Meet JIGO, my new baby...

Things became too rough between us the past few days. To name what causes all these: tight schedule, heavy workloads, gloomy weather, unrest body, etc… My hubby suspected that I’m looking around and I honestly admit my guilt on that part. I just came into a realization that I can no longer stand the sudden boredom we’re into now.

Day was gloomy the other Saturday. For the first time over three years, we are about to play badminton again with my hubby’s long lost friends. We are in the convenient store sitting against the glass wall indulging ourselves with all those good subjects captured with his kit, when I started swinging my mood upon hearing such nasty side comment from my companion. Next scenario was two cold bodies staring on the rain waiting to get through. Speechless. Walk-out drama ended the scene. If there’s such human called walk-out Drama King (counterpart for Drama Queen), that would be me. Down, offended lonely body, I left the badminton court carried a heavy heart.

Sitting in the train kept undecided where to go, I just find myself in the city’s best rare shops. I learned the place through my ex years ago, but I noticed lots of changes- it’s bigger and better now. I been planning to drop in the place for the nth times and I’m glad that I made it this time.

I’m moving on the second store when I noticed somebody nailed looking at me. Surprised, I managed my composure- he’s cute and nice, no doubt. God knows how much I tried to ignore him but he’s too tempting. My heart pounded fast which cause me hard breathing when I had a chance to get closer. I gave him a hand and I was surprised when he gave his too. He started showing kind gestures and now I got totally impressed. I tried to ignore his smile but not those big eyes that are really kind, so as those sweet lips and white teeth. He's bit small and chub, but who cares. I have fetish for chubs anyway.

Before I totally lost my control, I discreetly managed to leave the store. “He likes you,” that’s the word I heard from the girl in the counter. I just mumbled and gave her a smile. I like him too. But it’s not right to get hooked right away, besides I don’t have faith in love at first sight.

I became too pre-occupied the next days. I even dreamed of him on Sunday night causing me to call the store and check if he’s around. Good that I saved his digits. Do I sound stalking now? It gave me a relief to know that he’s still there persistently waiting. I decided to see him again. I will never loose the opportunity this time. I’ll win him no matter what it takes. I won’t even consider my hubby’s thought, its for our own good. It’s all about my happiness and I’m in full control of my own decision.

I set the date on the night of Wednesday (July 22)- just in time for some very special occasions. The arrangement is that I will pick him in the same store and will introduce him to my hubby. I can’t figure out what will happen on that day. Nevertheless, I ensure for one thing. It will surely be another heart-warming history recorded and immortalized in our never-ending love story as we are moving on another year of good companionship. It was indeed a Happy Birthday and Anniversary for my hubby.

I need space...

There are times in our life when we want some times alone. I am not an exemption. I, too, need time for self-realization. I want to re-energize and establish self-reconnection. I want some quiet moments to exchange thoughts with myself. I missed myself a lot and if I could only walk away, I want to spend single day, alone.

It is not that I am leaving my responsibilities and commitments. Or that’s I’m no longer happy with my life. Heaven knows how much I appreciate all I have now – my loving family and a caring relationship, an interesting job and circle of candid friends. They are my comfort zone. And I’ll do anything, no matter what it takes, just to win them.

Maybe, I just need some space where I can move my spiky elbows without hurting anyone. I just want to figure things out, have a self-assessment and boost my worth.

Believe me mid-life crisis is tough, so as, tantrums.

Support on Gender Advocacy...

PSALM Union on Gender Advocacy (PUGAD) logo depicts an unwavering commitment to the objectives of gender advocacy by establishing a seamless environment between society particularly in the workplace and the structures of governance in policy formulation and decision-making. The core image is the flying dove symbolizing every one’s freedom to explore ones creativity and opportunities in the pursuit of excellence. The scale represents justice and unbiased ministry of the law in fulfilling mandates on various gender issues. These are the values that should be instilled in the heart and mind of every PSALM employees as signified by the cranium. The sphere is the wider community outside the corporation subject of PSALM’s social responsibility program. It can be the world as a whole, where common values and support on gender advocacy will be a way of life.

