Hashtag paba-on, Mister Donut!

A few months ago, I received a call about how we are as a review center for nurses. 

Little did I know that it was going to be the start of a life-long partnership between us. 

As the days left are only within our finger's number, I would like to express how you all changed us as persons and as teachers. No amount of money or recognition could eve replace the kind of feeling that we have for the trust that you all gave us. It isn't an easy job because you placed in our midst not money but your future and your family's. 

I am in awe how God moved things for all of us. 

Remember how we used to deal with the summer classes at our 'looban room'. 

It was something i remember because not one complained but what we felt were more of appreciation. 

Soon after, when we moved to the 'sosyal room' it was the final start of our journey as conquerors. We were happy each day as we tried to mend our schedule with your own schedule processing. We shared a lot of good things and God knows how much I endured everything and kept the ball rolling when I personally was catastrophic. Each time I face you, though I'm battling hurt and frustrations, you brought sunshine to my day.

As we drew closer to the last quarter of the year, we saw how you all struggled and worked your ass off to be where you all wanted to be. Some faltered and fell but you all brought each other back in your fighting form. 

I can not fathom how could a class like yours be that humble enough to admit that you know nothing and asked for help. That alone for me is the true essence of study. In our little abode we fix things and you greased to be the ready. 

Yes, be ready. But like I always tell you, no one goes to it ready. 

Whatever happens the day after the board exam will never change how I looked at you and the memories we all shared. 

You guys, have been a solid rock of bottomless courage for me. 

We all know and aware that we are nothing compared to all the others who are more than capable, but I am certain that what makes you better than all the others is your attitude. Between knowledge and attitude I will not think twice in choosing to teach a student who has the right attitude over the right aptitude. 

As we drew closer to the final days of our relationship as teacher and students, allow me to mention a few things I want you to remember about us. 

First and foremost, I thank you for the trust you gave us. (sobs)

For never doubting us amidst the fact that some of you may have been snatched, that some of you may have heard silly things and that most of you were asked why us. I am more than thankful for the genuine relationship that we all have. What i felt was not only as a teacher but as a mother, and unconditionally I will do my best to nurture you. 

Second, for being dedicated and following our guidance. Your dedication to study and pursue your dreams will earn you a realization of your dreams. 

Lastly, I want you all to know that we are just here for better or for worse. That what ever the result may be, we're all in this together. 

I think that this is the best season that we have. I think that I have the best students, the best experience and the best outcome. 

I am actually very very tired already, but that's just a statement. My stat of mind is bigger than any physical exhaustion. I am proud and happy for all of you. 

If I have to repeat everything in a heartbeat, I will do so. 

EXCELLERISTAS December 2013

Congratulations nurses and thank you very much!

God is awesome!

Tandaan! Mister Donut ang pasalubong ng bayan!

Paying it Forward

Stories about the supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan) still flood our country and the whole planet. The Filipino people is still gripping each other's hand in order for everyone to survive and grew stronger as the nation starts to rebuild a portion of the Visayas with nothing at hand except for hope.

In my own province, Negros Occidental, there are also parts that suffered the wrath of the supertyphoon; one in particular is Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City.

Gratitude goes to the kind who enjoined and sent out their gifts, money and effort to give the people a little bit of sunshine through a small pack of goods and clothes.

A total of 100 gifts were distributed to the families in Brgy. Tabunok. Though the total number of families affected counts to 380(+), we have at least served 1/3 of it and hopefully we will be able to return on December to cover the remaining 280.

For the meantime, here are a few pictures of the operation last November 24, 2013.

Upon arrival, people started forming a queue.

Kim, one of my students was the one in-charge for dispatching the goods form the pick up truck

Kim & Lira with teh little girls, smiling despite everything

Lira giving out the clothes we brought

Giving a little bit of spiel before handing out the goods

We asked recipients of goods to sign their names so that next time we can accommodate those who have not received yet

Special Thanks to Gilbert for volunteering his truck to transport the goods

And here are the names of the recipients. 

We actually coordinated with the barangay captain and sent out a coupon ahead of time so we could somehow control who receives the goods. And these coupons were given to the severely damaged households. 

Everything happened faster that I expected, and though we have given it still lingers in me the fact that there is still a lot of things to be done. I hope this is not the last.

Mothers were asking me if we brought a long pad papers and notebooks for school children because their school items got wet. I told them if we come back, I will bring some for the kids.

