Monday, July 25, 2011

Old Friends


i was told that love should hold old friends... - everything but the girl

-abbey

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Anxious / Excited

Spent the whole day training on Six Sigma. I needed the refresher course on it since i'm mentoring three people who i'm planning to promote to AM hopefully this year. If everything goes right, i've promoted a total of 5 staff to officership positions. I think these are little great trophies in my 5 years at BPI. Looking back there are about 4-5 i would have wanted to promote too: Rona and Nervs from FTD (now RPD), Raul, Nelson, and Bryan from West Cash Center. Here at Leasing, aside from the 3 i am currently mentoring, im looking at two oldies... Won't mention their names just in case anyone from Leasing gets to read this.

Back to the training. HR-Training premises are fully-booked that my training this morning was relocated to our office canteen. How pathetic. For consolation, it was conducted inside a conference room with wide windows where you can see the Enterprise building and the few 'BPI Trees'.

The facilitator was good. All in all i think i yawned twice only. But i must confess that in between her rabid discussions i couldn't help but notice how sunny and windy it was outside. Perfect weather for me. Texted Arvin that it's a beautiful day! He said: Tama! Replied to Kenneth's text informing me that he was on SL (he wasn't sick but he said he badly needed rest) that it's bright and windy here at HO. He texted back: Happy ka? And i said: Yeah!!

There's something about today that made me excited. Maybe because i could see that it's bright outside, uber windy and im freezing cold at the sametime (killer airconditioning buti na lang i have my ratty old jacket) and that reminded me of the holidays. Then it dawned on me that August is fast approaching and the 'Ber' months will soon come in. How many holiday get-togethers will i have this year? and with whom? Thinking about it makes me really excited. =) Will have one with my family of course! Yogi. Minnie. Rae. Rg. and Me. I think i love how my sister's wedding changed our family dynamics. It makes our lakads extra special since we now consciously make an effort to bond. And our lakads lately have been like barkada thingys... Food trip here. Food trip there. And you'll love how refreshing this is to my Papa and Mama. I think we now have the youth vote when go out kasi 5 na kami and 3 of us are kiddies. Syempre i think the fact the all of us are earning also adds to the new dynamics.

Will also have one with my Super Friends. Friends I will never get tired of. Thone. Zen. Lyn. Arvin. Jervin. Reuel. Mako. Kristi (i miss). Isama na rin natin si Llou at Paga. Siguro aside from my family, my faith, Paeng, sila na siguro ang pinakablessing for me. Super thankful to have them. Somehow i feel that our dynamics are changing as well. I think slowly but surely each one of us are living our own lives na. Mako i think took the lead about 2 to 3 years ago. But i love how he makes it a point to organize biglaang roadtrips or foodtrips from time to time. Lyn has her Law, her home-based job and Mcdo Gang. Kristi naman hello motherhood. Jervin's newly promoted, busy with Sugar and has been so diligent sa gym. Reuel i haven't heard much since. I think busy rin at sumasabay. Renzen has his Kuya duties at NEU. Llou is also gym-ing and went back to being a labor statistic. Paga i don't know. Haha. Then there's Arvin, who i think is busy making plans for changes in his life. And i am excited for him. Siguro a year ago i'd be jealous and emotional about this. I mean my friends having lives outside our friendship. But now that it is happening, ang happy pala ng feeling. I don't feel threatened at all that we'll drift apart. I feel pa nga na okay siya kasi exciting na magsama-sama ulit. And i'm dying to hear their stories.

I would most probably have a dinner with Verna. It'll be our quarterly what's-up-with-your-life meeting. This one im excited about kasi Verna brings in a different perspective. So it would be wonderful to see things thru her eyes. Of course im also excited to hear a good dose of chikka and gossip on personalities from my past life. I would most probably see Karol and Ernie as well. It would be a raucus to have us four for dinner. Pero i like a moment with Verna muna. Then another lakad with all four of us.

I've been seeing Ziggy alot lately since i hang out alot at Moonleaf Tea in Maginhawa. Ito na siguro ang bagong tambayan for 2011. Although maaga pa baka meron pa sumulpot sa mga susunod na buwan. Most probably will have another lunchout. I met him nung Holy Week for some Unholy burgers. Francis/Nikko naman quit Manulife and he's now here in Makati as in walking distance from my office. He asked me to have dinner but no firm commitments so far. Most probably i'll make it a point na matuloy ito. I was so happy to bump into him at Starbucks but i'm equally guilty as well because i spent like 10 secs with him because i had to go back to the office.

