SaFe HaVeN

After everything that has happened the the past weeks, I am finally back in my sanctuary and decided to update my blog.

The past days made me realize how the tough the world is and that there are essential things though not seen, give us reasons to fight, love, live, believe and hope.

I went to Fully booked with D and Janet to check on books and knew i made the right decision of going the moment i got hold of my favorite author, Nicholas Sparks' new book entitled "Safe Haven". The story revolves around Katie who ran away from a past-present and wanted to be a new person in a different place hoping to start a new life. As she tries to shut a past, she finds herself opening up to someone who helps her confront the trauma. Under the solace of someone who truly cares about her, she takes courage to face reality and confront her fear.

As i said a while ago, it is a tough world out there. The past weeks, i have come to realize that evil people do exist and that they are willing to trade their souls to put a good person down. The moment we step out of the house we become a walking prey and once we get bound by the dark force we may be consumed and just totally falter...

...Or not, The past weeks i have also come to realize that despite the cruelties and the evil forces that ply around the streets, good people do exist. More often, they come when you least expect them to but always in time. And it is from them that you gather the strength to move forward without fear because you know that they are with you.

The past weeks I have realized that no matter how cruel this world may be, for as long you abide by what is just and true, the universe will conspire with all the other forces to unravel the tangles and turn a seemingly long and dark night into bright new morning.

And for the past weeks I have realized that at the end of the day, our safest haven is love because with it comes faith, hope and trust. Faith, that good will always prevail. Hope that this world will be a better place, soon. Trust, that God will reward and protect the righteous and the just.

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1.02.28

Joining the Rest of the Country feel the MELASON Fever

At the risk of being called "baduy" (duh! like i care) i am officially announcing that i am a MELASON fanatic and i watch Pinoy Big Brother Double Up everyday. In fact, i look forward to watching every episode every night. My day is not complete without it. And its the only TV show i watch.. :)

Why do i like it? Hmmmm.. well, it shows life's simple joys from simple persons and it talks about how people with diverse attitudes and values interact with each other. And there is the "kilig" factor between Melissa and Jason who has swept me off my feet to the point of making me want to audition as well.. (kidding..not, kidding not..hehe)

A lot of speculations have come out especially about it being scripted and all. I believe it's not. But whether or not it is, fact remains that it has effectively reached out to the viewing public and has them glued to the tube every night to update themselves of the latest happenings inside the house which happenings become the topic for next day's morning coffee and lunch breaks, heck even during parties. I am sure it has grown a huge number of fans..me included.

ThE IRoNy of TwO FiGHteRs

In the Philippines, Boxing is a sport that is denominated by persons who belong to the 3rd class. Mostly if not all, come from poor provincial families, are out of school and would opt to have their body bruised in an attempt to gain victory, fame and fortune thereby making their lives better. Not realizing the risks or if they do, its one they are willing to gamble.

Over the years, we have come to embrace boxing as a sport in which Philippines excel. As a matter of fact, among the few (if any) medals our country has won in the Olympics, i think boxing is one (of the few, ofcourse!) And in the recent years, we have come to appreciate the game and take pride of our players both in the professional and amateur levels.

Just this weekend, we have witnessed two of our pride fearlessly face the challenge in the ring. Z 'the dream" Gorres and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. Both come from the grass roots. Both of them dreamed to be champions and dared to take the risk in the hope of making their lives better through boxing. And both of them made the Philippines proud after beating their opponents.

But there ended the similarity of their fate. For while Pacman, after beating up Cotto will still continue to gooble up any fighter and bag more millions, Z Gorres' dreams has turned into a nightmare. His victory against Melendez last Friday ended his boxing career and God forbid, his life. As Manny Pacquiao savors his hard earned winnings by splurging on designer labels and partying with glam society's whose who, Z Gorres winnings will most likely be eaten up by hospital bills. I bet Pacman's promoters are now in the wraps for his next fight (paging Mayweather :p) and up to now I'm still glued to the tube to catch the latest update on the status of Z Gorres whose condition is still uncertain.

The lights went brighter for one fighter.. the lights went off for the other. Both of them dreamed, risked and fought the fight. Fate was kind to one yet cruel to the other. This is their story, the irony of the two fighers.

Breaking Dawn for the PiNOYs

I have recently posted a blog criticizing presidential wannabees for their advertisements that seem to account their achievements in public service while shouting to the whole world that they are as poor as the poorest "Juan". These ads somehow try so hard to convince that they love the country so much by mingling with the poor whose names i bet they don't actually know.

However, yesterday I saw an advertisement that caught my attention. Not only because it was star studded but because unlike the brouhaha-ish ads i have grown so tired of watching (it makes me want to puke already) this advertisement has somehow made me want to take part in making this country better and that WE can make it better. The song actually speaks about telling a potential leader that this election, the presidency and running this country is not his feat but the entire country's and that this time, he will not be alone because the Filipino has now awaken to the stark reality that this country, the Philippines is still worth it.

The video symbolically showed that in this dark days, we are all the torch bearers. As bearers, we carry the light by standing up, moving forward and passing it on to others so that they may become bearers of the light like us. And that as we move forward in unity, soon we shall see the light. In time this nation's dark days will be over, the dawn has broken for us PiNOYs and soon we shall see the light just as the sun will rise again.

Oh, you may catch the link at this site- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W16OSkUNNd8

One afternoon in One Visayas

This afternoon, the good daughter..(ehem, that's me *wink*) went with her mom to CICC to see the ONE VISAYAS EXPO. Despite a tiring morning in school, the good daughter (ehem..me, remember?) drove her mom and her aunt to check out the exhibits, crafts, delicacies and shows in CICC. It was not what she expected..not many people actually took time to see the various exhibits prepared the CEBU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT and other agencies.
Inside the CICC hall were various booths representing all key provinces in the Visayas and towns in Cebu. Each booth displayed their very own produce, product, delicacies which they are known for. The booth also showcased their must-go places to inform prospective tourists where to go and what to see. Delicacies like buwad from Bantayan, Dulong and Guava Jelly from Bohol, Bibingka in mandaue, Titay's from Lilo-an, Chicharon and ampao from Carcar, Peanut kisses in bohol also were a bounty and for sale at reasonably lesser price. Crafts like abaca bags and pina barong from Antique, wood furnitures from Bohol, bags and placemats from negros, sungka-an from bohol, decorative lamps were up so sale to anyone who can afford.. (a bit expensive but worth it). Blings like bangles, necklace, rings etc were selling like hotcakes for the fashionistas who ventured the hall and bargained with the sellers for a good price... The good daughter rewarded herself with a big bracelet made of precious stones and lava like gems sold at a reasonable rate of P200.00 only..
As the good daughter exited the exhibit hall, the Loboc Childrens Choir were busy preparing for their show inside the CICC main hall lobby.. outside the parking area, street dancing and festive drumbeat filled the entire CICC Complex as the ONE VISAYAS expo comes to a conclusion tonight.
It was a quick tour and a sneak peek of the beautiful VISAYAS... It may not be that impressive but it is after all a first of its kind. The good daughter went home satisfied and brought home, Dulong, Buwad,Guava Jelly and her new bracelet.