Friendship: Do you put a label to it?

Just yesterday, a friend of mine asked me if I put a category to people whom I met which somehow got me to thinking.

Here's what I think, not all friends can become best friends. Even if you put the label as "best friend", you'll never know if the other person felt that way towards you.

There are people who you think are confidants and you consider them as friends. However, when you start to share things that you consider top secret, they shut you off immediately. Others, on the other hand, couldn't stop themselves from squealing.

There are people who you think are your friends but in reality, they're just there for the beer drinking sessions, parties and for freebies.

There are friends who you think are brothers or sisters from another mother. Only you will find out one day that they stabbed you at the back.

Extremely close friends are rare, in my opinion. Even if you think someone is your close friend, but then, actions can make them become acquaintances in the future.

Don't think I don't have best friends and close friends. In fact, I have a lot of them.

I remembered making a status post in my Facebook account a few days ago and it went like this:

"In life, you will meet different kinds of people. Some you may like, some you may not like and some you may loathe. The important thing is you need to know how to dance with the music and avoid people you need to avoid. Remember that in a hectare of agricultural land, not all you till will come out as good crops."

So, yeah, I do give labels although I try my best to be nice. But, not in all situations though.

How about you? Do you categorize your friends?

This year.....

This year, I will remind myself over and over again that I cannot please everybody. That no matter what I do, nothing can satisfy each and everyone. And, even if I try the hardest, I end up breaking hearts.

This year, I will remind myself that through every disappointment, I will learn things and lessons that will be valuable to me. That amidst all the bad lucks that will come my way, there's no other way to go but up.

This year, I will remind myself to be kinder to others. That even if I am not perfect, I am trying my best to be a better human being.

This year, I will remind myself to take it slow. Not to rush and compete with the flow of life, to just enjoy every second of it and go to bed smiling and laughing over everything.

This year, I will remind myself of the things that really matter the most: my family. That everything I do, I do it because of them. That even if work is important, spending time with them is more important.

This year, I will remind myself to let God be the captain of my ship. After all, He's the reason why I exist.

Unhappy yet hopeful

Hey yo!

I know everyone still felt that the  holidays were too short and therefore each one of us hoped and wished to have an extended vacation even just for a little. But too bad, majority of us couldn't spare more holidays because it would be a bad omen to start the new year with too many absences. Such, was my case.

December wasn't really a blast for us. In the middle of it, my father in law was admitted to the hospital, stayed there for 2 weeks and sadly passed away after Christmas Day at the age of 83. Christmas for us was spent at the hospital, chasing the doctors, buying prescriptions and shelling out our cash bonuses for a greater purpose but no regrets though. I was still happy to at least have given than have done nothing at all. And, thank God for it because I now somehow know what I'm capable of and what kind of person I am.

New Year came but there was nothing special for us too. We were grieving after we sent a family member to his final resting place 2 days before New Year's eve. So, it was a quiet New Year for us. My kids and I went to light a candle at St. Jude Parish, watched some Christmas decorations displayed at the City Hall and went home, drank a little, talked to hubby about different stuff and ended up snoring 2 hours after we blew and honked horns.

So here I am, sleeping off a migraine and spending the whole day tucked in bed and somehow coping up with the throbbing pain and literally unhappy about taking a day off from work.

Yes, to be honest, I'm not happy for skipping work. I don't to hear disappointments, complaints, etc. So much for working in a company owned by a relative. *sigh*

Oh well, maybe it's a sign for something. I just have to absorb it somehow and whatever it may be, I think, I have to think further ahead.

Good luck to our 2014! Let's hope this year will go more smoothly than last year and probably end it with something very good! God bless us!

Haiyan na naman sila!

It's really disappointing!

Palpak na nga sa announcements at hindi naibigay ng tama ang inpormasyong "storm surge", hindi pa nagpapakita sa panahong kelangan sila ng mga biktima sa trahedya.

Sa lakas ba namang 250 kph na hangin na nakita na ng pag-asa, pati impormasyong delikado na ang epekto ng "storm surge", hindi pa naibigay ng maayos.

