His Answer...Achie's Pre-Birthday Celeb....The Sunday Gathering

So many things have happened to me this past week but I never had the time to write everything down. It’s during these times when I wish I own a laptop which I could carry around just so I could blog anytime, anywhere. It’s really different if you write things down while you are at the peak of your emotions and cerebral juices are overflowing.

Some months ago before I started blogging, there would be times when I’m already in bed and thoughts would run thru my head like crazy that I have to grab a paper and pen to jot them down. Sometimes, I save them in my phone but most often than not, those pages of raves would only remain thought bubbles---unexpressed.

Now that my notebook, literally my freedom wall, is upgraded to a blog, I still experience the same sentiments as before. I thought it would be different because I have unlimited internet access in the office and I could post as many blogs as I can the whole day. But then the irony of life strikes --- my important life ‘happenings’ would take place either when I am about to leave the office or worse, during the weekend (that I have to wait ‘til Monday to write about it.) These make me want to go obsolete again and just grab a piece of paper just like the old days!

Since I find it ‘sayang’ if I don’t get to share the happenings the past week, I will try to recall as many details as possible and put everything to writing.

HIS Answer
Part Two of God’s Little Miracles
Thursday, June 12, 2008

Perhaps people who don’t know the other side of me would find it odd to read something I wrote with a religious undertone. I could choose to stay discreet but my faith, no matter how frail it may seem sometimes, has done so many great things in my life and I want to share it with everyone.

Two posts ago, I wrote about how financially challenged I was. Well, I still am but things have been a little lighter these days.

It was a Thursday. Our bookkeeper told me to do the fund transfer for our June 15^th payroll that day so if in case our bank’s online banking is down, we could prepare a credit memo and I could go to the bank the next day. I checked my email and found all our payroll calculations. I computed my pay- house rent and other bills, groceries, food allowance, fare, cell phone load, etc., etc. It wasn’t enough no matter how much I cut down my expenses. (FYI: I don’t go out.)

The phone rang. On the other line was our bookkeeper again. She told me to put the fund transfer on hold because there were supposed changes in our payroll that she missed to include. “Nakalimut ko. Naa man ta mo increase ni Tangoan.” she added. Translated: I forgot. You and Tangoan were supposed to have an increase.

WOW! Just three days after that post. Three days and my prayers were answered! I tried to forget about what she said because it might get jinxed! Haha

I left the office around 7:00 PM. Just after I went out our door, my superior called me to tell me that my increase was approved by our big boss in Hawaii. Double wow! Talk about God’s timing huh. It’s just amazing how He does things. My superior told me weeks before about a possible increase come July. Why approved in advance? I don’t know. Ask God. I know He has something to do with it.

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Achie’s Pre-Birthday Celeb
Saturday, June 14, 2008

Ate Carey is celebrating her birthday on the 21^st of June. Original plan was to have dinner at Spice Fusion in BTC then go to Formo afterwards. It is supposed to be our glam night since we seldom, really seldom go out. But then her husband left for Japan and will be back by July 2 already. So instead of a big party, she decided to have a simple advance celebration-- a dinner with her closest friends, then she’ll just go home to Dumaguete on the day of her birthday.

So it’s Pier One in IT Park Saturday. Problem is, Achie called me about her new plan a day before. I was like in a semi panic attack because I had no idea what to wear! It will be a simple celebration alright but we all know how women could be camwhores these days. With my very limited wardrobe and my doubling weight, I did fret.

I settled for a floral knee length skirt and a black shirt. Not a good choice but I didn’t want to show some skin; I’m growing an ogre these days. Read FAT. And besides, I really thought we might just have coffee afterwards! Holy Connolly Batman! I looked like Gloria Labandera in the making when everyone else was ready to party! I was so uncomfortable the whole time.

Anyhow, it was a good night. I had fun. I’m also happy that Achie loved our gift.hehe Food in Pier One, by the way, is all right and price is affordable. Much, much cheaper than Gerry’s Grill. I loved their Chopsuey and Crispy Pata. But since they just opened about a week ago, the place is jam-packed, while their service needed improvement. Right after dinner, Achie’s friend Ren and Eva had to go home early. Since, it was still early to call it a night, Micor, Achie and I went to Coffee Bean to talk about Micor’s wedding. (Achie btw, is planning and coordinating Micor’s wedding.) Then another friend of Achie’s, Princess, followed.

