When the news of Michael Jackson’s sudden death had spread out, the whole world was mourning. Almost every newspaper’s entertainment section headline that I had read was related to him. Even if I was not an avid fan of him, I was still shocked and sad about his death. I couldn’t help but shed a few tears as I watched the news and read articles about him. I had always liked his song ‘Heal The World’ which had moved me to tears in the past. It was a great song that proved he had a heart for the society, which was truly something I appreciated.

            Throughout his lifetime, he was admired by people all over the world. Despite some of the controversies about him, people never ceased giving their full support and love. To many, he’s still the King of Pop of the past, present and future generation. His songs had united people of different races and had healed many wounded souls. He’s a great man who believed in world peace.

There were millions of fans who idolized him. It’s understandable that it was hard for them to accept his death just like his family and friends. Some even cried so hard to the extent that they fainted. That’s not exaggeration.

But COMMITTING SUICIDE?! That’s exaggeration and absurdity for me! Just yesterday, I read a column article saying that twelve of Michael Jackson’s brokenhearted fans committed suicide because their idol’s death was too painful for them to accept.  I couldn’t actually believe what I had read. Was their love for a celebrity greater than their love for their family and friends? If one of their loved ones passed away, would they also do the same thing? I don’t know the answer to this. All I know is that if Michael Jackson knew that his fans committed suicide because of him, he wouldn’t be happy and be able to rest in peace. I’m sure he wanted them to cherish life, not end it right away! He had strived to live his life meaningfully until his last breath because he believed life was too precious to be wasted. Yet, there are people out there who are still so young and have just started their life journey but have decided to end their life just because they are too hurt? For me, that’s the same as committing a crime because they have killed something that was given from above. We are all unworthy of the gift of life yet God still chooses to give it to us. And look at how we repay God? By committing suicide? That’s not what God wants. That’s not what Michael Jackson wants. So, I hope people will stop killing themselves.

The best thing we can do for someone who has passed away is to live.

I felt truly blessed to be able to attend Victory’s Sunday service again. I missed worshipping God together with a large crowd of believers. I was even more grateful that my best friend accompanied me to this service. I wish we could do this more in the future…:)

            The service began with sing and praise, followed by a pastor preaching a message about discipleship. Simply put, discipleship is more than a process of converting people to become followers of God; it’s a relationship we have to sincerely engage with other people. We are all commanded by Christ to bring people into a right relationship with God. It requires great patience and commitment from our part. This is not a difficult task if we have the heart for it. It’s useless if we preach God’s word yet our actions prove otherwise. As it is written in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." If we don’t have the fundamental love for our fellowmen, how can we even consider ourselves disciples of God? Then, who are we to persuade others to become disciples of God as well? It all has to start from within. If we are changed, we are more likely able to inspire others to do the same.

I had always enjoyed the sing and praise part, it always left me teary-eyed. My heart was overflowing with joy and love for the Lord when I was singing. At the same time, people were clapping their hands, jumping, raising their hands and heads while singing. Everyone rejoiced in giving praises to God, what a wonderful sight!

            I also realized that there’s really a big difference between praying to Gold alone in your bedroom and praying to God with hundreds of believers. When I’m praying alone, I’m only aware of my own hunger for God’s love, wisdom and guidance. But when I’m praying with everyone else, I realize that I’m not alone in this world. I see people who are also zealous and committed to follow God.  There is unity of love for the Great Creator.

            After the service, it’s bonding time with my best friend. We strolled at The Fort (saw a lot of families bringing their dogs and puppies), hanged out at Mary Grace (our first time!) and order their sumptuous Apple Pie and refreshing homemade iced tea, bought a few slices of cakes at Conti’s, and grabbed a free original glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme (so lucky!). Then I had dinner at my best friend’s place with her parents. After dinner, I accompanied her to visit her sick boyfriend. He looked really sick to me, haha.

            I really had a great time, thanks to my best friend. Can I just say I’m so grateful for a best friend like her?:)

By the way, Sunday has become my favorite day of the week, the day I look forward to every week, haha.

Realizations from our conversation:

PEOPLE DON’T ACTUALLY MATURE WITH THEIR AGE. Imagine people who are already in the corporate world yet they still think and act like a high-schooler. How childish can people get?

A PERSON’S WORTH IS NOT MEASURED BY HIS OR HER ACHEIVEMENTS. You might have graduated with honor in college or get promoted in your career. But if you don’t have the right attitude and virtues in dealing with people and issues, there is really nothing you should be proud of.

NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DRAW CONCLUSION REGARDING ANYTHING BEFORE THEY SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE. I really get pissed off with people who like to create their own interpretation of everything that they see or hear without discovering the truth first. Why it is so easy for people to judge another just because they think what they know is already everything?

AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY IS WHAT YOU ENJOY DOING. We do certain things because we need to. But there are other things that we do because we really want to and are inspired to do so. So often, what we like to do is not what will create great financial wealth for us. But… what will ultimately fill the emptiness in our heart is not financial wealth as well, right?

I actually met up with Gino for a purpose. But during the whole time we’re together, I was too overjoyed to finally catch up with an old friend that I didn’t even remember at all what we met up for (if he didn’t reminded me). It’s always different to personally talk with a person than just communicating through text and chat. Sa sobrang excited ko nga, sumakit ang ulo ko eh. I don’t know why, but it has become a natural phenomenon that that whenever I get too excited, the back of my head hurts so much, haha.     

            Another reason that our meeting place had to be Mall Of Asia was to attend the franchise fair at SMX convention. There were at least 50+ business booths and some really caught my/our attention. I learned quite a lot whether about the business itself or about franchising details. It’s also my first time to see the kind of gigantic printer that is used to print big-sized tarpaulins. I was just happy to have a new experience out of my daily work-home life.

            But the best part of the day was my bonding time with Gino. Nabitin pa ako kahit hanggang 8pm na nga kami eh, haha. In our sharing, I realize we have so much in common in terms of our personality, our viewpoints, principles and values in life. I always feel that I think differently from others, no wonder I always get the reaction, “Ang weird mo mag-isip.” But I find comfort in the fact that I’m not alone and some people actually understand me or at least they try to.  

Though I have become less of a private person during college, I still select the people whom I’m willing to pour my heart out. As I have always said, I don’t really have many friends whom I’m willing to open up with, and I’m just glad that he’s one of them. I also appreciate the fact that he is willing to share with me things he doesn’t share with others.

It’s not everyday that we can find someone whom we feel comfortable having conversation over a cup of coffee with. It’s not everyday that we find someone who understands and accepts us for who we are. So, THANK YOU GINO!:) Thank you for the treat at Starbucks! Thank you for signaling me to lower down my voice everytime I get too intense or hyper. Thank you for correcting my mispronounced and ‘mis-sounded’ words, haha!:) But really, thank you for being a great friend and good listener.:)

            “Mon Mon, puwede ka na maging nanay!!!”

            That’s the comment I got from my workers and customers while I was feeding baby Chester milk and humming him to sleep. Besides my little brother, Chester is one of the cutest babies I have seen. I always request my secretary to bring him to store so that I can play with him. I love caressing him and kissing him. I always wonder why the skin of babies or kids is so soft, haha. Chester is already more than a year old so he’s starting to walk on his own already. He likes to look at me and make beautiful eyes, SO CUTE!!!
                If there’s really one thing that can constantly bring a smile to my face, it’s seeing cute babies and kids. I can just stare at them for like forever and keep smiling. Even though my right arm aches after carrying him for like an hour, I still feel so satisfied. Thank you baby Chester for making my day!:)

            But I still don’t think I’m ready to become a mother haha. There are just so many responsibilities and sacrifices that come with it. I still don’t want to give up my independence and freedom yet, not that there’s no such thing anymore after marriage. Nonetheless, life will change drastically. I don’t think I’m ready to be tied down to having my own family yet. Perhaps… someday… haha.:)

           Because it’s Father’s Day, I treated my dad and siblings to Sonya’s Garden. It's their first time there and I was happy that they liked the nature-inspired ambiance of the place, which really made us feel so relaxed and peaceful. It’s truly the perfect getaway after a stressful day.

Besides my little brother, we ordered Sonya's EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN set menu: garden salad greens with various toppings and dressings to choose from, whole wheat sesame bread with an array of homemade dips, pasta with two kinds of sauces (sun dried tomato and chicken cream with mango) and toppings, desserts (glazed sweet potato, banana rolls with sesame and jackfruit, and chocolate cake), fresh dalandan juice and tarragon tea. Though this kind of food is not really my dad’s type, he still enjoyed the meal. At least, he was able to try something new besides his usual Chinese dishes, hehe.

            One thing that I’m proud of myself now is I can already afford to treat my family to fancy places.:)

My first time here. A great place with great food.:)

With Jo, Patchoy, Rona and Yumi.

             Because Patchoy was assigned to work in Batangas for a few years and that means not being able to see him for quite some time, so we met up before he left last June 12. It’s nice seeing him again, especially now that he has a girlfriend!:) I also met Jo and Yumi too!:) I had lunch at Mom & Tina’s with Patchoy and Jo. Then we went to Eastwood to meet Yumi and Patchoy’s girlfriend.

            Can I just say that for someone like me who’s Laguna-based, I always feel so extremely happy when I get the chance to see my friends?:)

With Chuping and Kei.

Watching a live concert of a popular singer/band is definitely a first-time experience for me. So when I got the chance to watch the Pussycat Dolls concert last June 11 at MOA with my best friend and her boyfriend, it was truly a satisfying experience.

