Been busy being a SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Mom) hardly have the time to blog!

Anyway, here are our princess' 15th Month Updates... read on!

A.) WORDS SHE CAN NOW SAY:
Mommy, Daddy, Baby, Wawer (Flower), Takchi (Taxi), Ta (Tita), Aw-aw (Dog)

De-ti (Dirty), Ah (Dora), Ah (Lola), Oh (Lolo)

B. WORDS SHE NOW UNDERSTANDS/CAN POINT TO (AROUND THE HOUSE, IN BOOKS):
Aircon, Electric Fan, Bentilador, Mirror, Doll,

Ball, Shoes, Dog, Cat, Sheep, Fish, Sheep, Butterfly, Rabbit, Hamster,

Apple, Window, Door, Brush, Cellphone, Telephone, Lesson, TV, Book,

Lucky (our pet dog), Lolo Pamintuan (our neighbor), Bird, Exercise, Airplane, Baby,

Diaper, Head, Hair, eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth, tongue, Teeth, Neck, Hands, Fingers, Bellybutton, Armpit, Knees, Foot, Toes,

Shower, Bolt

C.) INSTRUCTIONS SHE CAN FOLLOW:
Brush your hair, Get that, Give to Mommy, Open That, Cover Your bottle,

Feed your dolls, Feed your doggie, Pakainin mo doll mo,

Smell this, Kick the Ball,

Point your/touch your/where's your/show me your (parts of the body)

In Jesus' Name (she says "E-mem!")

Clap, laugh, sing,

Jesus (clasps hands),

Reach up high and tickle the sky!

Tickle your armpit, tickle your toes

Dance, Drive, Go Down, Go Up, Arms Up, Arms Down,

Hello Everybody (runs to the window and waves)

Rub nose with mommy/daddy

Sit, Stand, go there, let's go, come here,

close the door, wave, bye,

Flying Kiss, Beautiful eyes, Gigil,

close your eyes, close your mouth, exercise,

turn off the electric fan, stand there, check your height.

D.) ACTION SONGS SHE ALREADY KNOWS
Eensy Weensy Spider

My Toes my Knees

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Paalam, Daboy

Charming smile, yan ang unang-unang napapansin kay Daboy. Matipuno. Mukhang mabango. Bagay ang red checkered polo. Bagay ang blue polo. Bagay lahat. Tisoy kasi. Pero hindi rin lingid sa kaalaman ng marami sa mga nakatrabaho niya't nakasalamuha na mabait din siyang tao.

Nakatrabaho ko si Daboy nuong nagsisimula pa lang ako sa showbiz. Hindi niya ako naging leading lady. Pero isa ako sa mga writers sa high-rating show niya noon na Kasangga. Ipinasok ako ni Jun Lana sa writing team ng Kasangga. Nakailang meeting na kami noon, at medyo matagal bago ko na-meet nang personal si Daboy. Hindi ako na-disappoint nang makita ko siya. Mukha nga siyang artista. Gwapo. Matangkad. Mestizo. At higit sa lahat, friendly. Lahat ng nasa team, mula kay Jun, hanggang sa mga writers at researchers, kinamayan niya. Taping yun ng spiels niya para sa Kasangga.

Sumunod ko siyang nakasalamuha, sa bahay niya. Gusto niyang i-meeting ang creative team. Kung tama ang pagkakaalala ko, pinakain niya lang kami noon. Ni walang naganap na meeting na pormal para sa show.

Dahil close na close at masaya ang team ng Kasangga noon, kahit hindi required, pumupunta kami sa taping. Kahit saang sulok pa yan ng PIlipinas. Full support din kami pag bumisita sa spiels taping ni Daboy. Sa isa sa mga pagbisita namin, tinawag ako't inakbayan ni Daboy. Pinagmalaki niya ako sa mga tao sa paligid. Sabi niya, "Eto'ng writer kong 'to. Batang-bata pa, magaling na magsulat. Paano pa paglaki niya!" Obviously, jino-joke niya ako sa height ko. Pero the way he said it, walang panlalait. Mas nakakasakit pa yung mga ibang taong pinupuri ka pero alam mong may masamang sasabihin pagtalikod mo.

Sumunod ko siyang nakasama, nilibre niya kami sa isang bar sa Tomas Morato. Nag-rate kasi ang episode na sinulat ko, yung tungkol sa isang Cannibal sa Iloilo. Unang pagkakataon noon na mag-hit kami ng rating na 15%. Sa panahong iyon, mataas na ang 15%. Kaya nanlibre si Daboy. Nagpakain, nagpainom. Syempre hindi ako uminom. Pero nag-enjoy ako sa piling ng buong staff at crew.