For my Leasing family and BPI na rin. I promise i'll exert more effort joining your invites. I know. Movies. Dinners. Inumans. Joggings. I've said no to all of them. But I promise i'll join you guys soon. Last ko yatang movie with you guys yung Esther pa. Im sure pasabog na naman ang xmas party natin.

I'm also highly expecting that i'll be spending alot of time with my BPI Teamates/Tea Tea Mates. I think this year's roster is way more fun and closer than our team last year. We saved some money for more midnight volleyball games at Ninoy and Xavier. If ever we ran out of moolah there's always Project 8. We've discovered our common interest in Tennis (Last year Badminton) recently so our Sunday afternoons fully-booked na. Late nights at Moonleaf Tea would surely continue specially now that Ritche includes it in his after-class regimen. Yam just im'd me that we'll be having a tune up game with JT Team next month. Something to look forward to. I'm happy how Ken, Kenneth, Jeff and I have developed this healthy type of friendship. I think i may have found life-long friends in them. Ana/Gian and Ritche are on the same league. Actually the whole gang of Subic 10 is - Jo. Mark. Yam. Rob. Kiko.

While thinking all of these makes me excited, it also dawned on me that there's one person who i won't be seeing this coming holiday season. Jeff's leaving for Singapore this August. Last day here at BPI on July 29. I think of all the people in the team, Jeff has been my best friend. I will miss his 'One More Chance' type of humor. Yes the corny but endearing type. Lately, Ana/Gian, Jeff and I have been bus/mrt-mates when going home. I don't know why all of sudden we do this after office bonding. Im enjoying it but at the same time i know it'll kill because im gonna miss this when he's gone.

Gusto ko pa sana magsulat. Pero tapos na si Gian maggym. Nandito na si Jeff sa harap ko. Nawala ako sa mood magdrama.

-abbey

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Fisherman and the Businessman

Got this from Paulo Coelho's Blogsite. This isn't his btw. he just reposted it.

There was once a businessman who was sitting by the beach in a small Brazilian village.
As he sat, he saw a Brazilian fisherman rowing a small boat towards the shore having caught quite few big fish.
The businessman was impressed and asked the fisherman, “How long does it take you to catch so many fish?”
The fisherman replied, “Oh, just a short while.”
“Then why don’t you stay longer at sea and catch even more?” The businessman was astonished.
“This is enough to feed my whole family,” the fisherman said.
The businessman then asked, “So, what do you do for the rest of the day?”
The fisherman replied, “Well, I usually wake up early in the morning, go out to sea and catch a few fish, then go back and play with my kids. In the afternoon, I take a nap with my wife, and evening comes, I join my buddies in the village for a drink — we play guitar, sing and dance throughout the night.”


The businessman offered a suggestion to the fisherman.
“I am a PhD in business management. I could help you to become a more successful person. From now on, you should spend more time at sea and try to catch as many fish as possible. When you have saved enough money, you could buy a bigger boat and catch even more fish. Soon you will be able to afford to buy more boats, set up your own company, your own production plant for canned food and distribution network. By then, you will have moved out of this village and to Sao Paulo, where you can set up HQ to manage your other branches.”


The fisherman continues, “And after that?”
The businessman laughs heartily, “After that, you can live like a king in your own house, and when the time is right, you can go public and float your shares in the Stock Exchange, and you will be rich.”
The fisherman asks, “And after that?”
The businessman says, “After that, you can finally retire, you can move to a house by the fishing village, wake up early in the morning, catch a few fish, then return home to play with kids, have a nice afternoon nap with your wife, and when evening comes, you can join your buddies for a drink, play the guitar, sing and dance throughout the night!”
The fisherman was puzzled, “Isn’t that what I am doing now?”


Sometimes..it's right under your nose. Or sabi nga ni Carrie Underwood: "What you've been out there searching for forever is in your hands". At kung fan ka ni Paulo Coelho, same theme sa The Alchemist.

-abbey

Waiting


You have to realize this soon enough.



Or else...


Happy Monday everyone!

-abbey

Harry Potter - Post Secret Tribute


 Although i don't love you naman ng ganyang level...


Thank you pa rin! (Hindi applicable ang 'How to LOVE again')

-abbey

Harry Potter

Watched HP7.2 again last night with Renzen and Jervin. I really didn't bother reading Harry Potter when it became a big hit when i was still in HS. I remember my sister was up-to-date with the releases back then. But i never took advantage of it. I was so busy with schoolwork/drama and of course volleyball at that time.