The secondary colors of purple, orange and green have significance in the program. Purple is for gender advocacy while Orange is represents the fire of youthful determination and dedication of PSALM to its objectives. It is also the dominant color of the corporation. Green is life that signifies hope of the advocacy and concern for the environment. The black and white has a contrasting effect, but just like yin and yang, one becomes inter-dependent with each other, creating in the end a balance of all the elements.

When viewed from the top, the logo reveals the depiction of the symbols sealed in a holder like a nest. In the long run, PUGAD will be the home for everyone who envisions a peaceful world that upholds gender equality.

* * * * * * *

It was my official entry on the recently held "PSALM Logo and Naming Contest" which also institutionalizing the corporate support on gender advocacy. It bested the other nine entries during the initial assessment done by the committee but deliberation was done when technicality observed. Eerrr... I overlooked the 500-word essay, instead, i made less of the requirement. Nevertheless, i appreciate the recognition made by the committee when they presented my piece during the program and handed me a token sort of recognition. It was not bad after all, though i still missed the opportunity to be remembered through my work, and that such chance for me was too important to loose.

CSW2009

For Mom...

Vaccine, Anyone?...

I find a hard time getting off the bed this morning. My both arms are still in pain. Vaccination is tough (I know, it’s ridiculous for a man like me freaky saying it that way). But who will object? Who like the idea of taking that sanitized pointed sharp fine stainless steel is pierced in your muscles to inject millimeters of fluids from those capsules. Actually, the act of sitting in row and waiting for your name to be called, seeing the sting reactions of those newly infused colleagues exited on that small improvised clinic on the hall are more thrilling. The injection procedure is not that painful as I tried. Maybe the lollipop served while we are waiting has something to do with it (lol), but I appreciate the nurse great technique. I thought such circumstance will all be fine not until I returned on my desk and felt the fluids penetrate on muscles causing my both arms be numbed and hurt. I tried to ignore it, but pain gets severe minute after minute. I just avoided extra movements and attended on my emails instead. I even went home early to take a good rest.

Anyhow the best reward after all the pain is the benefit of being flu-free for the whole year. Yippeee!

Purple and Gender...

Corregidor...

Sort of team building activity for our department, we visited the historic Corregidor Island. The plan received teases from other groups for what they so called an educational field trip as most departments chose the relaxing hot venue of beaches and resorts to take advantage of summer.

Exactly boarding time when we arrived at the CCP Terminal for an hour of ferry boat via Sun Cruises as included in a day-tour package that we availed. The boat was nice contrary to what I expected. What ruined our trip were big waves that humped the beast which caused us to swallow our stomach and gave that dizzy condition. In as much as we want to watch the interesting tv documentary about the island, we all just manage ourselves and keep sleep to avoid the unconfortable condition.

As soon as we arrived at the dock, we boarded tram buses which would take us around the island. And right there and then, we started to discover historic spots hide in the island. First destinations are the ruins of the Middleside Barracks, the Corregidor Hospital and the Topside Barracks which said to be the longest military barracks in the world at the time it was built. Along the way are popular Battery Way, Battery Hearn and Battery Grubbs.

My favorite attraction was the Pacific War Memorial which built in great passion of arts and sentiments. I also enjoy the Spanish Lighthouse where I find lots of interesting artifacts. Next stop was the Malinta Tunnel which been an optional part of the tour offered a 30-minute light and sound show. The script was truly informative and interesting life-size sculptures were good aides to appreciate best the presentation. It’s a good thing that I made earlier reservation here since it was highly recommended to those who are interested to learn more about World War II. At the end of the show, the Philippine National Anthem was played which been the most solemn part of the show.

