Nag-email ako kaninang umaga sa NZIS para mag-followup. This time, I sent it to the officer-in-charge. Nagte-tengang kawali kasi si VO Kamonrat kaya sa kinauukulan na ako dumiretso. A few minutes later, nakatanggap na ako ng reply. Wow ang bilis. Dapat pala dun na ako kay boss nag-followup noong una pa lang.
Sabi ni Kamonrat, ifa-finalize daw nya sana yung application namin noong Nov. 7 pero may mga kulang pa daw na internal verifications. Ano kaya ibig sabihin non? Good sign kaya? Sa huling part ng email nya nakalagay na "Please be patient with us". 'be patient' ka dyan. Malapit na akong maging pasyente ng mental. Nakakabaliw yatang maghintay. Pano ba namang hindi, 6 to 8 weeks daw ang processing time non. Inabot na kami ng 20 weeks.
Anyway, sana naantig ko sya ng konti sa ginawa kong followup. Malay natin, baka i-prioritize nya yung paper namin (wish ko lang). Haaay shiny visa, kelan ka ba talaga dadating?
Friday, November 18, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Puff the Magic Dragon
Growing up, one of my favorite songs is “Puff the Magic Dragon�. To me, it was a song about childhood and friendship. It’s a 60’s hit sung by Peter, Paul and Mary. The way the trio sung it made it more magical. I imagine sparkles every time I listen to the song. Soon the cassettes tape begun to wear. Puff's 'roar' begun to drift. One day, mom decided to throw it away.
1986. EDSA Revolution. I was surprised to hear the song again in the radio. It was played together with other ‘revolution’ songs (Impossible Dream, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Magkaisa, etc). I didn’t get the connection. How is the song related to the situation? It made me wonder.
A week ago, I heard the song again. Somebody gave my 6y/o son a CD of children’s songs. To my surprise, Vince appreciated the song too. He repeatedly played it, 8 times in a row. When he saw me singing along with the song, he asked me to teach him the lyrics. It was then that I realized that I already forgot some words. The next thing I did was to search it in the internet. Aside from the lyrics, I found interesting facts about that 60's hit. Although the trio said it was about childhood and loss innocence, some people believed that it’s about drugs (PUFF being marijuana). Well, that doesn’t change the way I feel about it. I still love that rascal PUFF. It brings out the child in me.
1986. EDSA Revolution. I was surprised to hear the song again in the radio. It was played together with other ‘revolution’ songs (Impossible Dream, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Magkaisa, etc). I didn’t get the connection. How is the song related to the situation? It made me wonder.
A week ago, I heard the song again. Somebody gave my 6y/o son a CD of children’s songs. To my surprise, Vince appreciated the song too. He repeatedly played it, 8 times in a row. When he saw me singing along with the song, he asked me to teach him the lyrics. It was then that I realized that I already forgot some words. The next thing I did was to search it in the internet. Aside from the lyrics, I found interesting facts about that 60's hit. Although the trio said it was about childhood and loss innocence, some people believed that it’s about drugs (PUFF being marijuana). Well, that doesn’t change the way I feel about it. I still love that rascal PUFF. It brings out the child in me.
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal PUFF,
and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal PUFF,
and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.
OH PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on PUFF's gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow whenever they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when PUFF roared out his name
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And PUFF that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
PUFF no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, PUFF could not be brave,
So PUFF that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Paa na nakadikit sa tao
Although I promised to be positive in my blog, hindi naman ibig sabihin eh puro pleasant things lang ang isusulat ko. Meron din syempreng mga bad experiences.
November 25, 1996 nang may isang traumatizing day sa akin. Kakatuto ko pa lang mag-drive noon. Mas unang natuto sa akin si Queenie, my younger sister. Normally, hinahatid nya muna ako sa office saka sya tutuloy sa trabaho nya. But on that fateful day, ako ang nasa harap ng manibela. In fairness, maingat naman akong mag-drive. Nag-menor ako habang dumadaan kami sa tapat ng isang lamayan sa isang squatters area. Walang ano-anoy may isang pupungas-pungas na babae na biglang natumba. Nabungo ko daw sabi nung isang naglalakad. Nagtayuan yung mga naglalamay. Siguro kung lalaki ako, kinuyog na ako ng mga yon. Dali-dali akong bumaba ng sasakyan. Nakita ko ang pupungas-pungas na si Aling Hilda (di tunay na pangalan) na nakahandusay, sa kamay nya hawak ang P10.00 na pambili ng pandesal. O hindi, nasagasaan ko yung paa na nakadikit sa tao. Si Queenie naman, bumaba din para lumipat sa driver’s seat. Pinasakay ko agad si Aling Hilda. Sumama rin yung 2 kapatid nya. Dumiretso kami sa Orthopedic hospital sa Banaue.
Habang bumabyahe, nagsenyasan na kami ni Queenie. Bakit? Wala pa kasi akong lisensya noon. Student permit lang ang hawak ko. Pagdating sa Emergency Room, dalidaling kinuha nung guard yung lisensya ko este kay Queenie pala. Ako ang nakaharap pero Queenie ang gamit kong pangalan. Mabuti na lang at super inefficient pa noon ang LTO, papel pa lang ang hawak ni Queenie na lisensya. Nakahinga ako ng malalim nang sabihin ng doctor na nalamog lang yung pinky-toe ni Aling Hilda. Medyo masakit pag nasagi. Ang nangyari kasi, nalagpasan na sya ng nguso n kotse pero siguro medyo pasakang syang maglakad kaya nahagip ko yung paa nya.
