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

One of the Chosen Few

This is CHARLES LOUIS N. JAYME

He was my classmate way back in St. Joseph's Academy Mandaue City where we finished grade school in 1990. He was a typical boy back then who would smell like the rest of the boys as we line up for class in the afternoon after a noontime Japanese game and a rematch right after dismissal at 5pm. Unlike the others, he never pissed anyone, played a prank on anyone. He was one of the famous altar boys who would serve the church after class and during masses in school. He was one of the smart boys in class too. After dismissal you'd find him at the church grounds with the rest of the altar boys. After graduation in elementary, he proceeded to Pope John Paul XXIII Seminary in Mabolo and we remained in touch for while. He'd call me after dinner i think from the rector's office while he and the rest of the seminarians would do the chores. Obviously it was not allowed and so more often than not, the phone calls would not get the usual goodbyes in the end but a mere "click" then a dial tone..that simply meant the rector was on his way. I could not quiet recall when those calls ended, perhaps he got caught or something but somehow it did.
In college, I'd see him in school and most often at the cemetery during All Saint's Day when he would be with the priests for mass. When I became I lawyer, I ran into him during the May 2007 elections where he volunteered as CIMPEL and i served as Legal Panel.
This year, our batch in elementary rekindled our friendship and I have come to be in touch with Charles again..

And just last June, he is now REV. FR. CHARLES LOUIS N. JAYME...
not all people have been blessed to have a friend like him.. me and the rest of my batch are.. but the funny thing is underneath the sacred robe, is the same Cha-cha we have come to know and that will not spare him from bringing the cooler or passing on a glass with ice for us..
He has chosen a path not many people are privileged to take..many are called but few are chosen but he sure is one of them.. God Bless you, Padz!

The Things I DiD LaST SummeR

The rainy season has started to make its presence known and we officially bid good bye to summer and the scorching heat of sun. We now welcome the rain and often wish it were summer again..hehe. And so before we start to bring out those jackets and coats, I'd like to take a look at what i did last summer..

Well for starters, i was legal panel for a candidate whose passion to serve the 6th District of Cebu has beyond reproach.. and the people know it, that's why Gabriel Luis "LUIGI" Quisumbing won by an overwhelming margin. Worked with equally passionate lawyers, now friends in the profession.. can't wait for 2013!

Became a big sister to PUNLA Scholars of Norkis who were assigned at the Legal Office. A bunch of young kids all too excited to go to college at the same time enjoying a lawyers work.. if only they knew about the real deal..they'd think twice of becoming one someday..but i would not mind calling them panyeros. Oh and we went to the beach to celebrate the win for Luigi..they shared mine and Weng's sleepless nights.. and so I hope to see them kids back next summer..

Went to the beach with D and his family.. our first summer outing this year.. love love love :)

Island Hopping with my SJA grade School Batch 1990 classmates... fun and sun

Went to Balamban and dared to try the Zipline at K33.. this was exactly a week before the sad tragedy of the Iranians.. glad we all came back safely and in one piece..never mind the fact that my face turned pale as they put on the harness and that my knees were wobbly after crossing and my lungs were about to pop from the climb back... didnt know which one actually made me feel like dying.. the zipline or steep climb up.. Had the best buddies in tow and it was a different experience..now that i've tried it once..im ok already.. :)

finally, finally as in finally went to the sand bar in Negros with my family and had a mini Tantengco Reunion. We drove all the way to Bais for the weekend and just simply enjoyed a simple time with my simple family and had the BESt time ever!

And so that was my summer.. now that it has officially ended, I can't wait for summer again but for now, I'd like to savor some cool and refreshing moments with the rain.. :)

Blast from the PAST

after 20 years..... SJA Elementary Batch '90
1-10-10 @ Talamban Leisure Center

We get to have our firsts of most things that matter in life during our elementary years. And the simplicity of our lives back then as well as the carefree moments in school and the uncomplicated life after dismissal would make you want to go back to those times these days. I spent and finished my elementary years in St. Joseph's Academy in Mandaue City. Previously it was run by the ICM Sisters which makes us the sister school of St. Theresa's College in Cebu City. Though run by nuns, the elementary school of SJA is coed and highschool is exclusive for girls only. And so we had boys who had to wear shorts up until our graduation while the girls wear dark blue skirt with long neckties which we use alternately as wipes and hankies. After graduation, boys are compelled to go to other schools for high school while most girls would carry on with SJA. In my case, I, along with four (4) other classmates went to Science High. Because high school is another chapter of ones life where new adventures unfold, one tends to be occupied with it leaving behind the friendship and memories that were made back in elementary.

making up for lost time...

