Tropical Storm "Sendong" and Me

I had my first experience of flood way back in March 1982 at my parents' house in Bayug.  I was then 7 years old.  I don't remember much of the incident.  All I can remember on the day we evacuated was my mother pulling me with her right hand as she was carrying my sister with her left hand trying to go up the dry land. My mother said that inside our house the water was waist high but on the road level it was already above 6 feet.  The flooding happened at dawn.   When the water has subsided in our area, what I can remember is me and the other kids in the neighborhood playing in the water pool created by the flood.  I remember mostly the fun and not the sad feeling of what happened to our house and our things.


For many years after that, typhoons hit the Philippines, but I have just been a viewer of photos and videos shown on TV because our area have not anymore experienced flooding.   Not until past midnight of December 17, 2011.

Twenty nine (29) years later.   Tropical Storm "Sendong" hit Mindanao, Philippines affecting very much Iligan City.  The very first time in my entire life that our city was directly hit by a typhoon.


My sister called me at past 12:00 midnight and told me she is already on the rooftop, shivering.  And I, who just woke up, have the mind to ask her if she has an umbrella since it was raining.  And she said yes, but her whole body is already wet.  (Stupid of me!!)  

Knowing of their situation, I just lie in bed.  Asking Pat what we could do.  But then, there is nothing we can do.  We are at the other side of the city in Celdran Village, Barangay Tubod.  Pat checked our neighborhood if the area was also flooded.  Thank God it was not.  I don't know what I felt at that time.  I felt so useless.  If something happens to my family, I have not done anything to save them.  My mind was full of mixed thoughts, my heart filled with mixed emotions, I didn't even anymore know if I would cry or what.   Suddenly, something told me to relax and pray.  And it was what I immediately did.  Lying down in my bed, Pat with the computer monitoring the situation, I prayed.  For my families safety.   Then I feel asleep.

Woke up at past 6 in the morning with a text from my sister asking for dry clothes, food and hot water.  Her friend is already waiting outside our house to get the clothes they need.  I hurriedly put clothes of Pat and mine inside the bag and gave it to him.  Without any breakfast, Pat and I hurriedly changed clothes and left the house to buy food and bring whatever we can.  It was so frustrating to find no stores yet open selling food.  We drove around the city looking for cooked food. Finally found some.  I then realized that it was practically the entire city that was hit by floods as everywhere you turn, people were trying to clean-up or salvaged whatever they can from the deluge.

We arrived at my parents' house around 9 in the morning.  And the water in the area is still almost knee deep. 
And my parents' house was flooded up to the roof.   But before the water reached the roof they were already on the rooftop thinking they'd be safe.  But the water kept rising.  Good thing their neighbor's house is a two-storey structure.  They leaped from their roof to their neighbor's.  And waited there until daylight.

 At past 9 in the morning.  With Pat's height, the water is almost to the knee.  With my height, it is to up to my knee already.  :-)

 My parents' front lawn.

 I was standing in front of my parents' gate, this is the area below them.  

The six dogs in the house are all dead.

 Living room

 Parents' bedroom

 Sister's (Joan) bedroom.  They were already able to straighten up the double deck bed when we arrived.

Sister's (Gagang) bedroom.

 Kitchen

 Kitchen and the refrigerator

 Kitchen.  The only furniture left standing and unmoved is my mother's dream glass dining table, unscratched, which my sister and I gave to her last December 2010

 The wall of my sister's bedroom.

 My mother.  Trying to get things that can still be used. She was happy to have found their kettle near the gate.  She saw it floating the night before, going out of the house...she even commented that there goes our kettle.  They're now using it again since it really didn't want to go. :)

 At the side of the house.  Piled up are our dogs' and the chickens' cages.

Rule 4 : Expect Little

What does it mean to Expect Little?

For me, it means lowering your standards of people, of things, of events, etc.  When one expect little,  there is less frustration, less disappointment.   When we expect little, we sometimes get surprises beyond our imagination.

You go to a gathering, and you imagined the activities in your mind before it happens.  You get excited.  But when you get there and the activities started, you find out what you imagined didn't happen.  What you imagined wasn't there.  You get frustrated.  You'd think it was a dull event.  You'd think you wasted your time going there.  And you go home unhappy, unsatisfied.  But when you don't expect or you expect little of what would happen, and yet you witnessed something good you didn't expect.  You'd say you experienced something extraordinary.  You'd be happy.    This happened to me during the Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 in General Santos.  As it was my first time to attend the blogfest, I didn't expect extraordinary but the usual presentations of the speakers.  So I was WOWed with what I witnessed during the day.   The fun and the laughter was just really great.  

