God, Happiness and Life

May I wish everyone a I hope and pray that the new year ushers in nothing but good things in all our lives. To all those who took the time to visit , made comments, linked, and reviewed my blogs, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I realize I haven't been around as much as I had wanted to ... obligations you see. But I will definitely see you next year. Now let's raise our glasses. Cheers everyone!

I have a lot to be thankful for the year 2007. 1. My Mom's life. She remains my strength. And I believe mine is hers. 2. My children. What can I say? Just that I love them no matter what. God Bless them always. 3. The rest of my family - steadfast in their belief that our connected lives can still be better. 4. Friends who constantly keep in touch. And the rest, the memories suffice to tide me over. 5. New acquaintances. They remind me that there's a life to be lived out in the world. 6. The many undeserved pockets of grace from God - the anchor of my life. 7. My life. That I still live to continuously search for meaning and purpose. 8. People who still care, care and care :-) Thank you very much. 9. Lives I have somehow touched. Need to lift your spirit, hear your woes, shoulder to cry on, rally behind you? Just send me a message. 10.My business associates for the support. 11. My city of residence for efficient garbage collection, clean streets, superb peace and order condit...

WELCOME to our humble HOME prepared for the Christmas holidays 2007. Finally, I got my digital camera working, YES!

Despite the Filipino life's difficulties, most families manage to celebrate the most important season of every year -- the Christmas holidays. Believe it or not this news item says it all. For better or for worse, families get together, eat, dine, celebrate Christmas Eve dinner ( Noche Buena )and New Year's Eve dinner called(Media Noche). "On New Year's Eve ("Bisperas ng Bagong Taon"), Filipino families gather for the Media Noche or midnight meal – a feast that is also supposed to symbolize their hopes for a prosperous New Year. In spite of the yearly ban on firecrackers, many Filipinos in the Philippines still see these as the traditional means to greet the New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to drive away bad spirits. Safer methods of merrymaking include banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns. Folk beliefs also include encouraging children to jump at...

“There is no disputing that Christmas giving has become a very big business: a strong holiday selling season often means the difference between a good and a bad year for a retailer. In the shopping frenzy that lasts from the opening of the Christmas buying season to the closing hours of Christmas Eve, it’s easy to forget what all the fu ss is for. It was not always like that. There was, not so long ag o, a time when Ch ristmas involved no gift giving at all, and in some countries that is still the standard. The union of Christmas and gift giving was a gradual one; actuall y, the full story of the bright packages beneath the tree begins in the days before the birth of Christ. In ancient Rome , gifts were exchanged during the New Year’s celebrations. At first these gifts we re simple, such as a few twigs from a sacred grove and food. Many gifts were in the form of vegetables in honor of the fertility goddess Strenia. During the Northern Europ ean Yule, fertility was c...

"We have become so involved with each other that more often than not, our thoughts and words intertwine. We say the same things, ask the same questions, think the same thoughts in more ways than one. Yet we are two separate and distinct individuals." "What I have become because of you is that I have matured, mellowed, settled, and in full confidence about my ego before anyone, and even against anyone." "You are a great wife and mother."

I have always believed that it is almost useless to teach children what they do not see. They must realize that what is being taught is exactly the very same behavior displayed by the mentor. This way the authority figure as the teacher is the model. I have 4 children and I must say our family set-up is unique. This uniqueness made me decide that the only way to do things is to be honest. So whatever our situation was and still is, my guiding principle is to be always on the side of the truth. From my end, some of the things I practiced in raising my children which I honestly hope will lead them to become useful and responsible citizens of our country were the following: 1. I always tried to give my kids reasons for whatever action I required from them. It has not been easy because they did or do not immediately follow my lead but through continuous rationalizing I think I was able to instill things good. If some things don’t work out the first time, I never got tired of ...

"Love is not the fire and passion of spontaneous moments but the little things that transpire and bind the lives of two individuals everyday. We have successfully accomplished these and it has transformed us and our love in a way that is seamless that it is hardly noticeable." "I am just surprised at times when you can't believe what I say and seem bewildered by the transformation. You don't even recognize the change your love has done to its object of affection." "I was a creation of some wild self-gratifying and inward-centered personality with some tinge of unselfishness and a dash of human concern for others. Yet I have changed and you can't determine that you are the cause and the only reason for the change." "I want to grow old gracefully with you. The change in me- total and complete - has been made possible by the unrelenting love you have given."

