CLOUD 9

im some kind of losing my sanity right now in just choosing my retro outfit for tomorrow's party. this is madness! God knows im not a fashionista.. i thought that a hippie shirt and bell buttom jeans would do the trick but its not enough..poof.. a little help pls...







our office will have our christmas party tommorrow night and our boss suggested to have a retro theme. at first i said "my hippie shirt and faded jeans is cool enough" but as days passed, i realized that all of my colleagues are taking it seriously and they are really and i mean serously dressing up for the party! this is one of the reasons why i dont attend too much parties. i love to mingle with people but i really dont like the "looking for the purrrfect outfit" part.. i just dont know how those fashionistas do it. and now, im forced to look for a retro dress..and i only have less than 24 hours to do that. im doomed..

have you ever felt this queasy but happy emotion? it makes you sick(being nervous) but you're looking forward to it. i think at this moment,im very very much nervous in facing new people but at the same time,excited to meet them. we were planning for this trip and thankfully my mum finally allowed me to go there. 10 more days... i cant wait.woohoo.. pardon me for being uber excited but this is how if feel... i wish i could fast forward this moment..just to get this butterflies out of my stomache..haha silly tina. I didnt expect that i could experience such emotion but its really in my system and i cant seem to get rid of it. in short, im joyful right now. :D

i will not read the books.. i cant believe i said those words and now i just cant get enough of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. it was my colleague who gave me copies of these e-books and i kinda got hooked up with it pretty badly. you see, im a book worm myself but i was more interested in reading non-fiction books. Ironically, i became an addict with these series. its totally a page turner but the movie is a bit different from what i read. Im not saying that it lessened my interest in watching the movie(i still go "gaga" even if there are changes.. haha). it's just that the books were more fascinating. one more thing, i admit that im not really good with english and i mean very deep english. words like chagrin, ocher, iridescent made me opened my thesaurus book just to fully understand what Ms. Meyer is trying to describe. It's kinda tough but i like it. Reading this kind of books actually relieves stress and lets you get away from reality once in a while (in a good way).

few days from now i'll be doing something that my mum disagrees. why? becoz she thinks that when i go there, i would not be the same tina or the lil' girl she has. and if i don't do this, another person will get mad. its hard to be in that place when someone so dear to you stops you from doing it. now i believe in the maxim that mothers can be overprotective. i love my mom but i just have to do this. im growing up and soon, ill be on my own. i know how she worries about me, hey, she's my bestfriend. but i just have to do it. Oh Lord, what a dilemma.. pls. help me. :(

Balls coming in various colors and sizes hanging on pine trees, drinking hot choco (sikwati in cebuano)in the dusk of dawn and a a chubby guy with a long white beard wearing a sort of like red pajamees and yelling ho-ho ho. i guess you get the idea of what im talking about, its CHRISTMAS! :) woohoo the season to be jolly and all, so cool :)



I know a lot of people don't have the yuletide spirit especially with what is happening right now (typhoons, war, gruesome massacre). But hey, i think its also important that we give recognition to the person who saved us (JESUS CHRIST). We can still celebrate this splendid season even we dont have anything, we could pray and still thank our Father that He sent his Son and did not leave us. I guess that's the essence of Christmas; to know that we have a Loving Father who never abandoned us and even gave Jesus Christ for us. Think about it.

Is this for real??? that will probably the question that will pop out in your head when you read the title of this blog. I never realized how this climate change can shake the world and turn people into eco- friendly. And yes, its true, Hewlett Packard just introduced its newest Eco-friendly laptop: THE HP MINI by Studio Tord Boontjie.

Let's just cut to the chase, this newest designer notebbook is ec0-friendly since it used soy-based inks and 100- percent recycled materials and a reusable microfiber protective sleeve. further, this limited edtion notebook uses an advanced molding technique that will create a 3D surface design on the laptop and has design features illustrations of 30 endangered flora and fauna. Now this is the kind of PC i would so wanna buy.

To complement the package, a PVC- free wireless mouse (wireless??? wow! :D) and a handbag made from natural materials can be purchased separately.

FYI, Tord Boontjie is an environmentalist and an acclaimed Dutch designer more identified for his work on textiles, home furnishings and product packaging.



Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

It’s heartbreaking when you find out that you did not pass on a certain exam. In my case, that CS exam would have helped my life to be easier and helped me help my family more. But hey, I guess you just can’t have everything you want in this world or better yet, maybe He has bigger plans or just challenging me. When my folks found out that I wasn’t able to pass the said exam, they were both in dismay.. I was in dismay. But that failure did not stop them from being my supporters or my cheerleaders. Instead of scolding me for not passing it, they still kept on encouraging me to study harder and focus more on the exam. My mum gave me the hardest tip that I have to do to pass it: forget about my usual routine for 4 months (watching too much tv, surfing the net, hanging out with friends and even going out of towns) and burn the midnight candle (that is, to study more). I really don’t know how to do that, oh man im addicted to my routine (duh.. that’s why I call my routine as tina’s simple pleasures in life) . But if that will make me pass the exam, then I guess 4 months without those pleasures is not so bad *gulp*. Help me Lord.

some people might have heard of this motto. for others who dont, this is actually the adage of atenistas/ ateneians.. ad majorem dei gloriam.. in all things, God will be glorified.

and all these things that i do right now are for HIS greater glory. it may not be that grand to other people but i know that He'll be proud of me. so kudos to those who do the same.

A week ago, I was tasked to be a host for a program in our city. The first thing that popped in my head was, what will I wear? I guess a lot of people can relate with this. Its very important to be in a proper and decent outfit especially during these events. You know the feeling of being nervous at the same time, worried of what people may say about your clothes. So what I did was I called my mum, told her about the event and asked for her help. My mum, as always, my savior took me to a boutique this morning to look for a blouse and I paired it with brown pants (not fitting and not jeans). Honestly, I don’t really have the thing for fashion. I mean to look for clothes and stuff. I can say that my mum is my stylist and I still depend on her fashion taste. I tried to be on my own but all the clothes that I chose sucked! Haha I mean they are good for hanging or chilling out with friends but now that I am in an office, formality is very much needed. I must say Im blessed to have a fashionista mum. :) The host thing was not that bad, I was able to deliver the lines (though I was freakin’ scared). Thank yu LORD, AMDG! :)

Since I was young, my mom would take me and my siblings to her seminars and conferences from different places. While she was doing her job as a speaker or head, we are stuck in hotel rooms or play on the elevators (silly, I know). With that experience, I became meticulous in hotels, inns, resorts or apartments. Just a week ago, our team celebrated our victory party on a certain resort and I was just shocked to its accommodation. The staff are impolite, the ambiance sucks and the worst, they lie.

Being Impolite: I don’t think it’s right that you answer your guest in an impolite and harsh manner. I don’t degrade their position, its just that it’s a protocol in all staff in a hotel or in any business establishment to treat their customers or guests kindly or in a right manner. But you know us, we don’t want to create any embarrassing moves. We’re professionals so as professionals, we kept our cool. If a seminar about Human Resource or Being polite (if there is any) is possible, then their staff should attend it.

Ambiance sucks: when we entered our cottage, I was surprise again (this resort is just full of surprises). The trash was still not thrown, the bed sheets are not clean. I mean come on, do these people really do their job? We travelled 5 hours, expecting that we can rest even for just an hour before the event but we can’t since the beds are totally eeewy and gross. I love to take photos of each place I go but I didn’t waste my precious time taking photos of the resort. They are not worth it (sorry).

They lie: before we went to the place, the fax that was sent to us stated that we can use their pool. But when we got there, the pool is freakin’ empty. Where did the water go?? When my colleague approached the desk, the lady said that they are still cleaning it. it was ok for us at first. When evening came, my colleagues wanted to dive in and have fun in the pool since they saw the water. But much to our dismay, one of the staff blocked us and said that the pool cannot be used because of another lame reason.

You guys better get your facts straight. But despite of everything, we still had fun, we managed to have fun (no thanks to them).

Memories, for me, are priceless. I guess I can assume that each one of us has memories that can make us smile. I do, as a matter of fact, I have a lot of beautiful memories and just loves to reminisce. These little things may not be that great to others but I prefer to dwell with these memories.here are some moments in my life that cant seem to erase from my head.

When I was younger, I remember how my dad took me to another town for my 6th birthday and bought me a new watch. I remember how he held my hand as we crossed the street. Years later , I entered college and surprised how he still held my hand in crossing the street as we went to my new school for my psychological exam.

There was also a time when my lil brother and I laughed so hard while heading home after a day of playing tennis. I remember how we used to buy snacks on the money that is supposedly for our rela fare.
I could still remember how my cousins and I would go to our farm and go fishing. I remember the bonfire, the “puyo” fish and singing of rivermaya’s himala. During summer, I remember how we would race around the capitol grounds using our bicycles.

I remember how my grandpapa comforted me after losing from an election. I remember how he smiled at me, and how he let me understood in terms of accepting failures in life and to move on.

I remember how my mom would teach us to pray the rosary. I remember my sibling and I would bicker because all of us wants to lead the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I remember how my grandmamma would baby sit and sing to us a lullaby when my parents are not yet home from work.

Times may have passed but these good times will forever be cherished

Yup, those were good times.. good times indeed..