And expecting little is most specially important in dealing with people.  I know.   I have this guilt with me for so long now.   I tend to judge people.  I tend to expect much from them.  And when I don't get what I expect from them, I get frustrated.  I get angry at them.  I know it's not good.  It's not healthy.  So, for some time now, I have been doing my best to Expect Little from people.  When I expect little, it saves me from the stress of disappointment and frustration.  I become more at peace, more happy.   :-)

However, to Expect Little doesn't mean to be negative or to be pessimistic.   Pessimist or negative people are not happy.  They are always stressed out thinking of the negative things in life.

And to Expect Little doesn't mean also to dream little.   To dream is to hope.  We can expect little but we must dream big and hope for the best.   :-)

- - - - - -
For this blogpost series, I am supposed to tag 5 people so they may also write something about the topic. And learn from them also.   God bless everyone.

Anna Oposa |  ANNAlysis
Eileen Campos |  Possibly Pinay
Aileen Apolo-de Jesus | An Apple A Day
Berniemack Arellano  | Habagat Central 
Arlene Collado |  Joys in Life 

Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 - The Funnest

I posted last November 17, 2011 that I am going to GenSan for 4 reasons.   The main reason was, of course, the Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0.

I have read about Blogfest Soccsksargen in the internet which has the slogan of being the Funnest Eyeball in Southern Mindanao.  I've always wondered what it means. 

So, on November 26, 2011, I've finally found out what it means.  I was so really surprised with how the event was organized.  I expected it to be the usual talks of speakers, raffles, picture taking.  And that's it.  To my surprise, the Blogfest was more than that.  Really hats off to Mr. Avel Manansala and his brother Orman for a really well organized event.

I have so much to tell about the blogfest that I might make this a series post.  First on this post will be one of the reasons the blogfest is the funnest.  :-)

It is already very common these days that organizers would put up a photo wall for the participants to take pictures with.  However,  in Gensan's Blogfest, they had a twist with the photo wall.  The photo wall was still there.  But they added a photo booth.   With the photo booth we get to have 3 shots (equal to 3 photos) to make our poses in front of the camera.  After the 3 shots are taken, the pictures are immediately printed in a collage with the title of the event and the date.  Below are the photos we had with EZCapture Photo booth.  

Our first poses before the program proper started.  Pat is missing.  ;-)

Couldn't get enough of the photo booth, we posed again, twice, during lunch break.  :-) 

This time the group is complete. 

Group pic with Berniemack of HabagatCentral.com

And to complete the day with the photo booth, Pat and I have to pose for souvenir, just the two of us... hehehe.

I want something like this in Iligan.  Hmmm... 


Photos taken from Facebook fanpage of EZCapture Photobooth.

The Kayak and Me at Lake Apo, Valencia City

After many years of wanting to ride a kayak, I have finally done it! 

Yes!  It was on November 29, 2011.  When me and some members of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. decided to stop by Lake Apo in Valencia City, Bukidnon for an overnight stay after our trip to General Santos.

I always have imagined the kayak ride to be difficult.  I don't know if I could balance.  I don't know if I could row.  I was imagining the kayak might capsize.

In spite of the fear I have, I gathered all my guts.  The kayak is already in front of me.  Waiting for me to ride it.  I told myself, it's now or never.   Hmm... not really Never, but I'd definitely ride it Now!

Alex and Lai was there to instruct me how to get into the kayak (without capsizing it, hehehe).   At first I was having difficulty maneuvering the kayak.  How to move it to the left or to the right.  How to turn it around.   And stuff like that.  But eventually, after a few tries, I got the hang of it.

Below are some photos of me on the kayak.   :-) 

Photo courtesy of www.gwapito.com

Photo by my ever supportive husband, Pat :-)

I really had fun riding the kayak.  If only my arms didn't get tired from the rowing, I would have really wanted to do it longer.   But after Pat has already recorded a video of me riding the kayak, I docked the kayak.  And would you believe it?  I was able to dock it effortlessly.  And I was able to get off the kayak easily.  And I was glad, the kayak didn't capsize.   :-)  Below is a video recorded by Pat.   I was already kayaking for about 10 minutes, on the other side of the lake, before Pat was able to record this.  He was busy tinkering with his DSLR camera.   I told him to already take a video of me before I dock as my arms were already starting to ache.  :-)

It definitely, for me, was one of the highlights of the trip.   :-) 

Rule 3 : Live Simply

Ahhh... This is a debatable rule.  Some people would jokingly equate Living Simply as "walay panutbrush" - meaning, when one doesn't brushes his teeth, he's living simply.  So untrue, of course. 

For me, to Live Simply is to live a not complicated life, though life itself is complicated.  Huh? How can one live a not complicated life when life is complicated.  This sure is confusing, hehehe...Explaining this is harder than I thought. Tsk tsk tsk...

So as not to complicate life (hehehe), might as well tell you how I Live Simply in my own little way. 

