Even when I feel so down nowadays can't help but smile whenever I see these cheesy commercials from Greenwich featuring some well known celebrities like Anne Curtis, Soleil, and John Lloyd Cruz.
The reason I watch TV sometimes is because of TV ads. I am amazed at how the creative people come up with commercials. When I was in college, I dreamt of joining an ad agency and become a copywriter but the creative juice in my brain is not good enough for the industry.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Leaving Mt Samat
I vacated my old apartment the second time with a heavy heart. It was my second home away from Pangasinan. I lived in 7045 Mt Samat, Talimundok, Dau for almost 8 years! That tiny apartment was my comfort zone. I have my privacy there to pray and fast whenever I want to. I go home in the middle of the night or wee hours of morning after a night out with friends or during rest day overtime. It is the first stop whenever I come home from a holiday in another Asian country. There were lots of good memories in that tiny apartment.
When I resigned from my job, I didn't give it up right away. I tried to maintain it even though I had no work. My aunt often tease me I had no permanent address as I could go home to my cousins in Baguio, in Dagupan or to her house in Novaliches. I wanted to tell her, my home is in Dau.
I was forced to vacate it because the owners wanted to renovate it. But even up to last minute I was negotiating with my landlady to let me stay even though renovation is ongoing. I felt really homeless because my comfort zone is gone.
I have to sell also some of my appliances because transporting them to Pangasinan will costs me more. I hold sentimental value with the stuff I bought but then after going to SG it made me realize that those are just material things and I can buy new stuff when I get a new job. I remember that life here on earth is temporal. I should never attach myself to material things. As always I remember that all things work together for good. Who knows I might go back again in that apartment or buy a house.
When I resigned from my job, I didn't give it up right away. I tried to maintain it even though I had no work. My aunt often tease me I had no permanent address as I could go home to my cousins in Baguio, in Dagupan or to her house in Novaliches. I wanted to tell her, my home is in Dau.
I was forced to vacate it because the owners wanted to renovate it. But even up to last minute I was negotiating with my landlady to let me stay even though renovation is ongoing. I felt really homeless because my comfort zone is gone.
I have to sell also some of my appliances because transporting them to Pangasinan will costs me more. I hold sentimental value with the stuff I bought but then after going to SG it made me realize that those are just material things and I can buy new stuff when I get a new job. I remember that life here on earth is temporal. I should never attach myself to material things. As always I remember that all things work together for good. Who knows I might go back again in that apartment or buy a house.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Word of the day: Focus
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying ‘no’ to 1,000 things.”
-Steve Jobs
Friday, May 20, 2011
Conquering Mt Pinatubo
On May 8, 2011 the nature conspired with us (Joanne, Salman, Senthil and me). We had a very good weather that day, not too hot. We were picked up from Max's Dau by the local tour agent we hired to take us to Mt. Pinatubo at around five in the morning. A day before that, Joanne and I scoured the net to look for an affordable day tour package. Got some rate as high as Php2750 per head which includes only a 4x4 jeep, local guide, conservation fees and lunch. Luckily, Joanne got a recommendation from a friend and I contacted the agent and were given the best package rate of Php2000 per head with same features as the ones I saw in the net. The tour agent accommodated us even though booking was short notice. The other tour agencies requires at least 2-3 days heads up. (Ping me in Yahoo Messenger or drop me a message if you want to get the phone number of the local agent.)
The drive to Capas, Tarlac took us only 45 minutes and we reached Sta. Juliana, Capas at six in the morning. We registered at the base camp and changed our footwear to flip flops. It is advisable to wear trekking sandals for easier walking as there is a lot of shallow streams along the way. Also, bring extra shirt to change into, drinking water and some munchies. Make sure to bring the essentials: sunblock, drinking water, extra clothes if you plan to swim or bathe in mini falls, cap, sunglasses, some food if you want to eat at the summit, and a good camera to document your trek (make sure battery is full!).
At 6:15am we were traversing the Crow Valley aboard a 4x4 jeep. The view on the way to the starting point of trek is magnificent! It was a combination of verdant hills and Canyon-like lahar walls. We took time to stop and snap pictures of the wonderful view. I was fascinated with what I see on the road and just silently wish I have the opportunity to go on a nature trip once a month with friends or family. It took us an hour to reach the starting point of the old route that will require approximately two hours walking. There is another route which they call skyway and walking will take only 45 minutes to reach the crater however this route was closed. Also, I prefer to the longer route so I could enjoy the view.
