The Four Seasons

Important announcement

2006-11-16T00:14:00.000Z

Please visit my new site:
Merry Tea

Guess What I am Up to Next Saturday?

2006-11-04T19:17:00.000Z

Need I say more?

By the way, I missed a very special place on my previous post. The Shakespeare Globe! Can't believe I forgot to mention it. Explanation will suit another post. Later!

The Giant Slides of Tate

2006-10-29T09:17:00.002Z

Last Friday, Alan and I together with a church friend met at Southbank. Southbank is one of our (Alan and I) favourite London walks. It is full of dynamism and vibrance but relaxing at the same time. We usually walk here from London Bridge to Waterloo station. We walk along the river Thames and enjoy sights such as the Southwark Cathedral, the Golden Hinde, remnants of Winchester Palace, the Clink, Vinopolis, loads of pubs and restaurants, Tate Modern, Millenium Bridge, the Watercolour Society, The Coin Street (including Oxo Tower), Gabriel's Wharf, The National Film Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Jubillee Bridge... and if I miss anything else, I will be utmostly gutted. We have walked along this side of the River for probably hundreds of times!

The current exhibit in the Turbine Hall of the in Tate Modern is called the Test Series by Carsten Höller. It was described by the French writer Roger Caillois as a ‘voluptuous panic upon an otherwise lucid mind’. Visitors are allowed to try on the slide. Höller aims to answer the question, "How might a daily dose of sliding affect the way we perceive the world? Can slides become part of our experiential and architectural life?".

As for me, I still don't know the feeling. Alan and I are going back today and will have a slide or two...

But for now, I would say that no matter what others say that it isn't an art, for me I saw a double-helix...the strand of the human life...a DNA! But I can't help but show fascination. To enjoy a giant helical slide that looks like a DNA is such a surprise for a science-lover like me.

Oscar and events this week

2006-10-20T12:51:00.000+01:00

I admit, I have not posted anything since I came back from business-holiday trip. To tell you the truth, I have so many stories to tell but a few days after arriving in London, I was back to the absolute reality...that I am a worker, a student, a friend, and a maid of my own little self. Aheap of laundry is waiting to be sorted out (but Alan and I have special talents of ignoring them!). This is a summary of my reasons so forgive me for not posting...but believe me, there are so many stories to tell!

OSCAR -- the ginger cat of Burrells Wharf. This was posted in the website recently about him.

"Dear all, Oscar went to the vet last weekend. Unfortunately he is very overweight - he needs to lose 30% of his bodyweight otherwise he risks damaging his kidneys as well as putting too much load on his back legs which were badly broken in an accident a few years ago. If you are feeding Oscar please stop doing so as he seems to be eating at a number of places which is what is making him put on so much weight. He needs to eat at home because he has medicine in his food to control his kidney problem. If you feed him, it discourages him from coming home and eating here and he doesn't get his medicine. Ultimately, feeding him is damaging his health and is really not being kind to him. Many thanks for your understanding."

I really love Oscar. He was the first one to welcome me when we arrive in this development. He is sooooo cute! There's another cat named 'Bafta'. He was named Bafta because he was less glam and less cute than Oscar!

LAST NIGHT

We celebrated the Sanctuary First Birthday! It was a fun night with friends who love Jesus! We looked back on the past year and were blessed by God's goodness in this group of young adults.

The Sanctuary Group

YESTERDAY

It was Felicity's and Elda's birthdays! They are both good friends of mine and I thank God for both of them.

With Elda

TODAY

A very special day for me and Alan. A moment to look back on God's faithfulness to a marriage of five years!

TOMORROW -- A multi-occasion party!

We are going to have a party in our flat! With Felicity, friends from the Sanctuary, Elda and Miya.

SUNDAY

It's Miya's birthday, our friend from the Sanctuary. We also look forward to going church...for all the joy, blessings, friendships and fellowships.

The Much-Awaited Pause

2006-09-26T00:02:00.000+01:00

Just in case you were wondering where I have been hiding for the past few days, here’s a short explanation.

As usual, work is always busy. The more I try to finish my tasks, the more I feel that there are still a lot of things to do.

Today is my first day in university. I enjoyed this day, met the lecturers (who cracked straight to business) and met some friendly classmates (who like me, are wondering how we would cope with this pressure that we have voluntarily enrolled in).

Last week, I went to Brussels for a work-related meeting and took this picture of the Grand Place.

The Grand Place, Brussells (2006)

After the meeting, I went to see my parents, sis, bro-in-law and sweet smart nephew in Germany. More pics:

Which Way Leads to Benjamin’s House?

The Crystal World

Can you see Auntie Maan and Benjamin on the Blown Glass?

Tomorrow (I mean, several hours from now), I will be flying to Canada. I will attend a five-day cancer nursing conference and at the same time meet a good friend named Nao. Alan is coming to join me after two days, and yes…the holiday period begins!!! Hurrah!

Talking About Birthdays

2006-09-10T20:31:00.000+01:00

Since I was little, I do not normally have a birthday party on my own. My sister Michelle’s birthday is three days later than mine. So almost all the time, we have joint birthday parties. We have one party and two birthday cakes. We have lots of pictures opening gifts together. In fact, my eighteenth birthday was even celebrated on her birthday.

Ate Michelle and Me (Germany, 2005)

So strictly speaking, I always share my birthday with someone else. But now, my sister and I are in different parts of the world. Therefore, I can have the party on my own!

But then I married somebody whose birthday is three days earlier than mine. Therefore, I will never have a party on my own as long as we both shall live...but I don’t mind that at all.

Me, me, me!!!

The Highest Point of Zurich (2003)

Atomium, Brussells, Belgium (2004)

The River Danube, Regensburg, Germany (2005)

Hills of Edinburgh, Scotland (2006)

But joint birthdays are always fun!

Foot of the Alps, Heidiland, Switzerland (2003)

Who took my picture? -- Brusells, Belgium (2004)

Danube River, Germany (2005)

The Modern Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (2006)

It's one of those days...

2006-08-18T20:29:00.000+01:00

Inspite of too many events and happenings lately, I cannot find the inspiration to write anyting down. Is this a sign of the end?

...and so I leave you with a picture. Later!

Days of No Rain

2006-07-29T00:06:00.000+01:00

The sunset as we saw it today.

I am originally from a tropical country so it would be easy to think that I am heat-resistant. But the recent heat wave that hit the country tested my ability to stand high temperatures. The highest recorded temperature in London was 32C but my non-air conditioned office reached 35C! Yes, my office is a low-grade sauna! This is very accurate because I have a thermometer in the office that measures outside and inside temperature simultaneously (one of my research gadgets). So for the past few days, I can’t help but to be a less-productive-dragging-myself-to-work employee.

