, let them inspire you.
19. Spend a few minutes alone in silence, just thinking.
20. Focus on solutions.
21. Keep an open mind to new ideas and information.
22. Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
23. Stay out of other people’s drama. And don’t needlessly create your own.
24. Say, “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry” and “I love you,” when you should.
25. Don’t try to please everyone. Just do what you know is right.
26. Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
27. Savor the natural joy of simple pleasures.
28. Notice what’s right with the world.
29. Focus on all the things you already have, think about them and appreciate them.
30. Get to sleep a little earlier tonight so you’re well rested tomorrow.

And remember, a smile is the most beautiful curve on the human body. So go now and strut your stuff. ;-)

13 Going 30

I just turned 30.

And I thank GOD for the life he has given me.

I can remember the times when I counted the days leading to my birthday. When people would start counting the days before Christmas, I would add 37 days to it and then make my own countdown for my birthday.



However, I noticed that as I grew older, the excitement of doing that countdown slowly faded. I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that I am getting older. It's a fact and every living human being goes through it. I attribute it actually to the fact of the daily grind - the things you do each day. As we grow older, we can't help that indeed obligations and responsibilities multiply and we are caught up with it. And then, we just let the other small stuff take its course. I guess that is what is happening to me.

And as I my birthday drew nearer, I said to myself to just bring it on. My birthday will happen and I will turn 30. And I am ok with whatever would happen during that day - no matter how ordinary it would be.

However, I got a birthday surprise from friends Karl, Ogie, Clang, Lyndon and Ling the day before my birthday. My dear Allan was able to plan the surprise with their help. It was actually very simple but a very nice surprise. I never expected it on a Sunday afternoon while checking papers .. hehe. I was able to blow candles, eat pizza and cake with them and had a short but fun chit-chat session about anything under the sun.

The day itself was quite normal. I went to work and did the usual stuff. I went to court and found out that the hearing is postponed. I attended classes in the evening and my students had no idea it was my birthday. Well, they said happy ... happy new hair! Hehe .. I had my hair cut and rebonded over the weekend. The night itself was a bit stressful because of a flat tire - that of Allan's car. But we were able to buy some chicken and cake to bring at home later.

I was truly overwhelmed with the greetings - personally, through the phone and through Facebook. Daghang salamat sa tanan na nag-greet! I truly appreciate since most of them I haven't seen for quite some time.

Before I went to sleep, I switched to emo mode - maybe that is what happens when someone turns 30.

The next day should have been normal as well. But, surprise, surprise! The day ended when my students gave me a cake. Thank you.

Yes, 30! That's Me!

Dying Young

I will turn 30 soon.

A batchmate of mine passed away last week. He was 30. May he rest in peace.

So forgive me if I get a little bit sentimental today. Maybe morbid is the more appropriate term.

The concept of death is not actually something I dare not to tread. Family and friends who know me for quite a number of years are not shocked anymore on how open I talk about it compared to the general population.

I don't know why I am like that.

When I was in sixth grade and my grandmother passed away, there were a lot of people visiting the wake considering that my grandfather was a barangay captain for 25 years. When I noticed it, I said "kung si lolo ang mamatay, mas madaming tao magbisita". I was told not to say that again, no matter how true the statement is.

In college, I was asked by my friend why I talk about death openly. She was wondering whether I get worried if I get to heaven or hell or purgatory. She worries about that. Truth be told, I pray I'll go to heaven but I don't really know where I'm going (who does?). But such concept of afterlife eludes my mind when I talk of death.

When this popular heartthrob died years ago, I thought of my college graduation picture as the one that should be placed near my coffin. I look happy and dignified and youthful in that picture. I can't find any other more suitable picture for now.

Don't be surprised if you hear statements from me like "ok naman sa akin mamatay" or "if mamatay ako, ok lang sa akin na ganito mangyari" or "hala, walang sisihan pag namatay si ganito" (Knock on wood!).

I actually could go on and on with my morbid concepts. Morbid but practical and real, I think.