Nang pumunta kaming buong Kasangga team sa Cebu para mag-taping, nandoon din si Daboy. Kahit isa siyang artista at siya ang bida ng show, kung makihalubilo siya sa amin, para kaming mga kaibigan niya. At nang makita niya ako, inulit na naman niya yung joke niya tungkol sa pagiging manunulat ko kahit bata pa ako. Oo, nabenta na ang joke. Oo, hindi na siya nag-isip ng bagong joke, pero kebs ko. Kesa naman sa ibang mga artistang nakakwentuhan mo na sa taping, pero next time na magkita kayo hindi ka na nila kilala. O kaya papansinin ka lang pag nalaman nilang writer ka. O kaya tatabihan ka sabay segue na baka pwede silang ipasok sa show na sinusulatan mo. Hehe, kanya-kanyang style yan, eh.

Pero para sakin, gusto ko pa rin si Daboy. Totoong tao pa rin siya. May mga limitations man, may mga kapintasan man, pero wala akong natandaang pagkakataong na-oppress ako sa show niya. Kaya sa pagpanaw niya kamakailanlang, nalungkot ako. Okey, hindi ko aamining umiyak ako kasi sasabihin ninyo, ang OA ko. Kumpara sa bonding niya sa ibang tao, katrabaho, kaibigan, kakapiranggot lang ang memories ko kay Daboy. Pero muli, kebs ko ba. Blog ko ito. At gusto kong mag-pay tribute kay Daboy.

Kaya kay Daboy, masaya ako dahil alam kong tinanggap mo si God bilang Lord and Saviour mo nuong mga panahong nasa ospital ka (may reliable source kaya ako!). Kaya Daboy, enjoy ka diyan sa langit. At salamat sa kapiranggot na alaala!

Aliya at 10 months

what aliya can now do...

PROMPT: Praise the Lord! --- ALIYA: raises both arms.

PROMPT: Very good!--- ALIYA: claps hands.

PROMPT: close open, close open --- ALIYA: closes, and opens hands.

PROMPT: flying kiss!--- ALIYA: puts hand on her lips, makes smacking sound.

QUESTION: where's ur nose? --- ALIYA: touches her nose.

QUESTION: where are ur ears?--- ALIYA: touches her ears.

QUESTION: where's ur tongue?--- ALIYA: sticks out her tongue.

PROMPT: twist ur tongue--- ALIYA: twists her tongue.

QUESTION: where's ur bellybutton?--- ALIYA: pats her tummy.

PROMPT: beautiful eyes.--- ALIYA: smiles and blinks her eyes.

PROMPT: hello?--- ALIYA: puts her hand on her ears as if talking to the phone.

PROMPT: where's the airplane?--- ALIYA: looks outside the window.

PROMPT: twinkle twinkle little star. --- ALIYA: curls fingers as if they're twinkling.

PROMPT: wow, nice dress!--- ALIYA: looks at what she's wearing.

PROMPT: arms up!--- ALIYA: raises arms.

PROMPT: arms down! --- ALIYA: puts arms down.

PROMPT: bad smell--- ALIYA: twitches, curls her nose.

PROMPT: kiss --- ALIYA: bends and kisses whatever's within reach.

PROMPT: very good! ---ALIYA: claps her hands and smiles.

... bow...

Missing Child Matthew Found. Praise God

This letter is from the father of Matthew "ChuChu" Samudio, one of thanksgiving and rejoicing. This is for everybody who took the time to pray for them and get the word out about what happened.

Read on.

"For almost 3 horrifying days, I thought I would never have the courage to look at Chuchu's photos without shedding buckets of tears. Whenever I scan my laptop for photos of him to be used for the flyers we distribute all over Metro Manila; I can't help but to burst into tears; no make it sobs which only provide temporary relief to the agonizing pain I felt every time I think of what could have happened to my precious little boy.

Whenever I close my eyes, which have denied me of sleep for 3 days, pictures of my Chuchu would appear, his disarming smile, his funny antics, the way he makes this hand sign and shout "OCK ON" which he actually meant "ROCK ON!" I could still hear him call me "YEYE", his own funny way of calling me "DADDY".
The way he would wake me up in the middle of the night for his usual midnight treat "FRIME FRIME". (An instance when his infant formula was all consumed up, so to pacify him, I gave him a small dose of my mom's ENERVON PRIME in choco. Yes go ahead and sue me! hehe!). Apparently, he liked it even better than his usual milk drink. So I bought him a chocolate flavored formula...formulated for kids this time. He was there with me, all mine to love and nurture.

Until he was abducted.

Believe me, you don't want to go through what I have gone through.