The relief project will not be successful and fulfilling if not for the gifts shared by the students and some private individuals. From the people pf Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City, Thank you very much.

Clothing:
1. Mr. Marlon Rey Anacleto
2. Ms. Mary Grace Baker
3. Ms. Tricia Cuenca
4. Ms. Dulce Verde Regatalio
5. Excellero Review System students
6. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas

Canned Goods
1. MJ Alpas
2. Dyeka Tuparan

Noodles
1. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas

Rice
1. Ms Lydia Jackie Rivera of California

Special thanks to:
Sir Daniel Francis Sustento, Steve Genzola, Kim Villarosa, Lira Catalan, Serlyn Locanilao & family and Gilbert Tan for helping out in the repacking and distribution of goods.

We hope that more and more people will be inspired to reach out as we have bigger goals to meet.
We are still planning the second leg of this relief operation by December and we welcome those who are still willing to help us in any way.

God bless and Mabuhay ang nagtutulungang Pilipino!

Foods in BCD: Fogo

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet and so is my place.

Life is sweeter in Bacolod and streets in Negros are covered with sugar.
The place where you can find the sweetest smile and the charming sing-song intonation.

Let me start my blogging about my province.
This is the Bini-brainy sharing you Negros Occidental.

FIRST stop is the Negros Food.
Aside from the very popular Bacolod chicken inasal, there are a hundred more places to go and fulfill your gastronomic needs when in Bacolod.

The other night, we tried a new restaurant called Fogo which means "fire" in Portuguese.
The flavors were a mix of South American dishes like burritos and quesadilla.

Here's what we ordered:

Clockwise:

1. Cheese Quesadilla
2. Beef Burrittos
3. Carnitas
4. Peri-peri Chicken

I'm really not quite well adept with the terms, ingredients and seasonings that they used but let me just describe the food.

Here we go.

The Cheese Quesadilla was good. Probably our favorite because it wasn't very moist and salty and the crust (is that how it's called?) is not too dry or soft.

The burrito was also a go-to food. It's somehow complete because it is like a rice with ulam in a foil. (Haha!)

The carnitas, it was a corned beef with a twist because it wasn't anything like a canned food.

The Peri-peri Chicken was I think an Argentinian dish. It's chicken in a peri-peri sauce, which I'm sorry not to know the ingredients. 

The owners were very accommodating and we appreciate them for taking time in introducing each cuisine. 

Then, as my tradition, I should check on the "powder room" or "comfort room" of the restaurants I visit. It says a lot about the practice especially the 'cleanliness' of a food house. And I'm glad, Fogo's is clean and colorful too. 

Iril in this very colorful toilet. #OC #clean #plus5

To sum it all, I'm gonna give Fogo a 3.5/5 score - for the new ambience, food and warmth. 

!Muito Gostosoi!

My thoughts on and on and on

It may come as a realization on my part that I may have lost the best love of my life (in so far).
It may be a jab on face to know that things slipped, and plans forgone.

So much that to consider it as a painful failure made things a little more difficult to surpass.
In my world of idealism, it should never happen.

But then, we live in the real world, and in our perception which is more or less influenced by the people around us, it's quite an arduous task.

Today, I heard a story about a person I look up to, Someone, I thought have everything. But then learning that she too is not spared from all the difficulties life can throw, even the most influential person can also be down and depressed, tried and tested.

Without comparing our own life's path I am just learning  a thing or two from her experience.

First, that is to keep the balance in everything that we do and everything that we are. May it be in love, career, relationships and goals.

Second, at this age and time, I still grateful that at least I am encountering difficulties. This is indeed life and everything is a part of growing up. I know that I will never be able to master it even until my deathbed but I will just have to be prepared.

I am glad of everything that I have now. And more importantly I am blessed to have everyone surround me.

I may have a lot of mistakes committed and errors more to make, but I will keep in mind and in my heart that   things happen for a reason. Our yes may sometimes need to be a no. Our time may not be now. Our days may not be always sunny.

Then again, this is still our life and we should live it.
With a happy heart!

Why hurt the heart?

Why do we keep hurting the people we proclaim to love and loves us?

This is question I want to find the answer the soonest time possible. 
It is very difficult to reconcile how love and anger can be compatible. 
This is explanable yes, arguably understandable but in thoughts, matters and beatings of our heart or in neurology, the parietal lobe, it is still unbearable. 