Bago kami pauwiin, tinanong ni doctor kung magre-reklamo daw ba itong biktima. Tinignan nya ako sabay sabing pano daw ba sya magtitinda nyan (sidewalk vendor sya), pano daw sya makakatakbo pag nandyan na yung mga pulis? Guilty that I was, nagbigay ako ng ‘peace-offering’. P2500. Nanlaki ang mata nya, pumayag agad.
Nang maihatid na namin si Aling Hilda, saka pa lang ako bumalik sa LTO para kumuka ng lisensya. I really felt so bad for breaking the law. Ang pinakamasaklap pa nito, pano kung napatay ko sya (buti kuko lang nya ang namantay). Ilang araw din akong nagigising sa gabi. Naalala ko yung accident na yon. Matagal din akong hindi nagmaneho pagkatapos non. Nakaka-trauma talaga yon. It was a lesson well learned
November 25, 1996 nang may isang traumatizing day sa akin. Kakatuto ko pa lang mag-drive noon. Mas unang natuto sa akin si Queenie, my younger sister. Normally, hinahatid nya muna ako sa office saka sya tutuloy sa trabaho nya. But on that fateful day, ako ang nasa harap ng manibela. In fairness, maingat naman akong mag-drive. Nag-menor ako habang dumadaan kami sa tapat ng isang lamayan sa isang squatters area. Walang ano-anoy may isang pupungas-pungas na babae na biglang natumba. Nabungo ko daw sabi nung isang naglalakad. Nagtayuan yung mga naglalamay. Siguro kung lalaki ako, kinuyog na ako ng mga yon. Dali-dali akong bumaba ng sasakyan. Nakita ko ang pupungas-pungas na si Aling Hilda (di tunay na pangalan) na nakahandusay, sa kamay nya hawak ang P10.00 na pambili ng pandesal. O hindi, nasagasaan ko yung paa na nakadikit sa tao. Si Queenie naman, bumaba din para lumipat sa driver’s seat. Pinasakay ko agad si Aling Hilda. Sumama rin yung 2 kapatid nya. Dumiretso kami sa Orthopedic hospital sa Banaue.
Habang bumabyahe, nagsenyasan na kami ni Queenie. Bakit? Wala pa kasi akong lisensya noon. Student permit lang ang hawak ko. Pagdating sa Emergency Room, dalidaling kinuha nung guard yung lisensya ko este kay Queenie pala. Ako ang nakaharap pero Queenie ang gamit kong pangalan. Mabuti na lang at super inefficient pa noon ang LTO, papel pa lang ang hawak ni Queenie na lisensya. Nakahinga ako ng malalim nang sabihin ng doctor na nalamog lang yung pinky-toe ni Aling Hilda. Medyo masakit pag nasagi. Ang nangyari kasi, nalagpasan na sya ng nguso n kotse pero siguro medyo pasakang syang maglakad kaya nahagip ko yung paa nya.
Bago kami pauwiin, tinanong ni doctor kung magre-reklamo daw ba itong biktima. Tinignan nya ako sabay sabing pano daw ba sya magtitinda nyan (sidewalk vendor sya), pano daw sya makakatakbo pag nandyan na yung mga pulis? Guilty that I was, nagbigay ako ng ‘peace-offering’. P2500. Nanlaki ang mata nya, pumayag agad.
Nang maihatid na namin si Aling Hilda, saka pa lang ako bumalik sa LTO para kumuka ng lisensya. I really felt so bad for breaking the law. Ang pinakamasaklap pa nito, pano kung napatay ko sya (buti kuko lang nya ang namantay). Ilang araw din akong nagigising sa gabi. Naalala ko yung accident na yon. Matagal din akong hindi nagmaneho pagkatapos non. Nakaka-trauma talaga yon. It was a lesson well learned
Friday, November 11, 2005
Travelling with spirited toddler
I posted a question in the Pinoyz2nz forum. Ang title “traveling with spirited toddler�. Parang nakikini-kinita ko na na magiging chaotic kami sa eroplano (feeling may visa na ako). Since isa lang ang nakuha kong tip, I decided to do my own research. Not sure if this is applicable to my super-dooper active daughter.
- Be sure to tell the airline that a toddler is traveling with you. Para naman maka-pagready sila ng kiddie meal (not the one from Jalibi) and safety seat (if applicable)
- Get to the airport early.
- Give her own backpack to put her own stuff inside.
- Bring lots of toys, clay, coloring books and snacks. Avoid sugary food. It’ll make her ‘hyper’.
- Put toys in small packs para hindi sabay-sabay ang bukas. Better if you could wrap them like gifts. Give it to her each hour that she is well-behaved
- Take the front row seats. It has bigger legroom
- If possible, sched the flight that coincides with your child’s sleep time.
- Tag along her comfort toy/pillow/blanket
- Give her a bottle on take off and landing to avoid ear-popping. Swallowing minimizes the trouble.