Waking up at night imagining where your kid is, where is he sleeping. What is he eating? Who will wash him after taking a poo? What would have been on his young mind waking up and suddenly everything is different. Would he cry and call our names? Or would he just keep still and accept the fact that this is his fate. That this is how life is supposed to be. Imagine a 3 year old kid absorbing all those confusing, horrible thoughts. Kids his age shouldn't be exposed to such cruelty. They are supposed to play, eat, sleep and then play again.

Up until now, the past 3 days will be a complete mystery for me. Because he can't even speak straight, I wonder, where did he sleep? Did he take a bath? Was he maltreated? Abused? What was going on in his mind all those time? Did he feel that we abandoned him? It kills me every time I imagine my precious child walking on dark alleys, begging for food and drink. Alone and no one to protect him...

If only I can, I would make him forget those horrible 2 and a half days. If I have the power to clear off his mind, I would not even bat an eyelash. His physical state might be perfect, but what about his emotional and mental state? \
In his usual "kastitaloy" language, he told me that every time he would walk away from the group, THAT girl would pull his ears so bad that when I looked at it, it is still swollen and red. He was picked up on the markets of Sta Rosa Laguna, almost falling asleep, as one witness say. Apparently, they start begging as early as 5am.

I still cry whenever I imagine him being subjected to such cruelty. He hasn't done anything wrong. He is still an angel.

I still have to deal with the demons of those cruel 3 days.

But inspite of the traumatic experience, FINALLY, Chuchu is with ME.

And I want to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for helping Chuchu find his way back home. For the prayers, reposting, linking of this blog, your connections with the media and government agencies. People from all walks of life united in goal. To bring back my son safe and sound. Looking on the bright side of things, Chuchu brought out the good that was hidden in all of us for so long. Suddenly, we remembered praying, Suddenly, we began caring for people we don't even know. We became compassionate, understanding and vigilant.

If not for you people, he could have ended as a beggar all his life.

A drug addict.
A denizen in the street.
A pickpocket.
Or it could have ended a life of an innocent child.

If not for your unwavering support, Chuchu will not be here with us.

So in gratitude, I will make sure, that Chuchu, will have the best that life could possibly offer. I will make sure that he gets the best education, the skills. I will hone him to become a good member of the society. I will shower him the love, care and most of all PROTECTION from evil. You can mark my word on that.

Those past few days was a nightmare for me, I often thought that, people have really, really gone bad this time. But seeing Chuchu sleeping so comfortably in his room with his stuffed toys and what-have-yous; I thank God that there is still GOOD in this world.

And it was shown through you guys.

So let me thank you from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the chance to provide my son with the best future that I can offer.

And together, let's all look at his photos. But this time, with HAPPINESS and LOVE in our hearts.

THANK YOU DEAR GOD,

AND THANK YOU... MY SON'S HEROES.

Best Dad In The Making,
MICHAEL KENJI SAMUDIO"

Makulay ang Buhay!

Bow ako sa ad agency sa likod ng TV ad na ito ng Meaty Ginisang Gulay Flavor Mix. Aside from maganda ang message (encouraging kids to eat their veggies), ok din ang recall ng song, madaling i-memorize ang lyrics, very visual, very appealing, cute ang CGI at mga sikat na child stars ang mga talent nila. Very child-friendly. This is Aliya’s current favorite. Super saya niya kapag napapanood ang ad na ito. In fact, she was already sleeping one night and Romy and I were watching local tv when they showed the said commercial. We were surprised and amused when suddenly, Aliya got up and started smiling and babbling and clapping. She heard the commercial in her sleep and she decided to sit up! Her hair was a mess and her eyes half-open but she was todo-bigay sa clap and bounce act niya! After the commercial, she went back to sleep as if nothing happened.

Aliya at 9 months

Understands and obeys the prompt, “Clap Your Hands 1, 2, 3!”
Knows how to "Close-Open” her palms
Knows how to send a Flying Kiss! With matching smacking sound pa!
Looks at the sky when asked where the airplane is.
Looks at her tummy when asked where her bellybottom is.
Stops whatever she’s doing once she hears the following commercials: Colgate, Palmolive, Tang.
3rd tooth sprouted last June 25.

MY BIRTHING STORY

Romy’s best friend Gerald Garcia’s wife Emily gave birth May 27 at The Medical City. We went to visit them right after giving Aliya her morning bath. Chatting with Emily and watching her fresh out of the delivery room made me remember what I myself went through when I gave birth in Sept last year. Made me remember to write my BIRTHING STORY. Here goes…

Sept 4, 2007, 10pm

We just finished dinner. I settled in our sofa bed to watch TV, when I felt a little pop, then the gushing of water. Even if it was my first time, I knew it was my water bag. I told Romy, “Honey, manganganak na yata ako!” Our helper Len-len didn’t know what to do as I rushed to the bathroom. I asked for my towel, and asked Romy to call up my mom and bring the car to our place. Water kept gushing down my legs. Instinctively, I took a shower. I know I can take my time.

