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20 Questions Tag

I've been tagged for the first time. Thanks KCee!

Here are the Rules for this tag : Remove one (1) question from below and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag eight (8) people on your list. List them out at the end of this post.

1. At what age do/did you wish to marry?

35. Hahahaha. Still not sure if he's the one. Peace dada.

2. What was your happiest moment when you were a child?

Eating morning snack while playing scrabble with my siblings in our small nipa hut right in front of our house.

3. Where is the place that you want to go the most?

London

4. Which part of you do you hate the most?

Uhm.. can't tell. I love everything about me. Lol.

5. When you encounter a sad moment, what do you do?

Go to a place where I can only be me and utter a silent prayer.

6. What are you afraid to lose the most?

My loved ones of course.

7. If you win $1 million, what would you do?

Donate some to our adopted barangay in Sagada. Share it with my loved ones. Travel abroad and save for the future.

8. What do you love the most about last year (2007)?
I was able to visit my lolo's place in Masbate after (16) sixteen long years.

9. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you:

Friendly, kind and pretty.

10. How do you cope with boredom?

Play ear defeaning music. Amuse myself with "icey" by browsing stacks of my pix and play games after.

11. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most?

No regrets. I have learned so much from those experiences.

12. What type of person do you hate the most?

Backstabber.

13. What is your ambition?

To be a doctor? Lol.

14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for?

A family free from any sickness.

15. How did you celebrate New Year?

Watching fireworks while eating with my family.

16. What has been the craziest thing you've ever done in your whole life?

I accidentally used an iodized salt to my mom's coffee. I've mistaken it as salt.

17. What do you look forward to in 2008?

To finally own our house we loaned from PAGIBIG

18. If your life is a song, what title best fits it?

Gloria Gaynor's "I will Survive"!

19. What is your inspiration in life?

My family I dearly love.

20. Here's my out of the box question. How would you sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo?

Since it's freezing cold there, I would suggest him to use it as his cabinet instead. Lol.

Lakbayan Meme

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

So how much of the Philippines have you travelled? Add your links here:

1) mind bubbles, 2) may 3) VANITY KIT 4) SOMETHING PURPLE 5.) A DETOUR 6) Big Eyed Gal 7) The Chronic Shopper 8) My Inner Thoughts Revealed 9.) DeCaFFeiNaTed 10.) BaReFooTeD Me 11.) blueaficionado

I got C!. No doubt since most of the places I've been were from part of Luzon only.

I havent got (8) eight people on my list yet, but I'm tagiing my best bud who's in Japan now. Go Anna. Mishoo!

Just contemplating

Musing over the waves of China Sea

Have you ever felt your significance? How about someone’s rebuffing it? Has anybody asked of your capability and expertise over a certain thing and receive nothing in any way after the favor has been done? It's indeed unscrupulous.

I myself not trying to emphasize I became an essential part of getting their things done. Likewise, let them feel that I became an element of the success of a group. This is not all about monetary reward for the accomplished task but being thankful is of great way of returning the act of kindness. I consider that when things are appreciated it’s freely-given.

Albeit the two-word “Thank you!” is just simple expression, the manner of how you express it creates a great impact to anyone who will heed it. It does not matter how big or small the favor was, but the verity that she/he became indispensable reinforcement deserves a gratitude you need to return. I guess that by doing so, this will help you develop a more concrete relationship towards individual when it comes to soliciting a favor.

Before I put an end to this, I am taking this chance to say “thank you” to the peeps I met along my journey; for providing me opportunities to know the real me; for making me realize my purpose on earth; for believing in my capacity to handle things which are sometimes uncontainable. All of you made me feel me that a big load has been taken off my neck. My sincere gratitude for letting God used you as a huge blessing to me.

For the peeps who made me feel bad and hurt me in any way.. I won’t fail to remember to utter the same words: Thank you!. I consider all of you as my life critics that will always remind me how to live right.