Just a week ago, I realized that my knowledge in journalism is starting to fade (you know the feeling where something inside you brain is starting to disappear?) well anyhow, that’s what I felt and in order to reverse the situation, I decided to be a contributor on our community newspaper. Fortunately, the publication accepted my request. Moving on, this week I will be covering and at the same time, documenting the chidren’s night of our city. It’s an annual event in the city government and I’ve been trying to find the right angle for the story. The development angle is the angle where the impact to the reader is present. It’s a bit difficult because I haven’t written articles for months now (you probably get what im saying). So how to deal with it? I guess I have to jot down all the facts about the events and think of the idea that can make the readers ponder to what I wrote. think think think..

Each photo tells a story..a quote from my photography mentor back in college. Ever since I saw a camera, i dreamt of having one. I was 7 then when my dad let me held his manual camera and tought me how it works. All he said was to look in the view finder and click (press the shutter release). When I saw the printed ones, I was so amazed and never stopped borrowing it from him. I love to take pictures as each moment captured is priceless for me. You can never turn back the time where you are still in a baby crib or on a high school uniform. When I reached college, we had a photography major and I was thrilled to attend the class and I never missed even one session. From learning the parts of a single lens reflex camera to knowing the different kinds of photography, I listened to our teacher who is by the way very cool and approachable. Because of such amazement, I begged my folks to buy me an SLR of my own. After 2 months of convincing them, they bought me a manual SLR camera. I like it but its very difficult at first especially getting the depth of field shots. After a month, I begged them again for a digital camera because of our fieldtrip and it was a requirement. So now, I have a manual SLR and a digital camera but you know the cliché, man is never satisfied.. and with that, im planning to buy my own digital SLR camera. But here’s the thing, I have to work hard for it and save money. So ajah/ good luck for me!I know it’s not easy but hey, its worth the sacrifice. :) below are some of the shots I took using my digital camera.


playing with candles


agutayan beach, jasaan, philippines


baklayon church, bohol, philippines


chito miranda of parokya ni edgar during their concert in CDO, Philippines :)


Oblation of UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines


my cousins during our vacation in jasaan


my cousin doing the mermaid pose


chocolate hills, Bohol, Philippines


playing with the lights during the Parokya ni Edgar concert in CDO last 2007

Why is it that everytime Monday comes, I feel like the world is on my shoulder? The load, the pressure, the stress of facing a new week just makes me snooze more. It was always like this ever since I was in grade school. I remember when I used to lie about being sick just so I could prolong the weekend. Its different before since its ok for me to be absent in classes. Hey, I was a kid back then :). Now that im working, I cant be absent in work. Honestly, i feel more pressure right now, I have to do my tasks whether i like it or not. Its stressful but fun. my dad said that I should do my tasks with no buts and ifs. i used to complain a lot from the work im doing. Cut me some slack ok, im a freshie to this employment world (what an alibi.. lol). But as the months passed, I’ve learned to deal and adjust with the load and now, im beginning to feel comfty about it. but despite of the comfty feeling, the manic Monday feeling is still in my system. But its ayt, at least I could sense some thrill and excitement in my life.

for a moment i thought he could stay longer
for a moment i tried to tell him i love him so much
for a moment i wished i could turn back time
for a moment i lied that i was ok
for a moment i smiled for all the wonderful memories
for a moment i cried because i miss him so much
for a moment i looked for him in his room
for a moment i remembered how he comforted me when i was down
for a moment i though it was just a dream seeing him in his casket
for a moment i realized that he is gone...


my grandfather's death anniversary is fast approaching and all i could think of is what to do on that day. i just miss him. may your soul rest in peace grandpapa..

Have you watched news lately? If you havent, then just for a bit of a newsflash: Philippines (specifically Luzon) has been suffering on a series of typhoons, damaging a lot of properties, increasing mortality rates and not to mention, bringing a huge drop on the economy sector. I haven’t seen such great calamity in the world since the tsunami in 2000. The worst part is, this calamity brought a new set of problems in the country. I heard that the calamity fund/ budget of the government is not enough for the recovery of such damages. What hurts me the most is the people that were affected by the typhoons. True indeed that a pictures tell stories and they’re enough to deliver the message that these victims have gone through the past week. Tears falling down and eyes barely awake as these victims face a very big obstacle: to start all over again. I know that a lot of people have reached out to send relief goods for these victims.We call this Bayanihan,(volunteerism) and that’s what makes me proud as a Filipino. As the Late Pres. Corazon always said, LABAN! (fight or don’t give up), we should not give up during these times. Instead, we should help hand in hand to help these people and our country rise from this problem. I know that with strong and firm to GOD and to ourselves, all of us can recover such tragic happening.

Smile: a facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth and indicating pleasure, amusement, or derision. In layman’s term, it’s a facial expression that shows happiness. Smiling also makes a person more beautiful.