The ascent to the volcano's crater is not steep. The clue that you are nearing the summit is the vegetation. As we get near the crater, we see more green scenery. I was sweating profusely while walking but I was happy and could not believe that I was heading to Mt. Pinatubo crater.
I am impressed with Tourism office of Tarlac for preserving the area. I didn't see any litters along the way. There were also clean toilets near the summit.
When we just few kilometers away from the crater, we saw a signboard that says for young age it will only take them 15 minutes, middle is 18 minutes and senior citizen is 20 minutes. Guess what bracket we belong to? None of the three age brackets! We reached the summit after 23 minutes or so walking non-stop. At least I was not panting while I was trekking. :)
Cold breeze greeted us at the peak of the volcano. The more than two hours walk was worth the view I was seeing in Mt Pinatubo. The experience will not be complete if we won't try crossing the lake so hired a boat.
The water on other side of the lake is a bit warm. We dug holes on the shore and we saw fumes coming out. The water is really hot and it can cook an egg. Some tourists brought eggs and had fun boiling it.
I must confess that thought of volcano erupting crossed my mind while we were in the middle of the lake. Some of the dormant volcanoes in the Philippines are showing some activities (Taal and Mayon). Am confident though that wherever I am, God's protection is with me.
Setting aside the negative thoughts, I focused on enjoying the amazing view and relishing the trek experience. I would love to visit the place again with a bigger group, the more the merrier.
The drive to Capas, Tarlac took us only 45 minutes and we reached Sta. Juliana, Capas at six in the morning. We registered at the base camp and changed our footwear to flip flops. It is advisable to wear trekking sandals for easier walking as there is a lot of shallow streams along the way. Also, bring extra shirt to change into, drinking water and some munchies. Make sure to bring the essentials: sunblock, drinking water, extra clothes if you plan to swim or bathe in mini falls, cap, sunglasses, some food if you want to eat at the summit, and a good camera to document your trek (make sure battery is full!).
At 6:15am we were traversing the Crow Valley aboard a 4x4 jeep. The view on the way to the starting point of trek is magnificent! It was a combination of verdant hills and Canyon-like lahar walls. We took time to stop and snap pictures of the wonderful view. I was fascinated with what I see on the road and just silently wish I have the opportunity to go on a nature trip once a month with friends or family. It took us an hour to reach the starting point of the old route that will require approximately two hours walking. There is another route which they call skyway and walking will take only 45 minutes to reach the crater however this route was closed. Also, I prefer to the longer route so I could enjoy the view.
 |
| this is the 4x4 jeep that took us to the starting point |
 |
| our background is collected lahar |
The ascent to the volcano's crater is not steep. The clue that you are nearing the summit is the vegetation. As we get near the crater, we see more green scenery. I was sweating profusely while walking but I was happy and could not believe that I was heading to Mt. Pinatubo crater.
I am impressed with Tourism office of Tarlac for preserving the area. I didn't see any litters along the way. There were also clean toilets near the summit.
When we just few kilometers away from the crater, we saw a signboard that says for young age it will only take them 15 minutes, middle is 18 minutes and senior citizen is 20 minutes. Guess what bracket we belong to? None of the three age brackets! We reached the summit after 23 minutes or so walking non-stop. At least I was not panting while I was trekking. :)
 |
| cooling my feet in the stream water |
 |
| that's Salman taking pictures |
 |
| this is Senthil |
 |
| The signboard that tells us we are close to the summit |
Cold breeze greeted us at the peak of the volcano. The more than two hours walk was worth the view I was seeing in Mt Pinatubo. The experience will not be complete if we won't try crossing the lake so hired a boat.
 |
| long winding stairs leading to the lake |
 |
| enjoying the view |
The water on other side of the lake is a bit warm. We dug holes on the shore and we saw fumes coming out. The water is really hot and it can cook an egg. Some tourists brought eggs and had fun boiling it.
 |
| crossing the Mt Pinatubo lake with boatman Mike. |
 |
| Joanne and me admiring the beauty |
 |
| it was 12 noon when this photo was taken |
I must confess that thought of volcano erupting crossed my mind while we were in the middle of the lake. Some of the dormant volcanoes in the Philippines are showing some activities (Taal and Mayon). Am confident though that wherever I am, God's protection is with me.
