THE INTIMATE ME...

My Trip to Korea: An Answered Prayer... (Part 1)

2008-11-28T15:55:00.000-08:00

Day 1: October 28, 2008
Talk about photo-finish, I finally got my visa from the Korean Embassy, the afternoon of October 27, barely 10 hours before my flight to Seoul. I was in the airport by 11 that evening, and by 1 AM of the following day, aboard Philippine Airlines, I was on my way to Seoul.
We landed at the Incheon International Airport at 5 AM. I barely slept the entire flight and I still had cough and colds, but still I was as excited as a kid on Christmas Day, thinking, "I AM ACTUALLY IN KOREA!!!" (And boy, was it cold!)
I met my first friends in Korea at the immigration line, 1 Filipino lady and 2 gentlemen (one of whom is actually the mayor of La Union). We took the airport bus together to Seoul Station. I took a cab from there going to the hotel I booked online, the PJ Hotel.

I scourged around the area for breakfast and ended up at Dunkin Donuts. After that, I spent the rest of the morning exploring the nearby streets of my hotel in Jung-gu. I chanced upon a street that could have been the ultimate paradise for my biker brother, where Harley Davidsons, BMWs and Ducatis were just lined up along the street, displayed the way they would sell fishes in wet markets in the Philippines.
I went back to the hotel by lunch time, spent an hour in the hotel's business center, emailing family and friends that I'm safely in Seoul. The rest of the afternoon, I forced myself to rest and get some needed sleep.
That evening, I took off on my own, a map in tow, and headed for downtown Seoul by subway. (Korea's subway lines are really not as complicated as it looks on the map.) I had planned beforehand to take the Seoul City Tour Bus.

http://www.seoulcitybus.com/eng/subB_B02.htm

For KRW10,000, the Seoul City Night Tour Bus takes you to an hour-long guided tour (though only by recorded voice on individual headphones - your choice of language) of the city, along the Hangang River and the numerous bridges that run accross it. I have to say, Han River is so dramatic at night. Too bad we're on a moving bus and I couldn't take good pictures of the tour.

Day 2: October 29, 2008
The following morning, a new Korean friend, Kang donsaeng (younger brother), picked me up from the hotel to take me around Seoul. I met his boss, Han oppa (older brother), a few months back in the Philippines and took him and his son around Manila. (Han oppa is a business supplier of our company and has become a good friend of our Buyer, Tita Nonie. Oh, he also is our "supplier" of Rain items from Korea.)
We went accross the Han River to Yeouido Area were the National Assembly Building, as well as the three major Korean broadcasting stations: MBC, KBS, and SBS, are located. But our main destination was the 63 Building, another must-see for me because the building is central in the 4th (of only 4, actually) Korean drama series I've seen, "My Girl".
With 3 underground and 60 aboveground floors, this building houses several offices, a shopping mall, a food court, a fitness center, an IMAX theater, and the Aquarium 63 Sea World which displays 20,000 marine creatures of 400 different species.
The building also boasts a spectacular 360 degrees view of Seoul from its rooftop observatory. Oh, and not to mention an art exhibit center... That time, of cute Hello Kitty...
After that, we went for an hour-long ferry cruise of the Hangang River... It was so cold! The temperature that afternoon by the river must have dropped below 10 degrees...
Kang donsaeng returned me to my hotel around 3PM for rest. That evening, both him and Han oppa picked me up again and treated me to dinner at Bennigan's in Myeong-dong. I had a really wonderful time with these guys. I am grateful that both can speak English well because I enjoyed talking with them. They're nice, intelligent, and easy to get along with. Ah, too bad they're both married... Hahaha...

Before we parted, they gave me presents, a pair of Hello Kity stuffed dolls in Korean hanbok... How cute is that?

Korea: One More Check on My Bucket List...

2008-11-27T00:47:00.000-08:00

My Trip to Korea: October 28 to November 3, 2008

I was reading back the other day on my January 1, 2008 post on my Prayer Journal. On the first day of 2008, I wrote down my prayer list for the year. It was a short one but number one the list: To visit Korea this year. Ten months after, I had my wish fulfilled. It's as if God didn't want the year to end without another major answered prayer for me.
In mid September, the core group of Cloud Philippines (Rain's local fans club) were a-buzz over planning a trip to Korea for the launching of Rain's 5th Album. There will be a showcase concert and we wanted to attend. But the planning was so rushed and the schedule so tight (I even had to be in Cagayan De Oro for the Inauguration of our new plant the day of the concert in Seoul), that I finally (and heartbreakingly) decided not to go with the group.
Nonetheless, I was browsing through the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) site for travel plans... just in case. That time, I chanced upon a survey: "Vote for your Favorite Filming Location." And so I did... Of course I voted for Rain's "Full House," not thinking much about it, but just wanting to give the series an added vote.
I didn't realize that it was an online contest until after I received an email three weeks after... I've never won anything major in lucky draws, not even the major prizes in our company's annual Christmas raffle. And now I've won a 3 Days 2 Nights Tour of Korea! Of Korea? Of Korea! Of all places... I could just imagine the huge grin on the Lord's face as I was half smiling and crying as I read the email that afternoon. Korea... A tour of even the US would not have made an impact for me. I suppose God wanted to make an impact... So, it has to be Korea! My God sure knows how to spoil me...
Over the next few days, I frantically made arrangements for my visa, my air ticket (not included in the tour I won), my itinerary, accommodations and pocket money for my extended days (outside of the 3d2n KTO Tour) when I'll be on my own.
I applied for visa the following week (with an invite letter from KTO, no less) but time was so short to prepare that I was worried I won't be able to get the approval before the time when I was supposed to leave. But God took care of everything. I knew he was blessing this trip. So, with a leap of faith, even without a visa on hand, I booked and purchased my tickets and booked and paid for my hotels online. I had a very good and positive feel about the trip that I knew everything will be alright. I received all the help I could get from family and friends. Everyone seemed so happy for me that they want me to have a good trip as well...
And so, on October 28, 2008, I flew to Korea... It was only the start of a perfect week that has to be one of the best, the happiest, and most blessings-filled time of my life.
I told my friend, Roxe, this... The whole time I was in Korea, I so felt so happy and positive 99% of the time. (The 1% downtime was when, due to the very cold weather, I had a huge headache on the 2nd morning of the tour. But it was gone before lunch time so it was a short-lived downtime.) I told her, I didn't even had to pause and pray. It seemed to me that my whole time there was one continuous prayer when the Lord would keep on talking to me through everything and everyone and all I could really do was utter "Thank you, Lord" over and over again...
I've shared my Korea Experience to so many people already, to anyone who would care to listen. It was my way of giving glory and credit to Him. And I thanked Him already so much but I knew I had to write everything down so I won't forget...

