An Open Letter

To the jeepney driver:

     Whenever I set my foot on your vehicle and whether I like it or not, I entrust my life to you. I beg you to please be calm and if possible, refrain from driving like you're on a drag racing. It is your duty to make sure that the unloading area is accessible to you as each passenger may tend to say "para" anytime, thus, I urge you to stay on the right lane. And if and when someone says "para" while we're on the middle of the road, please don't stop right there and then. I don't want to die a double death (heart attack and car accident).

     And for all kind of sake, please refrain from texting while driving. Our precious lives were in your hands. 

p.s. it's okay to wait for passengers, just don't wait for the invisible ones.

To the passengers:

     Be reasonable to understand that the drivers can't just drop you anywhere you want. Don't be mad when they follow the rules. More so, always remember you're on a PUV, be considerate to pass the other's fare like they did for you. Sit properly because PUV's seats were meant to be shared. And for the girls with long free flowing silky hair, please hold it when the wind is blowing before it wiped out what's left of my face.

Jeepney -  the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. Wikipedia

Para -  the word we say that signals the driver to stop the vehicle so that we can get off. I don't know where it really came from and I am not in my utmost inspired mood to do the research but according to about.com it is a Spanish preposition to indicate a destination. That made sense, after all we were once a Spanish Colony.

photo credit

For the Bucket Listers

This is a news for all the people out there who loves to do bucket list,

for all the people who are good in crossing out items in their list

and, for all the people who are not so good with bucket list

LIKE ME.

I discovered Day Zero Project from one of the blogs I am following last year and

started doing my own list early this year.

Personally, I love attaining set goals but when it comes to bucket list,

I always suck BIG time.

That is why I love Day Zero Project.

There you can create your own list and they will gauge your performance.

It's very easy. And the amazing thing is that 

you can complete 101 list in 1001 days.

No pressure at all, you can adjust your time and wait for the right moment

while crossing out the rest on the list which are easier than the others.

If you are interested, grasp the insight here. The idea was better explained there.

And since most of you folks are good with bucket list,

and you might already ran out of ideas before you turned 30,

no problem, there are wonderful and crazy ideas over there.

Like:

40 things you want to build

18 things you want to listen to

20 things to watch

and so on. Believe me, new ideas are sprouting everyday.

If you are interested, go over there and start your list. It's not late yet,

remember, you'll have 1001 days and the timer will start once you started your list.

I had my list there, but was set to private cause some were too personal, involving other people

whose identities I want to keep private in respect of their privacy.

But I have a tab up there if you're interested.

The page is yet to be updated.

"Focus on the journey

...not the destination.

Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it"

-Greg Anderson

And that is a reminder to myself. I was determined to reach my goals no matter what it takes. My eyes were gazed with the future and what lies ahead. That is me, always two steps ahead. I don't want to smash up things and put everything in jeopardy. I want everything in place under my control.

I thought it would be as easy as 1, 2, 3, when it comes to implementing my plans. My great effort to make things happen the way I planned it gave me my fair share of stress to dealt with.  Needless to say, few of the things on my list were put to action while majority were sent to the waiting list. I have to reconsider everything especially now that my priorities in life are changing. I was caught off guard because of my intent to pursue the things I thought would be good and overlooked the ones which are really necessary. 

Enough that I decided it was enough. It's not that something went out of place or something turned out to be a thing I can't handle anymore. I just realized that I was missing what was given to me at the moment because of my far distant gaze. Now I don't care how long it might take me to accomplish everything. Life is short I know but if fulfilling the desire would hinder me in enjoying my life, all the effort will gone to waste. Might as well enjoy each day without too much pressure. Let life be delicious, healthy - always.

President for Happiness

Over the years, Coca-Cola never fail to amaze me with their commercials especially during Christmas season. They're my all time favorite advertisements together with Mc Donalds not only  because I love the product but in all fairness they're full of substance.

So imagine my delight when I heard the news that Coca-Cola  will create a new position called "President for Happiness" in line with the celebration of  it's 100 years in the Philippines. The purpose of the said position is to spread happiness around the country.

There were speculations as to who would be chosen as the President for Happiness. I myself guessed he/she  will be pulled out from the line of the veteran actors/actresses (he's a model though). But I was freakin' wrong! 

