This is My February

Someone pointed out that I have not been giving my blog some (good, good) lovin. 

I suddenly remembered that yes, I do have a blog site! As usual, I blame work for hindering me from posting updates on my existence. Although, I don't think that a lot of people are really that interested in what I do on a regular basis. Except probably for the occasional stalker. And those who are genuinely interested are always kept in the loop and in the know of the goings-on in my life.

Speaking of goings-on, a lot has happened since I last posted something here. 

A good friend celebrated (not with wine, though) the impending arrival of the stork. After waiting for quite some time, her li'l bundle of joy is on her/his way. In about the same time that I learned about this good news, I received the shock of my life when an old friend told me about the sudden passing away of a friend who happened to be an org-mate when I was in college. He was not even in his thirties. :-(

Work has been very challenging. I had no other option but to rise to the challenge. Multiple tasks and roles have assigned to me. I would like to believe that I carried them out pretty well, albeit some frustrating moments. A lot of frustrating moments, in fact. I survived though. Relatively unscathed. What does not kill me makes me stronger. It was a very good learning experience, though and I am very grateful for the opportunity and the several pats on the back I received from people who mattered.

Speaking of people who matter... =)

What matters is not what I post here but what I tell you everyday. In a nutshell, though, 

happysixmonthshappybirthdayhappyheart'sday.

Higit Sa Lahat, Tayo ay Pilipino

In times like this, it is good to know that there have been times like this.

Once again, the Filipino people's indomitable human spirit is put to test. We will, yet again, prove to the world that there is nothing that can put our nation down.

We are a country divided by various political affiliations, religious beliefs, scandals, intrigues, and whatnot. Apart from Pacquiao's fights, however, we are a nation united by calamities. When adversities come our way, we close ranks and pull all stops in helping those who were not as fortunate as us.

Here in the Bicol Region, we have had more than our fair share of calamities. Being the typhoon belt of the Philippines, we have experienced countless typhoons in varying degree of intensity. Over the years, we have lost thousands of family and friends to raging floods and landslides as well. Eventually, we have learned to accept typhoons as part of our life.

Although we may sometimes feign nonchalance at the threat of an oncoming typhoon, we will never be impervious to the sight of the victims of calamities in other parts of the country. Here is our small contribution to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy: Concert for A Cause.

Thanks to Naga City Deck for the link and the update.

N.B.

I heard on the news this morning that the Naga City Council passed a resolution yesterday to release Php500,000.00. This will be donated to LGU-Marikina, which is one of Naga City's sister cities. Vice-Mayor Gabby Bordado said that the fund will be released and forwarded to the City Government of Marikina within the week.

The fund is relatively small compared to the donations given by other entities. I am positive though, that it will still be of some help.

I hope that it will be put to good use.

Farewell, Tara

Early this morning, my father received a message from one of his former classmates, Larry Santelices that his daughter, Tara, passed away at 4:00 AM today.

Tara is the victim of a VERY senseless crime. She was mugged and shot on the head on the eve of her birthday, August 6 last year. She was in coma eversince and never recovered until her demise early this morning.

Up until now, we still could not comprehend why what happened, happened. In the words of my brother, "Why did this have to happen to a really good person?" I agree. There are a lot of criminals and people with black hearts roaming the earth and committing various crimes against humanity. Why can't they all die instead?

Tara was very young, very pretty and could have had a bright future. That was cruelly cut short. We could only find solace in the belief that "She who dies young, God loves the most."

As we bid farewell to Tara, allow me to reprint the lyrics of one of her favorite songs, Across the Universe by The Beatles (children of AdNU HS '69 tend to be influenced by their fathers and develop a love for any Beatles song):

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,

They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,

Possessing and caressing me.

Jai guru de va om

Nothing's gonna change my world,

Nothing's gonna change my world.

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,

That call me on and on across the universe,

Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box

They tumble blindly as they make their way

Across the universe

Jai guru de va om

Nothing's gonna change my world,

Nothing's gonna change my world.

Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing

Through my open ears inviting and inciting me

Limitless undying love which shines around me

Like a million suns, it calls me on and on

Across the universe

Jai guru de va om

Nothing's gonna change my world,

Nothing's gonna change my world.

May you rest in peace, Tara.

Mortals, We All Are

My friend's dad passed away yesterday. They were on their way to Manila (or Cam Sur, I'm not sure) a couple of days back when they met an accident somewhere in Quezon.

Last I heard from my friend before he left for Quezon to aide his parents was, his parents were wounded but they were stable and doing okay. It came as a shock, therefore, when my father told me that someone informed him that my friend's father died.

I called my friend and he did confirm the awful news. We didn't get to talk much and I didn't want to press him for details just yet. I hang up after I offered my condolences.

I wasn't exactly close to my friend's dad but I did admire him. He was a good family man, having raised a lawyer, nurses, a banker. He didn't say much but he was always congenial and had a ready smile for everybody.

He was also the leader of the capital town of Cam Sur. I am sure that he would have been re-elected had his life not been cut short.

One truly does not know the day, the hour, nor the time. Death can come knocking when you least expect it and there's nothing you can do but to answer his call.

This has been said before and in so many ways but I'll say it again anyways...Let us make the most of our time here on earth. Enjoy every moment. Live and love like there's no tomorrow. For there might not be one.

"Dance like no one is watching.
Love like you'll never get hurt.
Sing like no one is listening.
Live like it's heaven on earth."

Tita Glenn

Someone close to me passed away last Saturday.

Tita Glenn was my mom's bestest of friends --- her childhood friend. They used to be neighbors and schoolmates. They did a lot of things together. They were only separated when she and her family moved to Manila. Time and distance was never an issue between Mama and Tita Glenn. They continued to get in touch and never really lost their bond.

Growing up, Tita Glenn was a constant personality in our lives. She and her husband, Tito Bing would usually sleep over in our house whenever they were in Naga City. It was always fun having them around. The house would be filled with loud chatter and rambunctious laughter. Tears of joy would sometimes roll down their cheeks. They were a bunch of comedians. It was always great seeing my mom, dad, Tita Glenn and Tito Bing together.

She was always very jovial. She was one of the nicest people I have known. As one of my godmothers, she never tired of dispensing advise and making me laugh and feel better during some of the toughest times of my life.

Her passing left a very huge whole in our hearts and lives.

She will be missed. Terribly.