Ngayong tapos na ang bagyo, tapos na ang trahedya, madami ng bangkay sa daan, wala pa ring ginagawa ang mga taong nasa posisyon.

Tumulong na nga't lahat ang iba't ibang bansa, ni anino ng mga opisyal na nagpapa interbyu sa radyo at telebisyon, e wala! NAMAN!

Ke daling lumabas sa telebisyon at mag apela ng tulong, pero ni simpatiya lang sa mga biktima, wala. Ngayon na kelangan nila kayo, lugmok, umiiyak, pinanghihinaan ng loob, walang makain, kayo naman ay parang sabon na kung buhusan, nawawala.

Magsikilos naman kayo at hindi lang pasasa ng pasasa sa pag eenjoy sa mga buwis na pinagnanakawan pa. Hindi lang sa pag aanunsyo na mag rerelease kayo ng 13th month ng maaga.

Punyeta naman! Nakakahiya kayo! Kapwa Pilipino, hindi pa matulungan. Inuuna niyo pa si Napoles sa usapan e wala naman kayong maipipiga diyan kundi "I invoke my right" at "hindi ko alam".

Sana lang sa katagang "Babangon ang Pilipinas" e talagang may ginagawa kayo at hindi lang pabandying bandying sa palasyo, naninigarilyo, nagpapa picture at nagpapa interview lang.

Nakaka HB! Hay naku! Kelan pa kayo titino!

Naway maging aral to sa lahat ng tao. Bumoto naman kayo ng mga taong sa tingin niyo ay karapatdapat ilagay sa pweste at hindi kung sino ang nanay at tatay o kamag-anak.

Matamaan na kung matamaan!

Oh life!

Wouldn't it be nice if there's just this one day that you would be able to disappear from all your problems?

To be honest, if only someone could beam me up to another country or even just to some place where I don't know anyone, I would gladly take the opportunity. 

It's really hard to be fair in all situation. I can do only so much.

Take this instance when you did a lot of things in the past that's still not heartily accepted by people close to you and now you're trying to patch things up. Yet along the way, there's this crossroad and you're trying to do the best you could to decide which road to take. And no matter which road you choose, one is bound to be deserted.

That's how I feel. That's how I had felt for a couple of years now.

Right now, I really think that the win-win situation is just a piece of crap.

If only Papa God could whisper to me on how to do things correctly, on what I could do to make things easier for everyone, I will right then and there do whatever I could to make things right.

But that's just life. It's not always a bed of roses. It's just, yeah, complicated.

No regrets

The course that we are going to take is something that we should look forward to. Never look back or you might miss a lot of things while you walk to your destination.

If you fall, stand up and be proud of yourself for having the courage to move on.

If there's a missing piece to the puzzle, analyze and solve the problem and be thankful that you're given a brilliant brain to think.

If you go through disappointments, frustrations and heartaches, smile like there's nothing wrong, move on and be thankful for God gave you a heart that can feel joy and pain.

Never regret for it can bring you nowhere near your goals.

Be happy and thankful always that you are still breathing and that there's hope, love and forgiveness that comes with every release of Oxygen from your lungs.

As I always say to people I know, "problems are meant to push you forward, make you strong and see that somehow there's hope to every situation."

By the way, this song is not related to this post. I just felt the need to put this in this post as this is one of my favorite songs. *wink*

The way I feel tonight

Dear Papa God,

Is it too much to ask for extreme patience, understanding and optimism? Because it's literally running out already.

Lately, I had been experiencing a lot of heartaches from someone whom I expected to support me in every decision that I make, be it good or bad. After all, it's for a long term goal. Yet much to my disappointment, my day always start and end with a lot of painful words being thrown at me. Now, I'm not even sure what "through thick and thin" really meant anymore.


I never regretted making mistakes in life, even if it meant falling and standing back again. I never regretted going through a rough road, even at times when the road is full of piercing stones and the only choice I have to move on is to walk without any shoes on.

