She may not have the vocal range and power of today's singers, but her soothing and angelic voice blends so well with the guitar. One of my favorite Filipino artists (fine, kahit na may nagsasabing jologs hmpf!), I've always loved her heartfelt renditions.
My favorite rendition of "Muntik na Kitang Minahal":
How Did You Know:
A beautiful song, I'll Be There. The video is a cut from a recent drama series in the Philippines. (Oh, and for the nth time, I don't look like Juday! Hahaha!)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Still Thankful
...that I have a very dear and caring friend who lovingly puts muscle tape on my back just where I couldn't quite reach, who buys me food even though he is already too tired or lazy to go out, who patiently looks after me when I'm feeling sick. I love you so much! You are my family here in Japan and I couldn't imagine living here without you as my friend.
...that I have friends who never fail to comfort me with their reassuring words and rush to my side when things go bad. Love you too!!!
...that I have loving parents who always reassure me that I am doing just fine and that there are more important things that make them proud of and happy for me than career and money. Love you the best!!!
...that I at least work for someone who tries to understand and somehow care to a certain extent, even though as with all companies there's no such thing as "family" and regardless of anyone's situation, making money is top priority.
...that I work with people who will cover for me even though they themselves are very busy and regardless of how they feel about it.
I guess I'm still quite lucky.
...that I have friends who never fail to comfort me with their reassuring words and rush to my side when things go bad. Love you too!!!
...that I have loving parents who always reassure me that I am doing just fine and that there are more important things that make them proud of and happy for me than career and money. Love you the best!!!
...that I at least work for someone who tries to understand and somehow care to a certain extent, even though as with all companies there's no such thing as "family" and regardless of anyone's situation, making money is top priority.
...that I work with people who will cover for me even though they themselves are very busy and regardless of how they feel about it.
I guess I'm still quite lucky.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Why YOU should VOTE for GORDON
This video neatly summarizes all of Gordon's major accomplishments as a public servant and as a leader. I particularly liked his speech on what a leader should be. You can feel the sincerity and determination in his voice. And you know that he doesn't just know and say it, he understands it.
Ang pag-gugubyerno ay pagbibigay-buhay, hindi hanap-buhay:
VOTE FOR RICHARD GORDON THIS MAY 10!
Ang pag-gugubyerno ay pagbibigay-buhay, hindi hanap-buhay:
Ang kailangang trabaho ng lider ay hindi lamang gumawa ng eskwela, that is par for the course. Hindi lang gumawa ng kalsada, that is par for the course. Ang kailangan ninyo sa inyong lider, pag mahina ang loob ng kanyang pinamumuhuan, palakasin nya. Kapag may napipilay, patindigin nya. Kapag may nakayuko, patanguin nya! Yan is the business of a leader in this country.Roughly translated in English, it says that the business of a leader is not just building schools and new roads. It is about encouraging the people to have confidence in themselves and empowering the people to uplift their lives themselves. GORDON is that kind of leader, a transformational leader, the kind of leader this country badly needs.
VOTE FOR RICHARD GORDON THIS MAY 10!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Now I'm Listening
Listening has always been one of my greatest strengths, and I know so well that words are just half of the story. I have learned to listen to to the intonation and fluctuations in voice, to body language, and what they all convey. Sometimes though, when it comes to myself, I have a hard time listening to what I need, to what I want, and how I am really feeling.
Take for example, this seemingly harmless osteoarthritis condition I have. I had been feeling the pain for as long as I can remember, but I really didn't pay any attention to it. I've always thought that it's natural for hardworking people, and I do sometimes trick myself (and my boss) to think that I work hard, to feel this pain. I mean, just look at all the ads and CMs for pain relievers - the loyal employee staying late in the office gets up and rubs his neck and back, face contorted in what could only mean excruciating pain. So naturally, anyone would think that it was normal.
But then over the past year, the pain has really gotten worse. So much so that I have had to miss some days of work. It has also gotten to a point where I could not possibly endure an 8-hour work day without taking some form of pain reliever many times during the day. I also never get a full night's rest, since it takes me forever to get comfortable enough in my bed because of the back pain, and second, since I wake up every few minutes or so because of the discomfort. Plus, I'm sort of reluctant to sleep because I often wake up with a very bad headache. There had also been times when I woke up and not be able to turn or just move my neck, as if I've lost all muscle control there.
I sometimes come to work looking like I was up all night partying in some club in Roppongi, but nobody knows I just had 2-3 hours of disturbed sleep and my back and head are killing me at that very moment. But how can I possibly tell them that, when they stay until late at night but I go home earlier than 7. It's bad enough I had to tell my manager that I cannot possibly work for him 100% at this time. I also miss parties, dinners, and other social activities because I "feel tired", which sound nothing more than "I just don't really want to go." I can't cook as much as I used to anymore because the long minutes I have to stand up doing repetitive things like cutting, peeling, stirring, and washing dishes really make my back hurt to a point where I wish I could just take my spine apart like Lego blocks.
