I'm just posting a story I found while reading a friend's blog. I really liked it. I wasn't able to control my emotions while reading and before I know it, my tears fell already. It is a very touching story about mother and son. Hope you will also find time to read this. I have no intention to post again tonight after the previous entry I just published but I really have to share this. It is worth your time.
Here it goes.
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would Love to spend some time with you.'
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 spend some time with you,' I responded 'just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and 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 as radiant as an angel's.
'I told my friends that I was going to go 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 very 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. Her eyes could only read large print. Half-way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.
'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. 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. Sometime 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 wasn't sure that I could 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 for me. 'I love you, son'
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I love YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till some 'other' time.
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first... somebody doesn't have two or more children.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery.... somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten. .. or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married... somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in- law to a mother's heartstrings.
Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home...somebody never had grandchildren. .
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her... somebody isn't a mother.
Pass this along to all the GREAT 'mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother.
This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them... no matter who that person is!
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes...your destiny.
'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle'.
The story is somewhat similar to the other story I read in Chicken Soup for the Soul I just forgot the title but nevertheless it has an impact. You will be touched.
We were on our way home when Kerikin, my roommate, commented that getting home at past 8 o’clock in the evening is better than going home after office hours since by doing so we we are able to avoid heavy traffic. I was not surprised when the driver of the passenger vehicle we are riding joined in our conversation saying that traffic during that hour is still not okay. Then he asked us if our house was flooded when Ondoy stormed. We said no and he commented that out of several people he asked the same question we are the only ones who answered no. He also added that we were lucky. Apparently, some parts of Pasig are still flooded. A silly thought hit me about those still flooded places being part of a body of water but then rejected the idea blaming the condition to clogged water passages. Then the conversation progressed. I was liking that man’s way of thinking. He was so absorbed on what he was talking. We discussed people throwing garbage anywhere and how it can be blamed for what happened during the storm (And I totally agree with him!), senator’s pork barrel, corrupt officials, people from the province leaving their homes to crowd Metro Manila in the hope of getting a good job to earn money and more importantly he talked daringly about political monopoly and corruption. Our conversation halted when we were about to get off but he advised us to really vote for the right people on the upcoming election. Who are these people?? Well, it’s our responsibility to find out.
Another great video I found in youtube. Here's what's written in the letter:
How tired I am of this unbearable distance between us. How I long for the toll of the recess bell. Have you forgotten me, grown mindless of me? Tell me I am not writing into an abyss, Or that is what will become of my heart.
This is an exceptional performance from two adorable little kids, Jurij 7 and Karina 6 years old. If I were their parent I would be so proud of them. I found this video in youtube and I wanted to share it with you guys.
We have witnessed the rage of Ondoy when it struck Metro Manila last Saturday. Two of the most commonly reported explanations about the storm's destructive effect are too much rain (455 mm of rain fell in 24 hours) and climate change.
At first take on the issue, heavy rain may seem to be the most obvious cause.., climate change?? Well, yeah.. Maybe.. But watching the horrid scenes left by Ondoy, I could not ignore the wastes scattered everywhere. For me, and I think most of you will agree with me on this, these litters also have come into play in most places wreckage. If drainages were not clogged, water could have flowed through it allowing rainwater to go down easily.
In our dorm in Pasig, we were among those few people who got lucky to be spared by Ondoy's wrath but just a few blocks from our place, filthy floods were knee-deep inside other's homes. And because of that, we don't have electricity for a week!
Somehow, Ondoy managed to teach us an important lesson: to be concerned about the state of our environment. I hope many people realize the grave effect of not disposing wastes properly. I guess they do.. they just don't have the initiative to really do it as it should be. Let's be responsible with our garbage and try as much as possible to minimize plastic use. Let's save our environment for a healthy earth. ^_^
Some people are not fully recovered from Ondoy’s wrath yet another typhoon, more destructive, is devastating our poor country. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration Typhoon "PEPENG" (Parma) has maximum sustained winds of 195 kph and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It was forcasted to move west Northwest at 13 kph but is now slowing down as it continues to move towards Aurora-Isabela area. Below is PAGASA’s satellite image update as of 11 p.m.
Stay safe everyone! Let's pray that this typhoon will take another course and spare the Philippines.