Setting aside the negative thoughts, I focused on enjoying the amazing view and relishing the trek experience. I would love to visit the place again with a bigger group, the more the merrier.
 |
| mini-falls along the way. the cold water is tempting us to bathe |
 |
| with Manong Jimmy, our local guide. |
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Honoring my Mom
Wanted to join the call to post mother's picture as FB profile picture but unfortunately we don't have a picture together. Also, the two pictures of my mother I have are left in Manila. But my aunts say I look like her. I guess my own picture will suffice as when you see me, you have seen my mom. :)
Getting to know my Mom
Last year, I wrote this for my mother. I will post soon a picture of her and my dad.
*****
Mother's day was an insignificant day to me when I was a child but now that I am woman in 30's it has become a day of reflection for me. In our church, we always celebrate this event to appreciate our beginnings. It made me long for a mom to give a flower to and greet. I was never given a chance to see and get to know my mother. She died when I was 3 months old. It was God's plan and I can't question it but there are times I find myself wishing she were alive today. My mother's siblings say she was generous and kind hearted. She was smart woman. She was very meticulous and had keen eyes for details. She was full of pride and she loved surprises. She surprised her father by graduating cum laude in college. She was very fashionable- what with her matching bags and shoes and belt.
That's all I know about my mom.
Happy mother's day Mommy! I may have not seen you but I acknowledge the fact you were very much a part of me. They say I look very much like you but prettier I guess because your eyes are not protruding and you have better nose. :) When I step into the other dimension, I will surely see you.
*****
This year I had the opportunity to bond with Aunt Emy who is I guess the best person who can describe my mother as a person, mother, sister and as a wife. She grew up with my mother and lived with her during the last year of my mom. My Aunt Emy was with my mother up to the time she was in critical period and dying.
This is a precious moment to get to know more about Cornelia Brendez. If I was working at this time I won't have this great opportunity to bond with my aunt and listen to her anecdotes about my mother. My aunt was on a month-long vacation for her youngest sibling wedding in April 18.
I never have to ask my aunt to talk about my mom since she indulges me right away. She said my father will never have an opportunity to flirt with other girls because my mom guards him closely like a basketball point guard player. :) Aunt Emy recalls that there was a girl who seemed to like my father and my mom told the girl bluntly to back off! She said my mom was good at handling their finances and they were able to buy a jeepney and established a business early on their marriage.
My mother was very frank and opinionated. She didn't like one of her sister-in-laws and never hesitated to show it to her. She didn't attend her brother's wedding because she dislikes the bride. On another occasion, her brother (not the brother mentioned earlier) and his wife came to visit her in Dagupan. The wife was angry with my uncle for staying out late and the couple were arguing loudly late night. My mom slapped her sister in-law for arguing with her brother.
Aunt Emy said my mom dresses so fashionably and takes care of her skin by using a stone to exfoliate and coconut oil as moisturizer. :)
From what my aunt told me about mom, only the physical aspect and her being religious are the characteristics I inherited from her. Have never slapped anyone in my life neither I got slapped. :)
Maybe next time I will hear new stories from my aunt if she can still recall them. It was a good summer vacation indeed.
*****
Happy Mother's Day
Cornelia Brendez. Who is she? She was the mother to Katheryn and Lawrence. She was a wonderful sister to her siblings and a loving daughter to her parents.Mother's day was an insignificant day to me when I was a child but now that I am woman in 30's it has become a day of reflection for me. In our church, we always celebrate this event to appreciate our beginnings. It made me long for a mom to give a flower to and greet. I was never given a chance to see and get to know my mother. She died when I was 3 months old. It was God's plan and I can't question it but there are times I find myself wishing she were alive today. My mother's siblings say she was generous and kind hearted. She was smart woman. She was very meticulous and had keen eyes for details. She was full of pride and she loved surprises. She surprised her father by graduating cum laude in college. She was very fashionable- what with her matching bags and shoes and belt.
That's all I know about my mom.
Happy mother's day Mommy! I may have not seen you but I acknowledge the fact you were very much a part of me. They say I look very much like you but prettier I guess because your eyes are not protruding and you have better nose. :) When I step into the other dimension, I will surely see you.
*****
This year I had the opportunity to bond with Aunt Emy who is I guess the best person who can describe my mother as a person, mother, sister and as a wife. She grew up with my mother and lived with her during the last year of my mom. My Aunt Emy was with my mother up to the time she was in critical period and dying.
This is a precious moment to get to know more about Cornelia Brendez. If I was working at this time I won't have this great opportunity to bond with my aunt and listen to her anecdotes about my mother. My aunt was on a month-long vacation for her youngest sibling wedding in April 18.
