The Year That Was

While most of the people were happily celebrating the new year, I joined the rest who silently sleep and decided to quietly let the old year pass.

I have a lot in my mind as I start this entry but eventually chosen not to write them all. I could say that I started 2009 on high, and if I’ll base the year’s ending on my own, sablay. Fortunately, what matters most is my relationship with God. Inspite of my rebellion, Jesus committed to love me all the days of my life. I am secured.

Year 2009 was filled with so many unforgettable moments. Laugh, fun, hurts, pains, lost, kilig, excitements, disappointments, frustrations, surprises, adventure, love, tears, and so much more – all these I have experienced. Some may have been avoided, but all things happen for a reason.

It was a good year though for all areas in my life, and I’m looking forward to a better one this year.

Why it is unforgettable?

My friend, Weng, started bugging me on taking a vacation away from Bulacan and Cavite since the time she learned that her boss allowed her to take some time off from Dubai.

We searched for places to go until it was decided that it’ll be in Palawan. I was of course excited for it will be my first time to see the famous Palawan. After the hustle and bustle of travel booking, our feet finally set on the island on the day of December 6, 2009.

Weng was agitated by the disappointment and frustrations she got from her other friend. Fortunately she was able to calm down before we set for our first activity.

First day was spent in a city tour. Went to Iwahig prison, crocodile farm (the difference of this from the rest I’ve seen is that this farm got the biggest crocodiles!), baker’s hill (this is my favorite for the ambiance was very nice, it’s like you’re not in the Philippines), Mitra’s ranch, and many others. Not bad for a trip though.

Second day was my favorite. We’ve seen the world’s famous underground river, it was amazing. I was totally entertained by our bangkero, though he is like a recorder for he’s been in the job 16 years of his life. We had our lunch at the beach. We have other co-tourists and somehow we got easily connected with each other. Our trip was spent laughing and talking. Going back to the hotel, I was so tired and sleepy. The others planned on having coffee after doing some shopping. And they have to “force” me to come. (Feeling ko ang arte ko kasi pinilit pa nila ako). After the short shopping, we went out for coffee. Deri, one of the most comedic in our group, treated us not just for coffee but also for an entertainment. He’s a fan of magic and he showed us some of his antics. We had the best afternoon full of laugh and entertainment.

The last day we spent on island hopping. Did snorkeling and a lot of boat rides. Bohol remains to be my favorite. Biased! Haha! The next time I’ll visit Palawan, I want to see El Nido. (grin)

Going back to Deri, he told us that he’s a photographer. But I didn’t know that he’s not just an ordinary photographer. I’ve searched his name in the net, and this is what I found…

Ibarra Deri, a renowned portraitist, is the first photographer to be included in Huwaran Filipino Achievement Awards' Who's Who in the Philippines. Deri (as he prefers to be called) started photography as a simple hobby. He has three college degrees unrelated to photography: a bachelor's degree biological sciences, a masters degree in teaching in biological sciences, and a degree in dentistry. For love of portraiture, he founded the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines. An avid magician, Deri spices up his photography lectures with magic tricks. He owns and operates three photography studios in both Metro Manila and Bicol.

Are you kidding me?! He took these shots for me and my friend…for free!!!

Boys Will be Boys

Last night, IC invited us to a dinner in celebration of his allegedly “24th” birthday. It was initially planned as a boy’s dine out but for some reasons, the girls were invited as well. And being my “favorite bodyguard”, I set my time for IC. Kahit tampururot sya because I was not able to greet him on the day of his birthday. Haha!

I didn’t know who from the girls are coming but for one I was certain that Minette will join since I contacted her in the morning. She was my personal driver on going to the meeting place (thank you sis, love you). It turned out that it was only me and Minette who will join the dinner from the girls. Before going to Buslo, we even thought that we’ll get OP since it was an “11 boys vs. 2 girls” dinner. Nevertheless, nandun na kami so might as well enjoy IC’s blowout.

Being the only two girls, the men let us sit near the middle. IC started to order crispy pata, bulalo, sisig, etc., etc. Wow, as Minette said di pang-100 ang order ni IC! Pang 65 lang, dahil di ka na aabutin ng 100 years sa taas ng cholesterol ng mga food that were ordered. Haha! I requested for “chicken bahay guya” for it was my favorite.

When the food came, all was excited to eat. Arms, hands, voices, bowls, plates are moving. I was a bit shocked to see these men eating excitedly and tumatayo pa talaga sila to get the food that they want, di talaga sila nahiya samin ni Minette. Hehe. And to my surprise, my request was being feasted by these men! I suddenly shouted, “IC, kinukuha nila order ko!!!” (Nagsumbong! Hahaha). And IC responded, “Sino? Sino?”, as if he can prevent them. In fairness to the men, they stopped and let me get my share. But after 2-3 seconds, my order was gone! Hahaha! Good thing I was able to spare a small amount for Minette so she can taste it. SR only got the sauce! Whew!