10:10pm

Romy helped me get dressed while I instructed Len-Len to bring our hospital bags to the car, which has now arrived. Since we don’t have a garage in our place, we park in my parents’ house which is only 5 minutes away.

1030pm

We arrived at The Medical City. My OB Dr Florante Gonzaga already gave me a pass/note so I can go straight to the Pre-Labor room in case my water bag breaks. With our digicam, I even took a shot of me being wheeled to the room. They strapped the Fetal Heart Monitor and the Contraction Monitor around my tummy. Hearing my baby’s heart beating is indeed music to my ears. The resident OB did an IE on me and said I haven’t dilated. I can hear them talking on the phone to Dr Gonzaga who, by that time, is understandably ready to sleep, hehe.

1145pm

Dr Gonzaga arrived fresh and cool. I love my OB! He’s so reassuring and fatherly! I laid hands on my tummy and spoke words of victory. Dr Gonzaga told me that now that my water bag broke, he will have to do a CAESARIAN SECTION on me. I didn’t mind because I’m not sure if I still want to undergo labor. I got too excited though and eventually started chilling. They thought I was nervous. I signed the waiver and asked my mom to take pictures as I do this. Romy was told not to leave the vicinity as I will be giving birth soon.

Sept 5, 1220am

Romy and I are now very excited. I reminded Romy to make sure to take pictures during the delivery. Dr Gonzaga promised he will allow Romy to be inside the delivery room when I give birth. I later found out this is a privilege and a blessing as not all OBs permit this. I think it was also because Dr Gonzaga is the Chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Dept of The Medical City. They transferred me from the bed to the stretcher.

1235am

A nurse (or two, can’t remember anymore) wheeled me to the Delivery Room. I remember this room because this was also where I had a d&c a year ago when I had a blighted pregnancy. I asked for blankets, very cold inside. The anesthesiologist, Dr Torres arrived. His voice is soothing, kind and he’s ma-chika. Even asking me about my job and what shows I write. He was also my anesthesiologist last year.

Nurse took sample of my skin. The thought of a little knife against my skin made me more nervous, but reminded self that this is nothing compared to the CS proper later. I also told myself I have no choice, manganganak at manganganak talaga ako. Kelangan maging matapang!

Dr Torres asked me to relax for it is now time for the EPIDURAL. This is the part I dread the most. I saw an AVP on epidurals before and am not sure if I can endure the pain. It took time though before they can insert the needle because they have to spray something cold on my back to numb it, I guess. A male nurse was holding me real tight because when administering the Epidural, one has to be curled in a really curled position. Unlike a few minutes ago when I was feeling cold, now naman I was sweating like crazy! Parang, please Lord, matapos na sana! Finally, DR TORRES said, “Abegail, eto na. Relax ka lang.” I kept praying and praying! Dr Torres said, “Ok, tapos na.” I said, “Tapos na ho?” It wasn’t really painful at all! Konti lang!

I felt the thick as in very thick fluid flowing through my veins and that was the part that kinda hurt. As in dumadaloy talaga yung fluid! Around three times I felt it.

Then I was assisted to lie on my back. A cloth cover was positioned in front of me and I started to notice my legs are now really numb. Dr Torres asked if I can bend it and I can’t. He said it’s good, only means the epidural has taken effect. Started feeling groggy by this time…

I remember I was staring at the very bright light of the ceiling and hear voices…

Until I heard a baby crying! And I heard Romy’s voice, “Baby, don’t cry. Daddy’s here. Daddy’s here.” Ohmigosh! Nanganak na ko!

I heard a nurse say, “Mommy, andito na’ng baby mo.” I turned to the left and indeed, there’s my baby! A tiny, pinkish, baby! The nurse let me kiss the baby and she brought the baby’s lips to my boobies. Bonding daw. Gosh! I’m so happy! Amputi ni baby!

Then I felt soft, painless tugging down my abdomen. I asked a nurse what was happening and she said I was being stitched up. Wow, hindi masakit, ha! I even heard Dr Gonzaga and Dr Torres chatting, about something else. So I felt walang problema kasi naka-move on na sila, haha! After a few minutes, Dr Gonzaga and Dr Torres congratulated me. I just delivered daw a healthy baby girl! I asked, “OK po ba siya?” Dr Gonzaga said “She’s ok, she’s very healthy. You’ll now be transferred to the recovery room.” That was all I wanted to hear and then I fell asleep.

