Wake up! It’s the end of September. 30 September 2009

September 26, 2009… A day to remember. A downcast and dispirited day, indeed. There were times when we love the rains pouring down our roofs while we lazily snuggle in our blanket to get more sleep. But on that Saturday morning, when Visayas was experiencing heavy rains with gusty winds, Metro Manila and neighboring provinces were drenched with heavy rains brought by tropical storm Ondoy a.k.a. Ketsana and the water got a life of its own flooding every nook and cranny of Southern Luzon.

Ondoy brought Southern Luzon a month’s worth of rainfall in 6 hours. It turned roads to rivers claiming lives and properties. People seek shelter on top of their roof. I was disheartened with what I had seen online and on tv. However, online communities truly played a big role in providing hotlines and information. They hasten the search and rescue operation. Sad to say, rubber boats are still not enough and some – tired and hungry – got help after 24 hours. Private sectors already provided aid and rescue in their own way. Different drop off points were set around the globe to collect more funds and donations.

So long, Cebu… 17 September 2009

Val and I were supposed to be excited to finally go back to Bacolod last August 19th. But the excitement was overcame with anxiety for the car started to act funny while we were still at the compound transferring our things from the house to the car. The engine kept on cutting off every 5 minutes! We left the compound at 5 am – an hour late from our expected time of departure.

We still pursued our journey hoping that we could reach Toledo port while the sun was still up then my father-in-law would fetch us from the San Carlos port. The car intermittently worked. It was 30 minutes past 7 am when we had the car checked by a mechanic at Toledo. The family were still having their breakfast when we came.

Kawasan Falls: Siblings’ Cebu Trip 2 of 3 1 September 2009

Val has been to Kawasan Falls thrice for the 5 years he stayed in Cebu. Yet, he still recommends this magnificent work of nature to whoever plans to visit the island of Cebu. I have mentioned this place to my former teammate Sion who didn’t miss the chance to visit Kawasan when they had their quick tour in Cebu last March. And during Val’s sisters’ vacation, Val doesn’t want his sisters and their partner to miss the falls, too.

Last 11th of August, all 6 of us – May Joy, Pano, Kathleen, Franc, Val and I – hurriedly bought the things we needed for our Kawasan trip after our dinner buffet in Crown Regency. We bought milkfish, junk foods, biscuits, purified water and some softdrinks. We planned to leave as early as 5 am the next day for the 3-hour land trip so that we could get back before nightfall.

Thank you, Tita Cory! 4 August 2009

 along Rizal St.

The banner says it all.  Together with the entire nation, Bacolod mourns for the loss of a selfless leader. Yellow ribbons can be seen tied outside the Cathedral Church as well as in some vehicles, trees, or pinned on shirt. There’s also a mass and tribute for President Aquino at USLS Coliseum. Just this afternoon, I went to the new Government Center to write on the Book of Condolences.

We lost an honest leader, a caring mother and a respectable icon. The love shown by the people are overwhelming. I hope her legacy will continue to live and this will be a turning point for a big change in the entire nation.

Thank you for bringing the democracy, Tita Cory! Thank you for touching our hearts!

We love you!

Being a woman is not that easy 4 July 2009

It was exactly 3 Fridays ago when our hopes and dreams for a new member in both families was troubled. After we heard no fetal heartbeat and a 4-week difference in gestational age last June 4, I religiously followed my OB’s advice for medications and complete bed rest pior to another scan after 2 weeks. See my previous post here.

Since Val left for Cebu on the 7th, I was then restricted in the 4 corners of my parents’ room with the TV as my constant companion during daytime. Their room is nearest the bathroom and I would transfer to my room before bedtime. My brother would bring my meals upstairs, wash my dishes and refill my 2L water bottle. Hmm… I used to consume almost 2 and a half bottles of water.