So, THANK YOU, LORD...

For Putting me on a PAL flight this time other than my usual Cebu Pacific flight when I go outside the country. I appreciate the full meal rather than just the C2 drink offered by Cebu Pacific. Hehe...
For Dunkin Donuts and Kentucky in Korea. Much as I love the country, I don't think I can survive on spicy Korean food.
For free internet access in all the hotels I stayed in. I got to keep in touch with my family and friends back home almost everyday. It kept my family from worrying about me and I got to share fresh accounts of my trip with them. Oh, and yes, I still got my daily Rain updates. I didn't miss my home PC once.
For Autumn in Korea and the very good weather when I was there. It was my first time to experience Autumn and it was breathtaking. I loved the play of colors on the leaves of the trees. Who wouldn't be in awe of red trees?
For the Korean Tourism Organization, the sponsor of this event... Especially the very nice KTO people who were so accommodating and helpful even during the time I was working on my visa.
For the chance to go around Korea for free... with
For my family and friends who were very supportive of me to go on ahead with this trip. For Umehara-san, Ta Nons and Dex who even endorsed me to their contacts in Korea.
For my new friends from the tour, especially Flo who had been very kind to me. She was my personal "babysitter" during the tour. A very nice person...
For Han oppa and Kang donsaeng who toured me around and treated me on my 2nd day.
For my new friends from Okahata Korea, especially Ms. Park, Mr. Kim, and Mr. Lim, who brought me to Everland and even brought me all the way to Incheon after.
For my best moment in Korea... Seeing a violet sunset - one of the most beautiful sunset I've seen in my life - on our drive to Incheon after a long, happy day at Everland. It's as if the Lord was telling me, "You had a great day, huh? Well, I'm not done yet..." It's a good thing my friends were oblivious of the fact that I was crying in joy at the back of the car.
For actually another check on my Bucket List (on top of Korea itself) - getting to visit "Full House"...
For total strangers you blessed me with... from a free meal to a free ride...
For such a wonderful treat at such a low cost for me... because more than half of my expenses for this trip were free...
For keeping me safe and secured, for keeping me comfortable, and for the peace and happiness I felt the whole time I was in Korea...

Slowing Down...

2008-07-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling "low batt" lately and I can only think of one reason for it: BURN-OUT.

I work more than 8 hours a day from Mon-Fri, I spend hours on commuting, I go to school on Saturdays (and sometimes even go to the office for OT work after classes), and nights at home are spent in front of the PC (either doing more work or writing term papers for school). Thank God for Sundays, but even then I still have to "force" myself to rest. I've become as workaholic as my Japanese bosses.

For the past three weeks, I've been feeling really weak and sickly that I had to go see a doctor. No serious findings (except for the usual allergy-related ones). That's when I realized that this maybe just the Lord's way of reminding me to SLOW DOWN.

So this week, I made a resolution to do just that... And more. I promised that I will take care of myself more again. I will eat better, exercise more, and sleep more. Last night I had a two-hours massage.

Today, a Saturday, I didn't go to the office (the first time in really long while). Although I went for a walk at the park this morning, I spent most of the day just bumming around the house. Hey, I even took a long nap after lunch.

And then I chanced upon this... Something I got from the email some 8 years back. So fitting for my new resolution...

“Be still and know that God is in control.”
-- Psalm 46:11

Slow down. God is still in heaven. You are not responsible for doing it all yourself – right now.
Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past. Rest there. Each moment has richness that takes a lifetime to savor.
Set your own pace. When someone is pushing, it’s okay to tell them they’re pushing.
Take nothing for granted: water flows, corn grows, leaves blow.
Take your food. God gives it to delight as well as to nourish.
Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set. They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement, not their speed.
Quit planning how you’re going to use what you know, learn, or posses. God’s gifts just are. Be grateful and their purpose will be clear.
When you talk with someone, don’t think about what you’ll say next. Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.
Talk and play with children. It will bring out the unhurried little person inside you.
Create a place in your home, at your work, in your heart… where you can go for quiet and recollection. You deserve it.
Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive. Rest isn’t luxury; it’s a necessity.
Listen to the wind blow. It carries a message of yesterday and tomorrow – and now. NOW counts.
Rest on your laurels. They bring comfort whatever their size, age, or condition.
Talk slower. Talk less. Don’t talk. Communication isn’t measured by words.
Give yourself permission to be late sometimes. Life is for living, not scheduling.
Listen to the song of a bird – the complete song. Music and nature are gifts but only if we muse, ponder, and mull.
Make time for play – the things you like to do. Whatever your age, your inner child needs recreation.
Watch and listen to the night sky. It speaks.
Listen to the words you speak – especially in prayer.
Learn to stand back and let others take the lead. There will always be new opportunities for you to step out in front again.
Divide big jobs into little jobs. If God took six days to create the universe, can you do any better?
When you find yourself rushing and anxious, stop. Ask yourself WHY you are rushing and anxious. The reasons may improve your self understanding.
Take time to read – the Bible, poetry, great books. Thoughtful reading is enriching reading.
Direct your life with purposeful choices, not with speed and efficiency. The best musician is one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who finishes first.
Take a day off alone; make a retreat. You can learn from monks and hermits, without becoming one.
Pet a furry friend. You will give and get the gift of now.
Work with your hands. It frees the mind.
Take time to wonder. Without wonder, life is merely existence.
Sit in the dark. It will teach you to see and hear, and taste and smell.
Once in a while, turn down the lights, the volume, the invitations. Less really can be more.
Let go. Nothing is usually the hardest thing to do – but often it is the best.
Take a walk – but don’t go anywhere. If you walk to just go somewhere, you sacrifice the walking.
When things are in chaos and you are in frenzy, ask yourself: “What is right about now?” Chances are you already know what’s wrong.
Count your blessings – one at a time and slowly.
Enjoy the slow flow of your life… There’s really no need to be in a hurry.