Tired and hungry we proceeded to the Corregidor Hotel for our buffet lunch. After a heart-warming meal, we managed to enjoy last hours as we proceeded to the Filipino Heroes Memorial where statues of Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmena stand together with monuments of Filipino guerillas, a Filipina, and a several bas relief tableaus of important revolts from the Battle of Mactan to EDSA 1986. The latter might have nothing to do with the island, but it surely means a lot to the president who built this momentous.

Next stop was the Japanese War Memorial which serves as resting place to the lives lost on the Japanese troupes. Most interesting artifact in the area was the giant statue of Guan Yin (Kannon to the Japanese). Our last destination was the beach where we had little time to relax and enjoy the breeze. Before boarding the ferry, the bus took its last stop to the Lorca Dock where the statue of Gen. MacArthur, the most famous man is the island was standing still, waving his hand who seemed inviting us to visit again just like when he uttered his famous line “ I shall return.”

I definitely love the place. With the remains of time, Corregidor is the best destination for someone who wants turn back time during wars. The irony is that one will no longer hear any roar from bombing explosives or heart-tearing agony of dying warriors instead what will prevail is the calmness of mind and spirit. It's nice to know that this place which once became victim and devastated by war is now heaven of peace and tranquility. It’s truly the best place for learning and leisure.

Puerto Galera...

I admire the greatness of our local heroes for the independence that we are all enjoying today. On top of that, I personally want to thank them for giving us the reason to celebrate every April 9 the valor and greatness of these brave men. As a result we all have a single day to spare and enjoy.

For someone who's too exhausted and overworked, there's nothing much more enjoying than to spend days out-of-town, escape the crowded city life, forget along those tedious job, spent bonded time with the nature and rejuvenate myself for more challenging works ahead. The plan was made to happen by a small group of colleagues who set the trip to Puerto Galera last minute of Friday. Its been an overnight and exciting stay.

The first and the last time I been in the island was back to college when i toured a japanese friend. Things changed a lot. I can’t no longer see any nipa cottages which I expected to stay. What we have there were hard structures of hotels and cottages. It was not bad anyway. I just find it more relaxing to stay in local and traditional cottages. The island was able to maintain its cleanliness despite commercialism. They can offer more activities now than before. It was a good destination indeed. Just three hours bus travel from manila and an hour of sailing in a crowded non-aircon ferryboat.

Other than the island hoping, food tripping and photo taking, I really enjoyed the fun and the never ending laughters my other half and I shared with the colleagues whom I had for the first time. We are now looking forward for the next desination, hopefully with the same group again.

Birthday Calculator...

My other half had just sent me an amazing birthday calculator from the personal website of www.paulsadowski.com . The software was surprisingly genius because it instantly calculates facts about me through my birthday. What I like most is its ability to say more about my very unique name which I agreed on. Believe me, I have very sole name that I even hardly seen in any directory.

Upon encoding my birth date, it instantly gave the result. To wit:

Your date of conception was on or about 28 May 1978 which was a Sunday.

You were born on a Sunday under the astrological sign Aquarius.

Your Life path number is 1.

Your fortune cookie reads: A warm smile is testimony of a generous nature.

Life Path Compatibility: You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.

You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 3 & 9.

You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 8.You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 6, 11 & 22.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2443922.5.

The golden number for 1979 is 4.

The epact number for 1979 is 2.The year 1979 was not a leap year.

The Life Path is the sum of the birth date. This number represents who you are at birth and the native traits that you will carry with you through life. The most important number that will be discussed here is your Life Path number. The Life Path describes the nature of this journey through life.

The Golden Number shows the year of the lunar or Metonic cycle. It is reckoned from 1 to 19, and is so called from having formerly been written in the calendar in gold.

The Epact Number refers to the moon's age at the beginning of the calendar year, or the number of days by which the last new moon has preceded the beginning of the year.

The Julian Date is the number of days since noon 4713 BC January 1.

Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 1/28/1979 and ending 2/15/1980.You were born in the Chinese year of the Goat.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Otter; your plant is Fern.You were born in the Egyptian month of Parmuthy, the fourth month of the season of Poret (Emergence - Fertile soil).Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 21 Shevat 5739.Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 22 Shevat 5739.

The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.18.5.11.18 which is12 baktun 18 katun 5 tun 11 uinal 18 kin

The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Sunday, 20 Rabi'u'l-Avval 1399 (1399-3-20).

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 15 April 1979.The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 22 April 1979.The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 28 February 1979.The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 3 June 1979.The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 10 June 1979.The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Saturday, 22 September 1979.The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Thursday, 12 April 1979.The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 27 February 1979. As of 3/27/2009 12:11:06 AM EDT. You are 30 years old.You are 361 months old.You are 1,570 weeks old.You are 10,995 days old.You are 263,880 hours old.You are 15,832,811 minutes old.You are 949,968,666 seconds old.

Top songs of 1979
My Sharona by The Knack
Bad Girls by Donna Summer
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? by Rod Stewart
Reunited by Peaches & Herb
Hot Stuff by Donna Summer
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes
Ring My Bell by Anita Ward
Babe by Styx
Too Much Heaven by Bee Gees

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.30332681017613 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)Your lucky day is Saturday.Your lucky number is 4 & 8.Your ruling planet(s) is Saturn & Uranus.Your lucky dates are 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th.Your opposition sign is Leo.Your opposition number(s) is 1.

There are 328 days till your next birthdayon which your cake will have 31 candles.Those 31 candles produce 31 BTUs,or 7,812 calories of heat (that's only 7.8120 food Calories!) .You can boil 3.54 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1979 there were approximately 3.1 million births in the US.In 1979 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.In 1979 in the US there were approximately 2,152,662 marriages (10.1%) and 1,036,000 divorces (4.9%)In 1979 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.In 1979 the population of Australia was approximately 14,602,481.In 1979 there were approximately 223,129 births in Australia.In 1979 in Australia there were approximately 104,396 marriages and 37,854 divorces.In 1979 in Australia there were approximately 106,568 deaths.Your birth flower is IRIS. Your birthstone is Amethyst The Mystical properties of Amethyst

Amethyst is used to increase spiritually
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Bloodstone, Onyx, Moonstone

Your birth tree is
Cedar, the Confidence
Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, wants to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy, optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

There are 273 days till Christmas 2009!There are 286 days till Orthodox Christmas!The moon's phase on the day you wereborn was waning gibbous.

Sunday, February 18, 1979
Moon's age (days): 21Distance (Earth radii): 60.89Percent Illumination 58.74%Ecliptic latitude (degrees): 4.36Ecliptic longitude (degrees): 219.97

The Meaning of my name, to wit:
There are 6 letters in your name.Those 6 letters total to 18There are 3 vowels and 3 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 9
The characteristics of #9 are: Humanitarian, giving nature, selflessness, obligations, creative expression. The expression or destiny for #9:The expression that you exhibit is represented bythe number 9. Your talents center in humanistic interests and approaches. You like to help others as you were intended to be the 'big brother or big sister' type. You operate best when you follow your feelings and sense of compassion, and allow yourself to be sensitive to the needs of others. You work well with people, and have the potential to inspire. This suggests that you could successfully teach or counsel. Creative ability, imagination and artistic talent (often latent) of the highest order are present in this expression. It's possible that you're not using or developing all of these capabilities at this time. Some of your talents may have been used at an earlier time in your life, and some may still be latent. Be aware of your capabilities, so that you can make use of them at appropriate times.