I belong to Batch'90 in elementary where I had my share of 1st... 1st suitor - in Grade 2! haha, yeah, I had a boy from 2-B who would do Menudo song and dance antics and shower me with Serg's chocolates and iced candy, he ended up with a broken arm after a performance; 1st rival -- apparently the suitor had a so-called admirer or was also the object of that boy's interest, can't really recall; 1st loveteam -- yeah, we were after all coed so teasing boys with girls was fairly normal; 1st crush -- uuhmm, i'd rather not talk about it, hehe :); 1st star performances-- i was after all leading them in our field demonstrations; 1st speeches, trainings, leadership and organization skills -- we had those trainings back then; 1st set of bestfriends and barkadas -- after spending 6-8 years together you will definitely become friends; 1st taste of independence (the kiddy version) -- back then, it was a biggie to be riding a jeep with out a nanny or the freedom to stay in school or the church after class before heading home or walking home with friends from school..it made us feel like adults which we were so eager to be at that time :) Well there were so many other firsts then but because of our age, we never get to realize just how fond and fun it were until years after..like 20 years after!

still the same kiddos...

After 20 years, we decided to meet up (finally!) We tried to round up our batch and gather for the much awaited and long over due reunion! At first, I'm sure people were a bit apprehensive as to how far people have changed for the last 20 years and if it would be an awkward gathering of sorts but one thing was sure, everyone who knew about it were so eager to go and it was a goo sign.. And so on January 10, 2010, we met and all the doubts were gone. The 20 long years of not being able to see each other and catch up on each others lives didn't seem to matter that day.. In an instant, we became children all over again .. we were all in agreement that this was one of the happiest times ever and that it was just a beginning..

this photo is just an understatement of how happy we were and how fun that day was..

At the end of the day, we decided that after twenty long years, that gathering was just a start.. We need to catch up on those many years.. and we need to strengthen our bond of friendship.

just like the old times..

In our elementary days in SJA we experienced our firsts... our gathering that day will definitely not be our last... :)

A Celebration of FRIENDSHIP

The holiday season has always been a time for reunions and gatherings not just among families but also with friends. This year, I had the chance to rekindle old friendship and celebrate the recent ones..

MY COLLEGE FRIENDS

It's not hard for us to get along the moment we entered college. After all, most of us have been friends in the past. We were either high school classmates, elementary classmates or pre-elementary classmates. One of the kikay groups in college known to party on weekdays and weekends, never a visitor of the library except when we're sleepy, most often seen in the canteen doing the assignment, eating and yes, powder sessions. It's not hard to find where we're seated becoz it's always at the back so we can paint our nails, eat, sleep and hmm cheat?hehe.. But we all made it in college and in life as well.. A lawyer, a CPA, businesswomen (Wade shoes, fashion finds, Chemical corp), a biggie in a BPO, an owner of a grade school, a banker, a savior in PhilHealth and happy Singapore dollar earners..

MY USC JUNIOR JAYCEE BUDDIES

As I was setting off to Ayala to meet my Sci-Hi Buddies last December 31, I got a message from Vee telling me that the JJC buds were in Postrio at the Terraces. I had to hurry and drop by because I could not pass up the chance to meet old friends from Junior Jaycees. USC Junior Jaycees was my first and ultimate school organization in college. Ryan Villaflores (guy to my left) was one phenomenal president who was the incumbent when I joined the org way back in 1st year college..he was succeeded by Tonite Adle (lady at the right). Junior Jaycees made up my best years in college, it also taught me a lot of things, in love and life :)

MY LAW BUDDIES

Yes, indeed we are lawyers though we never act like one when we are together, that is. Whether it's by a stroke of faith, luck or we really did work hard for it but yeah, we all passed the bar and made it. I see them more often these days and nothing has changed since law school..we're still noisy, the men still drink a lot, us ladies like to talk a lot and we all love to eat a lot!

MY HIGH SCHOOL BUDDIES
CEBU CITY NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL BATCH 94

15 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND STILL THE BEST A.K.A ULTIMATE BATCH :)

Despite the realization that we are not so young anymore, still it didn't actually matter. Being together made us all young again.. After 15 years, we've become our own persons but yet, we still remained to be the kids that we were way back in high school where the fondest memories have been built and kept by us all these years..

So here's to all my friends who have been part of my life.. I would not know how I'd be without you... to celebrate the good times, to keep the happy memories of the fun times, to be there in bad times and for all times.. here's to a long and lasting friendship, Cheers!

