Friday, December 31, 2004

happy new year!

a new year, a new beginning. hope that 2005 would be better than 2004 in more ways than one

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Harry Potter 6

Just got this off the net. I'm sure that many of us are looking forward to this one.

J.K. Rowling Completes 6th Potter Novel

brain drain

got this from a friend and i just have to share it...

10 Biggest Brain Damaging Habits

1. No Breakfast

People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating

It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking

It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption

Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.


5. Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.


8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.


9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts

Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.


10. Talking Rarely


Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain







staggered work hours?!

Staggered Work Hours - I have been meaning to write about this and today is just about good as any other day. Last week (December 15), the MMDA kicked-off its latest experiment. It ordered government employees to report to work at 7am and go home at 4pm, instead of the regular 8am-5pm working hours. Private offices are encouraged to start at 9am and end at 6pm.The program would run until January 6, 2005.

Why may you ask? According to MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, the staggered working time would reduce traffic during the Christmas season. Hmmm... did chairman Bayani think this through?

Lets see... government employees reporting to work at 7am. hmm sounds good, but when you think of it, an hour or two would be wasted. How can that be? Well, since some businesses are not in operations until 8 or 9 am, there are little things to do. The hours between 7 and 9am, will therefore be spent by a government employee to eat breakfast and do other things no necessarily related to work. Since the common time that private and government offices are open are between 9am and 4pm, that gives us only 6 hours (excluding lunch break) of services or interaction. Is it worth it?

Let us tackle traffic next. Since most of the traffic are concentrated around mall areas, this scheme does not really help uncongest traffic where we need it the most - roads going to and passing through malls such as SM and Robinsons. Since government employees are done by 4pm, most of them go to malls to do their last minute Christmas shopping. Employees getting off at 6pm will also troop to the malls, not only to shop and dine but also to wait for the traffic to lighten. Hmmm, did Bayani really do this to help decongest traffic or to lure shoppers to malls?

Another thing, starting this week, most of the employees (be it private or government) will be taking their 2 weeks off. That alone would reduce traffic. And since the xmas break has started, early morning traffic is better than before.

So, what really was achieved or is being achieved by the lastest MMDA program? Is it really improving the traffic situation this holiday season? For more information and opinion about this program, you could read it here, here and here

Staggered work hours - the intention was good, but was it really thought through?

Monday, December 20, 2004

mirror

I bloghopped and came across this site http://onawhimsy.blogspot.com/... she seems to be mirroring what i am feeling... this is one of her latest entry:

It's been two weeks now and still no sign from you. I sit and wait impatiently occasionally reminding myself that it is just a misunderstanding, but also getting riled up every now and again. I hope that when I do hear from you I will be in the prior state of mind. Because if I am in the latter, I don't know when the next opportunity to get things right will be. It's already been too long. Can't you see? But I won't do anything and I won't say anything until you do. I just won't. But neither will you. What are you thinking? Are you still thinking of me? I barely know you and I miss you already. In the mean time, I wait for something to happen, aware that life is short and time precious, aware that my inhibitions are pointless, aware that you too have your own insecurities that are fueled by how I act toward you. But if only you knew. Talk to me. I'm thinking about you.

Hay naku, ano ba yan? bakit nga ba sa iba madaling mag move on at sa iba hindi? bakit kaya pag may silence ay nagiging paraniod ang tao? I just wish that my prayers will be answered soon... that after a long while, i can sleep soundly knowing that i did no wrong... that i was right in giving him the trust once again.

a bleak holiday season

with tragedies left and right, the increase in electric rates and looming increase in water rates, will the Pinoys have a festive holiday season? Is this still the season to be merry?

perception

There is no such thing as an unbiased or an objective opinon. Our judgement is always clouded by what we see or what we intended to see and retain. We only see what we like to see, hear what we like to hear and retain what we want to retain.