Next thing I knew, I was feeling very cold again (maginawin talaga ako), I asked the nurse for more blankets, and to turn down the airconditioner. Nurse was kind and kept monitoring if I can already move my legs. I still can’t. Most I can do then was wiggle my toes. A few moments later I can bend my knees a little. My blood pressure was consistently normal, too. I thank God because I’ve heard horror stories of blood pressure either shooting up or down when a woman gives birth, whether normally or by caesarian.

200am

I was told I will be moved to my room! Wonderful! I can’t wait to see Romy! Around 2-4 nurses checked my vital signs, my legs, my bleeding, my temperature. Everything was ok, they gave clearance that I can be wheeled to my room.

It seemed to me to be a very looong hallway. Parang the time to get to my room and be with Romy took forever. As we reached the private room Romy got for us, I can see attendants preparing my bed, and Romy approaching me. I asked him right away how our baby is. He said she’s ok, she’s healthy. He also showed me pictures of Aliya and of me during delivery.

During that time, I was under a lot of painkillers and I felt really really groggy. I was able to sleep after that but I remember my dreams were all filled with Aliya, me going to the nursery and breastfeeding her.

I remember waking Romy up frequently during the night to ask for ice chips. My throat was super dry and I was only allowed ice chips. I never appreciated ice chips more than that day at the hospital! They’re like the ultimate comfort food!

700am

I woke up craving for ice chips again. Nurses started checking on me.

730am

Dr Gonzaga came to see me and check on my tahi. He said all is well and that I can go home in two days!!! Oohlala! 2 days lang ako sa hospital and I can go home with Aliya na! So thankful to God, I know it was His hand controlling and blessing us talaga.

830am

Mama (who went home the night before after I gave birth and after she saw Aliya) and Papa arrived. They congratulated me and I can see pride and happiness in their eyes! Mareng Jacque Tan came, she’s my first visitor and she brought a Red Ribbon Cake! Too bad I was only allowed ice chips, and more ice chips. Romy’s sister Ate Thelma, her husband Kuya Ed and son John-John came next. Visitors started coming, text messages from friends, churchmates, relatives, former classmates were nonstop, too. My sister Belle went straight to see me right after work.

I was given a sponge bath and I felt really better. Though looking back, I was so bangag then! Romy asked me to proofread info for Aliya’s birth certificate and it was so hard for me to concentrate on the words.

Sept 6, 830am

Dr Gonzaga checked on me again and said my stitches are fine. He’ll issue my release for the next day. My catheter was removed and I was assisted by Romy and a nurse in getting up and out of bed. It was my first time to get up and I felt really dizzy… and my stitches were super painful, too! I was also able to stand, sit on a chair, pee in the CR, and visit Aliya in the nursery for the first time! It was a momentous event! I was ushered to the Breastfeeding Station and started to, well, attempted to breastfeed! I have never held a baby all my life that’s why these moments re just so special, and uhm, scary!

Sept 7, 900am

I went to the nursery to breastfeed and bond with Aliya. She’s so cute and she tries hard to feed from me. Watching her cheeks move and open her eyes a bit to look at me is heavenly!

The lactation consultant also gave me tips on how to breastfeed and taught us how to bathe an infant. Our dear friend Francis (Dy), who was visiting then, was able to witness Aliya’s first time to bathe with us.

After bathing, we didn’t return her to the nursery anymore. We roomed her in already as we are to check out that afternoon.

500pm

We checked out after a lot of paperwork. Whew! Filing the SSS, Philhealth and other papers were indeed tasking, especially for Romy who did all the legwork.

600pm

Arrived my parents house. And for the first time, it dawned on me… ohmigosh, there’s a baby in the house! My baby! Halleluiah! Praise be to God! Aliya is an answered prayer, a blessing, a gift.

I Like

if my 7 month old daughter Aliya can now write, here's a list i know she'd want to make:

"I Like"