"I believe that apart from seeing through one another, the other primary purpose of life on this earth is to see one another through." "And I know you know you need me too. For what specific purpose is difficult for me to express - I only know that beyond emotions and other aspects of joy - being with you, having you, loving you fulfills a need no one else can satisfy. Despite what you say you are and what we do, we may never satisfy in a lifetime - much less in a circumstance such as ours. Yet these needs seem to be, if not truly totally fulfilled when I am with you in whatever mood. Such that I would rather face a future without certainty than to face the present without you."

Nothing that comes easy last forever. It is those things that are most difficult to achieve or have that provide the most meaning in our lives. And it is with sacrifice that we do, that pay for these purposeful gifts. What about you out there? What provides meaning in your life? Just a thought. You will never really know anyone unless you have lived with that person . Disgust, disbelief, regret, or perhaps, resignation is the price of realization. Could we not just move on? Just another thought.

Even before my illness there were certain things I practiced about my home - sort of my own brand of fung shui to make it more livable. Here they are: 1. I like lots of plants inside and outside the house. I have always believe that plants absorbed the bad vibrations around the house. 2. Sunlight is my friend. I use it lavishly whenever and wherever I could. 3. My home is full of wooden chimes hanging by the doorways and on the windows. A slight breeze gives out a whispering sound that somehow evoke harmony and serenity. 4. With today's hustle and bustle style of living, I use scented candles to provide that aroma therapied ambience, bringing a sense of well-being to the house and to the children. 5. My mini- fountain found in our living room supplies that kind of energy that is both gentle and comforting. The sound of the flowing water lulls me to sleep sometimes. But one thing I worry about these days are the electro-magnetic pollution resulting from operating too many techno...

Finished with your Christmas shopping yet? Something for your tired bones. But if you haven't began here are two options you might consider. Real World shopping which means you have to contend with: 1. Traffic 2. Crowded mall 3. Super stuffy tiangges 4. Pickpockets Or, online Christmas shopping which requires a few simple things: 1. an internet connection 2. a shopping catalogue 3. credit card 4. and your Christmas list In case you'd like to try it online, below are some links you can check out. This is not a sponsored post :-) 1. happy christmas 2. overstock 3. shopsafe 4. amazon 5. everything christmas

The Ibanags (ee-buh-nags) come from the northern province of Isabela, Philippines . My Mother is an ibanag. Although, I was not born in the province it was easy for me to adopt their ways by just watching. One thing I found amusing though was their love affair with fiestas. Without needing an excuse these happy people celebrate everything. Every step of the way they seem to enjoy the adrenaline that accompany the annual preparations for a town fiesta. People save up and reserve the best for this occasion. Only the best apparel are worn for the coronation night of the hometown queen, chosen through a balloting system. Anyone can purchase tickets or ballots in behalf of one particular candidate. Whoever gets the most number of ballots is crowned queen for that year. So those who have money can easily finance any candidate. Be it the mayor's or the big businessman's daughter. Whoever. As long as you have the funds. But the system's saving grace is whatever funds generated...

We started decorating the house for Christmas . This has been a tradition. Before December 1 evry year, we have to be set up for the holidays. OC's, yes that's what we are. Actually, this year we were late in fixing the house. In previous years, we were all set up 1st week of November. Thaaat early, believe it :-) There's something about Christmas here in the Philippines that turns people to be extra enthusiastic, vibrant, excited if you will. And we're known to celebrate the season the longest. From December 1 to January 6 ( Feast of Three Kings). And so our Christmas house lights are on. The 'old but still looks new' x'mas socks are hanging by the terrarium. The yuletide wreaths adorn the walls, the windows, the stairway; the seasonal baskets are here in the dining area where I do my blogging every night. And YES! the garden lights are also in place. And what will Christmas be for our family without the Christmas tree. BTW, Santa is also all over th...