I'd like to know why this world though how much love we paint and understanding we deliver, we are still bound to commit one of the biggest and most fatal error - that is to hurt the people we loved the most. 

I don't want to sound so naive nor experienced but it can be observed that most of the time we are culprits of the most beautiful and the most hurtful love we can give to one another. I'm thinking whether that's just the normal cyclical dynamics of our existence or do we really have the best hand to rule over these circumstances. 

I have been in loved not long ago. It was not a perfect love but I know I gave ample amount of love and faith into it, but then in a lot of occasions I fell short, committed a mistake and hurt the person. This is sad definitely, I feel bad and I try to undo things by becoming better, but in another moment, I may have hurt the person all over again and yes, I felt sorry. However, I try to figure out now how is this related to our existence now? Is it really a part and parcel of our being or maybe we can shortcut the situation and proceed to loving? 

I still do not know the answer. All I know is that I am in the process of discovering how it should, would and could have been... a little bit less painful. 

I am sorry for all the heartaches I have brought and believe me, I am miserably sorry. 

Good morning!

Amidst all the bad vibes that are being thrown on my beloved people and me as well these days, I refuse to accept the negativeness and just move on with my happy life. I may be affected a lot of times as I am 'hyper-reactive' too... but I will still hold my ground in swaying things towards the opposite pole... 

There's this little mouse who keep on chugging on the happy relationships that we have in our place but sooner or later I tell you my dear, that you will end up in the sewage... 

There's this big cat too that has been out-furred a long time ago but still believes she's a tiger. Grow old girl, it's mating time for mammals and you're still dried fish!

They are just a few but again, I will be laughing and I will greet them with a big smile and say... Thank God, we're still alive!

Don'ts

I don't even know if you still love me or want me or need me or like me...

I don't honestly know how to begin and how to end...

I don't care what happens tomorrow, today or the previous year...

I don't know how it truly began.

But this one thing I know for certain - that I am loyal to you and the promise.

The pains may come as I love you.

The hurt may accompany the adoration I gave you.

The sorrows may be the peak of my surrender.

And most of all the tears will never run dry as I continue believing that what I have is worth.

I just hope you stop before I stop too.

In silence I bear the irresistible heart of loving.

April is my lucky month...

April's Fools Day. That's how this month always starts but in my case, it is different...

I have observed that each year, come April blessings abound. Thank you God!

I should actually be leaving for Oregon on the (last) 7th as part of the Rotary Bacolod Group Study Exchange Program for 6 weeks. BUT I withdrew.

Still, I am honored and grateful for the trust and confidence Rotary gave me but I just have to step back. Anyways, I can still comeback next year. 

Oregon 2013

L-R: Toni Ganado (Zamboanga), RJ Mission (Iloilo), Doc Jundad Legislador - Team Leader (Kabankalan),
 Laurence Soteo (Iloilo), Macky Dela Cruz (Aklan)

Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog

But I know God's promises and gifts are waaaayyyyyy BETTER!

And here I am now, wanting to extend my day because of the sudden gifts (unexpected) God sent OUR review center. Every month seems to be a little bit better than the previous with a thing or two mushroom-ing, whether it's personal or professional. 

I'm just glad I did the 'right' decision by staying and being the 'domesticated Joya' or my staff and my partner will have a head-lesser when I'm away. 

Either way I guess I am still blessed and God provides!
And He is awesome not only providing for tomorrow but the coming years. Now I remember the story of the 7 lean cows and 7 fat cows!

I think we'll soon have corned beef supply soon! (HAHA!)

I am just contented with the simplicity and errand-filled days of my life lately...

To my Team Oregon! AJA! Keribels! Bell's Palsy...


Photo Credits: Doc Jundad's Facebook

19,955

This number forever changed my life. Thank you for the opportunity Big Brother. 

To all those who watched, supported and journeyed with me and the rest of the housemates, thank you. 

What happened after this number were priceless. It has been exactly two years, April 4, 2011 when what was written in the stars happened. Remember what I have said

 Direk Laurenti (just in case you read this)?

Writing soon...

Easter egg

Source: www.womanaroundtown.com
HAPPY EASTER!!!

HAPPY EASTER!

May we all find our own life's promising Easter eggs!

They are just hidden somewhere, we'll just have to find them... 

Search for them!

Chocolate & Life

This is how I feel right now. 

Thank You Lord for the opportunities and experiences. 

Most of all thank You for all the people who are with me now. 

We'll soon see how sweet the chocolate will be. 

