Whenever we are together, he always asks me how come did we become good friends? I only remember the time we became friends because of one common person, my best buddy Andrewkells (simply Kenneth). It was my first year of teaching in our institution and I didn't know much about him, again thanks to my dear best buddy Andrewkells. I also didn't remember the very first time we were actually become really close but it is not anymore because of Andrewkells but because of a certain event. Ah! I remember, it was because of Divisoria.
I gave you my tributes to my best buddy Andrew, my kapatid forever Lyrize and to my darling Julie Girl. And this time, in the tradition of bringing out the lives of my dear friends, here comes another tribute or blog post to my loving friend, in which I simply call "Pare."
I hope you don't mind putting this nice picture, pare!
The things I remember about my good pare was indeed, for me, spectacular. I have to tell you, he has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. When we have pictures, he usually pose like there's no camera, or a serious one, or a smile that no one has. He maybe has the smile of Mona Lisa, but a male version (hehehehe!). Whenever I see him smile, for his challenge he had faced while he was in his new home, I forget it if not I can surely recall. With him, I can see that whenever trials and tribulations might come or would come, just a smile is the best way to outshine it. I don't know but from the stories that he shared to me, yes God is beside him and I know God is very much kind to him. And I know God gave him a beautiful smile in his face (o-ha!).
And I tell you, he is the best persuader in town (no pun intended!). Whenever he wants something, or he just wants something, up to heavens he will persuade you. The recent persuasion that he did to me was when he was asking me if I could come with him to Pangasinan. If only I could the best of both worlds, time and finances, I can come with you but the thing is, I don't have one, and I also have the other one, so it means I don't have time and finances (hehehe, sorry!). As of this writing, he is maybe having so much good time with his friends and classmates in Pangasinan as part of their class. I also remember some times he persuaded me that he wants something from my things, in which I gave it to him with all of my heart. I know what you're thinking pare and it's only hullabaloos! Keep on those persuasions coming, pare!!!
This is an example of Catanduanes beauty (and that
includes you, pare!)
He is very much proud of his own sanctuary, abode, home, whatever he wants to call it, Catanduanes. At first, I just don't understand why does he want to go and stay to his province until the time he might get old. I was a bit worried and scared because, sorry for having this kind of thought, thinking that Catanduanes is such a very far place and the way of living in the province is not as fast as here in Manila. And I don't understand also the purpose. But as what I see through his picture and as what I heard through his loving stories, I knew and I bet he had something very special in the place he finally calls home. He always insists us if we could visit him in his native town because we wanted to experience the hospitality his dearest province have. And I also wanted to experience the beaches, the waterfalls and the simplicity (good luck to me, hehehehe!) of life in Catanduanes. If possible, I also wanted to experience the trail he usually uses whenever he goes to his work in Tubli (am I right, pare?). Sometime in the near future, we will surely go there!
That's the way he shocks me!!! Hehehehe!!!
I still remember so many pranks that he did to me. I knew to myself that my nervousness has the highest level since I am a so-much coffee drinker. Every time we go home late or they visit me in our faculty lounge (when I was still part of the Grade School), he will never, ever forget to give surprising pranks to me. There was also a time that I received a hair-raising surprise from him and the initial reaction from me was to get angry. And actually, it is not only me who is always victimized by his not-so-cool-but-funny prank but other teachers too, which includes Theresa and Lyrize. I just don't want why he does that to me. Maybe, I always look really shocked or frightened, or maybe I always shout and he likes it. Or maybe, he just wanted to show attention or affection to us but through a different setting, which is making loud noise, banging the door and making our hearts pounding. To this date, I still wanted to experience that kind of horrific surprise. Someone already did that to me but nothing beats the horrifying act of pare when it comes to making me feel nervous. Seriously, I always anticipate that so I make the best move if I knew you'll surprise me or not. And I'm also sure you're not doing it to others (hmmp!).
When it comes to competitions inside or outside of our campus, he has the mightiest brains and ideas that will surely bring home the bacon. The last time he won was when our institution joined the Private Schools Association of Paranaque sets of competitions (I forgot the name of the contest itself). They joined the competition of speech choir with the entry piece entitled If I Were A Voice by Charles Mackay. When he did practices with the students, he had the greatest show on Earth, even if it was only a practice. I remember the time we were all watching it, and it gave me goosebumps because of the dynamic execution of words, gestures, actions and costume made courtesy by my good friend. Indeed, one word is enough for him to be described: passionate! Even at some indoor competitions, he has the best of his skills in visual and performing arts. I've seen how he is very passionate to his craft and being passionate, all of the shouts, the unending reminders and all paid off when they break a leg and win! That's what I don't have and I like it whenever he says that I can even better than him. Hmmm... Interesting to do!
The moments that we were always together!!! I miss those days
And the best thing I love my pare was whenever I needed him to enlighten me for the things that is happening to my life. From any kind or form, one call or text or chat away, he is there. Sometimes I don't know how to communicate with him because he is nowhere (hehehe) but if the time comes, at the buzz of my chat, he would surely ask me how was it going. There were two instances that I eagerly listened to him, one was I was very insistent and the other one was I was very begging-like being (haha!). The time I told him that I think it was God's will to be part of the department I was into. We were having an exclusive debate about me changing my path or career from one place to another. We were at Ruins, eating isaw and the other people might looking at us because I was creating my own decision to go there. But for him, he told me many and couple of times that it was not! We then continued it in Figaro at Pergola and he again told me that it's not yet time. I heard from him that I shouldn't use the will of God and my brother with the decision or with the time that it seemed not yet final. After a few weeks, he called me asking how am I doing. I was crying and pursuing the idea that he was actually right. It was not yet time!