Don't get me wrong because despite this attitude of mine, I feel pain and grief and devastation and emptiness and sadness and every sentiment that goes with death. I still do cry, like any other normal person.

I don't know where I get this kind of attitude. What I do I know is that this kind of thinking helps me appreciate more the fact of how blessed I am with this life and how I have to spend the rest of my life.

I had a teacher in philosophy who said that we are all dying. And I agree with him. We all know that we live with a borrowed life - and that's makes us all dying. It's not for us to decide when and how we are going to die. The only thing we can do is how we are going to live. And I am making the most of this borrowed life as best as I know I could.

2010

Blessed. That sums up my 2010.

There is no doubt that I have been truly very blessed this year. While it is true that I have had a few emotional moments just like any other person, there is no question that 2010 was indeed great for me. And as 2010 is winding up in a few hours, here goes a few highlights of the year that was.

JANUARY

I opened the year with a prayer for a better 2010 with things being in place -
bar, career, love and family.
One month with Allan at Picobello
Adventures with my students
Bajeck passing the Nursing Board Examination
I turned 29!




FEBRUARY

My first Valentine Date!
WII moment with Law School friends
Outliers
Dealing with students who cheat .. tsk, tsk!
Teacher's Day gift from my 2BM-A students



MARCH

Flowers
Pray, pray, pray
Tension building up but keeping the faith
Not being insecure
Passing the Bar Exam ... Yahoo!!! Not just me but Allan, too as well as my classmates!




APRIL

Hong Kong and Macau Trip with Sarona and Martin families
Cocoy Martin
Thanksgiving Parties
With Hanniyah
Oath-Taking and Roll-signing ... Full-Fledged Lawyer!




MAY

Election Opportunity
First Timer - North Cotabato
Visiting Aning
Summer Teacher
Mom and Dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary!


JUNE

Notary Public!
Decisions, Decisions
Johanna @ Melbourne
Samal Adventure
Law Professor!


JULY

New President!
New Hair
Emotional Rollercoaster!
Court Appearances
PWC Reunion!


AUGUST

Letting Go .. or Not!
Anonymous
1-SR Send-Off!
Talking with Elaine
Senior Citizen Dad!


SEPTEMBER

Bar Ops Trip!
With Bem and DM
Impressions
Being Careful in What I Say
Dealing with Students


OCTOBER

Badminton with Friends
Savings
Night with Gaby and friends
Sales Class!
LLM .. swerte!


NOVEMBER

Nego Everyday
Learning!
Mom @ US
Evaluations
Sisters


DECEMBER

BSA Classmates
Raffles
High School friends
Memorable One Year ... in a Different Way!
Blueberry Cheesecakes

Thank you Lord for my 2010!
Cheers to another year full of blessings in 2011!

Kenkoy

If you have a Facebook account, you are probably aware of the Violence against Child Abuse Campaign that is going on through the Profile Pictures.

It's pretty simple. You are asked to change your Profile Pic to a cartoon character from your childhood and invite your friends to do the same. It is asked that this should go on until December 6th, tomorrow, where there should be no human faces on Facebook.

I changed my profile pic to cartoon characters. Twice.

And I was happy I did.

Indeed it was a walk down the memory lane for me and for my friends. We reminisced what cartoons we watched, what days they were shown, the famous punchlines the characters uttered and which cartoon character reflects us.



I first changed my Profile Pic to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. During my childhood years, my sisters and I would be assigned to a respective TMNT. I was Raphael since my favorite color is Red and he is sort of the leader among the four. I'm the eldest and the leader, so to speak.

Changing my Profile Pic to TMNT led me to reminisce other cartoons as well - The Ghostbusters (I'm Egon), The X-Men (Jubilee is my favorite), among others.

Reminiscing such memories made me appreciate of the childhood I had - an enjoyable one indeed. It also made me appreciate the bond my sisters and I have formed. And it gets to me considering that 2 of my sisters are now living abroad.