Our perception is shaped by what we hear, read, feel and process. I am guilty of this. We have one way or another asked for advice from family and friends on a particular subject or person. They told us what they feel but in the end we still do what we want to do. We only retain the information and advice that we wanted to hear from them - what we want them to reinforce for us.

Unfortunately, what we retain or percieve is not always the right thing or the best thing for us. There is a blind side to this perception. Out of the positive things that a person has shown us, we tend to retain the negative the most. We do not remember how one person made our lives better or how much love he has shown us, instead we remember the hurt we went trough and the betrayal. We do not notice the hundred act of kindness, instead we notice the bitter exchance of words. This is such a sad reality...

personals

29/F looking to expand her circle of friends. Must be as "crazy" as she is, willing to talk about everything and nothing, must love food - especially dark chocolate and pizzas and must be open to having a friend that is a little bit different. :) anyone interested?

Thursday, December 16, 2004

simbang gabi

Today, December 16 is the official start of the Pinoy Christmas season. It starts with the simbang gabi and ends with the feast of the three kings on January 6.

Simbang gabi has been a tradition of Filipino Christians since i could remember. Families and Friends troop to church at wee hours of the morning not only for mass but for puto bumbong, bibingka and get togethers. It is also believed that when one completes the simbang gabi (9 days), his wishes will be granted. Hmmm, i wonder, what are the top 3 "hiling" of the Pinoys?

Anyways, I found this at inq7.net and thought that it might be an interesting read on simbang gabi...

It seems that the origin of simbang gabi is rooted with the masses. According to the inquirer article the simbang gabi is really for farmers and the agricultural sector, a recognition of the agrarian moorings of much of the Philippines.

Who will you take with you to the simbang gabi?

over kill

This reaction from the national government is an over kill:

MALACAÑANG has offered to make Fernando Poe Jr. a national artist and broached the idea of burying him at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The Palace offer is wildly perceived to be attempts at appeasing the angry supporters of the king of Philippine movies.


And it does not stop there... At the House of Representatives and the Senate, allies of the actor are appealing for the Philippine flag to fly at half-staff in his honor.

I mean, we all know that the late FPJ was well loved by the people from all walks of life, but does politicis have to play a role at this time?

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

the holiday blues

feeling the holiday blues and realizing that i might have placed too much faith on something and someone... made myself vulnerable once again. Ah, the travesty! Why such painful outcome? How come i never learn?

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

another thought

"Da king" is dead, how will da queen (aka PGMA) react?

1. release a press statement saying that she is offering prayers for FPJ, etc.
2. ride on the publicity and milk this for all its worth
3. put the military and the PNP on high alert on the grounds that ERAP and FPJ loyalist might plan to unseat her.
4. ask her lawyers to file a motion to dismiss the election protest on the grounds that the petitioner is dead


real age

I took the real age test today and found out that my real age is 28. I am a year younger than my actual age. If i have more exercise i might just have gotten a lower number. I guess, this can motivate me to eat healthier and exercise more plus i should not stress out on things beyond my control.

My wish for the new year? better health, better love, to be more stable financially and emotionally and to be with my one true love. Who ever you are... magpakita ka na! tawagan mo na ako. hehehe

a random thought

Fernando Poe Jr., the king of Philippine movies who almost unseated President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo passed away early this morning. Poe fell into a coma after a massive stroke Saturday night... This development has left many Filipinos in shock and has left me thinking about the what ifs....

What if he won the elections last May? Then we would have had 3 different Presidents in 2004 - Arroyo, Poe and who ever the Vice President is... If Loren won, then we have Loren by default, but if the Vice President was Noli, we will have him as President by default. It makes you wonder db?

If Poe was President, then it would have been the second time that we lost a President while in Office. President Ramon Magsaysay died in a plane crash while he was still in office. Both men were beloved by the Filipinos.

TANga

... as usual, naging tanga na naman ako. hay naku, kainis! Well, at least i gave it another go.