I'd say, I live within, or most of the time, below my means.  Meaning, I spend less than what I earn.  And to spend less than what I earn, I mostly buy things I only need.  I don't buy things just because I want it.  Though at times, I have to admit, I have the tendency to be an impulse buyer.  That is a reason I don't have a credit card. I don't like to spend on things that I will only regret.  Actually, I have done this many times in the past.  But now, I know better.  Whenever I go window shopping, I don't bring money with me.  This way, I'll have time to think things over and to choose the best.  And most likely, when I delay my purchases, I'll realize I don't anymore want the things I want.

Whenever I want something that I also need but not at the moment.  I saved up for it.  So, I also enjoy things.  I also give myself gifts.  But in a way that will not drain my financial resources.   So, I save some of my earnings.  I save consistently every month.  And what's left of my earnings is what I spend on my daily needs for the month. 

I don't buy "branded" items.  Would I look differently in a P3,000.00-worth pants than in a P500.00-worth pants?  Nope.  A P3,000.00 pants won't make me look sexy.  It will only give me stress when it gets stained, hehe...

Would I look more beautiful wearing a P1,000.00-worth earrings than a P50.00-worth earrings?  Nah..I don't think so.  I don't have allergies anyway.  And these are only accessories I wear on special occasions (mostly, once a year, hehe).   And with a P50.00 earring, it won't bother me  if it gets lost.  :-)

Cellphones?  Hmm.. I've had a few cellphones.  But, I always buy the low-tech ones.  Meaning, not so many features in it.  As long as I can call and I can send messages with it, it's fine with me.   I don't like to buy cellphones with so many features, yet I won't be using it.  It would just be a waste of my money.  Besides, I'd be stress of the thought that somebody might snatch it or stole it from me.   Simple features of cellphone = less expense = less stress, hehehe...    I have to say though, my cellphone needs to be small, so it fits right with my hand when I hold it. :-)

Pat and I stopped our subscription with Dream Satellite.  We have a TV at home but only use it to watch movies in DVD or CD.  We can't watch shows on TV channels anymore.  We decided to do this because we only get to watch TV shows a few hours a week.  Sometimes we don't watch any for a week.  We have internet and DVDs.   So, spending P890.00 per month is such a waste of money.   If we see the expense each  month only, it seems that 890 is not that big.  But what make me rethink is when I added all up the 10 months that we've been spending 890.  That is a total of P8,900.00.  Wow!  That is definitely too much for me for just watching TV shows.   So, that was the end of it.   The next month, we didn't anymore subscribed.  Aside from being a waste of money, it's also a waste of time.  I don't get productive just watching TV.  It has been, I think, 3 years now that we have not seen TV shows at home.  And it never bothered us.  We realized we could live without it.  And without the TV shows, I am able to do more things that are beneficial to me and Pat.  Like...  writing this post, hehehe....

But I like to watch movies with Pat from time to time, for the reason of  "bonding".  We could snuggle.   We would talk about the movie.  Exchange of views.  We get to learn more about each other.  And we discover the similar likes and dislikes we have towards movies.  :-)

I don't need to dine in expensive restaurants just to have a date with Pat.  Watching a movie with him. Strolling in the park.  Watching the sunset.  Sitting on a bench.  Standing in the sidewalk eating squid roll (for Pat, it's fish ball).  These are just some of the simple pleasures in life that I enjoy most. 

To Live Simply is, for many, easier said than done.  When you are yet confused with what you want in life.  When you are still struggling to find your purpose, your goal, your mission.  You'd think you just can't seemed to live a simple life.  Because you'd want to have all. 

For now, I still can't say I totally Live Simply.  But I am getting there.  Living Simply is a commitment.  And it becomes a lifestyle.  And when you Live Simply, unconsciously, you let others simply live.  And, this, will be another topic.  :-)

- - - - - -
For this blogpost series, I am supposed to tag 5 people so they may also write something about the topic. And learn from them also.   God bless everyone.

Anna Oposa |  ANNAlysis
Eileen Campos |  Possibly Pinay
Aileen Apolo-de Jesus | An Apple A Day
Berniemack Arellano  | Habagat Central 
Arlene Collado |  Joys in Life 

My Take on Sustainable Lifestyle

I have always liked to do things that could lessen the impact on the environment.

http://www.recyclereminders.com/safety-signs/recycling-signs-labels/recycle-sign/saf-sku-s-2986.aspx

I have from time to time, reuse plastic bags I get from groceries and wet markets.  I do my best to dispose of the kitchen wastes properly.   But I never to do it consistently for the past years.   I still make lapses.  Maybe due to tiredness. 

However, after the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 was conducted last month here in Iligan City organized by Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc., I felt I now have the obligation to really do my share in helping protect the environment. 

For a start, Pat and I, have, I think 2 years ago, replaced all our fluorescent tubes (40 and 20 watts) with the compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in 5 watts to 10 watts only.   Aside from being eco-friendly, we have definitely saved a lot on electric bills.     :-)

I have already consistently segregated the non-biodegrable from biodegrable wastes.  I will find time in December to build a compost pit in our backyard so that I won't have to put the biodegrable wastes in the garbage truck. 