The night is cool. My system is not yet set for slumber so I make myself busy answering facebook’s Pick Your Five, 5 things that remind me of something.. or someone, and playing Kung-Fu Pets. I was trying to make up my mind what five songs to include in my facebook list as I have a long list of songs that reminded me of people close to me when something flickering in our curtain caught my eye. I got up and went closer to the window to see what just disturbed my reverie. I was stunned to discover that it was a firefly. I looked outside hurriedly to see if there are more fireflies but I was disappointed. It was really nice to see a firefly. It kind of brings back some of my childhood memories. I can’t remember how old I was since the last time I saw fireflies gleaming on a huge mango tree. I think I was about 10 – 12 years old then. Now I’m missing the tranquility and simplicity of life in the province where fireflies are all over the place during the night. It’s really funny because I just remembered telling my officemates I missed seeing fireflies. And I just saw one! To my excitement, I cradled the poor thing in my palm taking extra care because I might squeeze it. ^_^
I’m looking forward to seeing more of these flaming bugs in this crazy and busy city.
I was browsing youtube and watching random videos when I happen to saw my classmate's post of our graduation march. This is the first time I ever laid an eye on that video and it made me miss my college days. Here's the video:
.. And then I look through the Related Videos section and found these videos. The first one was by Roy, Sugaroy, or Kilay. Next was put together by Janine. And the last one was by Giel.
I actually have videos like these and I think I already posted them here.
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world. ~unknown monk 1100A.D
I found the above quote while wandering in the Internet. I really like it. I have the exact message of that quote only in the form of a poem at the back on one of my journals during high school. I hope that many people will reflect on that quote. Many of us are hoping for a good change but we often overlooked the things that have to be changed about ourselves. I myself is guilty as charged. Most of us complain over silly stuff, it may not really that silly but the point is have we taken the initiative to do something about it?! We made a habit of blaming others instead of working together for a solution. I know it’s kind of hard to do that but that’s what we should do.
Be the change you wish to see in the world ~Gandhi
1. What’s the best gift you have ever received? And the worst?
The best gift, I have to say, is the book I received last 2005. The book
was Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I like that because it was wrapped in a very unexpected way.
I do not have a worst gift. I like every gift I received.
2. What is your favorite Christmas movie moment.
Watch the film clip below:
3. What is your favorite version of a Christmas song?
“All I Want for Christmas is You” during the big number at the end of the movie Love Actually and sung by Olivia Olson.
4. Describe an ornament that has special significance to you.
I like the angel atop the Christmas tree but it doesn't have any special significance to me. I just like it. I also like Christmas balls. I like the way your face gets reflected and illuminated on it whenever you go closer to it.
5. Have you had any traumatic Christmas-related experiences?
None so far.
6. What is your happiest Christmas memory?
Celebrating the yule tide season with my family.
7. Favorite Christmas picture:
This year, below is my favorite Christmas picture.
8. What’s on your grownup Christmas list (besides world peace, of course)?
A condo unit.
9. What Christmas TV special do you look forward to all year long?
I'm not aware of any Christmas TV special here in the Philippines. But I love watching Christmas Carol in Disney Channel every year with my siblings.
10. What famous person would you most like to encounter under the mistletoe?
Satoshi Tsumabuki (Orange Days)
11. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
I love cookies!! So any cookie will do. Yum! Yum!
12. Favorite Christmas quote?
I have to cite two quotes and both are from Charles Dickens. I just can't make up my mind what to choose.
I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836
This Christmas rush is giving me a headache. I'm not yet done with my shopping and malls are jam-packed with hurried shoppers like me. So now I don’t know where else to go to complete my list.
This week has been the most tiring one this December—practice, party, and shopping. We had practice from Monday, December 17, until Thursday, December 20. The practice lasts from four to five hours a day on the average so I usually got home at around 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. given that I live almost in the province. Last Wednesday I went to UST for the Paskuhan, a university-wide Christmas celebration. I missed the fireworks so I guess I just have to browse for some clips of it in Youtube and wait for eternity before I can play the entire thing since I'm now using a dial-up connection. I planned of going home early that night but got home at 1 a.m. instead. Lastly, yesterday was our Christmas party which was held in Crowne Plaza and has the theme: Visua Kei: FTSP Goes Glam Rock!
