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.

  

 

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.

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.
*****

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

I have neglected my blog for so many weeks now as my laptop is still not working. I will post soon my pictures this summer and write about my mom.

God is awesome

I can't help but open my mouth and praise the Lord.  God is good all the time.  I am overflowing with love and praises to the Lord. Not a lot of people visit this page but I still like to express my thoughts here. 

So it happened

I like weddings because it is a celebration of love and life. I love seeing couples in love tying the knot as am such a firm believer of long lasting union of love. of course, I would love to see myself walking the aisle and marrying the man God has predestinated to be my companion in life.

The youngest sibling of my mother got married last April 18 in Manila.  It was a long distance love affair that started in internet and ended in marriage.

Although I love to witness weddings, I hate to join the throwing of bridal bouquet ceremony.  I know am past the marrying age and I don't like to be reminded that I should get hurry in meeting Mr Right.  I don't believe in the belief that when a girl catches a bouquet she is the next in line to walk the aisle. So, last Monday the thing the I hated most happened to me.  I got chosen to play the game.

The wedding coordinator made a twist to the traditional throwing/catching of bouquet.  The bride and groom distributed roses to men and women they wanted to play the game. We were not aware of the real purpose of the game.  All the participants thought we will just give our wishes to the couple.

The bride throws red roses to the six female participants and the one who catches the rose gets eliminated in the game.  The girl who does not catch a rose is the girl of the evening or the lady whom the bouquet will be given to. To make the story short, I was the girl of the evening or the center of distraction. heheheh. I selected my partner through a game. 

snap taken before the ceremony

Oh please spare me!

Be a good sport Katie! Play the game.

here are the male participants in the game



and here are the female participants

 go girl! catch a red rose and sit back :)

girl, just give me the rose please?

i was the unlucky girl in the game :)

i got blindfolded to select the lucky guy of the game.



Weekend Trip

The long drive was worth it! We went to Castillejos and Infanta last weekend. Castillejos, Zambales is the hometown of my uncle's fiancee.  After meeting the future in-laws of my uncle, we headed to Infanta the hometown of my mother. We feasted on fresh seafoods daily. Early morning of Sunday we went to the wet market and bought fresh catch of dorado, anchovy, seaweeds. Early morning of Monday we bought fresh milkfish, anchovy, shrimp and page. Yummy! Have not eaten these fresh fishes for quite a long time.

Had also fun in taking pictures in Castillejos and Infanta and learning how to ride a single bike.  It was in my to-do list this April to learn how to ride a bike.  I can balance the bike but for fear of getting scratch or injured, I can't ride longer than a meter.  :) Will continue to ride the bike when I visit Infanta again maybe next week.

Monday afternoon, we went back to Manila.

I thank God for these simple pleasures in life.

taken at barangay Lucap, Alaminos. behind me is hundred islands

 

Dining at Maxene's resto in Lucap with my aunties and uncle

No more a Corporate Slave

These past couple of days, I kept going through my blogs' design and profile (yes, it's really blogs coz I got more than one blog). My profile states am a Corporate Slave but am no longer one for five long months now. Gone are the days of working 10-14 hours a day and working 6 or 7 days a week! Done with foregoing breaks and lunches due to report deadlines or calls queuing.  Now, I am nameless and faceless number that adds up to the statistics of jobless people.

I am thinking if I should remove that description in my profile. However, I chose to retain it because it will be a reminder of how I once cease to live a real life. I have neglected so many things at that time particularly my spiritual life.

For someone who is a hard-worker I must admit I missed working and the pressures at work. I am bored and there are days that I just keep on refreshing the homepage of FB just to keep me preoccupied ( I stopped doing that because its gets boring now.  I have turned to checking the Page View stats of my blogs this time like a stockbroker!).  Do I regret resigning from my work? Sometimes I feel like regretting my decision to leave the company without a new job yet but the good things that happened to me in the past five months overshadowed my regrets.  My heart says it was a wise move. Someone told me on the day I quit my job that there was never a bad timing or right timing.  It will always be the perfect timing. Sometimes I worry about the future but as a child of God I believe He will take care of the future.  I have to stop worrying and stop thinking about the future.

Nine months back, I sometimes wonder why I don't have challenges in life.  I began to doubt whether am His child. I guess I was thinking aloud and the Lord must have heard it so here I am a jobless now. :)  If I will be given a chance to turn back the time and undo my decision five months back, I won't change my hasty decision. I will still leave the company. This joblessness state has given me an opportunity to enjoy traveling and rekindle my first love that has gone sour.  My first love is my personal relationship with God. 

