It is once again the holiday season. It is time to find the best gift for our 'inaanaks' with the limited budget that we have. People who already received their 13th month pay or Christmas bonus are very lucky because they already have the means to go shopping. To those hardworking employees like me who are yet to get their extra compensation just console ourselves that atleast we will still have extra bucks while almost everyone already used theirs.
I refuse to be suck in all this Christmas madness. There is a more important preparation that we should do more than the consumer side of the occasion. We have to remember that the celebration is all about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We have to be spiritually prepared in His coming. I think it is easier to do than hunting for great deals in the mall. Attending the mass is one of the good ways to be ready for His birthday.
We often fall in the wrong notion that we have all the time in the world. Try to be good tomorrow instead of today. Miss the mass because we can just attend it next Sunday. Procrastinate in our studies because there is always the next semester. Mess up with our job for the evaluation is still at the end of the month. But the truth is, we would not know if there is really a next time to do it. He will come, just as sure as His first coming. So we have to be prepared, everyday.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
HP7
Harry is almost half-through with his quest to triumph over the evil that is Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Just like in the final installment of JK Rowling's masterpiece, the second to the grand finale of the magical adventure is very heart pounding and satisfying.
Finding and destroying the Hercluxes which are the vessels of the ripped souls of the Dark Lord posed the extreme danger to Harry and his best friends, Hermione and Ron. It is a perilous undertaking because the henchmen of Voldemort is always on their track. The first sequence wherein the members Order of the Phoenix will take Harry to a safe house is very exciting. I liked the thrill of the chase just like in the book. It's just that, the crazy but lovable Mad-Eye Moody died in this ambush.
I also adore their secret mission in the Ministry of Magic. They dared to get the locket which is also a Herclux. It was really fun, the actors who they transformed themselves were superbly great. It was one of the funniest part of the movie.
The animated narration of the Tale of the Three Brothers was not just informative but also entertaining. It creatively and clearly told the story behind the Deathly Hollows. I was able to understand it more when it 'jumped out' from the pages of the book.
There are only things that I would like the movie to be even better. First was the important scene when Dobby the Elf was killed by the devil incarnate Bellatrix. I remember myself beaming with pride for Dobby when he claimed with conviction that he 'is a free elf.', then being crushed upon learning that the knife thrown at him will claim his life. In the movie, which was suppose to be one of the highlights, turned out to be bland, because one can see that Dobby is nothing but a CGd elf,there was no depth at all.
It was supposed to be heart wrenching when Harry was digging the earth for Dobby's burial. Harry was in anguish, enraged and vengeful. He was finally resolute that he will once and for all defeat Lord Voldemort. But in the movie,the three friends seemed to just buried a rag doll covered in white cloth void with any intensity.
But the movie did not fail to rouse genuine emotions from it's loyal followers. Just thinking that next will be the finale of the Harry Potter movies make me sad. But then I am already thankful to JK Rowling that she created a magnificent and remarkable literature. I enjoyed her series that inspired the eight movies spanning way back when I was in college. It is just timely to take her well-deserved final bow next year, with flourish.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Engaged
William pledged as a member of the Order of Garter
I was in high school when the tragic demise of Princess Diana of Britain dominated the media. That was when I first had a glimpse of her young sons, William and Harry. I thought how brave these boys are. They are in anguish but royal protocols prevent them from showing it to the public. I admired how they tried to get through that traumatic phase in their lives, the high-profile death of their mother in their early years just when they really need her love and guidance.
With Beckham, not Harry I just like this picture: British and Football royalty, laughing together, priceless
More than their undeniable good looks, William and Harry endeared the public on how they picked up their lives without their mum. They continued to live as ordinary as their stature being the second and third in line in the British throne will allow them. Their pictures and whereabouts littered the Internet and tabloids. I think that their privacy had still been respected. William had been not a target of the media when he was in college in St. Andrew’s as negotiated by his PR. But sometimes the paparazzi are still intruding, especially with their pictures out with friends clubbing and the expose on Harry’s deployment in Afghanistan.