Mothers, I consider are heroes of our times. She gives birth to a child. Physically feeds the child from her own swollen breasts. She nurtures, sacrifices and sometimes even die for a child. There are countless stories of mothers dying from childbirth, or those who die trying to save a child from being mortally wounded, from an accident or fire or drowning. Mothers are venerable. But mothers make mistakes too. After all, they are humans, not programmable beings that at a drop of a hat move according to a set of instructions. Yes, they too err. Like loving their children too much, where it eventually becomes a disservice to the child. Mothers have feelings. Though they are masters at the art of sacrifice they too get hurt. From indifference and subtle and overt acts of disrespect. For mothers, sacrifice is equated with love. But they need their children's understanding. Please consider that they are no longer the spring chicken they once were; trying to be all things to everyone, a...

The Ibanags just like most Filipino groupings are matriarchal. When my mother was younger she wielded a power over me that forced my tongue in check whenever she gave me a scolding or admonition for a real or imagined “wrongdoing”. No one ever talks back. Let alone me. I can not recall if there ever was an instance when I mastered enough courage to explain anything even when there was a chance to do so. But it sure did happen one day when I was already 26 years old and had 2 children. Swell. :-) The elderly are treated with respect in the Ibanag culture. Deference is essential if not required and is lavishly displayed and shown. Proper language and the right tone of voice characterize conversations with the elders. It is not uncommon to take the elder’s hand, bring it to the forehead or kiss the hand to show courtesy and respect. Women are venerated in the Ibanag family. Most of the time they have the last say in decisions involving family affairs. Although Filipinas are kn...

Today, I celebrate life. Not with material possessions but with peace, in me and in others.

"For parents, birth rituals and ceremonies provide an immediate sense of connection as well as inclusion of the child into the clan, tribe or community. These rituals establish at a very early stage, who they are. The rituals also serve as guideposts as they grow and develop their own sense of identity. Even if they drift away from or reject their heritage, their early experiences give them a place to return to if they so choose". The Ibanag culture is filled with childbearing rituals and practices which have been handed down from one generation to another. Here are some of them. 1. It is said that if a pregnant woman has a lot of blemishes or pimples on her face, her baby will be a girl. 2. If the mother glows and radiates beauty, the baby will be a boy. 3. If the mother craves for sweets and other carbohydrates, the baby will be a girl. 4. If the mother is craving for oily or fried foods, the baby will be a boy. 5. The mother should not eat 'balut' (a native duc...

As I mentioned in one of my prior posts somewhere in one of my blogs, the Ibanag dialect is somewhat difficult to learn because when you speak it you can sound like a chirping bird :-) I learned the dialect by just hearing it from my Mother who use it everytime her relatives come to our home to visit. And this was not that often. You see, her relatives from Isabela, that's where she was born, come to spend their vacation with us every summer, yes the whole summer months. And yes, EVERY summer of EVERY year. Well, they don't come empty handed. They bring sacks of rice, ample stocks of meat enough to feed all of us for 1 month. They bring live animals too, like chicken, piglets, not to mention baskets of fruits and vegetables, even our neighbors get their share. Wherever Ibanags are, you know they are around because they are so loud and so noisy. They have this habit of speaking all at the same time :-)Sigh. Now if that is not enough reason for anyone to learn the dialect, I d...

I can do this 24x7x365 Cartoon by Dave Walker . Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons .

The last time my family and I went on a vacation was in 1995. That was more than 10 years ago. We were invited by relatives who owned a beach house in Batangas. The place was gorgeous and a few minutes a way by pump boat is Sombrero Island. My children were quite young then. It was a trip that I thoroughly enjoyed and so did my children. I could say they had a great time because we brought along some of their friends. We stayed in a resthouse which was a few meters away from the beach. It was a cold summer night. We had barbecue and bonfires if you know what I mean. Our first night, I was totally awake. I could here the waves' murmuring sounds of jubilation. (as if) I wish we could ALL be together again just one last time? Perhaps this coming April? But I doubt it. My children are all adults now. They have their own lives to live. But if we were to get together again there are a few places I dream of visiting... if only.

Aside from giving Filipinos Christian names and fathering lots of 'mestisos', Spain's grandest proof of colonization in the Philippines remain to be among others, these antique Catholic churches located all over the islands. Of baroque architecture, some of these beautiful churches are still found in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan, home of the Ibanags.

