goodbye, February 2011!

and as promised, here's the summary of my February. 

I'll make it a brief one since all these are in this blog site also.

1. It is always important to share our smile and kindness to everyone around us because we don't know what it can bring to other people. Just like those 3 smiles that I've got on the 1st of February which made my day. Here's the post 3 Smiles for February 1.
2. My family faced a difficult situation but thank God it is fine now. He really never leaves us alone. There were also lessons learned along a rough road.
3. A friend of mine died last February 4. It is really hard but at the same time, we are happy that she will suffer no more. I have 2 posts for her: Goodbye, Razelle. See you later. We love you :(  and Tears shed as we said goodbye.
4. I got my transcript and celebrated valentine with  on the 14th of February (though Everyday is Valentine's Day for us)
5. There will be a new model of Kamiseta soon. So, goodbye Natalia!
6. My brother, Daniel (Den's brother) and Elsa (Den's cousin) attended their JS Prom. I'm so happy that they're all grown ups now. I don't have post for it so here are some of their pictures. 

                                       Pao and Me                        Daniel and Elsa

       
 HELLO MARCH! :)

      xoxo

EDSA Revolution's 25th

A nationwide observance and at the same time a yearly school holiday in the Philippines, the EDSA Revolution (also known as People Power Revolution) is being celebrated today, February 25. This event always has a special place in every Filipinos heart because the revolution signifies the restoration of the Philippine democracy way back 1986.

Background of the celebration

It was February 22 to 25, 1986 when the masses staged a revolution in Manila. Most of them were from the urban area who saw how corrupt the government was which led the Philippine into downfall. The major road of EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) became the witness of the revolution. Almost 2 million people, headed by our former president Corazon Aquino, joined forces in fight for the country's democracy and that's the reason why it was also called People Power. Since then, Filipinos considered February 25 a special event for the country because the revolution reformed the system of the government in the Philippines.

Symbolism

Yellow became the symbol of the revolution as it was the official color of the LABAN Political Party that time. Until now, it is being used by the people during the celebration together with the "L" sign which is also a symbol used by the LABAN party.

The celebration of the EDSA Revolution's 25th Anniversary today will be highlighted by different celebrations in different significant places in Metro Manila. Those events are the following:

• Exhibit of the Revolution at SM North EDSA
• Exhibit of the Inauguration at Ayala Museum
• Book Launching of “Noynoy: Triumph of a People’s Campaign"
• Military Day-Inauguration of the AFP Museum and medical mission at Camp Aguinaldo
• Trade Fair in Taguig City
• Youth Day at Rizal High School and EDSA Babies Expo at La Salle Greenhills
• Faith Day-Unveiling of Cardinal Sin Statue and offering of flowers at the Ninoy and Cory statues 
• Freedom Tour.

The celebration will be highlighted by the Flag Raising Ceremony and breakfast at the People Power Monument along EDSA, where the main celebration is scheduled tomorrow.

“Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.” --Corazon Aquino

To the revolution that brought the democracy back in the Philippines, 

Happy 25th Anniversary EDSA REVOLUTION!

I may not been given the chance to witness that important event in our history but I am one of the beneficiaries of what they've fought for. To be glad and thankful that I am living in a free country is my greatest share in this year's celebration. :)


hope you are too!
          xoxo

One Dollar and Eleven Cents plus FAITH

I received an email few minutes ago and as I expected, it was a chain message that I must pass to my friends through e-mail. Honestly, I'm not the kind of person who does such kind of things. May it be a chain text message, the old-type letter, or the kind like this. But as I read the message, though it still didn't encouraged me to do chain message, it gave me the urge to share it with others and this is my way.

Here's the message/story:

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even.. The total had to be exactly perfect.. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice... I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick....and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a
miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation.. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money..'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago .

'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audible.

'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.' 'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.'

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents.. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.. 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost....one dollar and eleven cents...plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.

 

Yes, it's true. We never know how many miracles we will need in order to survive in our lives. Many will say that miracle is just a word but for me, miracles do happen. And when you need to receive one, it doesn't cost that much. You only need FAITH.

just a thought.

      xoxo

Goodbye, Natalia!

I've loved Kamiseta since the day I knew that they have the size that fits me well. What made me want Kamiseta more is the simplicity of its style. And of course, their very cute, girlie paper bag. :)

Natalia Vodianova is Kamiseta's face for so long. It's her face that we can see in the paper bag whenever we buy in the store.

But it's time to say goodbye to her now and watch out for Kamiseta's next face.

I'm so excited to know who's next! I promise to post it here as soon as they reveal.

     xoxo

Date a Girl Who Reads

I've read this article from my friend's notes few days ago. The title caught my attention so I read it even if at the back of my mind, it says that I don't have to because I am not that fond of reading. It's not that I don't like reading or I don't read at all. I do read books but not that much compared to writing. Although I have this thought in my mind, I continued reading until I reached the last line and that made me love this one. And so, I want to share it to you.