I'll get serious with my gardening.  I will consistently take care of the plants I planted in the pots.  The pepper (atsal).   The tomatoes.  The eggplant.  As well as the flowers. And I'll add more.  I've always wanted to have herbs in a pot.  I prefer to use fresh herbs than the dried ones.

I am yet to start using cloth bags, instead of plastic bags, to put the things I buy in the market.  I always forget to bring one along...hehehe

Learn to find ways of making use of the old things at home which are taking up spaces.   For one, my sister and I will make a project of reusing Pat's torn pants into sling bags.  I have kept, I think, about 6 pants.  We will start this project in December.  

I sell tissue paper in the office.  I have found some articles in the internet on how to reuse the cardboard that holds the tissue in a roll.  I will then start collecting these cardboards and make good use of it. 

Me and the IBS members will be doing a tree growing project next month.  We are supposed to do this before the summit.  But with the hectic preparation for the summit, our time could not permit it.  So, we have scheduled it in December, together with the Masonic brothers of Pat.  We intend to maintain it till the trees grow big.

I have to again take care of my eating habits and the food I eat.  But, I have to say, I have not anymore used monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the food I cook for six years now.  I only get to consume MSG whenever I eat out.  And I have not drunk softdrinks, iced teas and juices for many years also. 

Have to get back to exercising again.  I used to dance for an hour every weekend.  But with the new routine I have during weekends, I forgot to dance.   I'll have to make time again to keep in shape.

I will continue to blog about my take on sustainable lifestyle so that I will have kind of a monitoring on how far I am in my quest to a sustainable lifestyle.  :-)

Rule 2 : Don't Worry

"Don't Worry, Be Happy".

This has been the phrase I often hear from older people who have lived and experienced life for so many years. So, why do they say we don't need to worry? What exactly is to "worry"?

WORRY, according to Dictionary.com is to "torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts".   This is when you think of things that are yet to happen which may never happen at all.  Og sa binisaya pa, gauna imong huna-huna.  (In Visayan, you are thinking ahead.)..  hehehe...

http://www.theoutsourcingcompany.com/blog/entrepreneurship/how-to-overcome-worry-and-anxiety/

Now I have to admit.  I am guilty of this.  So Guilty, with a capital G, hehehe... I am such a worrier that sometimes I get headaches just by worrying.  I can worry about anything, actually.  I don't know why.  As much as I want to avoid worrying, I can't seemed to help it.  It feels like it's an involuntary muscle, just doing its things without my permission. hehe...

I worry over things that might happen.  I create scenarios in my head.  Get stressed with the scenarios.  And when the actual thing comes, the scenarios I create in my head did not happen.  As an example, whenever I need to confront someone over something, before I go to her or him, my mind would play dialogues like I am already making a conversation with the concerned person.  And most likely, I create negative conversations.  Then I get stressed out.  But, when the time comes that I get to talk to him and say my first line, his answer would not be the same as what I imagined it would be.  So, the conversation, the dialogues, would be different from what I created in my mind. 

I worry about what other people would think with what I do, what I wear, what I say.   Sheesh.  Like I owe them something in my life to let me worry about what they think.  It's really such a ridiculous thing to do.  Yet, I am doing it. 

I don't know why I am such a worrier.  Probably I got it from my father. He is such a worrier too.  I grew up with him always worrying about things. 

When I got married, the worrying turned into jealousy.  Yikes!  Another bad thing.  Tsk tsk tsk.   But I have to say, Pat has been a blessing to me.  He is the very opposite of me.  He never worries about situations.  He always assesses them first before making a decision.   From time to time, he helps me overcome my worrying mind.   Whenever I have confusing thoughts, I ask his advice.  He always reminds me not to think of things that are yet to come for most likely, what I am thinking won't happen.  He's say to just let things come and see what happens.  Sometimes, we make option A, option B. hehehe...   

For some time now, I have been doing my best to avoid worrying.  There are times when I start to worry, I remind myself to stop it.  I pray and shake my head (literally!) to get rid of the worry thoughts. 

It really do feels good not to worry.  You'd feel light.  Relaxed. No heavy heart.  No headaches. 

"Worrying is like a rocking chair.  It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere."  I forgot who said this but this is so true.   You can spend all day worrying.  But that's all you'll ever be doing.  You won't accomplish anything by doing it.  All you'll get is headache. Which could eventually lead to illness as your immune system would be down due to stress.

And when you worry, it means you don't trust God.  We live in a world where we believe there is someone much greater than us.  Much bigger than our problems and worries.  As I am such a worrier, I am guilty of this.  Sometimes I forget to give to God my worries and let him worry about them, so I can do other things that are productive.  Like, finally start my dream business which I have been postponing for many years now due to worrying.  :-) 

So, as a second rule, Don't Worry.  Be happy.   :-)


- - - - - -
For this blogpost series, I am supposed to tag 5 people so they may also write something about the topic. And learn from them also.   God bless everyone.

