What kind of blogger are you?

1.   A big election that you care about is coming up.  Do you….

o       Pretend you don’t know who to vote for, so lots of people will post arguments for you to read?

o       Make fun of everyone running, event the person that you support?

o       Blog about actually voting, but that’s it?

·        Post lots of news links, covering all sides fairly equally?

o       Write up detailed analysis of debates, polls, demographics, and party platforms?

o       Blog about who your friends are voting for – and the conversations you’ve had?

2.   When you blog, do you link to other bloggers?

o       Yup, you like people who read your blog to know who your friends are.

o       Only if you're blogging about meeting them in real life.

o       Yes, to subtly make fun of them.

o       You link to specific posts all the time.

·        Sure, if they've said something particularly smart or insightful.

o       Hardly ever - unless they've blogged something about you.

3.   You like blogs that:

o       Link to your blog. Seriously.

o       Show you lots of cool new funny things and new links.

o       Have intelligent posts on what’s going on in the world today.

o       Are run by people you know.

o       That tell a good story of the blogger’s everyday life.

·        Have witty commentary on pop culture, the internet, or politics.

4.   People like your blog because…

o       You have insights they may have not thought of before

·        You have interesting day to day stories

o       You're the master / mistress of the virtual smackdown

o       You’re cute. Duh!

o       You’re a friend of theirs.

5.   How many topics do you usually blog about?

o       Depends - whatever cool things you on other blogs.

o       A few - usually stuff you and your friends are talking about.

o       You've got a half dozen pet subjects you know a great deal about.

·        One. Your lovely self.

o       You've got a few favorites, but anything you can write a funny post about is game.

o       Anything that happened in your life this week.

6.   Your biggest blogging pet peeve is:

o       Anonymous blogs that your friends may be hiding from you

o       Filler blog posts that are lacking in content

o       People who don't have enough interesting links in their posts

o       Bloggers who never share anything about themselves

·        Bloggers who play pretend nice with one another to get more traffic

o       Boring blogs about politics or news

7.   Finally, why do you blog?

·        To think out loud a little, and get opinions in return

o       To have a virtual diary of sorts

o       To get lots of traffic

o       To show your cool finds to people.

o       To keep in touch with your friends

o       For your own self-amusement, really

My choices revealed that I am a pundit blogger.  The official result was, “Your blog is smart, insightful, and always a quality read.  You're up on the latest news, and you have an interesting spin on things.
Of all the blogging types, you put the most thought and effort into your blog.  Truly appreciated by many, surpassed by only a few.”

I cannot agree more with the result, that I put the most thought and effort into my blog.  This is the reason why I only have one blog at the moment.  But I do not claim that my blog is appreciated by many and surpassed by only a few.  I may not be that interesting to some, after all. ;-)

Credits to blogsthings.com

The Christmas List.

I usually prepare my Christmas list at the onset of the month of November, but due to the untimely demise of my uncle and the first death anniversary of my father, I held off of doing so.  Whether it’s a blessing or not that I did not grow up with the “gift-giving tradition,” the fact still remains that I have to prepare my list and buy gifts for friends, family, and godchildren.

The latter part of this year is just plain crazy.  Christmas is just two weeks from now and I still haven’t gotten anything.  My list usually has the names of my “inaanaks,” friends from work, and family members.  This helps me to work within my set budget and to be oraganized.

There’s just little time to spare until the 25^th and there’s still the Christmas dinner preparations at home to think about.  Chances are, I’ll end up buying odd things for my friends and colleagues at the office and giving out “aguinaldos” to my inaanaks!  But I couldn’t definitely escape the grocery-shopping for our Noche Buena and Christmas day lunch.

Singapore-la!

I just learned that I’ll be going with three of my colleagues from work, to Singapore on January 2011!  The news came as a surprise because I was not copied in the message/invite that my colleagues got the night before.  It was only when I got to the office the next day that I was informed of the official travel/training.

However, the excitement mellowed when I saw the required readings and pre-cursory online courses to take prior to our departure.  With the holidays looming around, challenges of my new role, and the preparations for the big networking event also in January, I can’t help but worry how little time I have in my hands to sort everything out.  Of course, there’s still that option not to go and just join the next batch, but I feel that I really have to take this course now.  Luckily, I’m not used to going on vacation during the holidays. 

