It's been a while..

It's been actually more than two years since I have last visited this blog and much has happened since then.. I realized I haven't actually posted anything in this page and yet there has been a lot to tell, post and share.

So I guess, I will try to update this site again with my random thoughts and perhaps post some photos. Where to start? That is the question.  Do i pick up from where I left off or do I start with the ones most vivid to me? Hmmmm.. me thinks there is a lot of catching up to do but some parts need to be erased and forgotten. I will make mention of the memories and the lessons learned of my so called life soon but not now.

It's been a while and I need to gather my thoughts and pick up some pieces to create a tapestry of this so called blog.. :)

my Intangible wish list this holiday

Now that I have opened practically all my presents and since I have nothing else to do with my eyes on a blur, I have decided to write down the list of things I wish for that money can't buy, things that would not benefit me alone but everyone else. You see, in a world highly influenced by things people hold on to we tend to forget what is essential and what matters most. Often times, it takes a sad experience before one gets to realize that in the end only those we hold in our hearts matter.. and so I call this my intangible wish list..more like a grown up list..

1. I wish for good health for my family especially my mom. Atleast I wish for her to be more conscious of what she eats and when she eats it.

2. I wish for protection and safety of my family wherever we are especially my big brother who has to be far far away for work and my sister who travels often.

3. I wish for more success in our career and that we may be able to value the fruits of our labor and give more to those who need our help.

4. I wish that I would be a better person, better sister and daughter, teacher, dean, lawyer and friend. As the new year comes I wish to be able to touch more lives and become an instrument of change.

5. I wish for this country to be better. For its people to take more pride in our culture, race, heritage and our country as a whole. I wish for the the government officials to be more responsible, sincere, honest and conscientious.

6. I wish for the world to be at peace; for countries to be conscious and respectful of each others existence

7. I wish for justice to all victims of hate, war and violence. I also wish for forgiveness, repentance and change to all perpetrators.

8. I wish for a greener and cleaner earth and I wish to be able to see mother nature's endless bounty not its rage

9. I wish for children to be educated and for them to value education

10. I wish that we will be more grateful and thankful for all the good things and be more positive in anything that we do or say.

My letter to the Philippine Star

I felt it right to speak my mind after reading this article in the Philippine Star,

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=627496

below is my email to the editor

Sir,

I read online the article, "Fraternity Plotted Bar Grenade Attack for weeks" which was published in the November 6, 2010 issue of the Philippine Star. As Assistant Dean of the University of San Jose Recoletos School of Law in Cebu and one of Jed Lazaga's Professors and counsel, allow me to comment and share my personal views on the said article especially that there was a mention of an "elected official from the Visayas" who refused to reveal himself yet eagerly disclosed a very controversial matter before the media for the entire nation to read.

Beforehand, I would like to point out that despite the poor attempt to maintain anonymity, the identity of this "elected official from the Visayas" is crystal clear to me. Suffice it to say that he is a chief executive of a highly urbanized local government unit and a member of the Philippine Bar.

Allow me to quote a very disturbing statement in the article, " The witness, an elected official in the Visayas who refused to be named because he does not want to be involved in the ongoing investigation, said he was told on the second Sunday of the exams about the supposed plan of the fraternity.

“I was told they would create trouble against their known arch rival fraternity during the salubong. It was really intended on the last day of the exams,” he told The STAR in an interview."

I find it disturbing because, if at all he knew about the alleged plan to be staged specifically on the day of the “salubong” then why did he not bother to warn any of the law schools in Cebu about it considering the gravity of the plot? As an elected official, I believe he should have taken the cudgels to warn the Manila Police, the Supreme Court, the Philippine Association of Law Schools and Cebu law schools. Perhaps it would have changed the fate of the 47 victims, it may have stopped the bomber from throwing it amongst the crowd comprised mostly of law students from San Beda College, the alma mater of the elected government official. Most of all, Jed Lazaga would not have suffered sever trauma from the unfortunate and unfair implication as suspect. The name of the University of San Jose Recoletos and the Cebuanos would not have been tarnished. He said he knew it ahead of time, which supposedly gave him ample time to do what is right and incumbent upon him as a citizen, a member of the Bar and as a public servant.

