Concealed Sentiments

It's seven days before Christmas! We are all busy for the biggest celebration of the year. Christmas trees, colorful lights, boxes of presents, bulk of grocery items for the Christmas feast or noche buena. We were all too much concerned with ourselves and we seemed to forget other people..people who were "less-fortunate" compared to us. Lask week, I had learned so many lessons about contentment in life. I am always complaining that life is so tiresome and boring. I was so worried about Christmas expenses: tickets for going home, credit card charges, gifts etc. I forgot that my concerns were too nonsense compared with concerns of other people. This Christmas, may we know and see it's true essence through the eyes of the lowly. The song below was entitled Paraiso, a filipino term for paradise. The lyrics speak of a dark and dreary environment where scavengers are free to make what they get from the garbage pile. But that does not make them any less free to imagine

I turned 24 last November 30. I felt so old and a little bit tired of my self. Indeed, life is full of surprises. I celebrated my birthday at Boracay in lieu with the Promet's Global Event. Checkout these pictures that reflect the great I had on that day! I was offering a peace sign for the world..I had bulging eyebags! I can't accept the fact that I am 24 years old. Radiating a smile with the beautiful sunset and enjoying the Boracay's sandcastles. Bonding with my teammates while filling our stomachs with 'eat all you can' Mongolian food. It's nice to see the faces behind their intriguing IM avatars. Chatting around in a Jamaican ambiance. It's really a beachy setting. Posing with Marie with the fire dancer in the background. Our swimming outfits! I can't stand to were bikinis so I prefer printed red shorts and midnight blue top. Killing the time with island hopping activity. I can't stand the big waves. It's swimming time. I run the race...Bor

I was 15 , when I first saw the spark in him. I've known him since our freshmen days, but it was during that year when I felt something special for him. I would say he was definitely a hearthob. He stole the hearts of many girls but it took him 2 years to have mine. He was the kindest guy I’ve ever met. With those expressive eyes and warm smile, he simply took my breath away. But my young and restless heart knew that he could never be mine. He was just someone I can admire from a distance. Everytime I sign on my classmates' autographs, I marked his initials on the question, ‘who is your crush?’ I even used codenames just to keep my little secret. I wrote some forgotten poems at the back of my notebooks just to express the feelings I kept inside. But these never made me a good writer nor a poet. But a damsel with a story to tell. My classmates in high school, even in college already heard same old story. I was consistent and never hid that precious feeling. ‘I shall return!’ I

What is your level of career satisfaction? Could it be improved? Do you dislike your workplace but enjoy your work? Is your current career a good fit, or is it time for something new? Every day, thousands of people make a life-changing career decision. Everyone deserves a career that is truly enjoyable. However, many people do not attempt to find their best career due to fear and anxiety over leaving the "comfort zone" of their current work. According to my research, to test your job happiness you should answer these questions: Do you look forward to Monday mornings? Do you enjoy telling others about your job? Do you get excited about new projects at work? Is your salary at the level you deserve? Would you apply for your current (or last) job again? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, it's time to take control of your future happiness and make some significant career improvements in your life. Here's another test to take: Free Fun Quizzes at FunQ

"When you have nothing left but God, then you'll realize that God is enough". I read this quotation from a daily bread a few years ago. Since then, it became my motto in life. It never failed to give me hope in times of failure and chaos. People view life in two ways: it is a glass that is half full or half empty. Either way, people of diverse principles strive hard to endure life's challenges. I have had some series of unfortunate events. It's not as "unfortunate" as in the Lemony Snicket's story. But then God remained faithful and He proved that miracles do happen if you only believe in Him. I'll not enumerate what had happened but in time I'll let you know. As for now, let me share some life's principles along with my thoughts about them. "What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful." ~ The Lai Lama * A commonly asked question that can be answered by lengthy paragraphs. For me, Lama had the best answer: To be happy a

I am on my habit of blog reading when I learned about the Yabang Pinoy Website. “Yabang Pinoy” is a campaign to raise awareness and heighten Filipino people's ethos, dignity and pride by advocating the use of a piece of braided abaca band that aims to make a statement. The abaca band aims to signify a Filipino being truly proud to be one. The band will use the natural fiber abaca. Abaca belongs to the family of Musacea which is indigenous to the Philippines. It is important to note that the Philippines is the largest source of abaca fiber. Abaca is commonly known as the Manila hemp worldwide. It is also considered as the strongest natural fiber. Abaca used to be one of our top exports together with sugar and tobacco. Since abaca is the strongest natural fiber and unique to the Philippines, it aims to constantly remind Filipinos that we are tough, resilient and exceptional. I AM PROUD TO BE PINOY!