Yes, I am tired and stressed out.  But truly, truly grateful, nonetheless!

The big move.

December 9 marked the beginning of a new phase in my career.  I have taken the opportunity to move to a different unit and to go beyond my comfort zone.  This opportunity will afford me a better pay, diversity in work, greater responsibility, and wider network.

Though, I have to admit that I’m really scared to my very core.  I guess this is how it feels to be in an unfamiliar place.  What keeps me still sane is the financial aspect of my new job.  That will always be my springboard and leverage.

I would really like to write and describe more my new responsibilities, fears, and apprehensions, but my better judgment dictates otherwise.  I will hold those off until I am fully immersed with my new role and new team.  I believe I owe them and myself that much.

Though, there’s still that ounce of doubt lingering in my head, I am confident that I have made the right decision. 

Ode to my father.

It has been a year since my father passed on and as they say, one will never get over the pain of losing someone; he’ll just learn to get used to it.  I cannot agree more.  Yes, there is emptiness and hallow feeling, which will never go away.  There’s a time for mourning and a time for moving  on.  Me and my family are still finding our way to healing through our Lord’s grace.

I asked for this song to be played during my father’s wake and interment. 

Special memory

You will always be a special part of me
You will always be a special memory
I`ll always cherish wonderful moments
You have given me
You are in my heart wherever I may be

All the times we shared will always be to me
Songs my heart will sing refreshing melodies
I`ll put together all of your laughter
Like a symphony
I`ll remember you wherever I may be

(Instrumental)

I`ll put together all of your laughter
Like a symphony
I`ll remember you wherever I may be

I`ll remember you wherever I may be
I`ll remember you wherever I may be


Pa, you’ll always be remembered and loved.  Rest in peace.
29 Feb 1944 – 10 Nov 2009


credits to romantic-lyrics.com

Lyrics: ikaw

I can’t recall what was running in my head when I included this in my list.  I do not have anything against this song but I won’t exactly claim that this is one of my favourites. 
I also have to decide whose version is the best.  But I must say, that this song has a certain magic when being played or sung in weddings.

i have in mind Sharon cuneta’s version.

Ikaw
By Sharon cuneta
Ikaw ang bigay ng Maykapal
Tugon sa aking dasal
Upang sa lahat ng panahon
Bawat pagkakataon
Ang ibigin ko’y ikaw
Ikaw ang tanglaw sa ‘king mundo
Kabiyak nitong puso ko
Wala ni kahati mang saglit
Na sa iyo’y may papalit
Ngayon at kailanma’y ikaw
Ang lahat ng aking galaw
Ang sanhi ay ikaw
Kung may bukas mang hinaharap
Dahil may isang ikaw
Kulang ang magpakailanpaman
Upang bawat sandali ay
Upang mulit-muli ay
Ang ibigin ay
ikaw

Credits to rebelpixel.com

What’s with the month of November?

It’s just been a year and seven days since we lost my father and here we are again, faced with another loss, as my maternal uncle, daddy Jessie passed on.

This came as a surprise to most of our relatives and acquaintances because he was never ill or known to be ill.  His health started to wane in September and has worsened until his demise on 17 november. 

Daddy Jessie is survived by my tita marilyn and three cousins. 

I pray not only for the repose of your soul, but, more so for your grieving family.  You will always be remembered dearly and my family will always be thankful for your generosity and kindness.  Rest in peace.

25 Dec 1952 – 17 Nov 2010.

Lyrics: the way it used to be

Engelbert humperdinck’s songs always bring back memories of my late father.  he usually spent Sunday afternoons listening to old songs being played on the radio.   I never got my father to talk much about his younger years; he’s really a man of few words, to begin with.  Somehow, when I hear humperdinck’s songs playing, I can picture my father and how his life had been before I came to know him.