The Sensei
The last enlightenment that he did to me was recent. I told him everything about my feelings towards my friend and my company. With my friend, I told him that he changed a bit and it seems that I don't understand him anymore. Eagerly, he was listening to me and told me that maybe it was just about my temperamental that I said those words. He even told me that Internet is not the good vehicle to tell or to say what's on your mind, especially if you're angry. With my company, I just liked the way he told me that why am I giving another shot of them being too unequal and unfair. He told me that I can be the best, but with other and not with the company that the greatness I have wasn't able to be seen or even felt. I need to step up the game and think outside of the box, by which in my own life, I never experienced it because admittedly I was really afraid. I always belonging myself to the comfort zone of my life and nothing is happening on me. He enlightened me by saying, "it's time!" And thanks to you, I think I should!
Pare, my friend and I were okay now. And with my problem with the company I am right now, I'll just do what you say, indirectly I'll bring out the best in me. And thank you for believing in me as always (even though in myself, I can't see the best in me!)
This is how I will say "happy birthday" to you! Thank you for the wonderful memories, happiness and frightening moments with you. Few days from now, you'll return to your home and find so much time telling and embracing the Word of God and using your potential to help those who are in need, known and unknown to you! Thank you for being my "spiritual adviser!" Without you, I don't know when to start and when to end. Without you, I don't know how will I make it! And without you, I don't know where I am!
Last thing! I remember our bet every salary day. If I got lost in our bet, I'll treat him with Starbucks Coffee; if I won, there's nothing (joke!)
Happy Birthday Martin Philip T. Alcantara! May our beloved God shower you with unlimited happiness and glory! I know how you glorify His name and I'm sure He sees that and whatever aspect,.the reward is given by Him to you!
Thank you for the friendship pare, and this is our last shot!
With or without the bet, we're friends until forever!!!
When you watch programs on your television, it will never be complete without commercials. There might be times that even though it was all about commercials, you tend to change the channel and proceed to the program you are interested to watch. While others, they love to watch commercials because the entertainment value of it is as same as with the program you're watching. For me, call me a bit of weird, there I watch TV commercials, not because of the product being endorsed, or the endorser bragging the product but because of the catchy jingles. There are commercial jingles that touches my heart for no reason at all. Maybe commercials wouldn't be enticing to the viewing public, which includes me, without their mighty and catchy commercial jingles alongside the main commercial.
And now in my brouhahas, allow me to explain to you why I chose these twenty beautiful commercial jingles that can be called my own favorites. With this list, I did include the songs that was being covered for the commercial; and I also chose commercial jingles that were originally composed, written and made. Try to relieve your nostalgic moments whenever you listen to these:
1. SUNSILK - The title of the song was "Let Me" and the piece was made into a longer version by the former band Orange And Lemons. The commercial itself is cute but what really interests me a lot was the catchy melody and lyrics of the commercial jingle. I remember it was released when I was still in college.
Catchy lyrics:"You turn my head but instead I feel so lonely... I feel for you, I've got to say, you put a spell on me... I opened my eyes, softly and wide, lovely flower you're my sunshine..."
2. MCDONALD'S - This is the commercial where Rhian Ramos landed on where she is now. She was endorsing McJelly Trio, a former product of the said fastfood chain. The melody of the jingle is very refreshing and floating that you would want to ask McDonald's to revive McJelly Trio (if they wish to return it?). The male model in the commercial is Einar Ingebrigsten.
Catchy lyrics:"Laughter and fun every time we meet... My lips form a smile, my heart's on a blow (?), tell me is it love, or is it McJelly Trio... Pa pa ra pa pa love ko 'to!"
3. COCA COLA - This is part of Coca-Cola Philippines' campaign, which is entitled "Live Positively." And since Coca Cola is a worldwide company, numerous versions of this jingle have been made. I've read comments from its YouTube account that it made some viewers teary-eyed wholeheartedly telling how to love each and everyone. And yes, it tells how Coca-Cola loves the Philippines in their own way. It shows a bit of patriotism here, knowing that Coca-Cola is not a Filipino-made brand of softdrink. With these advocacy, everybody not only in the Philippines but in the whole world should live positively.
Catchy lyrics: "Minamahal kita, sarap kang makitang nakangiti, nakatawa, may lakas at may pag-asa... Minamahal kita (minamahal ka ng Coca-Cola)... Ang puso ko'y kasama mo sa pag-unlad, sa trabaho, sa pagbabago... Minamahal kita, Pilipinas... Minamahal kita..."
4. LUCKY ME (20 YEARS) - This is Lucky Me's advertisement in line of their 20th anniversary. We are all part of Lucky Me's journey from the beginning up to now because of their products from instant noodle soup to instant pancit canton and now with their even more products. No other Filipino could not have a single Lucky Me product and in their commercial jingle, they were talking about numbers here and for the span of 20 years, millions and millions of Filipino have always been with Lucky Me.
Catchy lyrics:"Sa darating na panahon, dadami pa ang liligaya... Lucky you, Lucky Me, buhay ay may ngiti dahil may Lucky Me..."
5. AYALA CENTER - As far as I remember, this was my favorite commercial when I was still a kid. It was the very first mall of the Ayalas and with the catchy sound of the commercial jingle (they had used Sergio Mendes's Waters of March), the background of the advertisement were all about the different places of the Ayala Center back then. Now, you might still remember the "Quad," and "Park Square" and "Landmark" and "Greenbelt" which was then a park (now an uber-chic and mega-posh mall in the area). Well, it is no longer Quad but Glorietta and the architecture of the mall is already changed with a more modern, sleek one. At the last part of the commercial, you would also see that Ayala Center Cebu was then opening.