As I do my routine everyday, waking up, eating my breakfast, take a bath.. blahblah, I see a lot of people smile. I read once on a magazine that it’s great to start your day with a smile. Before thinking of the load ahead, it’s nice to just smile as it motivates the system to the tasks. I love it when I see my mum and dad smile. I love it more when I see all my love ones smile, I love it most when I see him smile, it simply makes my heart melt. Ehh I say enough with the cheesy part ey. There are some moments in our lives that we could just say that its so hard to put on smiles on our faces. I, for one, had that experience especially when I had a bad day. You know what I do when that happens? I think of good or nice things like remembering Christmas gatherings with my family. Maybe you should try that, just think of nice things then show me a smile..:)

here's a speech i wrote for my cousin. im not quite sure if its really a speech.. so read on fellow bloggers and decide for yourselves..:D

Live your life to the fullest, a cliché that I hear very often. But how do we do it? That’s the question that I ask to myself. There are a lot of problems in my life that I just find it hard to just live my life that way. For instance, meeting deadlines of school projects and at the same time, budgeting my allowance. Just thinking of the academic problems alone is stressful already. When I’m outside the school, another set of problems meet me. It’s like everywhere I go, problems find me. The worst is I was handling my problems in a negative way and somehow, those problems let me live my life bitterly. But my way of thinking changed when I heard about my cousin’s friend who’s niece died of leukemia at only 8 years old. It was devastating thinking that the girl was still so young to die. Who knows that child must have her dreams and she wanted to fulfill them. Her death gave me a bit of a dose of reality; that we don’t have control of our lives and so we should live it, I should live it to the fullest. Problems do come, but they also go. They are one of the spices that make life more meaningful and wonderful. So I say, let’s face our problems with optimism so that we may see the beauty of life and we can live it with happiness and fullness.

Just this morning, I saw something which totally flared up my mood (so much for begin your day with a smile). Anyhow, I left a comment on the picture and after a few hours, a person responded quite harshly. I didn’t know what that person’s problem is and I was bit surprised of what she said, I think that lass is being defensive. Few minutes later, I responded her comment with calmness and with a smile. Then again, she returned with a very, and I mean very sarcastic feedback. Despite of her nasty mouth, I kept my cool. I shouldn’t have responded to her comment, it worsened the matter. It’s sad though that there are people that don’t think what they say. I was a bit offended but I won’t let that silly thing ruin my week. I remember when my father said that if people will do bad things to you, you just let them be, never ever stoop down to their level. So I just have to let it go then, I just have to shake it off. :)

I don’t know how to begin this blog but here it goes. For the past few weeks, I have been trying to divert my attention just for me not to think of him too much. Things like hitting the gym, playing sports, reading a lot of books (and I mean a lot), listening to songs (corny actually) and even tried to find a sideline job (disk jockey). Im starting to feel that this blog is so cheesy. Right now, I really hate the word “busy”. Why? Because that’s the word he always use as his alibi but I cant do anything about it. Hey, the guy’s busy so just let it be. Am I really that impatient? Or just stupid? Is it me or him? This really makes me sad. Hindi ko na talaga alam kung makakaya ko pa, di bale nalang kaya. Hahai mahal kita pero ramdam ko na parang ginagago mo ako..





di bale
-Gary Valenciano

Minsan sabi niya sa akin
Sandali na lang
Akala ko naman ay sigurado na ako
Handa kong tanggapin ang kanyang oo
Bigla na lang nagbago ang isip niya
Hindi ko akalain na gano'n pala siya
Pinaasa niya lang ako
Bitin na bitin ako
Oooh woh

Hindi ko na alam kung makakaya ko pa
Di bale na lang kaya
Ako pa ba kaya ang nasa puso niya
Di bale na lang kaya
Ngunit mahal ko siya
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang

Ngayon araw-araw lumilipas ang panahon
Kalimutan ko siya'y malayo sa isip ko
Di kaya, pinaikot niya lang ako
Bigla na naman nagbago ang isip niya
Pagkakataon ko na mapasagot ko siya
Pag ang sinabi ko'y di mabili
Baka mapahiya muli...

Hindi ko na alam kung makakaya ko pa
Di bale na lang kaya
Ako pa ba kaya ang nasa puso niya
Di bale na lang kaya
Ngunit mahal ko siya
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang

Bakit ka naman ganyan
Ano pa ba kayang paraan
Pero kung kailangan mo naman ako
Agad akong tumatakbo
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang

Bitin na bitin ako
oh...oh...oh

Hindi ko na alam kung makakaya ko pa
Di bale na lang kaya
Ako pa ba kaya ang nasa puso niya
Di bale na lang kaya
Ngunit mahal ko siya
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang

Hindi ko na alam kung makakaya ko pa
Di bale na lang kaya
Ako pa ba kaya ang nasa puso niya
Di bale na lang kaya
Ngunit mahal ko siya
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang
Di bale na lang

Di bale na lang...