Anna Oposa |  ANNAlysis
Eileen Campos |  Possibly Pinay
Aileen Apolo-de Jesus | An Apple A Day
Berniemack Arellano  | Habagat Central 
Arlene Collado |  Joys in Life 

I'm Going to GenSan!

Yes! On November 25, I am going to General Santos City with Pat.

There are 3 reasons why I am going to GenSan :
 
1. To attend the Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0.   This will take place on November 26, 2011 at Suncity Complex.  I want to attend this event hosted by the Soccsksargen Bloggers to learn more about blogging.    And to meet fellow bloggers from the different parts of Mindanao, and maybe even as far as Visayas and Luzon.  At the same time attend the Philippine Blog Awards for Mindanao in the evening.  

2.  Tour the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.  And see for myself the wonders of the city.   I have never been to General Santos and it will be my first time to travel beyond Davao City.  Then, of course, buy tuna flakes to bring back home to Iligan City.   :-)

3.  Travel with the members of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc.   I really enjoy hanging out with my new friends.  Since most of them are still in their twenties, I also feel like I'm in my twenties, hehehe....  My activities with them have been one of the highlights for 2011.   It would be our first time to travel together outside Iligan.  And I sure don't want to miss a truck load of fun!  :-)

Hmmm.. If I have written this post before today, these would be just my reasons.  But just a few hours ago, around 7pm to be exact, while I was still getting inside my house, Xy-Za texted me to "check fb".  I wondered what would have been posted there since it is the first time that she sent me such message.  I thought, probably they have already found a place to stay in GenSan. 

So, after changing clothes, I turned on the computer and checked Facebook.  And to my surprise, this is what I found :

Wohwah!  And I was like, reading it again and again.  I said, "Is this for real?"  Then I saw a post in the IBS fanpage by Mr. Avel Manansala regarding the list of nominees for the Philippine Blog Awards 2011 for Mindanao.   And sure enough, I saw my blog listed on the Personal Blog Category.  My heart skipped a beat.  I got excited.  Thrilled.  I felt happy.  And of course, my first thought was to thank Xy-Za for nominating my blog to the Philippine Blog Awards.  Without her nomination, I wouldn't have a chance to be listed.   And this is my 4th reason for going to General Santos.  hehehe... To be able to witness the awarding of the winners of the Philippine Blog Awards for Mindanao.  I have witnessed it the first time last year in Zamboanga City.  But I know this time would be different.  As my blog would be included in the list.  Yehey!!  It would be announced in the nominees for Personal Blog Category.  I'd like to be there to hear the announcement.  I know the chances of winning the award for me is slim.  There are so many nominees in the Personal Blog Category which I know are far better than mine.  But I don't mind if I will not win.  The fact that I was included in the final list of nominees is already an award itself.   :-)  

More so, Lai Marie's blog Pinay Travelista is also nominated under the Travel/Destination Blog Category.  So, that would be two blog nominees for the Iligan Bloggers Society.  Cheers to that!  Yeheeeeeeeeeey!!      

Rule 1 : Never Hate

What is hate?

According to Thinkexist.com, Hate is

  -  a strong aversion coupled with desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is
     directed;  intense dislike;  detestation
  -  to be very unwillingly, followed by an infinitive, or substantive clause with that;  as "to hate to get into
     debt", "to hate that anything should be wasted

http://unroughness.wordpress.com/category/basketball/

Based on the first definition, hate is definitely a very strong negative word.    And yes, I say, one should Never Hate.  As this creates a negative vibes in one's spirituality.  But one can be angry (or dislike) at something or someone.  As a human being we have all sorts of emotions.  But hating someone or something is not a good thing to have in one's life.  With hatred in your heart, you will be carrying a heavy heart.  This will give you stress.  And funny thing about it is, when you hate someone, most likely, he doesn't know you hate him.  Or he doesn't care you hate him.  So, who's in the losing end?  You.  

Personally, I Never Hate.  I dislike, yes.  I get angry, yes.  Of course!   But I never get to the point that I Hate.  Hate for me is the highest level of bad emotions, specially, hating someone.  It's like, when one hates, there's no turning back.   And I don't remember saying that I hate something or I hate someone in my life.
I may dislike some people, but I never say I hate them.  When they came into my life, they somehow made a difference.  Each people we encounter in our day to day activities is with a purpose.  If we can see that in every person we meet, we would Never Hate someone.  Even those who have hurt us, somehow, if we take it positively, would make us a stronger person.  There are always lessons to be learned.

Some people say they hate themselves. 