Catchy Lyrics:"A stick, a stone, there's no end to the load... It's the rest of the stump, the tip of the cone, it's a sliver of glass... The foot, the sound, the fish and the bone, it's all over the road, it's what you can own... A dish, a dash, a circle of glow, a bite, a blow, a sight and a show... It is light, it's a choice, a choice, a life... At the end of the day, that's where life really starts... It's a promise of life, it's a joy in your heart..."
6. COCA COLA - This is Nikki Gil's first foray in the commercial world. This was really a catchy jingle in which I remember I first saw this New Year of 2005. Together with my college friends, we used to sing this and we were also acting a la Nikki Gil going anywhere in the streets of Manila giving a bottle of Coke to strangers. Seriously, the lyrics of the jingle are of values pertaining to every human; every person shall have a lot of hope, fun and laughter and meaning.
Catchy Lyrics:"Sana'y masabi sa awit kong ito... Lahat ng ninanais nitong puso ko... Sana saan mang patungo sa buhay, may pag-ibig, may pag-asa, may saya at saysay... Sana sa bawat sandali matikman pa, sarap ng pagsasama at simpleng ligaya... Tara na sakyan lang, malay mo... Andiyan lang, andiyan lang ang hinahanap mo..."
7. CLOSE UP - The commercials of Close Up, as we all know, are all cute and really talk about falling in love from a smile. This Sam Milby-and-Denise Laurel starrer defines the lyrics of their commercial jingle, sung by Rocksteddy (I love Teddy Corpuz!). It was part of the promotion of Close Up to Fame, a defunct talent show-cum-reality show of ABS CBN in 2005 where Close Up is looking for new sets of stars that will shine courtesy of their smile. Indeed, this commercial and its commercial jingle probably remembered by anyone of us (especially the crazy dance moves of Denise Laurel!).
Catchy Lyrics:"And you shine above of everyone... You stand out from the crowd... Somehow, I can't find words to say, you're indescribable... And you sweep me off my feet every time you smile at me, at me, at meeeee... You light my way, you always take my breath away..."
8. SKIN WHITE - This is the product where Marian Rivera seen first. But in this commercial, she was not part of it. The commercial jingle interpreted by Ronnie Liang is indeed a spectacle and the melody and the lyrics are still remembered in our heads. The gestures of the models from the commercial are in line with the song that makes you a bit romantic, thanks for being late of going out of school and for the fireflies at the Intramuros Parian Gate (hehehe). This commercial and the jingle are truly close to my heart and one of my favorites.
Catchy Lyrics:"Isang saglit, isang tingin... Ito ba'y nadarama mo rin... Sana ako'y mahalin... Sana ako'y mahalin..."
9. NESCAFE - This is the commercial jingle of Nescafe in line with their celebration of their 70th anniversary in the Philippines. It talks about having quality time talking (kuwentuhan) while drinking hot and aromatic cup of coffee. Definitely, it should be Nescafe. Big time OPM singers have collaborated to sing the theme song which includes Zsa Zsa Padilla, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, Champ Lui Pio of Hale, and Kitchie Nadal.
Catchy Lyrics:"Sa kapihan enjoy tayo noon pa man (enjoy tayo)... Sa kuwentuhan, mas okay ang samahan (okay ang samahan)... Tuloy ang kuwento, one moment, one Nescafe..."
10. NESTLE ICE CREAM - At this perfect day of summer (the temperature goes up to 35 degrees), we all wanted to have a scoop of ice cream beating down the heat from our bodies. This new commercial from Nestle Ice Cream plays so much with the season. The very light melody and clean lyrics, which talks about the boy who was being left by his school service. Good thing, a vendor of Nestle Ice Cream is in the streets and gave a helping hand of bringing the poor boy to his home. While on their way, they were selling ice cream to some people on the road like a man giving a Drumstick to the girl that she wants, a girl with four Kimy Ice Cream and shared it to her friends who are wearing monkey outfits. This commercial is really cute, that's all I can say!
Catchy Lyrics:"Make everyone shine like a sun, make they feel the way you do, make them smile too... See their faces light up, up, parara... Take them high, high up, up, parara... With Nestle Ice Cream... Pass a smile, smile, smile, smile, smile..."
11. BAMBINI COLOGNE - This was shown in 2003 and I still remember one of their models was Jennylyn Mercado (right before the Starstruck phenomenon in that year). Everyone in this commercial was in high spirits, thanks to the scents of Bambini cologne. I remember this being shown in the lazy afternoons on GMA and ABS CBN via their afternoon soaps.
Catchy Lyrics:"This is our shining moment, girl power absolutely... Life is good, when we're having fun..."
12. PALMOLIVE NATURALS - Anne Curtis began her dream of being a singer in her first commercial for Palmolive Soap. Aside from her sexy body while bathing, her shower voice envelops the entire commercial, as far as Palmolive Soap is concerned. I don't care if she is lined with novelty, but her voice is as best as the others. Admittedly, my brother and I were singing this before if the commercial is being aired on TV. And of course, I love Anne Curtis!
Catchy Lyrics:"I feel your soft caress upon my skin like a touch from a rose... And it thrills me, thrills me now I feel irresistibly soft like a touch from a rose..."
13. KFC - When you are eating in KFC, you would surely do the finger lickin' good satisfaction. That's the theme of their commercial jingle before and it was gorgeous. Most of the Filipinos, if being fed up with Jollibee or McDonald's, they try KFC with their mouthful original-recipe chicken and gravy that is unlimited (plus their spoonfuls as my favorite!). The models in the commercial were all munching with the fried chicken and watching them made you feel tempted and could not wait to go to the nearest KFC franchise. I would like to sing this commercial jingle while eating.
Catchy Lyrics:"Take a tasty moment that's fully satisfy you... Make your perfect moment that's really finger-lickin' good."