If at all this “elected government official from the Visayas” knew about the plan weeks before, then I find it equally disturbing for him to brave the streets of Taft Avenue by the De LaSalle University area knowing that at any given moment, in an unknown place and time the supposed plan will materialize.

The article further stated, “The official joined the Bar operations because his son took the exams. He said upon learning about the plan ahead of time, he and his companions opted to stay at the other gate, away from the crowd during the salubong.” With all due respect, the place where the “elected government official from the Visayas” waited for his son was NOT the other gate but it was the main gate where most of the barristers would enter and exit. This is the area beside McDonalds. This is specifically the place the where the “salubong” was held and the area where the bomb exploded. The other side of the gate is the one near the EGI Taft Tower Condominium.

Apart from finding it disturbing, I find it disappointing. If this “elected government official from the Visayas” knew about the plan of the fraternity and which fraternity was responsible, then he should have come to the defense of Jed Lazaga, a Cebuano by revealing this useful piece of information. That way, the name of Jed Lazaga would have been cleared in no time and the investigation would not have lagged to about a month.

As a trusted public servant, agent of the court and advocate of law and justice this “elected government official from the Visayas” has deviated from the basic tenets of social responsibility which is a key element of good governance. If he does not want to be involved in the investigation then why reveal such statement? Why only now when 47 lives have suffered, an innocent is a victim of injustice, an institution’s name is tarnished and the Cebuano’s reputation has been equated as a bomber?

Suffice it to say that I have nothing personal against this “elected government official from the Visayas”. I am just dismayed over this revelation. I do not see any sincere motive other than to gain publicity as if his present stint over controversial issues in his local government unit and some singing engagements are not enough. If he had no intentions of helping then he could have just come clean by keeping quiet and then deal with his conscience later on.

I hope this will merit a page in your paper as part of our freedom to react and reply. Thank you and best regards.

Very truly yours,

ATTY. MAE ELAINE T. BATHAN

Assistant Dean, USJR School of Law

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.. :)

WHY I'M VOTING FOR ATTY. ALEX LACSON

This is just a re post of Max Soliven's column based on a personal experience of a true Filipino... More than enough reasons why he is worthy to be a SENATOR and that you should vote for him like I would... so READ on

A Filipino of faith
BY THE WAY By Max V. Soliven
The Philippine Star 12-19-2005

We keep on paying lip service to the catchword, “Faith in the Filipino.” In this Christmas season of hope – and also sadness – this faith and confidence in ourselves too often falls short of being justified.

However, here’s one story which I must tell.

This incident took place last Thursday in the late afternoon. I was rushing home in my car, an X-5, from my last meeting in Makati – already far behind schedule, since my next appointment, after a change of clothes, was in Malacanang. My vehicle broke down in
the mounting rush-hour traffic on the Paseo de Roxas, not far from the corner of Buendia. There I was, frantically trying to hail a cab in vain while the avenue was crawled alongside, almost gridlocked. My desperation must have been all over my face. I had
fruitlessly attempted calling my Stargate office on Ayala Avenue, then my associates and friends nearby. I needed a car badly to rescue me from the corner where I had been stranded. But nobody could be contacted.

Then a white Chevrolet Ventura pulled up to the curb. The young man at the wheel leaned over, his window rolled down, and asked: “Can I help you, sir?”

I blurted out, “Yes, my car over there broke down. I must get home in a hurry! Can you bring me somewhere where I can find a taxicab?”

The fellow smiled and said: “Hop in, Sir I will drive you home.”

I scrambled aboard, thankful to the kind stranger, and God – and for my good fortune. In retrospect, I wonder why it had never occurred to me he might be an armed hold-up man. I guess it was the disarming nature of his smile, his earnest approach. Yet now could anyone be so generous as to stop in the middle of traffic, then offer a total stranger a ride all the way to his home? He hadn’t even asked how far away I lived; he’d made the offer without hesitation.