I was kinda forced to read Harry Potter when i got into UP. Math 17 was so painful that needed all the extra and bonus points i could get just to pass my exams. My prof was a huge Harry Potter fan and he consistently throws in trivia questions on Harry in our exams. For our Finals Exam, he switched it up and decided to throw in questions from the 6 Feet Under Series. Although i don't follow that series religiously, i did have some idea on the series because my boyfried back then was huge fan. Anyway, i passed Math 17 after taking my first ever removal exam!

To me, the Harry books are quite special. There are few books that i can't put down unless i get to finish them. Aside from Harry books, i find Magic the Gathering books to have the same effect on me and lately Emily Giffin (sorry shallow chickit here.. hehe). I remember staying up all night just to finish the book. I remember reading HP3 first before reading HP 1 and 2. I remember how i loved Tonks in the book but i was a bit disappointed with Tonks in the movie version. Anyway, marami pa aking naalala pero anu naman paki mo di ba?? haha!

I'm just making this entry maybe to just give tribute to the 'Harry Years'. Wow. Can't believe it's been 10 years already!

It's like saying goodbye to an era or a generation.

Will post more Harry Potter - Post Secret Photos pa.

PS: Love HP7.2 mainly because of Minerva. Pero mas magugustuhan ko siya kung binigyan din ng screentime si Pomona. Lalo na habang sumisigaw siya ng: "Tentacula! Devil's Snare! Tentacula!"

*Kristi para sa iyo ito. Kasi siguradong mapupunta ka sa house ni Pomona! Hufflepuff! Pak!

-abbey

Like a Child

This morning. when I got to my friend's home, their year-old baby is eating iced gem cookies. When I was younger, I eat iced gem cookies this way: bite off the cookie first, then the icing.


E yung mallows? Eat the chocolate coating first. When it's bare, eat the marshmallow, then the cookies. Nips? Crack it open like butong pakwan. Eat the coating, then the chocolate. See, hindi lang Oreo ang may tamang way ng pag-kain. Give me some, one of these days and I'll give you actual demo.


I also liked the now-rare Sunshine green peas, Sultana cookies, and pacensia.




Remember Magic Pops? 
I recently gave a friend one pack, which he opened and shared with his office mates. 
They had a good time. Try it!


    Later, I discovered that if you pop galletas in your mouth together with Hershey's Kisses, chew it slowly, your palate's going to have quite an experience.


These days, the most accessible simple joy I have is eating Ministop Sundae Cone with Mr. Chips.



Sabi nila, basta bata, mababaw lang ang kaligayahan. Para sa kin, ok lang maging mababaw. Basta maligaya.

Abbey told me via SMS one day, "I think bottom line and ultimate currency ay happiness." I agree. Abbey's dream about eating chocolates with youngest brother Paeng reminds me to be a child again. (Read more)
Deepak Chopra said, "The return of the magical comes with the return of innocence."
In the Bible Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Vincent Peale says, "People of an artless nature seem to find happiness. By artless I mean people who are childlike in their mental attitudes, who are great enough to think childlike thoughts. A child has a sense of wonder and perceptiveness that brings happiness."

Most would search for happiness like it's a goal to be pursued. When you are young, you say, I'll be happy when I grow up." When you're grown up, you say, "I'll be happy when I am wed." When you're wed, you say, "I'll be happy when I retire." Retirement comes and for you, happiness still does not come.

Happiness is in the present. Happiness is in small things. A favorite snack, a good read, a hug, sunset, shared laughter, quiet moments, etc. It's different for every person. Have a dose of these small things a few times each day, then you'll find yourself looking forward to the next day.

I'd like to believe that if you want to be happy, make somebody else happy first. Then, the happiness flows back to you. 

Smile!


- verna












Friday, July 15, 2011

Raphael, You Already!

Napaginipan na naman kita kagabi. Kumakain tayo ng maraming chocolates...