14. C2 GREEN TEA - C2 has been synonymous with being healthy, thanks to the power of green tea. And with a very catchy jingle courtesy of the band Sinosikat, you are surely knowing the best about life. Just listen to the words such as "best about life," "little joys," "goodness," and "good things," now can you tell me if you can't have the best life ahead?
Catchy Lyrics:"Sing about the good things, the best about life... The little joys and the smile to catch each day... The goodness that you feel, the life you create... Sing about the good things, the C2 life..."
15. LUCKY ME NAMNAM - I miss the Kanto Boys (consists of John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford and Vhong Navarro) performing on ASAP. But thanks to their glorious production numbers in that Sunday noontime variety show, they will land in this new product of Lucky Me for giving out the flavor in your dishes. And their "sachet dance" is a remarkable one, thanks to their jingle that is a feel-good one. My good, old friend stops whatever she is doing if this commercial shown on TV. All I can say is "nam nam!"
Catchy Lyrics:"Nam nam nam nam nam nam!!!"
16. SMART DISHWASHING LIQUID - If you're a good dancer and your mother was given you a task to wash the dishes, this is the perfect background music for you. With the happy tune that this jingle has, I assure you that you can bop the dance floor while washing those mountainous-like plates and utensils in your own kitchen. While in the commercial, it is represented by a family doing a picnic and after eating, it was their time to wash their plates and utensils with dancing to the tune of this jingle. Isn't that cute?
Catchy Lyrics:"How smart naman is you... Smart Anti-Bacterial, kasi gamit you, you, you, you... May bango, may bangis, dish is it, panghugas ng pinggan... Una baso, kutsara, tinidor, next ang pinggan at plastic containers... Kutsilyo, kaldero, panalo 'to, dish is it... Smart with Kill-Bacteria formula..."
17. COLGATE - As what I read from YouTube, this Colgate commercial is not surely made here in the Philippines because of the models. But the jingle from this commercial is really an attractive one not only to kids but to the kids-at-heart. All of the models are seen underwater (of course with the mermaids and octopuses doing the chiki-chiki motion) and probably the advertisers wanted to create it differently to appeal to the viewing public. Well, good choice of theme! And there's a lesson here for the kids especially if it is about good grooming: brush your teeth three times, morning, noon and nighttime.
Catchy Lyrics:"Pagkakain ng agahan, chiki chiki chiki chiki... Pagkakain sa tanghali, chiki chiki chiki chiki... Pagkakain ng hapuna, chiki chiki chiki chiki..."
18. DIGITEL - This is one of Regine Velasquez's commercials sometime in the late nineties. Since she was known for being a probinsiyana (she used to live in her hometown Bulacan) and since Digitel is only for the provinces in Luzon and Bulacan is a province of Luzon, maybe and just maybe the people behind Digitel chose her to sing their jingle and be their ambassador. Without a doubt, the belting power of the Asia's Songbird magnify the stature of Digitel in the island of Luzon and Smart bought their shares (Sun Cellular is owned formerly by Digitel).
Catchy Lyrics: "Listen now, listen to Luzon, and let's see (?) what we heard throughout the world... Hello Luzon, the world is listening to a place getting closer... Digitel, giving voice to Luzon..."
19. ROYAL TRU ORANGE - This is Francis M.'s commercial for Royal Tru Orange in mid-90s. I was still in grade school when I saw this in television and Francis M. was still had a life of a king. He was therefore known to be the Master Rapper and representing Royal Tru Orange had made it a lot of difference. Just listen closely to the lyrics (here the song "Ito Ang Gusto Ko" was used for the commercial). We just miss you, Master Rapper!
Catchy Lyrics:"Peace, kapayapaan... Friends, kaibigan... Nature, kalikasan... Ito ang gusto ko! RTO! Ito ang gusto ko! Masarap ito! Ito ang gusto ko! May beta-carotene... Ito ang gusto ko!"
20. WOW PHILIPPINES - Before the very catchy tag line of "It's More Fun in the Philippines," as our tourism slogan, we had WOW! Philippines. And this series of commercials from the Department of Tourism gave us why the Philippines is more than the usual country in the world. It doesn't have any catchy lyrics but the music, ethnic to be exact, gave us goosebumps and patriotism to love more of our country. May I say that it is possible to combine the two slogans: Wow! It's More Fun in the Philippines, right?
Catchy Lyrics:"Aaaaaaahhhhhh Aaaaaaahhhhh..."
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the twenty commercial jingles that when you hear them again, it will surely bring back the past, glory days of our lives. Just like I do, it brings so much memories and the creative minds of the Filipinos did all these great commercials!
If only I could go to advertising as my newest profession, joke!!!
Toodles!!!
thanks to YouTube and its affiliated channels for the videos
I still remember the scene from the hit movie 500 Days of Summer (and most of my dear friends love this for sure) about the difference between an "Expectation" and a "Reality." Most of the people might be hit in this part of the story since we are all hooked and chose to make it as a hobby on expecting some things we never had in our hands and in our lives. There goes the reality that breaks it, sadly speaking. I, myself, became too fond of realizing things ahead, meaning expecting too much from someone, somebody and something, in which I never thought of "will that be really happening?"
Let me give you some things that might be interesting to your mind and soul. Here are possible things that you might think your expectations might rely to realities or vice versa.
Situation: You are head over heels with this girl in your work area or classroom and you know and others know that you are having a huge crush with her. You started showing some interests with the girl by giving gifts or accompanying her towards her destination, which is home almost everyday.
Expectation: You might think there is hope for you by saying "yes," and she will allow you to court you and by the time everything is okay, you will surely have a smile up to your ears if she said the very fruitful "yes" to you and after all of the hardships, you're officially "on."