I never have to ask my aunt to talk about my mom since she indulges me right away. She said my father will never have an opportunity to flirt with other girls because my mom guards him closely like a basketball point guard player. :) Aunt Emy recalls that there was a girl who seemed to like my father and my mom told the girl bluntly to back off! She said my mom was good at handling their finances and they were able to buy a jeepney and established a business early on their marriage.
My mother was very frank and opinionated. She didn't like one of her sister-in-laws and never hesitated to show it to her. She didn't attend her brother's wedding because she dislikes the bride. On another occasion, her brother (not the brother mentioned earlier) and his wife came to visit her in Dagupan. The wife was angry with my uncle for staying out late and the couple were arguing loudly late night. My mom slapped her sister in-law for arguing with her brother.
Aunt Emy said my mom dresses so fashionably and takes care of her skin by using a stone to exfoliate and coconut oil as moisturizer. :)
From what my aunt told me about mom, only the physical aspect and her being religious are the characteristics I inherited from her. Have never slapped anyone in my life neither I got slapped. :)
Maybe next time I will hear new stories from my aunt if she can still recall them. It was a good summer vacation indeed.
Myths that are Taught
Am re-publishing here the FB notes of a precious brother in Christ.
Sometimes I am a victim of #1 and #3.
*******************
To The Believers,
There are many myths that are taught to people day after day until we almost engrain them into our way of life and they are disablers, they stop us from growing and moving forward. Just a few are listed below as I thought it might be a help to you all as believers in this third coming of Jesus Christ.
#1 Myth: Fixing weaknesses will make everything all right. This just isn't true. Focus on your strengths and on who Christ Jesus made you in him. As Jesus said, "The poor you have with you always". So is it with weaknesses. Focus on your strengths and make those areas stronger in your life and you will see the weaknesses dissipate in your life.
#2 Myth: Let the strengths you have take care of themselves. When you do this and don't focus on your strengths and use them every day then they will soon be your weaknesses. Remember the parable of the talents. Don't bury your strengths and think that you can come back and they will have multiplied, they won't and your heart will be troubled.
#3 Myth: Everyone can do anything they put their mind to. This just isn't true! God gave you certain talents and strengths in life and recognize them and put your mind to those things. You will excel in Christ Jesus. Not all were given the same things, but all can do well with what they are given. Paul said, "Study to show yourself approved". You could say, "Study your talents and strengths God has given you and then make them approved before God and men."
#4 Myth: Everyone has the same opportunities in life. When you believe this you will become angry and dissatified. God gives us each our road and our book and they are not all the same. Take yours and focus on what is in your book, not someone elses. Pay attention to the road you are on and not anothers. Overcome, grow and enjoy your life in the greatest way possible with what you have been given. You will be satisfied if you will do this.
There are others and we will look at them, but think on these now and ask yourself if you are trying to build on a myth. If so, change, give it to Christ and align with what he has given you.
God bless, your brother
Donald Parnell
www.thethirdtestamentword.net
Sometimes I am a victim of #1 and #3.
*******************
To The Believers,
There are many myths that are taught to people day after day until we almost engrain them into our way of life and they are disablers, they stop us from growing and moving forward. Just a few are listed below as I thought it might be a help to you all as believers in this third coming of Jesus Christ.
#1 Myth: Fixing weaknesses will make everything all right. This just isn't true. Focus on your strengths and on who Christ Jesus made you in him. As Jesus said, "The poor you have with you always". So is it with weaknesses. Focus on your strengths and make those areas stronger in your life and you will see the weaknesses dissipate in your life.
#2 Myth: Let the strengths you have take care of themselves. When you do this and don't focus on your strengths and use them every day then they will soon be your weaknesses. Remember the parable of the talents. Don't bury your strengths and think that you can come back and they will have multiplied, they won't and your heart will be troubled.
#3 Myth: Everyone can do anything they put their mind to. This just isn't true! God gave you certain talents and strengths in life and recognize them and put your mind to those things. You will excel in Christ Jesus. Not all were given the same things, but all can do well with what they are given. Paul said, "Study to show yourself approved". You could say, "Study your talents and strengths God has given you and then make them approved before God and men."
#4 Myth: Everyone has the same opportunities in life. When you believe this you will become angry and dissatified. God gives us each our road and our book and they are not all the same. Take yours and focus on what is in your book, not someone elses. Pay attention to the road you are on and not anothers. Overcome, grow and enjoy your life in the greatest way possible with what you have been given. You will be satisfied if you will do this.
There are others and we will look at them, but think on these now and ask yourself if you are trying to build on a myth. If so, change, give it to Christ and align with what he has given you.
God bless, your brother
Donald Parnell
www.thethirdtestamentword.net
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