Yesterday, when I watched the television the most awaited face of the president for happiness was revealed.  Meet Caloy but his real name is Arran Phil Sese. Hmmm, "Sese"?, I was wondering how are we related hahaha.

source
Coca-Cola's President for Happiness

He was presented on a commercial inside his office filled with Coca-Cola soft-drinks explaining that his task is to make everyone happy while ideas were popping on his head. The latest commercial showed Caloy doing surveys  from the busy streets of Manila asking people about things that would make them happy.

Coca-cola did a great job in bringing to life the creative idea of having the so called president for happiness. Not only will they capture the hearts of the Filipinos but will further create news and impact on their product the whole year round as I think this project was intended to run that long.

I was wondering what kind of activities will Caloy and Coca-Cola would come up with to make everyone happy. Well, that's for us to find out in the next few days/weeks/months or so.

I'm pretty darn excited Caloy, don't fail me.

Where did my time go?

We're on the middle of November and I can't stop thinking where did my time go. The year is about to end and  I had this feeling that my time goes to waste. But if I would take a look back to all the adventures, fun, laughter and tears - time didn't go to waste but there's a craving in me to do more of the time given to me.

In less than 2 months, 2011 is over. It's another year again and needless to say new beginnings for those who seek a new life. I myself doesn't follow new year's resolution. For me, it's a come what may situation. Just enjoy the time and what life has to offer. 

I am not making any new year's resolution because I am not good with it. I tend to procrastinate and throw my list on the bin. Same with bucketlist.  But who said I have to do/complete the list in a matter of short time? It's just me who put pressure to myself. I realized I have to do the list but I am not compelled to complete it at once. I just have to take the chance when opportunity knocks. 

Now, with no pressure, I am in the process of completing my list of all the things I wanted to do in my life even if it will take me forever to complete it. No pressure at all.

I don't give a D*** F

Last time a good friend of mine told me she likes my picture on twitter. She said it implies the attitude of "I don't give a d*** f****** care". Thanks to her I came up with a post, hahaha.

"Nobody can hurt me without my permission"

Above is a famous line from the famous Mahatma Gandhi. I have it on file since the day I don't remember when. I love collecting quotations and inspirational messages either from famous or unknown scholars.  

Why am I writing about this? Maybe you're thinking I am in pain right now or is suffering from depression. Don't panic, cause I don't.  Coincidence also works in mysterious ways because when I go over the quote above, someone also educated me with a psychological fact (according to her) that "emotional pain only last for 12 minutes and anything after that is self inflicted". Ouch!

Ouch!!! Because I suddenly realized what I did to myself when I let people hurt me. I gave them the permission to take away years of my life.  I was a bad caretaker of myself.

But that was the case before when I have no control over my emotions. Now I choose to be proactive. I want to make the best out of those emotions, let them bring out the best in me by focusing on the lessons rather than the pains.  That doesn't mean I'm invulnerable.


Letting yourself feel the pain in a matter of time will help in easing the pain itself. Time will come you'll realized you're just punishing yourself by letting yourself sulk and you'll be encouraged somehow to get going and let bygones be bygones. It's just letting yourself cry when you have to and after letting the tears fall down, all that was left were clean eyes and a light heart.

for your viewing pleasure this is the picture

please bear with it.

Wazzup Tokyo Tokyo?

Where should I start? I've been losing my blogging spirit lately and before my blogging soul separates from my body, I will share with you one of the fast food chain I love to dine. 

I am not a fan of Japanese food but one of my companions love this place and the food. Even I disagreed, I couldn't disagree harder. This was his favorite place and every time we dine out, it was his choice. I remember ordering the same set of food as always because I was afraid the food wouldn't suit my appetite but I was wrong. Little by little I gave in.

Due to unnecessary circumstances I ignored Tokyo Tokyo for a very long time. It's one of the places I never dared to look back. I had a love and hate relationship with the place...ha-ha-ha! You can't blame me right?

But earlier this year, I gathered all the energy within me and visited the place again. Of course I weighed myself and my feelings. Though afraid at first, I still continue walking towards the entrance. Inch by inch I get closer and I felt nothing but a sudden urge inside to say "Wazzup Tokyo Tokyo, it's been a long time, nice to be here again".

Hooray!!! I entered the place again with a happy face and a smile not only in my lips but also in my soul.  