Eskwelang Kwela '07

This was a triumphant activity that ought to have a space here: As part of the collaborative campaign to ensure the smooth opening of classes for school year 2007 - 2008, The Rotaract Club of Sampiro conducted a project entitled Eskwelang Kwela: A Balik Eskwela Program for the Children of Barangay Ankileng, Sagada Mountain Province last May 18-20, 2007. The project aims to extend material assistance to those identified children willing to continue with their studies but lack of financial support. The club has been extending to the said barangay facilities and knowledge with regard to the fast changing era of computers. Our club was able to teach the people the basic use of computer during our first leg visit and donated computers for their actual application. Furthermore, they benefited clothes, books, maps, medicines and goodies courtesy of our generous sponsors on our second visit.

The said Balik Eskwela was part of our continuous community project in Sagada wherein mostly pre-schoolers became our beneficiaries. Ten (10) rotaractors took the grueling 14 hours trip to Sagada carrying seven boxes carefully packed loaded with school uniform for pre-schoolers, bags, school supplies, medicines, shampoo and biscuits. All these items were handed to the kids and made possible by our bighearted sponsors: The Rotary Club Makati- Poblacion, Jollibee Taguig- Pateros, Philippine National Red Cross Rizal – Chapter, Head and Shoulders, Powelink Inc., Ms. Aleki Roshane and the staff of Urban Development Department, City Government of Makati. The group enjoyed seeing the faces of the youngsters glowing with wonder and innocence. They remind us of how important it is to remain open to whatever adventures lie just around the bend.

With the success of this endeavor, the children of Sagada taught us a new way to understand the importance of giving. It motivated each one of us to keep coming back not only because we enjoy serving but also because we can learn from them; helping us grow into caring individuals who can change the future.

The kids of Ankileng Day Care Center showing their new school uniforms , some barangay officials and rotaractors handling the banner of RC Makati Poblacion – our mother club

A surprise gift for Ms. Carmen Lipato, lone teacher of Ankileng Day Care Center (clothes, bag loaded with school supplies and teaching materials)

The little choreographer teaching the rotaractors the sagada moves

Exploring the breathtaking Sumaging Cave

Got mud dirt while catching our breath but yea, we survived!

UPDATE: The Rotaract Club of Sampiro (11 rotaractors to be exact) will be leaving for Sagada tomorrow via Victory Liner(to Baguio) for our second Balik Eskwela Project 2008.. Yipee.. . Thanks to our generous supporters (i'll reveal them on my next blog). Can't wait to witness the children of Sagada have the first taste of the popular US doughnut brand which is now in the Philippines. Yea, you've read it right. Thanks Krispy Kreme - Ayala Avenue Branch (one of our sponsors). You have such a huge heart for the kids. For those who haven't shared anything for the kids, you can still do so by saying a simple prayer for our safe and sound journey.

Time to paint a smile. So kids..brace yourself coz we are coming over for your school presents and lots of goodies - a long fourteen hours rewarding trip.

Prayer granted - It isn't my last glance

In the recent Holy week, I was able to blog of my last glance of Sagada, which I reckoned. But now, I am happy to announce that I’m going back there for another outreach program. Yippe!. For all you know, I’ve been doing this with the full support of my co-rotaractors and generous sponsors since 2006 when I became the elected president of the Rotaract Club of Sampiro – younger Rotarians as they call us. Though my term is over, I still prop up my loyalty to our club as past president. It was awe-inspiring to know that the club to be headed by the elected president, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Bernadette Gonzales-Ostonal will be coming back there for another Balik Eskwela Project on May 24-25, 2008.

As of this moment, the group is in the process of gathering school supplies, books and other forms of donations to be given to the seventy (70) less fortunate kids of Barangay Ankileng in Sagada. Six (6) medical staff from Makati Medical Centerwill join the said outreach shelling out their own contributions as well. I can’t wait to see the children wearing their beaming smile as they patiently line-up to get their school presents. That unforgettable smile painted on their faces certainly the main reason that keeps the group from finding bighearted sponsors that will support our projects for the young ones.