Monday, December 13, 2004

DA press release

just want to share this news release...

DA to provide corn and palay seeds to farmers in Cagayan

Tuguegarao City - In his recent field visit in Northern Luzon, Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said his department is ready to assist in the rehabilitation of agricultural farmlands in Cagayan damaged by the successive typhoons but noted that the DA will be needing the help of all the Cagayanons for the rehabilitation effort to succeed.

Yap gave this assurance in a dialogue with the local government executives of Cagayan during his visit, adding that the department is ready to provide seeds to farmers to help them recover their losses.

For corn, the DA and the LGU will be implementing the scheme that will grant P750 subsidy for the cost of seeds per bag of hybrid corn seeds. The subsidy for open pollinated variety of corn seeds shall be P260/bag.

For hybrid palay, an additional subsidy of P325/bag shall be granted over and above the existing regular subsidy of P1,750 per bag of hybrid rice. The balance of P325 per bag will be the cash equity of farmers.

A total of 17,752 hectares and 5,988 hectares of farmlands in the Province of Cagayan planted to corn and palay, respectively were damaged by typhoons that hit the country in the last two months.

The damaged farmlands represents 73 percent of the area planted to corn and 35 percent for palay.

Yap, at the same time, asked the provincial government to come up with projects for possible DA funding. He also encouraged them to tap the assistance of the different government agencies noting the agriculture department alone cannot save agriculture in Cagayan.

The agriculture secretary was accompanied in his visit DA Undersecretary for Operations, Edmund Sana. They were welcomed by Governor Edgar Ramones Lara, the municipall mayors, Regional Executive Director Gumersindo Lasam of DA-RFU 02, members of the Regional Management Committee and other national and local government officials.

For queries, suggestions and recommendations, the public can text the DA by typing DAand send to 2920. ###

my world is…

It seems that my boredom hasn’t ended yet so here I am again trying on some on line quizzes about my world and this is what I found out….

open
group
solid
Your World (Part One): What is your world made of? [girls]

brought to you by Quizilla

Sunday, December 12, 2004

FPJ

The whole nation is a buzz with the news that Fernando Poe Jr., the king of Philippine movies and Presidential aspirant, was rushed to the hospital due to a stoke. Like a telenovela befitting the king, every TV and radio station has set-up an hourly bulletin on his condition. How will the drama unfold? How will this end? Only time and God can tell...

Friday, December 10, 2004

communication in chaos

Lately nothing seems to go right... even organizing this party on the 18th seems to be covered with miscommunications, cancellations and other stuff. I hope that this will push trough though. I need to be among friends and know that there are some things i could still count on.

I also can't seem to get hold of one particular person, don't know how to get in touch with him anymore. I even tried sending email and YM but to no avail. Anyhow, i do wish and pray that by next week, things will be alot better. How about that answered prayer? Tc pls call me, need your advice on something.



isa pa...

walang magawa eh, kaya eto...

YOU'RE A WATCHER ANGEL
you're a wisdom angel. you cive advice to other
people and you're smart and wise.

what kind of angel are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

eto pang isa...

You are Kaikou. You are 1/2 dragon Demon.
Somehow, you are working for the greater evil
of your world, but it is against your will. A
strong contract binds you to that fate.
However, you refuse to turn to the darkness, no
matter how much it seduces you. You're element
is light, and you have dragon wings to fly!
Good traits: Stong willed, kind, clever, and
thoughtful
Bad triats: Posessive, Bull headed (at times),
tends to hold grudges, and afraid at times.

If you had a personality disorder, it would be
Chaos, you don't know where to go or which side
to choose. Overall, you are a pretty stable
person, and you make all the right choices when
you are under pressure, and you know it

If you were a story character, what would your personality be like?
brought to you by Quizilla

isa pa...obvious bang wala talagang magawang matino ako this week? took this quiz re my perfect guy, pano kc i am still searching... or have i already found him? hmmm

your guy is a prep/jock. he is very sporty, and
can be somewhat of a showoff. yet, his looks
are good., but his personality is an iffy, look
into him more b4 you go out with him.