While waiting for my food (vegetable and shrimp tempura), I let my eyes wander. That's when I realized that the place was renovated. The ambiance is new and refreshing just like what my heart felt. Like I had a brand new heart which is so light and jolly.

P.S. I had a great time in Baguio. Vacation really do good not only for the body but for the soul as well. I am still gathering my thoughts regarding the trip and will write about it soon. My lazy body had a fusion with my lazy mind - hahaha :)

Netiquette

Netiquette - Netiquette (a portmanteau of "network etiquette" or "Internet etiquette") is a set of social conventions that facilitate interaction over networks, ranging from Usenet and mailing lists to blogs and forums. 

The nature of my work entails email correspondence as the major way of communication between us and our clients. It's only prim and proper for us to follow the basic netiquette of sending, replying and confidentiality which aspects are common and similar to what we practice everyday even offline.

Although blogging is therapeutic it wouldn't always promise a happy day. Time will come you will encounter trolls and flamers. But anyhow, if you haven't experience one -----> lucky you!

The not so lucky me would like to share some netiquette I found applicable for blogging although I know you already know them.

1. Remember the Human - it applies like the golden rule. Do unto others as you'd have others do unto you.  In front of us is a tangible computer screen but do not forget, at the end of a computer network is a human being with feelings. Be careful with what you write because others may misinterpret your emails and comments because emotions and facial expressions weren't conveyed through them except when you really know the person.

2. Lurk before you Leap - When I come across a new forum, website or blog that interest me, l lurk and do backreads to have a glimpse of what it's all about and how people interact before leaving a comment. 

I also find it necessary, though it does not apply to everybody, to introduce yourself to new blogs you followed before leaving a comment. Whereas, if I read the post and I don't know how to express my thoughts properly , I  skip leaving comments.

3. Respect other people's privacy - although people share information through writing and their life is an open book, they're still entitled for a piece of privacy. It's rude to ask people about private information via comment. If you want to ask them something private or personal, you may send them an email.  

And though we have freedom of expression, let us be responsible for what we share. Think before you click. 

source

Think Before you click is a campaign by GMA News and Public Affairs to promote responsible use of social media

Silly Random Things

Just a bit recap on how my weekend was.  Last Saturday I went home with a flash drive and DVD's. Saved in the flash drive are my reports needed to be done. That may not sound appealing, but to me it was because I want to have a busy mind though I don't want it to affect my blogging time but it did otherwise.  Without further ado, here's how it goes:

got the picture here

1. I came home and slept for a while. I told my roommate to woke me up at night because I have something to do. I rise from bed at around 7 in the evening and hit my way to the computer. I hate workbooks sometimes. They make me busy but they make me dizzy too! Errr! 

I didn't finished the report cause I felt a little bit deprived of sleep and so I hit the bed again. I woke up in the morning heading back to the computer...again????, yes again (with games in between).

2. Sunday. I was about to attend a morning mass, I like it that way because majority of the people who will attend the mass are adults I mean oldies. I think they take the mass seriously. But wasn't able to go because I got dizzy (because of my report). I decided I would attend the last mass where only few people will attend. It was a success, I seated on the front row. The mass is going on smoothly until a couple seated beside me. They're arguing of something and they're murmuring, I can't concentrate when  they're buzzing like bees. I was so pissed but then again I manage to control my emotion until they noticed that they're distracting us. Thank God.

3. When I got home, I hit the computer again but since I was good in multi-tasking (self-proclaimed), I  finished watching 20 episodes of "Nikita".  This is the kind of entertainment I like. One of my favorites. 

And I have a new crush! What??? 

Why I Love it when it Rains

I was sitting on my desk feeling cold. I'm chilling and I had a feeling it's raining outside. I slipped through the window blinds but I was disappointed to see the sunshine. It's weekend and I want raindrops tapping my rooftop.

It's a sudden realization. I don't hate cold weather. I may have low tolerance with cold but I am looking forward to the rainy season. I love raindrops, I love it's smell and the cold breeze of the air. I want to stay tucked in bed watching movies and surfing the net while sipping brewed coffee or a tea maybe.

Afterwards, when I got bored, I'll go out to take a walk under the pouring raindrops with my umbrella in tow. The wind is swaying and I love the feeling of the air kissing my cheeks. When the rain gets heavy and  my umbrella could no longer protect me from getting wet, I'll fold it and enjoy the rain's enormous bliss.