A Feel of Korea... in Baguio City

2008-03-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since I became a Rain-fan, I've been dying to go to Korea... I've been saving up for a trip and checking on Rain's schedule (If I'm going to spend about P80-100k for a single trip, I might as well make the most of it by coinciding it with a big Rain-event in Korea). But alas, nothing has come up yet...

In my frustration, I opted for the next best (or at least the cheapest) thing to a Korean vacation. I went to Baguio. A friend told me that because of the cool weather at this time of the year and the ever-growing Korean population in this summer capital, one would have at least a "feel" of Korea in spring. Aaahh, when you're as crazy as I am, that should be good enough.
So, on March 7-9, I went up to Baguio with my Ate Ruby's family (husband, Nelson and kids, Neigel and Nadine). Spending for an entire family (especially one that's seemingly always hungry as theirs) on a weekend vacation is no laughing matter. But I should say, it was worth it. This family is probably the best to go on a trip with because they are so "mababaw" and so appreciative. They don't hide their amazement even at the smallest thing (like the "smoke", the kids were insisting, coming out of their mouths because of the cold). Everything is a "wow-moment" for them. Their excitement and enthusiasm are infectious. And they thrive on anything and everything free. So I, at least, didn't get short-changed at the hotel's buffet, not to mention the use of its toilet facilities.

Here's sharing with you some pics from our Baguio weekend...

On the road...

Baguio City at 13 degrees on a mid summer day... Sarap!

Exploring Burnham Park & Session Road by foot...We stayed at the Burnham Suites... Not bad at all...

The Yaps celebrating 10 degrees weather with a night-stroll... The Mansion, Camp John Hay, and Mine's View Park...
Is there any city in the Philippines without an SM Mall? At least their version is energy efficient - no airconditioning needed...On the way back home... Lunch at the "Isdaan" in Capas, Tarlac...

Let It Go...

2008-03-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

At one time or another, we had all been dealt with life's blows. The choice is upon us to either sulk and dwell in our misery, or to stand again, dust ourselves up and move on.

Many of us are sad because we continue to hold on to our past. Another secret to happiness that I've discovered is to forgive - the past, people who have hurt us, and most importantly ourselves. Oh, it's not easy, I know. But it starts with that decision to at least try. And when you find yourself happy again, you'll look back with a smile, as you pat yourself on the back and say, "It's a good thing you let it go..."

CLOSING CYCLES
by Paolo Coelho

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.
Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters - whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished. Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents' house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long lasting friendship ended all of a sudden? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened.
You can tell yourself you won't take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister, everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill.
None of us can be in the present and the past at the same time, not even when we try to understand the things that happen to us. What has passed will not return: we cannot for ever be children, late adolescents, sons that feel guilt or rancor towards our parents, lovers who day and night relive an affair with someone who has gone away and has not the least intention of coming back.
Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away. That is why it is so important (however painful it may be!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home. Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place. Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them.
Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.
Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the "ideal moment." Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back.
Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person - nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.
Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

Hi, I'm Aqueh... and I'm an Addict

2008-02-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

(Addicted to Rain, that is... Kekeke)

I was reading through entries in my prayer journal of a year ago and I had a very pleasant realization: WOW, I'VE BEEN HAPPY FOR A YEAR NOW! And as weird as it may seem to most, my euphoric state is basically because of this one Korean fellow named Rain.

Why? How? Let me count the ways...

1. He's an angel sent from above... My Sexy Angel Bi...
Feeling depressed at the start of the year and on my birthday in 2007, I was crying in church with an earnest prayer: "Lord, please send me an angel to turn my life around and get me out of this depression." A week after, an officemate lent me her CD of Rain. And lo and behold, there's my "angel" on the CD cover. My answered prayer...

It was my first time to hear him but I fell inlove with his music instantly. Another week after, the same officemate lent me her "Full House" DVD. I finished the 8-disc, 16 episode series in just 3 days. I just love everthing about the series. It made me happy. That, I would say, started my "Rain Addiction". I was hooked. So, the following week I watched his two other series, "Sang Doo" and "A Love to Kill". And from then, there was no turning back...

2. He keeps me smiling from morning till night...

I eat, drink, and breath this guy... Haha... I am so fascinated with him that just one look at his smile makes me smile...

And his beat and his moves keep my endorphines up... His music is perpetually playing in my ears (literally and figuratively)... My ipod is so full of his music (and any other music that has a connection to him). And now with my new ipod video, even his concerts, performances, series, and videos follow me everywhere. I think I'm the only person who actually enjoys the long commute and the endless traffic in the Philippines. Because two hours stuck in traffic is two more hours for me of Rain-listening and viewing. Hehe... Hey, just this morning, 30 minutes in the FX terminal line, I was the only one singing and dancing...

3. He's my "angel" who has brought me so many "angels" this past year...

Because of Rain, I've met so many new friends this past year, not only from the Philippines but from all over Asia and even the U.S. Rain connected us all. But getting to know them more, I've learned that we share a common passion not only for the artist himself but for life in general. (I don't know... It may be Rain's influence on us because that's how he is, living and doing things with so much passion.)

My "angels" have been keeping me smiling as well. From a simple e-mail to say hi or to share updates, to an invite to meet up and bond, to friends "Rain-hunting" for me from Korea to China to Japan, to receiving packages on the mail from all over of Rain items (DVDs, posters, calendars, magazines, etc.)... Thank you to ALL MY ANGELS... You know who you are...

The other day, I emailed my friend Amy in Malaysia that I am celebrating my First Year Anniversary with Rain... Yes, it is indeed worth celebrating for me to have known this guy... Very few people I know could say that they are truly happy in their lives... Maybe I should advice them to pray for an "angel"... And pray for a sexy one while they're at it...

40 Tips for a Powerful & Abundant New Year

2008-01-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

Your beliefs become your thoughts.

Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your values.
Your values become your destiny.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Here are 40 Tips for a Powerful & Abundant New Year!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if youhave to.
3. Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ _ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and prayer.They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foodsthat are manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and letnew flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years,will this matter?'
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
34. The best is yet to come.
35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36. Do the right thing!
37. Call your mother and father often.
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for_________ _.' Today I accomplished_ ________.
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Christmas Wishing at My Age...

2007-11-30T22:31:00.001-08:00

Before I get too busy with the hustle and bustle, let me usher in this season with my favorite Christmas song... Yes, as cliche as it may sound, this is...

My Grown Up Christmas List

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list

This is my grown up christmas list

How Old Am I Again? (and Other Things I Forgot in Hong Kong Disney...)

2007-11-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

It is exactly a year ago when I went to Hong Kong and totally forgot my age (among other things - stress at work, panic attack on getting older, social frustrations, etc...) at the HK Disney. It was my 2nd time in Hong Kong (went there in 2000 with my sisters, Ruby and Rowee) but still, I enjoyed this trip tremendously. Because this time, I brought along my "baby", Neigel... It's always good to travel with kids. Because their sense of awe and wonder infects you, and you tend to get as fascinated with the place and the experience yourself...

Highlight of this 3-days trip:
Walking out of HK Disney after the awesome fireworks display to close the day, Neigel, in his 9-years-old, still-childlike-innocence-and-honesty said to me, "Tita, hinding-hindi ko na makakalimutan 'tong araw na 'to sa buong buhay ko..." (Tita, I'll never ever forget this day for the rest of my life...) Wow! As in, WOW!!! That, of course, made Tita cry... Haha... That moment alone was well-worth the whole trip and the Pesos 80,000 I got myself so deep into debt with...

In celebration of the 1st Anniversary of our HK trip, I'm posting here short accounts and pics of our 3-days, 2-nights... Enjoy!

DAY 1: November 13, 2006

Getting there...

Neigel's first plane ride...

Arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport... At the Disney Hollywood Hotel in Lantau Island...

A day at Hong Kong Disney...

The Disney Castle...

With Neigel's favorite Disney character, Buzz Lightyear...

And his favorite ride...

The Disney Parade on Main Street...

The Disney shops...

Climbing Tarzan's Tree House...

My favorite of all the HK Disney attraction, The Lion King Musical...

The spectacular lights and fireworks show to end the day...

Walking out of Disney after a long, tiring, but happy, happy day...

DAY 2: November 14, 2006

From Lantau to Kowloon

Commuting by train from Disney Resort on Lantau Island to mainland Kowloon...
Ocean Park... for Another Hong Kong experience for Neigel...

Just had to bring my baby to Ocean Park as well...

The dolphin, whale, and sea lion show...The huge underwater aquarium...
Neigel has always been fascinated with dinosaurs...

Enjoying the cable car ride in Ocean Park...

Exploring Kowloon by foot after getting back from Hong Kong island...

The HK Museum of Art...

Hong Kong Space Museum

DAY 3: November 15, 2006

The Half-day City Tour...

Accross Victoria Harbour on a cold, windy morning...

At the Avenue of Stars...

Jackie Chan's Star of Fame...

A city tour of HK will not be complete without you being literally forced into a jewelry factory by your tour guide...

Bargain Shopping at the Mongkok District

Eating authentic beef mami noodles in Mongkok

Going home after 3 Days and 2 Nights...

At the HK International Airport Departure Area

Home, at Last...

The welcoming committe... mama Ruby and shobe Nadine at the NAIA...

Soaring with Music... (Part 2)

2007-11-01T09:08:00.001-07:00

This is the instrumental version of Magolpy's "Girl In Flight"... Just close your eyes and listen with your heart and see if you can keep your spirits from flying off and soaring to the heavens... Enjoy!

The Best Commercial I've Seen in a While...

2007-11-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I admit... I don't really get to watch regular TV anymore (except for some shows on the Korean channel, Arirang)... But I chanced upon this commercial on the Discovery channel while in a hotel in Cagayan De oro last week... And it made me cry... Brilliant work of McGarryBowen (NY)... Music by Paul Leonard-Morgan...

Soaring with Music...

2007-11-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

"Girl In Flight" by Korean artist, Magolpy... I just love this song... I've yet to find the English translation and the meaning of this song... But I just love the melody and the beat so much... It makes me want to soar to the skies... Love the video too... And that cute girl... She actually made me cry...

Fuma Cakes, Anyone?

2007-10-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

So, what is so special about these cakes to warrant a space in my blog, you might ask?

Aside from the obvious, you mean? Of me wanting these because Rain is the endorser of this particular brand of cake from China and naturally his face is plastered all over the packaging? (Hey, I'm not an obsessed fan for nothing... keke...)
These cakes are doubly special to me because of how I got them, from where and from who...
These were given to me by two of my favorite bosses in Kao Corp., Hoshikawa-san and Tito Benny... They both know how addicted I am to Rain so it's no surprise to them when my "pasalubong list" from Shanghai had only one item... Fuma Cake. Actually, I only wanted a sample just so I could see and taste the real thing. I never imagined they'd have so much trouble and bring this much back to the Philippines...
After Rain's recent concert in Shanghai, the cakes have practically sold-out. So, Hoshi-san and Tito Benny had to look all over the city for almost half a day for them... They even called to say that they can't find the cakes but that they are doing their best. They added jokingly that they have stopped working and that they have mobilized the entire Kao Shanghai group and the city police to look for my cakes... Hehe... When they finally found a store that sells them, Hoshi-san had to sweet-talk a saleslady to give them a big bag (with Rain's picture on it) for me as an added souvenir... And I can just imagine how Tito Benny had to hand-carry this bag all the way from Shanghai to Hong Kong to Manila...
Aahhh, I was so touched... Now more than the cakes, I appreciate their efforts. Wouldn't you be touched if your bosses would go to all that trouble just to feed your "addiction" and put a smile on your face?

Thanks so much, Tito Benny and Hoshi-san... You're the best! Want some cakes?

Inked for BI

2007-10-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just want to share this with you... My new tattoo... of BI... hahaha...

Yup, got this one just three weeks ago... And it's real... unlike Rain's tattoos in the CK ads... Haha... Although it's really those CK ads that inspired me to get a new tattoo...

