Sometimes, we really do not mean the things we say, except when circumstances hit too close to home---literally.
My sister emailed me at work this afternoon, saying that a group of MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) men torched the nearby town-just 20 minutes away from where my parents established our home. I immediately called to check on my folks but they sounded okay. They have made their exit plans and apparently, only my mother was supposed to leave town, while Papa will stay behind to defend what they have worked hard for all these years. I was aghast at first, thinking what could be more important than life? But I remember the same thing happening a few years back, Papa was adamant that he will fight for what they have until his last drop of blood. And I agree with him, we should not make it easy for these fools and scurry away at the slightest attack of terrorism. So i called hubby to refresh my Papa with some basics, hubby having the proper training in this situation.
Later in the day, I was told that the MILF has withdrawn from the town but only after burning some houses and killing a few hostages. Sad.
This had been a traumatic experience for my townmates, family and relatives. I know they cannot sleep well tonight thinking that this could happen again.
As for me, I have never really prayed as seriously for world peace as I did today.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Happy Birthday to the Man of the House
This week, A turned another year older. Since his big day fell on a weekday, we just bought roast chicken and ice cream for dinner. Afterwhich, we headed to our room to....fold the loads of laundry he did the prior weekend. Hehe! Ang sweet no? This was probably the simplest birthday he has had. This is also the most significant, with him starting something new this year.
But yesterday, we decided to invite some friends over and have a proper celebration. A, who has, since our arrival in Australia, re-discovered his love for cooking (he really doesn't have much of a choice, wala ng helpers dito hehe), cooked a mean feast of kare-kare, pinakbet, pancit and breaded pork ribs. I, of course, had to dish out my 'famous' lumpia shanghai. hehe We had a great time bonding with our good friends here. And what a treat it was that, S, who was our college classmate was able to join us. It was a reunion of sorts. We haven' t seen her since our college graduation. And she was a bit amused that A and I ended up together :-)
But yesterday, we decided to invite some friends over and have a proper celebration. A, who has, since our arrival in Australia, re-discovered his love for cooking (he really doesn't have much of a choice, wala ng helpers dito hehe), cooked a mean feast of kare-kare, pinakbet, pancit and breaded pork ribs. I, of course, had to dish out my 'famous' lumpia shanghai. hehe We had a great time bonding with our good friends here. And what a treat it was that, S, who was our college classmate was able to join us. It was a reunion of sorts. We haven' t seen her since our college graduation. And she was a bit amused that A and I ended up together :-)
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Seven Tag
This Lucky 7 Tag was shared by Cee.
The Rules:
a. List these rules on your Blog.
b. Share 7 facts about yourself on your Blog.
c. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their Blogs.
You’ll have to read my 7 facts and see who i tagged.
Seven Facts about Myself:
The Rules:
a. List these rules on your Blog.
b. Share 7 facts about yourself on your Blog.
c. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their Blogs.
You’ll have to read my 7 facts and see who i tagged.
Seven Facts about Myself:
1. I have been away from my parents since I was 12 yrs old to study high school one hour by ferry from home. Had to move to a different place for college and then a different one again for work. And now, I have moved even farther away. Waaah, i miss home.
2. I love to read and i dream of having a huge library complete with all the books in my wish-list.
3. I am an accountant but I hate numbers! hehe I love performing pero wala naman akong talent. Huhuhu
4. I love guyabano, fresh tomatoes, lechon, dried fish and durian. Hmn..naglalaway na ako!
5. I soooo miss having househelp. Although I am really grateful that I have a husband who can be depended on for housechores.
6. I used to be worry-wart (taking after my mama hehe) but by a sudden twist of fate (insert sound effects here), i have discovered that it's a lot easier to be an optimist :-) I haven't looked back since.
7. There's less than 7 people on my blog roll and I think all of them have answered this tag. So I am not tagging anyone. hehe
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Long overdue
Dear Vince,
This letter is long overdue. It's been sometime since my last one but I know you understand. You've seen how mad our daily activities had been from the time we prepared for our move here to this day as we try to settle in this new place.
If there's one who has been most affected by all this, that should be you. I know it was tough being uprooted from our pretty little community in the boondocks, leaving a school you have begun to love and family who adore you so much. But like a real trooper, you have kept pace with Papa and me. The whole month of May that we were always moving about, packing and unpacking, visiting family and friends, spending late nights, waking up early to prepare for yet another activity may have taken it's toll on your very young body but you kept everything in good stride. I even think you were at your happiest. And I know exactly why. You were loving every moment that both Papa and Mama were around.
You will probably not remember any of this but you have grown more mature than other boys your age. From the time we left our home in Pinas, you must have understood that there's just the three of us now and I think you have made a decision to make it easier for Papa and me. You were a picture of maturity at the airport, carrying your backpack and pulling around your trolly, always giving me a smile and the thumbs up when I check how you were doing. People couldn't help but smile when looking at you.
I am happy to say that you have adjusted well to life in Australia. You are now starting pre-school and you seem to enjoy it. You are also slowly picking up the accent! haha But of course, you still speak your native tongue very well.
Because there's no more Yaya Maymay to follow you around, you have learned to fend for yourself, from taking a bath, to going to the toilet, eating on your own, choosing and putting on your clothes. Sometimes, though, Mama misses it that you need her to help you out. You have learned to be independent but mama is the one suffering from separation anxiety. Haha!
It is our prayer that you will remain to be level-headed, obedient, kind, polite and loving even when you grow old. We are proud of you, son and we love you very much.
This letter is long overdue. It's been sometime since my last one but I know you understand. You've seen how mad our daily activities had been from the time we prepared for our move here to this day as we try to settle in this new place.