A wide percentage of the female population was sad and heart broken, when it was announced that William and his long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton was finally engaged. It was a selfish impulse to feel that way, since he really deserve to also be happy with the girl that he loves. It was also crazy to feel like crying, because you only see him on TV and magazines, he even haven’t been in my tropical country. But I will indulge in being melodramatic and sentimental since William is like the ultimate crush of my late 20’s generation. I really hope that he can still be unmarried until his forties just like the Prince of Monaco, but he was already set to tie the knot next year, 2011.
All together now: with British accent "Hahahahaha"
When I told this to my dad and demanded to kidnap Kate for me, he said “Buti nga ‘yon magpakasal na siya kasi nakakalbo na siya.” And when my mom saw my depression she remarked: “Naku paano kapag talagang boyfriend mo na ang magpapakasal sa iba, baka magpakamatay ka na…” And my sister was like, “Naku para kang si $@* kapag nagka-crush.” My family was really so funny, I laughed, they really know how to cheer me up.
The saga of the sons of Princess Diana, continues. Now that I, together with the other ladies who stalked, er, cared for William, are now recovering from the initial shock from this breaking news. I also want to see William waiting for his bride in the Cathedral, beaming as a proud father holding his child(ren) and being coroneted as the new King of the British Monarchy.
Now, Prince Harry, you are not to be engaged until ten years from now ;)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Grateful
I have never been seriously ill my whole life, until recently. For three years, I know that I have a health condition that I have to address. It sent me to the hospital for a consultation with doctors, some examinations and medicines to take when pain becomes unbearable. But in the last quarter of this year, I realized that I could not ignore it anymore for there is blood involved on it now. Only a surgery can get rid of it entirely and prevent it from getting worse.
So in the middle of September, I decided to consult a surgeon in The Medical City. I undergone a diagnostic procedure and I submitted the result to my office as a basis of my month-long sick leave. Of course it was granted and the admin also helped me complete my PhilHealth requirements. It was sad to say goodbye to my work even though it is only temporarily because I will miss my colleagues and students. But I have to take a break from my routine to pay attention to my fragile health; I will be back on December anyway.
My surgery was supposed to be on the last week of October. But it has to be postponed because I caught bad colds and I got my period earlier than expected. After the holiday, I visited my surgeon to finally schedule it. I was advised to be admitted in the hospital that same night, November 2 and have my operation tomorrow at 12 noon. I felt relieved to finally have that dreaded surgery; there is no turning back now.
My close friends and colleagues asked me what was wrong with me. They were curious about it and concerned about me. Though I did not directly tell them what it is. I just told them that there is something that should be removed in my ‘digestive area’. But I assured them that it is nothing serious and it will just be a minor surgery.
The funny thing was that the admitting clerk in The Medical City was someone that I know. So much for being secretive about my condition. Though I am not a bit worried about it because for sure she has a strong work ethic and there is a protocol of being tactful about their patients. Anyway, it was a Sienan who welcomed me in the hospital, that was why she looked really familiar. She was still very pretty; she was our muse in our first year in high school. She was so formal in our transaction and I can’t get myself to acknowledge her. But she was indeed excellent in her job and seeing her there is like a good sign that everything will be all right.
I was satisfied with my appointed room. It was very spacious, with a fridge, cable TV and nice view of Ortigas Center. My mom was pretty impressed with the washroom, particularly with the toilet bowl with a built-in washer. My sister commented that it was like a hotel room. I agree that it is, but I don’t want to stay there for a long time and I made a commitment to myself that I will be out of there on Friday.
The first reign of terror in the hospital was putting the IV on me. The staff nurse tried to put it but my vein was suppose to be thin and therefore difficult to put the dreaded needle on it. She called the 27 year old doctor, who by the way was beautiful, to successfully install the IV on my right hand. It was a torture; I thought getting a blood sample would be the worst. But I really like this lady resident doctor because she was calm and collected also when she explained to me the risks of sticking a local, regional anesthesia on my spine which will temporarily paralyze the lower part of my anatomy. Another resident male doctor with dashing eyelashes discussed the risks of my procedure but I was only half listening as I was deciding how unfair it is that he has mile long eyelashes and he is also a doctor to boot. They made me sign a consent paper and I can’t help but remember medical malpractices reported on the news but it was easy to bring myself to trust them completely.