Reality: The expectation can rely or even align to reality but the girl still doesn't have any thoughts of pursuing into a relationship (she's not yet ready maybe from a recent break-up or she's not yet looking for someone) or worse comes to worst, she doesn't like you. Maybe the girl you are so into have already found someone that could be better than you, or even stronger than you. For her, it's okay to receive gifts from you but as a matter of fact, she's just receiving it because she doesn't want to be so rude to refuse it. Or maybe, you gave something to her but others are using it. Hurtful yes but it is reality!
Situation: For quite some time, you have been good to your job. You've become a professional one, no tardiness, no absences, on-time passing of requirements (right before the deadline), harmonious relationship towards your colleagues and so much more.
Expectation: You are hearing other people, or even other people are telling you that you are qualified to have a higher position in your company. You are about to land on the position in which others are dreaming of, but because of your good records, you are on your way to reach it.
Reality: There are executives in your company who are defiantly blind and your performance (good, better or best) are not seen or even felt. Because they do not like you, or they are not in favor of you so whatever good things or even better things that you do for the benefit of the company you are into, they can't give you what you really want because apparently, they don't like you. Badly, they don't know you at all!
Situation: You are trying your luck to find for the treasure by playing national lotteries, racing bets, cockfights or even joining beauty pageants. You used your twenty-peso bet and your mind thinking of great numbers to bet on for the national lottery. You even subscribed to some tips online for your luck in horse racing, and other kinds of legal gambling. And you did not eat as your daily diet, read everything from magazines to coffeetable books and asked your friendly fashion designer to create you a very gorgeous gown for the pageant.
Expectation: You have the confidence of Anne Curtis and you did the good thing from talent to question and answer and your walk is absolutely powerful on the stage on a certain beauty pageant. You know by yourself that for the longest time, you already picked your numbers to be drawn on a national lottery and if you won, you still don't know what to do with that huge amount of money. You might even share your prize to most of the people in your neighborhood and buy everything from this to that.
Reality: For whatever number combinations you have been thought of, still the luck of getting those winning numbers cannot be put in your ticket. So you have to wait for another day just to try your luck. And even in beauty pageants where you stuttered while you're answering the final question. Your eyes are almost everyone trying to find the correct answer. So in return, you're just going to use your perfect "twang" regardless of the syntax, grammar and everything lexicography. And you're part of the "thank you girls!"
Situation: Both the husband and the wife have a perfect family. It seems that nobody will tear them apart, a third party, a very meaningless issue, and even a petty kind of fight that might lead to divorce.
Expectation: You are thinking ahead for your future especially by the time you already have your grandchildren. You might stay on your chosen place that you can call as your retirement haven (think of a beachfront property).
Reality: From a simple fight down to the biggest issue in your relationship, both of you come to the point that you can no longer continue your so-called "happy relationship" because both of you weren't able to feel the spark that you had before. You can't no longer fix your problem in just one sitting and your pride had already taken its toll in your mind and heart. The end result, whether your children like it or not, is separation leads to annulment and divorce.
Situation: You and your boyfriend or girlfriend have been in a relationship for quite sometime. The only thing that's left in your relationship is the blessing of the sacred sacrament called "marriage."
Expectation: Everybody is expecting you and your chosen one walking down the aisle as a classical music accompanies your traverse to the altar. Everybody is excited, hoped and glorified with your relationship that finally, able to cross the line to being together as one. Your boyfriend is wearing the best suit or the best barong looking absolutely handsome and yummy at the time of his wedding day. Your girlfriend is wearing her dream wedding dress and her bouquet of flowers everybody is making attention of. Her face is a face that can launch thousands and thousands of ships. She is envied by so many. Both of you are envied by so many people because you are the happiest couple they've known so far.
Reality: There comes the time that both of you feel exhausted towards each other. Being in a relationship for quite some time is a good news but for the longest time you've been together, isn't it okay if you just breathe for one moment. But cooling-off might lead to a total break-up and the future wishes that you've talked about had already gone out with the wind. Sadly to say but they really don't care how far had they gone with their relationship. They didn't feel the love, so be it.
Reality is the present situation, no scripts are written and no brainstorming has done. Expectations may sound pretty interesting and good to do that is why people are in it. If you want to make something into reality, don't expect too much. As what they say, just go with the flow and focus what's on you now.
Parang sa mga oras na ito, masarap gumawa ng parang reaction paper or term paper or whatever paper not because may dapat gawan ng reaction, but because may mga bagay na nangyayari sa ngayon na hindi ko maintindihan...
The Crisis: I was very vocal to myself, to my friends, to my colleagues and to our administrators na willing akong magpabalik sa regular school to teach regular kids. Nasabi ko na rin sa iba ang plight ko about it. In my own part, pakiramdam ko na wala akong na-achieve na professional growth sa department na kinabibilangan ko ngayon (no offense). Umaabot sa point na pumapasok na lamang ako for the sake of the kids, not because I have a lesson to teach. Others might see na parang petiks ang kalakaran sa department na kinabibilangan ko, meaning madali ang trabaho. May mga oras na wala akong ginagawa; pinapanood ko lang ang mga anak kong naglalaro, nagkukuwentuhan at naghahabulan. Nagagawa ko yun because it was my part of my job. Mayroon din akong mga paperworks na ginagawa at pinapasa, pero iyun lang. Namimiss ko yung linggo-linggong paggawa ng lesson plan, pagkumpleto ng mga scores at grades ng mga bata, pagsulat ng pagkarami-raming mga documents from banig to Form 137 to dummy sheet at kung anu-ano pa. Namimiss ko yung may mga nakakaintindi sa mga lessons na inihanda ko sa mga bata. Namimiss ko yung mga outputs na ginagawa ng mga regular students ko sa seatwork na inihanda ko sa mga bata.