The way we used to be
By engelbert Humperdinck

Lonely table just for one
In a bright and crowded room
While the music has begun
I drink to memories in the gloom
Though the music's still the same
It has a bittersweet refrain

So play the song the way it used to be
Before she left and changed it all to sadness
And maybe if she's passing by the window
She will hear a love song
And a melody
And even if the words are not so tender
She will always remember
The way it used to be

Friends stop by and say hello
And I laugh and hide the pain
It's quite easy 'til they go
Then the song begins again

So play the song the way it used to be
Before she left and changed it all to sadness
And maybe if she's passing by the window
She will hear a love song
And a melody
And even if the words are not so tender
She will always remember
The way it used to be


Credits to lyrics007.com

Lyrics: disappear

I’m still in the look out for this song’s lyrics.  I cannot remember the artist who sung this nor the album it’s included in.  I got to know this song through my friend, who is very much into Christian and inspirational song.  i tried searching for Stephen curtis chapman’s songs but unfortunately, disappear is not listed.

The song is about man’s steadfast faith to our Lord.  He’s entrusting everything to Him when all else fails.  He recognizes his weaknesses and shortcomings and his greater need for the Lord’s grace. 

I will continue to search for the lyrics .

Lyrics: power of your love

Power of your love
By don moen

Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That i have found in You
And Lord I have come to know
The weakenesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love
*Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side
And as I wait
I will rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love

2.Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me
And Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love

*ending
(repeat chorus twice)
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love

I am really amazed how a simple song can uplift one’s spirits.  Have you ever noticed how increasingly inspirational, songs tend to become, if they are written and sung the unconventional way?  I mean, I never thought that some of vertical horizon’s songs are of this type!

Credits to lyricsmode.com

Lyrics: minsan lang kita iibigin

Many Filipino artists have covered this song, but, I still find ariel rivera’s the best.  Nothing beats the original, right?
I’m a fan of OPM songs but I strongly campaign against covers. I believe that if an artist is truly talented, he can make a name for himself without having to ride on a song or the original artists’ popularity. Hay! I do not want to go over that thought right now…I’ll write another entry for that.

I hope you’ll appreciate the lyrics of this song as much as I do.

Minsan lang kita iibigin
By ariel rivera

Mahal, pangako sa iyo
Hindi magbabago
Ikaw lang ang iibigin ko

Kahit Ikaw ay lumayo
At masaktan ako
Asahan na 'di maglalaho

* Ang pag-ibig ko'y tanging sa'yo lamang
Kung kaya giliw dapat mong malaman.
Minsan lang kitang iibigin
Minsan lang kitang mamahalin
Ang pagmamahal sa'yo'y walang hangganan
Dahil ang minsan, ay magpakailanman.

Minsan lamang sa buhay ko
Ang 'sang katulad mo
Ako rin ba'y iniibig mo
Dinggin puso'y sumasamo
Sinusumpa sa'yo
Ikaw ang tanging dalangin ko. (*)

Minsan lang kitang iibigin
Minsan lang kitang mamahalin
Ang pagmamahal sa'yo'y walang hangganan

Dahil ang minsan, ay magpakailanman.
Dahil ang minsan, ay magpakailanman.

Credits to lyrics007.com

Lyrics: waiting in vain

Because there’s just too much longing in the song, the distance, i need to post this annie lennox song to offset the “heavy” emotional content. 

I find annie lennox a cool artist so it’s always a given fact that the same goes for her songs.

Waiting in vain
By annie lennox

From the very first time I rest my eyes on you,boy
My heart said follow through but I know now
That I'm way down on your line
But the waiting feeling's fine

So don't treat me like a puppet on a string
Because I know how to do my thing
Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb
I wanna know when you're gotta come,you see

*i don't wanna wait in a vain for your love
I don't wanna wait in a vain for your love
I don't wanna wait in a vain for your love
'cause sommer is here
And I'm still waiting there
Winter is here
I'm still waiting there

Like I said
It's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
And still I can knock some more
Ooh boy,ooh boy,is it crazy look,i wanna know now
For I to knock some more,you see

In life I know
That there is lots of grief
But your love is my relief

Tears in my eyes burn
Tears in my eyes burn
While I'm waitin'
While I'm waitin' for my turn,you see

(*repeat)

Like I said-
I don't wanna,i don't wanna
I don't wanna,i don't wanna
I don't wanna wait in vain
I don't wanna,i don't wanna
I don't wanna,i don't wanna
I don't wanna wait in vain

It's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
And still I can knock some more
Ooh boy,ooh boy,is it crazy look,i wanna know now
Like I said,the tears in my eyes burn
Tears in my eyes burn
While I'm waiting
While I'm waiting for my turn,you see
Ooh boy,ooh boy,is it crazy look,i wanna know now
For I to knock some more
In life I know there is lots of grief
But your love is my relief

Credits to metrolyrics.com

Lyrics: the distance

I had been a fan of evan and jaron even before I saw the movie serendipity. I know, I know! Serendipity is one of my all-time favorites! Whenever I fancied a movie, I always make sure that its soundtrack is in my itunes.

