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
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
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.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
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
forgot to post...
If only I could bring them with me...
At the airport... 
Last meal together... McDonald's what else?
Monday, February 20, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
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
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Saturday, February 04, 2006
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...
Thursday, February 02, 2006
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
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
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.
Monday, January 23, 2006
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).
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).
Saturday, January 21, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
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...