The five months that I wasn't working are not wasted time.  They were spent productively.  Took a Photoshop CS5 tutorial, learned new recipes, rode an elephant, rode bike with friends, gained new friends, flew a kite, trekked in Chiang mai, gained 3 kilos weight, to name a few stuff I did.

Romans 8:28 says all things work together for good...

Today I woke up with a nice feeling that something good is going to happen.  I am happy over nothing in particular. I thank God for this challenge and other challenges am going through.

Cool advert!

wow, cool ad! i wish i could get my hands on one soon!

The Way You Look Tonight

 I love this song of Frank Sinatra, it made me want to learn ballroom dancing.  I heard this song from the movie "First Daughter." The song makes you feel like you're the most beautiful lady on earth and it makes you feel really special.

Michael Buble sang a version of this song but I haven't heard it.  The original will always be better I guess.

My question is when would I get to dance with this song? I don't think they still play the old dance hits in the parties and I don't attend parties unless it is a company sponsored event.

Tech Support

I think I overused my laptop when I was in Singapore.  Battery won't charge if the laptop is on. I tried to plug it in different electrical outlets in SG and when I got back here (Phils) but it won't work  like before. I was hoping it was just an error and it will be fixed but no it remained that way. It's either I fully charged the battery before using the laptop or I use direct current (remove the battery before plugging it).

Last week I went to SM north to buy a replacement battery.  They told me they don't have ready supply and I have to order and wait for 1-2 months. I didn't buy because I can't wait for 1-2 months.

I said a little prayer before I plug the charger tonight that battery will get fixed. I was using the battery and it was emptied so my laptop went totally dead.  I charged it for few minutes and then opened my laptop again while I was charging it. I checked the system tray and pointed my cursor to the battery icon.  It says "battery plugged, charging." I might be mistaken so I removed the cable and put it back. Still battery is charging even though laptop is on.  While typing this, I tested again to make sure my battery pack works really like before. Well, it really does.  :)

God is also my Tech Support. I thank God for restoring my battery pack.

Some people inspire you

Have taken this from my old blog.
*****

Some people inspire you to be the best you can be, some brings out the worst in you.  Either way, each person you meet in life has a purpose. Whether the influence was good or bad, the end result is a better YOU if you know how to turn that negative influence around. 

Letter to the Graduates of the Twitter Era

I am publishing here an article of Wilson Lee Flores from his Philippine Star column. These are good thoughts and have added my comments as well.

Dear Graduates:

Congratulations.  However, graduation is not your achievement; it marks a a new beginning in your exciting but not trouble-free journey.  Here are few suggestions, some of which this writer and part-time college teacher tells my students at La Consolacion College Manila:

1. Never stop studying, because life should be a never ending quest for  self-improvement.
2. Read often in order to enrich your mind, expand your thinking and elevate your language
3. Education is not only from books or college degrees, but from embracing new experiences, listen travel often, learn from all people and be open to positive influences from our exciting world. (This is why I love to travel :) )
4.  Twitter, Facebook and Youtube are fun and can be empowering, but those are not all that life and our world has to offer. Play real sports and plant real flowers—not just the ones in online games. 
5.  Good manners and correct conduct in the real world should also be our guide on twitter and the internet, perhaps more so because online mistakes are often immortalized and can spread virally!
6. In this era of fast-paced tweets, instant messaging, instant coffee instant stars from reality show, let us not forget the virtue of patience and the importance of the long-term
7. In this age of exhilarating and also bewilderingly vast range of mass media and social media choices, do not lose sight of the power of focus and the importance of concentration.
8. Do not be afraid or too shy to ask questions—often it can save you lots of trouble
9. When you want or seek something, ask, or else the answer shall always remain “NO.”
10. Silence sometimes can express more than words can say. Silence is often good for the soul.
11. Do not be afraid to take risks, for the worst risk in life is not ever taking any risk. (This is part of learning process in life)
12. Do not be afraid to lose.  There is nothing shameful in loss, but the worst is never trying.
13. Do not let your youth or inexperience impede your dreams or limit what you can do.
14. Money is not the most valuable resource we all have, it is time. Avoid frivolous pursuits and vices; make the most of your time.
15. Instead of wanting to change the world, let us first conquer the self with discipline. (Yes, change starts with YOU and when you have conquered yourself you set a good example to the world for others to follow)
16. Crisis is like fire, it can either destroy or strengthen us, depending on one’s character and attitude, for the same fire that melts butter can also strengthen steel.
17. Crisis not only brings us opportunity, according to ancient Chinese wisdom; it can often also help purify, cleanse and purge our lives!
18. Forgive others, but do not forget their names.  Seriously, forgive: life is too short to waste on ill feelings. (Forgiving is easy but forgetting the deed is not ;) )
19. Do not take revenge, just remember that the best revenge is success. (But don't let it define your success)
20. Justin Bieber is correct in his song "Never Say Never," for we should never ever give up!
21. Remember the last Batman movie with Joker asking " why so serious?" Let us learn to laugh often and even at laugh at ourselves. Be of good cheer! Smile always! (The best accessory you can wear daily is your smile. The bible says a cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine.  Think Happiness all the time)
22. Perseverance is often more important than talent or intelligence in the quest for success.
23. There is no substitute for hard work, but we should not only work hard, we should work smart too!
24. Do not be afraid to dream big, it is more exciting and empowering.
25. List down your dreams and target deadlines, or else those will remain not dreams but fantasies. ( I created a vision board yearly of what I want to accomplish in life and it motivates me to work hard and achieve my dreams. I look at my vision board as often as i want to motivate me)