I only had a nap before it dawned. I had the same feeling when I took the LET years ago. I was eager to get it done. When two nurses with a strolling bed announced that it was time to go to the OR, I would happily hoped on the bed if there is no IV to constrict me. But as the door of the Operating Room enclosed me without my parents whose last words were “Magdasal ka.”, I realized those scenes in my favorite medical drama, House M.D. is not that fun and entertaining in real life. I was put in the Prep room with other patients whose sound of their monitored heartbeats started to get into my nerves, I felt lonely and desolate. The nurse gave me half a tablet to help me relax and together with the chilly aircon, made my stomach rumble. Good thing it was effective, I was like half drunk when I was finally in the Operating Room. I can hear what was going on, but I did not have the energy to care to understand it. I was praying because I know that everything is out of my hands, I can only pray that I can get through this safely.
“Tapos na,” the nurse whispered to me. I was numb when I was put in the Recovery room. I was so sleepy but I told the nurse to tell my parents that I am out from the OR and she nodded. I can’t feel my legs, but I was not worried because I know that the anesthesia will soon wear off. I think I had a nap and soon enough I was able to move my legs. So the doctor decided that I can go back to my room again.
My family was there waiting for me, I smiled weakly, I was happy to see them again. I had a terrible headache and stomachache, I felt like I was drowning lying flat on my bed and I was shivering like crazy that night. I just slept through it, hoping that I will be so much better tomorrow.
I know that the worst was over that Thursday. My vital signs were normal and I get to finally eat home cooked meals by my dad. I was also delighted that Ninang Mely, Tita Olga and cousins Joan and Hiro visited me. To my relief the dressing on my wound and the IV on my hand were removed. I felt stronger and confident that I can really be discharged from the hospital right on schedule. I even watched my favorite TV shows, Gossip Girls and America’s Next Top Model that midnight. It was difficult to sleep because that was the time the weight of the past days hit me. I realized how blessed I am.
I was also thankful that my HMO, Medocare and PhilHealth paid my hospital bills.
I just shuddered at the fact that my four-day stay in The Medical City could wipe out my hard earned savings in the bank. So on November 5, Friday, my family and I had the clearance from the doctors and the hospital to finally go home. The nurse told us about the superstition not to look back at the room so that we won’t need to be back in the hospital again. Not wanting to take any chances, I just focused on my way out to the elevator, with only one goal in mind: to have a speedy and full recovery at the comfort of my home.
So in the middle of September, I decided to consult a surgeon in The Medical City. I undergone a diagnostic procedure and I submitted the result to my office as a basis of my month-long sick leave. Of course it was granted and the admin also helped me complete my PhilHealth requirements. It was sad to say goodbye to my work even though it is only temporarily because I will miss my colleagues and students. But I have to take a break from my routine to pay attention to my fragile health; I will be back on December anyway.
My surgery was supposed to be on the last week of October. But it has to be postponed because I caught bad colds and I got my period earlier than expected. After the holiday, I visited my surgeon to finally schedule it. I was advised to be admitted in the hospital that same night, November 2 and have my operation tomorrow at 12 noon. I felt relieved to finally have that dreaded surgery; there is no turning back now.
My close friends and colleagues asked me what was wrong with me. They were curious about it and concerned about me. Though I did not directly tell them what it is. I just told them that there is something that should be removed in my ‘digestive area’. But I assured them that it is nothing serious and it will just be a minor surgery.
The funny thing was that the admitting clerk in The Medical City was someone that I know. So much for being secretive about my condition. Though I am not a bit worried about it because for sure she has a strong work ethic and there is a protocol of being tactful about their patients. Anyway, it was a Sienan who welcomed me in the hospital, that was why she looked really familiar. She was still very pretty; she was our muse in our first year in high school. She was so formal in our transaction and I can’t get myself to acknowledge her. But she was indeed excellent in her job and seeing her there is like a good sign that everything will be all right.
I was satisfied with my appointed room. It was very spacious, with a fridge, cable TV and nice view of Ortigas Center. My mom was pretty impressed with the washroom, particularly with the toilet bowl with a built-in washer. My sister commented that it was like a hotel room. I agree that it is, but I don’t want to stay there for a long time and I made a commitment to myself that I will be out of there on Friday.
