graduation snapshots

homeward bound...again

As I read my daughter's Thanksgiving Speech, I can't help but feel sad and happy at the same time. Sad, because in doing what I felt was right years ago, I have robbed her and her brother the right to a normal family life. Happy, that in spite of everything that transpired, she grew up well-adjusted, able to express her feelings, and immensely bright.

It was because of these feelings that I finally decided I should go back to attend her graduation. I had already told her last Christmas that I won't be able to make it because traveling from the US to the Philippines cost a lot of money. Not to mention I just started on a new job. But being a Mom, I can't deny her of her special day just because I'm worried of finances. So I went back.

Got home after midnight. My Dad picked me up from the airport. Nobody told my kids that I'll be making the trip home simply because I don't want to disappoint them in case I really cannot make it. Both of them were fast asleep when I got there. When I went inside the room where my son slept, I really think he "smelled" me(mind you I refused to admit I smell anything but I've been in a plane so who knows), because he just opened his eyes as if expecting that I'd be there. It's a great feeling that he just smiled and opened up his arms to embrace and kiss me. Then Axel and I conspired to jump in Kyla's bed so she'll be surprised when she wakes up. But, plan failed, she woke up right after I got into bed, put her arms around me and simply said "Mama".

I was only there for 5 1/2 days, and it was so tiring especially with the heat. Right after I got back I had to work my 6pm-12mn shift at the library. Now I'm so sleepy, got a cold and slight fever. But it was well worth it, and I am so fortunate to have two wonderful kids.

My daughter's speech

THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
Angelica Rossana B. Tolentino
Valedictorian
Class 2006, Sta.Catalina College
Graduation Day, March 25, 2006

Our beloved School Head, Sr. Elizabeth O. Castino, O.P.; the Dominican Sisters; dear teachers and non-teaching personnel; our dear parents, guests, fellow graduates, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant evening.

It is my singular honor and privilege / to speak in behalf of my fellow graduates / as we, the members of Class 2006, / take our last bow / as students of this great learning institution, / our dear Sta. Catalina College. As graduates,/ we are undoubtedly experiencing mixed emotions today / as we begin to think of parting ways / and of bidding goodbye to each other. Allow me to recite a short stanza / that I wrote for this moment…

"Goodbye is hard to say
But we know we can't stay,
Memories shared together
We will cherish... forever..."

What I just recited to you / mirrors the truth that we should all accept, / though painful it may seem. Fellow graduates, / goodbye may signify now an end / to the four years we shared together in high school, / and for some of us, ten or so years since kinder, / but, / the good news is, / it likewise means that we will soon see each other again.../ hopefully, after we have sailed through our respective personal voyages / and come back together again sometime in the future.../ by which time, / we would already be more learned, / mature / and a lot wiser.

When our parents first brought us to this great learning institution for our education, / we were like seeds / that have just been planted. Year after year,/ through proper nurturing and guidance from our mentors, / we slowly evolved into young trees / until we've grown roots strong enough to sustain ourselves. We began to grow branches / and started to bloom. We were molded to understand the truth / and to discover the unknown. As our second home for several years,/ our school acted as our protective shield from negative elements, / very much like that of a bigger and older tree / giving shade to little trees like us.

Also, / here, / we developed friendships and camaraderie / that will surely last for long, / and imbibed in us / a sense of unity even in the midst of strong competition, / both in academics and co-and extra-curricular activities. And being a Catholic school, / our Alma Mater never failed / to instill in us moral values and virtues / that enriched us spiritually / and molded our good character.

Fellow graduates, / the long time we shared together / has allowed each one of us to do a task or two, / play this role or that, / work on certain projects, / join contests, / and many other activities and endeavors / that bonded us together and tested our character. Who can ever forget the unity of our batch when it comes to activities and competitions / like Speech Choir, / Dance Interpretation, / and Cheering? Remember the exhausting practices that lasted until late in the evening? ... the joys and the cries whenever we win or lose? ... the all-out support we gave to our competing classmates? ... and the tough examinations we all had to hurdle? Yes, / these are all wonderful moments / that will soon become part of our good memories after this day.

