How To Stay Young

Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this In mind if you are one of those grouches.)
Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
Enjoy the simple things.
Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with you your entirelife, is yourself. LIVE while you are alive.
Surround yourself with what you love. Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I Hope You Dance...

My best friend, Roxe, gave me a journal on my last birthday. On the first page, she wrote this poem. We both don't know who the poet is, but we just love this poem. And this is my prayer and wish for everyone as well...

I HOPE YOU DANCE...

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder...
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger...
May you never take one single breath for granted...
God forbid ever to leave you empty-handed...
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean...
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens...
Promise me that you'd give faith a fighting chance...
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...
I hope you dance...
I hope you dance...

Take the Risk...

From one of my favorite authors, Leo Buscaglia...

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool...
To weep is to risk being called sentimental...
To reach out to someone is to risk involvement...
To expose one's feelings is to risk showing your true self...
To place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive...
To love is to risk not being loved in return...
To live is to risk dying...
To hope is to risk despair...
To try is to risk failure...

But risks must be taken,
becaus the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing,
is nothing, and becomes nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrows,
but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.
Chained by his certitude, he's a slave.
He has forfeited his freedom.
Only the person who risks is truly free.
Try it and see what happens...

My Bangkok Experience 2: THE Day (June 2, 2007)

Even with just barely 3 hours of sleep, I woke up early the following morning. (Must be from too much excitement.) It's THE DAY... the day of the concert!

Since I slept in Serene's hotel room the night before, I had to rush back to my own hotel to get changed. Without even brushing my teeth, I took a cab to the Bangkok Palace, had a quick shower, went down for breakfast. And off I went again back to Serne's hotel.

We agreed the night before to meet at the Pathuman Princess with Karen and Grace and the 2 girls from Hong Kong so that we can go together to the Impact Arena for the concert. After making arrangements for our ride, we went to the Siam Paragon Center to see the Rain Exhibit there. Although, there was nothing really "extraordinary" in the exhibit, it became a "must see" for the true-blue Bi-ers in Bangkok, especially for us who went all the way from our own countries just to see the concert.

Before noon time, Serene and I decided to go ahead of the rest of the group to the Impact Arena since her ticket's in Standing B and she had to line up early to get a good spot for the concert. Even hours before showtime, there were already a lot of fans at the venue, either lining up or just going around through the different booths set up by the various sponsors, including the booth selling official RWT merchandises. (I spent like ThB3,500 for my Rain souvenirs. Aiishh!) The atmosphere outside the actual concert venue is already exciting and fun enough.

While waiting in line, I finally met a Filipina Rain fan. I got so excited when I spoted this lady in blue shirt holding a Philippine flaglette. Tita Vergie turned out to be a member of Cloud-Philippines, the official Rain fan club in the Philippines. She introduced me to the rest of the members (there were like 13 of them) who also travelled to Bangkok just for the concert. It was really very exciting to finally meet my "kababayans" at the Impact Arena, especially that I haven't met any Filipino fan in Bangkok until then.

At around 7 pm, they started letting people inside the venue. It was so exciting for me just being there. I've been watching the DVD of Rain's World Tour Premiere (in Seoul, October 2006) almost EVERYDAY since February (It's actually my "national athem" as I watch it every morning while getting ready for work)... And I was thinking, "Now I am about to see the show and Rain LIVE!"

Since I've always been a music lover, I've already seen a lot of concerts and live shows in my life. But I have to say, in all honesty and without bias, this concert has got to be THE BEST I've seen so far.

The whole production is so world-class - at par or even better than that of international stars. The stage set up is probably the best I've seen in a concert - with all the large LCD screens and all fireworks and special effects. The look, feel and concept of the stage changes from song to song. It's the kind of stage that you'll enjoy best watching from afar because you just have to see the whole stage with everything on it and not only the singer (Rain's always on the big screen on both sides of the stage anyway). There are even songs when the stage will be so busy - different images on each LCD screen, fireworks, lights and lasers, dancers everywhere, and Rain of course - that you really would be torn on where to focus your attention on. The visuals are so spectacular!

And Rain... Well, what can I say? He's just simply amazing! I guess, you'll never fully appreciate the talent of an artist unless you see him perform live. Rain doesn't disappoint. There are not too many artists around who can sing and dance. And Rain does both soooo well. Gosh, makes me proud to be a fan!

But I would say, much of the entertainment value of this concert comes from the fact that the singer dances so well. Just look at these moves...

My favorite parts of the show would be...

"Bad Guy"... Which was given a new take and sound by making it a tango version. I just love the way they danced here... such grace... especially for guys whose specialty is funk and street dance...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uSusvtKac0

The staples of every Rain fan... "In My Bed" and "Nan (I)"... because these two performances showcases Bi's sensuality the best... and not to mention those sexy, killer abs... keke...

