Tie A Yellow Ribbon...

I was only about seven or eight when EDSA happened, but I was already pretty active then in doing my share of activism. We were in Iloilo that time and even how far we were from Manila where the real action was happening, I can remember my Mama asking us to bring out our “calderos” so we can make noise just like it was New Year’s eve! Yes, it was the 25th of February and finally we’re a free country again.

It took several more from that year when we would remember that victory. And since that day I have counted “Magkaisa” and “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” as two of my top favorite songs.

Upon watching the specials for President Cory, I would also cry with her family. People at home would tease me and ask why am I so affected? Jokingly, I would answer, Kris and I are “friendship”.

But it goes deep more than that. President Corazon Aquino reminds me of my beloved Lola Lisa. The late Honorable Elisa Sustiguer-Silao.

It was during Cory’s term when my Lola was also elected as Councilor in the Municipality of Sta. Barbara. I could proudly say that she got the same charisma and magic Tita Cory had. She was a people’s person. Otherwise, I wouldn’t think she will land as No. 1 Councilor during her time.
And at the sad moment when my grandmother died, she continued to be a Cory’s fan when she wore her favorite yellow dress.

By now I’m sure Lola had been one of those who came to welcome President Cory on the other life. ;)

The Day the World Turned Yellow

On the day of President Cory’s funeral, I was one of those proud pinoys who wore yellow. (And even made yellow ribbons the night before for those who would want to have!)

It was sad though that some thought it was “funny” but counting what’s important, more were appreciative.

It gave me goose bumps to see kababayans walking in a foreign country, wearing yellow because you know that silently, in their own little way they are doing their share by wearing yellow not only to remember the death of a President but more so, (and I do hope!) to remember the FREEDOM, JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY we once gained thru the person.

I’m also guilty of not truly doing my best for the country and preserving those three important things for a nation but I hope that whenever we have a chance, let’s do our best in serving her – The Philippines.

Let the true spirit of EDSA 1 reign in every Filipino’s heart so that once again and always, we can say, “I am a Filipino and proud to be!”

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

mood: remembering...very sad...crying...hurting...

A very, very, very late post...

LOSS OF A DOG

If you've ever known the joyful sound
Of barks that fill the air-
A sloppy kiss, a friendly paw,
A quiet adoring stare-
If you've ever had a special friend
To share a tear or two,
Or maybe just a wagging tail
To lift you when you're blue-
If you've ever felt the wrenching pain
That only death can send,
Then you have lost Not just a dog-
You've truly lost a friend.
But God is good and treasures love
And there at Heaven's gate-
A sloppy kiss, a joyful bark-
Your precious friend awaits.

- Author Unknown

My dearest Nana,

I can’t even remember now how long it has been nor I want to remember what exactly happened. All I can and want to remember is your playfulness and sad-looking brown eyes that lights up when they see me or Mama Helen coming home.

I miss our morning walks…I miss giving you baths…I miss feeding you and now, that we got a little more than enough, how I wish you’re still here so we can give you more of your favorites.

I haven’t cried for you…as I didn’t think much of how you’ve truly met your end. And it hurts me more to think that I was not there to do something to help you.

I don’t want to ask and know who have hurt you as I may not be able to forgive them…I don’t want to know the people who have not done something to help you… But I pray that they be enlightened and realize what they did or not have done. And may God bless me with grace of forgiveness in my heart for these people.

Nanie, Angging now and Nonoy has gotten married. You could have been our “first baby”…

I’ll forever remember you Nana…you and Lala will always be special to me and everyone in the family.

May you be happy wherever you and Lala are now… and hope you’re keeping our Lola Lisa and Lolo Melio company…

Bye for now, Nanie...


Love,
Angging

One Year and more...

mood: thankful ... and in LOVE. (:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right:

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! --and if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

MyHotComments

Dating Game

mood: kinikilig na parang hindi (:

Back during my teen years, I’ve always been fond of reading Sweet Dreams pocketbooks. So, I guess it’s not a surprise to know that one of my favorite pastimes would be to daydream of how my “first date” or coming dates would be like.

Unfortunately, I was also brought up by my mother in believing that once you get to date a guy, he’ll instantly become your boyfriend! (Hay, Mama lang! (: ) Now, as I’m writing this I couldn’t help but wonder, if only I knew that is was okay to go out on dates and that it’s not necessary that the one you dated will be your boyfriend then, damu na ko tani nakilkilan! ((:

Let me share with you my top favorite “anecdotes” on dating…for the purpose of this blog, let me share it “as from my point of view”. Or could it be? ;)

For the First Time

Why I can still remember that it was a Thursday night, I could never tell. But maybe because, it was the first time somebody had actually asked me to a date and not just somebody, he was my ultimate crush! ;) I can also remember that all the while he was saying about the “when” and “where” of our date, I instantly started to think about all the Sweet Dreams stories I have read and which is closest to what’s happening at that time. We’re supposed to go to Shakey’s… big time na kaya ‘yon ‘nung panahong ‘yun! “Supposedly” as the date didn’t happen. Well, it actually happened but with another girl. (Huhuhu!) How come? Now, that is a total blur to me. :p