- Choose an airline with good good in-flight entertainment. Medyo mahal nga lang to. Pwede magbaon ng portable DVD player. Bring her favorite cds – Finding Nemo, Barney, Toy Story, etc.
- If everything else fails, resort to sedation. But be sure to try if before you go. Phenergan is good daw. It should knock her out in 15 minutes.
Kayo, may mabibigay ba kayong tip?
- Be sure to tell the airline that a toddler is traveling with you. Para naman maka-pagready sila ng kiddie meal (not the one from Jalibi) and safety seat (if applicable)
- Get to the airport early.
- Give her own backpack to put her own stuff inside.
- Bring lots of toys, clay, coloring books and snacks. Avoid sugary food. It’ll make her ‘hyper’.
- Put toys in small packs para hindi sabay-sabay ang bukas. Better if you could wrap them like gifts. Give it to her each hour that she is well-behaved
- Take the front row seats. It has bigger legroom
- If possible, sched the flight that coincides with your child’s sleep time.
- Tag along her comfort toy/pillow/blanket
- Give her a bottle on take off and landing to avoid ear-popping. Swallowing minimizes the trouble.
- Choose an airline with good good in-flight entertainment. Medyo mahal nga lang to. Pwede magbaon ng portable DVD player. Bring her favorite cds – Finding Nemo, Barney, Toy Story, etc.
- If everything else fails, resort to sedation. But be sure to try if before you go. Phenergan is good daw. It should knock her out in 15 minutes.
Kayo, may mabibigay ba kayong tip?
Coding pag Friday
Coding ang sasakyan ko pag Friday. Minsan na akong nahuli. I was very pregnant then. Akala ko makakalusot yung alibi kong magpapa-checkup lang sa OB. Tinikitan din ako (di ako marunong mag-bribe). Since then, kinabisado ko na yung mga daan na walang 'kalaban'. Kaya pag-Friday, normal lang ang buhay ko . I leave the house at 7:30am (7-10am and 3-7pm ang bawal).
Kanina, I almost run out of luck. Mga isang kilometro pa lang ang natatakbo ko nang may mapansin akong pila ng mga sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada. Hmmmm bakit kaya? Wala namang sabungan doon o kaya tiangge. Nag-menor ako. Tama ang kutob ko, may mga 'alagad ng batas' na nanghuhuli. About 30 meters away from them, I decided to make a U-turn ang head back home. Di bale nang late wag lang magkaron ng violation. Pag-dating ko sa bahay, gising na si Vince and Shannen. Nakipaglaro muna ako ng konti.
9:50am sumibat na ulit ako. 10:24 nang dumating ako sa office. Pano kaya mamayang uwian, maghihintay ba ako 7pm? Abangan....
Kanina, I almost run out of luck. Mga isang kilometro pa lang ang natatakbo ko nang may mapansin akong pila ng mga sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada. Hmmmm bakit kaya? Wala namang sabungan doon o kaya tiangge. Nag-menor ako. Tama ang kutob ko, may mga 'alagad ng batas' na nanghuhuli. About 30 meters away from them, I decided to make a U-turn ang head back home. Di bale nang late wag lang magkaron ng violation. Pag-dating ko sa bahay, gising na si Vince and Shannen. Nakipaglaro muna ako ng konti.
9:50am sumibat na ulit ako. 10:24 nang dumating ako sa office. Pano kaya mamayang uwian, maghihintay ba ako 7pm? Abangan....
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Panakot sa daga
My blog was out of commission for a while, sorry po. May virtual ek-ek problem daw. Di ko alam bakit nagkaganon. I was about to ask help from Marhgil and KU when I realized what could have caused the error. Naalala ko na nag-update ako ng picture. In-upload ko yung pinakamagandang picture ko (thank you, Photoshop). Nang matanggal ko na yung picture, nawala na yung error message. Kaya ayan, balik sa stick-figure ang image ko.
Lesson learned: Pang-takot sa daga lang ang beauty ko.
Lesson learned: Pang-takot sa daga lang ang beauty ko.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Be careful of what you wish for
Since 1999, I didn’t bother upgrading my cellphone unit. Happy ako sa Siemens M35. Ok lang kahit do sya colered, walang camera at hindi poluphonic ang ringtone. What matters most is that I can text and call without hassle. Ilang beses ko nang naibagsag yung phone ko. On several occasions, mga 5ft high pa. Pag-dampot ko sa phone ko, tuloy ulit ang texting. Parang walang nangyari.
Early this year, Nakasalubong ko yung mga officemates ko sa mall. Bibili daw sila ng phone. May isang natanong kung buhay pa daw yung telepono ko. Buong yabang kong sinabing ‘syempre’. Sabi nung isa did aw sya makapaniwalang ganun yung phone ko.Nung maghiwalay kami, napag-isip-isip kong parang nilait ata si Siemens ko. Ikinuwento ko yon kay Henry. Sabi nya, it’s about time to upgrade. Tutal bibili din naman ako ng tri-band phone pagpumunta kami sa NZ. Matagal kong pinag-isipan yon.
May 2005, bumili ako ng bagong unit. Samsung E330 ang kinuha ko (di ako Nokia fan). Akala ng marami inspired yung taste ko ng mga sikat-na-sikat na mga Koreanobela. Pero ang totoo, nacu-cute-tan ako sa de-flip na phone. Micro-Tac era pa lang, pangarap ko na yon. Japorms ang dating, di ba.