To be honest Father, even if I had no regrets, I still can't take off the thoughts of giving up and going back to the place where I feel that I really belong, home. If only I didn't have any children to think of or any responsibilities to face, I would be glad to just leave everything behind and go back to where I started.

At times that I'm at my lowest, I try to put on a poker face and smile like there's nothing wrong. At times, I wanted to drown myself with beer just to cover the pain that I feel even if it's just a temporary solution.

Right now, Father, I feel lost, drained and empty. But I am going to choose the greater good: move on and assure myself that I'm doing the right thing.

Please help me understand all these things Father.

Love, Sweepz

Life is just....

Life is really complicated.When you want to do things for the benefit of everyone, sometimes, you get heartbroken.

I had always dreamed that I would be able to be very successful career-wise. I dreamed that I will be able to provide the best for my kids: a very good school, beautiful clothes and even the things that I was deprived of when I was still young. I dreamed that aside from being successful, I will be able to balance my family, career and spiritual life.

I'm working on it now and I'm not even halfway. But according to my boss, "thoughts become things" and that's what I'm contemplating about. That's why I often tell myself that "I will succeed, I will succeed". Hard but I'm trying my best to reach that state. *whew*!

And yes, it's heartbreaking. Especially if people around you and close to you looks to you as if you'll fail. Good thing, I'm optimistic and I can stretch my patience over a lot of disappointing things.

Oh well, anyway, I seriously would want to tell someone what I feel right now but I'm not brave enough to do so. Deep inside I feel that he knows how I feel but he just shrugs off his shoulder. Do not dare ask who this is because I'm not going to say a word.

For you:

 I am scared to share a lot of my dreams with you because you are the type of person that will not listen, not to me anyway.  I tried sharing some of them with you before but it seems as if I'm talking to a wall. You don't respond, none at all. But I know if your friends share their dreams with you, you listen intently, sometimes you even give a tip or two.

I hate it when you say that "it's okay" and you just keep it inside you that you're not. Please say a word. I can explain my point and if you still think it won't work, I will accept it and maybe pursue something else. Please put in mind that your opinion is highly important.

Whether you read this or not, I will still do what I think is right for my family, for me.

Today, I learned: death

* That life is really short. We must learn to appreciate even the smallest things that come our way.

Just last week, we learned that one of our closest friends passed away from a car accident to Bukidnon. From the stories they told us, this friend was on his way to CDO with his boss who was driving the car at that time. When they reached Bukidnon, his boss tried overtaking his car and noticed that another car headed the opposite direction was doing the same. He swerved and their car fell over a cliff. Our friend, who wasn't wearing any seat belt, was found a few meters away from the car. They said that his stomach had a long scratch because of the broken window.

We still can't believe that this happened. He wasn't even 30 yet. It was just so sad.

* That life should be spent on things that matter the most.

* That we should stop worrying about a lot of things. Worrying is like cancer, it robs most of your time away without you noticing it.

* That we should always be positive. Problems are natural. Sometimes, it takes time to find a solution and that prayers to Papa God are the best answer to this problem.

The last few items are not in connection to the story by the way, well, except for the first bullet.

Sometimes, there are people who continuously put something into someone's heart and if these people leave, the hearts are left empty.That's how it feels right now.

To you Sam, may you rest in peace. The kids remembered you when you asked for Momay. Tata even shared to the kids that you helped him carry them when they were still little. God bless you on your journey. We hope you're now in a better place.

I am Yours!

I love Sundays especially when the weather goes with what I like the most, gloomy and windy with a little rain. I can get too relax, shake off the tension after another work week has passed.

Anyway, I was doing some articles while listening to some songs over the radio. There's this song that actually caught my attention. I'm sure most of you have heard this already. Nevertheless, I'm putting it on my blog to remind me constantly how great God's love is for us. I hope you'll be reminded of it too.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

I miss you.

I can still remember how you were when you were still with us. You were never much of a disciplinarian. You were a funny dad. You crack jokes, you tease us until we can take no more and cry. You share your dreams with us. When you get mad, we were scared of you.