Binagyong Balikbayan: Snapshots from a visit, from our Diaspora

By

My father greets me as I enter our home in Quezon City: “I’ve reached the end of the line, the point of no return.”
It’s his standard greeting. Every time I come home, he casually talks about the end.
It’s disconcerting, naturally. The only thing that makes it bearable somewhat is this: He’s been predicting the end for about 20 years now.
* * *
Lumaki akong sanay sa trapik at sa bagyo.
Kaya parang natural lang ang araw-araw na maipit sa Edsa, sa España, sa sasakyang gumagapang sa kalsada, pinalilibutan ng usok, nakikipag-gitgitan sa mga dyip, bus at ibang kotse.
Kaya di nakakabigla ang dalawang bagyong nanduro sa amin. Ang nakakapagtaka lang lang e ito: Kilala ko si Yoling, Diding at maski na si Ondoy.
Noon lang ako nakasagupa ng bagyong may kakaibang pangalan—Falcon.
* * *
They had played on the steps of the Manila Diamond Hotel, my son Paolo and another three-year-old boy named Raphael. There are pictures of them from that evening, their innocent faces staring at the camera.
Raphael’s dad, Yogi, our friend, works at the hotel. He points to the spot where the boys posed for the photos.
It’s been nearly 10 years since that moment when the two boys shared a joyful, innocent time.
* * *
Ito ang alanganin sa pagiging balikbayan galing Amerika: Ang summer sa America e simula ng mga bagyo sa Pilipinas.
Uwi ka nang Hunyo, tag-init sa California. Sa Maynila, mainit din naman—pero humahambalos ang ulan.
Natakasan namin ang bagsik ni Egay. Pero iba si Falcon. Sa Northern  Expressway, galing Bulacan, hinambalos kami ng lumilisan nang bagyo. Paalis na nga e nambubuwisit pa.
* * *
One day, we decide to take a walk from the hotel to the mall.
A short walk.  But long enough to give my son a glimpse of the grittier side of  Manila.
He and his nanay are crossing Pedro Gil Street when it happens: a fight among street children erupts. Kids, in tattered and blackened T-shirts, gap-toothed, hair unkempt, begin yelling at each other.
Paolo and his nanay stand frozen in the middle of the street. Later, my son tells me: “I could understand what they were saying. One of them was saying, ‘It’s mine. Akin ‘yan.’”
He could understand because Pilipino is his first language. He no longer speaks it—but the words, the spirit of the language are still there, embedded in his brain.
* * *
Nakakasindak. Pero sa anak kong laking Amerika, mas nakayayanig ang susunod na bumati sa kanya…
* * *
Walking back, another encounter.
No fight, no threat of violence this time. But a confrontation more stunning in many ways.
On the sidewalk, blocking our way, a woman with deformed arms and legs. Next to her, a little girl in dirty clothes,  begging for food, for change.
The girl is smiling. But in my son’s eyes, there’s an odd mix of surprise, fear and pity. He keeps walking in silence.
* * *
Nabalitaan niya ang tungkol sa Payatas.  Nakuwento ko ang bundok ng basura, nababalutan ng mga langaw, tirahan ng marami.  Nakuwento ko noong nag-cover ako doon bilang peryodista.
“I’d like to see it, “ sabi ng anak ko isang araw.
Okay lang sa akin. Tuwa pa nga ako na ang panganay ko e handang magpalalim ng pag unawa niya sa Pilipinas.
Pero kulang ang oras. Sabi ng ate ko, “Hindi pwedeng basta-bastang pumunta doon.”
Kaya walang exposure tour sa Payatas. Sa bundok ng basura.
Pero habang naglalakad kami sa Roxas Blvd., sa tabi ng Manila Bay, tapat ng US Embassy, nakita naman sila – mga batang gusgusin, naghahalungkat sa isang tambak ng basura.
* * *
In our hotel room, overlooking Manila Bay, well above the streets of the metropolis where I grew up, my son turns to me.
“It’s depressing,” he says.
“And maybe it’s more depressing,” he adds, “because I’m also supposed to be also from here.”
A double-edged declaration.
My first gut reaction is worry: Did he just reach a turning point—a moment when he decides that he’s not Filipino—that given the misery and suffering associated with that label it’s just not worth it?
But then again there’s this: It’s the first time my son has acknowledged, has affirmed, his Filipino self.
* * *
Pareho silang Pilipino. Magkadugo. Magkalahi. Magkasing-edad.
* * *