But what makes me happier that night was my bonding time with my best friend. I truly miss sleepover at her place and I miss talking with her alone. You know, we’re not really the kind of best friend who keeps in touch everyday and who knows the smallest details of each other’s life. But we’re definitely the kind of best friend who believes deep inside that nothing will change even if we haven’t seen each other for the longest time, who is the first to know when something important – whether good or bad – happens to one of us, and who will stand by each other’s side through thick and thin (hey, we have been through that many times). It’s like an unspoken bond and trust exist between us from the start already, for which I have always been grateful for.

            The last thing that has deeply moved me is when she informed me right away about her new ‘love interest’. I’m sure I’m the second happiest person to hear that news. I know what she has gone through in the past thus I know how important this means to her. All I can say is that life is full of unexpected yet beautiful happenings. When it’s meant to happen to you, it will come to you in the right time and make you feel like the happiest person in the world, that you’re willing to fight for it against all odds.:) I’m truly happy for you!:)

iPod Classic is so far the first and most expensive material thing I have bought for myself using my own money. I desperately want to have one of my own where I can put my collection of favorite music, movies and videos. It’s also a very handy gadget because I can use it anytime and anywhere.:)

When I first heard about Boys Over Flowers, I was totally uninterested since I thought it’s just another version of Meteor Garden which the story I have almost memorized. But when I tried watching the first episode of Boys Over Flowers, I immediately got hooked on it! I even stayed awake until early morning just to finish watching. It’s so addicting!

I really like this Korean version the most. Every scene is so catchy that you don’t want to miss any single moment of it. I love how each song fits in each scene. I also prefer its version of F4 since they are better-looking for me, and their friendship is very well portrayed in the story. I also appreciate the fact that the director didn’t just focus on the two main characters (Jun Pyo and Jan Di), but also gives importance to the happenings of the other F4 characters. Above all, I can wholeheartedly feel the chemistry of Jun Pyo and Jan Di. Mas nakakakilig talaga sila eh, as in super!

When I come to think about it, there has never been a Korean drama series that has made me smile, laugh and cry this hard at the same time. I can’t even count the times I have RE-WATCHED every episode, particularly my favorite scenes. Until, now, I’m still doing it. I love all the songs from this series, which has been my playlist for weeks. I’m interested in every interview, show, news and whatever videos that are related to Boys Over Flowers. Even at work, I keep on listening to the songs and watch the videos whenever I’m free. I just can’t get it out of my mind. That’s how addicted I am. I’m just like one of those crazy fans of Boys Over Flowers, haha. How I wish they would visit the Philippines. If that really happen, I would do anything just to see them!:)

I think it’s my first time to be so crazy about a show or a celebrity, haha.

    当你得到一种不治之症， 你会选择以泪洗脸，抱怨上天，或是学会更珍惜生命，每天活得有意义呢？

《一公升的眼泪》是一部感人至深的日本连戏剧。剧情是根据一个真人死后所留下的日记，描写一个得了脊髓小脑变性症而勇敢对抗病魔的年轻女孩-木藤亚也。她的生存毅力，对人生永远抱着希望和笑容的那种心态，一切的一切都令人敬佩。更令我感动的是她的家人，朋友和喜欢的男生对她永不放弃的照顾和关怀。从故事中可以感受到他们的真心。如果我是亚也也一样会觉得非常庆幸还有人愿意接受一个像我和残废没两样的病人。

多 少次我都看到眼泪情不自禁地流个不停。我非常欣赏亚也这个主角。十五岁的她才刚刚要迎接高中的生活，要她接受这个事实非一件容易的事。但在亲人和朋友的支 持下，亚也下定决心努力度过每一天，让自己在剩下的日子不要有一丝遗憾。当亚也认为自己一件事都做不好的时候，她妈妈提醒她其实她还有写作这个才能。所以 我们看到的是一个坚持到最后还没放弃的亚也。只要她还能说话，走路和用她的手做事，她都会忍痛做下去。我深信直到她去世的那一天，她都没有浪费过一天的人 生。但愿看完这部连戏剧的观众能从中得到勇气，学会珍惜生命。

One Liter Of Tears is a moving Japanese drama based on a true story about a fifteen years old girl named Aya who suffered from an incurable disease. The script is based on the diary she kept while she still could write. Despite her illness, she was able to live life to the fullest until her last breath.
              Her disease deprives her of all kinds of movement. But with the encouragement of her family, friends and lover, she remains strong and strives to live each day with no regret. Even if her condition is deteriorating everyday, she continues to walk, talk, write and eat normally until she can’t do anything anymore.
              This drama really moves me to tears. It makes me realize once again that the fact that I am alive is such a wonderful thing. And more importantly, we should never allow our physical inability to hinder us from achieving our dreams and live a normal life.