Then, I changed it to Dopey. When I was growing up, I had big ears, big smile and apple cheeks. My cousins called me Dopey. Looking back, I did not detest it. I just took it in, may be because I thought Dopey was cute.




When my friend suggested that I change my profile pic to Dopey, she reminded me of my childhood picture which was passed around the office to make people laugh. At first, I was hesitant. We are working in a corporate world and a picture of mine taken when I was 2 years old was going to be passed around! What the! Anyway, the picture was eventually passed. Someone even suggested to put it in a poster - "Bawal ang nakasimangot dito". And beside those words, my picture would appear instead of that grinning monkey, hehe. We didn't push through with it though, not that I have regrets, hehe.

With such memories, I can't help but compare it with the youth of today. Did they experience the same kind of joy I had with these cartoons as well as all those outdoor games with the influx of internet and game consoles? How I wish they would experience such joy!

Amidst all these trip down the memory lane, it can't be avoided that there would be adverse reactions. One reaction would be - How on earth would you be able to stop child abuse just by changing your Profile Pic on Facebook?

Actually, no. I don't think you could directly stop child abuse just by changing your Profile Pic on Facebook.

The thing is if you are aware of someone being abused, you do everything in your power to intervene. Stop it if it is happening before your very eyes. Call the proper authorities.

However, it doesn't mean that this changing of Profile Pic leads to nowhere. Such campaign is about awareness - making people aware that this is a reality. And if you happen to cross paths with such situation, you'll know what to do.

When I changed my Profile Pic, it made me more grateful of how blessed I was with my childhood - just in case I forgot. When I changed my Profile Pic, I said a prayer for those who are being abused, for the abusers and for those who are aware but do nothing about it.

Cartoon characters are funny. Children being abused is not. Cartoon characters bounce back when they fall. Children do not. Cartoon characters have super powers. Children do not.

If this Campaign in Facebook made me realize it more, then, so be it.

I really don't I changed my Profile Pic for naught.

Bag Lady

It took me some time to remember the last bag I bought.

I knew I bought a Benetton Sling Bag blue back in 2004 at a discount.

My sister reminded me that I was the one who bought our bright pink Nike backpack from my mom.

I remembered I bought a small gold purse for a wedding in 2009.

But that's about it recently, I think. The bags I've been using were given to me or to us, siblings.

The bags I used while I was working before were either from unsold stocks of my mom or seldom used bags of my mom.

When I started in my current profession as a lawyer and teacher, the bags I've been using were previously owned by my mom.

I have no complaints, mind you. I am just happy that I still get to use stuff from my mom and do away buying new stuff for myself. I prefer it that way.

Lately, I was fine using those bags that were not that big to fit the books I bring to school . I was okay with that since I figured that the bigger bag I carry, the higher probability that I will put more things in there. And that means bad for the shoulder and the back.

When my sister was asked by my aunt what kind of bag I would probably want as pasalubong, my sister suggested a somewhat big bag to fit my stuff, such as books, so that I would not need to carry paper bags every now and then.

And so, just last night, I found out my pasalubong.



And I love it! It's actually an early Christmas gift from my cousins Mika and AJ.

I am not a big fan of Jessica Simpson but I just like this bag, knowing that people who care about me put some thought when they made this purchase.

Yesterday and today was actually some sort of a Jessica Simpson day - I read about her engagement, heard her song "A Public Affair" over the radio which should be rare nowadays, and then, I have this bag ;)

One thing for sure - I will be constantly aware not to put too much stuff in there ;)

Action Reaction

Long time, no blog .. hehe

Anyway, I just want to post some comments from the students' evaluation

-oOo-

Always present!

-oOo-

Reasonable exams

-oOo-

Good job!

-oOo-

Develop a more well-modulated voice (too pitchy!)

-oOo-

Limit reading her notes all the time

-oOo-

That's it for now! Points well-taken and very much appreciated.

Not bad at all ... I think! I will do my best do improve ;)