Last week, Alan and I had daily plunges in the pool and a walk by the River Thames. It is the best consolation that we could give to ourselves. The previous nights were restless, uncomfortable nights. Thank God, it’s Friday! The week that had just gone seemed to be the longest and busiest week of my year so far. From sweltering temperatures to chaotic clinics. From sleepless nights to full packed activities.

Riverwalk along Thames

Alan and I decided to treat ourselves to Elephant Royale. From our flat, it is just about five minutes away. We walked by the River and paused occasionally to watch the sunset and mini-waves. We drank our richly deserved cocktails while watching several party boats pass by.

This is summer…scorching but full of fun.

BBQ with Little Sanctuary Group in Burrells Wharf Square

The temperatures this weekend will be fresher and cooler according to the forecast. It might even rain on Sunday and Monday! Thank God for rain!

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(P.S. The Earth is getting hotter and hotter, why don’t you click this link and this to see how you can help?)

Be Still

2006-07-24T00:13:00.000+01:00

Kent

I’ve already mentioned a bit about the bumpy landing in Budapest. Most of the passengers were scared while the whole plane is experiencing so much turbulence for more than five minutes --cabin crew included. The first song that came to mind was “Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here…”. Perfect song! (or not?) I stopped and prayed, “Lord, why am I singing this song when in fact, it is not still at all?”. But God is a God of peace.

A week after that turbulent flight, I experienced another turbulence of life. A very dear and close person to me was diagnosed with colon cancer. This news was like a big stone that fell and crushed my heart.

At work, I deal with cancer patients everyday. I know the pain, the fear, the uncertainty… But if it happens to your own family all the pain, fear and uncertainty is indescribable.

After yet another week, a stronger turbulence came… She had surgery but it was discovered that the cancer was so extensive. Despite having a big chunk of the area resected, the prognosis was poor. One year maximum. This is heartbreaking.

Strength, hope, peace, joy – this is what our family needs now. I am glad we have God by our side.

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While on the topic:

Latest research published by our team

Another chain entry? But it's fun! Try it.

2006-07-21T20:29:00.000+01:00

Brugges, Belgium

Okay, until now I am confused about the rules, so do not blame yourself if you can’t get it outright. A meme I got from both Mei and Noreen and tagged myself in their comments box.

Ok, here's it goes:

THE RULES: If you comment on this post, I will…

1. Respond with something random about you.

2. Challenge you to try something.

3. Pick a color that I associate with you.

4. Tell you something I like about you.

5. Tell you my first/clearest memory of you.

6. Tell you what animal you remind me of.

7. Ask you something I've always wanted to ask you.

8. Pick a song that reminds me of you.

You then must post the same meme and my response in your blog.

Vienna Rathaus

Everyone who comments on this post will get something like these from me. Here are Noreen and Mei’s answers for me: (my responses are in italics)

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MEI’s answers

1. Random* mala-beauty queen in poise and charm! (flattering:-)

2. Challenge* Attend ka naman ng Hills Church service and get me a picture of Marty Sampson, hahaha! (sorry, I think that challenge is hard to do because I do not know him ;-).

3. Color* Gold elegant and precious. (Wow!)

4. Like* Your interest in the arts, architecture, photography, etc. They're things i'm also interested in but don't have the time to pursue kasi. (Yes, they are very interesting subjects)

5. First/clearest memory. *Siya ang nabunot ko sa mansion kris-kringle na hanggang ngayon di ko pa naregaluhan! haha! inabot na ko ng 48 years, di ko pa rin nami-mail! i'm the great procrastinator kasi. sorry... but i promise you'll have it =D (Very clear nga! :)

6. Animal *Kangaroo. ewan ko why this came to mind. =) (Hey, I don’t have a pouch :)

7. Question *How come you're so slim? how do you do it? share naman your secret! hehe. (I eat all foods that I fancy. That's my way of dieting!)

8. Song *London Bridge is falling down... hehehe... (I like that song)

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NOREEN’s answers

1. Random * I love your posts...it's always about something meaningful or memorable in your life. (Thank you)

2. Challenge * Read a good book this weekend. (Gotta look for a very thin book then…say the Little Prince?;-)

3. Color *Brown. Earthy (Yes, I love the earth and the whole creation)

4. Like * You seem so worldly (tama ba?) I like that you love to travel and see everything the world has to offer. (I have a different interpretation of ‘worldly’ and I don’t like to be one – but I know what you mean;-)

5. First/clearest memory of you.* Akala ko mataray, pero very approachable pala! (It’s always a first impression of me but I am friendly in real life--:-)

6. Animal.* Eagle. Free. (I agree…but I am attached when it comes to marital status ;-)

7. Question * What is your job? (I am a senior research nurse specialist in head and neck oncology)

8. Song * Another Day in Paradise (I like that song, too)

The Parliament, Budapest

Tidbits From a Long Weekend in Budapest (29 Jun-2 Jul 06)

2006-07-04T16:35:00.000+01:00

It was a bumpy landing... We were welcomed with champagne drinks at the Fishermen’s Bastion. There was a violinist who added style in the air. Dinner was then served at the Budavari Fortuna Restaurant.

Fishermen's Bastion

View of the Parliament from The Fishermen's Bastion

Friday was a whole day meeting. In the evening, we discovered Budapest by cruise. Yes, it has splendid nocturnal views.

The Chain Bridge

St. Stephen's Basilica

The following day, we climbed the Buda Hills and admired the panoramic view of the city. Buda and Pest separated by the River Danube…

Buda Castle (View from the top of the Hill)

The day ended showery. Yes, the showers came just right after we watched England lost against Portugal in the Square near Vaci Utca. (This spoiled my weekend a bit…if only…)

Sunday (our last day). We enjoyed the thermal spa, swimming pool and an hour of relaxing massage at the Gellert Baths.

Hotel Gellert Baths

…it was indeed a relaxing weekend. World cup forgotten.

Bitter-sweet

2006-06-05T22:01:00.000+01:00

To guess the surprises that each day brings is something that I seldom think about. When I woke up this morning, I thought that it would just be another ordinary day. Little did I know that something bitter and sweet would dominate the starting day of my week.

On my way home from work, I planned to prepare a special dish for myself. Pinakbet is a native, Ilocano dish that I love. Ingredients include different local vegetables, cooked in fish sauce. Not all people would like it. Even Alan loathes the fishy smell of it. But I love this dish so much. It is a specialty that the old folks in my Dad’s barrio (where he grew up) would cook for us when we come and visit.

While cooking my little treat for the day, I received an overseas call from home. My Dad’s aunt passed away. She was 94.