If there's one who has been most affected by all this, that should be you. I know it was tough being uprooted from our pretty little community in the boondocks, leaving a school you have begun to love and family who adore you so much. But like a real trooper, you have kept pace with Papa and me. The whole month of May that we were always moving about, packing and unpacking, visiting family and friends, spending late nights, waking up early to prepare for yet another activity may have taken it's toll on your very young body but you kept everything in good stride. I even think you were at your happiest. And I know exactly why. You were loving every moment that both Papa and Mama were around.
You will probably not remember any of this but you have grown more mature than other boys your age. From the time we left our home in Pinas, you must have understood that there's just the three of us now and I think you have made a decision to make it easier for Papa and me. You were a picture of maturity at the airport, carrying your backpack and pulling around your trolly, always giving me a smile and the thumbs up when I check how you were doing. People couldn't help but smile when looking at you.
I am happy to say that you have adjusted well to life in Australia. You are now starting pre-school and you seem to enjoy it. You are also slowly picking up the accent! haha But of course, you still speak your native tongue very well.
Because there's no more Yaya Maymay to follow you around, you have learned to fend for yourself, from taking a bath, to going to the toilet, eating on your own, choosing and putting on your clothes. Sometimes, though, Mama misses it that you need her to help you out. You have learned to be independent but mama is the one suffering from separation anxiety. Haha!
It is our prayer that you will remain to be level-headed, obedient, kind, polite and loving even when you grow old. We are proud of you, son and we love you very much.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
First Sundays
Every first Sunday of the month, Filipinos sponsor the 12noon mass here in the Catholic church which is just a five minute walk from our house. The church is usually full during this time ,with Pinoys flocking this part of the globe.
I remember so well the day we arrived Sydney. We just dropped off our things and hurried to catch the first sunday mass. I had goosebumps all over as I sang to the Tagalog religious songs being played. And when "Bayan Ko" was sang at the recessional, the tears were falling down already. I had to stiffle a giggle as hubby loudly sang with much gusto, even putting a hand on his chest, throwing me a knowing glance. Haha!
After mass, free lunch is served at the convent's social hall - a rather welcome treat for those who badly miss Pinoy food. This is also a good time to meet fellow Pinoys who are living around the area and of course, a good venue to remind kids of their roots. I've been told that on special ocassions, lechon (roast pig) is also served. Wow! I am now counting the days to the next big event. I terribly miss lechon already!
I remember so well the day we arrived Sydney. We just dropped off our things and hurried to catch the first sunday mass. I had goosebumps all over as I sang to the Tagalog religious songs being played. And when "Bayan Ko" was sang at the recessional, the tears were falling down already. I had to stiffle a giggle as hubby loudly sang with much gusto, even putting a hand on his chest, throwing me a knowing glance. Haha!
After mass, free lunch is served at the convent's social hall - a rather welcome treat for those who badly miss Pinoy food. This is also a good time to meet fellow Pinoys who are living around the area and of course, a good venue to remind kids of their roots. I've been told that on special ocassions, lechon (roast pig) is also served. Wow! I am now counting the days to the next big event. I terribly miss lechon already!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Olympic Fever
I've never been a sports buff my entire life. The closest I got near being athletic was crazily cheering for my favorite team at the PBA games during my college days. And yeah, that short stint at my previous employer when we were forced to play volleyball. Other than that, I stayed as far away from sports like a plague. Hehe!
So I was amazed when at the middle of this week, our HR group emailed everyone to prepare for an "Olympic Celebration" today. Huh! What was the fuss all about? I mean, Beijing is so far away, surely the Australian team won't see us cheering them on during opening day. Haha!
But early this morning, I learned that they were serious about the 'celebration'. Olympic rings were posted in all available walls in the office, with score cards of all possible games and the expected wins Australia will take home. And tv sets were being put up so that we can actually watch what is happening in Beijing. Kakatuwa! It was amusing to see everyone so excited. I was rather more interested in the food that was served. Haha!
Well let's see what happens in the coming days. For me at least, this is a good conversation starter at lunch. Hehe!
So I was amazed when at the middle of this week, our HR group emailed everyone to prepare for an "Olympic Celebration" today. Huh! What was the fuss all about? I mean, Beijing is so far away, surely the Australian team won't see us cheering them on during opening day. Haha!
But early this morning, I learned that they were serious about the 'celebration'. Olympic rings were posted in all available walls in the office, with score cards of all possible games and the expected wins Australia will take home. And tv sets were being put up so that we can actually watch what is happening in Beijing. Kakatuwa! It was amusing to see everyone so excited. I was rather more interested in the food that was served. Haha!
Well let's see what happens in the coming days. For me at least, this is a good conversation starter at lunch. Hehe!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Just so...
...there is an excuse to party, Friday afternoons were tagged as "drinks and chips" day at my very first company in Australia. Loads of drinks and chips were served inside the office and everyone is encouraged to join the chit-chat.
I remember getting tipsy on my first day at work, that being a Friday. Being the newbie, I was too shy to refuse the vodka offered by my boss. Siempre, takot ko lang baka i-fire ako agad. I cluelessly pretended to be "cool" and drank the entire bottle. I had to go to the powder room to vomit afterwards. Hehe!
I learned my lesson after that. I joined the group when everyone has already picked up the alcoholic drinks so that I was left with no other choice but the colas. Wais na misis!
I remember getting tipsy on my first day at work, that being a Friday. Being the newbie, I was too shy to refuse the vodka offered by my boss. Siempre, takot ko lang baka i-fire ako agad. I cluelessly pretended to be "cool" and drank the entire bottle. I had to go to the powder room to vomit afterwards. Hehe!
I learned my lesson after that. I joined the group when everyone has already picked up the alcoholic drinks so that I was left with no other choice but the colas. Wais na misis!