Two weeks ago, I happened to be with the "golden ladies". They were called golden ladies because they're already in their golden age: 50-something. I thought I'll feel awkward because of the age gap but in the end I was wrong. When women at my age had some chit-chats probably it would be about friends, food, fashion, work or even boys (men). On the other hand, these golden ladies were very concerned with their children, grandchildren, and their in-laws (especially). They had some outbursts on how they don't like their in-laws and on how pitiful their children for having the wrong choice of husband/wife. That's when I remembered a poem during my gradeschool. This poem was written by Jose La Villa Tierra. It speaks on the love of parents for their children, how forgiving and how great the love of a mother is for her son/daughter although he/she has hurt her very much. Ballad of a Mother's Heart The night was dark, For the moon was young, And the Stars were a

Felt tired and burned out? Loneliness and emptiness filled your heart? Stressed out and your on your saturation point? Has the world turned its back on you? Wandering to an endless circles of life? Hopeless? Depressed? Being close to insanity? Well, all you need is just a dose of REFRESH. This image was from a snack pack's ad. It perfectly depicts a "times of refreshing" we need once in a while. In order to enjoy life, we need to be back in our "cocoons" so that we'll have time to reflect life's lessons and listen to God's voice. I heard from a sermon that sometimes we can't hear God because the world is too noisy. P.S. In case you're getting out of your "cocoon" be sure to wear something decent! :D

People are unreasonable, illogical, self-centered. Love them ANYWAY. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good ANYWAY If you are successful, youll win false friends and make true enemies. Succeed ANYWAY. Honesty and kindness may make you vulnerable. Be honest and kind ANYWAY. The good you do today may very well be forgotten tomorrow. Do good ANYWAY. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can get shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds. But think big ANYWAY. Give the world the best you got. you may very well get kicked in the teeth for it. But give the world the best you got ANYWAY. ...Kent Keith * A very nice thought posted by a friend in friendster's bulletin. I was enlightened by this post. In everything I do, I always think of what would people say and feel about me. Now, I have second thoughts about that. Who the hell cares? This is my life anyway!

In the cookies of life...FRIENDS...are the chocolate chips! Good friends share their chocolate chip cookies.... this post is for kit..thanks for sharing your chocolate chip!

When I was a little girl, my grandmother used to tell me that butterflies bring luck to those who see and care for them. I believe her in my naive mind. I learned to love butterflies. I was fascinated by their colors, their cocoons and most of all, their metamorphosis. I felt I was an ugly caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly. As I grew up, butterflies brought me so much luck. Every time I see one inside our house or in my room, I'll have money after a few days. It may be a coincidence, but honestly I don''t really care for butterflies signify money for me (based on my experience). Yesterday, a big butterfly entered our room. It's bigger than my palm with a mixture of orange and brown colors and I guess it belonged to the "mariposa" family. I was so excited after having thoughts of money...hehehe.... I really enjoyed the world of wings and symmetry. By the way, the butterfly (as seen above) died after 6 hours. It can't fly due to damaged wing

L AUGH, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For the sad old earth must borrow it's mirth, But has trouble enough of it's own. Sing, and the hills will answer; Sigh, it is lost on the air. The echoes bound to a joyful sound, But shrink from voicing care. Rejoice, and men will seek you; Grieve, and they turn and go. They want full measure of all your pleasure, But they do not need your woe. Be glad, and your friends are many; Be sad, and you lose them all. There are none to decline your nectared wine, But alone you must drink life's gall. Feast, and your halls are crowded; Fast, and the world goes by. Succeed and give, and it helps you live, But no man can help you die. There is room in the halls of pleasure For a long and lordly train, But one by one we must all file on Through the narrow aisles of pain. by: Ella Wheeler Wilcox Thoughts: People prefer cheerfulness in others. A person who is cheerful will have company, but someone who is gloomy will oft

"A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business." Have you been a victim of this "man" or "woman"? If yes..then we're on the same boat.