Still, I thought it was just psychosomatic pain. I've been under some stressful situations at work and in my personal life recently and I thought maybe the stress was causing the pain. And there were also some good days when I really don't feel a thing, and there were still some where I took the day off only to feel better in the afternoon. I've also seen two doctors about my condition, and while the second one I went to was able to pinpoint what exactly was wrong, they didn't recommend any treatment or anything other than to just "take it easy" and take pain relievers when necessary.
I kept on avoiding really listening to what my body needs. I guess the gravity of this whole thing never really hit me until recently when I was forced to make a decision based on this pain and to let go of a great opportunity that I would have taken in a heartbeat had I been healthy.
Now, I'm listening to my body and I want to take the necessary steps to become better. People live full lives with this condition and I want that for myself too. I also don't want to ever make such important decisions based on my health, it's a very uncomfortable feeling. Plus, I just wanted to write all the things I've been feeling here just to get it out.
Take for example, this seemingly harmless osteoarthritis condition I have. I had been feeling the pain for as long as I can remember, but I really didn't pay any attention to it. I've always thought that it's natural for hardworking people, and I do sometimes trick myself (and my boss) to think that I work hard, to feel this pain. I mean, just look at all the ads and CMs for pain relievers - the loyal employee staying late in the office gets up and rubs his neck and back, face contorted in what could only mean excruciating pain. So naturally, anyone would think that it was normal.
But then over the past year, the pain has really gotten worse. So much so that I have had to miss some days of work. It has also gotten to a point where I could not possibly endure an 8-hour work day without taking some form of pain reliever many times during the day. I also never get a full night's rest, since it takes me forever to get comfortable enough in my bed because of the back pain, and second, since I wake up every few minutes or so because of the discomfort. Plus, I'm sort of reluctant to sleep because I often wake up with a very bad headache. There had also been times when I woke up and not be able to turn or just move my neck, as if I've lost all muscle control there.
I sometimes come to work looking like I was up all night partying in some club in Roppongi, but nobody knows I just had 2-3 hours of disturbed sleep and my back and head are killing me at that very moment. But how can I possibly tell them that, when they stay until late at night but I go home earlier than 7. It's bad enough I had to tell my manager that I cannot possibly work for him 100% at this time. I also miss parties, dinners, and other social activities because I "feel tired", which sound nothing more than "I just don't really want to go." I can't cook as much as I used to anymore because the long minutes I have to stand up doing repetitive things like cutting, peeling, stirring, and washing dishes really make my back hurt to a point where I wish I could just take my spine apart like Lego blocks.
Still, I thought it was just psychosomatic pain. I've been under some stressful situations at work and in my personal life recently and I thought maybe the stress was causing the pain. And there were also some good days when I really don't feel a thing, and there were still some where I took the day off only to feel better in the afternoon. I've also seen two doctors about my condition, and while the second one I went to was able to pinpoint what exactly was wrong, they didn't recommend any treatment or anything other than to just "take it easy" and take pain relievers when necessary.
I kept on avoiding really listening to what my body needs. I guess the gravity of this whole thing never really hit me until recently when I was forced to make a decision based on this pain and to let go of a great opportunity that I would have taken in a heartbeat had I been healthy.
Now, I'm listening to my body and I want to take the necessary steps to become better. People live full lives with this condition and I want that for myself too. I also don't want to ever make such important decisions based on my health, it's a very uncomfortable feeling. Plus, I just wanted to write all the things I've been feeling here just to get it out.
I Will Be Here to Watch You Grow in Beauty
Next Saturday, April 24th, my sister will be graduating from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering, with a B.S. Computer Science degree. Even now, and much more so on that day itself, there can be no prouder older sister than me.
She may not be the top graduate, but to me she is the best. She may not be the perfect student, and in many ways she may not also be the perfect sister, but for me, she sure is the best sister I could ever wish for and I would have her no other way.
I believe in her. I believe in her ability to bring herself to greater heights. I am sure of that. I just hope that she never forgets that whatever life she chooses, whatever goals she sets for herself, and whatever accomplishments she achieves, I will always continue to be proud of her. I just want her to be happy, to find herself and live a full life, and to always know that she is here on this planet for no other reason than to be herself.
To end this, I know this is a bit cheesy, but the song really makes me think of her. I know she looks up to me, and in her eyes I have accomplished much more than her, but I want her to know that I am one of her greatest accomplishments. I would be nothing without her.
Aylabyu Tawix!