6 months na ngayon itong si Samsung pero hindi ako masyadong happy. Kailangan ko kasing mag-ingat sa handling kasi baka maging dalawang piraso ang phone ko. Ayoko ng ganon. Hate ko yung kailangan ko pang mag-exert ng extra effort. Ilang beses na kaming nag-away ni Vince kasi ayaw ko syang paglaruin sa phone ko. Kainis talaga. Buti na lang di ko pa dinidispatsya itong si Siemens. Pag-kasama ko yung mga anak ko, sya ang ginagamit ko. Isa pa, naka-plan yon, di nauubusan ng load. Hanggat buhay at humihinga pa si Siemens, it’ll stay with me.
Early this year, Nakasalubong ko yung mga officemates ko sa mall. Bibili daw sila ng phone. May isang natanong kung buhay pa daw yung telepono ko. Buong yabang kong sinabing ‘syempre’. Sabi nung isa did aw sya makapaniwalang ganun yung phone ko.Nung maghiwalay kami, napag-isip-isip kong parang nilait ata si Siemens ko. Ikinuwento ko yon kay Henry. Sabi nya, it’s about time to upgrade. Tutal bibili din naman ako ng tri-band phone pagpumunta kami sa NZ. Matagal kong pinag-isipan yon.
May 2005, bumili ako ng bagong unit. Samsung E330 ang kinuha ko (di ako Nokia fan). Akala ng marami inspired yung taste ko ng mga sikat-na-sikat na mga Koreanobela. Pero ang totoo, nacu-cute-tan ako sa de-flip na phone. Micro-Tac era pa lang, pangarap ko na yon. Japorms ang dating, di ba.
6 months na ngayon itong si Samsung pero hindi ako masyadong happy. Kailangan ko kasing mag-ingat sa handling kasi baka maging dalawang piraso ang phone ko. Ayoko ng ganon. Hate ko yung kailangan ko pang mag-exert ng extra effort. Ilang beses na kaming nag-away ni Vince kasi ayaw ko syang paglaruin sa phone ko. Kainis talaga. Buti na lang di ko pa dinidispatsya itong si Siemens. Pag-kasama ko yung mga anak ko, sya ang ginagamit ko. Isa pa, naka-plan yon, di nauubusan ng load. Hanggat buhay at humihinga pa si Siemens, it’ll stay with me.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Not so Easy Questions
Tawa ako nang tawa nung isang araw ng tanungin ako ni Vince kung ang lalaking kuba ba ay “kubo�. Kung merong kang kasamang ‘growing wonder’ sa bahay, siguradong maraming ganitong moments na magpapangiti sa yo. Mga pagtatanong na minsan eh hirap na hirap akong i-explain. Here are some that I could remember:
- bat wala ako sa picture nung kasal nyo?
- ilang taong bago mamatay ang tao?
- lahat ba ang tao mas mayaman sa atin?
- ginalingan ko naman, ba't di ako nanalo?
- pwede ba tayong magpakabit ng escallator sa bahay?
- pwede na ba akong mag-girlfriend?
- pwede bang si Shannen (his sister) ang magiging asawa ko?
- bakit ‘fifty’ ang tawag hindi ‘fivety’
- pwede ba akong maging artista sa cartoons
- bat wala ako sa picture nung kasal nyo?
- ilang taong bago mamatay ang tao?
- lahat ba ang tao mas mayaman sa atin?
- ginalingan ko naman, ba't di ako nanalo?
- pwede ba tayong magpakabit ng escallator sa bahay?
- pwede na ba akong mag-girlfriend?
- pwede bang si Shannen (his sister) ang magiging asawa ko?
- bakit ‘fifty’ ang tawag hindi ‘fivety’
- pwede ba akong maging artista sa cartoons
Thursday, October 27, 2005
2 Moms, 2 Dads
Ewan ko ba kung bakit bigla kong naalala yung kwento sa akin ng Ate Christine ko about her then 4y/o daughter Sam. One night, Sam approached her and said that she prayed to Jesus to give her 2 sets of parents. Mom & Dad # 1 will go to work to provide for the family. Ito namang si Mom & Dad # 2 will have to stay at home to look after and play with her and sister Bea.
Kids especially the younger ones need not only their parents’ love but also their precious time. If I have my way, I want to stay at home and take care of my children. But this is not feasible. Henry and I have to work to be able to sustain our expenses. Di kasi kaya yung single income lang ang household namin.
Time will come when my children are grown up and have their own lives. Ilang panahon na lang magkakaron na sila ng sarili nilang barkada. They might spend more time with them than with me and Henry. I hope that before this happens, I could devote my time to personally take care of their needs and guide them for their life ahead.
Kids especially the younger ones need not only their parents’ love but also their precious time. If I have my way, I want to stay at home and take care of my children. But this is not feasible. Henry and I have to work to be able to sustain our expenses. Di kasi kaya yung single income lang ang household namin.
Time will come when my children are grown up and have their own lives. Ilang panahon na lang magkakaron na sila ng sarili nilang barkada. They might spend more time with them than with me and Henry. I hope that before this happens, I could devote my time to personally take care of their needs and guide them for their life ahead.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Php88M
Nung isng araw P88,000,000 ang jackpot sa lottlo. Grabe, ang daming zeroes non. Isulat pa lang nakakalito na, bilangin pa kaya. Kung ganon naman kadami ang pera ko, kahit kalyohin ang kamay ko sa kabibilang, ok lang.
