Remembering Dad

Today is my dad's 25th death anniversary. How time flies... I was just 15 years old when he left us (now you know how old I am LOL!). His death brought us some adjustments. Our eldest sister was in college that time. She became the "father" after that - waking up early to prepare our meals, taking care of the rest of her siblings (assisting mom).

Anyways, I recall that Dad was a good cook (while mom's the very opposite) because he once worked as a chef to his cousin's restaurant. He's also very fond of me, loved teasing me (especially when he's drunk) and he'd pinch my leg using his two toes! When he died, I cried the whole day. T'was so hard for me to accept the truth. I even "talked to him" after his burial asking him to show himself to me (horror!) Glad he didn't show up LOL! Had he been alive today, he'd be 80 years old already. He has not seen any of his grandchildren anymore.

The Drunkard

A friend of mine has a lesbian daughter ("Tess") who also happens to be a drunkard. In fact, because of that habit, she was impregnated by one of her drinking partners. One night, My friend's other daughter came home shouting and crying, bringing news that Tess is lying dead along their subdivision's road. She almost fainted. Hurriedly, fighting her emotions, they went to the area where her daughter was. When they found her, she was covered with newspapers and two candles were lit above her head and the other one was below her feet. They cried and shouted her name in disbelief. Suddenly, Tess' other lesbian friend approached them saying: "Ate, Tess is not dead. Let me explain." They stopped crying (and was relieved) and listened to her explanation... "Tess was very drunk that she can't even move her feet to walk. Because she's so heavy, I can't help her. When she laid on the road, I was worried. I couldn't just leave her here because she might be hit with a vehicle. I bought candles and lit them so that she will be visible enough. And the newspapers, I put them on her body because there are lots of mosquitoes." The following day, Tess received another very lengthy sermon... See what the spirit of wine can do? Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Dream Cam True

It was more than a year ago that I dreamed of having a digicam. When I asked my brother (who's working in Ireland) for it, he answered that I'd better buy it in the Philippines because it's much cheaper here. I concluded he wouldn't bring me one when he comes home. True enough, his wife only gave me a shoulder bag. He came home again just last week. When I went to the hospital to visit her wife who just delivered a baby boy (I'll post about it next time) and, for us to claim our pasalubong, he handed me a bag containing some stuff. When I checked in it, I couldn't believe it - mine is a Sony digital camera! Oh God, You're just so amazing... Brother have seen how happy I was. You know what, I didn't pray about it. I have had so many things to pray about that I didn't include (or forgot about the digicam anymore LOL!). But God knows my desire. And He granted it. His words are always true and I've proven it once again: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" - Psalm 37:4.

I'd like to thank Bogie for suggesting the title for this post. She's the first one whom I excitedly shared the news. And again, I thank and praise my Lord for this blessing - a dream "cam" true indeed.

Yummy Sunday #1: Puto Po 'To!

It's yummy, too!

Puto is a popular recipe during special occasions. This pic was taken during our Pastor's birthday. Since the rice was not cooked during eating time (LOL!) I had this as the alternate. It's okay because it's made of rice. I think I consumed 5 of these haha!

My Son's Short Vacation

Can you see the ants?

Yes, my son's spending a vacation during classes hahaha! Actually, I was the one whom my mom invited to join with their group (Boholano Association) for their 3-day tour but I declined because of some commitments and work. I suggested for Kent because he's not been there yet. I have visited the place 21 years ago! I was still a teenager that time but the memories are still there because I'm still young LOL! Anyways, my son's absent was only on Friday and tomorrow (2 days). We were just a bit worried because mom texted me he got sick as soon as they arrived Bohol. Thank God, he's recovering now, as laboratory tests showed there's nothing wrong, and nothing to worry. What must have caused the fever? I wonder...

Yesterday, they're on their 2nd day tour and they've been to Chocolate Hills and other beautiful tourist spots. I wonder why it's called "Chocolate Hills"? When I was a child I used to imagine going there and because I love chocolates, I imagined getting some parts of it and eat it! A friend told me also that that time, it was being attacked by millions of ants... What's funny is that, I believed him. Anyway, when I was able to go there myself, I said: "It's just mountains." But what's amazing is that how God designed those mountains. It's really wonderful! It's one of God's wonderful artworks.