I lost my cellphone just a few hours ago. Of course I felt sad and frustrated. Sad because I already love my cellphone...we were together for almost 7 months (up to this date). Frustrated because it was stolen just under my nose. I was able to buy it with my last year's 13 month pay..huhuhuhuhuhu Let me relay the story: 1. Last night, I wasn't able to sleep because I was thinking that my boyfriend's cellphone was stolen for it's unattended the whole night. Perhaps it's already a premonition. 2. I set the phone's alarm to 6:30 am. 3. The alarm went on.. 4. I put off the alarm..it's already 6:30 am. 5. I returned to my sleep and after a few minutes....viola! the cellphone's gone.. It was stolen while I am sleeping beside it...what a tragic case of theft... All in all, 4 cellphones and a wallet (with 800 pesos) were being stolen in that dark minute. We were able to file the case in a police station but without a suspect. I guess, it will be one of the u

I was in the middle of working on my office task when I saw this Anti Abortion video. The video include the song entitled "Does God See This Child?" by Susan Piper. This song is written for pregnant women who don't know if she will have her child. Does God See This Child? They tell me it's a choice They say it's up to me That I need to decide That I say what will be Well, I don't feel a thing It doesn't even show And now I'm playing God Would God say 'yes' or 'no'? Does God see this child So deep inside of me Does He have a dream for her A plan for her A thought for her Does God love this child Before she's even formed Before she has her voice Before she's born

I love watching the Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal game show every night. It's like a mind-boggling exercise after dinner. In this show, I have seen a number of triumphant winners with high spirits but mostly went home sad and wondering why fate has turned its back on them. Deal or No Deal involves a contestant, a host/presenter, a banker, and a number of briefcases (or boxes), with each having a different (and initially unknown) value. Each game starts with the contestant selecting one of the cases—this first case's value is not known until the game ends. During the rest of the game, the contestant opens the rest of the cases, one at a time, revealing its value. Each time after a specified number of cases are opened, the banker offers the contestant a certain amount of money to end the game. If the contestant takes an offer, the game ends, otherwise the contestant ends up with the money from the first case. Deal or No Deal had almost 50 international versions all over the world. I

I am feeling better right now. It feels good to be back in my old self after a few days of being insane..hehehe... I remembered the song entitled "Next In Line" with the following lyrics: What has life to offer me When i grow old What's there to look forward to beyond the biting cold 'Coz they say it's difficult Yes, stereotypical You gotta be conventional, You can't be so radical So i sing this song to all of my age For these are the questions We've got to face For in this cycle that we call life We are the ones who are next in line. In the past days, I learned that some people and things just stay the way they are. We can't do anything to change them for it's God's work. We just need to accept that fact even if it hurts. Life is a cycle, a wheel, a roller coaster. Those we hated will be gone after some time and we will fill in their vacant slots. So in the end, we may be hated, too. Is it too obvious how ironic life is? Do I make sense? Watc

Broken and spilled out....these are the words that would best described my life. I'd reached my saturation/boiling point and I'd burst like a bubble. But who would have noticed? Who would have cared? I guess no one. For in this world, nothing lasts forever. The truth in a saying prevails: "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone." Whether we like it or not, we are alone in this crazy life. These are my reasons: 1. Even if we believe in God and have put our hope on Him, our human nature betrays us. In one way or another, the feeling of depression will try to soar through our inmost being. 2. Faith without work is dead. Even if we pray for ourselves and for others, action must be done. 3. Nobody stays beside you. Yes! We had bunch of friends, ever-supportive family, and a loving boyfriend/girlfriend. But there are times when you can't borrow their shoulders. They have their own lives to wrestle too. 4. We're on our own. Every human being

These past few days, I felt that my life was so dull and jaded. I am tired of my work..my family...my life. I want to rest in peace. OOpps...I don't want to die. I just want to rest with a peace of mind. But it's not easy. You can't change life circumstances as if you're changing clothes. So here I am..running back to the arms of my blog...my only friend who never failed to listen. I chose this theme because it reflects what I am feeling right now...BLUE. But, I still believe that the brighter side of life is not that far.....