Anyway, it's an ankle tattoo of Bi's name in Korean Hangeul character. Rain has had such a big positive impact in my life and I just want to celebrate him. But, of course, I didn't want to have his face tattooed on my skin. That would have been too extreme. Even his english name, Rain, would be extreme for me. (How would I explain that to my future husband? Keke... Unless I marry Rain himself... Ooh, I just wish... Hahaha) At least the Korean character Bi is more subtle and simpler. Besides I've always find that cool ever since I saw it on the cover of his 1st album.

And if a non-Rain fan would ask, it'll be easier for me to explain. That it means "rain" and it just balances the tattoo I already have on my lower back (2 years ago) of the sun. I love the sun so much because it reminds me of how universal God's love is. The sun shines on EVERYONE - saint or sinner, rich or poor, etc... But now with Rain in my life, I'm all the more reminded that God loves me even if the sun doesn't shine. Rain has been such a blessing to me... Now, rain or shine, I'm happy... (Or I'm actually just trying hard to have a "profound explanation" to this craziness... Hahaha...)

I also had cherry blossoms design around my ankle. I researched it and I learned that cherry blossom symbolizes "spiritual beauty". I'd like to believe that I may not be knock-out-beauty-queen material but deep inside, spiritually, I am beautiful. (Don't I just love myself? Hahaha...)

Want to be Happy? Let the Music Play...

2007-10-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here's something I read recently on "Woman's Day"... Another secret to living well every day... It works for me... So simple... Try it and see the difference...

Playing 20 minutes of upbeat music every morning may be the best way to jumpstart a good day. Why? Research shows that your favorite tunes have a positive effect on your mind and body -- making you happy and reducing anxiety by triggering endorphins (those feel-good chemicals) in your brain.

Listening to music relaxes you, stimulates feel-good brain waves and makes even the most mundane tasks—say, soaping up the dishes—more fun. So load up your iPod or put your favorite releases into heavy rotation on your CD player.

No wonder I've been feeling happy these past few months. There's a scientific explanation to my "extended good mood" after all... (And I thought I was just getting weird... Okay... "weirder" than usual... Keke) Rain crooning in my ears from morning till night (my iPod is practically glued to my ears) has got a lot to do with it...

Secrets of Successful People

2007-10-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my friend, Anna Evasco of Mercer (Philippines), for sharing this... So, this is how you've gotten so successful? Keke... Good luck in your studies, Anna... Let's keep reaching for the stars! Fighting!

Secrets of Successful People
LIVING ALIVE, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Dero Pedero
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Successful people are a cut above average people. They are passionate and driven, and seem to have more energy than ordinary folks. They believe in their talents and capabilities, are brilliant at conceptualizing ideas, and are highly effective in actualizing their dreams and goals.
Successful people are highly motivated. They set high, demanding goals for themselves. Whether at work, at play, or simply taking care of their personal and family affairs, successful people are winners who love to create and achieve. Most importantly, the ones who succeed most are those who persist and hold on to their vision when the going gets rough.

Here are more distinguishing qualities that separate successful people from the mediocre ones:

Successful people love their job. Through their occupation, they are aligned to their passions and purpose in life. They value and enjoy what they do, and find fulfillment and significance in their work and accomplishments. Successful people would rather work than play.
They have a good support system. Successful people are connected to people who nurture, value, love, and support them — their family, relatives, caring friends, and associates. They find strength in others who encourage and believe in them.
They are well-connected and can relate to any strata in society. They are always building their network of social and business connections, increasing their number of friends and supporters. Successful people know one of the greatest secrets of success: It’s not only what you know that matters, it’s who you know.
They have an infectious, positive attitude. Successful people always look at the bright side of life and count their blessings often. They spread happiness and sunshine wherever they go, and maintain a healthy optimistic mindset, feeling assured and confident. They have a driven, “I can do it; it can be done!” attitude.
They are concerned about health and take care of their bodies. They keep physically fit and strong to meet the demands of the fast life. Successful people know the importance of a good diet and consistent exercise regimen. They know how to pace their schedules and effectively manage stress.
They have well-set priorities. Successful people have a clear vision of what they want and give precedence to what are most valuable to them. They prioritize their goals, set them on a time schedule, and work on them according to the importance assigned to them.
They know how to manage their resources. Successful people develop a systematic way of managing their time, talents, money, and energy. These four elements when properly handled can lead to outstanding achievements and accomplishments for they are the primary investments needed for great success.
They believe in the pursuit of excellence. Successful people have high self-worth, and won’t settle for anything but the best. They strive for spectacular results and aim for the extraordinary. They put in a hundred percent effort in everything they do.
They turn every disappointment and failure into something good. Successful people look at failure as a temporary setback in their journey to success. They have great focus and try, over and over again, until they succeed. Winners never give up.
They have good fundamental values and set higher goals. Successful people live meaningful and more significant lives because they have clear-cut fundamental values. They set higher goals than typical people and set their goals above everybody else’s.
Successful people are people-oriented. Success comes to those who sincerely love being of service to other people — educating minds, uplifting lives, inspiring others. Ever wonder why Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates are mega successful? They are people-oriented and share their talents, ideas, and achievements with the world.

Time Heals... (with a little push from Milenyo)

2007-09-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

"Time heals all wounds," they say and I should know...

From what song is that? I can sing it but I can't remember... If you do, leave me a comment, email me or something. Thanks...

It's funny to think now of how, only a year ago, I was such a drama queen. I was so melodramatic then, thinking how miserable my life had become.

I just had one my biggest heartbreak, barely a month after the retirement of my boss and "mommy / angel" in the office, and my best friend in the whole world was not talking to me. I couldn't talk to my other friends in the office because I felt that they were blaming ME for my heartbreak. My other friends all seemed unreachable (well, most of them are actually... they have migrated somewhere "greener"...). I was feeling so alone. And my work situation wasn't helping either. My other boss still hated me and my new department head couldn't care less. And to top it all, I was on extreme"panic-mode", thinking, "I'll be another year older in three months and I'm still single!!!"

I felt that I've come full circle only to end up back at square one. Nothing seemed to be going right in my life. About the only good thing that happened in my whole depression is that my weight went down to 114 lbs., the lightest I've ever weighed in my whole life. But that's another story... especially that I'm now back to my pre-depression weight... which isn't really a good thing... Haha...