My Dad’s mom died at the age of 48 because of breast cancer. I was five then. So I have but a few special memories of my Lola Maria. I grew up looking up to her three surviving sisters, Macaria, Aurora and Concepcion, as grandmothers.

Lola Macaria is a petite lady, very quiet and meek. She lived a very simple life. When I heard that she passed away, there is something in me that hurt even we are not that close. Maybe, because my very young heart considered her as a real grandmother. Maybe, I saw a piece of my Lola Maria in her. It’s hard to explain but I think it is only me who could understand it.

Then, I ate the Pinakbet that I cooked with nice memories of my Dad’s little barrio and his aunt.

* Lola -- is a Filipino word meaning grandmother.

Simple Things That Can Make My Day Special

2006-05-25T21:24:00.000+01:00

Picture: An Impression of Myself(2005). A creation of Benjamin, my little nephew, when he was three and a half years old.

I dropped by our on-line mansion. All of us were tagged by Nao. So here’s my share of the fun:

Instructions: name 10 of life's simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick 10 people to do the same.

TEN OF MY LIFE'S SIMPLEST PLEASURES:

Serving God in my own little way.

Getting a big hug from Alan after a busy, exhausting day.

Doing little acts of kindness to people whom I meet everyday.

Talking to my mom, dad, brothers, sisters and Benjamin.

Receiving and sending hand-written letters. If you receive one from me, you must be special.

Having time to myself once in a while, either reading a book, practising my creativity, or just doing nothing.

Treating myself to a stick of cotton candy and a bucket of popcorn.

Looking at the sky or the sea. They remind me that there is a Creator.

Having a good nite sleep being hugged or hugging something (even in the height of summer).

Eating my favourite Filipino dishes that I didn’t cook.

Taken during one of my on-my-own-watching-the-sea-moments (February 2006).

I am tagging Ate Ewok, Cleng, Dave, Jonathan, Mark, IE, Ted, Eden, Eric and Princess Fiona. Have fun guys!

Blossoming Friendships

2006-05-02T11:36:00.000+01:00

One of the inevitable consequences of moving to another place is losing your friends. I do not mean losing them completely, but to be not able to see them as often as possible is like losing a big part of your life. When I moved six years ago, I moved thousands miles away. The only way to be with my friends again is by taking a 12-hour flight.

On My Own

I do not have to explain the value of friendship to make a point here. During my first few months in England, much of the tears that I cried were for my friends whom I left behind at home. I always wondered what fun things they were doing, what would Aileen advice me on a difficult situation, how Abby's little girl was, who was getting married next, who was hosting the next get together... The only friend whom I brought with me was Jesus. Actually, I did not bring Him along. He promised that He won't leave me. ...

...

So I prayed to God to give me friends. And he did! He gave me several friends in Eastbourne. He also gave me my most special friend called Alan. ...

... But Eastbourne is not the right place for our career growth so Alan and I moved to London. London is one of the liveliest and loveliest places on the face of the Earth. Alan and I enjoyed the events, theatres, museums, concerts, sights, exhibits of this great city. But God, we do not want to just meet people; we want to have friends. Friends who share the same belief, the same interests, the same priorities (okay, okay, 'the same-ish'). ...

... I do believe that God definitely answers prayers. He may say 'yes', 'no' or in this case, he said 'wait'. After almost four years in London, He did not just give us friends but He gave us Christian friends. What better deal can we have than what God had given us? ...

... In the Sanctuary Westminster, we talk about Jesus and help each other walk a Christian life.

...

A Walk in Kent, Bank Holiday Monday 2006

...

... And my new friends also taught me how to make sound from a grass leaf...

Whistling along

...

Note: All pictures in this post were taken by Alan.

Spring Has Sprung 2

2006-04-17T14:08:00.000+01:00

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin ,yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?"-- Matthew 6:28-30

Spring Has Sprung

2006-04-17T13:48:00.000+01:00

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."

- Virgil A. Kraft

The Big Fours

2006-03-09T00:00:00.000Z

Hofburg, Vienna (2005)

Lifted from Edelweiza's Page...

The Big FOURs

**4 Jobs I had in my life:

1. Belgro Agro-Vet Store and Mabela Farms (Family Business) 2. CMG Healthcare Liaison Nurse 3. Staff Nurse (Eastbourne, East Sussex and London) 4. Senior Research Nurse (Royal Marsden Hospital, London)

**4 Movies I could watch over and over:

1. Pride and Prejudice (1995 BBC Version) 2. Forsyte Saga 3. Pretty Woman 4. Sleepless in Seattle

**4 Places I've lived:

1. Paniqui, Tarlac 2. Sampaloc, Manila 3. Eastbourne, East Sussex 4. London

**4 TV shows/channels I love to watch:

1. BBC News and Documentaries 2. Strictly Come Dancing 3. The Apprentice 4. Desperate Housewives

**4 Places I've been on vacation: (My top 4 favourites)

1. Paris, France 2. Milan and Rome, Italy 3. Vienna, Austria 4. Zurich, Switzerland

(Wish I could write more than four!)

**4 Websites I visit daily:

1. BBC 2. Burrells Wharf 3. Yahoo 4. Philippine Daily Inquirer

**4 of my favorite foods:

1. Pinakbet 2. Laing and Bicol Express 3. Pancit Malabon 4. Pritong Galunggong and Tulya

**4 Places I'd rather be now:

1. Philippines (to be with my other siblings and in-laws) 2. Germany (to be with my parents and sis’ family) 3. Reyjavik to watch the Northern Lights with Alan 4. On a Safari holiday with Alan and my siblings

**4 Bloggers I am tagging: Cleng, Dave, Ate Ewok and Mum Tin

IQ Test and A Quick Update

2006-02-23T20:45:00.000Z

I do not know how accurate it is, but I took an IQ Test today and some of the results: "Your Intellectual Type is Visual Mathematician. This means you are gifted at spotting patterns — both in pictures and in numbers. These talents combined with your overall high intelligence make you good at understanding the big picture, which is why people trust your instincts and turn to you for direction — especially in the workplace."