The distance
By evan and jaron

The sky has lost it's color
The sun has turned to grey
At least that's how it feels to me
Whenever you're away
I crawl up in the corner
As I watch the minutes pass
Each one brings me closer to
The time you're comin' back

I can't take the distance
I can't take the miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm callin your name

But I can't take the distance

I still believe my feelings
But sometimes I feel too much
I make believe you're close to me
But it ain't close enough
Not nearly close enough

I can't take the distance
I can't take the miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm callin your name

I brave fire and I brave rain
To be by your side I'd do anything
I can't take the distance

I will go the distance
I will go the miles
That's how much you mean to me

'Cause I can't take the distance
I can't take these miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm calling your name
I can't take the distance

It's hard to remember
As long as you're away
When I find solace
There's only one way

Credits to azlyrics.com

Lyrics: moon river

Moon river
Music by henry mancini, lyrics by Johnny mercer

Moon river wider than a mile
I’m crossing you in style someday
You dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you’re going I’m going your way

Two drifters off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end
Waiting ‘round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river and me

(Moon river, wider than a mile)
(I’m crossin’ you in style some day)
oh dream maker, you heart breaker
wherever you’re going, I’m going your way

(moon river, moon river)

I came to know this song because of my father. It was much later when I saw the movie, “breakfast at tiffany’s.”  unfortunately, the movie didn’t have much impact as the song had, except for the classic
beauty of Audrey hepburn.


Credits to lyricsfreak.com

Lyrics: moonlight kiss

I first heard this song when I saw the movie, serendipity.  I find this song so poignant.  The melody is simple yet so pleasing to the ears.  It feels like it’s so wonderful to fall in love during winter time, like that in the movie.

Moonlight kiss
By bap kennedy

I can feel my heart
And it's fit to burst
I try to clean it up
But I just get worse

Wish I could fall
On a night like this
Into your lovin' arms
For a moonlight kiss

I thought I saw your face
In the evenin' sky
On a lonesome cloud
That was driftin' by

I wish I could fall
On a night like this
Into your lovin' arms
For a moonlight kiss

You got someone else
Maybe it's for the best
Since I took the cure
For happiness

And I'd trade it all
On a night like this
For your lovin' arms
And a moonlight kiss

For your lovin' arms
And a moonlight kiss

Lovin' arms
And a moonlight kiss
Ooh, yeah

Credits to lyricskeeper.com

lyrics.

i will be posting lyrics of some of my favorite songs from movie soundtracks, albums, tv shows, and what-nots.

somw of the songs that randomly come to mind are:
1. moonlight kiss
2. moon river
3. the distance
4. waiting in vain
5. minsan lang kitang iibigin
6. power of your love
7. disappear
8. unwritten
9. the way it used to be
10. ikaw

these are not my top ten songs but each of these has a special meaning to me. the lyrics and timeless melodies will speak for them.

goya chocolates: level up!

my chocolate cravings are very seldom and are limited to the dark and minty varieties.  i am neither a fan of a favourite brand.  my tastebud’s simple and uncomplicated.

you can probably imagine the joy i felt when i encountered the re-packaged and improved version of our all-time favourite, goya chocolates!!! my kuya used to brag about his experience touring the goya fun factory back in the day.  being the chocolate lover that he is, the tour left him breathless and in awe of the abundance of chocolate! my personal memory of goya chocolates rest with the football and egg-shaped chocolate candies i used to buy from a sari-sari store nearby.  i wish goya-delfi foods will continue producing the classic varieties.

goya’s dark chocolate bar is really good, though, not as bitter as i would want a dark chocolate to be.  the bar is of the right thickness and richness.  the packaging is simple yet with actress, kim chiu’s face on it, it will surely be a come-on! a bar is sold for P19.50 each, a truly cheap treat!!

i had my fill today because i finished two bars!

The big move.