When we were underway, I asked to shake his hand and asked for his name, “My name is Alex,” he simply said. “I’m Max,” I replied, then fished in my pocket and offered him my card. He peered at it, then exclaimed: “Wow. It’s an honor! I read you every day!”

“Now. Alex, you owe me your card in return.” I said.

Stopped at a light, he took out his wallet, got one and politely handed it to me. It read: Alexander L. Lacson, above which was his firm’s title: “Malcolm Law”, underneath that, “A Professional Partnership.” By golly, I had been rescued by a lawyer.

There you are. Somehow, when faith in the Filipino wavers, a Filipino comes along to restore your faith. Restore it? So surprise you with his kindness and generosity. This is an experience – and a shining gesture – I’ll never forget. * * *

I finally told Alex I was headed for Greenhills. He grinned. “By coincidence, since I’m taking you there, my destination happens to lie not far away – I’m headed for Wack-Wack subdivision to give a talk at a Christmas party.”

“Why?” I exclaimed. “In addition to being a lawyer, are you also a preacher?”

He smiled even more merrily and explained that he had written a little book. It was on the car seat beside him, and I picked it up. It was entitled: “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country.”

Alex had his little volume (108 pages) published earlier this year by the Alay Pinoy Publishing House in Quezon City, and it had sold out in its first printing within three weeks. The second and third printings were about to sell out, too.

No, he wasn’t selling it through any bookshop, the biggest book shop (unnamed here) wanted too big a portion of its possible earnings, but I told them I wanted the proceeds to go to a scholarship foundation for the needy.”

So, Lacson has been selling his book out of his office and out of his home.

The dedication of the slim tome reveals his sincerity. It says: “To my Creator, who has blessed me with so much, and to my Country, which yearns for love from its people.”

As we drove up EDSA, Alex said: “I read your mother’s book, `A Woman So Valiant,’ too, and I loved it!”

Can you beat that?

My mama had written that book of hers in longhand, on yellow pad paper not long before she died at the age of 81 on October 16, 1990, and belatedly, we had published it last year. Astoundingly, it had been a runaway bestseller, without publicity, and had sold
out in the National Bookstores.

My sister, Mrs. Mercy S. David messaged me when she arrived from New York that the Japanese were now planning to transcribe the autobiography into Japanese and publish it in Tokyo, as a chronicle of what happened to a Filipino family in the war years (and during Japanese military occupation). The proposed Japanese title, “A Valiant Mother and Her Nine Children.”

But that’s another story, far removed from today’s inspiring tale about Alex Lacson’s Christian spirit and generosity. One thing Alex said demonstrated he had really read Mom’s book. He remarked that the thing he vividly remembered in Mama’s memoirs was that, in spite of our poverty, she had determined: “I don’t want my children to feel poor.” Thus, one of us or two of us in turn had been taken by her, on her meager earnings as a seamstress, to eat at a good restaurant. The “classy” restaurant of the time, Alex recalled
from its mention in mama’s book, was The Aristocrat. How lives intersect in this spinning world.

To get to the end of the “rescue” saga, Alex Lacson drove me to my home in Greenhills, and I noticed he never broke a traffic rule. I was tempted, in my selfish agitation to get home and get my tuxedo for the State dinner in the Palace, then dash over to
Malacanang, to cut corners, such as push into the opposite lane when stuck not far from the Buchanan Gate, in order to sneak into the Gate. But Lacson calmly awaited his turn in traffic. Obey the law and obey the rules were obviously the bedrock of his “12 Things” credo.

In any event, getting to Malacanang in the end was only the bonus. Meeting someone like Alex Lacson was the real miracle. * * *

Alexander Ledesma Lacson, it turned out, modest as he was in bearing, was a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law, 1996, and took up graduate studies at the Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Mass. (Good old Harvard Yard, by gosh). His
wife, Pia Pena – it turned out even more amazingly – is the daughter of an old friend, Teddy Pena from Palawan! She, too, is a lawyer – U.P. 1993 – a legal counsel for Citibank. They established a foundation together to help underprivileged children through school, and are now subsidizing 27 young scholars in different public schools in Alex’s native Negros Occidental.