I was seven years old when my grandma died. I did not cry when I first heard about the sad news. I don't know why. Maybe because I don't want to believe that she left me without saying good bye. I haven’t fulfilled my promise to her yet. I can still remember the time when she washed me after I pooed and would tell me that when I grow up I should do the same to her when she can’t take care of herself anymore. “Of course grandma”, I would always reply.
During her wake, I do not want to look at her casket because I was always afraid that she might open her eyes and grab me. Believe it or not, until now I’m still afraid looking on caskets. My uncles would carry me when they would look at the casket but I would always turn my back. Then they would tell me that I was lola’s favorite apo and that she will visit me on my sleep if I will not look at her in the casket. After a few days, I would climb up the stairs and take a peek at my grandma’s casket then I would go and lock myself in our room. I would ask God why it has to be a funeral, why can’t it be a wedding so everyone can be happy. I have tons of questions when I was a child.
I was closer to my lola than my mom during those time and when my mom would smack me with her ever trusted pamalo I would always run to my lola and she would stop my mom. My mom would tell me that the reason why I’m such a stubborn girl is because lola spoiled me. I’m such a bitch when I was a kid you know! I can make my mom cry. My grandma would always give in to my every capricious acts and wishes. God I’m missing my lola!
It’s nice to remember our departed loved ones but let us not forget family members and friends who are still with us at this very moment. We should show them how much we care and love them when we still have the luxury of time.
I just realized I haven't blogged for ages. Well, been busy with lots of stuff and I think being busy and preoccupied sometimes can be detrimental. You see, I lost track of time and I also just happen to neglect myself and some things and people that matters to me. I told my friends I lost some weight but they won't believe me. :-)
…
I have stories and thoughts to share but my mind is not working properly. Maybe I had too much caffeine again. I've read somewhere that too much coffee is bad for your brain. I guess my creative juices have been drained.
By the way, I resigned from my previous company and found a new niche where I can enhance my skills and learn more new things. I love learning you know! So this is it. A start of a new career! This is pressuring me but I have to take on it.
I'm not feeling great these days but whenever I listen to this song, I feel calm. I never get tired of listening to this song or any of Enya's songs for that matter. If I just had a bad day or if I'm not feeling okay, I would just plugged my ears with Enya's music and in a few moments I feel better already. Book of Days is my favorite. It is simply beautiful!
Read the lyrics they're beautiful!
Book of Days Lyrics Artist: Enya
One day, one night, one moment, my dreams could be, tomorrow. One step, one fall, one falter, east or west, over earth or by ocean. One way to be my journey, this way could be my Book of Days. Ó lá go lá, mo thuras, an bealach fada romham. Ó oíche go hoíche, mo thuras, na scéalta nach mbeidh a choích.
No day, no night, no moment, can hold me back from trying. I'll fly, I'll fall, I'll falter, I'll find my day may be, Far and Away. Far and Away. One day, one night, one moment, with a dream to believe in. One step, one fall, one falter, and a new earth across a wide ocean. This way became my journey, this day ends together, Far and Away. This day ends together, Far and Away. Far and Away.
They carried us in their womb for nine months. They've been so loving and caring from the day we were born. They treat us like a very special treasure. They feel that we're so fragile we might break any moment that is why they cuddle us with so much carefulness.
They were our first teacher. They would read us wonderful stories... fantasies... enchanted world that we used to believe really existed. Remember the time when your mom would give you a pencil and guide your tiny hand on the writing pad so you could write your name? And do you remember when you mom would pack your lunch box? How she prepared your things for school? How she combed your hair and fix your uniform??
They have always been there for us though most of the time we ignore them. They still hug us although we push them away. They have been so supportive and understanding.
Today is a special day to show our moms how much we love and appreciate them. They have many sacrifices during our upringing. Go make your mom feel how special she is, not only during mother's day but everyday. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms. And for my mom..., thank you so much for everything. You've been so wonderful. Thank you for showing to the world how proud you are of me although I doubt myself. Thank you for always believing in me. I know I caused you pain when I did not heed your advices and just seem to ignore you. I'll make it up to you I promise but for now let me tell you how much I love you. I couldn't been here without your guidance.