These past few days, I felt like I am a small frog in a big pond called life. I am helpless, benign, ugly, clumsy and most of all, boring. I felt like I was just sitting on a floating lily pad and patiently waiting for a kiss handsome prince who would never come. Reality bites and I have to admit that my life sucks (perhaps just for this week). According to a metaphor, if you put a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will leap out right away to escape the danger. But, if you put a frog in a kettle that is filled with water that is cool and pleasant, and then you gradually heat the kettle until it starts boiling, the frog will not become aware of the threat until it is too late. A perfect story that illustrates where I am today. I am in a situation where there's nowhere to go but to this pot of boiling water. If only a frog had wings, I wouldn't bump my ass when I'll hop and I would probably fly unto the great big sky singing I Dreamed A Dream, from the musical Les Miserabl

To those who faithfully visit my blog, today is your lucky day. Why? Because it's the first time I'll post my pictures with the love of my life! Wahahahaha...I know..I know...I sound corny and cheesy..a sentimental fool... I have some reasons why I spared some of my time to organize this memory lane thingy. First, I don't know what to do with my super free time (3 hrs) here at work. Secondly, I miss him (John) and lastly, he will be turning 23 this coming June 15. *P.S. and we 've been together for almost 5 years....to john, see you on your birthday (hugs and kisses)

You are my sweetest downfall I loved you first, I loved you first Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth I have to go, I have to go Your hair was long when we first met Samson went back to bed Not much hair left on his head He ate a slice of wonder bread and went right back to bed And history books forgot about us and the bible didn't mention us And the bible didn't mention us, not even once You are my sweetest downfall I loved you first, I loved you first Beneath the stars came fallin' on our heads But they're just old light, they're just old light Your hair was long when we first met Samson came to my bed Told me that my hair was red Told me I was beautiful and came into my bed Oh I cut his hair myself one night A pair of dull scissors in the yellow light And he told me that I'd done alright And kissed me 'til the mornin' light, the mornin' light And he kissed me 'til the mornin' light Samson went back to bed Not much hair left on his he

Standing in our silence I hear my heart beating And if only I could choose I’d stay here with you But hold me till the train is leaving Somewhere down the line After you’re gone from sight Our love will be the same And, whispering your name I’ll cling to you with all my might Let me dream of you (But it’s true) And wake me up when this is over (Love will be there when this is over and) Somewhere far beyond today I will find a way to find you And somehow through the lonely nights I will leave a light in the dark Let it lead you to my heart There’s a love inside us (Deep down inside) That goes without saying (Don’t say a word) But I’ll tell you just the same And that love will fan the flame And that flame will warm the heart That’s waiting You are mine and I’ll wait forever for you my love (You are mine, it may take some time) Even if it takes a lifetime (Tell me you’ll wait) Somewhere far beyond today I will find a way to find you And somehow through the lonely nights I will leave a lig

Summer is here! It's in heat..burns like desire and passion. Have fun in the sun with trendy styles in hot colors and prints.

My day started with a frown. I was upset with an officemate. I won't elaborate what happened but it was related to my "pc privacy". To shake the bitterness in my heart, I surf the net and viola I found this poem written by Ruth H. Underhill. I grasped the cup of bitterness And proudly held it high. I thought I'd teach a lesson To the one who made me cry. So disappointing was my plight, So weak, my hurting soul; But I held tight to bitterness I would not let it go! I'll hold on to this bitterness And let it fill my mind. My friend must know that I am hurt So why should I be kind? As long as I keep grasping This bitter cup of gall, My friend will feel so badly And soon he'll trip and fall. And then, in all my pittiness I turned to God alone. And, lo, I found that only "I" E'er knew about my bitter stone. My friend, he didn't feel the hurt That left me in despair, For he was going on in life While I was left, just standing there. God gently took

It's summertime!!! I'm tired of my work and I want to have some fun under the bright sun! Then Boracay came into my mind….the beach capital of the Philippines…hailed as the finest beach in the world…a palm-studded island with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather, and warm, crystalline waters. In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island I’m sure days can be spent simply lazing on the beach while nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle. I wish I could be there this coming May. I guess I had to be thrifty besides I am lucky because Iloilo City is just 6 hours away from this beautiful island. **images are not mine, just got them in google results..hehehe

"Money talks, nobody walks." Who wants to to know? Everyone. But who wants to talk about it? No one. Even in a business magazine, money is seldom mentioned. Value is mentioned. Profits are mentioned. Savings. Even compensation. Rarely money. Which is no surprise. Ask someone about his sex life and you might get an answer. Ask someone about his salary and, dollars to doughnuts, you'll get an icy stare. Money is a singular thing. It ranks with love as man's greatest source of joy. And with death as his greatest source of anxiety. With money in your pocket, you are wise, and you are handsome, and you sing well too.They say money can't buy happiness, but it can facilitate it. Money is a stupid measure of achievement, but unfortunately it is the only universal measure we have. It translates work (what you do) into value (what you're paid). It is a short story that speaks of success (or the lack thereof), accomplishment and ambition. It is a vehicle that transfers t