The reason Alex had been headed for Wack-Wack was the fact that the officers and employees of a company named Resins Inc., after buying 1,000 copies of his book had invited him to give the “homily” at their Christmas party. This was not a small group ? the
company had 600 employees, waiting for his “word” that night.

Alex, it struck me from our conversation, is an eloquent and devout Catholic. He believes God must have destined our people for some great role; why, in all history, he reasoned, were we Filipinos the “only Christian nation in Asia?” One thing is certain: He and his wife Pia practice their Christianity – and live it.

Four years ago, he and his wife had a serious discussion about migrating to the US or Canada because the Philippines, as a country appeared hopeless since things only got worse year after year. They wanted to know if their children (they have three, one boy and two girls) would be better off staying in our country or abroad in the next 20 years.

Pia and Alex had asked themselves the question: “Is there hope for the Philippines to progress in the next 20 years?”

They reasoned: If the answer is Yes, then they would stay. If it was No, they would leave and relocate abroad while they were still young and energetic. There were long discussions. One day, the realization, Alex recalls, struck them: the answer to that question was in themselves. The country would improve, Pia and Alex finally understood, if they and every other Filipino did something about it. Leaving the Philippines was not the solution. As Lacson put it in his book: “The answer is in us as a people; that hope is in us as a people.” * * *

When I read the book afterwards, I discovered that many important people had endorsed it.

But these encomiums are not needed. Alex laughed when I quipped that he must be one of the wealthy Lacsons from Negros Occidental, like my classmates and schoolmates in the Ateneo. He cheerfully, and proudly, said that he was “a poor Lacson.” His mother, he
pointed out, had been a public school teacher in Cabangcalan.

No, he’s not poor – his richness are in his friends, and in the heart.

Here are, in outline, his 12 commandments:

1) Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.
2) Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3) Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.
(Or, if you read the book, he suggests: 50-50).
4) When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country.
5) Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.
6) Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7) Support your church.
8.) During elections, do your solemn duty.
9) Pay your employees well.
10) Pay your taxes.
11) Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12) Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.

These are the 12 things every Filipino can do to help our country. At first blush, they seem simple. When you study them more closely, they are difficult to do. But all of us, together can do them.

12 Little Things website – click here.

JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH.... OF EACH OTHER

....and can you blame us? It has after all been 20 years since we last saw each other and now it seems like we've been seeing each other everyday of every week, at least for some who can

oh but i do try my best to be present in most gatherings whenever my sked permits because these people make me forget a tiring day and its always fun being with old friends... amazing how we got to discover that our charm could still buy us free Bailey's at times or Tequila, i heard..bummer i wasn't around for a shot

except for some little bulges and tummies here and there, us girls look pretty much the same..yeah, we're PRETTY that is.. LOL

and so we decided last January that we shall be meeting once a month for the pay up of our dues and some planning. February was at Celso's Talaba farm..hmmm i actually can't recall if we were actually able to plan on something that day, if we did, I'm sure it's been amended or revoked already. As to when is the next gathering? i really don't know, duh we've been seeing each other everyday of every week well, almost..

and this one's from last night, like I said..we just can't get enough of each other, can't really blame us can you? :)

SoAR HigH my DEaR GRADUATES

As bright as my morning has started, later today it will even go brighter as my students, the School of Law Class of 2010 will proudly march and receive their degree and title, Bachelor of Laws.

Studying law is never a walk in the park, i keep telling my students that. And now that they were able to hurdle 4-5 long years of study, is an achievement in itself. And I am truly proud of them. I believe in all my students' potential and I can't wait for them to be lawyers.

To my dear graduates, you are a step closer towards your dream and it is definitely within your reach. Never for a moment think that you can not make it, because you can. Keep your goal close to your heart. Fly and soar high my dear class of 2010 and let the sky be your limit.... ADELANTE!