 

http://www.backtalkk-lyts.com/emo.php

But again, this is not good.  Even the worst.  I usually just say, I don't like what I feel about this or about that.  I don't like how I feel or how I think.  But not that I hate myself.   When you hate yourself, you will have given up everything about you.  Which could result to low self-esteem.  Wrong decisions in life.  

Some statements that people usually say :

"I hate it when it rains." 

"I hate it when people talk behind my back."

"I hate it when I have to fall in line in the grocery."

And so many others.  But, I think, these statements are used most likely as just...  a statement.  They probably used the Hate word as an expression of just not liking something.  Because you really can't hate the rain.  We need rain.  You really can't hate the people who talk behind your back.  It's none of your business if they talk behind your back.  You really at times have to fall in line in the grocery store if you are buying something.  In other words, you can't get away with these things.  There are some things you just can't control.  And you can't hate things you have no control of.   It won't do you any good, anyway.


When you Hate, in the true sense of the word, you won't have Peace of Mind.  Just hearing his or her name would get into your nerves, more so when you see him or her.  You will be like a walking bomb.  Ready to explode.   So NEVER HATE. 



- - - - - -
For this blogpost series, I am supposed to tag 5 people so they may also write something about the topic. And learn from them also.   God bless everyone.

 Anna Oposa |  ANNAlysis

Eileen Campos |  Possibly Pinay

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus | An Apple A Day

Berniemack Arellano  | Habagat Central  

Arlene Collado |  Joys in Life 

So, What Makes You HAPPY?

This has been the questions of many to people whom they see as happy.  And it makes me wonder why they ask.  Aren't they happy themselves? Well, probably, they aren't.

So, what makes one HAPPY?  

http://ahomeschooledteenager.blogspot.com/2010/08/church-special.html

I've come to make this blog post when one of the members of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc., shared a link in Facebook to the post of another member about a "7 Rules To Be Happy"  and some of the other members gave their comments.  And then a challenge was started to write something about it, instead of just commenting on the thread.

The 7 Rules to be Happy, as posted by Explore Iligan 9200 in Facebook are as follows :

1.  Never Hate

2.  Don't Worry

3.  Live Simply

4.  Expect Little

5.  Give a Lot

6. Always Smile

7.  Best of all Stay in Love

These are, in my opinion, rules that when one really thinks about it, are somehow interconnected to each other.  You can't seem to have one without the other.  Like say, when you are always In Love, you Never Hate, you Give a Lot,  and you Always Smile.  When you Live Simply, you Don't Worry.  When you Give a Lot, you Expect Little.  

As there are 7 rules, I will make 7 blogpost for this topic.  And make it a "What Makes You Happy? series.  First on the series would be Rule 1 : Never Hate.    :-)

The Third Time with David DiMuzio

I never thought he'd become famous in the Philippines or should I say, I never thought he'd choose Philippines to pursue his dreams.

I met him for the first time in Hongkong in June 2009, when Pat and I went for a vacation with his niece, Tintin, and her family and her sister, Mari.  He was then Mari's boyfriend.

And I thought that was it.   But last year, during fiesta in September, he came to Iligan, for the first time, and did some performances -  a mini concert at a resto, a juggling show for the indigent kids at the Rizal Park.  All for free.  All the while, I never take much notice of his music then.   And during his show, I didn't pay much attention.  I was instead looking at the people in the restobar.   I was listening to the people with me in the table talking.   All I thought is :  he is the boyfriend of Pat's niece.  And that's it.   And I never really got to listen to his music even with his CD available at the house.  Mari and Ate Amy even told me to listen to his songs.   But it never got me interested. 


For the past months this year, I've seen some of his music videos in the internet.   Pat would play some songs that are linked in Facebook.   And I said, "wow, David is now starting to make waves in the Philippine Music Industry."  He's starting to become famous with his "Taglish" (Tagalog-English) songs originally written or co-written by him.

Then, before him becoming so very famous in the Philippines, I got to meet him again, the third time.  Through the efforts of Pat.

As we were discussing in one of the meetings of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc., what to have as an entertainment to the fellowship night of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011, Pat popped the question to the group, "would you want David DiMuzio to have a show?".    And  I was thinking, they might ask who David DiMuzio is.  But, boy, was I so wrong!  All the ladies, shouted - "David DiMuzio!  Yes, sir Pat!".  And then they started talking about him (except for the boys, of course, who didn't have an idea who he is, hehe).   They all went gaga.  Pat then said, he'll try if he could contact him and get him to come to Iligan.   After some texts, calls and emails with David, we got our request granted.  :-)

David DiMuzio came back to Iligan, the second time, on October 30, 2011.   And since the show was presented by us, the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc., we got some photo ops time with him before and after the show, and we got the front row during the show.  And because the venue was a bit small, I got a seat situated on the stage.  Ain't that cool?  hehehe...  You don't believe me?  Well, below are some photos.