Favorite moves of the night... (1) the pumping move in "In My Bed"... with matching close-up shot of his crotch... haha!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4K-CKm1h3g

And (2) the playful pulling down of his pants (way too low) while singing "Nan"... Whoooh... steaming hot!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0bOsnB9U78

"Harudo (Not A Single Day)"... After all the dance showcases (this is the 3rd to the last song of the night), I love that he just stood in the middle of the stage, with just the microphone, no elaborate visuals (except the disco ball on the LCD screen), with hardly any movement at all, and just sang my favorite of all of Bi's songs...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMJnN1Bv7I

After two hours and 21 songs (which every song, I may add, was like watching an elaborate production number in an award show or something) , it's time to say goodnight with the encore, "Instead of Goodbye"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HxmYoLG9vc

As I've said earlier, this concert is THE BEST I've seen in my life. The two hours show was definitely worth the ThB2500 I paid for the ticket. Hell, it was well worth my whole trip to Bangkok!!! I am so glad that I came. It truly was a big blessing...

My Bangkok Experience: The First Day (June 1, 2007)

It's been one month exactly today since my first Rain concert in Bangkok, Thailand. And to mark the first month anniversary of my Bangkok experience, I'm re-living the whole thing here. I have told the stories over and over to anyone who would care to listen but I really haven't planted it down on my memory lane...

Bangkok had already been part of my "trip list" since last year, but I've never really seriously planned it. That is, until I read of Rain's World Tour schedule there in a blog site of a Rain-fan friend, Charlie, just two weeks before the actual show dates. Right there and then I made the decision to go and immediately started working on my bookings. I was so excited and passionate about it. I've been watching Rain's World Tour Premiere Concert (the showcase in Korea in October 2006) every morning for the last four months (not to mention watching "Full House" every night and feeding my Rain-addiction with diligent visits to Rain sites on the net everyday). This was my chance to see the real thing, live, in person. I just had to go. There was no stopping me...

I was travelling alone, on my first time in Bangkok and I knew no one in the city at all. But that's just the start of the whole "adventure".

I left Manila on a Cebu Pacific late evening flight on May 31, Thursday. I arrived in Bangkok at 1:00 AM of June 1. By that time, I already made a few Filipino friends from the departure waiting area and even bonded with my plane seatmate, Tita Tessa Jalandoni. I already knew people in Bangkok. They gave me their numbers because they were concerned about me travelling alone in a new place. (Seemingly, they all thought I was so much younger than my actual age. Kekeke... ) From the airport, we were shuttled to our hotel, the Bangkok Palace. I was able to get a few hours sleep, woke up, got breakfast and off to a half-day city tour I went with five other Filipinas I also met from the flight to Bangkok.

After the half day city and temple tour (which was probably my only "cultural and educational experience" in this trip... Kekeke), our group went for lunch at the MBK Center (a huge mall in downtown Bangkok) and then went our separate ways.

That's when I met my first foreign friend in Bangkok, Serene. I was buying Tita Nonie (the officemate who introduced me to Rain and is responsible for my addiction now... Haha) a DVD of "I'm A Cyborg, But That's OK' (Rain's first movie) and when I reached the counter, this lady was buying the exact same thing. As it turned out, Serene, a Singaporean, was also in town, also alone, just for the concert. We hit it off easily.


After a quick stop at a Buddhist temple, Serene and I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at the Pathuman Princess (the hotel where Rain was staying). I never planned or even thought of doing that. But since I was alone and had no definite plans or schedule in Bangkok, I figured, what the heck. So there we were at the hotel lobby with a whole bunch of other people (mostly from other Asian countries) we just met, acting like real, true-blue, die-hard fans, just waiting for Rain to show up. (So that's how it feels to be a "stalker"? Haha...) But you can really feel the excitement and enthusiasm and joy in the air. It's like we're in an international convention. Everyone was so friendly (and very hyper at that) even if communication can sometimes be difficult (not everyone speaks English). I guess it's because we share a common passion, and should I say, "craziness" for Rain.

Oh, another interesting thing that happened at the PP... I got interviewed (together with Serene) on Thai local TV. This pretty girl (the reporter) approached us and asked if she can interview us for a late night English news. Of course we said "yes" and without much ado, the impromptu interview began right there at the lobby. We were asked our names, where we're from, how we met. The interviewer was quite surprised to know that Serene and I just met a few hours before, that she commented, "So, Rain brought the two of you together?" She also asked why we like Rain so much and I answered that it's not just his good looks or the sexy body, or even his music, it's the whole package, especially his inspiring character and values. (That may sound like a "practised answer" but it's not... Keke) But the best question: "If you were to come face to face with Rain, what is that one question you would ask him?" To which I gave my best answer in the entire interview, "Will you marry me?" Haha. Of course I didn't mean it. I was just trying to be witty. But looking back now, I can't believe I "proposed" to Rain on Thai TV. Talk about an interesting experience. Hahaha...