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and this means that love can be felt and seen everywhere this month. I am not saying that people only express their love during this season, I based my opinion on the "public display of affection" of couples. We often heard, watched and read the definition of love and the stories that comes with it. Sometimes, many of us were bored to hear stuff about love..it was so cheesy, corny, and nonsense. Some of us don't even believe in love anymore. Searching the net, I found this definition: Love is any of a number of related but distinct feelings and emotions related to affection. It is most often conceived of romantically, as a profound, ineffable sense of intense and tender attraction to another. It is shared in passionate or intimate interpersonal relationships, and is characterized by a mix of emotional and sexual desire. However, in different contexts, love can refer to numerous other feelings, including platonic love, religious love

I Hear You I can feel your spirit as my words you read Your heartbeat, your feelings, the need I hear you. So lucky I am to have you here Creating my everyday utopia when you're near Your kisses rest fresh upon my lips I feel your body's warmth under my fingertips Where will all this lead? I don't know. But, take my hand and we'll both go. I hear you. Not having to be someone else around you, you like who I AM, as much as I like you. I look at your eyes, even in dim light they're bright as sunrise. I watch as your lips begin to form words, Silently, you speak, but spoken words unheard. I hear you. I was checking on my friends in friendster when I happened to visit a profile of a friend I had during my highschool days. I was intrigued by the caption in one of her photos ("Rest in Peace, Brandon"). So I went on her blog ( Missing Brandon ) and found this poem written by her boyfriend before he passed away. I felt so sorry for her...She had been through many

I received a text message from a cousin at a local highschool who wanted some advice on choosing a major. He will be in college in June. He was concerned that the credits he had already accrued will be wasted if he didn't decide soon. I think he figured that since I'm several years older and I am already finished with my degree, I would know what he should do. He thought I would be able to point him in the direction he should go for the next few years. It made me think of the ways we try to discover the will of God. We wonder, "Where should I go to college?", "What should I study?", "What should I do with my life?". We wish we could know for sure exactly what God wants us to do every time we ask. We wish God would write in the sky, telling us precisely what His plan is and how to accomplish it. But He doesn't. It's not impossible to find God's will. It's not some sort of buried treasure that God is hiding from us. Even though God do

Showing you His greatest love He came to earth from up above Without any doubt brought out He just willingly came out You! Oh man of sin and doubt Questioning His love Not knowing that He died for you To show you how much He love you In times of your pain Don't put you're trust in vain Cause God is with you He is there to comfort you Think about His love Think about His goodness Think about the days When in His wonders you amaze He is really great When you have lost your faith Just think of him You will be relieved in your distress Much more that what you've done If you suffer much more than others It is not a ticket to another ladder's step It is just a beginning of the promise He keep

Sometimes we wear a mask to hide ourselves, our expressions, or our feelings. For it easy to act in some character than to show who we are. Funny face is his prop And a very brown skin, He made people laugh And problems to be forgotten. Every time his friends need him He's always there for them Make him known as a clown A clown that wears a crown. They thought he got no problems 'Coz no tears are seen falling No worry is found upon him But just a big smile that is shining. He's a clown that wears the mask of happiness But bears inside the feeling of sadness A smile on the outside But a tear in the inside. Even though he hardly carries it He just continue with life and work for it, With his dreams for tomorrow To ease the pain and his sorrow.

I've been thinking a lot about hope recently. It seems that everywhere we turn we see people who are without hope. We can see it on the news, in magazines, and in TV dramas. We see it when we go to the mall and sometimes even when we're at church. People are trying to find hope by somehow filling the void they feel. All around us, we hear people say things like this: "I hope I'll win in lottery", "Sure hope our team wins the championship", "I hope it's sunny on Saturday for our picnic". We treat hope as a wish. But what happens to our "hope" if those don't turn out as we waited? Here in the Philippines, all we should hope for is peace, the calm in the midst of the storm. In the past weeks, we experienced numerous tragedies...landslides that killed several people, fires that burned some houses and establishments, chaos in the government, and bombings that cause injuries to its victims. Last December 29, my hometown ( Tacurong,