From what I have learned in my communication course, interpersonal communication means the exchange of thoughts between two persons or more. We simply call this action as a talk or chat and we do this every single day. Heck, our world would be pretty much in disaster or in chaos if we don’t do verbal language. My point here is, if we talk everyday of our lives, then why are there still people full of hate or grudge. You know the feeling where you wanted to just burst and let it all out? That question lingered in my mind until I took up my course. Well, the communication process consists of 5 steps namely the sender, message, channel, receiver and the feedback or the response.
Often we just say what we want to say and never let the other side talk. Maybe that’s one of the factors why bickering happens that leads to anger and eventually, war. Its quite ironic that even I, as a communication graduate, sometimes encounter misunderstandings from my siblings or friends. So its important then to listen so that both parties can reach mutual understanding. Think about it.

Philippines- SuperFerry 9, owned by Aboitiz Transport System, sank early Sunday on September 6, 2009 in Zamboanga Peninsula leaving 9 passengers dead.

If I have not mistaken, it was just a year ago when a ship from Sulpicio lines (MV something also sank). Seeing families grieve on tv knowing that one that one of their loved ones is dead is very heart-breaking. This is really sad, I must say. A rumor has spread that overload was the reason behind the tragic accident though it was still not proven to be true. From this disaster, I realized that one must live each day as if it’s his/her last. Taking into account that the weather that time, according to weather reports is fine but still, this catastrophe still happened. We could never really tell if today would be our last or not.

My deepest sympathy to all those who lost one of their family members and may the souls rest in peace.

often we think of things that are not really here in this planet or you just think of it coz its appealing to our imagination. For instance, you wish that a certain person is right beside you right now but in reality, the person is in other place. and that my friend is what you call, wishful thinking..

let's admit that sometimes we dwell into this habit. i think its ok but one must bear in mind that it is different from reality and if you cling so much to it, you will definitely be disappointed. though its quite fun and relaxing,just dont get addicted to it. =)

Right now, Im on my multi-tasking mindset again.. preparing a presentation for a village development plan which will be discussed to the people in the community scheduled for next week and posting a new blog. Anyhow, going to the title of the blog, as a development communication graduate, I and the rest of my batch mates are exposed to communities to do some research that seek reasons of a certain situation (e.g. poverty). For 4 years I have mingled with a lot of people with different personalities. It was quite tough but hey, I have to do my assignment. Moving on, those experiences of mine from the field gave a fruitful effect; it landed me a job (woohoo!). Right now, Im affiliated at the City Planning and Development Office in our city government. Generally, our task is to assist the 46 villages (we call it barangay in our country) organize their communities that would further improve their area. thus, development could take place.
As of this moment, me and my colleagues are finalizing the villages’ development plans. These plans are actually formulated every after 5 years so that the government could determine the sectors or areas that need intervention for improvement. Sectors such as their social, environment, infrastructure and institutional are the key areas where we put most attention to. For instance, a certain village or barangay has households that have income below poverty and food threshold. We, then, assist the village on how to eradicate the problem. So, the barangay proposes a livelihood program for those constituents in order for their incomes to increase.
As a novice to the office, Iam still adjusting to the environment but I find our role as very helpful especially to the community. Il end my blog with a development quote, GOD speed!

Each of us is a being in himself and a being in society, each of us needs to understand himself and understand others, take care of others and be taken care of himself. ~Haniel Long

Last night as I was doing my cardio exercise, I couldn’t help but think of someone. Hey, we all have our past love or whatever term you call it. The thing is I’m having a hard time getting over this stuff; Im so not good with this. anyhow, here’s the lyrics of a song that totally fits my mood today. Uhmm it’s a tagalog song from one of my favorite bands in our country, hahai sana'y nagtanong ka lang kung hindi mo lang alam..




"Oo"
-UP dharma down

Di mo lang alam
Naiiisip kita
Baka sakali lang maisip mo ako
Di mo lang alam
Hanggang sa gabi inaasam makita kang muli

Nagtapos ang lahat sa di inaasahang pahanon
At ngayon ako'y iyong iniwan
Luhaan, sugatan, 'di mapakinabangan
Sana'y nagtanong ka lang
Kung 'di mo lang alam
Sana'y nagtanong ka lang
Kung 'di mo lang alam

Ako'y iyong nasaktan
Baka sakali lang maisip mo naman
Hindi mo lang alam
Kay tagal na panahon
Ako'y nandirito pa rin hanggang ngayon para sa'yo

Lumipas mga araw na ubod ng saya
'Di pa rin nagbabago ang aking pagsinta
Kung ako'y nagkasala patawad na sana
Puso kong pagal ngayon lang nagmahal