Who's your perfect guy?
brought to you by Quizilla

hay naku, i really feel awful... kainis nga eh, parang downward spiral ang feeling ko. hay...

destressing

been so stressed out lately... kaya eto i took an on line quiz once again. Parang wala n kasi akong magawa lately. Everything seems to be wrong...


Thursday, December 09, 2004

why

Why am i so stressed out by things and events beyond my control? Is the holiday season a contributory factor? Now, where is that bar of chocolate???

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

a love story

I got this from a friend. Here is something worth sharing:

After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping alive the spark of love. A little while ago I had started going out with another woman. This was really my wife’s idea. “I know that you love her,” she said one day, taking me by surprise.


“But I love YOU,” I protested.

“I know, but you also love her.”

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

“What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to pass some time with you.” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment then said, “I would like that very much.”

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was radiant as an angel’s.

“I told my friends that I was going out with my son, and they were impressed,” she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.”

We went to a restaurant that although not elegant, was rather nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu to her, her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entrée, I lifted my eyes and saw mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu to you when you were small,” she said.

“Then it’s time for you to relax and let me return the favor,” I
responded. During the dinner we had an agreeable onversation, nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each others lives. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed.

“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered.

A few days later my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.
An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I was almost sure that I couldn’t be there but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant to me. I love you.”

At that moment I understood the importance of saying, in time: “I LOVE YOU” and giving our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than God and your family and friends. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off ‘til “some other time”.

Someone once said “I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I think this is true with your in-laws, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and your friends. Anyone that means something to you – you should spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to you as often as you can.


one of those days

Oh boy, oh boy... it just has to be one of those days where nothing seems to go right. I feel that i am sitting on a time-bomb waiting for the fuse to go off.

Just this morning, i got into an arguement with my boss over small stuff like borders and fonts. I seem to have mood swings... down one moment then angry the next. Plus that BOY is not helping any. Worst he seem to be fuelling the insecurities and doubts that i have.

I do wish this will end soon! Pls let this end soon. I want to get out of this awful mood.

malamig

mukhang malamig na naman ang Holidays... i was really expecting this to be different, just hope i won't be let down.

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

virgin coconut oil anyone?

This is the new "thing" this year, but what is virgin coconut oil?

Virgin Coconut oil is extracted from fresh mature coconut meat or its derivative by mechanical means, with or without the application of heat. It contains no fat and cholesterol. One of the unique characteristics of virgin coconut oil is that, it is not usually stored in the body as fat, but is converted into energy. That is why many people who have tried our products have reported an increase in their energy level, in addition to unexpected weight loss.

Other health benefits includes: Help you lose weight, or maintain your already good weight; Reduce the risk of heart disease; Lower your cholesterol; Improve conditions in those with diabetes and chronic fatigue; Improve Crohn’s, IBS, and other digestive disorders; Prevent other disease and routine illness with its powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agents; Increase metabolism and promotes healthy thyroid function; Boost your daily energy and Rejuvenate your skin and prevent wrinkles.

This proudly Pinoy-made product is being exported to Singapore, Japan, Korea, and the US (the biggest market). According to the Philippine Coconut Authority, an estimated 100,000 liters were exported in 2003. This year, shipment is estimated to double.

As not to go the way of the Nata de coco industry (which boomed then collaped), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is set to issue an interim set of minimum quality standards for the production / processing of virgin coconut oil to booster world wide acceptance. The parties involved in the process include the Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Los Banos Biotech, Up-Diliman and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) and members of the Virgin Coconut Oil Producers and Traders Association of the Philippines (VCOPTA).

BAFPS Director Gilberto Layese said the standards should be able to conform with the standards set by the Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC). The CAC is an internationally-recognized food quality standards body of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization.