On the steps of the Diamond Hotel, they shared that moment, my son and a beautiful child, named Raphael Ramos.
Paolo went on with his journey, going to school, playing Little League, making new friends, growing up.
But Raphael’s journey began to wind down when he was eight—when doctors told Yogi and his wife, Minnie, about an illness, a very rare illness.
Neuroblastoma.
* * *
Tuwing umuuwi ako, mahilig kaming mamasyal ni Mommy. Gusto niyang pumupunta sa Intramuros. Doon siya tumira bago mag-giyera. Minsan umabot pa kami ng Corregidor.
Ngayon, sa anibersaryo ng pagsilang ni Jose Rizal, sa Luneta kami nagpunta.
Pero siguro pagod lang siya. Isang ikot lang sa monument ng bayani, pagod na si Mommy.  Nobenta na siya. Hanggang doon lang ang pasyal.
* * *
From Luneta, we went to San Agustin Church—to honor a friend, a family member, a sister.
Chit Estella was my sister’s sister-in-law. I considered her a colleague, a friend, a sister. My mother knew her too. Her death in a horrible accident had shocked her.
In the historic church’s columbarium, we watched Roland, Chit’s husband, gently put Chit’s ashes inside the niche.
It was only in December when he and Chit, during a visit to San Agustin, had talked about the church and how it would be great to be laid to rest there. Now, Roland is fulfilling Chit’s wish, even as he bids her farewell.
“There is so much good in you,” he says. “How can I not miss you when we have known each other for 34 years. …”
* * *
Sa hotel, sa marangya naming kwarto, wala akong masagot sa anak ko.
“It’s depressing, Tatay.”
Wala akong paliwanag. Walang maialay na dahilan sa kahirapan. Sa babaeng upod ang mga braso’t binti. Sa batang madungis, nanlilimos. Sa mga kabataang nag-aaway sa lansangan.
Marami akong masasabi. Pero alam kong di niya agad mauunawaan. Gusto kong sabihing, ‘Matagal nang marami sa aming depressed din. Matagal nang pinagtalunan, pinag-awayan ang mga nakita mo …
“Pero walang madaling sagot….”
* * *
He was a gift. An unexpected gift.
Over dinner at the hotel, Yogi remembers Raphael.
He describes him as a blessing. Their two other children—Robbie and Rae Ann—were already in their teens when he arrived.
“Kung ipakilala ko siya bonus,” Yogi says. “I used to say that he was a bonus.” A ‘biyaya.’ A gift.
And it was a gift the family celebrated. In his short life, Raphael was surrounded by love. Yogi and Minnie did all they could to save him.
“Pero pahiram lang pala,” Yogi says. He was meant to be with them only for a brief time.
One day, three years ago, Yogi, Minnie, Rae Ann and Robbie gathered in Raphael’s hospital room. They stayed until his last breath.
Yogi sighs. That was how Raphael left them, he says. That was how the beautiful child said good-bye.
* * *
“Will we see each other again?” my father asks.
It’s the day before my flight back to San Francisco.
Then the standard line: “I’ve reached the point of the return.”
I nod and smile and answer his questions, and those of my mother’s. I ignore the tightness I feel in my chest.
Then, the surprise—from my son.
“Lola, I want to return in two years. And I want to come during Christmas.”
My mother’s face lights up. “Yes op kors. Wat do yu want to do?”
My son is ready with an answer: “We will go to SM.”
* * *
Yogi meets us in the hotel lobby to say good bye. He turns to Paolo and smiles.
“He’s tall,” he says. “Raphael would probably be as tall as him now,’ he adds.
He smiles again—which takes the edge off the sadness I feel in his remark.
We’re leaving as excitement fills the hotel, the country.
“The Azkals are checked in here for the Sri Lanka game on Sunday,” Yogi explains. “If they win, there’ll be celebration here.”
* * *
On the plane on the way to Taipei, I catch a last glimpse of the northern Luzon coast fading into the horizon. I take a picture with my phone.
Hours later, the Azkals win.
I imagine Yogi in the Diamond Hotel lobby, welcoming guests, celebrating with them, high-fiving the hotel staff. I picture him standing near the elegant, polished steps where his son and mine once played, posed for pictures, laughed …
On Twitter @KuwentoPimentel.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Pag-ibig?