To do or not

National Geographic is sponsoring a fun run on April 10 and it has 3k category.  I wanted to join but it is happening on a Sunday and I would like to be in Pangasinan that day. I missed a lot of church services for 3 months and would like make it up. There is always next time.

Another thing is, I am itching to visit another country again. Bali Indonesia is beckoning me.  I should travel with a buddy so I can enjoy the water sports and hiking. My dilemma is no one is available to travel with me. People always think that you have to got lots of money in order to see other parts of the world. Of course, you do need money in order to travel but I travel cheap.  Guess, they haven't heard of budget airlines and hostels or budget hotels. I do activities which suit my budget.

Hachiko: A story of true friendship

It is often said that a man's true bestfriend is a dog. Am not a dog lover but I don't hate them either. I  watched the movie Hachiko: A dog's story. The story moved me to tears.  It was about loyalty and love.

The story revolves around a dog named Hachiko who unconditionally loved his master.  It was a routine for the dog to walk his buddy to the train station when he goes to work and he wait for his arrival from work at the train station every afternoon.  The master died suddenly of heart attack.  The dog keeps going back to the train station to wait for his buddy to come home.  Hachiko waited for his buddy until his death.  He waited for nine years.

Exploring Pulau Ubin

Note: am supposed to write about this visit to Pulau Ubin while I was in SG but I could not put together the words to describe the place and the experience/fun we had.

*******************************************************************************
Singapore is just like Makati City or Ortigas Center (in Philippines) but a bigger and better commercial place.  Malling and visiting theme parks like Sentosa have lost its attraction to me since it was my second time to visit Singapore. I wanted to see the other side of Singapore sans the sky rise buildings and MRT. 

During my first trip to the country someone gave me a touristy brochure of Singapore.  It listed Pulau Ubin as a must-see. I asked my friends to check out the area but they were not interested because I told them that the attractions are biking, Durian farm, prawn farm and Malay resto. The girls didn't want to come with me. They said we can see these things in Philippines. Hence, I did not get to visit Pulau Ubin and Geylang in February 2010.

On my second trip, I finally got to visit Pulau Ubin.  The brochure did not give enough info about the activities that can be done in the island. I found out there are lots of things you can do in the island. Aside from biking, you can also hike, snorkel, kayak and do camping there.  It is the last kampung  (village) in Singapore. There are restaurants that offer fresh seafoods and Malay cuisine.


A refreshing view greets you as soon as you step into the island.  Lush greenery and sea breeze.  Taking a stroll to explore the island is de-stressing.  If your not up for long walk, rent a bike. Rates start at $10. We rode the bike for 2 hours and explore half of the island. We had a very good weather when we got to the island, the sun was up but it was a bit cloudy. It was a perfect day trip for us.

My sunblock melted because of the heat.  Was tired from walking and pedalling (though am just a back rider ;0) but I had real fun. I love the simple pleasures in life like biking and taking a walk.

Can't put enough words but the pictures can tell a story.  I collated the photos and made a video out of it.

How to get there.  Take a bus going to Changi Village and take a bumboat from there.  It takes 10-15 minutes to reach the island. Bumboat costs $2 per head.

I met someone I knew long ago...

"I met someone I knew long ago, fell in love with her all over again. She's not perfect but it's not from lack of effort. I even now find her attractive from the outside and I never did before. She is...ME!"