It's exactly a year today, September 28, when Milenyo came and "cleared away the cobwebs and the sorrows" of my life back then... (Wow, that's from another song... from "Annie"... What's the title? Haha...)

Milenyo who? Super typhoon, Milenyo, that battered Manila and most parts of Luzon last year with winds of up to 100 kph. That day, schools in all level were cancelled. Before mid-day, offices were sent home too. Good for me that I never even got the chance to leave the house for office that morning because of the heavy rain. I was still feeling down and depressed and I almost welcomed the typhoon for giving me a reprieve from the tensions at work. I was prepared to just stay in bed all day and watch DVD. But by 8:00, the whole of Luzon was already blacked out. With no electricity, and basically nothing to do at home, I was prepared for boredom and a whole day of sulking all the more in my misery... Oh, boy, was I so wrong...

I should have seen it coming... how my day would be. Even before the lights went out, I was already busy sending and receiving SMS from the office, asking and confirming that work had been cancelled. After that, it was about making arrangements for stranded Japanese guests - calling hotels and airports and coordinating with our Mindanao plant. And then trying to find where my brother and brother-in-law also got stranded, as everywhere is flooded. Before I knew it, the eye of storm had already passed Manila and incredibly, I was feeling so much better. I've been talking on the phone the whole day and I've realized that I have related and talked more with people in the last few hours than I have in the last month.

The following day, I had the chance to go around Metro Manila and I got to see firsthand the wrath of Milenyo. But surprisingly, I felt light and good despite of the destruction around me. I was suddenly feeling optimistic and hopeful again.

That was the start of my healing... (I purposely emphasized that, in case you missed it.) I wish I could say, that was it... that, that day healed me instantly. No, it was just the start. It took a few months more before the hurting stopped. (I even had a depression relapse.) And a few months more before I started smiling with twinkling eyes again... and before I started laughing out loud again... and before I started singing and dancing again...

I'm happy now and I can say that I'm healed now... I'm whole again... but it took time... I guess, God meant it that way... So, that I'll treasure more what I have now... because it wasn't easy and it took time...

The song says it right... Time heals all wounds... and in my case, with a little push from Milenyo...

3900 Marbles = 3900 Saturdays

2007-09-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

An officemate forwarded this to me just this morning. A very nice reminder about setting our priorities in life straight, about loving in the present, about not waiting to do later what we can do now...

Thanks, Apple, for sharing this. I'm not waiting for tomorrow to thank you for this and for all the other inspiring messages you send me. We may not be the closest in the office, but I promise... one of these days, we'll bond... before I ran out of marbles...

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you."

- Winnie the Pooh

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it...
I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind... He sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whom-ever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say...
"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital."
He continued... "Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles. "You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in his entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he went on, "and by that time, I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays."
"I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear."
"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."
"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."
"It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

Before I Start Each Day...

2007-09-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

It’s quiet. It’s early. The day is coming. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary , I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose Love…
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.
I choose love. Today, I will love God and what God loves.
I choose Joy…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker.
I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.
I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose Peace…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose Patience…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so.
Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.
Instead of clinching my fist at a new assignment, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose Kindness…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
Kind to the rich, for they are afraid.
And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose Goodness…
I will go without a cent before I take a dishonest one.
I will be overlooked before I will boast.
I will confess before I will accuse.
I choose goodness.
I choose Faithfulnes…
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust.
My associates will not question my word.
My spouse will not question my love.
And my children will never fear that I will not come home.
I choose Gentleness…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose Self-Control…
I am a spiritual being…
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control.
I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek his grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

----------
by MAX LUCADO
When God Whispers Your Name

Inside Society's Canvas

2007-08-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

I don’t know if you’ve seen this before but I came across this documentary clip on You Tube and I thought of sharing this with you.

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

A poignant reminder of a lot of life’s lessons we have learned over the years and may have forgotten along the way… About appreciating and sharing our blessings, about reaching out and helping others, about making a difference in this world no matter how small or simple…
There’s nothing more heartbreaking than to see a child with no hope in his eyes. You’ll know what I mean after watching this…

A part of this video imagines Christ as saying… “I did my part… It’s your turn now…” May we all do our share…

The Greatest Advice

2007-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to one of my best friends, Leo, for sharing this... And thanks, Leo, for being there for me when I just needed someone to cry on to. I'll never forget that time you just listened on the other line (all the way in Jasaan) while I cried for almost an hour (in a badminton court in Ortigas)... We're not "soulmates" for nothing, neh?

"Advice is like kissing: it costs nothing

and it's a pleasant thing to do."

- George Bernard Shaw

THE GREATEST ADVICE
by Rick Warren, author of the Purpose Driven Life

Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat.
Don't lie.
Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!
Don't regress.
Don't live in the past.
Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong
because your biological clock is ticking.
Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won,
only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions and
be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life.
Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.
Don't keep others waiting needlessly.
Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.
Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.
Take care of yourself.
Don't wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.
It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid.
Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.
Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!
When you give someone your time,
you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.
Your time is your life.
That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort,
and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E
because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others,
but how much we give of ourselves.
God is good all the time!

What Are You Passionate About?

2007-08-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

May we all find our passion(s) in life... whether it be our job, or our family, or that special someone... or simply spending endless hours in front of the PC, editing a blog to share with friends, or getting all tongue-twisted learning Japanese and Korean - one word at a time, or flying all the way to Bangkok just to stalk a singer/dancer/actor/model and watch his concert...

Thanks to Amis and his Playground for sharing this piece... So worth the read...

WHAT DO YOU EVANGELIZE?
The Greatness Guide – by Robin Sharma

Being an “evangelist” has negative connotations in the world we reside in. But an evangelist, by definition, is simply someone who spreads good news. It’s someone who gets stuck on a big idea or a passionate cause and then walks out into his day and spreads the message like a virus. It’s someone who gets so engaged in doing something important that it’s all he thinks about, dreams about, talks about. It’s a human being who understands – at a cellular level – what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meant when he said: “If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to love.” This troubled and uncertain world of ours needs more evangelists: human beings doing great things, blessing lives by their actions, making a difference.