After a few minutes, all plates were cleaned. As in bones na lang (literal, buto!) ang natira. Walang kiyeme, walang nasayang, walang natira. Even the soup, ubos! Finished! That ends the “11 boys vs. 2 girls” dinner.

If it were the other way, the scene for “11 girls vs. 2 boys” dinner will be like this: After 30 minutes, you’ll hear the women saying, “sino pa may gusto ng crispy pata? Dami pa dito.” And, “uy, wag na kayo magtira, sayang yung sisig.” And, “take out na lang natin yung bulalo, di naman halos nagalaw.” And after 10 more minutes, the two men are surrounded by the rest of the food which is their favorite part of the dinner. Haha!

I had fun last night, these men are so honest, so true, di man lang nagkunwari sa harap ng pagkain. Hahaha! Thanks for the fun and the food and the trip mga bro. Boys will always be boys.

We ended the night at DQ. I had my all-time favorite brownie temptation blizzard. Sarap!

Let's get "natural" this time...

I am fascinated by nature. Who's not anyway?


For the past two months, nature played a not so good game. Floods here and there. Typhoons come and go. Landslides on highlands. Calamities were everywhere. Was that fascinating? I don't think so. . . cause I was a victim of high-level flood, trapped in water for days!


But lately nature is taking its natural course again, well as for me. I've never been that close to a rainbow! It was last Saturday during our single's retreat in Antipolo. My job for the amazing race was over when my feet led me to another station. I didn't have anything to do that time so I just followed where my feet were going. Reaching the station, I was too lazy to go and see the players. I sat at the fence and reluctantly watched the others enjoying the game. Until I noticed Lio was taking photos of me! I was thinking maybe my mood was an ironic object for such an event. And then she told, "may rainbow sa likod mo." What? A rainbow at my back? Whoo-la, there's a rainbow indeed! It was so big and so clear that I want to touch it. The rainbow is just on the other mountain! So lively and so lovely... Too bad I didn't bring the cable of my phone, I couldn't post the photo here. Anyway, I was actually contemplating on something that time and I was too glad to see that rainbow. It lifted my spirit.


And today, I travelled for more than 4 hours by car. I've been to long trips, but this one was different for we (together with my colleagues) travelled through mountains. No zig-zags, no diziness, no accidents, just pure leisure travel. Malaysia is so rich in beautiful mountains with green everywhere (my fave color!). Loved our trip eventhough it took us more than 4 hours before reaching Penang.

And of course, these "nature tripping" brought my senses back to myself. I miss "me". The focused, organized, joyful and full of spirit lady. Maybe nature is reminding me to be in my natural self again. Though I know it's my Dad's way of telling that He is also missing the "natural" me... I'm going back (really trying) to Whom I belong.

Letting You Go…

You were wearing a red shirt and maong pants when your dad introduced us to each other. I cannot remember the exact date, but it was in Hiyas Convention at the youth bs hall. You were covering your face with your right hand as if ashamed or embarrassed, but you were smiling. From then on, you become a regular face I see every week.

As time goes by, I learned more about you. So carefree, pasaway, maingay and most of all – sobrang masayahin. You may be annoying dahil sa kaingayan at kakulitan mo. But you continued to attend bs and dgroups. I remember you didn’t want to go to college. You didn’t want to study anymore. But after completing your college degree, you have another wish – you don’t want just an entry level in a company, you want to be there at once – at the top position. You shared that you don’t want to get married too, but later I found out that you even got a man before I have! Haha!

These words may not reach you now. But I want to say “thank you”. I learned to be more patient, to pray harder, to laugh more, to talk less and to listen more, to love and appreciate the people around me. Your transfer to Clang’s dgroup, I didn’t talk about it formally. It was hard for me, I just knew it’s time that I let you go. I’ve seen you’re maturing, being more responsible in your own ways. And I was glad that you accepted it, as I expected you would.

I’ve seen you cried once, and I regret that I was not that emphatic with you then. I didn’t understand how painful it was, but I know you’re hurting. We had the longest conversation (kahit thru text lang) that time. I wished I felt for you but that’s all I can do for you then, to be there and listen to what you’ll say.

Happy times, we have so many for laugh and fun are part of you. I won’t forget our time in Balay Indang, I was so glad when you said that you enjoyed the retreat. Your lips mentioned so many good things, it was a confirmation for me that you are really growing. But above all, I am most happy for I knew you have Jesus in your heart.

You were wearing a pink-stripped sort of jump suit (only fashionistas like you know what that dress is called, haha!) when you asked if you have kissed me already. I said, “di pa.” And then you kissed me and said, “aalis kasi ako. Bye.” It was sweet and sincere. We were in the new CCF worship hall, my first time to attend the service. And my last time to see you in your usual smiling face.

The first and the last encounter I have with you, they are treasured forever in my heart. I never thought letting you go could be this painful. Tears will stop from falling, but for now I just let them flow…

Peth, paalam… I’ll see you up there…