Upon learning this, I started to day dream. Ano kaya kung ako yung nanalo? Ano kayang gagawin ko sa limpak-limpak na perang yon? Definitely, I’ll use some of it to help the less fortunate people. Ayoko ng donation, gusto ko, bibigyan ko sila ng livelihood. Sabi nga, “Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you'll feed him for life�.
After kong mapaglaanan ang mga pangangailangan ng family ko, syempre yung personal na pangarap ko na ang kasunod. Marami naman yong P88M, maglalaan ako ng P2M sa kapritso ko (talaga nga naman, may figure pa ako). Ano naman ang gagawin ko doon? Eto po, syempre may detalye ng konti para mas makatotohanan, he he he ….
- take my family to Boracay for a week vacation
- bili ng Toshiba laptop
- bili a 6.0mp Canon digital camera
- magpapa-rebond sa David’s Salon
- buy a yellow Ford Ranger (Pinatubo edition)
- buy an acoustic guitar – tamang-tama to pang-karoling
- magpapa-lipo ng arms, belly at thighs - masakit kaya yon?
- bibili ng battery-operated na toothbrush
- Mag-aaral mag-bake ng cheesecake
- bibili ako ng purple na beanbag
- magpapa-executive checkup ako sa St. Luke’s – syempre health is wealth pa rin
- patatanggal ko yung stone ko sa kidneys.
- I’ll buy black+blue Nike rubber shoes – yung Trets ko “nakangiti� na
- alahas, perfume and make-up? – di ako mahilig don
Haaay... ang sarap mangarap. Naaliw ka na, di ka pa gumastos. You can be anybody, go anywhere and have anything. Lahat yan ay imagination lang ang katapat. Teka nga, makabili muna ng lotto ticket para naman may chance na matupad yung mga panaginip ko. Walang pag-asang na magkatotoo yon yung di ako tataya. got to go now.
Upon learning this, I started to day dream. Ano kaya kung ako yung nanalo? Ano kayang gagawin ko sa limpak-limpak na perang yon? Definitely, I’ll use some of it to help the less fortunate people. Ayoko ng donation, gusto ko, bibigyan ko sila ng livelihood. Sabi nga, “Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you'll feed him for life�.
After kong mapaglaanan ang mga pangangailangan ng family ko, syempre yung personal na pangarap ko na ang kasunod. Marami naman yong P88M, maglalaan ako ng P2M sa kapritso ko (talaga nga naman, may figure pa ako). Ano naman ang gagawin ko doon? Eto po, syempre may detalye ng konti para mas makatotohanan, he he he ….
- take my family to Boracay for a week vacation
- bili ng Toshiba laptop
- bili a 6.0mp Canon digital camera
- magpapa-rebond sa David’s Salon
- buy a yellow Ford Ranger (Pinatubo edition)
- buy an acoustic guitar – tamang-tama to pang-karoling
- magpapa-lipo ng arms, belly at thighs - masakit kaya yon?
- bibili ng battery-operated na toothbrush
- Mag-aaral mag-bake ng cheesecake
- bibili ako ng purple na beanbag
- magpapa-executive checkup ako sa St. Luke’s – syempre health is wealth pa rin
- patatanggal ko yung stone ko sa kidneys.
- I’ll buy black+blue Nike rubber shoes – yung Trets ko “nakangiti� na
- alahas, perfume and make-up? – di ako mahilig don
Haaay... ang sarap mangarap. Naaliw ka na, di ka pa gumastos. You can be anybody, go anywhere and have anything. Lahat yan ay imagination lang ang katapat. Teka nga, makabili muna ng lotto ticket para naman may chance na matupad yung mga panaginip ko. Walang pag-asang na magkatotoo yon yung di ako tataya. got to go now.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Henry applied for NZ tourist visa
Magbabalik-tanaw ako sa ginawa ni Henry na pag-a-apply ng NZ tourist visa noong 2004 (di pa ako blogger that time).
January 2004 nang sabihin ng NZIS na 195 ang EOI selection points. Although bumababa naman ito every month, feeling namin malayo pa bago daanan ang 115pts namin. Henry and I entertained the idea of going to NZ as tourist then find a job whilst there. Si Henry muna, susunod na lang kami. When I mentioned this to my friend Len, she immediately sent Henry sponsorship form (NZ citizens na silang pamilya). Dip ala basta, basta sinasagutan yung form na yon. They went pa to the embassy to have it checked/authenticated.
Before going to the embassy, we already prepared the documents they require:
- Visitor’s Visa app form
- Passport
- Booking certificate (iba ito sa plane ticket)
- Emp. Cert
- Financial docs – bank cert, passbook, etc.
- Certificate of assets
- Sponsorship Form
Sa BPI Center sa Buendia ang office ng NZ embassy. Mga 8:30am kami dumating pero di kami pinaakyat agad nung guard. Dapat daw 9am impunto.