(From nearest: London Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Millenium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Waterloo Bridge) more about london bridges

Well of course if the results said that I am stupid or an idiot, I will not post them here! I wonder if it gives the same results to everyone...
Work has been so busy lately. As soon as my holiday is over, work took over my time almost completely.
But I made it sure that I have my daily dose of reading the paper, watching BBC news, catching up with the girls at Wisteria Lane and recently, watching skating and dancing on ice in the Winter Olympics (not to mention Alan's favourite, curling).
I read the book 'Undomestic Godess by Sophie Kinsella' last weekend and finished it straightaway. The story pretty much describes the busy London life. Between country and urban life...I still prefer the country!
On Saturday, another painting was installed in our wall. Alan and I are very pleased with this new item. We fell in love with it as soon as we saw it and bought it straight away. The painter is a budding Filipino artist. Now Cucciolo, Oxo and Dylan Izaaks' Shakespeare have a new companion!
Every morning of this week, I saw Ate Susan. She works as a househelp in one of the expensive residences in Chelsea. She was walking Barney, her boss's dog. She is happy everyday and we usually stop and talk a while about...anything really. But most importantly, about God's goodness to us. (How and when I first met her: on my way to work along Onslow Square, probably last year.).
Last Valentine's Day, there was this beggar who was shouting, "Seize the day!". Very appropriate for the single and lonely (?). Ok, Alan and I do not really celebrate Valentine's Day but we ended up having a quiet, romantic evening watching-for-the-nth-time, the 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. We watched the 3-hour disc on the 14th and finished with the second disc the following day as a post Valentine treat!. Now who says you can fit Pride and Prejudice in a two-hour long movie? And I cannot stand Kiera Knightley to be Elizabeth Bennet!...I like Kiera but she is not the Lizzie that Jane Austen described.
The other day, one of the consultants in the unit celebrated his 60th birthday. Ok, we ended the day with a glass of champagne...and I ended up having a tummy ache 'coz my stomach was empty before I drank it! (Lesson learned).

Okay, this is my quick update about some bits of what's happening with me lately.

It's great to be home!

2006-01-24T23:59:00.000Z

Three and a half long years have passed. For somebody like me who left the Philippines at the age of 22, this is the ultimate gift -- to be home for Christmas. Yes, my Philippine holiday had come and gone but the events and memories of it linger...

...

Frontera Verde, Tiendesitas

After my husband and I hopped off from the plane and ate our dinner at home, we still had the energy to visit one of our Christmas tiangges, Tiendesitas. My sis-in-law has a native bags business there. On the way to Tiendesitas, I saw tricycles, sarao jeep, the sidewalk vendors, the Christmas decors, and the traffic caused by the massive shopping. 'I'm so glad to be home'.

...

The next few days were preparation for Christmas -- wrapping gifts and checking my Santa's list to see who has been good or bad (wink!). Christmas Eve, I was in my parents' house with Alan and my whole family! I had the best Christmas since 2000!

...

... (This picture was taken after we opened our Christmas gifts. This is a once-in-how-many-years opportunity to have a picture taken together with my siblings. Guess who's the oldest or youngest!)

... ... ...

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The next event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity -- my sister's wedding. This picture was taken at the hotel before the wedding. Ate Michelle, Maybelle and I were giggling, just like before, when we were still little.

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....

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... But when Maybelle was already walking down the aisle, my tears slowly showed my joy for her and Nino. They look so great together! Just like my dad and mom, more than 30 years married but are great together!

... ...

...

... Family and friends, we have lots of them! So we decided to take some time alone. To have an exclusive family time together, we headed off to Subic. Don't ask me why. It's just that it is the resort that is easiest to reach from our place. It was a happy day...I tried to put some tan on and did a bit of kayaking.

... ...

...

... ...

In Manila, we stayed in my sister-in-law's place on the 35th floor of a development in Ortigas. So on New Year's Eve, my husband and I had great fun catching panoramic photos of the city fireworks! ...

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Taken at Josephine's inTagaytay...where I ate Filipino food to my heart's (and stomach's) content! Followed by a halo-halo session in Taal Vista!

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The rest of my holiday were spent seeing family, friends, shopping and eating everything my stomach can accommodate. I just love Filipino food and for me, it will always be the best! ...

...

... ...

The day before I left, my passion for history, architecture and places brought me to Intramuros. For me, to be in Fort Santiago is the best place in Manila. Nowhere else in the city could ever equal the greatness of this place.

...

... ... ... ... ..

.. (Photos from top to bottom: Manila Cathedral; Fort Santiago; with my big lil bro, Mike; and lastly, with my kid sis, Jade) ...

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On the same day, I went to La Salle Greenhills where my sister is teaching. And nothing stopped me from feeling like a gradeschooler again...here are my pictures in her classroom: ...

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... ...

I missed to see some friends and family, and I am so gutted about it. Now, I am back in London and back to reality.

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Looking back, it was indeed a lovely and fantastic holiday!

...

My idea of real home used to be my parent's home. But I realised, I now have two homes. For in London, my husband and I have established a new dwelling.

There's no place like home, I am thankful to God for giving me two!

What's All The Preparation For?

2005-12-20T00:00:00.000Z

RRR

MY CHRISTMAS POEM

...

Why do men run when Christmas is here?

Busy buying gifts and making it a season of cheer.

Why do men keep on trying and spicing

Something that doesn't really need decorating?

...

A memory I had when I was little,

That Christmas is a reason to laugh and to giggle;

Because it reminds us of that special morn,

When in the manger, Baby Jesus was born.

......

Where are the days when Christmas was so simple

That it doesn't matter if you only get an apple?

People, oh people, when will you ever stop

This madness of gifts, trees, trimmings and cards?

...

Christmas, oh Christmas, a time to celebrate,

A joyous season of love and not of hate;

Our hearts will know its true meaning to us,

May it be God's love and salvation -- things that truly last.

...

Suggested thought for reflection: Look for the lyrics of the song "Away in a Manger". Read it with all your heart then ask yourself, "Does Jesus have aroom in my heart if He will knock now?".

...

Christmas is Here: Decors-Trees-Shop Windows-and the Like!

2005-12-11T01:00:00.000Z

Christmas trimmings captured in and around London (2005).

Today, I Saw a Prince

2005-11-28T20:31:00.000Z

His mom, the late Diana Princess of Wales, was a great supporter of the cancer hospital where I am currently working. Today, Prince William was there to show his support to the hospital charity and continue his late mother's passion for good cause.

The Would-be King

(photo borrowed from the Prince of Wales website)

What did he do in the hospital? He was shown the different projects aimed at providing excellence in cancer care. He went round the different wards to visit the staff and patients. At lunch, he ate in the hospital restaurant (I heard that he had jacket potatoes).

How did I found out that he was around? I was on study day. At lunchtime, I went to our office with a colleague of mine. We were surprised to see some really beautiful bunch of exotic flowers from the reception and along the main hospital corridor. Huge birds-of-paradise were hanging from every vase. We asked one of our porter friends, "What's going on?" He replied, "Have you seen him?" We asked, "Who?" We never thought that it was "PRINCE WILLIAM". I cannot remember how I replied but in my mind were rolling a big "Oh my Gosh!", a hopeful "Do I look fine to meet the prince?" and a very excited "Where is he?".