Do we have to have reasons in everything that happens? 30 June 2009

It was more than 2 weeks since I left the hospital. I’m healed physically but not completely. My quick 38-hour confinement has brought tons and tons of questions to which only God can answer. The pain I felt gradually eases as my supportive friends and families continue to comfort me.

Reminiscing the incidents from ER to Rm 274 and from OR to the recovery room, I almost wanted to pinch myself to wake up from that nightmare. One minute I’m happy as a bee, the next minute I found myself in a hospital bed with those needles and medicines while seeking each one’s eyes for answers if I can still save my baby.

I was able to accept our loss after hearing other women’s stories. Some have worse cases than mine. One even shared her ordeal – 5 gestations with only 2 successful pregnancies and 8-month bed rest with heavy bleeding in each 5 pregnancies.

What happened seems like a dream – a dream so vivid that can sometimes bring tears in my loneliness. Why? How? When? It just happens with no specific reasons. MJ just slipped out into the bedpan as I peed – as simple as that.

Dear Li’l MJ 15 June 2009

Dear Li’l MJ,

When you gave me signs that you were conceived, we were all ecstatic! Your Father wanted to let the whole world know how happy he is. He wants you to call me Mommy and him Papa.

I can’t see what’s happening inside your tiny home. All I know is to provide you the nourishments you need, watch my actions and religiously follow the doctor’s advice in taking my vitamins. I’m not a fan of milk but I always think of your well-being so I obediently take 2 glasses a day. I frequently read articles on what to expect while you’re inside my tummy. I refrain from drinking softdrinks and eating junk foods, walk away from people who smoke, cut off my travel escapades, cease from using colognes and perfumes, and avoid anything that may harm you. Bulges on any part of my body seems pleasingly pretty!

For the baby 7 June 2009

June 4. The day we’re all waiting for. I was 11 weeks pregnant based on my LMP – last menstrual period. My husband even came home to listen to the fetal heartbeat in my womb. I had a transvaginal ultrasound since the fetus is less than 3 months old. It was so awkward to have a device inserted through me that I could have backed out yet my excitement overcame me.

Single or married life? 20 March 2009

Girlfriend A caught a text message from Boyfriend A’s cellphone which the latter received from another girl. He denied anything romantic linked to that girl. GF A believed it and continued to trust her boyfriend. Six months or so passed, BF A was caught off guard by GF A. Hurtful words were released to the other girl by GF A and eventually, GF A and BF A called it quits.

Girlfriend B saw a text message from Boyfriend B’s cellphone. It was just a forwarded text message yet there was something going on between them as doubted by GF B. BF B, like BF A, vehemently denied all the accusations. Their relationship continued until GF B caught more and more mushy love text messages from BF B’s cellphone which ended their 4-year relationship.

Final farewell 18 December 2008

We arrived at 11 pm last Thursday night and had our dinner right away. The flight from Manila was delayed for an hour and 20 minutes. We had ample time to rest the next day before we went to the funeral homes.

My uncle took Val and I for a walk at the Fairview Park Town Centre. He oriented us on where to take the bus if we wanted to go to the downtown area. He showed us some shops, wet market and fastfood chains.

Who’s to blame? 10 December 2008

I went to NBI Carriedo yesterday to claim my clearance for local employment. I had to apply for a new copy in order to change my last name. As I left the building, sidewalk vendors along Carriedo St. were hastily clearing their goods and were evading the city hall personnel. This is one of Mayor Lim’s pursuit to free the sidewalk  and the whole Carriedo street from obstructions.

I calmly advanced my way toward Quiapo church. Suddenly, just a few feet away from me, I saw a short old woman about to collide with the cart of a lady vendor. The old woman, who seemed unaware of all the commotion, was walking very very slowly. I saw her carrying a can and a walking stick ; I took a closer look then noticed that she is blind.

Starting the celebration of “many faces” 1 October 2008

Today is the start of Bacolod’s month-long celebration - its 29th MassKara Festival and the 70th Charter anniversary. MassKara is simply derived from the words “mass” meaning many or multitude of people and the Spanish word “cara” meaning face. It is also synonymous to mask in the local dialect.