The Virgin Coconut Oil is expected to boost the coconut sector which has been experiencing a downward spiral for years. The PCA is redoubling its efforts to strengthen the coconut industry by encouraging new planting to reduce senile trees and the expansion of new products derived from coconut.

I just hope that this new cottage industry will be able to sustain the interest as well as the market. I also hope that quality standards will indeed be met.

hoping...

... that the person i gave my trust will not let me down again. That the relationship will be better than it was before.

... that the much needed reforms be truly implemented, the rules and laws followed and the offenders prosecuted.

... that i will be a better person because of and inspite of the trials and situations that i have been trough this year. That i have learned from what has happened and try to do what is right and what is best.

... that the New Year does indeed bring better tidings and peace, warmth and laughter, health and prosperity, love and contentment.


waiting...

... for the phone to ring, for that one voice to tell me that everything will be ok. A dinner perhaps? A shoulder to cry on or just a person to talk to.

... for some good news, a little pick me upper this season.

... for the knight in shinning amor, a person that i trust and will never let me down again. The person to catch me when i fall.

when will the waiting game end?

Monday, December 06, 2004

the fool

when it comes to love and everything else, i am the biggest fool!

the blues

been feeling blue lately that i really don't know what to do... since i got the news about my sibling, all i can do was cry. I do wish i could do more, but i can't. i feel so helpless, being too far from her. i just pray that this too shall pass.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

a way to de-stress

Feeling a bit stressed lately? Aside from talking to family and friends, and surrounding yourself with things that give you comfort; gazing at familiar faces, even in pictures, may help you feel less stressed.

According to realage.com, the look of a familiar face appears to soothe nerves and dampen the stress response, according to a new study. And finding the familiar face in a photograph produces the same effect. Spend time with friends and family when you're feeling stressed and keep photos on hand for times when they can't be near.

Keeping a picture of your family or love one in your wallet can do wonders. It can help you keep the stress at bay. Having close, loving relationships promotes health. Social ties provide people with coping mechanisms for stress. Unchecked stress levels may contribute to needless aging because stress has a physiological effect on the body that suppresses the immune system and puts certain systems into overdrive.

Research shows that people are often calmed by the presence of loved ones. Talking out your troubles with a close friend or family member can help assuage stress, too. If friends are not near, try keeping a journal or calling friends on the phone whenever you need to release your worries. Other ways to fight stress includes getting regular exercise, practicing some form of relaxation or meditation technique, eating a healthful diet, and spending time with family and friends. Praying also reduces stress.

This sunday, why don't you spend sometime with your family. Cook together, watch a movie or have that out of town trip that you have always wanted. Watching romantic movie scenes not only puts you in a romantic frame of mind, but it also may affect hormone levels in your body. A new study revealed that levels of progesterone, a hormone that promotes bonding and relaxation, were increased in both men and women while watching a romantic flick.

RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.

another fun task

a very close friend sent this tru email...you can send this tru email or you can copy and paste this on to your blog so that your friends can know you better.

Welcome to the new edition of getting to know your friends. Okay here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail thatyou can send. Change all of the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, *INCLUDING* the person that sent it to you. Some of you may get it several times - that means you have lots of friends.