December 9 marked the beginning of a new phase in my career.  I have taken the opportunity to move to a different unit and to go beyond my comfort zone.  This opportunity will afford me a better pay, diversity in work, greater responsibility, and wider network.

Though, I have to admit that I’m really scared to my very core.  I guess this is how it feels to be in an unfamiliar place.  What keeps me still sane is the financial aspect of my new job.  That will always be my springboard and leverage.

I would really like to write and describe more my new responsibilities, fears, and apprehensions, but my better judgment dictates otherwise.  I will hold those off until I am fully immersed with my new role and new team.  I believe I owe them and myself that much.

Though, there’s still that ounce of doubt lingering in my head, I am confident that I have made the right decision. 

10-10-10: happy birthday kuya!

this entry is a birthday tribute of sort to the best brother i could ever have.  we were born 4 years apart.  we share the same birth sign and have been on each other’s good side ever since we were kids.

my kuya has always been  mature for his age.  our parents brought us all up to be like that, but he’s unusually responsible even when he was young.  he’s a favourite among my uncles and aunts.  my maternal grandmother, nanay alos, wouldn’t let him out of her side and him, likewise.  my kuya is this special because he simply is.  we are not biological siblings but we never felt otherwise.  we even look the same, mind you!

my late father had said numerous times how lucky he was to have been blessed with a son, like him.  in fact, he couldn’t ask for anybody else.  kuya has our father’s patience and perseverance while he shares our mother’s unfailing will and determination.  my kuya has taken on most of my papa’s roles when the latter’s eyesight deteriorated. he has grown more wise and strong over the numerous trials, challenges and blessings our family has gone through.

thus, it took us some time before we have accepted his decision to finally have a family of his own.  little did we know that this will bring enormous joy to the entire family, especially to my parents.

my kuya tab has continued to live by my parents’ upbringing and life-learned lessons.  my niece is always reminded of her lolo and lola’s teachings because these made us who are now.

i salute this man, i call my kuya. to more wonderful and blessed years ahead, happy, happy birthday, my dear kuya tab!

fun personality test: what shape best describes you? (part 3)

credits to www.personalityquiz.net

the long wait is over! final part of the personality quiz is here!

analytical trustworthy self-assured

your momentary sensitivity represents that which is of high quality and durable. consequently, you like to surround yourself with little "gems," which you discover wherever they are overlooked by others.  thus, culture plays a special role in your life. you have found your own personal style, which is elegant and exclusive, free from the whims of fashion. your ideal, upon which you base your life, is cultured pleasure. you value a certain level of culture on the part of the people with whom you associate.

romantic dreamy emotional

you are a very sensitive person. you refuse to view things only from a sober, rational standpoint. what your feelings tell you is just as important to you. in fact, you feel it is important to have dreams in life, too.
you reject people who scorn romanticism and are guided only by rationality. you refuse to let anything confine the rich variety of your moods and emotions.

dynamic active extroverted

you are quite willing to accept certain risks and to make a strong commitment in exchange for interesting and varied work. routine, in contrast, tends to have a paralyzing effect on you.  what you like most is to be able to play an active role in events. in doing so, your initiative is highly pronounced.


so, which personality type are you? 

after re-reading all 9 types, i think that i am the professional-pragmatic-self-assured type.  the traits are described under this personality type characterize me personal strengths and outlook in life.

fun personality test: what shape best describes you? (part 2)

credits to www.personalityquiz.net

continued from 09oct10 post..

down to earth well-balanced harmonious

you value a natural style and love that which is uncomplicated. people admire you because you have both feet planted firmly on the ground and they can depend on you. you give those who are close to you security and space. you are perceived as being warm and human. you reject everything that is garish and trite. you tend to be skeptical toward the whims of fashion trends. for you, clothing has to be practical and unobtrusively elegant.

  professional pragmatic self-assured

you take charge of your life, and place less faith in your luck and more in your own deeds. you solve problems in a practical, uncomplicated manner. you take a realistic view of the things in your daily life and tackle them without wavering. you are given a great deal of responsibility at work, because people know that you can be depended upon.  your pronounced strength of will projects your self-assurance to others. you are never fully satisfied until you have accomplished your ideas.