Group photo with David DiMuzio before his show

With  David DiMuzio on stage.  See that lady in shorts and green tshirt?  That's me!  I recorded all the songs David sang that night.  :-)

The view from where I am seated.  :-)

David brought with him some CDs of his new album.  I thought of buying one after hearing some of his songs during the show.  But luck wouldn't side with me as he ran out of CDs.  Many wanted to buy his album and have it autographed.   So, I ended up buying the old album instead.  But it was ok.  I'd get to listen to his compositions before he came to the Philippines.  :-)

I didn't really anymore plan on having a photo with him since I already had one last year.  And for me, it's just still David.  But Pat insisted I pose with David after he signed the album.  So, not to waste time, as many are still lining up for a photo op with him, I posed.  And I was glad I did.  I get to use it here in my blog.    :-)

After everything got settled with David's fans, we had our last group photo with him. 

After really listening to him sing his songs, I realized, I like his songs.  I like the rhythm.  The beat.  Even the slow ones are good.  If only I knew the lyrics to the songs, I could have sang along with him.   And I like him sing Tagalog songs. He pronounced the words without accent.  It doesn't sound much like a foreigner is singing the song.   

Here is a Tagalog song rendition by David DiMuzio

And here is an original composition of David, I like this song very much.  

I like the melody and the slowness.

After the show, Pat was already teasing me.  He said that I've become a convert.   Well, I have to admit, I do really like his songs.  :-) 

Thanks so much David for granting our request in such a very short notice and to think that you have a scheduled show on the 29th, you committed to come to Iligan on the 30th.  We will forever be grateful to you.  God bless you always.   :-) 

Exhausted but Thankful

Where do I start?

 

http://getselfcentered.com/im-exhausted-and-what-this-means-to-you

It has already been a week since the conduct of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011.  And I have so many things to blog about that are still on my mind.   I never got the chance to write the past days.   After the summit was concluded with the concert of David DiMuzio, the excitement and adrenaline in my body settled down and the stress and fatigue from all the preparation has finally sunk in.  All I did on the 31st was lie on the bed, sleep, eat.   And on November 1st, when I am about ready to start blogging, my mother have to be admitted to the hospital.  So, I have to stay with her for her first and third night in the hospital.   But yesterday, my mother was already ok and has checked-out of the hospital.    :-)

My body may have been really tired with all the activities  I have attended to, but I am very much thankful.

Thankful for the success of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011.   All the invited speakers came specially those from Manila.  Thank you very much to Commissioner Naderev Saño and his staff Desiree, to Mam Janette Toral and Anna Oposa, for their all out support.  Without their presence, the summit would have not been successful.  And to think they are from Manila and with all the travel advisory (negative, of course) circulating, they still decided to come to Iligan.  Thank you very much.

I am thankful to David DiMuzio and Carlo Rafanan for accommodating our request for them to hold a private concert in such a short notice.  Thank you so much.

Thanks to all the bloggers and non-bloggers who were able to attend the summit.  Their presence was definitely one reason the summit was a success.  Especially to those who are not from Iligan City.  For coming all the way to Iligan from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan and Bukidnon.

Very much thankful to the sponsors, performers and partners - establishments, institutions, companies, government agencies, individuals - who have greatly helped in the success of the summit.

And to all the members of Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. who have labored with me to make this event a success, not for us, but  for Iligan City.

To all who have appreciated our efforts, who have posted blogs about the event, who have sent messages of thanks to IBS.

And last but not the least.  I am very thankful that my mother is ok.  No major illness.  :-)

Thank God for all the blessings.   :-D

http://www.writeshop.com/blog/category/encouragement/

AirPhil Express is Flying to Iligan

YES.  Airphil Express is flying to Iligan City.

But, NO, we don't have an airport yet.  hehehe...

AirPhil Express is flying to Iligan City on October 29, 2011 as they are one of the major sponsors of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011.

The Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is definitely very fortunate to have been able to partner with big companies in the country for the conduct of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011. 

AirPhil Express shouldered the round trip tickets of two of the guests of the summit.  Not only that, they will also give away 2 more round trip tickets to be raffled off to the participants during the summit.   Wow, isn't that great?   And to add more excitement and fun to the summit, AirPhil Express is also preparing 100 loot bags to be distributed to the participants.   Yehey!  The participants to the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 sure are very lucky.  They not only get to have great quality information from expert speakers, they also get to bring home lots of goodies from AirPhil Express, as well as from other sponsors. 

Oh, how I wish I am a participant too.   But, sad to say, I am part of the working committee and the host team.  tsk.tsk.tsk.  :-(

I hope AirPhil Express would reserve one loot bag for me.   *praying*  :-)

Around the Globe for Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011

As October 29 draws near, I and the other members of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. feel the tension and excitement as we are on our final stage of the preparation for the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011.  