This seat is taken

Last year, my big brother thought of having a Kris Kringle in the compound plus the Fernandez family (my sis-in-law's fam) for Christmas dinner which turned out to be one happy family gathering and one of the best Christmas celebs ever. Back then, daddy was still around to celebrate with us. Little did we know that it would be his last Christmas with the family, physically that is.

In my previous blog, I have particularly mentioned dreading for Christmas to come because I would not know how to face the day knowing that it's not going to be like the Christmases I was used to. But somehow, when the day came, i realized it wasn't so bad after all.

On the 24th, I woke up early to fetch D from work because we had to deliver gifts. First stop was the flower shop. I had to buy dad a present from all of us. Then went on to his resting place to give him the present. I still could not believe he is spending Christmas in there (or up there) and here I am, giving him flowers and lighting candles, the only present I could give him. My heart ached at the thought of it and at that moment, more than any other time I wish I could hand over my gift to him in person so I could plant a kiss on his cheek and hear him say "thank you" with his oh-so modulated voice. But that didn't happen and from now on, I know it never will. I left his resting place with a heavy heart and had to satisfy myself with the thought that, DADDY was the first person I spent Christmas with.

Days prior I had dreamt of DAD for the first time since he left. In my dream we were all gathered together (in a place i can't particularly remember) and all of a sudden DADDY began singing along with the Christmas Song playing in the background. Ate Lida told me that it simply meant DAD wanted us to be happy on Christmas day.

And so we proceeded with our Christmas dinner/party at big brother's house which again turned out to be one fun evening for everyone. We had Christmas head gears, games, prizes and food (ofcourse). And to keep the memories of a good night, we all had our pix taken. One particular picture caught my attention after browsing over the uploads in facebook. It's the one posted above. That's us five siblings (Kuya Boyette a.k.a big Brother, Ate Lizzie a.k.a Dyosa of the Night, Nolan a.k.a. The good Son, Minnie (mouse) a.k.a Bright Girl and Moi a.ka. The Favorite (hehe) with MOM. This is the first family picture (sans DADDY) after dad left. Funny I noticed an empty chair right beside MOM with KIFI (daddy's fave dog) sneaking from behind. We didn't notice the empty chair when it was taken, we only saw it last night. It's as if the chair is reserved for someone.. DADDY, ofcourse!

I believe that it is DADDY's way to telling us that we should be happy this Christmas and in the coming years because even if he is not with us physically, he is celebrating with us spirit. And so, we shall continue to save you a seat, DAD.

Merry Christmas! I miss and love you.

CHURCH vs. STATE

In as much as I am a devout Catholic, meaning, I have my faith in tact, I still maintain that as an individual and a human being, God has given me the gift to be rational and to choose.

I have always believed that the Church (any church) should never meddle with the affairs of the state. Neither should they use the methods available in the church or disguise their meddling through religious exercises by justifying it through claims of moral issues contrary to religious doctrines and compel the devotees to join in their cause.

I had the shock of my life when I heard mass last Sunday and we were asked to pray the Oratio Imperata. I had to listen to its words and read the screen in front to know that the mandated prayer was an Oratio Imperata against the Reproductive Health Bill. I stood up and sat down and waited until the rest of the attendees were done with the mandated prayer. Truth be told, I did not say the prayer.

I am for the Reproductive Health Bill. With all due respect to the Catholic Church and its leaders, i believe the act of the church in having an Oratio Imperata has encroached the borders of church towards the state. I thought this mandated prayer is only for calamities where everyone should be one in their faith so they can be spared from a disaster ( famine, typhoon, viral disease, epidemic) I did not know this too can be used to address political matters the church leaders are strongly opposing but to which a certain number of its devotees are in favor of, me included. I have my reasons why i am for the bill, but it doesn't mean my faith and devotion has wavered simply because i favor a legislation which merely gives an individual a choice, a bill which protects and educates the women and the young, a bill which can nip in the bud the never ending problem of poverty and overpopulation.

Just as the bill still gives the individual a choice, i believe the church can only preach and enlighten its devotees. It can not mandate them to pray for something they are in favor of.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

I always find shopping therapeutic. Whether it's the real deal or just plain window shopping (which i do almost always) or even online shopping, it doesn't really matter. Fact is, i like the feeling of exploring new finds, new trends and the latest fashion craze. It keeps me balanced after long days..or weeks of work. It's like coffee, it perks me up!