If you are able to achieve the potential of your natural expression in this life, you are capable of much human understanding and have a lot to give to others. Your personal ambitions are likely to be maintained in a very positive perspective, never losing sight of an interest in people, and a sympathetic, tolerant, broad-minded and compassionate point of view. You are quite idealistic, and disappointed at the lack of perfection in the world. You have a strong awareness of your own feeling as well as those of others. Friendships, affection, and love are extremely important.
Undeveloped or ignored, the negative side of the 9 expression can be very selfish and self-centered. If you do not actively involve yourself with work that benefits others, you may tend to express just the opposite characteristics. It is your role to be very involved with other people and their needs, but it may be difficult for you achieve this role. Aloofness, lack of involvement, and a lack of sensitivity mark the low road of this expression.

Your Soul Urge number is: 7
A Soul Urge number of 7 means: With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being.
You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly. The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 11
An Inner Dream number of 11 means: You dream of casting the light of illumination; of being the true idealist. You secretly believe there is more to life than we can know or prove, and you would like to be provider of the 'word' from on high.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Hala Bira Iloilo...

Day 1: Welcome to Iloilo
It was past seven at night when I first stepped on the City of Love (that’s how they called it while other referred as City of Friendship- I can accept it both. Other tag for the city, anyone?). The weather was bit stubborn than the situation I left in Manila hours ago. The heaven had just through pouring the land with generous showers. The scenario along the way as I was in a 30-minute ride in a cab from the airport to the city was totally different from the anticipated incoming events the next days. The lazy rain is guilty in-charge of it. The condition even got worst as soon as I arrived in the hotel where my ever loving half equally excited, patiently waiting. Initial plan that night was to go out for dinner, try the Deco’s Lapaz Batchoy (local food house known for the cuisine), scan the city as streets were already closed in preparation for tomorrow’s big event, meet a chat friend lived in the area and other colleague lodged in nearby hotels who also visited the place for the occasion. But the non-stop rain restrained us in the hotel’s Chinese restaurant and let ourselves indulged in their menu. Foods were great too anyway.

Day 2: An Unexpected Kasadyahan & Antipicated Friends
We were about to visit Miag-ao church, a UNESCO world heritage site in the province, then spend the rest of the afternoon until sundown at the famous beaches of Guimaras- that was supposed to be the errands for that day. But I never anticipated the Kasadyahan festival celebrated on Saturday- right before the big Dinagyang on Sunday. Kasadyahan is a colorful and “theatrical” cultural parade and contest which just started to gain hype, popularity and publicity unlike Dinagyang. This year’s Kasadyahan common presentation imparted the Ilonggo’s rich culture and origin. At the culmination of each presentation, I can compare it equally as interesting and powerful as Dinagyang. I have this great anticipation that in coming years, it can achieve the hype to be as famous as other admiring tourist-destined festivals in the country nowadays.

After lunch was the parade of supporters- schools and universities, hospitals, government offices, private companies, socio organizations and lot more who buoy up their undying braces for the festival. Some groups took advantage the opportunity to display a down-to-earth presentation (mostly in the beat of the festival’s official song), as other simply passed on the viewing public waving their hands with a welcoming smiles.

As the sun set down, I thought the celebration for Kasadyahan ended but for some party species, the celebration had just begun. Evidence was the block-by-block street concerts which became livelier with the aid of building-height units of speakers that almost broke my eardrum every time I passed by and tumbled my heartbeat due to its great intensity.

The garden-inspired bistro was never a good option as venue to first timely meet friends over dinner due to the mixed earsplitting sounds of on-going street-playing bands and raucous cheering of partying crowd. We just indulged ourselves to stay again in the ever relying Chinese restaurant which I thought a better and a quieter venue to convene and talk. A couple of hours having candid conversation with new friends, we decided to search on the city party scene. A ride away from the metropolis, we just find ourselves in a bigger bashing crowds and alluring blocks of bars and bistros. Hardly looking for available seats with all those partying people, we ended up in Nothing but Desserts. Two more hours of good conversations, cracking jokes and sharing the store’s whole flavored and customarily-designed white chocolate cake full-creamed with mouth watery cherry syrup, topped with sweet-bite cherries and hand-melted striped of dark and white chocolates, we left the place still filled with the crowd enjoying the time which seemed fun never ends.