One night at a barbershop. Me was reading a book and He was waiting for his head to be shaved:
Me: Do you think it's possible for somebody to love everybody?
He: I think, it's possible. But I don't know anyone... Even Jesus got angry when He saw the church turned into  a marketplace... I guess, Buddha loved everybody. But that's because he tried to understand everybody. But, what is love? Is it not just a concept invented by humans? What is love?
Me: (confused and caught off-guard) Love... is... giving?       
That time, He is Me's mirror image. He's questions are Me's questions verbalized by He. No, I'm not schizophrenic. He is a real person. Ask the barbershop.

Below are the quotations I got from the books (and others) that life threw at me so I can get answers to He's question. Agree or disagree with them, feel free to share your thoughts.

Define LOVE. 
Love is a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. (Dictionary.com)
Love is blind. (Autograph Pad)
Love is like a rosary, full of mysteries. (Autograph Pad)
God is love. (Jeepney sticker)
 LOVE is spelled as T-I-M-E. (TV commercial)

The POWER of LOVE.
Muscle can split a shield and even destroy life, but only the unseen power of love can open the hearts of men. (Og Mandino)
O, pag-ibig na makapangyarihan, pag nasok sa puso ninuman, hahamakin ang lahat, masunod ka lamang! (Balagtas, Florante at Laura)
Hatred ceases by love. This is an eternal law. (Buddha) 
Love conquers all. (Virgil) 
Finding/ Not Finding LOVE.
To get love, you must first give it. To make sure that another person loves you unconditionally, you must place no conditions upon him or her.  To learn to love another, you must first love yourself. (Deepak Chopra)
How easy it is to miss love when it comes. Either something so distracts us, or we have so completely lost touch of who we are and what we care about that we cannot recognize our heart's desire. (Francis J. Kong)
Love cannot be achieved by effort. (Deepak Chopra)
Usually we are searching for someone either to reflect our own self-images or to repair them... There is an underlying sense of need. Feeling incomplete in yourself, you try to bolster your lack through someone else. (Deepak Chopra)

Falling In-LOVE.
One day after you have gotten over this restless fever, you will see a small light in your heart. At first it will be the size of a spark, then a candle flame, finally a raging bonfire. Then you will wake up, and the flame will devour the sun, moon, and stars. At that moment there will be nothing but love in the cosmos, yet all of it will still be inside your own heart. (Deepak Chopra)
What LOVE is/should BE.
Intense love does not measure, it just gives. (Mother Teresa)
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; for love is sufficient unto love. (Kahlil Gibran)
How do we love? Not in big things, but in small things with great love. (Mother Teresa)
We know that if we really want to love we must learn to forgive. (Mother Teresa) 
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (The Bible,1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)


What LOVING should NOT be.
The kind of love that is attached to another person is really about yourself, because what keeps it going isn't what is real in the beloved but something far more binding-- your own need to possess. (Deepak Chopra)
The Challenge of LOVE.
When love beckons to you, follow him, though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you to yield to him, though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him. Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth, so is he for your pruning. (Kahlil Gibran) 
If you love those who love you, what is the reward in that? (The Bible, Matthew 5:46) 
The mechanics.
To receive love it must be given with no thought of its return. To love for fulfillment, satisfaction, or pride is no love. Love is a gift on which no return is demanded. Now you know that to love unselfishly is its own reward. And even should love not be returned it is not lost, for love not reciprocated will flow back to you and soften and purify your heart. (Og Mandino)
Final words.
Eventually you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is.            (Gary Zukav)
Then.
It takes a thousand minds to explain what love is... but only a single heart to know.                  (B. via SMS 06.04.2011) 
I rest my case.


My Resources
-verna



Paradox

A quote on happiness from Virginia Woolf (who committed suicide by drowning herself in the river).

“Happiness is to have a little string onto which things will attach themselves. For example, going to my dressmaker in Judd Street, or rather thinking of a dress I could get her to make, & imagining it made—that is the string, which as if it dipped loosely into a wave of treasure brings up pearls sticking to it. And my days are likely to be strung with them.”
Virginia Woolf, Diary, April, 20 1925

Monday, July 4, 2011

Fourth Day is the First Day

I really don't need to do this. Staying up late here in the office. I mean I can still do all my pending approvals tomorrow. But today I feel like finishing them up. Could be first day high.

Spent most of my time today in meetings. I first met with my 3 officers discussed transition plans and delegation stuff. Delegation has never really been my strength. I prefer to just soldier on on most tasks alone. But for some strange reason, i didn't feel awakward saying: "Im assigning you this, Im assigning you that". Of course i do that for my staff of specialists but not with co-officers.

The next series of meetings were one-on-one peptalk with each staff. There's a long list of them. I hope i can finish this all this week. At first, these meetings were met with some smirks from some seniors. They find it weird that im taking the time to get to know each staff personally. I just don't want to be a stranger to them and it's actually nice hearing stories of other people. I think hearing their stories makes you less concerned about your life. Not that i have so much drama going on in my life. Pero it pays not to be self-centered at times.

Actually the meetings that i am doing are weird. Kasi these are the type of meetings that self-help managment books tell you to make. So cliche. But it works for me. So i'll stick to it up unitl i barf with the cheesyness. Pero i really am enjoying getting to know each one of my 20 plus staff.

It's the Fourth Day of July and it's my First Day as Operations Head.

I hope that better things will still come.

-abbey

House Arrest

This is due to my recuperation from the near-death experience yesterday at church. To which, my sister's cool reaction was, "Why ate, nawisikan ka ba ng holy water? Ha...ha... Anyway, here's what happened:

We were all standing for the singing of "Our Father". Two lines into the song, I see spots of white. I felt nauseous. I had to sit down, grasped my forehead, closed my eyes, and got transported to another place and time. I was dreaming when I felt two strong hands grab me by my shoulders, then pain near my elbows. I felt disoriented. I figured, I passed out and fell face-first. The stranger caught me before my head hit the hard cement.