The first reign of terror in the hospital was putting the IV on me. The staff nurse tried to put it but my vein was suppose to be thin and therefore difficult to put the dreaded needle on it. She called the 27 year old doctor, who by the way was beautiful, to successfully install the IV on my right hand. It was a torture; I thought getting a blood sample would be the worst. But I really like this lady resident doctor because she was calm and collected also when she explained to me the risks of sticking a local, regional anesthesia on my spine which will temporarily paralyze the lower part of my anatomy. Another resident male doctor with dashing eyelashes discussed the risks of my procedure but I was only half listening as I was deciding how unfair it is that he has mile long eyelashes and he is also a doctor to boot. They made me sign a consent paper and I can’t help but remember medical malpractices reported on the news but it was easy to bring myself to trust them completely.
I only had a nap before it dawned. I had the same feeling when I took the LET years ago. I was eager to get it done. When two nurses with a strolling bed announced that it was time to go to the OR, I would happily hoped on the bed if there is no IV to constrict me. But as the door of the Operating Room enclosed me without my parents whose last words were “Magdasal ka.”, I realized those scenes in my favorite medical drama, House M.D. is not that fun and entertaining in real life. I was put in the Prep room with other patients whose sound of their monitored heartbeats started to get into my nerves, I felt lonely and desolate. The nurse gave me half a tablet to help me relax and together with the chilly aircon, made my stomach rumble. Good thing it was effective, I was like half drunk when I was finally in the Operating Room. I can hear what was going on, but I did not have the energy to care to understand it. I was praying because I know that everything is out of my hands, I can only pray that I can get through this safely.
“Tapos na,” the nurse whispered to me. I was numb when I was put in the Recovery room. I was so sleepy but I told the nurse to tell my parents that I am out from the OR and she nodded. I can’t feel my legs, but I was not worried because I know that the anesthesia will soon wear off. I think I had a nap and soon enough I was able to move my legs. So the doctor decided that I can go back to my room again.
My family was there waiting for me, I smiled weakly, I was happy to see them again. I had a terrible headache and stomachache, I felt like I was drowning lying flat on my bed and I was shivering like crazy that night. I just slept through it, hoping that I will be so much better tomorrow.
I know that the worst was over that Thursday. My vital signs were normal and I get to finally eat home cooked meals by my dad. I was also delighted that Ninang Mely, Tita Olga and cousins Joan and Hiro visited me. To my relief the dressing on my wound and the IV on my hand were removed. I felt stronger and confident that I can really be discharged from the hospital right on schedule. I even watched my favorite TV shows, Gossip Girls and America’s Next Top Model that midnight. It was difficult to sleep because that was the time the weight of the past days hit me. I realized how blessed I am.
I was also thankful that my HMO, Medocare and PhilHealth paid my hospital bills.
I just shuddered at the fact that my four-day stay in The Medical City could wipe out my hard earned savings in the bank. So on November 5, Friday, my family and I had the clearance from the doctors and the hospital to finally go home. The nurse told us about the superstition not to look back at the room so that we won’t need to be back in the hospital again. Not wanting to take any chances, I just focused on my way out to the elevator, with only one goal in mind: to have a speedy and full recovery at the comfort of my home.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
So Proud
With Sofia in their book signing in SM Manila
Years ago in the humble College of Mass Communication building in PUP, there are two bright lass who are dreaming to write romance novels. They shared their fair share of rejections and catty comments, but that only further encourage them to pursue their calling. Their loyal group of friends reassured them that they got the talent to make it big and make a mark as novelists.
Fast forward to 2010, Jernalie Dumapay is now known as Sofia and Cherie Rosales is Sonia Francesca. Saying that they have hordes of fans is an understatement. They have a cult following and they are the deities. Their publisher hold a mall tour for their readers and there is a lone queue of adoring fans eager to get a glimpse of them, ask their autographs and take pictures of them.
My friends are like celebrities, and I am so proud of them, because I know that they worked hard to attain the stardom they are enjoying now. I am also one of their most loyal fans. I love how witty and fun their stories are. I can always relate to the love story that they write. As I finish their stories, I was always reminded how wonderful it is to fall in love and that there is someone special out there for everyone.
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