Day 3: The Big Dinagyang
Just before the program started, my other half and I were sited full of anticipation for the first presentation when I noticed somebody seated behind us felt more excited than us. I’m just about to ignore him, but action spoke louder than words. He started reaching my back to capture my attention. Admittedly, I find him too cute to ignore. So, we clung onto reciprocating good sights and kept responding on those nice smiles with kind gestures. Persistent to reach me, I grabbed him and cuddled during the entire program. Ei, I am referring to a smart one-year old boy with her mom watching the festival. We both had bonded times gazing performances. The presentations run on its last two performers when I had the opportunity to talk with the kid’s mom. Right there, I learned that the boy was the governor’s grandson. I then started feeling bit anxious with the thought that people around us might strangely suspected as kidnappers. I still kept to manage my composure. After the program, she introduced us to the rest of the clan who were in the venue for the same purpose. As courtesy call to new friends, we accepted the invitation for a private lunch party with the governor’s family at the provincial capitol. The occasion and the venue allow us to meet the rest of the family including the honorable governor himself and the provincial first lady. Our healthy conversations with the family ended a couple of hours later through taking another invitation for guaranteed VIP seat at the provincial sports complex for the closing program of the festival’s week-long celebration.

Three hours before the program, we decided to leave the capitol and the provincial’s first family to roam around and observe other events in the city. We dropped at Iloilo’s museum where I indulged myself into fascination as I looked around on various remains of the history – antique porcelain jars being traded during barter, various replicas of saints, old canvass, canon, guns and other artifacts remnants of World War II and a lot more.

Major streets remained closed for the festival left us no option but to walk around and observe. There were food and beverage kiosks fully seated with partying people. Vendors of Dinagyang-related paraphernalia and souvenirs were rampant. I enjoyed bringing home few. Body-soothed painted warriors in their colorful costumes were just in the city enjoyed taking snap shots with everybody. The occasion seemed to be a great time for street reunion with friends and families. Despite the sweating heat, people ignored the humid day and enjoyed brisk walking to hop from place to another.

Proceeding on the provincial sports complex for the last program of the festival was the next agenda. A single ride from the city, we were welcomed by the biggest crowd that filled the stadium. As to them, it was first time in the history of Dinagyang to conduct the grandest closing ceremony at the sports arena which held the largest mob by far in the province. Considering the VIP seats provided by the governor’s family, we really enjoyed the comfort to be in the assembly of politicians, businessmen, sponsors and other important guests. I was with my full anticipation on a great show to witness the world-class performance of the acclaimed PAGCOR’s very own – Wanders, when rain started to ruin the whole program before it begun. The unexpected rain brought all of us on dilemma of sitting at the center of an open field where no cover to shield made us too helpless to free from pouring drizzles. All of a sudden, the mood of pride on sitting in front of the stage just turned to be envious on those people a 100 meter-away sitting around on covered part of the stadium. But show must go on- and it went through despite the condition. Minus the rain, it’s been a good night.

Day 4: Last Day
Deprived of sleep as we went back too late due to last night’s program, I had no choice but to push myself on a non-stopped alarming mobile phone. The one-hour flight going back to Manila was scheduled on the first trip of 6:00 in the morning. A 30-minute ride from the city, it’s a must that we have to be at Iloilo’s airport an hour before the flight. So, we were really have to be rushed packing all those baggage. We just came on time.

Back to Manila an hour after was two tired body, restless and can’t afford to proceed on the office to work as planned. Worn-out and drowsy, we just both took the whole morning to sleep and gained enough strength to report at work in the afternoon.

That was one of the best trips, indeed.

Dinagyang 2009...