LiviN' and LoviN the vocAtIoN of TeacHiNG

Contrary to most of my colleagues, I don't get to have "ME" time after five. My job at the School of Law has tied my sked even way up to the wee hours of the night. While the rest of my friends are either at home, shopping at the mall, working it out at the gym, dating or simply doing whatever with their free time, i on the other hand have to face my student's and their concerns with school.

Admittedly, it is taking up soooooo much of my time even when im supposed to work and attend to my cases or spend it with family.

Since the year began, i have been in school every day of the week and it has to some point exhausted me. It has taken so much of my time that by the end of February, i was so drained that i really did not want to go to school anymore. During those times i started to ask my self whether it is still worth it?

Forcing myself to class last Sunday, i found the answer to my question.. As i was calling a student to do the Lawyer's oath in my Ethics class, he seem nervous and mentioned a case. Confused, i asked what was wrong with him.. and he answered, "Sorry mam, i cant concentrate becoz you are exceptionally pretty today" (LOLz) I almost fell off my seat while being tongue tied.. Either i emphasized too much on the "honesty of a lawyer" or my constant recitation has taught them to be witty :)

Same night, i opened an email from the lex prexy for a bunch of requests that the incoming 4th year class is proposing to the office. As i was reading it, i was slowly bidding farewell to my summer break. But as I reached the end of the proposal a line has somehow put me back to my senses, "Atty. Bathan, thank you so much for giving us time, our batch appreciates you so much xxx"

Teaching and the academe will never be a walk in the park.. it will not even be financially compensating either. But it is because of simple moments like this that tells me, I am doing the right thing and this is where i should be.. So now i'm off to school.. L)

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.

What is LEGAL may not always be right and MORAL

Much to my dismay as a constituent of this beloved Republic and shame as a Filipino, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had the gall to file her certificate of candidacy as member of Congress. I have resigned to the idea that I will have to bear with a President who is as heartless as she is greedy for power, as corrupt as she commits all forms of blunder. I figured it will only be six months more until I will see the dawn of the new day for this country. But lo and behold! She clings like monkey to her post! Now wasn't that part of her SONA?

Whether or not she can run can be addressed in two ways. First, in accordance to the laws of man and Second, based on the ordinance of reason compounded from moral values in recognizance to a higher form of being.

The laws of man is not perfect and yet this is the instrument by which every sovereign is assured of a just and orderly government. Reigning supreme in the Philippines is our 1987 Constitution under which law, the President is disqualified from seeking any reelection which by definition clearly means running for the same office. Obviously, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not seeking for reelection but as member of Congress. Absent any of the disqualifications for one to become congressman, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may thus, run for Congress.

Looking at this issue on a more wider perspective and taking into consideration the wisdom of the law as well the moral, ethical and Filipino traditional values, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo can not and should not run for any other office after her term as President of the Republic. To be President of the Republic is a position that requires utmost dignity which must be wielded by someone with probity at all times even after serving his/her term of office. Upon assumption of office, the Chief Executive has six (6) years to serve the Filipino people and realize his/her vision for the country after which she should pass it on to another person who so rightfully deserves to serve as well. In the case of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo she had nine (9) years. Nine (9) years to prove her worth but patently failed. Nine (9) years of growing a deaf ear from all the clamor and protest from an obviously dismayed constituent. And despite serving for a long period of time, she still had the nerve to say she is not ready to step down from public office. She was supposed to have reached her peak, the twilight years of her public service after achieving the highest position of the land and yet she is willing to sell herself low and short if only to stick like glue to fame and power. If that is not lack of self worth and delicadeza then I do not know what else to call it.

We do not need a law in order to know that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could not and should not run for reelection or any other elective position. For just as man is an imperfect being creating an imperfect law, there is a higher form of law which although unwritten exists right within in the confines of natural law and the dictates of our conscience. For what is legal may not always be right and moral.
Man being a rational being is given a wide latitude of knowing what is right from wrong, and clearly Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo either refuses to see what is right or is just too desperate to cover up her wrong.

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 :)