High school, they say, / is the happiest part of one's school life. It may be saddening that this happiest part of our school life / is now coming to an end. But,/ at the same time, / we are excited because / we know that our high school graduation / will open for us new doors and windows of enormous and numerous opportunities / as we go on through our own respective journeys in life / and claim our own personal victories. Our Graduation Day, therefore, / marks not the end / but the start of a more challenging experience.

As we graduate today, / it is but proper and fitting to extend our deepest gratitude / to those behind our great success.

To our dear Alma Mater, for sheltering us not only with good school facilities that are conducive for learning / but more so / for imbuing with us a great pride of being a Catherinean.

To the School Administration, for steering the course for us towards achieving our purpose in this institution, / and for all its support in every activity and endeavor.

To our dear teachers, for selflessly sharing with us your invaluable time, / precious knowledge / and priceless efforts / if only to nurture our minds / and prepare us for greater heights / at the same time ensuring our development as children of God.

To my classmates and fellow graduates, for the time and moments we all shared together, / for our treasured friendship, / and for our collective efforts in making our batch / one of the best that Sta. Catalina College has ever produced. Fellow graduates, you are the best / and I'm very proud / and feel honored to be part of this batch!

Of course, to our ever-supportive parents and guardians, who incessantly gave us love, support and guidance every step of the way. A million thanks also for your sacrifices and hardships / if only to provide us quality education.

On a personal level, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Papa,/ who never stopped believing in what I can do / especially at times when / even I doubted myself. To my Mama, / who, / even if she is miles away, / never failed to look after my welfare / as if she is just here beside me. Papa and Mama, whatever happened to the both of you,/ I am still thankful because / in your individual ways,/ you have strengthened me with your unconditional love,/ support / and guidance. To my only brother,/ thank you for being my pillar and my friend. To my Lolo and Lola,/ I know that thank you is not enough / to express my heartfelt gratitude for all your unparalleled sacrifices, love, patience, understanding and mentoring. To Papang and Mamang, / for taking care of me everytime I spend my memorable summer vacations in Ilocos. To my stepmom, for being kind and a true friend. And to my special inspiration, for your unending support, thank you.

At this juncture, / my fellow graduates and friends,/ with your kind indulgence,/ please allow me to share / an important piece of my life. My life is not a typical one. I am a product of a broken family. My brother and I live with my maternal grandparents,/ per arrangement between my parents. In their separate ways,/ my parents did all their best / to make me feel the least impact of their failed marriage,/ as they never ceased to provide love,/ care / and support to me and my brother. Although nothing compares / to having both your parents beside you everyday, I / nevertheless / never dwelled on what is lacking in my life. Instead, / I took it as a challenge / that triggered me to focus on the positive / and to aim higher and strive further in school. I never ceased to make my parents proud of me / by being good in class. Now, I'd like to believe / that I haven't failed them.

My fellow honor graduates,/ my sincerest thanks to you all. It has been a pleasant experience being in your company / as we engaged in fierce yet friendly competitions. These friendly competitions,/ though sometimes test the limit of our friendships,/ made me understood better / the value of achievement. Reaching what I have reached today / is even made more wonderful by the fact that / it was fought out with equally talented fellow students like you. Notwithstanding, / it is my hope / that our friendship that we’ve cultivated over the years / would prevail in our midst.

Lastly but certainly not the least,/ a big THANK YOU to the Omnipotent God,/ who continuously serves as our Light / on our path towards success / and who’ll never forsake us / as we continue in our struggles in life.

My fellow graduates,/ today may be the last day we can be together as "one". But as we part ways / and go on with our lives,/ "Batch Astig",/ as we fondly call ourselves,/ will stay in our hearts / and in this institution / forever.Congratulations and good luck to us all. I will definitely miss you all. May God bless us in all our endeavors. Again, thank you and good evening.

Tagged! Hay...

Did you know...