peaceful discreet non-aggressive

you are easy-going yet discreet. you make friends effortlessly, yet enjoy your privacy and independence. you like to get away from it all and be alone from time to time to contemplate the meaning of life and enjoy yourself. you need space, so you escape to beautiful hideaways, but you are not a loner. you are at peace with yourself and the world, and you appreciate life and what this world has to offer.


three more personality types remaining. can't wait much? ",)

  
  

fun personality test: what shape best describes you?

credits  to www.personalityquiz.net

this is a 3-part post of fun personality quiz.  which color and shape best describe me?  keep reading as i will reveal my test result at the end!

careful playful cheerful
you love a free and spontaneous life. and you attempt to enjoy it to the fullest, in accordance with the motto: "you only live once."
you are very curious and open about everything new; you thrive on change. nothing is worse than when you feel tied down. you experience your environment as being versatile and always good for a surprise.

independent unconventional unfettered
 you demand a free and unattached life for yourself that allows you to determine your own course. you have an artistic bent in your work or leisure activities. your urge for freedom sometimes causes you to do exactly the opposite of what expected of you.
your lifestyle is highly individualistic. you would never blindly imitate what is "in"; on the contrary, you seek to live according to your own ideas and convictions, even if this means swimming against the tide.

introspective sensitive reflective
you come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and your environment than do most people. you detest superficiality; you'd rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. but your relationships with your friends are very strong, which gives you the inner tranquility and harmony that you require. you do not mind being alone for extended periods of time; you rarely become bored.


getting curious? please do read on!

ondoy: a year after

we were fortunately spared of the wrath of the rampaging floodwater which devastated huge portions of metro manila last year.  we were not even aware of what was happening around until we received a call from my sister who was stranded in edsa on her way to quezon city for a company-sponsored csr activity.  the downpour was not even that hard  as far as i can recall.  apparently, the continuous downpour brought the immediate rise of floodwater and the overflowing of water channels and dams.  of course, the rest is history.

except for the inconvenience me and my siblings had after the water receded, we will always be grateful to the lord and mother nature for affording my family the safety we’ve had, considering that we will be through much a few weeks later on.  little that we know, that my father will pass on a month after.

the tragedy of ondoy left a lot of families homeless and hopeless.  our family is no different.

we will forever remember ondoy as we do our father’s memory from this year on.

pride and prejudice.

 

i do not frequent movie houses much so i resign myself to uploading and syncing old movies to my itouch.  last month, i posted an entry about pretty woman.  admittedly, i like chick-flick movies because the stories are generally light and feel-good. though i try to stay away from  the cheesy ones—those i really can’t stand.

aside from pretty woman, the film version of jane austen’s pride and prejudice, which starred keira knightley and matthew macfayden, is also a mainstay in my itouch. i first fell in love with the story when i downloaded the audio book and had it playing over and over.  it was my sister who introduced and hooked me to the film version.  it was much farther on when i read the book.  the book and audio book are the same except that the latter is more alive and transports you exactly in time.  the film, on the other hand, is a fusion of everything! it’s a visual feast with wonderful actors bringing to life the classic lines that are very distinct of jane austen’s novels.

a classic romance novel transcending social borders and time.

gelatissimo.

my friend, opalyn, and i usually frequent this place after a late-friday-afternoon lunch.  the thing i like about gelato shops around, is that they give out free taste to your heart and tastebuds’ content.  i do not go for the overly creamy flavours because they are a bit too much for my palette.  among the variety of flavours gelatissimo has, i always come back for the fruity ones. the more sour the blend is, the better it is for me!

aside from the fruity flavours, i also like the green tea variety.  price per scoop is p110.00, about right i think, for a cupful of smooth and yummy gelato.  the service is great considering that it takes a person, an average of 10 minutes, before an order is placed.  my tip though, is to make a beeline for the lady server because she scoops a generous heap of your chosen flavour!

 

photo taken from gelatissimo greenbelt 5.