Yes I am also thinking of getting rid of these two items. They are practically new because we never got to use them. Essentially because they were too small for our needs :-). How much electricity will we consume before we can even have a pint of good homemade ice cream. It was more practical to buy the Selecta 3 in 1 :-) Same with the popcorn maker. Sigh. :-(

I am planning to hold a garage sale next month. Some of my books would have to go. It hurts but these pocketbooks are on their way to their new owners. Hopefully, they would give them pleasure as much as they have me. Frederick Forsyth The Negotiator The Fist of God The Day of the Jackal The Devils Alternative The Odessa File The Dogs of War James Michener Chesapeake Centennial The Bridges at Toko-Ri Hawaii Alexander Solzhenitsyn- August 1914 Robert Massie- Nicholas and Alexandra Paul Erdman - Crash of 79 Coleen Mc Cullough - The Thorn Birds John le Carre Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy The Honorable School Boy The Russia House Robert Ludlum The Rhineman Exchange The Bourne Ultimatum Jonathan Ryder - Trevayne Arthur Hailey - Airport Ira Levin - Boys From Brazil James Clavell - King Rat Gerald Green - Holocaust Howard Fast - The Immigrants Iris Rainer Dart - Till The Real Things Come Along Walter Windward - Seven Minutes Past Midnight Clive Cussler - Raise The Titanic Larry McMurty - The...

Today is my son's 28th birthday. He is my second born. Works in one of the two giant local telcos. He is a licensed Electronics and Communications Engineer, but wanted really to be an architect. Among my children he is the quiet one. Easy to talk to, no frills, no 'sizzle' but very reliable. I remember when he was in junior high. He came home one day to tell me that his teacher wanted to talk to me. I asked why. Was he in some kind of trouble? None he reassured me. What could it be? The next day, off I went to his school. Her teacher smiling her crinkly smile told me, Ma'm, please tell your son to stop being too good. He is too kind. I was taken aback. I didn't know what to say. This is one time too good is bad. It appears that my son was giving away his lunches to classmates who did not have any. Worse, everyone was copying his assignments and he was freely allowing this abuse. When I asked him why, he just said, it was alright. Was he afraid to get bullied? Next t...

I have spent almost 8 hours updating this blog. I made the fonts consistent, only of one color and tried providing links to my old posts.

Some of Isabela's colonial churches are found in the towns of Tumauini, San Pablo and the capitol town of Ilagan in Isabela province. There are more of this type of churches in the Ilocos provinces and Visayan provinces. Pictures of which I have liberally borrowed from Google web images and made into slides ----> care of and which you can find on the lower left hand corner of this page. Thank You.

I am just assuming my partner was born in the morning. I will remember to ask him. And if indeed he was, his rising sun is Leo. Your Rising Sign is Leo You are confident, self-assured, and more than a little vain. And you have a flair for the dramatic - whether you're on stage or causing trouble. Your spirit can't stay in one place very long. You like to live in new places and travel the world. Cultured and sophisticated, you pride yourself on having good taste. You are an expert in art, music, food, and film. What's Your Rising Sign?

Your Italian Name Is... Saviero Moretti What's Your Italian Name?

Oh yes. His is a unique name from Dashiell Hammett. This son is the moody one. Almost a computer gadget geek, saves money to buy his gizmos. He likes watching anime as in manga . Loves to eat green mangoes with bagoong. He likes junk food despite my many warnings against it. Back when he was younger, he wanted me to finance his photo portfolio which he wanted to use to apply as a print model :-). Unfortunately I was low in cash that time, so no go. Despite his high and low moods, this child of mine never spins tales; tells it like it is. Perhaps, that could be the reason he's mostly quiet these days? :-) Happy Birthday anak. I love you. And remember Smile and the world smiles with you. No use moping.

