Be happy!

After weeks of cyberspace absence, I am finally breaking the silence.

My days offline were filled with so much splendid fireworks and wonderful events that I took the time off to savor every minute. This June, I would like to spread much happiness as I celebrate a lot of wonderful things that has come my way. :)

For my one and only Papa - happy birthday and happy Father's Day! On this special day, we rejoice for the strength of your character, the courage of your heart, and the sincerity of your love. We are eternally grateful to God for the gift that is you. :)

For my cousin - Though I do not see you often, I pray that you are well. I pray that you will grow up to be a young lady after the Lord's heart. Stay healthy and stay strong.

For the national hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose life has inspired millions of Filipinos and peoples around the world. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth, may the Philippines as a country aim to move forward with the vision and ideals that he has long dreamed and fought for with his life.

For the children I work [play!] with - All of you have been my constant source of fulfillment and joy (despite frustration and distress at times). Your smiles and milestones have always been part of the greatest moments of my life. I lift each and every one of you to God; He knows you all by name. May you and your families prosper in God's love and protection always.

For my friends - I don't know what I would do without you. You have constantly kept my feet on the ground and made sure that my head and my heart are in their right places. Thank you for providing me with the breathing room that I need from the hurly-burly of my fast-paced life. I wouldn't have come this far if not for you.

For my special someone - Thank you for accepting me for who I am. It has been a roller coaster ride since we have met for the second time. It seems so simple how things have fallen into place - call it fate, destiny, or what-have-you but more than anything, I believe that the Lord has a plan for us. Blaise Pascal once said, "The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. Love has reasons which reason cannot understand." I have given up trying to wrestle with a million reasons. I am taking a leap of faith.

I am filled with joy to say that I have gone quite far [so far] in my pursuit of happiness. :)

No day but today!

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a wonderful and inspiring performance on stage.

I am absolutely floored to have the opportunity to bask in the amazing talent of the cast and crew of 9 Works Theatrical as they brought the much loved story of Rent to life at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Bravo! Encore! Brilliant performance! :)

Thanks for watching Rent with me, Viel. :)

Seasons Of Love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes,

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights

In cups of coffee

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? How about love?

How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love

Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure the life

Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned

Or in times that he cried

In bridges he burned

Or the way that she died

It's time now to sing out

Tho' the story never ends

Let's celebrate

Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

(Oh you got to, got to)

Remember the love

(Remember the love)

Seasons of love

(Measure measure you life in love)

Seasons of love

Seasons of love

Surprise Party

The best things in life are for free!

Tonight, we had a surprise party for my older brother at Astoria Plaza Hotel, Ortigas, Pasig City. His girlfriend planned the whole event and coordinated with my mom, my sister and me. Mama originally had plans of celebrating my brother's 25th birthday at our home in Lipa City but most of his friends are within Metro Manila area, I think the plan to have the surprise in the big city was the best way to go. :)

My brother had no idea what was in store for him that night! He had one of the most unexpected surprises ever... and he had the time of his life. :D

It's been a while since I last saw an amazing sunset like this one.

Don't forget to make a wish!

Happy, happy birthday, Kuya! More blessings to you, stay positive and keep the faith!

Davao Revisited

That long line of lights right there is EDSA.

Here's a little collection of photos from my second visit to the 8th largest city in the world - Davao. If you are looking for a new place to explore or a quiet place to take some time for yourself, Davao is a great choice.

Parola Bar and the infinity pool.

You will never run out of great-tasting finds in Pearl Farm's eat-all-you-can buffet!

Serene chapel in the heart of Malipano island.

Adventure is out there!

Time to celebrate life!

All ready for a party. :)

It is always exciting to wait for the arrival of a newborn... how much more if you are waiting for three? :)

Today we celebrated a baby shower for three of my co-teachers who are all expecting to have bootees and bottles within reach of a cute and cuddly baby soon! Congratulations!

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."
- Vincent van Gogh

...and I say to myself, "What a wonderful world." :)

Wonderful Weekend

Cute little rascal resting on the greens in our 'little house on the prairie'.