Survival Tips #1: How to Survive a Break-up

For someone who had never 'switched' channel in love life, this is quite an uncharted territory that I will discuss for now. I had my boyfriend when I was 22 years old already (Yup, knock knock Cupid), and categorically I was kinda late or should I say slow... 

And I am not so sure if I underwent, experienced 'break-up' in it's entirety and full blast effect because my relationship with my boyfriend is far from typical. Nevertheless, at some point we all have attempted and encountered a break-up. Allow me then to give pieces of advices on, 

HOW TO SURVIVE A BREAK-UP IN 5 WAYS

(I welcome all your inputs, comments and reactions as I am aware that I am NOT a Mastrate Degree holder in this aspect. Let's see and learn.)

#1 QUEEN BEE MOVEMENT
What I mean is simply become or follow the actuation of a humble bee. Keep yourself busy, occupied and working despite the fact that deep inside God knows you are breaking apart. Bag the Employee of the Month attitude in the office or target a promotion. Try doing something you have put off before because you must be with your then current-bf. Like finish reading that book that was beside your lamp  ever since the time you bought it or finish your thesis papers entitled: A Correlational Study Between Men and Their Shoe Size (HAHA). Try on new things (healthy and safe) like get into sports- tae kwon do or perhaps running? Shed that extra love handles, and bring sexy back! Never get into something that you know will cause you trouble like binge eating or alcoholism. Remember to keep calm and show the person that despite your vulnerability you can still get on with life. 

#2 IPATAWAG ANG BARKADA EPISODE
This is not PM-ing all your Facebook or Twitter friends and followers but choose only those significant people around that you know can LISTEN and not blame you for being so out-of-your-mind in dating and coupling with that guy they were not rooting for since day one. While this is not actually necessary and you don't owe anyone an explanation but then remember that our social support system gives us a lot of extra willpower to move on. Turn this painful episode of your life into something fruitful and bonding amongst your closest and TRUSTED friends. 

#3 CRY ME A RIVER
I am a crusader for emotions! If there is a need for you to shed tears and even buckets of it, do so. If it makes everything lighter then by all means cry but make a pack with yourself that it will be the last. There's nothing wrong with crying over a failed relationship because that's pretty much normal and it's a sign that hey you actually loved and cared truly that the demise of your thought-it-is-going-to-work-4ever relationship hurt you. 

#4 KEEP CALM & YOUR MOUTH SHUT
Yes, sometime shit happens! I know! things like this may fuel our emotions into speaking ill or ruthless about the person but I guess it wont gain much. Maybe sympathy, but it will just make you look like a loser and will just be a bad rep for you. As much as possible during the #2 IPATAWAG ANG BARKADA moment you will be objective (slightly subjective --- OK) in telling things. Stick with facts and sometimes even if it is a fact, if you know it'll destroy the person I think it's better to follow our mother's wisdom of not saying anything at all especially if you don't have anything good to say. Guard the secrets he asked you to keep, yeah even his bad breath or maybe the crookedness of his *bleep* because it is not actually about what we say but the fact that we are badmouthing other people. Who knows in a few months, you might get back with each other?! Just respect the person. 

#5 LOVE IS THE BEGINNING, THE WAY, THE END
Love - this four letter word that makes the world go round. Even if we failed for the nth time, just as long as we know we did all we can, we gave all we have and shared life's precious moments, it is still enough reason for us to smile and be thankful that God sent us some people to love, be loved and learn. Perhaps, you just have to pass through all those weird and achy-breaky moments to be able to know what love truly is and when finally you have found your soulmate you know what to do and what not. 

There's really no perfect formula for situations like this and there is also no perfect relationship. Some just become successful because the couple worked hard. But if you know in your heart that "nagmahal ka nang wagas" there's really nothing to be bitter or crass about. 

Never compare your love life with anyone nor compare one lover with the others, it is just so confusing and irrelevant. Remember the song line - love is all that matters faithful and forever. 

Continue to love and love will continue finding its way to you...

500 Days of Summer Movie Trailer

The thing about why I picked this movie is not because of its 'falling in love' story but because of the respect they gave each other during the whole course and after all. 

This Guy is in Love with Me Pare

So, this morning I put up a drama with him. 
I looked sad and he called me and insisted to making me tell him what's going through my mind... 
I just can't lie from him because like what he told me, "every movement of your face means something and I know where it's heading..."