Last stop was Formo. I loved the place especially the music and the thought that the place was not crowded with teens that couldn’t wait to grow up. I just had a bottle of vodka and that was it. I somehow survived my manang get-up! Haaayyy…

Thanks for the night Achie. I had fun! Next time we go out, I will be glammed up na for sure!

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The Sunday Gathering
Sunday, June 15, 2008

Not having enough sleep the night before, I had to have coffee before going to the Sunday service the next day. I know my Narcolepsy could strike any time, any place and I just hate it when it happens when I’m in church. As I was sipping my coffee, I heard my neighbor’s stereo playing Nat King Cole songs, songs that my father would sing to us when we were kids! Then I remember it is Father’s Day and I promised myself to text my Dad early in the morning. He gets ultra sensitive when it comes to stuffs like these. Little did I know, we were to pay tribute to father’s in our Sunday gathering. Too bad he wasn’t there with me. But it’s all okay; I don’t want to get all melodramatic with him.

I have the best dad in the world. He is close to perfect and he is the only father I want to have in case there is a next life. I was really overwhelmed by the service. There was this song that was sang to fathers and it best fits my Dad. I’ll download the song soon. Here’s the lyrics.

You're My Hero
by Teresa James

I would ride on your shoulders
And look out on the world
Pretending I was big and tall like you
When you were there to hold me
I never was afraid
You made me feel there's nothing I can't do

If I'd spread my wings to fly
When I was very small
I knew that you'd be standing by
To catch me if I fall

You're my hero
Chasing the monsters from my room
Going on trips around the moon
The one who's always been there faithfully
You're my hero
And 'cause you're my Dad...
I'm twice as blessed and lucky to be me

As I kept on growing
We often disagreed
But you let me find myself in my own way
And it's funny, how just lately
I've come to recognize
How wise you are becoming every day
There's so much you've given me
I hope I've made you proud
You're everything a Dad should be
And it's time to tell you now

You're my hero
You didn't have to say a word
Your love was the message that I heard
Inspiring me to be all I can be
You're my hero
And 'cause you're my Dad...
I'm twice as blessed and lucky to be me

I know I am very blessed to have Papa Remo though he tends to be a stage father at times. But I like it that way.hehe

To those who have a not so good relationship with their dads, here’s something I got from the tarp outside Touchpoint just before the gathering.

“We may not all have perfect fathers…And in some may have left wounds that are difficult to heal. But you can always choose to forgive. Forgiveness does not change the past..But it does enlarge the future.”

Lastly, I’d like to share this story of a father and son who really touched my soul. I learned about this from last year’s Father’s Day tribute, still at Touchpoint’s Sunday gathering.

Happy belated Father's day to all Dads! and Happy Birthday Achie!

Nang Dahil kay Juan

As I have said in my old Multiply post, I have been following Brian Gorrell's blog since day four. Now that the blog has evolved (He changed his blog description to: Recovering my STOLEN 70,000 dollars from Delfin Justiniano Ocampo Montano II, Philippines News, Manila's 'HIGH' High Society, World Politics, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Homophobia, Gucci Gang(CL) and the rest.), I still am an avid reader.

Some days ago, a colleague of mine forwarded me a letter from Juan dela Cruz. Here is its content:

When I was small, the Philippine peso was P2.00 to the US dollar. The president was Diosdado Macapagal. Life was simple. Life was easy.

My father was a farmer. My mother kept a small sari-sari store where our neighbors bought sang-perang asin, sang-perang bagoong, sang-perang suka, sang-perang toyo at pahinging isang butil na bawang.

Our backyard had kamatis, kalabasa, talong, ampalaya, upo, batao, and okra.

Our silong had chicken. We had a pig, dog & cat. And of course, we lived on the farm.

During rainy season, my father caught frogs at night which my mother made into betute (stuffed frog), or just plain fried. During the day, he caught hito and dalag from his rice paddies, which he would usually inihaw.

During dry season, we relied on the chickens, vegetables, bangus, tuyo, and tinapa. Every now and then, there was pork and beef from the town market.

Life was so peaceful , so quiet, no electricity, no TV. Just the radio for Tia Dely, Roman Rapido, Jonny de leon Tawag ng Tanghalan and Tang-tarang-tang. And who can forget Leila Benitez on Darigold Jamboree?