I tried opening my eyes but I see white-- fortunately not the kind of white light at the end of the tunnel. It was as if a thin cloth was pulled over my eyes. I cringed. There was pain in my abdomen (puson) as if something is being crushed inside. I passed out the second time.

When I came to, people were in queues. Oh, communion. Then a sharp pain in my nape. I was sweating, but I felt cold. I closed my eyes for the third time (grateful that it was not the last).


There comes a time when you are left with no choice but to trust other people and allow them to help you. Let me rephrase that-- Near-death or not, I always have to trust other people and allow them to help me.

I opened my eyes again. This time, no more white cloth. I said, 'Water, please." The "lady" assisted me towards the side of the church, near the garden. No longer queasy but the pain in my abdomen and legs were too much to bear. In a fetal position, I was grabbing at my abdomen, face distorted in pain. I wanted to cry. Then I saw a painting in the garden-- Jesus kneeling down, praying. And I thought, for sure my pain was nothing compared to the agony He had at the garden. I offer a prayer. Inhale... Exhale...

At this point, there were more people. The "lady" brought me water. Someone was massaging my hand. Another was pressing her thumb at the midsection above my upper lip (I don't know what it's called). One was fanning over my face. Somebody rubbed my back with efficacent oil. And another brought atis leaves for me to sniff.

Some were just standing, watching and murmuring, "Ang putla nya." "Baka nausog." "Sa init yan." "Baka naglilihi." (Haha. I just wish).

With the kind of collaboration that just happened, who would not be revived? And as sudden as it had hit, the pain went away (never to return, I hope).


It felt nice to be cared for. When you are someone who had too few hugs for more than two decades, you'd feel warm and fuzzy to be cared for, even by strangers.

I thanked everybody. I got the "lady's" name-- Lou of JP Rizal St. I wanted to get her number so I can thank her appropriately. I went against it because I thought she would feel better thinking that she was able to help someone who can never repay her.

I'll just pay it forward.
I thanked God for my second life.

I pulled out my phone from my pocket, and the first person I call was "him". But that is another story. *wink*

-Verna


I'm Home

I just moved in.

My boxes of what-not's are still unpacked. Procrastination hits.

It was really thoughtful of Abbey to have made the rooms "roomy". I like the big windows, too. Lots of air and lots of light. My room will have the least consumption of electricity, aircon seldom "on". I always prefer it warm and toasty (and dusty).

I can set up at Italian desk where I can do my writing and make my calls.



I'll hang one of Mayie's (mayiephotography.com) work. The burst of colors can trigger happy thoughts that will allow me squeeze out some creativity. (Yes, Abbey, I'll make sure the holes will not allow me to peek on Lynn-and-future's intimate moments.) The willow tree will keep me company in my "alone" moments.

Except for Abbey, who is a friend since the "past lifetime",



the bunch has only been with me twice (Coron and Banchetto). Thone kasama ka din dito sa picture, in spirit. Asan ka kasi ng time na to?



I'm a total newbie compared to their decade plus friendship. I feel honored to be a resident of 9 Peregrine Street and be under one roof with smart, talented, witty, and good-looking people.

I'm home.

-Verns

Napapaisip

- abbey

Saturday, July 2, 2011

How's Your Day, Bombay? Mine Went Like This... JULY 1

Hindi ko pa nga natatapos isulat yung first half assessment ko sa taong eto, pero parang gusto ng magsimula ng 2nd half ng taon. Actually bakit naman hindi eh July 1 nga naman kanina.

Anyway, after spending my 'biglaang mandatory leave' this week due to my cornea ulcers i went to BPI Head Office to meet up with my volleyball teamates kasi we have a courtesy call sa President. So ayun took the MRT at ang sarap sumakay ng 9am kasi hindi buwis-buhay ang pagsakay ng tren. Relatively peaceful ang mga Uruk Hai sa Cubao Station. At hindi ako pawisan masyado pagdating ko sa Ayala Loop Terminal kasi konti lang ang kahati ko sa aircon ng MRT!