 

Speakers?  Check.  Program?  Check.  Summit Kit?  Check.  Certificates?  Check.  Venue?  Check.   Emcee?  Check.   Sponsors?  Check. 

Hmm... speaking of sponsors, the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is privileged to have hooked up with Globe  as a big sponsor to the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011.   Yeheeeeeeey!  This sure made our day!

And there's more, aside from being a big sponsor to the Summit, Globe also extended its generosity to the participants as they offer interested blogger participants to sponsor the registration fee thereby letting them enjoy the Summit for FREE!   It is not everyday that Globe gives this kind of offer.  And IBS, Inc. is thankful for Globe's support to the Summit. 

Now I can truly say, the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 is now around the GLOBE.   :-)

Preparation for Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011

Seven Days. 

In seven days will be the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 which will be held at Celadon Pensionne House, Pala-o, here in Iligan City.    It has been a very hectic past 3 months for me and the other members of the Iligan Bloggers Society as we prepare for this big event.

Identifying speakers.   Writing communication letters.  Identifying sponsors.  Writing communication letters.  Identifying items needed for the summit.  The program.  The certificates.  The tokens.  The meals.  The tour.   And meetings, meetings, meetings.  Whew.   I literally had headaches and had a fever.  Thank God, it didn't get worst.  I was back on my feet after two days.  :-)

Now, excitement has overridden the tension I was feeling.  With a few more days left and the preparations almost complete.  :-)

Iligan Bloggers Society is a young organization, less than a year old actually, first time to host an event, and a big one at that.   Yet, I am very grateful to be part of the team.   To be able to experience the fun in spite of the stress.   :-)

I pray that we'd be able to pull through this hosting and have a successful conduct of the summit.  God be with us always.  :-)

2011 Worldwide Photowalk

It was another first for me.  

Last October 1, 2011 Pat and I joined the Worldwide Photowalk of Scott Kelby.  For every area of a photowalk, only 50 participants are accepted in the online registration.  When the registrants reach 50, the rest would be in the Waiting List, in case someone unregisters two days before the event.  The registered participants were then able to participate in the worldwide photo contest.   In Iligan, Robert Booc, owner of Kodak Express/X-Sight Imaging, was the Walk Organizer.  And of course, with many professional and amateur photographers in Iligan, there were more than 50 registrants.   

The group met at Chicken Ati-Atihan at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.   Most of the participants really have that photographer look and get-up. While I was like, a joker - just tagging along. hehehe...   Anyway, I actually didn't mind because I joined the event not to compete with them but to have fun and at the same time practice using my camera in Manual mode.  I have always been using the Program or Smart Auto mode only, hehe..

A brief orientation before starting the walk

Group photo of the Photowalk participants, courtesy of Bobby Timonera

We started our walk at Mugna in Barangay Tubod, passed by coastline at Barangay Tambacan for a sunset shoot and ended at Rizal Park in Barangay Poblacion.  

As it was my first photowalk, I didn't know at first what subjects I would take.  So, instead of taking pictures of things and people in Mugna that interest me, I took photos of the photographers.  It sort of became a documentation of the photowalk.  :-D

 Bobby Timonera, Photojournalist

 Pat D. Noel, my ever supportive husband, hehe

Some of the photowalk participants with a military personnel escorting us during the photowalk

I was laughing at my pictures.   I told myself, if I don't concentrate I'd end up with a photowalk documentation. hehehe...  But as I got the hang of taking photos, I finally started finding subjects that caught my attention.

A confused kid eating popcorn.

In yellow and pink Ferris wheel passenger car 

 A boy at the sidewalk.  

He was trying to peel the lollipop covering using his teeth and this is what I caught on cam.   :-D

But the subject I liked the best was when we reached the coastline of Barangay Tambacan.  And the sunset started to unfold before my very eyes.   And I was sure glad I brought my tripod with me.  :-)

 Just when the sun was beginning to set.

 The orange color became stronger already but I also adjusted my camera setting to get the effect. :-) 

Though I cannot anymore remember the technical adjustments I made.  I was just concerned of how the sunset would look when I view on the LCD display of my camera.  hehehe...

 

 There are also many children in the area who are very eager to pose for the camera. 

My favorite sunset photo of all the sunset photos I have taken.   

Why?  The silhouette is Pat's.  :-D

Souvenir photo with the sunset, using Pat's camera on tripod.

From left :  Richard, Jam, me and Pat

I would have love to stay and keep on watching the sunset turning more beautiful.  I have always been so awed by the beauty of a sunset unfold before my very eyes.  And to think that no two sunsets are ever the same, I never get tired of watching it whenever I have the chance.   However, it's sad to say, that we have to leave and hurry up as the rest of the group is already in Rizal Park.  

I really enjoyed very much the photowalk.   In fact, it got me addicted, hehehe.   Pat and I planned on doing it again with the other members of the Iligan Bloggers Society. 

Till the next photowalk...