Sa itaas, hintayan na naman. Di lang kasi basta nagsu-submit ng documents. May konting interview na ginagawa yung visa officer upon receipt of application (sa may window lang naman ito). Nung kay Henry na, may mga tanong si v.o. na di nya marinig so come to the rescue si stage-wife (medyo ako yon). Nung una ok lang, pero nung second time na nag-coach ako, I was asked to return to my seat. Pahiya ang beauty ko. Henry was holding a slip when he returned to his seat. Nakalagay doon yung interview sked nya, July 13 daw.
Naka-formal si Henry nang bumalik for the interview (syempre kasama pa rin ako sa eksena). Mga 20 minutes tumagal yung interview. Tinanong daw kung ano ang gagawin nya sa NZ, saan sya titira, pano nya nakilala yung sponsors nya, ilang taon na yung mga members ng family ng sponsos nya (?), etc. Medyo nasilip din na ilang beses nang nag-sponsor ng relatives si Len and husband sa bahay nila. Tamang duda yung v.o. Ika nga, guily ka unless proven innocent.
Several days later, bumaba na yung result ng application. Nakakapanlumong denied ang hatol. Ang rason - no incentive to return to home country. However, Henry was given a chance to make an appeal. Dumugo ang utak ko sa pag-compose ng letter. Nilagay namin don na may stable job si Henry, could very much afford to pay for his trip, etc.
July 26, the final verdict arrived. Mag-isa akong pumunta sa embassy. Hindi tatak sa passport ang nakuha ko kundi isang malaking denial letter. Wala na kaming magawa. It is not our right to be travel to NZ, it’s just a privilege. Kung ayaw nila, wala kaming magagawa. Pero sumama talaga ang loob ko. Umuulan noon pero sige lang, lumakad ako papunta sa kotse kahit nababasa.
Isang araw ko ring dinamdam yong rejection na yon. Not sure if Henry felt the same, mas cool yon kesa sa akin. When I went back to my senses, I realized that there is nothing more I can do about it. Dapat na lang naming paghandaan yung plan B which is to wait for the pts to drop to 115. Di nagtagal, bumaba sa 100 ang selection pts. Pasok na kami.
Looking back, it’s good that Henry’s bid for visitor’s visa was not accepted. Medyo magastos din yon at walang katiyakang may trabahong makukuha. God is really good. When He closes a door, He opens a window.
January 2004 nang sabihin ng NZIS na 195 ang EOI selection points. Although bumababa naman ito every month, feeling namin malayo pa bago daanan ang 115pts namin. Henry and I entertained the idea of going to NZ as tourist then find a job whilst there. Si Henry muna, susunod na lang kami. When I mentioned this to my friend Len, she immediately sent Henry sponsorship form (NZ citizens na silang pamilya). Dip ala basta, basta sinasagutan yung form na yon. They went pa to the embassy to have it checked/authenticated.
Before going to the embassy, we already prepared the documents they require:
- Visitor’s Visa app form
- Passport
- Booking certificate (iba ito sa plane ticket)
- Emp. Cert
- Financial docs – bank cert, passbook, etc.
- Certificate of assets
- Sponsorship Form
Sa BPI Center sa Buendia ang office ng NZ embassy. Mga 8:30am kami dumating pero di kami pinaakyat agad nung guard. Dapat daw 9am impunto.
Sa itaas, hintayan na naman. Di lang kasi basta nagsu-submit ng documents. May konting interview na ginagawa yung visa officer upon receipt of application (sa may window lang naman ito). Nung kay Henry na, may mga tanong si v.o. na di nya marinig so come to the rescue si stage-wife (medyo ako yon). Nung una ok lang, pero nung second time na nag-coach ako, I was asked to return to my seat. Pahiya ang beauty ko. Henry was holding a slip when he returned to his seat. Nakalagay doon yung interview sked nya, July 13 daw.
Naka-formal si Henry nang bumalik for the interview (syempre kasama pa rin ako sa eksena). Mga 20 minutes tumagal yung interview. Tinanong daw kung ano ang gagawin nya sa NZ, saan sya titira, pano nya nakilala yung sponsors nya, ilang taon na yung mga members ng family ng sponsos nya (?), etc. Medyo nasilip din na ilang beses nang nag-sponsor ng relatives si Len and husband sa bahay nila. Tamang duda yung v.o. Ika nga, guily ka unless proven innocent.
Several days later, bumaba na yung result ng application. Nakakapanlumong denied ang hatol. Ang rason - no incentive to return to home country. However, Henry was given a chance to make an appeal. Dumugo ang utak ko sa pag-compose ng letter. Nilagay namin don na may stable job si Henry, could very much afford to pay for his trip, etc.
July 26, the final verdict arrived. Mag-isa akong pumunta sa embassy. Hindi tatak sa passport ang nakuha ko kundi isang malaking denial letter. Wala na kaming magawa. It is not our right to be travel to NZ, it’s just a privilege. Kung ayaw nila, wala kaming magagawa. Pero sumama talaga ang loob ko. Umuulan noon pero sige lang, lumakad ako papunta sa kotse kahit nababasa.
Isang araw ko ring dinamdam yong rejection na yon. Not sure if Henry felt the same, mas cool yon kesa sa akin. When I went back to my senses, I realized that there is nothing more I can do about it. Dapat na lang naming paghandaan yung plan B which is to wait for the pts to drop to 115. Di nagtagal, bumaba sa 100 ang selection pts. Pasok na kami.