Where did most people’s passion for greatness go? Each of us had it as kids. We wanted to be superheroes, astronauts, poets and painters. We wanted to change the world, stand on mountaintops and eat lots of ice cream. Then, as we aged, life began to do its work on us. Fearful people snickered at our dreams. Disappointments began to show up. Life begun to hurt us and we began to buy into the propaganda that says we should not think too big, reach too high and love too much. Breaks my heart to think about it. But that’s exactly what happens.

You are meant to shine. I believe that fiercely. You are here to find that cause, that main aim, that vital destiny that will move you at the most vital visceral level and get you up at the crack of dawn with fire in your belly. You are meant to find something your life will stand for that will consume you, something so beautiful and meaningful you’d be willing to take a bullet for it. It might mean developing people at work and helping them live their highest potential. It might mean being an innovator who adds outrageous value to your clients and brings cool products to the world. Your cause might involve elevating communities or helping people in need. I recently read about a lawyer who said he was so passionate about being of service to a group of victims he was representing that he wouldn’t give up until there was blood coming out of his eyes. Extreme? Maybe. An evangelist? Definitely.

I’m an evangelist. Talk to anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you that my oxygen is helping human beings lead without title and getting organization to world-class. Sure I have my down times and hard days – find me someone who doesn’t. But mostly you’ll find me full of enthusiasm, high energy and delight at spreading my message. Am I more special than you? Absolutely not. I’ve just found my Cause.

I don’t know what your life’s Most Important To Do is. That’s for you to figure out (through some deep reflection, introspection and soul-searching; doing within a journal is a wise idea). But I do know this: When you find the mission that your life will be dedicated to, you’ll wake up each day with that fire in your belly I mentioned. You won’t want to sleep. You’ll be willing to move mountains to make it happen. You’ll find that sense of internal fulfillment that may be missing from your life. And you’ll preach that message to anyone who’ll listen. You’ll become an evangelist.

Happiness Is...

2007-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am happy that I am happy... I'll be happier if you'll be as happy...

Just sharing with you a gem I found in a most unlikely publication (The Trade Express Asia)... A piece by Denn A. Meneses

"Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold; happiness dwells in the soul..."

- Democritus

HAPPINESS IS...

... A glass of milk and a jar of cookies. And a good book to nuzzle in a comfy chair on a rainy day. What better way to appreciate bed weather than to be safely ensconed in one's own comfort zone with no worries in the world other than what is at arm's length... the last cookie in the cookie jar.

... A rendezvous at the spa. Getting a foot scrub, a therapeutic massage, an earth facial. Hanging back at the sauna room, lingering at the tub, thoroughly pampering the body and relaxing the mind. Indulging in a litlle extravagance, giving in to a few spontaneous cravings, freeing the wits from the excrutiating grind of day after day.

... A celebration. Cold cuts and warm hugs. Wolf Blass and Misty crooning. Sweet thoughts and animated chats. Laughter, bubbly and sparkling. Blowing candles and sounding trumpets amid people who mean the world. Raising toasts and drinking to fond wishes. Feeling brand new all over again.

... A warm and fuzzy feeling. A hug, a snuggle, a caress. The giddy flush of a budding romance creeping into our being. Sweet nothings that bring a tingle in the spine, tender mercies that make the senses run wild.

... A joy ride. A spin around on a carousel or the Ferris wheel. A cruise on a river boat or a lake canoe. A run accross town on a bicycle pedaling your heart away or piggy backing on a motorbike. A drive along the countryside, taking in all the specks of green and just letting your hair fly with the wind. The joy is indeed in the ride.

... A makeover. A new hairdo, a new wardwrobe, a new shirt, a new attitude. Or a nose job, perhaps; an implant where it matters, a slight stretching of some facial muscles (botox, anyone?), a nip here, a tuck there - to boost one's self confidence and stroke the ego a little. Move over, old warts, here comes the new and improved neighborhood hottie!... A bowl of hot chicken broth. To drive away the bug of affliction. A dose of gentle loving care from people near and dear. Bundling up in their safe, affectionate embrace. Holding on to the promise of better things to come.

... A surprise. A pat in the back for a job well done. A favor from a friend. A smile from a stranger. A compliment from a someone we've only just met. A card from out of the blue. A poem written specially for you.
HAPPINESS IS...
... Looking at old photographs. Reliving the little moments of times gone by captured in living color or in foggy black and white. Scanning albums filled with cheerful faces and familiar places in all their glossy splendor. Summoning wistful thoughts and dormant memories, evoking fragments of time and space that will never come again.

... Holding the hand of a child. To make them feel safe when they're learning to make the first stride. To make them feel protected when they start to venture into the world outside - kindergarten school, Sunday church, the park, the mall, the circus, the house next door. When they decide to walk the walk, talk the talk, make the break, go for broke.

... Wiggling into an old pair of jeans. And finding out that it still fits. Ha! Doesn't it pay to eat a little and exercise a lot? ... Breaking a sweat. Taking the time to stretch the limbs and flex the muscles, to limber up and pump adrenaline. Burning the dance floor to the beat of rhytmic music till the knees give in. Walking a mile in rubber-soled shoes, briskly or leisurely, till the heart beats a little faster and the temple throbs a little friskier.

... Walking barefoot. On the seashore, on the grass, on the pavement, around the house. Touching the ground, rubbing calloused feet on solid earth, feeling cold stone or warm sand, treading on damp lawn or soft rug, just gliding along with a song and a smile in the heart.

...Catching up on house chores. Fixing the closet, rearranging the furniture, changing the sheets, wiping soil off the table tops, sweeping aways the cobwebs that have been lingering in the fringes of our nearly moldy existence. Spring cleaning doesn't have to wait for the next winter.

... Catching up on your reading. Devouring tomes that have been lying unopened for years gathering dusts in the bookshelves. Paperbacks yellowed with time, pages brittled by indifference. Atlas Shrugged, East of Eden, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter, Love In The Time of Cholera, The Book of Job...

... Learning a new skill. In the kitchen concocting something other than fried stuff - baking a cake, whipping up the ideal pasta, inventing dishes yummy enough to show off. Or a hobby both relaxing and productive - doing the cross-stitch, surfing the Internet, taking up photography, playing a musical instrument, writing the movie in our mind.