The project is one week away. Albeit it’s another fourteen hours butt-aching trip but who cares? I would say that it’s another experience laudable to be remembered by; another absolute idyllic day for the seventy kids and a great chance for us, rotaractors to be the reason for them to smile again. The no-doubt smile that would bring each one of us the amazing feeling even a single penny can’t buy. Hay.. can’t wait to feel such experience all over again.
How about you? Do you want to paint a smile by sharing something for the kids? We’ll be delighted to see you being a part of our club - Rotaract Club of Sampiro. This coming August is our sponsorship month. Our incoming president, Ms. Ma. Cristina Espinueva (hahaha.. go..go.. Tin-Tin!) would be glad to welcome you guys as we altogether extend help to the needy ones in our own rotaract way.

Wear a smile and be the reason for others to smile. Click!.

Summer Escapade

Never a year our division fails to plan for summer getaway. We’ve been to Bataan, Hundred Islands, Bolinao, Puerto Galera and then this year, the group decided to go to the northernmost tip of Luzon in the Philippines. Yeah, we are heading north this summer-Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Everyone is excited and getting ready for the grueling trip.

Attention: Cacai, we are leaving this Friday night. Can you fly back by then coz we don't want you to miss this 3-day trip.

Going back, wanna know what makes Pagudpud a haven for tourists like us? Well, lemme share what’s in store for us – northern trippers.

Friday - April 4, 2008

09:30 PM - Assembly Time Makati City Hall

10:00 PM - Estimated Time of Departure

Saturday - April 5, 2008

7:00 AM - Estimated Time of Arrival Bantay, Ilocos Sur

7:00 - 07:30 AM - Bantay Church Belfry

7:30 - 08:00 AM - Breakfast at Vigan

8:00 - 09:00 AM - Crisologo St. Walk Tour

9:00 - 09:30 AM - St. Paul's Cathedral

9:30 - 10:00 AM - Fr. Jose Burgos Museum

10:00 - 10:30 AM - Pagburnayan (Vigan House of Pottery)

10:30 - 11:00 AM - Crisologo Museum

11:00 - 12:00 NN - Chavit Singson's Baluarte

12:00 - 01:00 PM - Lunch in Vigan0

3:00 - 03:30 PM - Marcos Mausoleum Batac

3:30 - 04:00 PM - Paoay Church

4:00 - 04:30 PM - Balay Ti Amianan (Malacanang of the North)

5:00 - 05:30 PM - Market Food at Laoag

6:30 PM - Estimated Time of Arrival Pagudpud

6:30 - 07:00 PM - Prepare Dinner

7:00 PM - Dinner

8:00 PM onwards - Free Time

Sunday - April 6, 2008

7:00 AM - Breakfast

8:30 - 09:00 AM - Ilocos - Cagayan Boundary Canopy

9:00 - 09:30 AM - Paraiso nit Anton/ Bagong Lipunan Lodge Ruins

9:30 - 10:00 AM - Agua Grande/ Patapat Viaduct

10:00 - 11:30 AM - Kabigan Falls

11:30 - 12:00 NN - Bantay Abot Caves

12:00 NN - Lunch at Blue Lagoon

12:30 - 02:30 PM - Swimming @ Blue Lagoon

3:00 - 06:00 PM - Swimming @ Saud Beach

7:00 PM - Dinner

8:00 PM onwards - Free Time

Monday - April 7, 2008

5:00 AM - Early Breakfast

6:00 AM - Sunrise @ Bangui Windmills

6:30 AM - Bangui View Deck

7:00 AM - Kapurpuraoan Rock
8:00 AM - Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

11:00 AM - Lunch @ Vigan

12:00 - 01:00 PM - Buy Pasalubong

1:00 PM - Leave for Manila

10:00 PM - Estimated Time of Arrival Manila

Whoa! This is must be a very tiring summer out of town trip but definitely a northern discovery worth coming back. Pagudpod, here we come!