'Di mo lang alam
Ako'y iyong nasaktan
Baka sakali lang maisip mo naman
Puro s'ya na lang
Sana'y ako naman
'Di mo lang alam
Ika'y minamasdan
Sana'y iyong mamalayang hindi mo lang pala alam

'Di mo lang alam
Kahit tayo'y magkaibigan lang
Bumabalik ang lahat sa tuwing nagkukulitan
Baka sakali lang maisip mo naman
Ako'y nandito lang
Hindi mo lang alam
Matalino ka naman

Kung ikaw at ako
Ay tunay na bigo sa laro na ito
Ay dapat bang sumuko
Sana hindi ka na lang pala aking nakilala
Kung alam ko lang ako'y masasaktan ng ganito
Sana'y nakinig na lang ako sa nanay ko

'Di mo lang alam
Ako'y iyong nasaktan
Baka sakali lang maisip mo naman
Puro s'ya na lang
Sana'y ako naman
'Di mo lang alam
O, ika'y minamasdan
Sana iyo'y mamalayang hindi mo lang pala alam
Oooooooo

Malas mo
Ikaw ang natipuhan ko
Di mo lang alam
Ako'y iyong nasaktan




Hindi mo lang alam, ako iyong nasaktan, sanay nakinig nalang ako sa nanay ko…

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Up+Dharma+Down/track/Oo

Biko and suman are actually delicacies in our country and I really did not expect that my dad will name our dogs after these foods.

It’s a little bit funny because we already gave them names (temper and chowder). Anyhow, they are both males, biko (pronounced as baiko) is the white one with brown spots while suman (pronounced as shuman) is the grey one.


Last night my mum and I placed them on a big box with a sheet since they were sleeping on a cold soil. As much as I want to bathe them, it’s still not advisable (maybe a month from now). With these puppies around, I guess I could simply redirect my mind from what happened to me recently. One thing’s for sure, they’re so cute….

Ok, let’s go techno-savvy this time. Just this morning, I read an article on the latest mobile gadgets on the industry. With this, I found out that Sony and Samsung presented their newest models . We all know that these 2 brands doesn’t only compete on the mobile phone world but also on other gadgets (tv, dvd, yu name the gadget, and these brands have it. what a cliché.. hehe) I know these brands since I learned how to read (since i was 5 years old, to be exact). well so much for that, let’s focus on the title of this blog.

Sony W995. Hmm so what’s with this phone that can totally catch your attention?

Well, aside from its music player feature, this phone also has a point -and- shoot camera. How cool is that for a phone? This phone also has smile and face detection. Meaning, this feature will help ensure that the subject smiles before the user presses the capture button (shutter release for cameras)cool isn’t it ?..=) In regards to their music feature, this phone maximizes the use of sensor technology. Uhmm its actually a feature found in popular gaming console. Not only that, the phone also has 2 java powered games and applications for health buffs out there: tracker program and walkmate application. Whew, how about that?

Moving on, Samsung also released its recent touchscreen model.

Coined as the Samsung Jet, this phone is intended for multi-media and internet users who wish to possess a touch screen phone that will fascinate them beyond the touch interface. (FYI: TouchWiz User Interface is a propriety piece of technology that makes the phone respond to touch much like the I-phone). The jet is a user-friendly phone which features apps and layout that are very accessible. Not only that, this phone has a 5 mega-pixel camera with autofocus and also features geotagging, image stabilization, smile and face detection and even album cover.

Plus, both phones are capable of Wi-Fi connection.

So what do you think? Reading the whole article made me realize how technology advances. It’s quite amazing how people think of new ideas to make communication more accessible. But hey, don’t force yourself to buy these things if you can’t afford these gadgets. But if you really want to have it, then you have to work hard for it. =)This is Tina and that's the latest update on the mobile phone world in the Philippines..=)

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (InfoTech section)

From playing table tennis (ping pong), cuddling my nephew to playing with puppies , watching piglets. Now tell me, was that a great weekend or what? =)

Whew..weekends are usually the time for me to rest and goof around as long as I want. This weekend was a different one. Well first, playing table tennis. Most people know this sport as “ping pong” . Moving on, much to my excitement in playing for this year’s sports fest in our city government, I did what usually players would do before game time – practice, practice, practice!. I played with my older brother and my 2 cousins since there was a table in my grandmama’s house..=) For 2 straight days, I practiced and practiced and too much practicing led to body pains especially on my right arm. It was a pain-bearing experience but it was cool. I get to bond with my family and all.


Next is cuddling my nephew. We all have our favorite nephews or nieces. Last Saturday, my favorite nephew (his name is Carl) was admitted on a hospital due to diarrhea. He’s just 2 years old and I felt sorry for the litte boy. For his age to have dextrose in his little left hand is very painful. I was so worried that I asked my dad to accompany me on visiting him yesterday. He was a bit surprised to see us but I could feel the uncomfortable feeling.. poor baby..