Last year, nagprisinta akong magpalipat sa department na kinabibilangan ko for two reasons. One is to stay away from danger. I had a previous problem about my discipline, medyo hindi applicable sa mga grade school students. I was about to fall dahil hindi ko nagawa ang promise ko to do what is right. Pero ang nakakatuwa ay pinagbigyan pa rin ako pero to make it better, nagpalipat ako sa bagong department. Another one is to try my luck. Aminado akong naging maganda ang mga opportunities ng mga teachers sa ibang bansa, at ang department na kinabibilangan ko, masyadong malaki ang kita. I was tempted by money kaya rin ako naging pushy to be part of the department. Medyo nakarinig din ako ng mga issues about my sudden arrival to the department. Nakalimutan ko na rin iyun at hindi na rin dapat pag-usapan dahil it was only a mere issue, at hindi na dapat palakihin pa. Naging maganda ang simula pero as the day goes by, nananaig pa rin sa akin ang isang bagay na hinahanap-hanap ko; ang magturo sa regular school. Regardless of level, basta namimiss ko ang magturo sa regular. Nalulungkot ako sa sinapit ng career ko mula noong napalipat ako. Naramdaman ko na para akong nakalimutan, nawala sa circulation at pakiramdam ko, hindi ako teacher.
I made so many decisions last year. Umabot pa sa point na magreresign ako dahil hindi ko na kaya. Pero hindi ako nagpadaig sa emotions ko, tinuloy ko pa rin at nag-isip ng mga bagay na maaari kong gawin. Hindi ko na tinuloy na mag-aral dahil wala rin namang mangyayari. Mag-aaral ako pero sa subject or course na talagang mahal ko, which is English. Pagdating naman sa bagay na iyun, puwede ko namang idaan sa pagsama or pag-attend ng mga seminars. In-insist ko rin sa sarili ko na sa susunod na school year ay magpapabalik na ako and this time, sa high school na. Matagal-tagal na rin akong nagtuturo sa aming eskuwelahan at pakiramdam ko, ito na siguro ang pagkakataong ipakita ang galing ko sa pagtuturo sa high school. Pinalasap nila sa akin sa loob ng isang buwan ang makapagturo muli sa regular school. Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na muli kong magawa ang mga nagawa ko noon. Pero umabot ako muli sa isang desisyon, if I will stay or I will return. Kung stay ako, paano naman ang mga iniwan kong trabaho sa department na kinabibilangan ko? Kung return, hindi ko alam kung makakabalik pa kaya ako for regular school? Mas pinili ko ang pangalawa kaysa sa una, dahil mayroon akong tinatawag na "word of honor."
Pero mukhang nabago ang lahat in a snap. Nitong mga huling linggo na nagdaan ay nagkaroon ako ng isang matinding pagsubok pagdating sa aking career. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, ganito muli ngunit ibang sitwasyon. Ngayon ay gusto ko namang bumalik sa regular school pero nasaraduhan ako. Sa una, sinabi kong vocal ako sa pagbalik ngunit napansin kong may nakalimutan silang isang tao at ako yun. Para saan pa ang pinasang "letter of intent" kung wala rin pala itong saysay. Para saan pa ang pagsasabi ko na "magpapasundo ako ulit," kung makakalimutan rin pala. Ngayon, para akong batang naghihintay sa terminal ng bus, para akong nag-take ng exam sa UPCAT na kung saan, isa akong pending. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung saan ako. Ang dami kong wino-worry; ang mga taong maapektuhan, ang sarili kong pride at ang career na gusto kong mangyari sa akin. Pinapipili ako sa dalawa: ang ipagpatuloy ko ang stay sa department na kinabibilangan ko or magtuturo ako sa subject ko pero sa lower level (grades 3 at 4).
According to my friends: Sinabi ko rin sa kanila kung ano ang saloobin ko. At gusto ko ang kanilang sinabi sa akin sa paraang hindi nila ako pinagtatakpan or pinaghihigantian or kinakampihan sa gusto ko but they said their pieces very well in a way na para sa ikabubuti ko. Mas mabuti pang piliin ko ang pagtuturo sa grades 3 and 4 kaysa magtuturo ako sa department na kinabibilangan ko na sa halatang napipilitan ako. Sa mga bagay na ito, hindi dapat pairalin ang pride or ang ego, dahil trabaho pa rin ang pinag-uusapan dito. Kung aalis man ako, saan ako pupunta? May nasimulan na ba ako? May mapupuntahan ba ang pagiging rebelde ko? Marahil mapapahiya lang ako dahil sa kagustuhan kong umalis pero wala pa akong back-up plan na matatawag. Considered siya as a gateway for my future plans of teaching in high school, kung sakaling doon pa rin ako. At ang mali rin sa akin ay ang page-expect sa mga bagay na wala pa sa kamay ko. Isang halimbawa na lang ang nangyari sa akin sa graduation na halos kinuha ko na ang idea sa pagiging emcee sa graduation. Alam ko na na hindi sa lahat ng bagay nakukuha mo ang gusto mo. Hindi lahat ng gusto mo, makukuha mo sa madaling paraan. Darating din siguro ang pagkakataon na maganda sa iyo, according to His own time.
Gusto ko rin ang sinabi ng kaibigan ko sa akin, medyo gasgas na pero tamang-tama sa nararamdaman ko ngayon, "When God closes the door, He opens a window!" Sinara man sa akin ang pagkakataong makapagturo sa high school, binuksan naman ang isa pang pagkakataong makapagturo sa grade school, ngunit sa lower level lamang. Kailangan ko na ring babaan ang pride ko dahil wala rin akong makukuha rito. Hindi rin ako mapapakain nito, at pakiramdam ko, mapapahiya lamang ako lalo. Ang importante, kung anong nangyayari ngayon.