It's the coldness of the air conditioned room that sucks me with cooling death, but a part of my heart's felicity  lies from the truth that summer is coming to an end and raindrops will soon abound my doorsteps

enjoy the rain

"Everyone wants happiness, no one wants pain,

But you cannot make a rainbow 

without a little rain"

Yeah, I'm Single!

Today I will let my heart speak for itself regarding Pearl's post's "10 Facts of Being Single".

If you've been a constant Tumblr bystander, you have probably read these reasons and bliss of being single and of course they give solace to an aching heart.

1. You won't be single forever. You'll find the right person sooner or later.

2. Don't worry if you're single. God is looking at you right now saying, "I'm saving this girl/boy 

     for someone special.

3. You're single because God is not yet done writing the perfect love story for you.

and so on.....and so forth....! and I CONFESS...,

i got it here...

With this I may gather different reactions both positive and negative but like what I said, I'll let my heart speak for itself.  I'm turning 20something on the 5th of May and I can attest to the fact that people change their views when they found their mature mental self. If I would be on my teenage years, I'll probably freaked out seeing couples around me but now, I see it in different perspective (the bliss of aging, LOL).

I'm single, it's my choice.  I had a serious conversation with my heart and I know it's not yet ready to commit to another relationship. I don't want to push it to its limit just to show people I'm not alone. Not in any way I would commit to something I don't really want.  Everything has its own time and I don't wanna rush things.

I previously let  a part of myself drift away when I committed myself to loving someone. That is something that shouldn't happen in any kind of relationship and that is one lesson I learned the hard way. I'm not saying you should be selfish but more so do not let yourself be a second choice of yourself.

I am still gathering the few departed debris. When I'm complete and ready, that will be the time I will say yes to someone who have my heart and is eager to wait.  When and where and who is the lucky one, God only knows.

Fact: I love vegetable salad. I love running, hiking and cycling. I love being with my friends even if it would take me long hours inside the bus just to see them. Those are realities I discovered when I suddenly got out from a previous relationship.

Why so late? Because I was busy taking care of "he who must not be named's" (I copied Al's way of naming someone) heart that I forgot to take care of mine.

23 Days to go

How do you expect me to remember your birthday, when you

never look any older? hahaha!

photo credit

I saw the calendar, counted the days and poooop, it's 23 days before her birthday. When that day strikes on the calendar, she's always out of her mind and that severe excitement leads her to doing nothing at all. Was her birthday ever forgotten? Nope. It's always a day which calls for celebration --- greetings and wishes pouring but to the celebrant it is becoming prevalent. 

On the celebration of another year of existence, this girl would like to make it something special than any other birthdays.  She doesn't want a big party as always but wanted to make this extraordinary so not to feel life is passing her by.

She wants to share more, but there's this inner thought that's holding her back. She wants to share however reluctant to people. On her upcoming birthday, she wish to write an open letter and not password protected.  If you would like to share or say something to her, leave your comments. 

Question: Sweet Moments

They say that newly married couples can't stop holding hands because of love. But after some years of marriage the only time they touch each other's hand is when they use it for self-defense!

After some years, they say that when you see a man opening the car door for the woman, there are two possibilities. 

The question: What are the two possibilities?

(Note: This is a story I read from the book  "Just a Moment" written by Father Jerry Orbos.)

I tried my Best to Save it

While browsing old posts from March and April last year, this one caught me laughing alone and  immensely happy. I just want to share it with you. 

Yes, I confess, I tried to save it but it's not meant for me. I can see it flying, slipping through my bare hands while trying to grasp it. I know it's hard, I admit the process is painful. It's like my whole body will bent and be distorted due to the physical pain my effort to save it brought to my body.

Sometimes, life is so unfair. You already have the best of it in your control but things are becoming so complicated until you reach the point that you have to let it go. If this one thing that you wanted to hold is already hurting you, what is the point of keeping it. My friend try to hold on too. She tried to take control as well, but same as me, its hurting her too so she decided to let it go like me.  We can't even eat well because we're so affected by the loss of it.

so

we

decided 

to 

let

it 

slip 

away

and 

go 

with 

the

wind.

Yes,

we 

decided 

to 

let 

the 

table napkin

go

It's useless to take a grip of something which is not worth the pain and sufferings. Don't hold back when it's time to let go. Good things fall apart so good things can fall together.