... Finding a friend. Meeting new acquaintances and reconnecting with old ones. Basking in the excitement of getting to know someone, roosting in the affection of old but not wasted pals, rekindling flames of long ago. The gift of friendship is precious and few like seconds shared to last through intertwined lifetimes. Sure beats staring at the clouds in your coffee all day... ...Finding what you've been looking for. A lost piece from glory days, priceless no doubt because of the sentiment attached to it. A thing of value that we've always wanted to have but couldn't for some reason or another. A part of our lives that's been missing, perhaps made nonexistent by choice, but more probably by circumstance, traveling the distance but not really knowing which way to go and what we are actually in search of. A material possession, an object of desire, a purpose in life. One best friend, one perfect moment, one true love to last a lifetime?

I Hope You Dance... (Second Take)

2007-08-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

I just found out this morning from my sister, Rowee, in Chicago, that this poem, which I love so much, is actually a song. She was ecstatic to find the lyrics in my blog because it is one of her favorites and is her and bestfriend, Elena's theme song for each other.

I checked it out in the net and yes, it is a country song actually, originally sang in 2000 by Lee Ann Womack (and revived by Ronan Keating in 2006). Here's the song and video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTQfERb9HVk

This one is for my own best friend, Roxe... You encouraged me to dance when I wanted to sit it out... Thanks... You know that I'm dancing now... and singing, and laughing, and living, and loving, and...

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 love ever 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'll 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
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sellin' out reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance....I hope you dance

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along

Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder

Where those years have gone

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'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance.... I hope you dance...
I hope you dance.... I hope you dance...

Who needs Ecstasy when you have Full House?

2007-08-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

What is Ecstasy? MDMA or Ecstasy (3-4-methylenedioxymethampheta-mine), is a synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. It is classified as a stimulant. Users report that Ecstasy produces intensely pleasurable effects – including an enhanced sense of self-confidence and energy. Effects include feelings of peacefulness, happiness, acceptance and empathy...
What is Full House? One of the most popular TV miniseries released in Korea was Full House, based on a popular comic book series. This fun miniseries shows us the difficulties that occur while living together, as well as the funny side of life. From the onset, Full House has been praised for its fresh and saucy take on the love.

So, why am I writing about Ecstasy and Full House in the same post? Because the series, Full House, has the same effect on me as (I would suppose, based on the description above) ecstasy would have on a user.

I've never really been a fan of Koreanovelas (nor of any telenovelas from any country, for that matter). I've always been your CSI-24-Prison Break-CNN type of televiewer. Well, that is, until one of my friends in the office, Tita Nonie (the ultimate Koreanovela Queen and the original Bi-fan), introduced me to Full House.

I was feeling depressed that time and was looking for something (anything) to give my spirits a much-needed boost. So God, in his infinite wisdom, sent me Tita Nonie with her bootlegged, boxed DVD set of Full House (rather than introducing me to some drug pusher with his multi-colored ecstasy pills, perhaps). God is good!

So, that's how it all started for me. It's been 8 months since and I am totally hooked. Call me an addict if you must. I won't care. It's the truth anyway... Keke...

I've seen Full House for the nth time that I've lost count. I watch it almost everyday. As soon as I would finish the last disc, I'd start all over with disc one. I've memorized every scene and dialogue that I can now even watch it in Korean... with out English sub. Oh, and I got myself the original, director's cut, DVD boxed set too... all the way from Korea for a whoping 5K. That is, on top of my 3 other pirated sets. (You can never get enough back-ups...)

I've also totally fallen in love with the cast, especially the 2 main

characters... and especially with Bi or Rain or Jeong Ji Hoon. Full House is also what got me started in my other addiction... my Bi-addiction. I am now a full-pledged, hard-core, high-leveled Rain fanatic... and proud of it! Haha!

But funny and weird as it may seem to others, for me, having found Full House and Rain is perhaps one of the biggest blessings in my life. It is an answered prayer. (It was another friend, Joyce from London, who told me that is how personal and intimate God answers our prayers. He knows us and our eccentricities so he uses the most extra ordinary circumstances and most outrageous people to answer our prayers. I guess, God knows how weird I really can get sometimes. Kekeke...)

Eight months ago, it seems like nothing's going well in my life - there's nothing to hope for or look forward too. (Clinical depression can make you feel that... But then, that's another long story...) And now, I'm totally happy!!! My life's been pretty interesting and exciting these past few months. I am so full of positive energies. I practically have a perpetual smile on my face. I feel so inspired and hopeful.

I'm living my life with as much joy and passion as I can muster. I'm loving the people in my life as much as I can. I'm doing my best to make my God proud. That he won't regret answering my prayers back in January... with a Koreanovela Queen, an 8-disc/16-episodes-long Korean series, and a Sexy Angel by the name of Bi.

So, who needs ecstasy?

Creed To Live By

2007-08-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each os us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future.
By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks.
It is bytaking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give love;
The fastest way to lose love is to hold it tightly;
And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't miss your dreams.
To be without dreams us to be without hope;
To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been but also where you are going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

A Child's Faith

2007-08-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite poems of all time... by Helen Steiner Rice...

By the way, these are my niece and nephew, Nadine and Neigel... Don't be deceived by the sweet, angelic looks... Kekeke... Love them anyway...

"Jesus Loves Me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so..."

Little children ask no more,

For love is all they're looking for.

And in a small child's shinning eyes

The Faith of all the ages lies.

And tiny hands and touseled heads

That kneel in prayer by little beds

Are closer to the dear Lord's heart

And of his kingdom more a part

Than we who search and never find,

The answer to our questioning minds.

For faith in things we cannot see

Requires a child's simplicity.

For lost in life's complexities,

We drift upon uncharted seas.

And slowly faith disintegrates

While wealth and power accumulates.

And the more man learns, the less He knows,

And the more involved his thinking grows.

And in his arrogance and pride,

No longer is man satisfied

To place his confidence and love,

With childlike Faith in God above.

Oh, Father, grant once more to men

A simple childlike faith again.

And with a small child's trusting eyes,

May all men come to realize

That faith alone can save man's soul

And lead him to a Higher Goal...

How To Stay Young

2007-07-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-07-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-07-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-07-01T19:04:00.001-07:00

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

2007-07-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

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...