Sound of plastic bags
Chewing plastic and paper, much to mommy’s objection
Books, reading (my fave book is the Baby Jesus Board Book from Tita Jacque)
Watching “Brainy Baby” and “Your Baby Can Read”
Mommy’s bolster
Milk more than water
Pedcee more than Ferlin and Tikitiki
Chewing my toes
Chewing all my fingers
Practicing how to walk
Standing
Crawling
Slapping daddy’s face
Slapping mommy’s neck, chest, legs
When daddy starts closing all the windows, because that means he’s going to turn on the aircon next!
Rolling over pillows and bolsters
Swinging my legs
Watching dad’s aquarium
Chewing corners of blankets, pillow cases, edge of mommy’s pajamas
Playing with non-toys like the TV remote, mom’s cellphone, plastic container of my cotton balls, unused diapers
Strolling outdoors early in the morning and late in the afternoon
Watching my animated face in the mirror
Tapping mommy’s computer keyboard
Spraying my saliva
Babbling
Screaming
Twitching my nose
Making “gigil”
Dancing the “Gorgeous Gorgeous” song that dad and mom composed
Arms Up and Arms Down exercise
Mommy’s massage
Slapping the wall
Grasping the bedframe
Rattles, toy keys, real keys
Ninang AA’s monkey gift which mommy named Monkey Bee (because he’s a monkey but he looks like Jollibee)
Looking around during car and cab rides

Job Openings in GMA TV

- PROJECT LIBRARIAN
- ETV publicity specialist
- TV transmitter systems engineer
- VTR Automation engineer
- Production Coordinator
- Accountant (Contractual)
- Jr. Accountant
- GL Unit head
- management Accounting section head
- IT Specialist
- Satellite Systems Engineer
- Assistant Unit head, technical
operations
- moving image artist
- SR. videographic artist
- audio editor
- Art director
- Copy Specialist
- SR. Desk editor
- Editor
- research analyst
- research executive
- research manager


*Interested partiescan submit the
following requirements to RECRUITMENT
SECTION of the GMA 7 HRD department:

-Comprehensive Resume
-Transcript of records
_ 2 x 2 picture

Address:

GMA Network Inc, GMA Complex Edsa Cor.
Timog Ave, Diliman, Q.C.
Tel: 982-7777 loc. 2505 / 2506 / 2512
e-mail add: recruitment@gmanetwork.com
(indicate the position desired at the
subject heading)

For info's re the positions kindly
check the website: www.igma.tv/jobs.php

Rule of Fours

Rule of Fours

4 jobs i have had:
VTR Girl/Camerawoman for a Talent Agency
Copy Writer for an Ad Agency
Account Executive for a Telecommunications company
Writer for an Entertainment and Booking Company
Now a Scriptwriter for a TV network

4 movies i watched over and over:

Lord of the Rings trilogy
Sleepless in Seattle
Cape Fear
Scent of a Woman

4 places i have lived:

Project 4, Quezon City
Noveleta, Cavite
UP-BREHA, Baguio City
Area 2, UP Diliman

4 shows i watch:

America’s Next Top Model
Kid Nation
Extreme Make-over, Home Edition
24

4 people who email me:

My newlyweds yahoogroup
My highschool yahoogroup.
My college yahoogroup
A churchmate
4 favorite things to eat:
tacos!
Pizza
Sinigang na baboy
Chicken feet – my dad’s recipe

4 places i would rather be:

Basta andun family, hubby and baby ko.
4 things i look forward to this year:
Completion of the construction of our house!
moving in to our own home!
God’s wonderful plans for me now that I’ve changed networks.
My baby Aliya’s first bday! ( we might just have a private and mini gathering with the family)

I'm tagging Jacque, Anna, Rhoda, Shelley. forward to your answers.

Tagged - Domino Effect

Here's the rule: Copy the entire list and add your name at the bottom. And tag at least 5 friends. (But you can tag as many as you like.)

Thea
Childstar
Mike
My Scrappy Side
Abie
Aggie
Alpha
Apple
Apols
Jacqui
Jane
Joanne
Jody
Joy
Kelly
Mich
Peachy
Jan
RHODA

I'm tagging my blogmates Anna, Jacque, Sheryll and Vim! You may want to allow pings on your entry to enjoy the full domino effect. Enjoy!

Tummy Troubles

was rushed to Medical City tonight due to a whole-day attack of hyperacidity. i felt so tired and weak already due to too much pressure on my tummy, ribs and back. thank God the doc caroline quiwa found nothing else, my gallbladder and liver arent swollen or anything. she just prescribed some medications for me. got back home at 9:30pm.

wasnt able to sleep last night, been thinking of sooo many things! today aliya just took a two-hour nap, wanting to feed every now and then. so all in all, i only got to nap for maybe 30 minutes. it is now almost 11pm, and she still doesnt look like she's going to sleep soon. haaay, romy and i are sooo sleepy na!

***

it's a wednesday and we got to watch our newest fave reality show, Kid Nation. really interesting and i love to watch how kids react to very serious and mature situations. sayang uncle tony doesnt have velvet channel, told him one of the smart kids looks alot like his son simon when he was smaller.

***

the renaldo lapuz craze seems to be wavering now. havent watched the whole clip yet, though.