Enumeration: Ito ang mga bagay na puwede kong makita kung sakaling tanggapin ko ang pagtuturo ng English sa grades 3 and 4:
PROS/ADVANTAGES/POSITIVES: 1. Nasa regular school ako. 2. Natuturo ko ang subject na inaral ko. 3. Marami akong estudyante at alam ko na may matutunan sila sa akin. 4. Alam ko sa sarili ko na isa akong ganap na guro. 5. Makakasama ko ang mga kaibigan ko. 6. Maipapakita ko na rin ang galing ko na pupuwedeng maging edge ko sa mga darating na panahon. 7. Marami akong matatanggap na regalo sa Pasko (hehehehe) 8. May dahilan na ako para pumasok at maging masaya.
CONS/DISADVANTAGES/NEGATIVES: 1. Hindi ko nakuha ang gusto kong level. 2. Baka maging dahilan ko ng pagkatanggal dahil sa pagiging disciplinary actions ko. 3. Maraming trabaho. 4. Magiging problema ko ang kakulitan ng mga bata. 5. Makakatanggap ako ng reklamo from the parents.
Siguro nga, may pros or cons man or wala, magiging masaya ako sa mangyayari sa akin. Gagayahin ko ang mga kaibigan kong wholeheartedly, tinatanggap nila kung ano ang binibigay sa kanila. At sa susunod na taon, tatanggalin ko na sa sistema ko ang pala-asa, expectant at kung ano man tungkol sa "future." Hindi na ako aasa, kung ano ang ngayon, doon na lang ako magpo-focus, wala ng iba!
I just realized that everything happens for a reason. I will try and take it as a challenge. If it turned out good, I know that I did all of my best! If not, at least I've given my all to do the task.
"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are." - Bernice Johnson Reagon
Yes, I'm taking the challenge! Good luck to me!
Maraming salamat mga kapatid!!! Go TEACHERRIFICS!!!
For us Filipinos, we were surely exfoliated with our sins as we did our own kind of penance for the past three days so-called the Easter Triduum.
MAUNDY THURSDAY - like most of the Filipinos had been to different churches to do the Visita Iglesia. My family and I were on our second year doing this and only seven churches around Muntinlupa, San Pedro and Binan were chosen to be part of our own ritual. We went first to the Parish of St. James the Great at the plush Ayala Alabang Village. It was our second try to get inside of this exclusive (and I mean exclusive, men!) village just to visit the church. The church is fantastically huge and air-conditioned, thanks to the people who wished to make it air-conditioned (hehehehe!). Seriously, we attended the Mass of the Last Supper and it was a great one. We witnessed the ritual called Washing of the Feet, as done by the apostles of Jesus Christ, part of his Last Supper. Afterwards, we witnessed the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament done inside the church. I missed my novena days with St. Jude Thaddeus because we sang O Salutaris and Tantum Ergo (Let Us Raise Our Voice), in line with the procession. It was really remarkable, breathtaking and serene. We went straight to our next church which was the very simple St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Susana Church just outskirts of Alabang Town Center. There were so many people because of the ongoing mass. What we did was we said our own little prayer and we went ahead for our next church. We went to Sto. Nino de Cebu Parish in Binan, Laguna, near Colegio San Agustin. There were so many people doing their own Way of the Cross inside of the church, while we were still praying for our own wishes and requests. Up next was the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Church inside Rosario Complex in San Pedro, Laguna. The church was very small and simple. While we were in it, some people were doing some rites in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. I do not have any idea with it and my purpose of visiting their church is to do Visita Iglesia. Next was the Sto. Rosario Parish in Pacita. We were attacked by traffic and the volume of people going to Landayan for Lolo Uweng or formally known as the Holy Sepulcher. After we exited to the vicinity, we went straight to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church inside United San Pedro Subdivision. Lastly after the almost 3 hours of plying the road, we went to our nearest church and that's St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish Shrine, just near to our village. Together with my brother, I did the Way of the Cross. The fourteen stations are all about the celebration of the Lord's Passion from the Last Supper, His agony at the Garden of Gethsemane, His condemnation, crucifixion and His death up to His resurrection. Indeed, the Passion of the Christ can also be done to us, in our own very way. Each one of us have the way of the cross and we must face it. All we have to do is to have faith. And for us, the very simple Visita Iglesia is indeed a challenge and penance for us Christians.
These are the seven churches that were part of our itinerary for Visita Iglesia 2012:
Parish of St. James the Great, Ayala AlabangSt. Jerome Emiliani and St. Susana Church, Alabang Sto. Nino de Cebu Parish, Binan, Laguna Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Rosario ComplexSto. Rosario Parish, Pacita Complex, San PedroSt. Peregrine Laziosi Parish Shrine, TunasanI am very sorry I do not have a picture of the sixth church (prior to St. Peregrine), Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church in United San Pedro Subdivision.
GOOD FRIDAY - This was the most solemn celebration of the Easter Triduum (three days prior to Easter). I just stayed at home, heard the Seven Last Words and the reflection of the priests according to the statements and watched some serious movies. This is the only time for Christian to be very solemn, the way we see how Christ was tortured, scorned and crucified to His death and because of us, He did it. My good friend sent me a very good message, very timely for what we celebrated:
"When I saw Jesus at the cross, I grieved and cried, 'Who nailed Him?' But I was shocked, when I turned and saw... the hammer in my hand." - Hebrews 6:6
This powerful quote reminds us of one thing, Jesus Christ was died in cross not because of his innocence, but his innocence was used because of our sins. Few years ago and it was also Good Friday when I watched the most illustrious depiction on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ. During the time of its release, most of the people known and unknown, man and woman, Catholics and non-Catholic shared their opinion, reaction and insight about this film, telling about the passion of our Savior. Many have said they were moved, and felt apologetic after watching film. Many also have said Mel Gibson's film is outstanding and Jim Caviezel, portraying Jesus Christ is an A-lister. I watched the film, though I didn't start it from the beginning but every scene of the film really gives me goosebumps. It seems that you were also one of the people watching Jesus Christ from the time He was sentenced to be crucified down to the time of His death. I wanted to cry because of the hardships Jesus Christ had accepted and done. I still remember the scene where He was being bullied by some Roman (?) soldiers. He was being whipped with a leather at most of the parts of His body. Another one, in which I can stand to watch was the time He was crucified. I can still remember the pain the Lord Jesus Christ felt while the nail was pounded at His palm. It was gruesome yet very powerful for each Catholic or Christian to reflect. I cannot watch it anymore for knowing what I did to Him. Yet, it was the most beautiful film ever done all about the passion, death and the revival of Jesus Christ's life (since it was done in 2004, the most recent).