A great way to start October!

I went to my Lipa City home with co-teacher friends from Makati and spent barely a two-day weekend with them and my family. In spite of the short span of time, I had one of the most eventful but relaxing weekends of my work life. Quality over quantity goes a long, long way.

The famous Taal Lake with the Taal Volcano rising in the distance.

Nothing like serenity within reflected on the outside.

I could only follow with joy bubbling in my heart.

I remember Narnia but under the warmth of the sun.

What a lovely venue to begin a new chapter in life.

Ready to take flight to set things right.

The artist in me was happy to look through rose-colored glasses.

Wash away the tensions of the past and focus on life ever flowing.

I couldn't be happier for when I followed my feet, they brought me here.

To thine own self be true.

Being outside gives a whole new perspective to 'looking in'.

Being HOME changes a lot of things: the way you think, the way you act, the way you look at life. Everything seems to be so much simpler.

Places we visited this weekend were The Shop Around the Corner in Lipa City and Club Balai Isabel at Talisay, Batangas. :)

Ahh, there's simply no place like home. :)

Through the years

Suddenly, you wake up one day and realize that a decade can pass by seemingly faster than you can say "Let's have a reunion".

After ten years, my sixth grade class decided to get-together for the first time. Fifteen of us were able to go and spend the night until the early morning in our hometown just talking, laughing, and reminiscing about events that happened in our lives for the past decade. It makes my heart merry to know that the friendships we've forged in our very young ages grow richer and better as time goes by.

The meeting of people, small or big in number, has so much significance. There is nothing in today's highly technological world that can ever replace the actual presence of people surrounding you, especially those who have long been part of your life. There is an immeasurable essence of being together at the same moment, same place because the spirits come to be weaved in a pattern fitting into the ultimate canvas of the universe and leaves a mark forever to be there - something we can always keep alive in our hearts and memories as long as we live and love.

"‎Let the soul be assured that somewhere in the universe it should rejoin its friend, and it would be content and cheerful alone for a thousand years." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Solemn Investiture

Today, I was reminded of the swiftness of time... how in this world, everything happens all at once at one particular moment. At this very minute, somewhere in the globe someone rejoices while another one mourns, someone is born while another dies, someone laughs while another cries, someone struggles while another relaxes, someone fights for his life while another lives as comfortable as ever, and so on.

This Palm Sunday, I chose to experience both as I witnessed a wonderful beginning and remembered a sad ending.

Four hundred and ninety students of the University of Santo Tomas College of Science Batch 2010 graduated at the Philippine International Convention Center this morning. I attended the commencement with several companions (some of whom are also alumni of the college like me and some of whom are still students who have a few years left to earn their degrees) to show support for our graduating friends. I am extremely proud of each one of them and I eagerly look forward to their promising futures. 

Nevertheless, sitting on one of the soft chairs up on the balcony, I thought it was as if everything was surreal at one point. It felt like watching an old film for the first time. I've been up there myself on the stage two years ago. Basically, the plot has not changed but it is also different because the role I played before now belongs to someone else. Although there was strong nostalgia, I was simply at ease with myself for I knew confidently that I have moved on. I had my curtain call. A new batch of young men and women deserve the spotlight now. The circle of life goes on; the wheels of time continue to turn.

Somewhere down the road, I came to an unfamiliar place. It served like a fork in the road where you buy your time to stop and ponder where you are and how far you've come. My friends and I ate lunch there at Yellow Cab Pizza before heading for Manila Memorial Park at Sta. Rita, Bulacan where a common friend, Stephen, is laid to rest.

Like the flowers [despite being cut away from their roots], our friend who passed away to be with the Lord continue to bring beauty and fragrance in our lives by the memories he have left immortalized in our hearts. However, like the sunset in all its splendor and wonder, a great friend was gone too soon. Nevertheless, in spite of the darkness that comes when the sun has set, we can be assured of a glorious light to fill the world when morning comes once more.

Life has always been bittersweet. We can't have it any other way.