Hi Mahal, Here are some funny birthday messages which hopefully will make you smile!! Another candle on your cake Well there's no need to pout Be glad that you have strength enough To blow them all out! KASO KAHIT CAKE WALA YATA. aaayyy.... Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that people who have the most live the longest! YES, YOU HAVE THE MOST # OF FRIENDS, AND YES, GIRLFRIENDS (JOKE!) Money's tight Times are hard Here's you friggin birthday card. HINDI AH. BINILI KO YUN DATI PA! Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. I THINK YOU SAID YOU HAVE FINALLY GRACIOUSLY GROWN UP! MALAPIT NA AKO MANIWALA! Better to be over the hill than buried under it. TRUE! You are only as old as you act. KAYA NGA BATANG BATA PA ITSURA MO DI BA? So many candles... so little cake. LA NGA CAKE SABI EH! Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo, you smell like a monkey, and you look like one too. DEFINITELY NOT TRUE! We know we're getting old when the only thing we want for ou...

A big, warm and affectionate to YOU Mahal !

Hi Mahal, There are no shortcuts to being a good father. To be loved and respected the way your children do you is the ultimate reward all fathers could only hope for. You are truly deserving, Mahal, despite little shortcomings or failures if you may. But our gift is that all your children have come to value who you are and hopefully what you had become. And there's more. I believe the future holds a greater promise of endearing memories for you and your children. Happy Father's Day Mahal! I love YOU!!!

In 1950 (the year you were born) Harry Truman is president of the US Masked bandits steal $2.8 million from Brink's in Boston 35 US military advisers are sent to South Vietnam to aid the anti-Communist government US Senator Joe McCarthy begins his crusade against suspected Communists in the US government North Korea invades South Korea President Harry S. Truman announces a program to develop the hydrogen bomb In South Africa, the Group Areas Act is passed formally segregating races Peter Gabriel, Jay Leno, Bill Murray, and Stevie Wonder are born New York Yankees win the World Series Cleveland Browns win the NFL championship Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup I, Robot by Isaac Asimov is published What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Your Birth Month is June Peaceful and harmonious, you seek the gentle side of life. Your warmth and consideration touches many. Your soul reflects: Friendship, love, and beauty Your gemstone: Pearl Your flower: Rose Your colors: Light blue, white, and cream What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

My daughter who is a Pre-school teacher in Jakarta , Indonesia caught chicken pox which caused her to be absent from school for one whole week. The doctor said it was contagious and so she had to stay totally away from the rest of the people mostly teachers who were also staying in the same living quarters. The first 2 days of her ailment she was crying, worried and uncomfortable because she could not sleep, there was shooting pain in her legs, etc. She continuously texted and requested me to pray for her, most specially for her students that hopefully she did not contaminate. Giving me the name of the medication I tried to research what it was. I found out that all those discomfort she was experiencing were the side effects of the prescription drug given to her. When I told her about this, I believe she felt a little better. I guess connecting with me somehow made her feel more secure. And I am very grateful. To my faith... and to the comforting feeling it provides me every time ...

Happy memories for more than five years now. There's the mango tree in our backyard. Well, that's not entirely true. Actually, that's our neighbor's. The ilang-ilang tree which is also the neighbor's. I bought the initial forget me nots, 'G' grew the rest. There's also the bogainvilia trellis - ours, and which later on turned unwieldy. There's the (yellow flowering)plants but I don't know its exact name. And the olive tree? But of course, the jack fruit tree is 'G's baby. I wonder if we will ever get to taste it's fruit? I have been trying to plead with the tree, 'please bear fruit already'. So far no result. Sigh!! Ahhh but it's a happier story with the atis tree. We have so far eaten 5 large sweet and delicious fruits from the 3 feet tree. I also have herbs. Or should I say used to. There's oregano . I had 3 different types of basil, along with rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage. Too bad for me. They were una...

It has happened! Moving to this new place meant I have two new but important tasks? Not doable? I am on my 4th year. Tuesdays-Fridays-Saturdays are days I eyeball with the garbage. The stench could turn me off but sometimes, just the same this was a role I had to perform. The rest of the week, I use the washing machine and some days with the ironing board. These "menial" chores helped me re-build the positive side of me. Most times, I could not help but smile..with resignation. Ha!Ha!Ha!

My daughter Lorraine texted me today and what a great feeling! Now, I know how my own mother feels every time we talk even just on the phone.

It is now 2007. I got lost somewhere, sorry. But, promise henceforth, I will regularly post something here. YES!