I stumbled on to this quote long time back and saw it again in Veron's email signature.  When I look at myself in the mirror I honestly admit I am not perfect but I love what I see on the mirror.  I know I am not a head-turner but I am a "heart-turner." Beauty is not just skin-deep so they say and my standard of beauty is not the one espoused by media.The imperfections on my face compliment each part and as a whole it is a beauty to behold.  ;)

I believe that before other people can appreciate your beauty, you should appreciate and love yourself first. You can't freely appreciate or love other people when you don't have enough of it for yourself.  I know someone who doesn't like herself wholly. Every time she faces the mirror, I always hear negative comments. She is so sensitive about jokes of other people or when they start talking about her because she has not accepted her flaws. Wanted to talk to her about acceptance and appreciation of herself but she is not matured enough to take it and may even take it against me. An older friend said that you can assess a person's maturity when he/she is able to laugh at herself/himself.

Simple Pleasures - Kiteflying

Find joy in simple activities like kite-flying.  The last time I experienced kite-flying was when I was 7 or 8 years old. Glad I met people like Eric who loves simple pleasures like this.  We were using Eric's kite.

We're putting the stick and tying the nylon cord to the kite.

Nope, the kite isn't up yet. Was releasing the cord to extend it longer.

still doing the same thing here.

Ryan is whistling to steer the wind towards our direction.

Green, green grassy field.

The cord got tangled up.

We're fixing the cord and the kite

Waving the kite.  Fly, fly away!

Yahoo! am making a little success in flying the kite.

Come on, fly higher!  Reach the sky for me.

Oops, it's going down.

Still holding on.

Argh! The wind is not blowing harder.  The kite is going down.

Guess, I have to head back to the apartment. Will try some other time.

Gone to obscurity

I googled my name to check if this blog appears but unfortunately only my account in Facebook, LinkedIn, WAYN, Wikipedia appear in the results. My old blog used to be part of search result when I typed my name.

Apparently, my name is no longer unique and the title of my blog is neither.  When I entered "Katie Writes" as search key, it displayed a dozen of blogs.  How do I put my blog displayed in search engines? I want to make sure that when I typed my full name, my blog appears in the search result.

Political instability in the Middle East. Earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan. Flash floods in Australia. Economic crisis.

The whole world is in chaos but it is a glorious time for the Wife of Christ (believers).  This is the time we witness prophecies coming to pass and it is the time of manifestation.  I am so glad that I quit my job and am not busy looking at the computer at work or I will be missing a lot of things and won't even know the current events.

I just finished listening to a recorded preaching. Can't understand completely but I have faith in Him that He will make me understand His message of the hour. Too much focus with work has made me out of focus of His word.  :(  When am in the church, my mind wanders in the production floor and I keep checking my mobile phone for updates from the CCOD team. Now that I am out of job I hope my attention to the preacher breaking the word will be undivided. Six days are spent for work and other things. Just one day in a week is for the Lord and it should be 101% Lord's day. Work-Life balance will be my mantra. :)

It's nice to listen to FM music once in a while.  I gave in to my sense of hearing today and danced to upbeat music while fixing my clothes and stacking them to a suitcase.  If other people would see me, they would think I have gone crazy.  I don't care though what other people would think, they can laugh at me with my awkward movement because am dancing with two right feet. :) If I were not dancing, I was singing my heart out with 90's music. It felt good to do things you want to do and without thinking what other people would say.

I have two big luggages and a small one full of clothes.  I am not done packing up and I don't know where to put the other stuff like bags, souvenirs from previous travels and gifts from friends. The big question now is where will I deposit these things when I give up my apartment.  I don't have a permanent address.  This apartment in Dau that am renting now is what I call my home but I have to give it up soon if I can't find work in Clark. I am uncertain where will I live next.

Leaving on an airplane

It's 7:30pm in SG and am at the airport lounge waiting to board the plane.  My adventure in SG ends today; I am going back to Clark tonight.

Looking back, my stay here was wonderful.  I made new friends, toured SG, gained more weight, learned new things and started to live healthy. No regrets in coming to SG though my main purpose was not fulfilled. Happiness is a choice. If you chose to dwell on negativity then the world will appear bleak to you.  Have been out of job for quite a long time and was really bored most of the time but I took the opportunity to be closer to God and learn new things like Photoshop and social media.

Word of the day: Apathetic

Apathetic.  The word is an adjective and it means "having or showing little or no emotion at all."

I received a bad news today but I don't feel sad about it.  I am not also happy. It means my state can be described as apathetic.

Wordweaving

*Even with poetry, I get blessed merely from reading. I collated the FB posts of the wife of Christ.*

Beginning

I'm beginning to understand
that in silence I am drawn to You,
that my unanswered questions
may cause me to seek You more,
know You more, trust You more.

I'm beginning to grasp
the significance of pain in my life,
that my heartache
may cause me to understand
Your children more,
love them more, support them more.

