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 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.

That's Why Im Kapamilya

Always loved ABS-CBN's Stations IDs.. Looking forward to a more meaningful Christmas and a New Year full of hope for me, USJR, D, my family and this country :)