I tried to keep away from his investigations but I just can't keep it to myself. 
He told me he can play a role of a friend and just listen.
And so I started my script... hehe
But it was turning bad, he tried to talk me out, expressed his thoughts and made his way clear. 

Of course, I started crying and he shook the tears and instead console with the very fact that nothing has changed. Because we girls are very keen observant that every movement or change in details would be noted. Actually he contradict this by saying... "You're not a keen observer you're a malicious spectator..." --- I know, but.... 

He hugged me tight and assured me we just have to take it just like how we were really before everything came so dangerously complicated. And I got that... 

I just thank God for sending him to me. Someone who would love me unconditionally and kiss all my heartaches goodbye. Someone who makes me feel secured, happy and crazy. 

I trust that you will never ever be that ex-bf - boy friend. 

I may fall short of being the simple girl you have loved before but I know you will love me and my transformation. 

Thank you for all that you have done and took for me. I love you like the waves in the ocean. 

This is how our students see him:

Mr. Pathophysiology

This is how he is with our staff:

Just the cool nice boss

This is how he is to me:

The complete opposite & my gray-boy

Today was his day. 
I started my drama but failed to impress him, like how it usually happens.

When I first opened my Companion, this is what I saw - the reading for the day: 

Book of Daniel

Maybe God was telling me something. Each time we're having some rough times, God would always send me hints. maybe this is one way of telling me that my soulmate was written by God already. That he is God's gift to me. I trust God and I know it's the best!

Checking cooking out...

I am very honest in admitting that I do not know how to cook. 
That's why when they say that the best way into a man's heart is through his stomach I would counter attack it by saying that while it's true that it is through his gastronomic experience that will make him interested with a girl, it is actually your wit and humor that will make him stay. #hello? delivery is able! 

However, we age and time is demanding me with dynamic skills. 
I may make my boyfriend or husband stay by my wit but never will I be able to feed my children nor my staff with sheer funny jokes or lingual prowess but by bread alone? Hmmpf, food I mean. 

That's why I am now taking baby steps in venturing with food preparation. 
I started this journey off by making 'Chicken Adobo in Rosemary' for my Korean friends who were here in Bacolod last February. 

With my Korean friends at Campuestohan Highlands, Negros Occ. 

It was just about chicken which I am familiar cooking with. But FoodTechBlooper#1, I didn't know that adobo starts with sauteed garlic?! HA!? Where did my basic sense of cooking go? But then it was just fine because I actually started adobo with lotsa, lotsa of water... think, sinigang or tinola style. HAHA! After simmering for 45 minutes I corrected my fail-moment by slowly taking water out of the casserole. Note to self: Genius move! Haha. Still, I have achieved the taste I wanted. 

Fortunately or maybe they are just being nice, the Koreans liked it! Survive!
Iril, my friend, said it was good for a first-time cook and Daniel said, the adobo was so me, matamis! Haha! So, can you just imagine how it tasted? But honestly, I can pretty well say I am around the scorecard: 3/5. Slowclap!

Last week, I went on with my second chicken menu, the 'DNA Chicken'. 

It was adapted from a cookbook but I remodeled it. Chicken was stuffed with cheese and seasoned with rosemary and wrapped in bacon, cooked in Sprite and lemon zest, then fried. The family was so supportive of me saying that I'm getting married soon that's why I'm practicing. This time I was good in skills but I lacked the definitive taste buds. My brother and Daniel commented it was a bit less tasty but it just needs little fine tuning - what good critics I have! I think I'm gonna give my self a score of 2/5. 

There will always be a first time and mine has passed. I will be cooking more and more and more. My next ambitious goal is 'The Medallion' --- hopefully I will be able to achieve it. For the mean time, allow me to experiment on eggs - fried eggs just that. 

DNA Chicken because of the double-helix form of the lemon. Served with potatoes.

Bon appetit! 

Moving on

I think I have not been a 'good girl' in the past months. 
However, I am perplexed and at the same time amazed by how much blessings God sent my way and made me feel guilty and thankful that despite my own shortcomings  God is taking mercy on me - that is giving me what I do not deserve. 

No need reason to worry much but just move up and share the blessings.

By the way, I temporarily quit Facebook, for it has caused me so many 'prankster' moments. 
But as we all know I'm still coming back so soon... :-) 

In the mean time, I'm just gonna be hanging around here at blogspot. 

More of me soon. 

Just have fun. Christmas eve 2012