1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME?
2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING? blue jeans
3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
4. WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE? piknik (midnight snack)
5. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? sometimes
6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? deep red or pink
7. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? fine
8. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my mom
9. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS? Yup
10. HOW OLD ARE YOU TODAY? 29
11. FAVORITE DRINK? water and coke
12. FAVORITE SPORT(S)? none
13. HAIR COLOR? dark brown
14. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yup
15. SIBLINGS? 5
16. FAVORITE MONTH? june
17. FAVORITE FOOD? italian, middle eastern food and anything spicy
18. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? national treasure
19. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? my birthday(june 17)
20. WHAT DO YOU DO TO VENT ANGER? talk a walk or keep distance
21. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? a doll
22. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer
23. HUGS OR KISSES? lots of hugs and kisses
24. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? chocolate
25. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO WRITE/ E-MAIL BACK? Of course
26. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
27. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
28. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? with siblings
29. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? tonight
30. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? clutter
31. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? slept
32. FAVORITE SMELLS? chocolate, freshly baked bread
33. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? not knowing about something
34. PLAIN, BUTTERED OR SALTED POPCORN? buttered
35. FAVORITE CAR?
36. FAVORITE PART OF THE HOUSE? My room
37. FAVORITE FLOWER? roses
38. NUMBER OF KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING? 3
39. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? saturday
40. WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR LAST BIRTHDAY? dinner and swimming
41. HOW MANY STATES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? none
42. HOW MANY CITIES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? zamboanga and QC
43. HOW MANY CARS HAVE YOU HAD & WHAT WAS THE FIRST? I don't own a car
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Zamboanga city, philippines

a love quiz

here are the result of the quizzes i took about love. (hahaha)

HASH(0x8866cac)
Fate, that what will get you together, some where
you weren't planing to go, some thing you
didn't want to do but some thing told you to do
so, and here they are, standing in front of
you, you know you will find the perfect match
one day, just trust your feelings and it will
lead you where they are.


Where will you find love?
brought to you by Quizilla

no
You want a sweet guy. Who'ld take you anywhere.
Like Japan!!! Wow I would like a guy like that
too:) Also he looks so cute in japanese
clothing:)


Who's Perfect For You??? (Cute Anime Pics)
brought to you by Quizilla

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Hurrah for the Filipino sprit

There is nothing like a tragedy or a super typhoon to bring out the bayahihan sprit of the Filipino. For the past few days, there has been an out pouring of support and volunteerism to help out the victims of the recent typhoons. I do pray that this sprit will stay with us longer than a week or two.

To the heros and volunteers, bravo. To our politicians, I hope that more than the photo-ops, you will buckle down to work. To congressman “kurat” of Compostella Valley, you have shown a different face of a public servant – you are a rare breed. I know this is expecting much, but I hope that there will be more pubic servants like you.

Friday, December 03, 2004

sipping hot cocoa on a rainy day

It has been raining steady for the past few days. One way of beating the cold and boredom is to stay in bed sipping hot cocoa and reading a good book. Recently i discovered that cocoa is an antioxidant. According to realage.com:

A surprising winner in the drinkable antioxidants arena is cocoa. Warming up with hot cocoa will deliver an antioxidant punch that neither red wine nor green tea can beat, according to recent research. Cocoa is rich in phenols, compounds that fight heart disease, aging, and cancer. To keep your fat and calorie intake low, drink it in moderation.
It goes on to say that
Many pre-made, instant hot cocoa mixes contain trans fats, an aging kind of fat linked to heart disease. To keep your intake of trans fats low, make your own hot cocoa mix from scratch with unsweetened cocoa powder. You can further reduce fat content by using skim milk or water. However, remember that your sweetened beverage will still be fairly high in calories, so keep your portions small and make adjustments to your diet as necessary to keep your overall calorie count down. Hot chocolate made from cocoa may be better than a serving of milk chocolate because a serving of cocoa has less fat than a standard-size chocolate bar. Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that boost cardiovascular health by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. Cocoa contains gallic acid and epicatechin, both of which are phenolic flavonoids with potent antioxidant properties. Other good sources of antioxidants are fresh fruits and vegetables.
Wouldn't this make you reach out for that hot cocoa?


Thursday, December 02, 2004

my rose

With a single phone call, we can be changed forever. We realize that all is not what it seems and that life can throw as a curve ball when we least expect it.

The present situation calls for reflection, an analysis of what could have possibly gone wrong. What were the factors that lead to the sitution that all surprised us all? How come we didn't see it coming straight at us? Were we too busy with our own lives to pick up the phone or sit down and talk? This is a turning point for us. I hope and pray that this will pass soon and that no one gets hurt or lost again.