Kindness Pays Off

From JOEL OSTEEN’s book, Your Best Life Now
page 264

“The Bible teaches us that God is our vindicator. He will not let you lose out. You may think you’re getting the short end of the stick, but when it’s all said and done, God will make sure that you don’t lose anything truly valuable. Moreover, He’ll make sure you get your just reward. Your responsibility is to remain calm and peaceable even when those around you are not.”

1. Best Life Now
2. What to Expect the First Year
3. The Mommy and Daddy Book
4. Readers Digest Jan 08 and Feb 08 issues
5. Real Living, various back issues
6. Kris Aquino Magazine - Dec-Jan issue
7. Book of Matthew, The Bible

Aliya turns five months tomorrow!

Time flies so fast! my lovely daughter Aliya Jirah will be 5 months old tomorrow! Praise God! Another thing that's keeping us excited these days is that tomorrow they'll be starting the construction of our very own house! yehey! To God be the Glory!

if God is for me, who dares to be against me?

Sa blog ng kaibigan kong si datzitdatzol, sinulat niya kung paano niya hinahangad na mapadpad sa Fleet Street ang mga kinaiinisan, kinamumuhian niyang mga tao. Mga taong gusto niyang makadaupang-palad ang character ni Johnny Depp sa Sweeney Todd. Hindi ko napanood ang pelikula, mahina ang sikmura ko sa mga ganoong klaseng eksena, pero aaminin ko, sa mga pagkakataong nagagalit din ako, naiisip kong sana ay ipaghiganti ako ni God. Hindi naman ako umaabot sa pinagdarasal kong mapatay sila at gawing siopao. Ipaghiganti lang ako ni God, masayang masaya na ako.

Kung college pa ako, kapag may mga naapi, gusto ko silang tulungan at ipaghiganti. Sumasali ako sa mga rally. Nagpapakapaos ako sa pagsigaw sa mga kalsada. Ang kauna-unahang rally na sinalihan ko ay nuong first year college ako sa UP Baguio. Nilibot namin ang Session Road noon, pinaglalaban ang karapatan ng mga mahihirap, ng mga nawalan ng trabaho, ng mga kulang ang sweldo, ng mga tinanggalan ng scholarship, etc. Siguro kung hindi ako napasama sa Campus Crusade for Christ at naging busy sa mga evangelistic activities, isa na akong ganap na aktibista.

Ngayon, paminsan-minsan ay lumalabas pa rin ang aking pagiging aktibista. Kumukulo ang dugo ko kapag may mga nakikita akong minamaltrato, kinakawawa, iniitsapwera, inaapi. Kapag sinasamantala ang kabaitan ng mga kaibigan ko, pinagdarasal kong ipaghiganti ni God ang mga kaibigan ko laban sa mga power-tripping na mga tao sa buhay nila. Kapag nanonood ako ng news at may mga feature tungkol sa mga batang kinawawa o mga battered wife, hindi ako mapakali sa upuan ko. Nung isang linggo, papunta ako sa SM Taytay, may nakita akong isang lalaking may pinapalong aso… yung aso, may hila-hilang kariton na puno ng mga panggatong. Lawit na ang dila ng aso at tagilid na ang lakad niya. Parang dinurog at dinikdik ang puso ko. Hindi ako mapakali, awang-awa ako sa aso. Nagka-goosebumps ako at nahirapan akong huminga. Hindi ko makuhang walang gawin para sa aso. Nakita kong natatawa pa ang lalaki nang sumalampak sa kalsada ang kawawang aso sa sobrang pagod. Bibili na sana ako ng mineral water para painumin ang aso pero hindi ako makakita ng kahit maruming planggana kung saan maari siyang uminom. Nakita kong pinatayo siya uli ng lalaki at nagsimula na naman ang pagpapahirap. Kahit nagmamadali ako, nilapitan ko ang lalaki, sa abot ng aking makakaya, kinalma ko ang sarili ko at pinagsabihan ko siyang hindi ganoon ang tamang pagtrato sa aso. Nagulat ang lalaki, nang maka-recover na siya, sabi niya tine-train niya. Sabi ko tine-train para ano? Para maging kalabaw? Para maging laborer? Aso ho yan. Mas malakas pa ang katawan ninyo kesa sa kanya. Hindi makasagot ang lalaki, ngumisi lang at nilayasan ako. Nasa SM Taytay na ako, naiiyak pa rin ako kapag naalalala ko ang itsura ng aso. Kinagabihan, pinagdasal kong sana sa mga oras na yon, makatakas na ang aso at maging mas mabait na ang kanyang amo. Kung hindi nga lang bawal ang pet sa amin, aampunin ko yun, eh.