The good thing is he’s ok now. My cousin said (father of my nephew) that water was the reason for the diarrhea. Well the important part is he’s going to be fine (thank goodness) I just cuddled him and stayed on his side until me and my dad went home.

Moving on (again), last week, my sister’s dog gave birth to 3 puppies.

Such cutties and what’s cooler is, my grandmama’s pig also gave birth to 12 piglets! i really love animals, except for snakes.. 0_o They’re so cute!=) I will upload the photos later (I didn’t bring my memory card reader).

All the things I did over the weekend boils down to one thing, I totally had a blast! =)

i just finished editing the socio-economic profile in one of the barangays in our city and im so exhausted. im having a headache, my eyes hurt and my tummy is begging for food...0_o (=. whew.. thanks to God, i was able to meet the deadline. tomorrow, I and my colleagues will join a happy walk. since im new to the office, this will be my first time to attend the activity. im quite excited about it. but here's the thing, we have to meet up at the park at 5:30 in the morning. so wish me luck..=) before i end my blog, here are steps to relieve some stress from working all day long.. =) enjoy...toodles!

ways to relieve stress:

* Overcome Perfectionism: If you’re a perfectionist, you’re most likely causing unnecessary stress to yourself and those around you. This self test assesses your level of perfectionism, and provides resources for change.
* Overcome Type A Traits: Type A personality traits also have stress inducing effects. Test your ‘Type A’-ness, and find resources for handling these traits in yourself and others.
* Play Music During Your Commute: Music has great stress relief and health benefits. Try this, and find additional ways to use music as a daily stress reliever.
* Get a Massage: Massage can be a great way to relieve tension in your body, and a self-massager gives you an inexpensive massage any time. Read more about this and other stress relief gifts and tools.
* Take a Quiet Day: If you don’t have the money or time for a vacation, taking a quiet day is a great way to get a break. Here are some more ideas for stress reliever mini-vacations.
* Goof Off A Little With how busy we all are these days, it can pay off to take a little time to do nothing. We all instinctively knew this as children, but somewhere along the way got too busy to let our inner children come out to play. Read more about this and other stress relievers from childhood.
* Laugh With Your Friends: Laughter has significant stress management and even health benefits. Learn more about the stress relief benefits of laughter and find ways to work this great stress reliever into your day.
* Throw a Small Party: Social support works wonders on a person’s stress level, and each type of friend is important. Throw a small party (as opposed to a large, unruly one, or no party at all) and celebrate your most important friends and the roles they play in your life. You’ll strengthen your social bonds and relieve the stress you may be feeling.
* Have a Spa Night At Home: Taking time to pamper yourself is an important but often-forgotten stress reliever. An inexpensive way to do this is to have a spa night at home. Learn how now.
* Go on a News Fast: News is important, but what we hear in the news these days can be highly stressful. Taking one day a week to shun the news from t.v., the internet, and other sources can do us good. If anything really important is happening, you’ll hear about it, but the peace and quiet can be good for your stress levels.
* Read a Book: Getting lost in a good book can be a great way to relieve stress. Here’s a selection of good fiction and non-fiction that can be especially helpful for stress relief.
* Daydream: Give your mind a break and let it wander for a while. On purpose. Imagine yourself swimming in a pool of chocolate, floating on the moon, or winning a Nobel prize and going to Disneyland to celebrate. You’ll feel less stressed in just a few minutes!

Being thankful to HIM for all the things He did and for all the blessings He gave, here’s the lyrics of a song that is always in my brain playlist.

As I sing my heart’s thanksgiving

As I sing my heart’s thanksgiving and my eyes look heaven ward,
How the stars you flung like jewels bid your welcome, shine your light.
As I marvel at your moonrise, I’m in awe yet I ask.
“What am I that you should love me, and hold me as your dearest love of all”.

I. You crown me with honor and glory, and you set all things under my feet.
You have made me little less than angels even if I fly often away.



II. In my anxious and browbeaten moments you comfort me, fill me with peace.
When my foes threaten, dare, and surround me, you’re my strength you’re my light and my shield.

III. How exalted Your name is, O Yahweh and how lofty the work of your hands.
Yet how closely, how dearly you draw me to your love, your divine majesty.




Ever since we were kids, I and the rest of my siblings were always told by our mum to pray. Now that I have grown as a woman, I have realized how important and how wonderful it is to be thankful to Him. That’s why we pray….