Four Jobs I've Had In My Life
1. Library Consultant
2. Head Librarian
3. Activities Director
4. Circulation Assistant

Four Movies I Could Watch Over And Over
1. Pretty Woman
2. Bridges of Madison County
3. First Knight
4. Any James Bond Movie

Four Places I've Lived
1. Binan, Laguna
2. Los Banos, Laguna
3. Quezon City
4. Los Angeles, CA

Four TV Shows I Love To Watch
1. Law & Order
2. ER
3. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Las Vegas, Miami, New York)
4. Numbers

Four Websites I Visit Daily
1. Yahoo!
2. Friendster
3. My Friends' Blogs
4. Southwestern University School of Law

Four of My Favorite Foods
1. Kare-Kare (w/o eggplant, got a bad allergic reaction to it)
2. B-B-Q
3. Shrimps (Yum Yum!....amen!)
4. Sinigang

Four Places I've Been On Vacation (fave vacation places na lang)
1. Boracay
2. Big Bear
3. San Francisco
4. Mindoro

Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now
1. Home with my kids
2. San Francisco
3. Italy
4. Florida

Four People I Wanna Tag
1. Kyla
2. Igor
3. Abie
4. Maria

Proud Mama !!!

You did it!

Congratulations to my "beautiful" (sige na nga, payag muna ako) daughter for graduating top of her class (Valedictorian). I knew you can do it. I love you baby!

And not to forget my handsome son who's in first year high school. He made it to the top ten! Love you baby!!!

off to college...

Hurray!!!!! My daughter passed UPCAT. She will be going to UP Diliman, and guess what, it'll be the same course that I graduated in... Library Science.

What can I say, I can feel old age creeping in on me :p

a day of experiments...

(sorry for blurry picture)

I just baked my first "Brazo de Mercedez" in more than 25 years... Did it first when I was too young to remember what I'm doing. Does that give away my age? Ah well... turned out pretty good, not too sweet just like the way I want it. This came about when I was trying to make yema... I got the recipe from the web and when I tasted it, it's more like the brazo filling than yema so I figured might as well. As it is, the brazo turned out better than the yema. Also made siopao (recipe also taken from the web). It turned out great also but I have to practice how to pinch the edges so it'll look nicer. As quick fix, I just turned it upside down so the smooth surface is facing up... no more uneven surface he he. Throughout the entire baking/cooking exercise, my sister kept calling me to ask how it's coming. I do think she's more excited about the whole thing than I am. I guess I would be too if I'll only be doing the eating and none of the hard work. So, after rush hour, am to go to my sister's to give her her share of the goodies.

news from home

I don't normally post anything political, but this is a sad day for the Philippines and the Filipino people. I never liked GMA, mainly because I could not believe anything that she says. My disbelief is further reinforced by what she said in her proclamation.

I know that we can still recover from this, I just hope we don't have to pay too much of a price.

What follows is the full text of Proclamation 1017 declaring a state of national emergency:

MALACANANG PALACE MANILA
PROCLAMATION NO. 1017

PROCLAMATION DECLARING A STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, over these past months, elements in the political opposition have conspired with authoritarians of the extreme Left represented by the NDF-CPP-NPA and the extreme Right, represented by military adventurists-- the historical enemies of the democratic Philippine State-who are now in tactical alliance and engaged in a concerted and systematic conspiracy, over a broad front, to bring down the duly constituted Government elected in May 2004.

WHEREAS, these conspirators have repeatedly tried to bring down the President;

WHEREAS, the claims of these elements have been recklessly magnified by certain segments of the national media;

WHEREAS, this series of actions is hurting the Philippine State--by obstructing governance including hindering the growth of the economy and sabotaging the people's confidence in government and their faith in the future of this country;

WHEREAS, these actions are adversely affecting the economy;

WHEREAS, these activities give totalitarian forces of both the extreme Left and extreme Right the opening to intensity their avowed aims to bring down the democratic Philippine State;

WHEREAS, Article 2, Section 4 of our Constitution makes the defense and preservation of the democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of Government;

WHEREAS, the activities above-described, their consequences, ramifications and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and the integrity of the Philippine State and of the Filipino people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: "The President... whenever it becomes necessary, ...may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress... rebellion..., "and in my capacity as their Commander-in-Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and to all decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon my direction; and as provided in Section 17, Article 12 of the Constitution do hereby declare a State of National Emergency.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and six.

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

PresidentRepublic of the Philippines

more from my last trip home

Smile!

How sweet!

from my last trip home...

Mom

Clowning around...

My dad, always looking serious...

Mom and Dad

forgot to post...

If only I could bring them with me...

At the airport...

Last meal together... McDonald's what else?

test run

testing a new addition to my blog...


missthing.mid
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San Francisco Valentine Trip

a trip back in time...