Looking back, it’s good that Henry’s bid for visitor’s visa was not accepted. Medyo magastos din yon at walang katiyakang may trabahong makukuha. God is really good. When He closes a door, He opens a window.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Hyper
I feel so alive this afternoon. Ang taas ng energy level ko. Pano ba namang hindi, I had a high caloric dessert at lunch. It was a slice of cheesecake. yummy....
Monday, October 17, 2005
4 Forks, 3 knives, 2 spoons and 1 teaspoon
I was able to get everything fixed for the party last Saturday. Last minute na nung nag-decide akong magpa-parlor para naman maging pinstraight yung crowning glory ko.
4:00pm yung wedding ceremonies but I got there at 6:00pm so sa reception na lang ako pupunta. I parked at Landmark, mahal sigurado kung doon mismo sa 6750 ako paparada. Ang dami nang tao sa labas ng ballroom when I arrive. They were waiting for the entourage to arrive. Narinig ko na nagpi-picturan pa sila doon sa ceremony venue.
It almost 7pm when the ballroom door opened. We immediately rushed our table because our feet were already hurting. Nalula ako sa utensils na nakahain. There were 4 Forks, 3 knives, 2 spoons and 1 teaspoon on the table. Baka kaya iba-iba pang klaseng kubyertos yon eh pwede namang isang pares lang ng kutsara, tinidor, kutsarita at kutsilyo? Nag-text ako agad kay Henry, asking for help. Syempre nakakahiya namang magtanong sa katabi ko kung kainan time na. Sabi nya, rule of thumb daw, use the outermost utensil first. Ewan ko kung nanghuhula lang ang asawa ko, eh katulad ko rin naman yong once in a blue moon lang pumunta sa sosyalan. Bahala na. I used whatever suits me.
Nung makita kong nagse-serve na ng pagkain yung mga matipunong waiters, talaga namang natuwa ako. Kung hindi naman kasi, baka bumulagta na ako doon because of hydoglycemia. Nabusog naman ako doon sa food. Actually, halfway through the menu eh busog na ako. I really enjoyed the pasta and salmon. May mga nakita akong nagwa-wine pa. Di naman ako sanay don kaya pass ako. Baka mamaya di pa ako makauwi ng bahay. Habang kumakain kami eh may mga kumakanta. Natutuwa ako doon sa nag-perform na galing pa talaga ng China. Akala ko mababasag yung mga baso doon sa tinis ng boses.
The highlight of the program was the message of the bride and groom to their parents, relatives and friends. After that, umuwi na kami. I got home at 11pm.
4:00pm yung wedding ceremonies but I got there at 6:00pm so sa reception na lang ako pupunta. I parked at Landmark, mahal sigurado kung doon mismo sa 6750 ako paparada. Ang dami nang tao sa labas ng ballroom when I arrive. They were waiting for the entourage to arrive. Narinig ko na nagpi-picturan pa sila doon sa ceremony venue.
It almost 7pm when the ballroom door opened. We immediately rushed our table because our feet were already hurting. Nalula ako sa utensils na nakahain. There were 4 Forks, 3 knives, 2 spoons and 1 teaspoon on the table. Baka kaya iba-iba pang klaseng kubyertos yon eh pwede namang isang pares lang ng kutsara, tinidor, kutsarita at kutsilyo? Nag-text ako agad kay Henry, asking for help. Syempre nakakahiya namang magtanong sa katabi ko kung kainan time na. Sabi nya, rule of thumb daw, use the outermost utensil first. Ewan ko kung nanghuhula lang ang asawa ko, eh katulad ko rin naman yong once in a blue moon lang pumunta sa sosyalan. Bahala na. I used whatever suits me.
Nung makita kong nagse-serve na ng pagkain yung mga matipunong waiters, talaga namang natuwa ako. Kung hindi naman kasi, baka bumulagta na ako doon because of hydoglycemia. Nabusog naman ako doon sa food. Actually, halfway through the menu eh busog na ako. I really enjoyed the pasta and salmon. May mga nakita akong nagwa-wine pa. Di naman ako sanay don kaya pass ako. Baka mamaya di pa ako makauwi ng bahay. Habang kumakain kami eh may mga kumakanta. Natutuwa ako doon sa nag-perform na galing pa talaga ng China. Akala ko mababasag yung mga baso doon sa tinis ng boses.
The highlight of the program was the message of the bride and groom to their parents, relatives and friends. After that, umuwi na kami. I got home at 11pm.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Sosyalan
Wedding ng officemate ko tomorrow. Anak yon ng president naming kaya talagang bongga. Shangri-la Makati ang reception. There were only a handful of us who are invited, nakakahiyang di umattend.
Matagal ko nang pinoproblema tong occasion na to. Una, wala akong isusuot. Strickly formal daw ang attire. I only have 2 dresses that qualify. One is a maroon cocktail dress I wore on Tinay’s wedding 3 yrs and 10lbs ago. Nang isukat ko, muntik nang di mag-abot ang zipper. Imposibleng makaupo ako nang di bumibigay yung mga sinulid. Last months, I promised myself to loose some weight. Di kinaya ng powers ko. Masarap talagang kumain lalo na sa gabi. Tapos tuwing nag jo-jog or jumping jack naman ako, ewan ko ba kung bakit lagi akong nawi-weewee. 15 counts pa lang kailangan ko nang tumakbo sa banyo.