I just graduated and currently looking for a job. As a matter of fact, these past few days I searched for available positions, those related in Information Technology specifically Management of Information System and System Development, in jobsdb . The funny thing is during our thesis days I swear that I will never ever apply for a programmer position. I do not want to become like this:
... but after some thinking and evaluation I was challenged to be a programmer, to contribute my skills for a company and see how far it will take me. I am actually excited for our thesis. And now that I've made mention something about our thesis please do visit this site http://snuffles117projectscreenshots.blogspot.com/ to have a view of our thesis and let me know what you think ok??! The site by the way is another addition to my blogs wherein I post the screenshots of every project that I've been part of. I meant to write an overview of what these projects are but right now what you'll see on that site are pure screenshots and minimal texts. I will try to update it sooner.
So going back on my job hunting adventures, I sent my application to several companies, attended every interviews despite the burning heat in the metro, and right now I do have several pending applications. I've heard countless times already that job hunting is not an easy task. Now that I'm doing it, I can attest the difficulties. Some say that if its not for you then it's not. I disagree! There's no such thing as your destined job. You have to be prepared and alert on the interview and you have to pass the exams.
I hope that I could find a nice job that I will enjoy and impose new learnings. I do not want to end up like this man:
Students getting ready for the last passage at the Arch of the Centuries with the magnificent UST Main Building in the background
Wow! was my instant reaction. It was really amazing. The person, Jesse Herrera, who took the picture is a genius. The picture was taken last March 23, 2007 during our Baccalaureate Mass.
Baccalaureate Mass. As cited in wikipedia, baccalaureate is "a farewell address in the form of a sermon delivered to a graduating class". And what was the sermon about again?? It was about a lot of things but the topic that was retained on my brain is all about change.
Another video about the events that took place during the Baccalaureate
During our baccalaureate mass, I'm feeling mixed emotions. I felt happy and relieved that finally all my efforts were paid off but at the same time I was sad and uncertain. Change. Another chapter of my life has ended and another one is about to begin. After leaving the walls of my university what's next? Honestly, I do not know. Sometimes saying goodbye to the things that we have grown accustomed with is really dreading but we don't have a choice but to go on with our life unless you wanted to end it. If only we can rewind our life then what I'd be doing right now is going back to the days when I was a kid, innocent, have high hopes, and really happy but then again reality bites... we can't do that. There are no rewinds or even fast forwards only play... and we have to play it right.
I recall a statement on the "Interview with God" presentation which was shown during our retreat in Caleruega. Here is the Lord's reply when He was asked what surprises him most about humankind:
That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.
That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither the present nor the future.
Now that graduation is just a few days away this is the perfect time to have a trip down memory lane and cherish the wonderful moments with my classmates. I never thought that college could be this fun! It is true we had a lot of difficulties in school especially during our 3rd and 4th year but there's never a dull moment whenever I'm with my friends. I miss you guys already! =(
I wanted to show my appreciation so I made this video. There are so many pictures and I really had a hard time choosing what to include in this video. Check out the video. I hope you'll like it. =)
Also, please do check out this video (please click here) that my friend Janine made.
In a few hours we'll once again welcome a new year and before we said goodbye to 2006 I've listed down my new year's resolution. I hope I can really make them work this time.
Here's the thing with new year's resolution, every new year we welcome the notion of having a marvelous year and a fresh start that's why we listed down all the things that we wanted to change, especially on ourselves, to be a better person... but in the middle, sometimes not even close, we go back to our old ways. We usually get tired because change is not an easy thing to deal with in the first place. To most people,including me, new year's resolutions doesn't work because we are looking at the bigger picture and not on the little details that make it.
The following are my new year's resolution:
1. Be Organized.
I wanted to have everything in place. It freaks me out that most of the time I'm taking forever just to find stuff on my closet or drawer.
2. Go to Church Every Sunday.
I need to have my faith in check. I must nourish my soul and make up for all of the shortcomings that I've had this year.
3. Get Fit.
Tame the bulge in my tummy, meaning.... more crunches. I wanted to have my old weight back.. to be fit so that when I'm strolling the mall or running chores, as if I'm doing chores, I will not get easily exhausted.
4. Save. Save... and Save
These holidays.., all the parties that I've gone to and all the spendings leave me penniless. I need to save right away or else I'll drain my bank account. I don't want that to happen and besides we must always plan and save for the future.
5. Learn Something New
I wanted something new... to do away with computers and the cyber zone. I'm planning of taking piano lessons after graduation.
Okay, all have been said. Let's see how far I can go this time. I only listed five to keep it simple... to easily check if I'm being faithful with these resolutions. I don't want it to be another broken pledge.