They told me I'm a brat when it comes to you. Even the things that I didn't ask for, you gave them to me. You were a good provider dad.

I always tell my kids about you. It's just sad that they weren't able to see you. They weren't able to see how funny and doting you were to us.

Dad, I can still remember every single detail of how it happened. We were on our way home when they took you. That will haunt me until I get old.

I miss you terribly dad.

When can I see you again?

Social Media: You Amaze Me

Majority of the people existing in this generation rely too much on social media networks. I, for one, have a few accounts on the internet that would link and update me of long lost friends and relatives. In one way or the other, social media network has become a tool in building bridges even with distance.

It never ceases to amaze me what social media network can do for all of us. With the modern technology, traditional diaries which were kept in a safe place for privacy is exchanged with online blogs where people from all walks of life will be able to read it. Aside from blogs, social media networks has given the people of today a techie way of releasing emotions, be it extreme joy, obtrusive opinions or just plain boredom.

Quite frankly, status posts from friends never fail to put a smile on my face and somehow make me feel updated. Thank God as social media network has its own advantages too.

A few days back, someone from Twitter posted a photo of an old lady, Lola Aurelia, poster photos of her missing husband. If you happen to be updated, which I know most of you are, the photo that was shared on Twitter and Facebook helped Lola Aurelia find her husband.

Facebook photo posted by Reddie JS

After the photo was posted on Facebook, it was eventually shared by millions of Filipinos on Twitter which even became a trending topic. A few days after, Lolo Luis was found.

Twitter photo posted by Julius Babao

Social media network, you definitely amaze me.

Christmas season

The end of All Soul's Day marks the start of the Christmas season!

Thank God for long weekends, we finally finished setting up our tree! Another good thing is that instead of buying a new set of Christmas decorations, we settled for the old ones which were used last year. However, I still have to add a little more for areas that are quite bare.

My youngest son was super excited when we finished setting up the tree that he has to plug in the lights at 3 in the afternoon. Well, we gave him the pleasure of enjoying the twinkling lights yesterday since it was cloudy and the skies were dark.

Anyhow, we finally get to enjoy our first official day into the Christmas season.

And, I must say that we're finally ready for Christmas! 

How All Soul's Day was spent

We spent ours visiting loved ones who had departed from this world. We woke up at 6am, prepped up and left our home at 8am.

First stop was Buhangin Cemetery. The kids cleaned their grandmother's (hubby's mom) grave, lighted their candles, placed flowers and said a short prayer.

Second and last stop was Chinese Cemetery. The kids had fun eating loads of ice cream while doing what they do best, laptop games.

How did you spend yours?

Oh by the way, I just couldn't resist buying these shoes for my nephew.. it's ultra cute..

(updated) Google Search Site

I love how google constantly changes the pictures on their search page. Don't you?

Google never fails to bring out the child in everyone, especially me.

Oh, I just found out that you can actually make the cartoon characters move and open their mouth. You just need to click the colored circles located below each one of them. That actually spelled F-U-N!

2 weeks..

After 2 long weeks, my laptop is finally repaired. Whew!

After the trip from Caraga during the long weekend, I had to bring my laptop for servicing due to keyboard malfunction. Apparently, the staff from Complink told me that there were traces of liquid on it. Good thing Acer was kind enough to change my damaged keyboard to a new one, free of charge.

I highly commend Complink Abreeza and Acer for doing an awesome job. Thank you muchos!

Well, just in case guys, you want to pick out your own computer or any other devices that can be bought solely in the computer store, go to Complink Abreeza. They have friendly staff there who will assist you while you browse.

Christmas countdown?

It's just September but the streets in Davao are starting to show signs of an early Christmas. Radio stations are doing countdowns, playing the Yuletide songs and almost everyone is excited for the yearly Kris Kringle. I would know because I live in Davao and my colleague had started collecting names of people who want to join the exchanging of gifts while a few highway shops display their Christmas decors which are for sale starting the last week of August.