Today is the exception. After class i went straight to Ayala to finish my Christmas shopping for my family and i was darn determined to buy them the things they wanted in their wish list so i could begin my long list of shopping for my "inaanaks". And so it became some sort of marathon which meant long walks, long lines in the cashier and mind boggling-brain racking analysis on whether the size would fit or the color would match. And my wedgees weren't of any help today. In as much as I was happy to find it yesterday while looking for a gift for my sister, i realized it was not fit for long walks and prolonged standing. The only breather i got today was my doze of Toffee Nut (thank you D) and some blush-on finds which wasn't as pricey. Overall, shopping today was a bit of a torture for me physically.

Coming home I checked on my family list, I felt good becoz I only have one more gift to buy which i can do for later when big brother comes home and gives me a more affordable/realizable wish list. And so i can begin shopping at the kids department this week. Hopefully I get to finish shopping for gifts this week and hopefully i still have money left for me and then i'll shop again.. weeeee!

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.

IT'S bEGiNnINg to LoOK a LoT LiKE CHRISTMAS

I have always loved Christmas and i look forward to the Christmas shopping and our family's traditional Christmas dinner and opening of gifts. I look forward to the quality time we spend in decorating the house, putting up the Christmas lights, filling up the tree with gifts, shopping for gifts and posting of our Christmas wish list.

We usually get the Christmas kick after we put up the decors which is around middle of November. However, this year we were a bit delayed. Thinking about it, i suppose it could be because everybody's been busy but then again, truth be told even if we dont say it out loud, its because this Christmas and the coming ones will not, make that never be the same. We are no longer complete and this will be our first Christmas without dad. I honestly dread for Christmas day to come because my heart aches just by the thought that it is fast approaching but then again, i know life must and has to go on and dad would not want me sad either, i am sure of it.

We were used to the traditional red, green and gold color motifs for our Christmas decors, but all of a sudden, mom said she does not like red for Christmas this year. Whether its because its too happy a color, or it reminds her of dad or maybe she really does want another color for a change, i do not dare ask.

And so, im saying goodbye to the reds this year and will welcome the tangerine gold and green color motifs along with my credit card bill from the decor overhaul. Our Christmas will change but dad will remain in our hearts..our decors will change but it will still be filled with the same love our family has shared all these years.. And so I look forward to the holiday season..and yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

FiNdIng the Right Gift foR D

In a few days, D and I will be celebrating our 2nd year together. I can't believe its been that long already but it was in fact, in deed.
I have been quiet busy the past days that I have not been able to have time for myself or take time to find a gift for D. I have exactly two days to think of one and buy it.. and the clock ticks, now...

To Be Fearless and BEAUTIFUL;

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I found this quote by MaryAnne Williamson which was used by Nelson Mandela during his inaugural speech. This quote has set me to a perfect mood today that from now on, I will try my very best to say it every morning when i wake up..

Why don't you try it too? It's high time we pass on the light :)

The WinD BeneatH my WingS

SOTERO H.Y. BATHAN

April 22, 1933 - September 13, 2009

Meet my dad. Exactly a month ago he heeded to God's call for him to come home and i have been missing him so much since then. I owe him my life and every waking morning i will owe him even more. Here's a song that best describe who he is to me...

"Wind Beneath My Wings"


It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DADDY AND I MISS YOU....I CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR BEING THE BEST DADDY IN THE WORLD AND I WILL ALWAYS BE PRIVILEGED TO BE CALLED YOUR DAUGHTER.

CAFFEINE, anyone?!

I never actually had the chance to enjoy the weekend after all the catching up and make up classes, backlogs with work in school and in the law office ( Lord bless USJR and the firm..) and IBP matters.

Staring at the PC with booklets to check on the side, my BB that rings nonstop reminding me of my to-do list for tomorrow and the days' workload ahead i need to keep my sanity intact lest i bog down before i get things done.. I need a break and i need something to booze my energy, lift my spirit and perk me up! I need coffee and my doze of Starbucks.. and im headed there now, with my booklets for checking in tow.. Coffee anyone? :)

Waking UP now that September has ended

September has always been the busiest month for me.. It has been exceptionally so for this year. A lot has happened and im lucky to have survived it all. Life, despite its complexities remains to be a wonder and Im glad that the cycle is over, for now. I in turn await for another corner, another bend, another downhill..afterall what could be worst than September

my BlackBerry

Life is so full of surprises! Last night, Dwight dropped by the house on his way to his study sessions. I did not expect to see him that night becoz i know he has loads to read but there he was at my doorstep with a box... inside is a red BlackBerry Curve smartphone. I've always wanted one ever since Dwight had two of it. My phones are functional, they let me work my sked and do wi-fi, but this new BlackBerry does more and I love it.. :)