She may not be the top graduate, but to me she is the best. She may not be the perfect student, and in many ways she may not also be the perfect sister, but for me, she sure is the best sister I could ever wish for and I would have her no other way.
I believe in her. I believe in her ability to bring herself to greater heights. I am sure of that. I just hope that she never forgets that whatever life she chooses, whatever goals she sets for herself, and whatever accomplishments she achieves, I will always continue to be proud of her. I just want her to be happy, to find herself and live a full life, and to always know that she is here on this planet for no other reason than to be herself.
To end this, I know this is a bit cheesy, but the song really makes me think of her. I know she looks up to me, and in her eyes I have accomplished much more than her, but I want her to know that I am one of her greatest accomplishments. I would be nothing without her.
Aylabyu Tawix!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Such Confidence to Look Like a Fool :D
This is completely nonsense but it's kinda cool. :p If Gordon's impressive leadership ability fail to appeal to some, maybe his cute adorable side will. Hahaha!
It's just a little disturbing that Moymoy Palaboy looks a little like GMA. :D
It's just a little disturbing that Moymoy Palaboy looks a little like GMA. :D
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Way Kayod Way Kaon
Gotta love a leader with such passion and such conviction.
People say that Gordon may not make a good president because he is too emotional and because of his quick temper. I say that just shows how passionate he is about public service and about his work.
Vote for him this May 10.
People say that Gordon may not make a good president because he is too emotional and because of his quick temper. I say that just shows how passionate he is about public service and about his work.
Vote for him this May 10.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
101/365 : Green Mangoes and Bagoong
Hilarious day.
My friend Marvin and I wasted a good amount of time this morning fighting over who should prepare the green mangoes he bought yesterday. Both of us had never peeled green mangoes before - someone had always done that for us before in the Philippines. I eventually lost, mostly because Marvin's argument made more sense. I was the one into cooking and I had to learn how to peel a green mango without a peeler at some point hahaha.
And this afternoon, we thought of making minatamisang saging, or plantains in brown sugar sauce. It was coming together beautifully when Marvin came across a pack of tapioca coconut dessert in his tiny kitchen and thought it was a great idea to mix it in. The coconut cream blended just right with the sauce, but we had some trouble with the tapioca beads. Apparently, because the pan was filled with cut plantains, the sauce's temperature didn't rise enough to cook the tapioca properly. We waited for another 20 minutes, but when the tapioca still wasn't cooking the way it should, we decided to remove the already cooked plantains to prevent them from becoming overcooked. The beads finally got cooked but we ended up with a very thick sauce because some of the already cooked tapioca beads melted into it. Major FAIL.
Preps
The end result still tastes great though, especially after chilling it in the freezer and adding some evaporated milk. ^_^
My friend Marvin and I wasted a good amount of time this morning fighting over who should prepare the green mangoes he bought yesterday. Both of us had never peeled green mangoes before - someone had always done that for us before in the Philippines. I eventually lost, mostly because Marvin's argument made more sense. I was the one into cooking and I had to learn how to peel a green mango without a peeler at some point hahaha.
And this afternoon, we thought of making minatamisang saging, or plantains in brown sugar sauce. It was coming together beautifully when Marvin came across a pack of tapioca coconut dessert in his tiny kitchen and thought it was a great idea to mix it in. The coconut cream blended just right with the sauce, but we had some trouble with the tapioca beads. Apparently, because the pan was filled with cut plantains, the sauce's temperature didn't rise enough to cook the tapioca properly. We waited for another 20 minutes, but when the tapioca still wasn't cooking the way it should, we decided to remove the already cooked plantains to prevent them from becoming overcooked. The beads finally got cooked but we ended up with a very thick sauce because some of the already cooked tapioca beads melted into it. Major FAIL.
Preps
The end result still tastes great though, especially after chilling it in the freezer and adding some evaporated milk. ^_^
Friday, April 9, 2010
Why Gordon Is My Man (and Why He Should Be Yours)
In the video below (start at 3:33), Gordon describes Gloria Arroyo as a very impassioned and hard working leader whose biggest mistake was her continued transactional leadership. He went on to say that Gloria Arroyo may have had to resort to these transactions, or give and take arrangements because she may have been severely crippled by the events that led to her becoming president in the first place. Her predecessor, Estrada, was very popular to the masses and the people at that time were not able to fully embrace and comprehend the sudden change in leadership. As a result, Arroyo had to make deals that would ensure her stay in power and give her at least some form of "bought" or "paid" trust.
This answer is one good example of the kind of person Gordon is. You can tell that he is not a big fan of Arroyo, but still he was able to give her enough respect as our president. Unlike the other candidates' dismissive, or worse, self-serving replies (just listen to Mar Roxas...the horror!!!), Gordon actually gave a sensitive, carefully-worded, well-thought out answer. He was able to give credit where credit is due but at the same time giving valid criticisms.