Life (and love) indeed is not a bed of roses. But then again it might just be. One can only realize and appreciate the beauty of life and of one's family if one can also learn from the pains and aches.

You appreciate the loveliness of the rose, torn and all. You marvel at its beauty, on how delicate it seems and get inspired by how it protects itself. But we forget that even if its torns are there to protect itself, it is vulnerable to the elements. It needs attention and tender loving care.

To my lovely rose, we will always be here to support, and love you no matter what. In your journey to find yourself, we are praying that you (and the rest of us) find the peace that we are looking for. Forgiving the ones who caused you pain and forgiving yourself is the first step. I pray that we get out of the this intact and stronger than ever. I love you and miss you so much.

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

here we go again

When ever disaster or tragedy strikes (be it a natural or man made one), the first thing government officials do is point fingers. The second action they do is to create a committee to investigate the cause of the said catastrophe. These knee-jerk reactions can very well be illustrated by the recent scandals and calamities that rocked the Philippines.

First on the list is the corruption in the military. Here much had been said about Gen. Garcia and his unexplained wealth (who were in the loop, where he got the money and how he amassed it), that it lead to congressional investigation, as well as military and civil court cases. I know deep down that after the initial media hype and photo-ops, this issue will again be over taken by events and eventually lead to nowhere. Such is the tragedy that is the Philippine government.

Recently, the issue of Hacienda Luisita was big news. The issue was further aggravated following the death of 7 strikers (or 14 strikers –depending on whose side is reporting). This is considered major news mainly due to the fact that the family (the Cojuancos) that owns the vast hacienda are the Who’s who of Philippine politics (this includes a former president of the republic, congressmen, businessmen and media personalities).

Again, there was a pointing of fingers on who was to blame. The Department of Labor and Employment (who ordered the demolition and called on the military) was blamed by the opposition. The NPA’s as well as the leftist group were blamed by the military for aggravating the strike. And once again, there will be an investigation on who to blame and what caused the violence.

This never-ending cycle of pointing-fingers and committee investigation will once again happen in the wake of typhoon Winnie. The recent typhoon to hit Luzon left at least 348 dead, millions in damaged infrastructure and in agriculture. This typhoon was not the strongest to hit the country, but steady rains caused landslides and flash floods in Quezon, Rizal, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Illegal loggers are to be blamed for this, how ever, government officials are not far behind. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government and even the slash-and burn farmers are at blame too. People with short term concerns are just as guilty as the callous officials.

It is depressing to note that our leaders and the majority of the citizen are still governed by parochial interest.

bahala na

Each country and culture is known for their certain characteristics. We Filipinos have always been known to be God fearing, friendly and with the ability to face problems and situations with a sense of joy and humor (with a touch of flexibility, and creativity). These characteristics are just some of the strengths of the Filipino character which also includes strong family orientation, hard work and the ability to survive.

It is ironic to note that many of the strong points are also the sources of weakness. Our faith in One God and religiosity are sources of strength and courage but they also lead to an external orientation that keeps us passive and dependent on forces outside ourselves. This concept can be best illustrated by the "bahala na" philosophy.

In belief, it is a very positive characteristic. "Bahala na" literally means Bathala na or putting one's faith in God or letting God take care of it. It gives a person hope and optimism to face problems and hardships in life as well as the good times too. (although it is known that people put their faith in God more during times of trials than exceptional times in their lives) It enables us to comprehend and accept reality in the context of God's plan. Thus, tragedy and bad fortune are accepted.

This positive character can be a source of weakness when taken to the extreme. We Filipinos believe in luck and good faith (this can be seen best in Quiapo where faith healers, fortune tellers and the faithful congregate the most). We sometimes forget that one has to work hard in order to achieve things. Prayer and hard work goes together and that is the way it should be. God gave us hands to pray but also to use for work.
 

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