I'm beginning to develop eyes
to see Your unnoticed blessings
that sustain me and cause me to
acknowledge You more,
speak with You more, honor You more.
I'm beginning to end with You.

- Lisa Gaytan

One Small Light

Light is wisdom and learning.
Light is warmth and shelter.
Light is love and compassion.
Light comes from You.

Help me force back the dark.
Help me spread learning and loving,
home and hope.

Let Your Light shine through me
to brighten the world's dark corners.

- Sue Bradford Edwards

Pulse of the Generations

We raise our faces to You.
You who has sustained
countless generations;
with the steadiness of Your love,
with the strength of Your wisdom.
You are the blood that unites us.
You are the pulse that revives us.
You are where we begin,
where we end,
where we are.

I look to You
with soul-bursting gratitude
for the blessing of family
and the gift of Your Presence
within and around us.

-sis Margaret Taylor

The Language of Love

Thanks be to You
for semi-colons,
for m-dashes, ellipses, and commas.
Glory be in the languages of Earth,
in Morse code and Braille,
in Swahili and Portuguese.
You made us social beings,
then gave us the gift that binds,
that brings us together
in conversation, chatter, exclamation.
Joy comes from communication,
as does peace.
Help us to use our words wisely and well.

- Lori Strawn

Faith Focused

Help me to build upon the faith
that you've grown in me,
and to use it as an example
and a testament to You.
Teach me that I can overcome,
or at least endure, through it all.

- Mary Boscaino

Whatever May Come

I’m getting the idea
You know what the heck You’re doing.

You made me funny, fickle,
sometimes feral,
but You know I always
find my way back to center.

You gave me the quirks I possess,
like a penchant for pointless puns;
a black thumb unable to sustain even a ficus,
and a heart as wide as the sky.

Measuring myself against others who aren’t me
is like saying I don’t trust You.
My greatest idiosyncrasy
is that I’ve never met You,
but trust You with my life and all I hold dear.
Walk together with me, whatever may come.


- Ruth Williams

Amazed

This is my day
of unlimited chances.
A day of uncommon favor
and unending blessings.

When Your favor
and blessings overtake me,
my change will come.
I am ready and prepared
to receive my portion.
It ís my turn to prosper.

I don't fear today,
for fear tolerated
is favor unsure.

I experience Your goodness.
I have unleashed my faith
and I am amazed.

This is my day
of miracles.
I receive it! I receive it!

- Brenda Scott

Another Photo-op Day

I was out the whole day with my housemates exploring Sentosa and Marina bay promenade. I have visited these places several times but I never got tired of going to these places again. Simple pleasures comes from capturing the smiles in pictures and giving in to gastronomic desires.  It was fun figuring out new poses and angles. I got tired from freezing my smile as Eric tries to configure the right lighting, angle and exposure. Am not a natural model. I am camera shy. My poses were pretty simple and I just flashed my white teeth and crinkle my eyes. ;)

We had fun in riding the Luge and Skyride. As expected, I arrived last in the finish line. The thrill in riding the luge is to let it glide down freely but for fear of tumbling down I always slow down whenever there is U-turn.  I keep pushing back the steer.  In the middle of the trail, my skirt was blown up by the wind and was raised mid-thigh. Eric took a snap of me with skirt up showing my legs. "Nice legs," one guy commented. "Well, thank you Mister," I replied in my mind.

Lesson learned: let go of fear and just have fun.

After the luge ride, it was time to see Sentosa aboard a skyride. My fear was evident with my shaking hands.  We rode the skyride by batch.  I was with Ryan and Kaye. I took our pictures while we were on top and my hands were shaking. Ryan was laughing at me.

Can't get enough of taking pictures, we went to Marina bay promenade after Sentosa. The building and the night lights provided a picturesque backdrop. The best time to visit the place is at night time to capture the drama of lights.  We also had fun watching the fireworks display sponsored by MBS.

I was tired from walking and standing up for a long period but it was an amazing day for me.

Postscript: Thanks to Eric Bondoc (the guy wearing cap)  for taking my snaps and never gets tired of doing it. :))

Forlorn.  This is what best describes me now. 
I am counting the days of my stay here in SG. I am going back to Clark on Tuesday next week (March 8). Kinda sad thinking that my option of getting work is in Manila only.  I hate the city and the madness it brings to people.  It's polluted, unsafe walking at night or day alone, and it's traffic all the time! The other thing that makes me sad now is that I am going back to working at night if I chose to apply in contact center and earn more.

I like living in SG really eventhough I have a hard time understanding Singlish. I pray a job will find me in SG and will just go back on Tuesday to get more stuff not to go home for good.