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paradox.

paradox, as defined in buzzle.com, is a statement, which at first glance, appears to be false, but on further reading, it seems to contain an element of truth.  they say that paradox is an important ingredient of poetry and literature.

i sometimes equate paradoxes to tasteful sarcasm.  those, when used, sound very witty!  i’ve looked up the net for most common and interesting paradoxes there are:

• i must be cruel to be kind. – william shakespeare (hamlet)
• what a pity that youth must be wasted on the young – george bernard shaw
• this is the beginning of an end.
• please ignore the notice.
• deep down, he is really shallow.

 we may not be aware but paradoxes are fairly common even in our vernacular.  i wonder if it is the same as our “salawikain” or “kasabihan?”  either way, paradoxes truly make our literature colourful, flowery and more interesting.  the incessant play of words tickle the fancy of those hearing it.

family: support system you can rely on.

my family is again being tested for its strength and reliance on each other because of the recent diagnosis of my uncle’s condition.  he is my mother’s younger brother.  my daddy jessie, as we fondly call my uncle, is a big man with a boisterous and infectious laugh.  he has this weird sense of humour that we all so fond of.  however, we seldom hear that now because of his condition.

the physical examinations have been ongoing for a few months now but his condition has only become clearer recently.  there’s a huge change in his appearance because of sudden weight loss and change in stance.  he’s become less agile and often times resigned to bed.  this has taken a toll in his family.  mine feel the most of what they are going through now considering that we’ve been in the same situation barely a year ago.  my mother, who has taken upon herself to be at his brother’s aide and side all the time, is feeling so low lately.  she’s the same way when she took care of their youngest sibling six years back.

we all hope and pray to remain firm with resolve to stick with each other in this trying time.  daddy jessie and his family lent their shoulders when my family was struggling with my father’s passing on.  we hope to be their strength as well.  there is strength in number and family counts the most.

octoberfest!

october has finally arrived! my birthday month is now officially a thing of the past.  and as expected, it went without the surprises i’ve been conjuring in my mind.  lol!

the “ber” months, i think, are the super months of the year. not only because it officially ushers in the onset of christmas, but most of my friends and family members’ birthdays fall in these months.  my beloved kuya will be celebrating his on the 10^th! before when we were young, my parents used to have a joint celebration for our birthdays.  but we grew up and when he moved down south for work and eventually with a family of his own, we ended up having separate birthdays.  it worked the best especially because my niece, his daughter, is so crazy about birthday celebrations.  it has become a treat for her than for us celebrants. 

birthdays and the christmas season are not the only reasons for festivities during the month of october. the much-awaited octoberfest has its culminating events lined this month.  i’ve had the chance of joining one of their gigs about four years ago.  it was fun and of course SMB was overflowing!

as the “ber” months are coming, the events and festivities are rolling continuously.  can you imagine the excitement as november and december draw near? fun-fun times ahead!

we've just moved!

today’s our third-month stay in our new home.  the adjustment is still not over considering that the house is still in its work-in-progress state.  more so, the commute to and from work is more excruciating than ever.  i suddenly thought how did we ever survive commuting to and from a town farther from where we are now, about eight years back?

i haven’t invited friends over since there’s not much to show at present.  it’s quite taxing for me to explain over-and-over the state of our house without going into much detail.  anyhow, since we’re a lot closer to where my relatives, from my mama’s side, live, we often have small gatherings at home.  it’s very casual and laid back and requires no preparation at all.

there was this one instance, when we all ended up playing patintero.  it was so much fun to see the oldies having loads of laughter and playing with us.

the house (and our block) reverts to its usual quiet state when they all left.  though it’s so quiet and sometimes eerie, our humble abode no longer feels empty and devoid of human interaction.  i think the laughter still resounds long after.

i turn 31 on 30.

woahhh! that’s a little gutsy for me since i’m so coy when it comes to the number game.  i do not hide my age but certainly do not volunteer the information. it’s the mystery that we, women, will forever keep.

as days draw near, i am hopeful for something extraordinary to happen. a nice surprise perhaps.  it doesn’t matter who it will come from.  but knowing the people around me, i always get the surprise of not having a surprise nearly year after year!  not complaining, just stating a fact. a known fact.

better yet, i should think of my agenda for my special day. what worthy thoughts i should be having in preparation for a year of more blessings and triumphs.  i think i have accomplished quite a few over the years and am truly proud of those.  but i will allow myself to become pensive and nostalgic this year as this will be my first without my father.  this, they say, is one of the “firsts” that a person has to endure with the passing on of a beloved.  i’m slowly preparing myself for the sudden plummet of my usually high spirits, the pang of loneliness and longing and for the what-ifs running on my thoughts.

nevertheless, i vow to make my birthday a special one as i mark another glorious year of being me.  salut!