Date a Girl Who Reads 
By: Rosemarie Urquico

(In Response to Charles Warnke’s You Should Date An Illiterate Girl)

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag.She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book. Buy her another cup of coffee.

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent.  Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.She has to give it a shot somehow.

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilightseries.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype. You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

i'm more into writing than reading but i think that if someone writes, she loves reading too (consciously or unconsciously) and vice versa. i love this article. so girls, you know what to do, right? read or write than shop. haha! just kidding. all i want to say is that, reading or writing are two connected hobbies that can surely help you improve you ways in life. choose one and you'll have both. you'll love it as soon as you start doing so. trust me. :)

       xoxo

Tears shed as we said goodbye

February 12 was Razelle's last day with us. Friends, relatives and other people who wants to be part of her last day on earth gathered. I saw the sadness in everybody's eyes as we went to the church for a mass. Almost everyone cried as the priest said that we can look at her for the last time on her last day. Tears fell. Sadness filled the church. Though the priest told in his homily that we all must be happy now that Razelle will be with God and all the suffering will never be felt by her, still, the thought of losing her is the thing that makes it hard for her family to let go.

Razelle's very dear to us, her friends, and it's really heartbreaking. What more does her family feels? I know the feeling of losing a family member that's why I understand how sad they were. But we can do nothing. We have to let her rest in peace, let go and let God take her in His arms.

And so, we sent her to her body's last destination, to the place where her body will stay. Things flashed back as we watched her tomb being arranged for her. Again, we shed tears but this time, it's more of tears that said "go and rest" than "i wish you're still with us." We have to let her be free and go without hesitation. Even if it's sad. Even if we know that she'll be gone forever.

I don't know what will be the next step her family will do after this day but one thing is for sure, her smiles will all be missed. Losing someone, especially a loved one, is really hard. It's not like break-up where you have the chance to see each other again or be with each other's arms again if you both realized that you still love one another. With death, it's more painful and I can't explain how hard it is to move forward again. And what's more sad is that, there is no single chance that you will see each other again (or maybe, if life after death is true, then that is the only time you could meet again).

What happened to Razelle gave me a lot of realizations in life. It taught me that life can be gone in just a blink of an eye. So before it happens, let's make sure that we've done things that we want to. Cherish every single second and gave meaning to it. Let's make our life a meaningful one. Love those people around us. Let's be free and give our best in everything that we do. Let's always say to ourselves that "Life is too short." Touch other people's lives and most of all, BE HAPPY.

Razelle, we will miss you, that's for sure. Goodbye for now. Go and rest in peace. Now that you're with God, may you guide us, especially your family. We love you!

      xoxo

 

P.S.

And when I die, let my coffin be white or light blue. Let me wear a light blue dress and simple make-up. I want to have my photos in a gallery and an AVP of my memories that is continuously playing next to my coffin. I also want a continuous playing of songs and some singing sessions from my friends and loved ones on my wake. I want everyone to treat me as if I am just sleeping. I don't want to be cremated..And as you send me on my tomb, I want everyone to wear blue also. I want a simple program where people who wants to say goodbye to me express their feelings through words and for those who want to keep their message between the two of us, let there be blue balloons with brief notes from them fly in the sky to send their message for me. I know I can't stop you from crying but I want everyone to be happy for me for I will be with our Father where I will live eternally, happily and peacefully. :)

Whoever has the chance to read this, please take note of this and let my family know about this if I'll die. Of course, I don't want it to be soon but if it's God's will, I must obey. xoxo

Goodbye, Razelle. See you later. We love you :(

A girl with a pretty face, sweet smile, beautiful voice. That's how we will remember her. These qualities that she has will forever stay in our mind and of course in our hearts.

This is my first time to write a blog about someone who have passed away and honestly, it's breaking my heart as I type each letter of this blog since she's a good friend of mine. It is only today that everything is starting to sink in. I went to her last night and as I see her pretty face inside the coffin, I felt sad. I almost cry but I tried not to, I want her to see that we will be strong for her. But still, I can't believe that all of a sudden, she's gone.

She was a good friend, I know that everyone who knows her will agree. We are not that close but from the time that we first met and until this very day (and maybe until we meet again), we are friends. She's someone who is always ready to listen to whatever it is that you want to tell her, may it be about love life, family, friends, enemies, name it, she will listen. She'll even ask for the details of each story that you are telling her which means that she really listens. She is someone who will ask you how you are and will remain the same even if you are not in touch for a long time. Though she's a bit 'pasaway,' she's someone who will be your friend wherever you are and whatever happens.

I'm losing each word that I want to write here since sadness is starting to fill my heart. My tears are running down my eyes and I can't control it. I will miss her, super. :(

On the other hand, after I heard the details before her death, I just said that maybe, it is better this way. She has suffered a lot and now, she's in God's arms where there will be no suffering. This is the thing that makes me feel calm each time I feel the sadness of losing her.

to those who love her and are feeling like what I'm feeling, I want to share this to you:

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

Having a lot of friends who cried as they knew that she's gone proved how true she was to her friends and her family. In behalf of all those people who want to say a lot to you, let me say...