It was a day of excitement. I knew it will never be ordinary occassion. And I was perfectly right. As the sun began to rise, thrilled people started to pile up along the street to witness the fully anticipated parade of local tribes. Few minutes waiting, I heard the rolling drums, in energizing beats that eventually swung the mood of the crowd to dance. And it was official, the grandest, the most spectacular and the climax of the week-long celebration of the Iloilo’s very onw Dinagyang Festival.

And by that, one-by-one, simultaneous in four judging areas all throughout the city, each competing tribe vied the chance to be immortalized in the festival’s history showed their raving, powerful choreographed dances. All anticipation turned into great amusement as I was hook and totally fell in love into this great artistry. The arena instantly became a canvass with all those bursting colors of indigenous decorative materials that embellished the bodies of the soot-painted “warriors” energetically dancing in the boom and thump of the drums, trying to mimic the Negritos, the aborigines of Panay in their merrymaking in celebration on the coming of the Holy Child Jesus.

I enjoyed every single breath-taking performances, the indulging display of colorful costumes which getting better and better as the presentation came into its culmination. I loved to see how groups of warriors moved in unvarying phases and admired the burning passion at everyone’s heart who joined the street dancing. It is something every Ilonggo must be proud of. I highly appreciate the love they gave into Dinagyang which helps us guests and festive admirers made a year kept worth waiting to witness again how this laid back and peaceful city turned to be the happiest place on earth.

Hala bira, Iloilo!

Heartthrob...

My other half had just left for a week of business trip in Iloilo. (We’ll meet there on weekend for Dinagyang Festival…Yippeee!) On my way home last night, I dropped in the supermarket to buy few stuff to stack in the fridge. I just started plucking items in the fruit and vegetable section when courteous sales crews started greeting me considerately. I thought it was usual part of the SOP but I noticed that such courtesy were too exclusive for me as I observed more civil approached given to other customers. I started to be conscious when I consistently experienced such special treatment as I passed through rack sections. I was in the partition of beverages eying for some L-Carnitine enriched fruit drink when a promo-girl from the other section approached me handing two boxes of 3-in-1 instant coffee. Right before a single word came out to impose her marketing strategy; I took advantage of refusing her politely right away. But the girl managed our conversation as she started to ask me little personal information. I thought the whole thing was part of a survey interview, but I made hesitation when she asked for my phone number. I refused to give mine. I’m about to leave when the girl gave me clue on the puzzle- as to her, somebody in the group is interested in knowing me (blushed). According to her, I was being noticed for months now(weird). After knowing all those facts, I left politely and proceeded on the next section (paranoid). I was on the last rack when another girl approached me secretly handed a mobile number and a name in a small sheet of white paper. The girl giggled and immediately left requesting me to take time sending text on the said number. With was all kind approach and i can say that no -offensive situation happened. Instead, it just made me smile as it gave me recall of those crush and puppy love encounter during high school time. I know I am not getting any younger for this teenage stuff but somehow, in one way or another, it was a flattering experience to be appreciated.

P.S. I get confused on the name. The funny thing is that, I can’t figure out if it’s a boy or a girl. I didn’t bother to know, I am not interested anyway.

Thank you 2008

This article is long overdue. As usual, my schedule was too unkind. I'm actually refraining from posting it, but I'll be too inconsiderate not to return anything for the past good year. As gratitude is the language from the heart, then, let me express mine. It's better to be late than never.

2008 has brought me to lots of realization in my personal and professional life. It’s been a recovery year for me and my other half who had tragic accident in 2007. Everything are turning to be in its best so far. I left my previous mind-daunting job that causes me the biggest headache. I took a long planned career-change made to happen. Completely, I shifted into different job and been part of the best company I had so far. I started to gain quality friends and colleague in and out of the office. I’ve been in series of local travels and enjoyed visiting good places of which Boracay experience was the best thus far (my partner made all these adventures possible). I'm guilty of this stupid thing (blush)- I fell in loved twice this year (hmmn.. somebody will be jealous). This UNTITLED non-stimulating blog was born in the world wide web and I gained inspirations from here (hope to make some improvements). I adopted a native cat from a neighbor who moved next town. The cat kept me fascinated every time I went home. He’s cute and funny.