A short history

The festival began during a time of crisis when the sugar industry as the lifeblood of the City was at its lowest after the introduction of sugar substitute High Fructose Corn Syrup from the U.S. As history relates, it was also a time of tragedy. A Negros Navigation luxury liner M/S Don Juan carrying many Negrenses collided with a tanker and sank killing about 700 lives. Thus, to cover up the gloomy feelings, they held the festival and created masks with smiling faces because Bacolod is also known as the City of Smiles.

Asking for prayers 26 September 2008

I received a sad news from Lyn yesterday. She went straight to Riverside Hospital upon arriving from Manila. Her mom was rushed to the hospital again due to stroke. As far as I’d known, it was her 2nd attack within this year. She has been in intensive care since yesterday. According to Lyn, her mom opened her eyes from time to time but couldn’t say a word.

When old computers become useful 22 September 2008

It has been three days since the last time we have a broadband internet connection. It is not due to our ISP’s system maintenance but because our Pentium D desktop computer stopped working. I was uploading a personal video in Youtube while my brother was playing an online game, Perfect World, when our computer automatically shut down and intermittently restarted. Any of the Windows Advanced Options Menu won’t work. Sounds familiar? If I am still working as a technical support representative, I would hear familiar complaints from our callers.

eraserheads reunion concert cut short 1 September 2008

when i thought the reunion concert was doing smoothly last saturday evening, something had happened to e-heads’ lead vocalist ely buendia after a few minutes of intermission number. however, it seemed that e-heads’ fans were still satisfied with the first part of the concert.

i remembered back in 14 feb 1997, their valentine concert here in bacolod was also cut short due to a rampage caused by some minors, dancing wildly and throwing empty plastic bottles in the air. i guess, “enjoyment” was a total understatement for them.

anyway, let’s all pray for ely’s health and quick recovery.

more stories here:

• Ely Buendia rushed to hospital, concert cut short
• Ely Buendia rushed to hospital; Eraserheads reunion concert cut short

Unang sulyap sa buhay may asawa 21 August 2008

Kaya pala noong unang panahon mas gusto ng mga magulang yung anak na lalaki kasi pag ikinasal ang babae nawawala na ang pangalan ng angkan nila. Tulad ko, pagkatapos ng kasal namin noong nakaraang Nobyembre eh sandamakmak na papeles ang inasikaso ko para i-update ang civil status namin ni Val at palitan ang last name ko. Di rin mabilang ang mga pabalik-balik ko sa mga government offices sa pag-asikaso ng mga legal document. Ganun talaga pag sigurista. Mas mahirap kasi pag mali-mali ang entry sa mga legal document. Mas hassle ang may corrections.

Accidents do Happen 25 June 2008

June 22, 2008. It was just an ordinary Sunday morning for me except for the occasional rainshowers left by typhoon Frank. There`s still no water but we already have the electricity back since Saturday night. I was waiting for Val`s text that morning. He would usually text me before leaving for work or when he`s at the office for his 10 am shift.

Weder, weder lang yan… 21 June 2008

Hay naku… Ang ingay naman ni Frank! Di tuloy ako makatulog. Tatlong oras na akong nakahiga. Nagbilang na ako ng isa hanggang 100. Kung anu-anong kanta na lang ang iniisip ko. Sabi nga nila i-relax daw ang mind pero ayaw pa rin akong dalawin ng antok. Parang gusto kong bumangon at ituloy yung crosstitch ko pero parang naduduling na ang mga mata ko sa pagod.

Nung isang linggong di rin ako makatulog, naikwento ko kina mama at papa na parang gusto ko nang mag-internet kahit alas 3 na ng umaga. Sinagot ba naman ni mama na sana nag-internet na lang daw ako… Kaya namang itong likas na masunuring bata eh sinunod yung payo ng mama nya. Heto’t nagbablog na naman ako. hehehehe…