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.)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
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
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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. ;)
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. ;)
Friday, August 1, 2008
HE is talking to me...
mood: hopeful...
Got this from my Inbox taken from my Kerygma subscription.
I usually start my day opening my emails and read that with subject "God's message for you today...".
And God just never fails to amaze me with HIS words that would always come so timely especially when I'm down...in doubt...problematic...sad.
HIS words never fails to only bring me hope, peace and smile. (:
Here's one that is just so me at the moment though it's been more than a month now...
“Is it not you alone, O Lord, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things.” – Jeremiah 14:22
Our journey of infertility has been going on over for seven years. If I were to enumerate the procedures, pains, tries and trials, one Didache volume wouldn’t be sufficient. But the good news is, as I write this, I am ten weeks pregnant. Praise the Lord! Recently, we saw our baby kicking and swimming inside my womb through the wonder of a 4D ultrasound.
One of my realizations in this chapter of my life is how the Lord has been so faithful, even if I was not. Many times, I unwisely depended on our doctors, the thermometer, injections, lab results and oral medications. I lost heart when things didn’t go as planned. I lost sight of what God can do and focused more on what we could control.
I realize that when I look elsewhere, I will be frustrated. I’m beginning to understand that when I put more trust on things or people, they can always let me down.
I know that when I look to the Lord, however perilous or uncertain the path, the endings are always happy.
Yes, always. He alone makes impossible things possible. Lallaine Gogna
REFLECTION:
Is there any aspect in your life now that you haven’t given fully to the Lord?
Teach me to look to You alone, Lord. You alone can do all things.
How about you?
How did GOD talk to you today? (:
Got this from my Inbox taken from my Kerygma subscription.
I usually start my day opening my emails and read that with subject "God's message for you today...".
And God just never fails to amaze me with HIS words that would always come so timely especially when I'm down...in doubt...problematic...sad.
HIS words never fails to only bring me hope, peace and smile. (:
Here's one that is just so me at the moment though it's been more than a month now...
“Is it not you alone, O Lord, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things.” – Jeremiah 14:22
Our journey of infertility has been going on over for seven years. If I were to enumerate the procedures, pains, tries and trials, one Didache volume wouldn’t be sufficient. But the good news is, as I write this, I am ten weeks pregnant. Praise the Lord! Recently, we saw our baby kicking and swimming inside my womb through the wonder of a 4D ultrasound.
One of my realizations in this chapter of my life is how the Lord has been so faithful, even if I was not. Many times, I unwisely depended on our doctors, the thermometer, injections, lab results and oral medications. I lost heart when things didn’t go as planned. I lost sight of what God can do and focused more on what we could control.
I realize that when I look elsewhere, I will be frustrated. I’m beginning to understand that when I put more trust on things or people, they can always let me down.
I know that when I look to the Lord, however perilous or uncertain the path, the endings are always happy.
Yes, always. He alone makes impossible things possible. Lallaine Gogna
REFLECTION:
Is there any aspect in your life now that you haven’t given fully to the Lord?
Teach me to look to You alone, Lord. You alone can do all things.
How about you?
How did GOD talk to you today? (:
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
mood: mourning
We had gone through one of the saddest trials in our marriage life during the past weeks.
I had a miscarriage and lost what could have been our first born.
Our very first ANGEL…our very first joy.
I didn’t expect to recover fast from the lost and be able to cope well with what happened. But “Praise to HIM” for the strength HE had given us…I know that HE did a lot with how we got through this test.
“Thank you” also goes to all our friends who took time to say hello and let us know that we are in their prayers. And that there is always a next time… (:
Everytime I’m being asked how I’m doing, “Ok and better” would be my answers but deep inside I know there’s a part of me that will forever be mourning over losing her. (:
Her…yes, because I felt that it was a girl. And my husband thought so, too.
He could have her named Aira May.
I would have wanted Ma. Elisa Carmen Silao Almeria.
But whatever could have her name…if only…
The pain is there but life has to go on.
We’re taking it as HIS will and HIS WILL BE DONE. Indi man kami gusto ipilit. HE knows what’s best for us. Sometimes it hits me but I don’t want to find faults and blame. And I’m proud to say, I never even thought of asking HIM “Why?”.
I know in all these, it was my husband who gone through more but it was during this time that I realized even more how much my husband loves me. I was spoiled the whole time! (: And I knew that Nonoy is and will always be my strength. That as long as I am with him, everything will turn out fine.
And to our baby, this poem I have written…
Our very first ANGEL…
you’ll always be
to your “papa” and me.
Forever we would wish
to have carried and held you
sang you lullabies
cradled in our arms
‘til you have closed your eyes.
Forever we will dream
of your smile
giggles
and how you will grow in our lives.
We hope that even once
in your early life
you’ve felt how much
you are loved.
Look upon us –
your papa and mama
once in a while.
Our little angel,
rest now and sleep tight.