Eating Out

Had the longest crush on this guy when finally, we got to meet for a date. I was pretty excited but tried to act really cool about the whole thing. After all, we’re no longer grade-schoolers! We ordered some food and had fun eating. Yes, the whole time was spent eating. Maybe, he’s just being true to the word “dinner date”. I really didn’t know if I should feel sorry for him or for myself. I’m supposed to be the girl and have all the reasons to get tongue-tied but what happened was the other way around. After that night, I realized that if only I’ve gotten a date with this guy earlier I wouldn’t have wasted much time daydreaming about him. Why, he’s better off as a friend. (:

As Good As It Gets

I really can’t remember how I’m able to get this guy asked me for a date. Or was it me who asked him out? :P Anyways, it was one of the very few dates I’ve gone to (should I count three?…hehehe…) that’s quite memorable to me but one that I have so many regrets. For one, I regretted not ordering more when we had lunch. Being demure (daw!) I shyly ordered for a single burger steak with no extra rice, of course! Duh! Kung alam ko lang sana, I would have ordered the most expensive Chicken Meal with extra rice and lots of gravy! And secondly, I would have chosen a comedy or horror for a movie that we watched so, I could have at least truly enjoyed. Okay, well, maybe I did that time… But it took years before I saw Jack Nicholson again and actually appreciated his movie. I could have also made “parining” or even “lambing” so he could have bought me something from Odyssey along with his Guns ‘n Roses Spaghetti album! (mmmhhh, detailed ba masyado?) Tsk! Tsk! As for that date, it’s also been years since the last time I saw him or should I say, spoke to him. :P

Second Time Around

As I remember this “date story”, I have this feeling of guilt, embarrassment, stupidity – okay, I was very bad! This could have been the date that never happened but this time, I admit, I did a total blunder. It could have been a start of a beautiful friendship. It all started right... Long-lost high school classmates got connected and agreed to see a popular band’s concert (was it Free Style or South Border? (: ) until… I was so immature but I know it’s not enough reason for my stupidity. Instead of talking and acting the good date I should be, I foolishly tried in playing cupid to my supposed date and a friend! Gee, now I’m actually recalling that night, I feel myself blushing for embarrassment. I know I owe the guy some apologies. When I get to see and talk to him, it may not be such a big deal, but I’ll definitely have to say, “sorry for that night, I was a jerk!”.

Bonding For a Lifetime (This time, it’s for real!)

Our “first date” could have been one of Sprite’s “Magpaka-totoo ka!” ad series. I have learned a lot from my trying-to-be-demure experience, that this time, I’m just truly being myself. So true that I never cared about what impression I’ll leave should I order for extra rice and even requested my date that I eat the belly part of the “bangus” we ordered. ((: I believe then that this was it, as that date was followed with another and another and another…from the ever reliable fast-food chains to our suki, Nong Rudy’s “videokehan”, we just can’t get enough. ;)

Maybe it really works if you’re being truthful especially showing your true self. For I still continue to date my ex -, who now happens to be my husband. Whether it is at home sharing a home-made meal or to our favorite fast-food restaurant, what matters most is that we are spending quality time together. And we’re looking forward to spend more of these dates that are also our bonding moments.

Dating stories, anyone?

Salamat...

mood: thankful...

Ang awiting ito’y para sa yo
At kung maubos ang tinig, di magsisisi
Dahil iyong narinig sa labi ko
Salamat, salamat... - Yeng Constantino

There was a time in our lives when we just felt that we’re at the bottom of the pit and yet, how some could still looked down and pushed you harder below.

It was during this time when we have learned that only you among yourselves in the family can truly help each other out.

…and a few good hearted people whom may not have given us anything material but their sincere presence and kind words (without them even knowing it!) are more than enough that it could never be replaced by anything money can buy.

To all of you, I say - you will never be forgotten… SALAMAT.

Tatay Agi & Nanay Gayang for adopting us – Mama, my siblings & I – for a few months when we have nowhere to go to…

Tita Ecor and family…

Tita Tess, Tito Genie & Family – for being our “family” in New Lucena most especially for loving our Precious…

Tito Gene Lorea & Family…

Our dear adoptive “cousins” Kristal and Kenneth…

The friends I made thru my EX- now hubby – Joebert, Kadog, Kimbok, Marx, Obet, and the rest I’ve learned to love in Sumatra as I have seen how they love Nonoy Joroli…

Tito Rommel & Tita Jean…

My Ninong Antoy & Ninang Babylette…

Mama Pasing, Papa Islaw and Tita Glenda...

My dear friend Kata…

Dear VANGUARDS especially to be mentioned – Ronie, Dexter, Joanne, Nikki, Liza…

To the ever sweet “Mimay” and “Heartshape” (:

To a very few Four-Season friends - Mam Lei, Mam Ca, Noelle, Jenie, Edzyl and Pam…

For the kind words…helping us…standing by us…never judging us…and for simply being there.