At around 6 PM, the lobby started buzzing. Rain is about to come down to join his dancers for rehearsals at the concert venue. We all juggled for the best positions near the escalators. I went up to the mezzanine because I knew Rain would be passing there too and it won't be as crowded up there. Again, I never really planned nor even thought of doing this - acting like some crazed fan. But then again what the heck! I was already there and the experience was something new but totally exciting and interesting for me. All the fans waiting and the guards roaming around were adding up to the anticipation. After another half an hour later, people from one side of the mezzanine started screaming. Rain's there, on his way down, about to pass us (we were all cordoned on one side, by the way). I already saw him from afar. It was my first time to see him in person and I was mesmerized for a while. He had a certain aura about him that really commands attention. Or was it just his height or his built or even his good skin? Whatever it is, it sort of stopped me on dead track for a few seconds as he passed by that I forgot I was supposed to take a picture. By the time I clicked my cam, this bodyguard already blocked my shot. So, this is all I got of him - half the face (good thing I got that recognizable cap and sweet smile) and his hands. Well, at least I can now say I saw Rain up close... (One more check on my to-do-list before dying! Haha...)

Oh, but I at least got pictures with his dancers. That's the closest I could get to Rain himself. Keke.

After that, we met a few more people at the hotel's lobby from Rain-Thailand and two more Singapore nationals (who are now my friends, Karen and Grace). Rain-Thailand invited us to dinner at the Siam Center. And they helped us shop for noodles and yogurt drinks. Yup, you read that right. Well, only Rain-crazy fans like us would buy Mama cup noodles and Dutch Mill drinks (by the dozens, mind you, and in all sizes, flavors, and designs) just because Rain's pictures are on them. After getting back to the hotel, we had a "drinking session" of Dutch Mill in Grace and Karen's room, while talking about our main man of course. It was crazy but so much fun.

At around 11 PM, Serene and I said goodbye with the hope of getting back to our hotel (Serene invited me to sleep over with her at the Novotel which was nearer to PP) in time to catch the late night news and our interview. But as soon as we got down to the mezzanine level, we saw that fans were again gathered around (some were already in their PJs), waiting for Rain. Apparently, he and his dancers are on their way back from rehearsals. But alas, we only got to see the dancers as Rain took a different route to his hotel room. We met a few more fans at the lobby though. By the time we got to Novotel, it was already past 1 AM of June 2.

That ended my first day in Bangkok... And what a first day it was...

God's Plan

One of my favorite reflection pieces from way back...


God has a plan for me. It is hidden within me just as the oak is hidden within the acorn, or the rose within the bud. As I yield myself more fully to God, His plan expresses itself more perfectly through me. I can tell when I am in tune with it, for then my mind and my heart are filled with a deep inner peace. This peace fills me with a sense of security, with joy, and a desire to take the steps that are part of the plan.

God's plan for me is a perfect part of a larger plan. It is designed for the good of all and not for me alone. It is a many-sided plan and reaches out through all the people I meet. All the events and people who come into my life are instruments of the unfolding of this plan.

God has chosen those people He wants me to know, to love and to serve. We are continually being drawn to one another in ways that are not coincidetal. I pray that I may become a better instrument to love and to serve others and that I may become more worthy to receive the love and service of others.

I ask the Father within me for only those which He wants me to have. I know that these benefits will come to me at the right time and in the right way. This inner knowing frees my mind and heart from all fear, greed, jealousy, anger, and resentment. It gives me courage and faith to do things which I feel are mine to do. I no longer look with envy at what others are receiving. Therefore, I do not cut myself off from God, the Giver of all good things.

God's gifts to me can be many times greater than I am now receiving. I pray that I may increase my capacity to give, for I can give only as I receive, and receive only as I give.

I belive that when I cannot do those things I desire to do, it is because God has closed one door only to leave ajar a better and larger door. If I do not see the door ahead, it is because I have not seen, heard, or obeyed God's guidance. It is then that God uses the trouble of seeming failure which may result in helping me face myself, and see the new opportunity before me.

The real purpose of my life is to find God within my own mind and heart, and to help my fellowmen. I thank my Father for each experience whcih helps me to surrender my will to His will. For only as I lose myself in the consciousness of His Greater Presence can His plan for my life be fulfilled.

My Online Journey Begins

Wow... So, am i getting really hi-tech now or what? I've created my own blog.

I've always been a "writer" anyway. Not that I have anything published yet. (Except maybe a few contributions in our school organ back in my student days.) But I do write a lot. I keep a prayer journal in my laptop. In my work, it's part of my job. I guess, if only I'd put more time and effort into it, I could even come up with a few "literally gems". So, hopefully, this blog will help me do just that.

I've always said that I write better than I talk, that I express myself better in written form. And that's just what I intend to do here... To put into words my innermost thoughts and feelings... my intimate me...

And who cares if people will get to read about the intimate me? This is me. This will be my attempt on "making a mark". But mostly, I just want a better "venue" for my thoughts in words...

So, let my journey begin...