We had gone through one of the saddest trials in our marriage life during the past weeks.
I had a miscarriage and lost what could have been our first born.
Our very first ANGEL…our very first joy.
I didn’t expect to recover fast from the lost and be able to cope well with what happened. But “Praise to HIM” for the strength HE had given us…I know that HE did a lot with how we got through this test.
“Thank you” also goes to all our friends who took time to say hello and let us know that we are in their prayers. And that there is always a next time… (:
Everytime I’m being asked how I’m doing, “Ok and better” would be my answers but deep inside I know there’s a part of me that will forever be mourning over losing her. (:
Her…yes, because I felt that it was a girl. And my husband thought so, too.
He could have her named Aira May.
I would have wanted Ma. Elisa Carmen Silao Almeria.
But whatever could have her name…if only…
The pain is there but life has to go on.
We’re taking it as HIS will and HIS WILL BE DONE. Indi man kami gusto ipilit. HE knows what’s best for us. Sometimes it hits me but I don’t want to find faults and blame. And I’m proud to say, I never even thought of asking HIM “Why?”.
I know in all these, it was my husband who gone through more but it was during this time that I realized even more how much my husband loves me. I was spoiled the whole time! (: And I knew that Nonoy is and will always be my strength. That as long as I am with him, everything will turn out fine.
And to our baby, this poem I have written…
Our very first ANGEL…
you’ll always be
to your “papa” and me.
Forever we would wish
to have carried and held you
sang you lullabies
cradled in our arms
‘til you have closed your eyes.
Forever we will dream
of your smile
giggles
and how you will grow in our lives.
We hope that even once
in your early life
you’ve felt how much
you are loved.
Look upon us –
your papa and mama
once in a while.
Our little angel,
rest now and sleep tight.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
My name is...
All of us four sisters were named by our Mama.
...as well as most of my cousins especially that of my Tita Ecor's - Rhodmar, Pearl Marriet and Mary Hyrhope.
...and she's naming my sister, Goldie's first born.
...and, yes, even if not yet confirmed, the baby I willl, in God's grace have. (:
Each of our names have special meanings or most likely, a combination or has something to do with special and/or important persons in our lives or my Mama's life while having her pregnancy such as the case of my sister Goldie, whose name actually came from the actress Goldie Hawn whom our mother was so fond at that time she was heavy with her (Dudi).
Ma. Carmen Amethyst came from Maria - as she was born just about after the Feast of the Candles, yes, fiesta sa Jaro! She came on February 3; Carmen is our "Mama Came's" name whom was like a second mother to Mama and took her and from the hospital when Ingkay was born; and Amethyst - well February's birthstone. (:
Mary Precious. Mary was also taken from Mary as in, Mama Mary and Precious simply means, she is the most loved, important in the family...say it ala Gollum..."my precious...".
And EMMA GEREL...
As the eldest and common to most, the eldest apo is the most favorite (ahem!) only I am not so sure if our Lola Marit was here but that I'm...well, quite sure with my Lola Lisa and Lolo Noming (ahem! again...) thus, probably our Mama thought it will be well to have all my lolos and lolas name be combined (para waay sabit!) thus came my name -
...EMMA stands for EMilio-MArrieta my maternal grandparents and GEREL from GERonimo-ELisa, my grandparents from my father's side.
Now you know...
Ikaw diin halin ngalan mo? (:
...as well as most of my cousins especially that of my Tita Ecor's - Rhodmar, Pearl Marriet and Mary Hyrhope.
...and she's naming my sister, Goldie's first born.
...and, yes, even if not yet confirmed, the baby I willl, in God's grace have. (:
Each of our names have special meanings or most likely, a combination or has something to do with special and/or important persons in our lives or my Mama's life while having her pregnancy such as the case of my sister Goldie, whose name actually came from the actress Goldie Hawn whom our mother was so fond at that time she was heavy with her (Dudi).
Ma. Carmen Amethyst came from Maria - as she was born just about after the Feast of the Candles, yes, fiesta sa Jaro! She came on February 3; Carmen is our "Mama Came's" name whom was like a second mother to Mama and took her and from the hospital when Ingkay was born; and Amethyst - well February's birthstone. (:
Mary Precious. Mary was also taken from Mary as in, Mama Mary and Precious simply means, she is the most loved, important in the family...say it ala Gollum..."my precious...".
And EMMA GEREL...
As the eldest and common to most, the eldest apo is the most favorite (ahem!) only I am not so sure if our Lola Marit was here but that I'm...well, quite sure with my Lola Lisa and Lolo Noming (ahem! again...) thus, probably our Mama thought it will be well to have all my lolos and lolas name be combined (para waay sabit!) thus came my name -
...EMMA stands for EMilio-MArrieta my maternal grandparents and GEREL from GERonimo-ELisa, my grandparents from my father's side.
Now you know...
Ikaw diin halin ngalan mo? (:
What Emma Gerel Means |
 You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone. Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. |
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