With this song, I could show how thankful I'am and that He will always be with me.And so with everything I do, I do it for the greater glory of His name.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

“I suppose if you've never bitten your nails, there isn't any way to explain the habit. It's not enjoyable,really, but there is a certain satisfaction-pride in a job welldone. ~Anderson Cooper, Details Magazine 2003

“Cooper!” That’s what I would always say when I see Anderson Cooper on TV. Not to be biased but he’s really good in his field. Last night, I watched his program on CNN (Anderson Cooper 360°) and I was just in awe. My dad said that I was only watching it because he was the news anchor. I just laugh because it’s not true. The topics of his program are so substantial (e.g.climate change) and the way he tackles them are so vivid but cool.

A month ago, me and my folks watched him and Larry king as they covered the Burial rites of Micheal Jackson (another idol of mine) and later on, I found out that he was also a fan of the late King of Pop. So cool..=)



I first saw Anderson Hays Cooper (his real name) when I was 17 years old ; he totally got my attention with his gray white hair. I said, “mum, who is this white-hair dude? (kinsa ng puti ug buhok na lalaki ma?)”, and my mum said he’s Anderson Cooper, the son of a famous fashion designer (Victoria Vanderbilt) but he worked his way to become a news anchor. Knowing that he didn’t care about his status in society and he strived really hard to be where he is now, I just adore him.


Last Christmas, my Aunt gave me a Cooper book entitled “Dispatches from the Edge” and I love it! Million thanks to auntie linds! =) Its actually a story of his life and at the same time the problems and challenges he had undergone (death of his brother,covering wars in Iraq and Johannesburg, etc..). I recommend it to all bookworms in the planet.
From reading his autobiography, I learned that not all rich people rely on their wealth. On Cooper’s case, he chose to be simple in life and help people to be informative on what his happening around the globe rather than wasting his money on going to clubs. Talk about being a person for others (atenean principle).
He’s just a role model..whew… two thumbs up for you Andie!, Keep up the good work=)

Here are some of the sites that you could surf or visit if you want to know more about this guy..=)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177846/bio
http://usliberals.about.com/od/peopleinthenews/p/AndersonCooper.htm

Whoa! My goodness, it's been ages since I posted my last blog. Hmmm I guess I have just been busy.. neh, the truth is, karun p nko nhinumduman ang password sa akong blogger account.. ahahaha.. anyhow,so much for that… let's get down to our business, shall we? If you have noticed, my last blog was back when I was still in college. So why new paradigm? Well aside from the fact that Im done with my schooling years, (no more group studies at dunkin divisoria, no more playing badminton with ann, fred and derbie, no more tambay2 sa drypond or school canteen) , I guess it’s just the idea of me getting used to a new pattern of life.



First off, spending more time with my folks. You see, after I graduated college, my mum requested me to work within the jurisdiction of Malaybalay. It bugged me for a minute coz I wanted to work in a far place (the job offer in manila would have just been perfect) but I kinda got the fact that they (my parents), wanted to bond with the older children (me and my brother) and so, I said yes. I could remember back in my college life, i would usually go to sleep at 1 AM (hey, im just enjoying my life in the city). Now, I go home at 5:30 PM, talk to my parents till 9 and doze off by 10. And every morning, as the sun rises, I would talk to my erpat with a cup of coffee in our hands. Whew…

2nd, me working in an office. After a month of unwinding, soaking under the sun and all that, I was hired as a researcher in the International Center for Research on Agroforesty (ICRAF). The work, I must, say was very,very, exhausting yet fun. I don’t know why but I just enjoy doing researches (particularly on community development or environment). Unfortunately, my ICRAF colleagues transferred to another area. I cant go with them coz its quite far. So after a month, I got another job as a researcher and a proofreader, meaning, new colleagues and new style of working. The funny thing is It was only when i was started working that I became more careful in what I do (danghag man gyud ko atong una.. hahaha).



Lastly: eating lunch with my grandmama. I admit that I was closer to my grandpa than my lola. My lola was the disciplinarian when we were younger so given that description of her, she was really strict. I could remember when I was visiting them (grandparents), I would always stay at my lolo’s room because when my lolo and I were talking, perminte ko exempted sa tanan sugo.. hahaha… after my grandfather’s death, I promised to myself that I would spend much more time with my lola and I guess God provided a way for me to do that. Now, I eat lunch with her because my working place is near from her house. I like it coz it made me realize that my grandmama is not that strict pala, she’s very thoughtful and very loving. I enjoy exchanging views with her in politics (passing of Cory, etc,etc) and telling her every thing that I do in my work (the things I would usually do with my lolo when he was still around).

With this new routine and style, I could say that Im on my way to maturity..waaaaaaaa oh no.. 0_0.. hehe but hey, I could still goof around but in the right place and right time.. hahai.. although I miss going to school and my friends and other stuff (dawat ug baon, wandering.. hahaha).. but I have to face reality and embrace it.





Its not so bad.. lets just put it this way, this new paradigm molds me to be more responsible and in time I could get used to this... =)