On weekends, I played with my neighbours (who were all my cousins). Tumbang-preso, taguan, piko, luksong lubid, patintero, at iba pa. I don't know about you, but I miss those days.

These days, we face the TV, Internet, e-mail, newspaper, magazine,grocery catalog, or drive around. The peso is a staggering and incredible P44.00 to the US dollar.

Most people can't have fun anymore. Life has become a battle.

We live to work. Work to live.

Life is not easy. It was in Saudi Arabia in 1983. It was lonely, difficult, & scary. It didn't matter if you were a man or a woman. You were a target for rape. The salary was cheap & the vacation far between. If the boss didn't want you to go on holiday, you can't.

They had your passport. Oh, and the agency charged you almost 4months of your salary (which, if you had to borrow on a "20% per month arrangement" meant your first year's pay was all gone before you even earned it).

The Philippines used to be one of the most important countries in Asia.

Before & during my college days, many students from neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia , Indonesia , Japan and China went to the Philippines to get their diplomas. Like Thailand , they went to study agriculture in UP Los Banos and earned their bachelors in the Phils and now we import rice from them. Its opposite now.

Philippines used to be the exporter of any agriculture products but now its different. We import because not much land (farms) they can cultivate due to private sectors who focused on developing houses, buildings, supermarkets, mall and others.

What happened now?

Whats the government doing?

Checking their own pocket, their own personal interest and pork barrels.

Wow!

Until 1972,like President Macapagal, President Marcos? was one of the most admired presidents of the world.

The Peso had kept its value of P7.00 to the US dollar until I finished college . Today, the Philippines is famous as the "housemaid" capital of the world.

It ranks very high as the "cheapest labor" capital of the world, too. We have maids in Hong Kong, laborers in Saudi Arabia, dancers in Japan , migrants and TNTs in Australia and the US , and all sorts of other "tricky" jobs in other parts of the globe.

Quo Vadis, Pinoy? Is that a wonder or a worry? Are you proud to be a Filipino, or does it even matter anymore?

When you see the Filipino flag and hear the Pambansang Awit, do you feel a sense of pride or a sense of defeat & uncertainty?

If only things could change for the better...... . Hang on for this is a job for Superman. Or whom do you call?Ghostbusters. Joke. Right?

This is one of our problems.

We say "I love the Philippines .. I am proud to be a Filipino."

When I send you a joke, you send it to everyone in your address book even if it kills the Internet.

But when I send you a note on how to save our country & ask you to forward it, what do you do?

You chuck it in the bin.

I want to help the maids in Hong Kong ...

I want to help the laborers in Saudi Arabia ...

I want to help the dancers in Japan ...

I want to help the TNTs in America and Australia ...

I want to save the people of the Philippines ..

But I cannot do it alone. I need your help and everyone else's.

So, please forward this e-mail to your friends.

If you say you love the Philippines , prove it. And if you don't agree with me, say something anyway.

Indifference is a crime on its own .

Juan dela Cruz

I think it's beautiful, a good read actually. I grew up in the boondocks and although I am already a child of the 80's, I could still relate to some parts of Juan's letter. I have to be honest though, I do not get how forwarding this letter to everyone could change the nation. Oh well, I forwarded it to Brian anyway.

This morning when I checked my email, I received a reply from Mr. Gorrell:

Re: Juan dela Cruz

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 5:53 PM

From:"brian gorrell"

To:sassy_koren@yahoo.com

Hi dear.

Wow, thank you so much for the great link. I will put it on the blog.
I would like to include a picture. Any suggestions?

B

Wow! He received over 100,000 emails so far and he has opened about 4,000 of them. I am lucky to be one of those 4,000. Such a fangirl!hahah

So, he posted a Juan dela Cruz entry yesterday (which I only got to read today) and here's an excerpt:

Dear Readers,

Thank you gracious peeps, for the wonderful e mails and comments.

Thank you for drowning out the ignorance and depravity found elsewhere.

I'm humbled by the kindness and understanding.

Lets all keep it up!

Thank you as well, to the reader who has introduced me to Juan de la Cruz.
I find this entire subject and concept fascinating, and I found Juan's accompanying letter to be an excellent one. One of many that could be written.