Going back to the concept of transactional leadership Gordon mentioned, I think on the other hand that Gordon is the ideal transformational leader. We all know he is a good and effective leader in the sense that he is able to make his followers do what he expects them to, but at the same time, he doesn't think of them as mere followers. He believes in empowering the people - not only relying on the leader to make their lives better but becoming themselves capable of improving their own lives. I think this is the best point in his platform, and the best legacy he could leave behind if ever he becomes president. More than any number of good and successful projects he could implement during his term, just imagine how much more we can achieve as a country if even after his term, we still have in us the confidence, the motivation, the capability to implement even more good projects.
I sincerely hope Dick Gordon wins. Not only because he is the best among the candidates, but because he is THE ONLY ONE WHO FITS the job description. As Marvin said, picking who to vote for isn't as difficult as you think it is. Just imagine, if you invested your life savings in a company, who would you want running it as CEO? And if you were an ordinary employee, who would you rather be working for? Only one person comes to mind.
This answer is one good example of the kind of person Gordon is. You can tell that he is not a big fan of Arroyo, but still he was able to give her enough respect as our president. Unlike the other candidates' dismissive, or worse, self-serving replies (just listen to Mar Roxas...the horror!!!), Gordon actually gave a sensitive, carefully-worded, well-thought out answer. He was able to give credit where credit is due but at the same time giving valid criticisms.
Going back to the concept of transactional leadership Gordon mentioned, I think on the other hand that Gordon is the ideal transformational leader. We all know he is a good and effective leader in the sense that he is able to make his followers do what he expects them to, but at the same time, he doesn't think of them as mere followers. He believes in empowering the people - not only relying on the leader to make their lives better but becoming themselves capable of improving their own lives. I think this is the best point in his platform, and the best legacy he could leave behind if ever he becomes president. More than any number of good and successful projects he could implement during his term, just imagine how much more we can achieve as a country if even after his term, we still have in us the confidence, the motivation, the capability to implement even more good projects.
I sincerely hope Dick Gordon wins. Not only because he is the best among the candidates, but because he is THE ONLY ONE WHO FITS the job description. As Marvin said, picking who to vote for isn't as difficult as you think it is. Just imagine, if you invested your life savings in a company, who would you want running it as CEO? And if you were an ordinary employee, who would you rather be working for? Only one person comes to mind.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Haw Flakes!!!
Stumbled on some old interview vids of Lea Salonga on Youtube today. In the first video, she talks about her first date with her husband Robert Chien. Haha, I think we have the same taste in men. And HAW FLAKES!!! Hahaha! I love haw flakes, even as a kid I'd always ask my father to buy me those, but what are the odds that I'll also find a nice smart guy who'll bring me haw flakes on the first date and can talk about anything for 7 hours. >_<
Hmm, too bad Boy Abunda sucks as an interviewer - he doesn't ask good questions and worse, he sometimes makes the interview about himself.
The second video is one when she was still 18 and doing the first run of Miss Saigon. She's just so cute in the interview and she doesn't even look 18 - more like 15. Hmmm, I wish my future daughter would turn out a little bit like Lea hahaha.
Hmm, too bad Boy Abunda sucks as an interviewer - he doesn't ask good questions and worse, he sometimes makes the interview about himself.
The second video is one when she was still 18 and doing the first run of Miss Saigon. She's just so cute in the interview and she doesn't even look 18 - more like 15. Hmmm, I wish my future daughter would turn out a little bit like Lea hahaha.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
94/365 (2010 Project 365) : Something About Me Is Changed Forever
Spent the day enjoying the company of good friends and the beautiful cherry blossoms of Kitanomaru Park in Kudanshita. Most of my cherry blossoms photos turned out blah but I'm really happy with the photo below. It also reminds me this verse from Christopher Cross' song Swept Away.
The very first time you said my name
I knew it would never sound the same
Something about me is changed forever
Here's a good live version of the song I found on Youtube.
The very first time you said my name
I knew it would never sound the same
Something about me is changed forever
Here's a good live version of the song I found on Youtube.
93/365 (2010 Project 365) : Sexy!
Found these interestingly shaped tomatoes in the supermarket today and thought they would make for an interesting photo.
I also got eggs, some lovely spinach bunches, and a small bag of mozzarella cheese on 30% discount for one healthy and inexpensive dinner. Pictured below is a poached egg, spinach stir fry, and insalata caprese (tomato and mozzarella cheese salad) on toast.
I also got eggs, some lovely spinach bunches, and a small bag of mozzarella cheese on 30% discount for one healthy and inexpensive dinner. Pictured below is a poached egg, spinach stir fry, and insalata caprese (tomato and mozzarella cheese salad) on toast.
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