Nobody knew where he was, how can I find the prince? Time is out. I have to head back to the classroom. Okay, dream is over...I won't be able to see him. I thought I missed him! Well, almost! The cordless phone rang. It was reception..."Prince William was looking for me!" Just kidding, a patient left some Christmas presents for us and we need to collect it. So at coffeebreak, we went to the hospital reception. After five minutes...there he was, everyone's prince charming!

What was he wearing? When I first saw him, it was during the Queen's Golden Jubillee Celebration in 2002. My husband and I were in the Buckingham Palace Gates when the entire royal family was at the palace balcony waving their hands to well-wishers. Today is very exciting because I was literally three feet away from him!

Okay, I've got to be accurate now. He's got a green jumper on with a white shirt inside. He was wearing a yellow-brown pair of trousers and...I cannot believe this, I cannot remember what colour of shoes he was wearing! Anyway, I don't think it's black. He is far more handsome in person than on television. He is terribly good-looking, like Diana, perhaps.

Did he look at me? (I apologise for my shallowness!) About a second, we were eye to eye. I almost collapsed! My colleague next to me was also head over heels! (He is very polite to give everyone a piece of his lovely eyes).

What is so special about seeing Prince William? It is probably every girl's dream to see a real prince. For me, that box is finally ticked. Never did I dream that it would be that close! (The fact that he is such a beautiful creature is a real bonus!)

So after all the excitement... I heard that Prince Charles and his Camilla are also coming. But since it's already past five, it's time to go home. Being in the same place with and just a few feet away from the royals is a very rare opportunity. However, I have to go home and have dinner with my real life prince, Alan!

(And they lived happily ever after...Charles and Camilla?)

A Tribute to Central

2005-11-23T21:28:00.000Z

The Central Methodist Church , Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex

(This article is a revised version of an article published in the Church's Centralway Magazine, Nov-Dec 2005 Issue)

DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL: Since I was just a little girl, my family brought me to church Sunday schools. At the age of 22, I left my country in May 2000 to work as a nurse in a hospital in Eastbourne. One of my mom's most important instructions at that time was to find a local church where I could go, grow, and glow spiritually. Thus I jumped for joy when I saw the Central for the first time. Rev. Gordon* welcomed me although I didn't attend on that first Sunday because...I was wearing my crop jeans and sports shirt (I feel inappropriately dressed). So the next Sunday, I came and sat in one of the pews. Sudenly, two friendly voices asked me to sit beside them. From that Sunday, I always sat between Jo* and Nell*...two seats away from Win*. In August 2002, my husband and I left Eastbourne for better training and career opportunities in London. (Rev. Foreman’s* first Sunday service was our last prior to leaving.)

WHY THE CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH IS SO SPECIAL TO ME

One can feel god's presence in this place...there is love among members, they pray for one another and there is joy in their smiles. (A good example is Edith's* smile..if you haven't seen it yet, look for her this Sunday!)

The members are good stewards of their God-given talents. The church calendar is busy from spring to winter. (Have you heard the choir sing? And yes, Spencer* plays the organ so beautifully).

It is a church where age and it's side-effects doesn't stop its members from serving God. Truly, the joy of the Lord is their strength.

When I and my husband got married here four years ago, our friends at Central celebrated with us!

There are so many gems in Central -- silvers, rubies, gold. These couples are pictures of how God wants a marriage should be. In a world of many broken marriages, they serve as inspiration to young couples like us.

In this church, I met a bunch of God-fearing friends, They all have a special place in my heart. With most of my brain cells still working, I can list all of them here. However, Editor Ed* might not agree with the idea, so I rest my pen.

* Rev. Gordon officiated our wedding and is now retired; Rev. Foreman is still the minister at Central; Jo never met my husband because she died a day before he came to England; Nell is a very sweet lady who reminds me to go to church everytime she writes to me, now re-united with her Vic in heaven; Win is one of my special 'grandmother' friends; Edith is also a 'grandmother' friend and is a very lovely lady; Spencer played the organ during our wedding; Ed is a retired minister and is now the editor of Centralway. Special thanks go to Ruby ( our pastoral visitor), Wendy (another "grandmother' friend) and to all at Central.

Say 'I do", please?

2005-11-18T20:23:00.000Z

In a few weeks' time, a girl who is very close to me is getting married to her prince charming. This inspired me to talk about the 'special moment before I do'...the wedding proposal. I've heard so many lovely stories of a man proposing to her girl and I say a few here:

The man asked for the waiter's help by putting the ring as a topping for her ice cream dessert during a dinner date (good thing she saw the ring or else, it would have been a real messy treasure hunt!)
The man proposed while aboard a ferries wheel (top of the world-like?)

A girl was asked by his boyfriend to marry him at sunrise in El Salvador (very artistic guy! There's not a lot of them around)
Plain "Will you marry me?" asked during a formal dinner date, accented by a diamond ring. (He surely knows what a girl's best friend is!)

Please share some romantic stories that you know. I am very interested to hear more stories of love.

Pictures from the top: a couple sitting along the banks of Danube River, Regensburg; Pigeons caught at the walled city of Canterbury; and Cinderella (obviouslly!)

Cucciolo

2005-11-06T10:59:00.000Z

During one of our art gallery visits, a painting of a little dog caught our attention. My husband and I were drawn to the painting because he seems very cute and was painted in a vibrant red background.

A young chap suddenly approached us. He is Francesco Lietti, the artist himself. The painting is titled "My Dog". The inspiration of it came from his 15-year old fox terrier. The artist is a cheerful and friendly Italian who hails from Lecco.

Being a dog-lover myself, I fell in love with the painting. To have a dog in England entails quite a responsibility. Probably, this painting is the answer to my desire of having a pet dog (only that it doesn't bark or wag its tail!). This may not be a Picasso but it is very special to me - my husband gave this to me as a gift. I named him Cucciolo (Italian for puppy).

The art of numbers

2005-09-22T10:42:00.000+01:00

I admire people who enjoy the plane take off. It is a situation that I hate to be in, but of course, this is unavoidable. Without take off, there will be no landing.

Stephansdom (Vienna), September 2005

While aboard a British Airways flight from Vienna back to London last Saturday, something new occurred to me. I have been on a plane for so many times but this was the first time that I have ‘noticed’ the numbers on the passenger information screen. I have seen them but never paid this kind of attention before. During this time, the plane was 36,000 feet above ground; flying at around 800km/hour and the temperature outside was –54o C! It was not until I ‘digested’ the meaning of these figures that I realised – in the absence of terrorists, flying is still very frightening. Math (and its branches) are my favourite subjects aside from Science. My dad was a great teacher and I am grateful to him. He always emphasises to us, his children, that knowledge is power. Well, in this situation, knowing brought anxiety. The plane landed safely. I am back in London. The meeting in Vienna was exhausting and yes, the number-related anxiety while on the plane was unnecessary.