We will surely miss you. Your pretty face, sweet smile and beautiful voice and laughter will forever be remembered by us. Lucky us that we've known you. Thank you for those years that you've shared with us. It is sad that we've lost you as early as now but in our hearts, there is also happiness that you will suffer no more. We thank God for lending you to us and for letting you be part of our lives. Now that you are at peace, we know that you are happy and that will make us stronger to face the days ahead without you.

Goodbye, Razelle.

See you later.

We ♥ you.

      

      your forever friend,

Lessons learned along a rough road

Yesterday was totally a not-so-good day and until today, it affects me everytime I remembered what happened. I will not give a lot of details about what happened because it will just make this blog post a post full of BV. haha! Just to give you few details, it's about our neighbors who were so envy of us and did something to put us down. One more thing? They showed us how happy they were when they succeeded of putting down (they wish! haha! nobody who did something bad succeeded. God will punish them, I know.) I must admit, I was affected at first, and honestly, I am still affected, until now (but not as much as last night). But then I realized few things because of what happened. And that I guess are the things that I must share rather than those 'unlikely things' that happened.

FIRST. Being kind is good but we must also be wise. Yes, we admit, we were fooled by them. Our family are always open to those who needs help. As long as we can, we are trying to extend our hands to those who are in need. As an old saying says, "It is better to give than to receive" and that is what we are practicing. It was just until last night that we realized that hey, we didn't realized that they abused us and we didn't even noticed because of trust. And so the lesson is, IT IS BETTER TO GIVE HELP, JUST MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE WORTHY OF YOUR HELP.

SECOND. Keeping calm is better, shouting will never be a good idea, it can only cause more trouble. I admit, at first, I was very angry and I said some not-so-good words at the top of my voice to release the tension inside me but after saying few words, I realized that I better keep my mouth shut. Saying a lot of bad words will never make things better, it can even make things worse. It is better if their conscience will be the one to make them realize what they did. God is watching, we must leave those to Him.

THIRD. To have someone that will comfort you during times that you are down is the best thing one could ever have. I love being in a relationship. Though a lot of responsibilities come along with it, I will always love it. Why? I love having someone who is always there when you are happy and especially when you are not feeling well and down. My guy proved me this when he never left me during the times that I almost cry. Those sweet comforting words of him telling me that everything will be alright, he'll just be there, and that all we have to do is pray made me feel stronger. God is really good, he gave me someone that I can share whatever it is that I am feeling to ease the pain and sadness inside me. Ha gave me someone to always remind me that everything is fine and will be fine and I thank God for that, for Him.

A lot of things worse than this will surely happen as I continue my journey in life. A lot of ups and downs will surely come on my way and I must be ready for it. It is not easy to deal with the problems and pains in life and sometimes, all we have to do is to play with it in order to surpass with it. Be kind but wise, be happy when things get floppy. It may be a way longer and harder than we think but I guess, in the end, everything will all be worth it. Anyway, we have God who is always in the rescue to help us.

and this is for today.

      xoxo

3 Smiles for February 1

I always say to myself that I must be generous enough to share my smile to everyone and anyone, even to strangers whom I think deserves it.  Anyway, it is not that hard, right? And that I've proved today when three strangers gave me their smiles that made my day.

SMILE #1: Manong Guard at MRT Shaw Blvd. Station 

After my struggle in MRT which I thought will ruin my February 1, there he was smiling and said "Good morning ma'am, in love na in love po ah?" I don't know what's with me for him to think that way (or maybe the word "in love ako" was written on my forehead. haha!) but whatever it was, I smiled back and said "thank you manong, ikaw din eh!" Bolahan na lang kami para pareho kaming masaya. haha!

SMILE #2: Mister Donut Crew

The heart-shaped balloons attracted me to buy doughnuts at Mister Donut and as I was standing in front of the stall and one of the crews are preparing, another crew greeted me with a sweet smile saying, "Good morning ma'am! Happy valentine in advance! Ano pong sa inyo?" Another smile that helped me smile back at him as I say my order. Maybe, that crew is also in love. haha!

SMILE #3: Guy inside a Red Car

I was about to passed by the road but the traffic lights turned to green which means that the vehicles must go. I want to run before the jeepneys and other vehicles moved but I was afraid (yes, trauma because of my accident). I was waiting for the vehicles to stop when a red car stopped. I looked at the traffic light but it is still green then I saw the driver inside the car smiling at me and giving me the signal to pass by. Though thinking why, I just smiled back and walked because that might cause traffic jam if I don't (because he's waiting me to pass by).

 

I don't know what's with today that everyone feels so happy. Now I know the real power of a smile. It can turn a bad day into a good one. It can make you feel happy and lovely. We don't know what a smile can do to someone just like what those people did to me so never hesitate to give one if you feel to. I will not be so greedy of my smiles, that's a promise.

And this is the start of my February, it's great! I hope that the whole month will be as good as this one.

Hello February!

Hello Smilessss! :))

      xoxo