(A Part Two of “Salamat” may be coming soon…afterall, there are truly more good hearted people we meet along our journey who are worth to be acknowledged.)

Think Pink

"The greatest risk of getting breast cancer tomorrow is being born today in a developing country. The greatest risk of not surviving breast cancer today is being a woman in the Philippines."

- Rosa Francia-Meneses

EXIT

Before coming to Dubai, I have heard about people who came to the UAE and went to an “exit” once their visit visas expired. But I never imagined how it really was until it was my time for my own exit.

Kish Island, Iran

I have experienced my first exit at Kish Island. It was in December 2006. Honestly, all I can think of that time was for my new visit visa to come right away. I didn’t want to stay long in Kish. And I was worried that I might have not enough money… I was paying my own visa and didn’t have much. (: I haven’t found a stable job then.


Still, my experience in Kish have made me realize that I'm still very much luckier compared to some of our kababayans who are left there without anybody to help them in Dubai to get a new visa or purposely left by their sponsors. No wonder there are so much stories about Pinoys’ sad plight in Kish to the point that some would even resort to taking their lives. Yes, it’s true…sad but true.



Anyhow, after two days I got back to Dubai.

‘Looking back…I wish I should have just enjoyed my stay there. Should have taken some local tours and took more pictures. Sayang!

Sabi nga nila, Dubai life is never complete ‘til you experience your exit to Kish. (:



But that wasn’t my last exit…'kala mo. ):

Muscat, Oman


One should also exit not only when a visit visa expires but also to change from a visit visa to a working visa. The only difference is usually, you get to go back right away. And this “exit” is what we call a “transit”.

A transit happens when a person from UAE goes for an exit (so just for the immigration's record to simply show that you have exited! you may also pay...but that's another story for another time) and come back with an employment visa. Often, you got your visa already with you.

This is what usually happens…

Go to the airport.
Check in.
Line up for Passport Control for “Exit Stamp”.
Wait for your flight.
Board the plane.
Upon reaching your destination;
Go down the plane.
Get in to arrival.
(Here you may insert, go to the restroom – that is, if you have time - as sometimes you even don’t have the luxury of a 5-minute-smell-the-air-of-a-new-place as the attendant is already shouting “Boarding Flight No. ####!”)
And back to departure.
Board the very same plane.
And voila, before you could start snoring (pun intended! (: )…you’re back in UAE!

Bahrain


Welcome to the Land of F1!

This time I have gone to exit as I have just cancelled my Residence Visa with my previous employer. So, I’m back to being a Visitor of UAE! Duh.

I have smelled the air of Bahrain! Yes, smelled as I didn’t even have the chance of going to the rest room! I have to take my “pee” with me back to the very same plane we took in coming here and back. Another duh!

Transit –
So fast
Almost running
5 minutes or even less
So short of time
So much to miss
Transit
No time
for anything…

- Bahrain International Airport (written while inside the shuttle that brings us back to our plane)

Oman

Hay naku! Yes, another exit.

You see, going to an “exit” is not that all exciting especially if you’re paying for all your expenses PLUS the fact that you’re basically waiting for just a new visa and there’s a possibility that it may be rejected. ):

BUT the difference on this exit was I basically enjoyed it! The ONLY thing stopping me to truly enjoy the whole trip was my being away from my “Tatay”! (Patay luyag ako sa bana ko so, sue me!)

And my first time to exit on land… meaning nag-bus lang kami!!! Exciting!

From this I have experienced a totally different process of “exit” again. I know all about “borders” between countries but I still found it “amazing” (?) that just as we’re passing the Al Ain Highway, just on the other side of a fence is already Oman! (: Buki gid ah!



Got some bonding also with my travel mates from the agency - Darlene and Kuya Iggy. I think it was Darlene’s adobo that made us instant buddies! (: Almost four days of just sleeping…watching-whatever-is-on-the-“cable”…ligid!...eating…and more ligid and sleeping!





EXIT can bring out different emotions out of different people that depends on their situations while on a foreign nearby countries of UAE.

Friend, Nikki is right…it’s an opportunity to see new places…new people…new culture. So, one should also take advantage of it and kahit pano try to enjoy (ah…eh…easy to say! Believe me, hindi talaga ganun kadali para sa iba! Promise!)

And yes, of course, should your new visa comes - BE THANKFUL – that you're given another chance of a month-long-thanks-to-the-new-rule-of-hope again that somehow you’ll get lucky this time in finding a good job in the UAE.

Ika nga naming nagkasabay-sabay sa exit – “nawa’y magkita-kita na lang tayo sa Spinneys, Choithram at de Belchior…’wag na dito sa Oman!”



PS lang po: Pasensiya at ako'y walang camera kung kaya't halos puro ticket at brochure lang ang aking ebidensiya. (: Kung may picture man, salamat sa mobile na nahiram. ;)

PS #2: Ah...eh...'yong picture ng hotel po pala...we didn't stay there. (: Kundi sa parang katabing "sister-building" lang po nila. ;)