Kamakailanlang, may mga taong nang-iwan sa akin sa ere. Kinalimutan ang pagkakaibigan namin, walang kaabog-abog na nilaglag ako. In short, kinawawa ako. Hindi lumilipas ang isang araw na hindi ko pinagdasal na ipaghiganti ako ni God. Huwag silang mag-alala, hindi ko sila kakalabanin. Pero si God ang bahala sa kanila. Sabi ng discipler ko noon sa UP Diliman, imprecatory prayer ang tawag sa prayer na ito. Yung isinasa-Diyos mo na lang ang paghihiganti. Yung hindi mo nilalagay sa sarili mong kamay ang batas. Yung full dependence kay God na Siya ang gagawa ng paraan para ma-Sweeney Todd ang mga nang-api sa iyo. Kaya sa inyong may kasalanan sa akin, eto ang dasal ko:

PSALM 35

1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of buckler and shield, And rise up for my help.

3 Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

4 Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life; Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, With the angel of the LORD driving them on.

6 Let their way be dark and slippery, With the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7 For without cause they hid their net for me; Without cause they dug a pit for my soul.
8 Let destruction come upon him unawares; And let the net which he hid catch himself; Into that very destruction let him fall.
9 And my soul shall rejoice in the LORD; It shall exult in His salvation.

10 All my bones will say, "LORD, who is like Thee, Who delivers the afflicted from him who is too strong for him, And the afflicted and the needy from him who robs him?

11 Malicious witnesses rise up; They ask me of things that I do not know.

12 They repay me evil for good, To the bereavement of my soul.
14 I went about as though it were my friend or brother; I bowed down mourning, as one who sorrows for a mother.

15 But at my stumbling they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together; The smiters whom I did not know gathered together against me, They slandered me without ceasing.

16 Like godless jesters at a feast, They gnashed at me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long wilt Thou look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, My only life from the lions.
18 I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation; I will praise Thee among a mighty throng.
19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.
20 For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
22 Thou hast seen it, O LORD, do not keep silent; O Lord, do not be far from me.
23 Stir up Thyself, and awake to my right, And to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to Thy righteousness; And do not let them rejoice over me.
26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.
27May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant. 28 And my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness And Thy praise all day long.

OUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORS MOVED OUT TODAY!!!

Huwaaa!!! Our beloved neighbors Simon and Jacque Tan moved out today, and I'm so sad! It seems only yesterday when Jacque and I were preparing for our respective weddings and scouting for houses to rent. I found this apartment bldg near my parents' house when this was still, literally, a skeleton. I showed this to Romy, he liked it and we reserved for unit A. I know Simon and Jacque were looking, too and the idea of being neigbors excited me. I remember i spent quite an amount texting (read: convincing) Jacq to reserve a unit in the same bldg. To make the long story short, they got Unit C. And fellow w@wie/yahoogroup-mate/newlyweds Karla and Alex Borromeo got unit J. Pwede na nga tawaging The Newly-Weds' Building itong tinitirahan namin, eh.
However, Karla and Alex couldn't bear the traffic, so they decided to leave a few months after. I remember feeling so senti talaga the day they moved out. Mareng Karla, aminin ko na, kinunan ko pa ng picture yung car ninyo nung alam kong those will be one of the last times na magpa-park kayo sa tapat namin, hehe.
Now, two years, career changes, and our own babies later, Simon and Jacque and baby Simone decided they need a bigger place. Oo naman, kami nga we're so masikip na, what with all the baby furniture and toys piling up, masikip na talaga this 2-bedroom unit we have. I understand naman, kaya lang nalulungkot talaga ako. It's alot more fun and comfy kasi knowing na sa tabi mo lang pwede kang kumatok at makipag-chikahan... as if naman nagagawa namin madalas yun, haha!
Today, Simon finally hired a group of movers, and seeing them make hakot the Tan's stuff made me feel the way i felt when the Borromeos left. Naalala ko tuloy yung mga breakfasts together namin, mga surprise birthday get-togethers, mga impromptu dinners and gimmicks, mga DVD-swapping, etc. Mga tipong... " Mare, looks like it's going to rain, baka mabasa ang mga sinampay ninyo!" o kaya yung mga "Romy, may butter ba kayo? Kasi gumagawa ako ng ice cream, wala pala kaming butter." O kaya yung, "Sis, pag dumaan yung batang kumukuha ng basura, pakidamay na kamo yung sa amin!"
Oh well, I really hate goodbyes, one of the things i dread talaga! Kahit na ba sabihing they'll only be 10 mins away from us, it's still sad. Life in The Newly-Weds Building will never be the same again...
We love you Simon, Jacque and Simone!