As for me, I couldn't quite put off the excitement I had been feeling since the last week of August. Oh no, it's not because of the Christmas bonus, but because of the wonderful feeling of giving and receiving when December comes. Oh, and I forgot to mention the birthday of Jesus Christ making our Christmas holidays solemn and special.

So, what about this year? I hope everything would be different. Of course there are traditions that we knew we couldn't excuse ourselves from: attending mass, Noche Buena and the likes. But then again, I hope I would be able to share more of my blessings to others. God has been wonderful to us, miraculous throughout the years.

Well, here's to more Christmas countdowns and early morning Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas songs on the radio.

Have an early merry Christmas. *smiles*

Blasphemy Art Exhibit

Philippines, after the Spanish regime, became a Catholic country. Majority of the population here are Christians.

I was born a Catholic, a Christian. Although there are a few practices of Catholicism that is worth to debate on, my faith would still be intact. I'm not saying I'm a perfect Christian, but, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in God.

Knowing that majority of the people born and raised in the Philippines are Christians, why would someone do something like this?

 (The photo you see is not mine.)

I am sorry, but, I felt really ashamed after seeing this picture on the internet. This is one of the collections that was exhibited at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Even if according to some, it's a work of art, the artist should at least be a responsible individual. Stepping on one's faith and belief is a big slap on every Christian's face.

Even if we are given the right to show "freedom of expression", we should be morally conscious. We should respect everyone's faith and belief no matter how absurd it may sound to others. Freedom of expression doesn't mean stepping on one's shoe or putting something and all the Christians into shame. It means respect.

There may be other ways one can show their inclination to art, but this, THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT A WORK OF ART!

Here are 2 more exhibit photos. Please, artists, always be conscious on what you do.

 (The photo you see is not mine.)

 (The photo you see is not mine.)

article writing fiasco

Well, I think it's the end of my article writing career. Eeep! At least I tried, anyway. no regrets.

I thought article writing was easy. A friend of mine told me that it wasn't at all hard. She even added that the key to article writing is search and reconstruct.

Well, anyway, I started article writing last Thursday. I was given a guide: title, headings, sub headings, and what to put in the articles. Main subject was Burlesque costumes. To be honest, I know nothing about Burlesque productions or anything that's associated with it.

Now, imagine being handed out 10 articles of that subject and an additional 5 more on Sunday with the same title. I went crazy, naturally. It was like my head was spinning like a top. After 3 articles of the subject, my brain became numb (information overload).

Nevertheless, I had learned some tips on article writing:

• Redundancy - Never be redundant. Using words with the same meaning, like unique and different, is redundancy. 
• Reconstruct - Never copy a sentence from your searches. Your article will be tagged as "copied" if they had found 4 or more words that are the same with the other articles (They have softwares to scan through the article for copyright).
• Proof reading - I admit it, I don't usually do that. Instead, I let my sister-in-law or my colleague here read it and give me some comments. Normally, I would correct what MS Word underlines, like grammar and spelling. 
• Transition - If you're going to skip from one subject to another, you have to have a smooth flow in order for the reader to understand more easily what you're talking about and where you're heading. Otherwise, the reader would lose interest on the article if you suddenly stop from one subject and skipped to another subject without correlating both.
• Read blogs - I think, the best way to learn is to become a reader yourself. You'll be able to decipher which articles are easy to follow (transition wise) and which are interesting (fun and easy to understand).

*sigh*. 

Well, so much for trying. No regrets. :)

Welcome to the Family

No matter how naughty and hard headed one's children are, they'll still be adorable to their respective parents.

Yesterday, I spent half of my day with my youngest son, Shane Angelo. Their school organized an acquaintance party for their preschool students and parents welcoming each and everyone for school year 2011 - 2012.

Here is a video I took while the whole preschool students presented their "Welcome to the Family" rendition. I only focused on my son, you know how mothers are *wink*.

Too bad shoti wasn't able to join the first presentation since we came in late. Food wasn't ready by then. But nevertheless, I still had a fun morning with the whole bunch of proud parents who went to the acquaintance party.