Sagada, Mountain Province – my last glance perhaps

If there’s a place worth traveling during Holy week – a must-go is Sagada. I was there actually with my friend (sorry she doesn’t want anybody to know that we’re together, hehehe) and a few of her cousins. T’was my fourth time to experience the grueling fourteen hours trip (huwaahhh! still have my butt-ache as of this time). But it was fun revisiting the place knowing the road going there indeed amused me. For the average trippers, they would definitely go for the famous hanging coffins and Sumaguing cave which are my usual itinerary for the past three times of my visit there. But this time, I broke my program. Though most of the members of the group are newbies (only two are timers), I decided not to join them (my best friend and a local guide tagged along with them). I instead went with Tan-ay, our bighearted foster parent in Sagada to help her gather head-size-cabbage and tomatoes in what she called garden which is actually the size of farm – as far as your eyes can see!. Tan-ay said that it’s just near her place but mind you, it took us 45 minute-walk before we reached the garden, hay..but it’s worth the walk!. I got the chance to pick fresh tomatoes, pull the cabbage out, cut it with knife and dropped it into the basket. I maybe slow while doing it, but I had so much fun.

The tiring part came when it was time to carry those veggies back to Tan-ay’s house. Ugh!, Heavy!, I can’t actually lift the basket full of tomatoes but I had no choice nor right to complain. Tan-ay was carrying a sack of cabbage on her head, much heavier than mine. So I carried the basket, managing its weight which is getting heavier and heavier on our way. I knew Tan-ay was worried about me. She was actually asking me every now and then if I can stand the walk with my basket on.. I just reciprocated her with a smile. And thanks God!, we finally reached the house. Truly, it was really tiring but a great experience that can’t be traded for anything else.

When its time to head back to Manila, I was surprised that Tan-ay had this box of cabbage carefully packed for us. Thanks that I did not vocally complain how weighty my basket was. Hers was far heavier just to know in the end that those cabbages are for us to bring home.

Upon reaching Poblacion, I visited the Church of Saint May the Virgin and utter this: "I pray that may this not be my last glance-slash-step of Sagada. I pray for more life experience, fun and serenity as well. Amen."

My sanctuary, my safe haven

Moving from a place you have gotten used to since birth to a place which is wholly stranger to your eyes is such an appalling experience. I remember my first few months of struggling and adjusting myself just to fit in to this so-called highly urbanized metro. My life way back in the province was really far different from where I am now. I’ve been working in Makati for over five years but back then, I actually had my second thought of moving and accepting the job due to my would-be environment. I had the apprehensions that a certified “probinsyana” would absolutely have to dare extend an extra mile just to adopt the city-life.

Finding where to dwell was the first I considered. Though, I do have relatives where I can stay to, I opted to find a different abode. Yeap, they’re my kin but I don’t want to squeeze in myself and be an added burden, este, responsibilities since most of them have already children to look after to. I did find one (boarding house with two rooms) and compromised to pay the bigger share just to convince my eldest sister moved with me, since she works nearby my working place. I need someone trustworthy to ask and get an outright answer of the things that might draw my concern while living my life here, and that’s my ate (thou most of the times we argue over small things because she’s is so clever, peace sis! J) Sad to say after a year, she had to go back to the province because her company has to close and that ended me to be finally on my own. I even cried the first night I went home and saw her room empty. But what I can I do? She needs to leave and I need to get on with my life without her.
It made me realize that living all by myself will give me more time to assess myself, bring out the best in me, decide on my own, live my purpose without turning back, walk head up and face the challenges of life.

And during my downfall moment, the four corners of my room became my place of safety to release the pain of being single-handedly; my own sanctuary who have witnessed my everyday battle of missing my family while fiddling with my new milieu; the haven wherein I can totally take off my different masks and be of myself for real. Thanks Roomy (my room). You’ve seen the tears I cried, the number of times I smiled and how I’ve grown a lot here. You are my sole eyewitness up to this moment.

Seeing myself now after five years (that’s also an additional five years to my age, whew! I don’t wanna to get old yet, really.), I can say that I was able to surpass and agree with the flow of life here.