My Sikad Experience

This is not us...

One night I was going home around 9:00 from Prayer Meeting. The passenger jeep available that time was going to a street opposite our place (one block away) so I had to ride on a "sikad" (3-wheeled conveyance) to be able to reach the house. I was aware that the sikad drivers will be off around 8:30 p.m. so I was praying, "Dear God, please reserve one sikad for me. Whatever kind of sikad (presentable or not, whatever!)" because the place is dark and it's not gonna be safe for people to walk on that road as reports of snatching and holdups are noted. As I was getting near, I saw that indeed, there was one sikad! Thank God, I told myself, indeed He heard my prayer - He reserved one for me yipey! As soon as I sat on it, I noticed that the driver was so, sooo smelly! It smelled like the blanket that my daughter had peed on. Ew, I could hardly bare it. I just covered my nose and mouth - fresher air please... Then, I told God, "Lord, what kind of driver is this?" Suddenly, the Lord impressed His words, "You said 'whatever', as long as you can go home." Haha! I silently laughed. Indeed, God is a Joker too...

A Certified Driver

My friend’s brother died last week. His body was brought to their residence in Camp Philips, Bukidnon. After the church service, we made plan of going to the place at 3:00 P.M. which is maybe 90 kms. away from the city (more or less), as the burial will be on the following day. But while preparing, it was raining. Hubby said we’ll cancel the trip because it would be so hard to go there by motorcycle. I was sad though I admit, he’s right. Suddenly a sister sent me a message that their multicab is available but she wouldn’t dare drive that far because she already has a phobia because of a bad driving experience. As I informed hubby of the situation, at first, he was hesitant because he hasn’t driven on long distance routes yet. But, how could he refuse me? LOL! Before we left, we prayed for safe travel. There were six of us, including my two kids. Though there was a bit of a “thrill” during the trip (we almost hit the passenger jeep following us because of the bad road) but, praise God, whew! We reached the place in around 1.5 hours. During the travel, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful scenery of God's wonderful creation.

When we returned, it was raining so hard that the road was not very visible. We just prayed. At past 9:00 P.M. we arrived home safely. Thank God. I told Nante, “You’re a certified driver already.”

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.

TWO AWARDS FOR ME!
Thursday, July 9, 2009

Being given an award creates a great, warm feeling. I wanna thank Faye of My Life In Holland who gave me not just one but two awards!

The rules for these awards are:

1) To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve discovered and think are great! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'm glad I learned how to grab awards like these (thanks to the tutors) because through this, I not just feel honored, but am also able to gain more friends. Now, I want to share these accolades to my friends who also deserve these. They are: Mayette, Bogie, Lalaine, Jeneath, Koko, Aiza, Nanay Inday, Neonila, Sarah, Debbie, Love & Wrigley

So dear friends, do grab it now!

Zero Garbage?

Last week, I was the stenographer of the conference for the government’s project “Zero Basura (Garbage)” held in one of the prestigious hotels in the city. It was an interesting topic, but participants have different reactions on the issue. Of course, the project is very much inspiring. How we’d wish that the Philippines would be garbage-free! But, some say; how impossible would that be… there is always the problem on discipline and the system. On the government side, they are campaigning from the lowest local government units – up, for the implementation of the project. In fairness, a mayor in Linamon, Lanao Del Norte had been awarded for having the cleanest municipality in the province. I’ve been there myself during one of the DENR Secretary’s visits. Their garbage was odorless! They utilized everything… Well, I can say that with cooperation, encouragement and with the leaders’ initiatives, it can be done.

"If You Can't Lick 'Em, Join 'Em"

I think it was on the 2nd quarter of this year when the search for Miss Philippines was held. For this, I think five winners were chosen to compete for the Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, etc. That time, it’s often advertised on TV, inviting ladies to join the beauty pageant. While watching the beautiful faces being flashed on screen, suddenly my son excitedly exclaimed, “Ma, why don’t you join that pageant?” I turned to him, thinking: “such a teaser...” But when I looked at him, he seemed serious. And before I could open my mouth to react, my daughter said, “Yes Ma, I agree.” Hubby loudly laughed. A bit irritated, I laughed with them. Then I explained them the rules of the contest. At least, my kids appreciate my beauty LOL! Praise the Lord... Wanna join?