I rode the jeepney and i heard my celphone ringing. Looked at it and it was our VP and Compliance Officer. Hmm... I rarely answer phones when i'm travelling with strangers. I don't know why siguro kasi i have tendency to fine tune my speaking voice to a paminta-ish tone! It annoys me to be forced to do that! Actually wala naman nagfforce sa akin..automatic lang na ganun. So hindi ko sinagot at tinurn ko lang upside down ang phone ko..at viola..automatic na nag-silent siya! SHAMELESS PLUGGING! Ang cute ng HTC noh?? Ganun siya. Try niyo HTC Phones if you want a breath of fresh air!

So after i ignored my boss' call ulit for the second time i decided to text him na i can't answer the phone kasi nasa jeep ako. Sabi ko i'll just go there to your office kasi i'm on my way to BPI na rin naman. Sabi niya Good! I need to talk to you. Hmm.. Ten-Ten Munoz just waived her hand at me! Anu naman kaya yun? Hindi ko naman kasalanan na mabulag ako di ba? Hindi ko naman ginusto na i-abandon ang post ko ng month end ng mid year! Pero medyo kampante naman ako na mag-Delia Razon kasi pula pulahan pa naman yung mata ko so may ebidensya ako na nabulag ako. At kung hindi man siya maniwala ipapabasa ko sa kanya yung isa ko pang blog. Kitang-kita doon na nabulag nga ako. PAK!

I got into BPI HO and went straight to HR kasi that's where our team will meet.. Pwede ba huwag ko na ikwento ang part na ito kasi malamang isusulat ko lang dito na ang cute ni Jeff, Kenneth, Kiko. So walang bago di ba? Siguro i-mention ko na lang na nagBarrio Fiesta kami at nilamangan ko silang lahat sa Crispy Pata. So sweet of me noh??

To make the story na pinipilit pahabain short, after just 6 months of being the head of collections, they are appointing me to head our whole operations group. To be honest hindi ko alam talaga kung natuwa or natutuwa or nalungkot or nalulungkot ako sa development na ito. Siguro kasi may mga plans na ako for my 2nd half ng taon at pwedeing maging sagabal ang promotion na ito. Siguro natutuwa din ako kasi nagbunga rin ang pagiging pakialamera at bibo ko sa ops. Kasi hindi naman sa pagyayabang, maraming trabaho ng ibang tao ang inaako ko. Pati pag-aalaga at pag-iinitndi sa mga staff na hindi sa akin. Kaya ayan. Bilang ganti sa pagiging mapapel ko kung dati apat na staff lang ang taong hawak ko ngayon meron na akong 3 officer at mahigit 20 na staff. Shet. Baka hindi na talaga matuloy ang lovelife ko this year.

Dahil sa mga pangyayaring ito napatunayan ko na sa taong ito ang lahat ng tardy mappromote! Ayaw mo maniwala? Maniwala ka dahil nung June 30 napromote si Jervin. Tapos napromote din ako. Nagdududa ka pa? Btw Jervin, hindi kita tinatry i-upstage ha. Coincidence lang. Hahahaha.

Kumain pala ako sa Peri Peri kanina sa Megamall kasama si Kenneth at Jeff. Hindi ako masyado impressed sa chicken pero feeling ko matutuwa kayo sa unlimited soup at drinks. Maraming choices ng soup at ng drinks! Try niyo i think worth it naman ang experience. Kaya lang like all all-you-can type of restaurants, i sense na mataas ang probability na ma-baboy ito ng mga PG2000 people. Oo yung mga patay-gutom or mga hoarders sa mga buffet. Shet naaalala ko ang Causeway. Babuyan to the max!

So ayun lang. July 1. Ops Head na ako. Sana hindi pa ito ang birthday gift sa akin kasi ang corny naman ng dagdag na trabaho as birthday gift di ba? Sakit sa bangs!

Good night, everyone! 

-abbey 


Friday, July 1, 2011

room

Guess I'm the first housemate, so I get to pick the best room. I choose the one in the corner, overlooking the little garden. Got no objection to the willow tree, as long as there are flowers. We love colors, yes? It would be nice to wake up seeing blues, yellows, reds and oranges -- instant de-stress.

Since the tiles are eccentric, my room theme will be subdued. In earth tones. A couch on the left when you come in, by the windows, so I'd have enough sunlight when I read. A desk cluttered with  law stuff, the certificate Most Likely to be a Lawyer which I got from our High School reunion [Reunion na, fresh ka pa ba?] stuck on the corkboard. Along with all other reminders in colorful sticky notes, and our picture in church during Jonah's wedding. Will paint the built-in closet brown, then put up Coco Martin posters. My bed will be in the middle of it all, with an old headboard. Law books on top, fiction below. Above the headboard, on the wall, will be this picture:


Bet this would make my day. Everyday.

I'm home. =)


-Lynn