Of course, not everything went well. I’ve been in trouble in my present office during my starting-stage. Working adjustment in my new career was not that easy. I was consciously and unconsciously criticized by some. My savings didn't improved. Travels were costly. My spending habit been too loose. We missed to acquire the second hand car we eyed to buy- the seller seemed to be undecided up to now. I lost my interest too. My relationship been into test (and I gained it again). During the APE late of 2008 I learned that I have hyperthyroidism and emmetropia OU. Medical terms are threatening sometimes, but believe me, nothing is dreadful about it. It was all stress-related condition which requires minor medication. My mobile phone got sick too before the year ended.

In 2009 some things will about to change. In my book of resolution, top of the list has something to do with finances. I will keep and manage my hard-earned money very well (does it sounds that I have some?…lol) so I can have considerate savings at the end of the year for our family project. Minimize impulse buying. I’ll do better at work and continue impress myself and my company. I want to prove that the decision of changing career was the best choice. I’ll adjust my working time in an early manner so I can have spare time in the afternoon since I have a flexible time. I want to engaged myself into a part-time job (perhaps in the academe again) or get enroll into a short-course program. I’ll keep weekend a family time. I'll be nicer to kids. I will take lots of water instead of soda. Loose weight. I’ll check my garden often.

Christmas Vacation...

It’s been just one of the longest holidays I ever had since I started working for the past eight years now. Minus the stubborn weather it’s been a relaxing and a full-rest non-working vacation for me.

For the third time, I spent Christmas in Isabela with my other family. I had the most comfortable 12-hour travel. The freezing bus was bigger than before and the head-supported seat in the fifth row was better and functional. It's been a long smooth drive despite the weather. The bus passed through different routes since there are bridges and roads that have been destroyed by typhoon that hit the province weeks before we came. Result was extra hours on our travel time. But I never mind since I was slept duringt the whole trip.

Nothing changed in the place. The youngest girl in the family looked bigger and smarter now. We missed her 5th birthday celebration 3 days right before Christmas. And like her elder cousins and the rest of the family, they were all excited for our homecoming. It was my other family I yearned to see.

I missed the freezing cold. Despite the weather, the air was not as chilled as before. There were few occasions when sun gleamed but often it’s hide in the gray clouds. Erratic raid comes once in a while. With that, we all just stayed home doing movie marathons, staying on bed all day long and enjoyed a full-rest vacation.

We had our usual Noche Buena and gift-giving on Christmas Eve. I also sent greetings to friends and colleague. Late in the afternoon, we visited and bonded with local friends. Before going back to Manila, I spent quiet time in my favorite place in town- the Rio Grande de Cagayan. To get there, I have to take a 15-minute walk from home including the 300 meters mud ailed corn field. I wish to take bare feet, but thorns on weeds are just around. Drops of water started to fall when we came. Lucky that there was an improvised shed made of grass and twigs set-up almost near the riverbank. The small shelter were good enough to accommodate the two us until the rain stopped.

In its very common name, the waterway is better known as Cagayan River- the longest and widest stream in the Philippines . It begins its 220-mile (350-kilometer) course in a twisting pattern in the Sierra Madre in northeastern Luzon. It then flows north into a 50-mile- (80-kilometre-) wide fertile valley that is very important for the cultivation of crops within Ilocos Region. In Isabela, the river serves as lifeline of the people as bounty source of fresh water that supplies hundred hectares of surrounded field plantations The fertile ground of the Valley and the irrigation provided by the river bestowed upon it bountiful crops all-year round. Residences enjoyed go fishing here. The place is heaven for buffalos and other beast pastured in the green area. Tranquility reigned the stream and that is what i always love in this place.