Note at Twenty-Eight

2005-09-06T00:00:00.000+01:00

One of the things that we cannot prevent as long as we live is to get older…in every day, every hour, every minute, every second and every nanosecond. This month, another candle takes a place in my crowded birthday cake. I now have twenty-eight birthday candles! If I look back on the past 365 days from the day I had 27 candles on this cake, I am looking at thousands of blessings, lessons and trials. Experiences that made me realise that having another candle on my cake is amazing. This year,

The major blessings:

My husband and I ceased from renting a place to live.
I was promoted.
I finished another course of a speciality that I am interested in.
My mom and dad finally saw the city that I have been telling them about for the last five years
My family and I wanted for nothing
Been to Budapest and Berlin 'in style' (for free :) -- work related

The major trials overcame:

The quest of finding a property and the process of buying
Doing do-it-yourself stuff in this un-rented place
Doing a job on my own that is normally for two people, for ten months!
Making my module assignment (and passing it with good marks) in the midst of a busy work, social and home life
Getting back to using the tube after the London bombings

Thousands of blessings for the past year, that if I were to enumerate them, this blog will be full to the maximum allowed space. Now that I am twenty-eight, I feel more excited about life. What’s more in it that is in store for me? Will I reach the age of twenty-nine? Or will I live until I am ninety-nine? Questions that only the Creator knows the exact answer.

But as long as I have this breath, I will:

Thank God for every blessing
Trust God in every trial
Treasure the people whom I love – my husband, family and friends
Do my share in making the earth a better place to live in
Share to others the joy, love and hope that God gives freely

For 28 years, God has been good to me!

Canterbury Cathedral, August 2005

Breakfast at Greenwich

2005-08-22T12:50:00.000+01:00

The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich (MALT, Aug 05)

*****

Saturday and Sunday are busy days for the Greenwich Market. It is a place where different novelties are sold such as unusual art work, crafted items, latest fashion trends, antiques and food. Last Saturday morning, my husband and I jogged from our flat along the Thames Riverwalk, down the Thames foot tunnel, towards Cutty Sark, Greenwich. The morning is young and the tradesmen in the Greenwich market are still setting up their stalls, such a very different sight from the busy market that we often see from ten. To calm our stomachs, Alan and I grabbed ciabattas and breakfast tea from a small cafe in a narrow alley by the market. While eating our food, the sun suddenly changed its mind and hid behind some thick, dark clouds. So we decided to go home after breakfast. And so this blog ends...Next ime, I'll tell you more about Greenwich -- one of my favourite places in London.

Greenwich Market…the Link to Unique Items

Tree of Life

2005-08-18T10:01:00.000+01:00

Italian Gradens, Hever Castle, Kent (August 2005) "A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree." Proverbs 11:28

A Londoner's Poem

2005-08-12T13:07:00.000+01:00

The Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square -- a symbol of victory

March 2005 by ACT LONDON PRIDE By Chris Neal (composed following the bombing atrocities in the capital)

You come to place your bags of hate

On bus and train, you made us late

Yet we’ll be back again tomorrow

We’ll carry on despite our sorrow Your bags of hate caused some to die

Yet we stride out strong with heads held high

You’ll never win, we will not bow

You can’t defeat us, you don’t know how

This London which we love with pride

Is a town where scum like you can’t hide

Don’t worry we will hunt you down

Then Lock you up in name of Crown We’re London and we’re many races

Just look you’ll see our stoic faces

We all condemn your heinous act

You will not win and that’s a fact

We’ll mourn our dead and shed a tear

But we will not bow to acts of fear

You’re out there somewhere all alone

There’s nowhere now you can call home Olympics ours we’ve won the race

Your timing then a real disgrace

Our strength you’ll find remains unbowed

WE’RE LONDON AND WE’RE VERY PROUD

Horror Train

2005-07-28T18:26:00.000+01:00

At a young age of five, I never thought that every trip to a funfair would prepare me to the real world. It’s funny to think that we agree to pay to be frightened in a horror ride. I clearly remember myself convincing my dad and mom to get into the horror train. When the train approaches the dark tunnels (where ghosts, zombies, ogres, witches, etc.) are, I just kept my eyes closed, or scream when I open them. I usually hide under my mom’s or dad’s arms. Then I feel secured, I just know they can’t harm me. Recently, my eyes were opened to the horror trains of the real world. Horrific attacks in the London underground by terrorists who would sacrifice their lives to kill other people. It’s funny, but Londoners also pay for this frightening ride. Well this time, I need not convince anybody else to get to the trains, but myself. Just like any Londoner, I am frightened of being on the Tube. The world would call us ‘defiant’’ but I think defiance is our coping mechanism to overcome our fear. Fear about what will happen when we are in the tunnels. But more so, it’s the fear of giving our loved ones heartaches when we become victims of the terrorist attacks. The terrorists who carried out the attack are full of hatred. Yes, the world is full of hatred, greed, envy.

Lotus-- Kew Gardens, London (2005) However, if we look around us…love is everywhere. It’s in the laughter of our families, in the hand of our friends, in the smile of our colleagues. Truly, love dwells in us. And it is more powerful that hatred, greed and envy. It is power in its own right. For Londoners, each new day is a new day of love. We will carry on doing our daily routine for the people we love. Each day is another God-given gift of life. And love will keep us going…

My Favourite Cities and Our Dream Places

2005-06-24T17:06:00.000+01:00

The Tower Bridge (ACT, 2005)

The lovely bridges of Paris and London makes me love these two cities more than anywhere else in the world. However, even if Rome doesn't have as many bridges, it's definitely in my top three. I haven't seen the rest but to date, these are my favourites!

Last nite, my husband and I discussed about the top three places we would dare not miss to see:

The Great Wall of China
The Pyramids of Giza
The Greek Parthenon

...and many, many more.

Too many places, too little time. Life is short, make the most out of it!

Love is all around.

2005-06-02T17:21:00.000+01:00

Eros

(Piccadily Circus -- April 2005)

"Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person that

often requires personal sacrifices."

-- Author Unknown

Reflect on these phrases...

unconditional commitment
imperfect person
personal sacrifices

Do you know how to love?

(I heard this definition of love about fifteen years ago. I did not put in in my diary nor in my scrapbook, but it is well recorded in my mind.)

May The Force Be With You

2005-05-23T17:58:00.000+01:00

"Attempt great things for God"

A phrase carved in one of the pulpits in the Westminster Abbey.

The Westminster Abbey is an architectural masterpiece of the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. This church contains countless memorials to the famous and great of the United Kingdom. Over three thousand people are either buried or memorialised in Westminster Abbey from medieval kings and their queens, to the tomb of the unknown warrior.