Zeny's first trip to San Francisco



Three's a crowd. Where's your partner Zeny?



Can I take you home too?



Enjoying some spring flowers.



Hang on!



Gotta find you a live one!



Enjoying some free time with a friend.



Posing with my favorite flower.

Feeling like a debutante

An end towards a beginning...

My very own Princess


May I have this dance?

Junior-Senior Prom

Lady Kyla







Kyla & Adrian

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations
- to my daughter Kyla for winning first place in the LACASA Poem Writing Contest. The Theme: LACASA: Ten years of Christian Youth Leadership. The mechanics are: 5 stanzas, 4 lines, free verse, english. This is her winning piece.


NEVER FALL...
Darkness, violence and injustice, are the sights we all can see
In this evil world of today, it seems all of us aren't free
Leaders, they are the hope, the way and the light
But it seems like they're the ones who start the fight

The youth of today, they're the hope for tomorrow
The ones who should take away all the nation's sorrow
They already made a step, ten years ago
Until now, they still have a long way to go

The Laguna Catholic Schools Association as we all know
Develops leadership and make the youth grow
Never been apart, together they serve God
Continuing the mission of service to others that they had

The LACASA activities are rooted in God's Word
Develops faith in the youth which can be stronger than a sword
Their souls, they nourish and nurture
To prepare the leaders of the future

Ten years of trials, one decade of pain
Didn't even tear apart what these youth leaders gain
Holding on together, standing tall
They hold on to God and never did they fall...

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

- The History Channel

dinner at dencio's 

my life... 

a date with my son 

Amazing what a different hairstyle can do... 

true colors...

Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do. you do.

lucky me!

Lucky me to be able to celebrate my birthday 2 days in a row. That's because most of the people who greeted me are in the Philippines which means they're about 16 hours ahead from LA. So I got older a day before I'm ready to make my leap. Thank God I did not have to add 2 years to my age...that would have been a disaster.

Well, we did go out for dinner on the 20th and since I get to choose, we went to an eat-all-you can place (american, chinese, japanese, mongolian). Afterwards, I felt like a big chunk of lard. I was so bottom heavy that I couldn't even get out of the car without someone helping me out... burp!!!!

The 21st is a working day, though, so off to work I went. After that, I just passed by a McDonald's (as usual) to get some french fries. When I got home, I figured since I ate too much the day before, I might as well finish my little redecorating project. While doing that, I was gossiping with my sister. I guess in all, I did celebrate it in Philippine time instead of LA time. No matter, I get to grow older (again).

mortality faced

My Uncle Efren passed away last January 20, 2006 around 7pm. He's been in a coma for the last couple of months.

Last Christmas, I went to his house to pay him a visit. I was really hesitant because I really did not want to see him in a helpless state. My Dad convinced me saying it might be the last time I'll see him alive. "Alive" being a relative term...

When I got there, I did not see the Uncle I was so used to seeing. He always has something witty to say even before I step in his house. This time it was very different. I saw a body, his body, lying there not moving and breathing with the help of a machine. I moved closer and said normally, "hey! what are you doing still in bed? aren't we going to have a drink today? You gotta get up sometime, it's Christmas!" I normally would have gotten a whack in the head at this time. Normally... Yes, it was very different indeed.

A while later when everybody went out of the room, I whispered to him, "Kung pagod ka na, pwede ka nang magpahinga. Matatanda na mga anak mo, kaya na nila yan, mahaba na ang oras na binigay mo para kayanin nila ang pag-alis mo. Tapos na rin ang inaalala nyo ng Tatay tungkol sa akin... kung nagaalala ka pa sa Ate, ako na ang bahala sa kanya." That was the last time I saw him.

A day before my birthday, he died. Rest easy and in peace. Know that you have been and will be loved by those who knew you well.

Back in LA

Like all good things, my vacation has to come to an end. Flew back to LA last Tuesday. Thank God the flight was shorter. It's been a touch too bumpy for my taste (I've always called the airpockets bumps in the sky), the plane crew were too slow in addressing the needs of passengers, and the food although slightly better still leaves much to be desired. The flight back to the Philippines was a lot better compared to coming back to LA. Considering the cost of plane tickets during Christmas season, you'd think they'd try at least to give better service...