To view the entire post, click here.

'Yun lang pow. I just want to share it to everyone. Enjoy the rest of the day!=)

God's Little Miracles

Since I started this blog, more often than not, I would write about movies, boys, shopping, looking good, and sometimes about my being impulsive and irresponsible. I know I had not written a handful but if you go back to all my entries, you would know how shallow I could get or how my little joys could revolve around anything material and superficial.

Today, I woke up in high spirits. I don’t know why but my heart is just filled with bliss, I could cry. I knew I had to write about it.

These past few weeks have been difficult for me. I am financially challenged right now and as much as I don’t want to dwell on it, I could not deny the fact that I NEED MONEY.

About two weeks ago I received a bad news from a close friend. He needed a big amount of money for something very important. It was not a life and death situation though but maybe, or maybe not, a little something to that scale. I have known this person for almost eight solid years now and although I don’t have much, I knew that I had to help him. I lend him a small amount of money which was like 1/15 of the amount that he needed. It was not big but it meant my meal and transportation allowance for more than a week that I had to barrow from the office money (which is a big no-no but I paid it already). I may be broke, I may not earn much but right that moment I felt that it was the right thing to do. Fast forward to two weeks later, he would not return our calls and text messages (He also owes the same amount to my other friend, Micor). Well, you do the rationalization but it caused me to withdraw the maintaining balance from my ATM. Then another dilemma came-- our housemates are moving out of the house by end of June. And since they we’re the original occupants of our apartment, they shouldered the advance rent and security deposits way back. For the last two months of their stay, they decided to just use that security deposit. Meaning, by the time they move out, we will be paying the apartment owner the advance rent and security deposits just like when you first move in an apartment. Before 30^th of June, my other housemates and I each need to come up with an amount which is more than what I earn every half of the month. Micor and I had to sell some of our stuffs to raise money.

It’s crazy! Totally draining! But guess what I have been doing lately. Just this payday, I bought a new bag from Schu. It was on sale and my most trusted bag is almost giving up. (Oh well, I could give you all the justifications in the world!) Also, you might have noticed I have been going to the movies a lot lately. Then, almost every day, I would take a cab when I could ride a jeepney to the office. I am certain that God really is testing my will power everyday and often times, I fail. I feel guilty on how I would find myself in this constant struggle whether I’d eat out or not or whether I would buy those two pairs of CMG shoes for Php999 (yes! 2pairs for P999) or not. It’s ridiculous! See how shallow I am? I want to punish myself for that! It’s really embarrassing. There are much, much greater things to think about on earth than a pair of wooden platform sandals to go with my bag or a new pair of dark skinnies to match a top I have not worn! I feel so guilty I could spend a thousand for a bag but I don’t give to church anymore. It feels really bad.

I suppose the whole thing have bottled up that last Saturday I was drowning in guilt; I could not sleep. There were a lot of things that kept running in my head. The next day is church day and I don’t know but it dawned on me that I should give some amount to church. Okay, not just any amount… Say, one tenth of what I earn. (I should not be writing this but I want to share my story.) I would not say that I knew what I was doing. I doubted it. God knows how much I only have by now. But that’s what my other self was telling me to do. And I did. I gave a portion of my earnings to church yesterday. I felt great but at the same time anxious that my resources left would not be enough. But I’m letting God do His miracle. I’m not even counting how much I have in my pocket now.

Today, I woke up full of enthusiasm. If most of my mornings I wake up late and rush to the bathroom to shower, today was different. I was able to say a little prayer when I got up. And I did not take a cab to the office. Cabs usually cost me P50.00 from our apartment to the office. I could save as much as P37.00 if I only take two jeepney rides. But would you believe today I was able to save P40.00? Two generous jeepney drivers gave me P5.00 each for my change instead of P3.50. Call it coincidence but hey, how often do these things happen to you? I paid P10.00 to each jeepney that I took. There were other passengers. The driver could always ask if they have loose change or if I have P1.50. I believe those were only two little miracles on top of God’s GREAT miracles today. It’s like His way of telling me that I should not worry because He is there, that things will be alright no matter how broke I am, and that I should not doubt His words.

The day is dawning and with God’s grace, my Monday has been beautiful so far. Thank you Jesus!

Philippians 4:6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

More beautiful scriptures here.