The Westminster Abbey by MALT

Whenever my husband and I attend services here, it is always a good experience to find out who else has a memorial or was buried here. Great people whom I used to read about in books such as the former prime ministers, Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, and George Handel among others. In one of Sr. Elizabeth's sermons recently, she mentioned that before somebody could be buried here, an application must be made. Surely, these great people had done great things! And for them to request to be buried here is just a demonstration of that faith they have in the Supreme Being.

Seating Arrangements

2005-05-18T19:44:00.000+01:00

My place of work is just one bus-ride away from where I live. I take the 345 or 49 bus and these are normally red double decked buses. Like anybody else, I am very particular in choosing a seat when I’m on board. My favourite seat is the front seat on the upper level. It makes my travel less boring. However, during peak hours, I tend to take the elderly, disabled or ‘passengers with children’ seat.

London Bus (Westminster)

Where I come from, we have a custom that I am very proud of. Men offer their seats to women -- the more able to the less able, the young to the elderly, the old to the very young. If you don’t offer your seat to those who need it more than you do, you will instantly feel a sense of guilt. I will call it an ‘inherent sense of social responsibility’. When I came to this country, especially in London, I did not see this trait very often. Not all ‘more able’ individuals are willing to offer their seats. There was an instance when I had to offer my seat to a pregnant lady because nobody, from the men around him, would do it. I saw an old woman (with swollen legs) squeezed in between passengers and nobody would even assist her! I was at the end of the bus and I cannot reach out to help her. I was heartbroken to see such a picture! So from then on, I decided to take the best seats. So that when the same situation arises, I am in a good position to help…I could either move at the end of the bus, go to the upper level or stand. I hope you will do the same. (By the way, I haven’t been home for almost three years now. I really wish that when I go home, the custom is still there.)

Mind the Gap 1

2005-05-11T18:50:00.000+01:00

I developed a good idea to on how to make this blog active despite my busy schedule. I thought about having brief entries that I will call ‘gap fillers’. These could just be a one-liner, a poem, a phrase, passage, Bible verse, statements from great and ordinary men, etc. Everytime I put some ‘gap fillers’, I will call the entry “Mind the Gap”. This phrase comes from an announcement which is usually made in the London Underground stations. This is to remind the passengers about the gap that exists between the train and the platform edge.

London Bridge (Underground)

So on this occasion, here’s my gap filler:

“There was an old owl liv’d in an oak The more he heard, the less he spoke The less he spoke, the more he heard O, if men were all like that wise bird.” - printed in “Punch, 1875”, taken from the Friendship Book by Francis Gray (2000)

Destruction of the Seasons

2005-05-05T18:03:00.000+01:00

“Sooner, there will be no more seasons because of global warming” – a phrase from a British comedy sitcom.

This phrase is supposed to be a joke. But come to think of it, there is reality in this statement.

tree branches (Hyde Park, March 2005)

Lately, I have been so concerned about the survival of my Four Seasons Blogsite. My lack of time, computer skills and long list of priorities pose great threat in maintaining it. Fortunately, all of these factors are manageable. And if ever my site dies, only a good few will be

affected by it. The impact of global warming to our environment will surely affect all of us and our future generation, including all living things on this beautiful planet. This has been a controversial issue for a long time now. But for all those years, nothing seemed to have happened to tackle this problem. Researchers even say that we only have a few years left to act. Otherwise, it will all be irreversible. Looking back, I cannot prevent to ask myself, “Did I help in any way?” (Well, I don’t use hair spray, if that would count) Sadly, global warming is a man-made disaster. And true enough, this phenomenon would deny our expectations and alter the patterns of the seasons. Summers will manifest scorching heat, breaking thermometer records. Autumn will blow its fury with stronger gales and winds. The winter snow would paralyse more communities. And the bright and happy colours of spring, my favourite season, will never be the same again. We may not even recognise the difference of one season from the other. Human beings are stewards of the Earth. But what have we done to our planet? Is the destruction of the four seasons near and inevitable?

Wedding Traditions

2005-04-29T17:20:00.000+01:00

Isn’t it amazing how different cultures have different wedding traditions? I once was invited to attend a Scottish wedding. Julia, the bride, is from the Orkney Islands. It was held in England so it wasn’t totally Scottish. However, we had a great time dancing – the Scottish way! But there is a very nice tradition that we’ve experienced. The bride and the groom went in each table and offered the visitors to drink from a vessel that looked like a big bucket or a pail without the swinging handles. Instead, it has two vertical handles (see picture).

I asked Julia what’s inside the cog. She said that it is a traditional drink, a heated punch of home-brewed strong ale, whisky, sometimes rum, brown sugar and herbs. What a nice experience! Drinking from that cog, I felt that it almost drowned my whole head. But funnily, I didn’t even think about acquiring or passing on infection from and to the other guests! Oh well, never mind, it was a good experience anyway.

imagine if I will drink all of its contents!

Nurse Blogger

2005-04-25T17:56:00.000+01:00

L'artiste Miniaturiste...a clay work resembling a nurse that

we bought from a flea market in Brussells (Sept 2004)

"His hands held mine very tightly as he spoke to his daughter over the phone. His wife, who has brain tumour, was told today that she has three months left to live. John is in hospital today to have his second cycle of chemotherapy for cancer of the larynx (voice box)." In a week’s time, this blog is threatened with a danger of extinction. I will be starting a four month’s specialist course in head and neck oncology. That means full-time work, study, social and home affairs; and blogging…should there be any time left. Studying is all but a hindrance to normal life! But patients like John inspire me to strive to become a better nurse each day. For me, being a nurse, who could support patients face the battle against cancer, is a great privilege. It gives me another reason why life is worth living. If lawyers made a mistake, it’s a case lost. If accountants made a mistake, it’s a penny lost. But if doctors and nurses made a mistake, it can be a life lost. Thus, I have a good reason why this additional training should be one of my priority list.

My blog might strive to survive but I will definitely still be able to share my talents in other ways. But I'll try to keep on blogging.

Dreamworld

2005-04-21T17:30:00.000+01:00

Psychology suggests that dreams are expressions of what’s in our sub-conscious. My personal definition of dreams is – they are a reminder of previous events, an extension of present happenings, a preparation of things that are to come and an experience of things that will never happen (MALT, 2005). I once read in an article, ‘never laugh at somebody else’s dream’. Well, that’s exactly what I will ask of you now. This morning, I woke up with two questions in my mind. Both are related to my dream. "I have a Ziplock bag with some white worms and black worms. The black worms love to eat white worms. To discourage the black worms from preying on the white worms, I put three red chilli peppers in the bag. This way, the black worms will be frightened of the hot chillies. Then I put the bag of worms and chillies in my black handbag. After about five minutes, I checked the Ziplock bag and to my amazement, I only found half of a red chilli!" Questions: 1. Is the survivor, who ate all the white and black worms and the two and half red chillies, a white or black worm? 2. Where is the survivor? a.)walking inside my handbag b.) evaporated in the air c.) the half red chilli pepper ate it d.) a bird, like this below, ate it

Gargoyle in St. Mary's Church, Oxford (Feb. 2005) e.) forget about it…it’s only a dream. So, what do you think?