One of the greatest movie about the Lord's passion
BLACK SATURDAY - Earlier in the morning, we went to St. Peregrine Parish to listen to Lenten Recollection. Good thing, it was my favorite priest, Fr. Beni Ma. Isip who did the talk. According to him, Black Saturday is considered the most quiet day of the Easter Triduum because, according to the Christian tradition, there was no God. Think of having a wake, that was the most peaceful part of the whole funeral service. I have known so many things from the recollection; why rich Filipinos and poor Filipinos have different aspect, celebration and tradition while they were having a wake? Interesting and true!
Rich Filipinos: Wakes are usually held at a memorial chapel (think of Arlington, La Funeraria Paz, Loyola). There were foods to be served but mostly soups, tetra-pak juices, mamon or ensaymada, and of course, coffee and biscuits. Only small and quiet talks were exchanged while having a wake. Kiss from a cheek was done and an embrace or hug was given to the person or member of the dead person as a sign of condolence. Sometimes, it would only take 3 days minimum to 1 week maximum of stay before the burial rites or cremation rites. And yes, the venue of the wake is air-conditioned and there's also a family room for the immediate family to stay on.
Poor Filipinos: Usually held at the streets (think of squatter's area, looban) and it would surely look like a fiesta for so many people are staying near the wake. There were also foods to be served but only coffee and biscuits (think of Nescafe 3 in 1 and Skyflakes). There were no small and quiet talks but loud shouts and noises coming from the players of pusoy dos, mahjong, and the national card game, tong-its. Aside from that, not too far from the wake, there could be a videoke singing different versions (or renditions) of My Way, and not too far also from the wake, are some inuman sessions. They would say they were not allowed to come to the visitors going home because it might bring bad luck, so just a simple goodbye would be enough. And the length of the wake might take 1 week minimum to maximum of three weeks, depending on the donation, called abuloy. Sometimes, the wake could be at the dead person's home, or at the street itself, or even at the barangay hall.
There was a huge difference and it would never be changing, unless the government would soon see it the way we do it as a tradition. What's important during Black Saturday was the recollection of the sins we again did why Jesus was needed to catch all of those. It was really a black Saturday, but the whole Christendom was prepping up for the Easter vigil, to be done at the night. It would also serve as the mass for Easter Sunday. It was very serene, very quiet and very celebrating. Afterwards, it would be the Salubong, the resurrected Jesus will now meet His mother, Mary with a black cloth covering Her sorrowed face (thus being called Our Lady of Sorrows).
The Lord has risen! Rejoice! Rejoice!
For the whole vacation, what I did aside from contemplating was watching movies, checking my e-mails and reading some articles on the Internet. It was a nice vacation, but very, very hot! Maybe it was also part of your penance, feeling the scorching heat of the sun!
I can't wait for our next year's celebration of the Holy Week. I would surely know it would be a blast and aside from my family, I think it was good to have Visita Iglesia with your friends. That would be a great idea!
Happy Easter everyone!
"Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." - John 20:17
April 1st. This was the first day of my blogpost last year. And it's all about welcoming my readers and followers. A year had been past and we are still here, penetrating the whole scenario with my own kind of brouhahas. Thank you.
For the past twelve months, so many (and I mean many) things happened to me, and probably to you and to all of us.
- when my Mom rushed to the hospital because of her sickness and her first time to be operated (also the first for the whole family)
- the time I watched my favorite noontime show Showtime (now It's Showtime) and I saw my love Anne Curtis. She is really gorgeous!
- I had so many difficulties with my work and the only thing I could stay away from it was to leave
- I had my own laptop in which I had dreamt of for so long
- crying moments about my career, love and friendship
- laughing moments with my newest kapatids called Teacherrifics
- priceless moments with my kids Leon, Vic, Rich, Syou and Roy also known as Group 2
- my first time to get inspired because of a girl
- I became a stylist a la Rachel Zoe or Liz Uy
- almost to 7,000 views or hits because of you
And I thank God for that. There are numerous reasons to celebrate for the joy I am feeling right now writing my brouhahas about my first anniversary. Maybe I am the first one to celebrate this and the hell I care. I'm just being happy. I'm not seeing myself being so famous because of my blog. The real reason of having this is to write, that's it.
Yes, I guarantee you more funny, awesome, inspiring (?) and tremendous brouhahas will be written exclusively in this blogsite. I'll try to write as often as possible if I am not busy or if I am in a mood to write. Anyways, writing shall be done with feelings. If there's none, the writing will also be none.
Thank you to all of my friends (known and unknown) who tries to visit my site. I may not be promising to you of a very informative blogsite but I may promise to you that you'll be happy. Even if I am sad, I'll try myself to get happy in writing.
Maybe I'll celebrate on my own, in a very quiet way. A cake will do but a plate of carbonara would be the best to celebrate!!!
From the very bottom of my heart, thank you very much!
Parish of St. James the Great, Ayala Alabang
Sto. Rosario Parish, Pacita Complex, San Pedro