Election of a New Pope

2005-04-18T08:16:00.000+01:00

The death of Pope John Paul II, although quite expected, has affected the one billion population of the Catholic community. He is a very compassionate person with a charm that magnetise both the young and old. He is a spiritual leader who doesn't believe on compromising the Christian values with the ever changing secular world, that is full of greed, hate and selfishness.

I was baptised in the Sta. Rosa de Lima Parish in my hometown and went to the University of Santo Tomas, a catholic university in Manila. But I am not a Roman Catholic. Despite this fact, I still mourn for the passing of PJP II. At the same time, I joined the Catholic community in celebrating the life of this great leader. Today's news focuses on the start of the process of electing of PJP's successor. This is indeed, a difficult task for the Catholic leaders around the world. No matter what our faith is, let us put the Roman Catholic Church in our prayers. May the next pope be as firm as PJP II in his moral beliefs. Because let's face it, whatever your religion is, the next pope will affect your life, including your future children, in one way or the other. May the person who takes his place not compromise with the principles of this world, such as abortion and marrying of gay couples. Today, pause for a while and ask for God's blessing and guidance to those who will choose Pope John Paul II's successor.

A celebration of life

2005-04-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Westminster Cathedral (3 April 2005)

Hihintayin mo pa bang matapakan?

2005-04-17T14:08:00.000+01:00

The following article is a revised version of an article submitted in August 2004 to the

MyGerona Site.

For an English version, please contact the author.

"Tapakan mo ang paa niya at aaray din yan..."

Kung ang mga Pranses ay may ‘bon jour', at ang mga Kastila ay may ‘hola'. Ang mga Italyano ay meron namang ‘ciao' at ang mga Pilipino ay may ‘hello'. Bakit kaya di natin ginagamit ang ‘kumusta' o di kaya'y ang ‘mabuhay'? Ito ba ay dahil mas nakagawian na natin ang magsabi ng ‘hello' o ‘hi'? O dahil ang salitang Ingles ay mas tanggap ng lipunan at mas sosyal o edukadong pakinggan?

Marami sa ating mga Pilipino ang may mentalidad na ang taong gumagamit ng ating sariling wika ay di kasing galing ng isang Inglesero. Malimit nating naririnig, "Magaling ang guest speaker nila kasi pure English ang speech niya". Marami sa mga namamahala sa ating mga paaralan ay mabibilang sa mga taong ito. Ilang pagtatapos na ang ating nasaksihan na ang valedictorian ay nagbigay ng speech, samantalang ang salutatorian ay nagbigay ng talumpati? Bakit di magtalumpati ang valedictorian at mag-speech ang salutatorian? Dahil nga siguro mas kahanga-hanga ang nag-i-Ingles.

Hindi naman ako tutol sa mga Pilipinong nagsasalita ng wikang banyaga. Sa katotohanan, ang abilidad nating mga Pilipino na magsalita ng Ingles ay isa sa mga dahilan ng laganap na pag-angkat ng lakas-tao mula sa ating bansa. Dahil sa kakayahan nating magsalita at umintindi ng Ingles, mas pinapaboran ng mga bansang tulad ng Estados Unidos, Inglatera at Eire ang ating mga manlalaot, inhinyero, katulong, narses, manggagamot, yaya, at iba pa kumpara sa ibang lahi. Sa Europa, marami ang bilingual at multi-lingual. Sa dami ng iba't-ibang wika sa dakong ito, marami ang nagsusumikap na matutunan ang salita ng ibang lahi. Malaki ang natutulong nito sa paghahanap ng trabaho at komunikasyong pangangalakal. Ngunit tingnan natin ang mga Pranses kung paano nila mahalin ang kanilang wika. Sinisikap nila itong matutunan ng ibang lahi at maging ng buong mundo. May tiwala sila na ang kanilang wika ay di mas mababa sa salitang Ingles. Ginagamit nila ito nang may pagmamalaki.

Ilan na nga ba sa atin ang naging malansang isda, na di na nagmamahal sa ating sariling wika? Mahirap mang tanggapin ay marami sa atin ang halimbawa ng tinutukoy ng ating bayaning Jose Rizal. Tulad ng ating bandila, ang Filipino (Tagalog) ay simbolo ng ating pagiging Pilipino. Mahalin natin ito at ipagmalaki.

"...hihintayin mo pa bang matapakan ang iyong paa?"

What’s in a name?

2005-04-15T09:43:00.000+01:00

You may not believe it but deciding to name my blog was pretty hard for me. I believe that any name that I will choose must reflect my personality, interests and beliefs. Well at least I know where my parents got my name. My paternal grandmother’s name is Maria while my other gran’s name is Anita. They translated it to English – Mary Anne. But naming a blog isn’t this simple…so I think, think, and think again. Last week, my husband and I saw a concert by candlelight in the St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. One of their special pieces was Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This is one of my favourite classics. The Four Seasons are the first four of Vivaldi’s Opus 8 set of twelve concertos. Published in 1725, it was colourfully entitled II Cimento dell’ Armonia e dell’ Invenzione (The Contest of Harmony and Invention). Vivaldi prefaced his works with fanciful titles and detailed descriptive sonnets for each of his Seasons. Who will not be amazed by The Four Seasons, anyway? Even Vivaldi made a famous classic illustrating it through music. Spring sets a new beginning. The summer’s brightness lights up everyone’s heart. Who can beat the colour of autumn? Only winter brings the white snow! The ‘four seasons’ is God’s creative masterpiece. It is a wonderful work of art and I just stand in awe of it… And that’s where my blog’s name came from. St. Martin-in-the-fields Church (by MALT)

Starting out...

2005-04-12T17:40:00.000+01:00

Spring is here. Despite the few hails and snow we had in London a couple of days back, the daffodils and pink blossoms are out. We have the refreshing April showers and the pale green colour of the new leaves. So yes, spring is really here. I love this season! For me it is a symbol of a new growth, a beginning. And so this season, I decided to start my blogsite. Yes, it is an on-line record of my reflections, my ideas, sentiments, thoughts and opinion. It may not last until winter, but for now, since it is spring -- I'll enjoy this fresh new start.