Dress #2. I wore this in Dec of 2003. No diet nor exercise necessary. Di problema sa paghinga dito. Pano ba namang hindi, I was 5 months pregnant when I wore this. Pangit tignan kasi ang luwag, pero wala na akong time magpa-repair.
Last week, nagdala yung isang officemate ko ng mga damit nyang formal. Buti na lang may nagkasya sa akin. May matching shoes and bag akong nakuha from my mom’s closet. Solve na ang costume ko.
Gift… Gift checks lang ang nasa bridal registry ng couple. Yung ibang officemates ko P2000 daw ang ibibigay. Kainis, wala pa man din akong pera ngayon. Kung pwede sana ang ibang item, madali lang yon, may credit cards naman ako. Bahala na kung magkano ang ibibigay ko.
Yan kasi ang problema sa mga hindi sanay sa sosyalan. Natataranta pag may mga social gatherings. Kung pwede lang sanang umabsent. One thing that I look forward to is rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. May mga tycoons na nandon. Meron din mga politicians. Titignan ko kung pano sila kumain. He he he. Kukwentuhan ko kayo sa Monday.
Matagal ko nang pinoproblema tong occasion na to. Una, wala akong isusuot. Strickly formal daw ang attire. I only have 2 dresses that qualify. One is a maroon cocktail dress I wore on Tinay’s wedding 3 yrs and 10lbs ago. Nang isukat ko, muntik nang di mag-abot ang zipper. Imposibleng makaupo ako nang di bumibigay yung mga sinulid. Last months, I promised myself to loose some weight. Di kinaya ng powers ko. Masarap talagang kumain lalo na sa gabi. Tapos tuwing nag jo-jog or jumping jack naman ako, ewan ko ba kung bakit lagi akong nawi-weewee. 15 counts pa lang kailangan ko nang tumakbo sa banyo.
Dress #2. I wore this in Dec of 2003. No diet nor exercise necessary. Di problema sa paghinga dito. Pano ba namang hindi, I was 5 months pregnant when I wore this. Pangit tignan kasi ang luwag, pero wala na akong time magpa-repair.
Last week, nagdala yung isang officemate ko ng mga damit nyang formal. Buti na lang may nagkasya sa akin. May matching shoes and bag akong nakuha from my mom’s closet. Solve na ang costume ko.
Gift… Gift checks lang ang nasa bridal registry ng couple. Yung ibang officemates ko P2000 daw ang ibibigay. Kainis, wala pa man din akong pera ngayon. Kung pwede sana ang ibang item, madali lang yon, may credit cards naman ako. Bahala na kung magkano ang ibibigay ko.
Yan kasi ang problema sa mga hindi sanay sa sosyalan. Natataranta pag may mga social gatherings. Kung pwede lang sanang umabsent. One thing that I look forward to is rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. May mga tycoons na nandon. Meron din mga politicians. Titignan ko kung pano sila kumain. He he he. Kukwentuhan ko kayo sa Monday.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Apat dapat
Ito yung assignment ko mula kay Flex!J
APAT NA PINAKADAKILANG PILIPINO
1. Ninoy Aquino
2. Ramon Magsaysay
3. Tatay ko
4. Nanay ko
APAT NA PILIPINONG HINAHANGAAN MO SA ANUMANG LARANGAN
1. Bayani Fernando
2. Tony Meloto (Gawad Kalinga)
3. Sen. Mar Roxas
4. Cong. Francis Escudero (he’s brillant, ayaw ko lang na nasa panig sya ni Erap)
APAT NA MAGAGANDANG LUGAR SA PILIPINAS NA NARATING MO
1. Baguio
2. Subic
3. Ilocos
4. Manila Bay (pag sunset, yung tipong di mo na maaninag yung mga lumulutang na basura)
APAT NA LUGAR SA PILIPINAS NA GUSTO MONG MAPUNTAHAN
1. Boracay
2. Amanpulo
3. Davao
4. Sorsogon
APAT NA BAGAY NA PAG-NAKIKITA MO NAALALA MO ANG PILIPINAS
1. Tabo
2. bahay kubo
3. Karitela
4. jeepney
APAT NA PUTAHENG PILIPINONG PABORITO MO
1. sinigang sa miso
2. kare-kare
3. daing na bangus
4. inihaw na talong
APAT NA SALITANG PILIPINO NA KAILANGAN MO NG TALASALITAAN PAG IYONG NARINIG
1. burnik (ito ang word of the day ko courtesy of my friend Jay)
2. salipawpaw – airport
3. pasimano – window pane ata
4.
APAT NA KANTANG PILIPINONG GUSTO MONG MARINIG
1. Lupang Hinirang
2. Pinoy Big Brother theme
3. Sa Kabukiran
4. Bahay Kubo
APAT NA MATATAMIS NA SALITA O KATAGANG PILIPINO
1. giliw
2. irog
3. sinta
4. jowa (ngek!!!)
APAT NA APELYIDO NA PAG IYONG NARINIG NAKAKATIYAK KANG SILA AY PINOY
1. Magpantay
2. Dimayuga
3. Liwanag
4. Munsayac
APAT NA PANGALANG PINOY NA AYAW MONG IPANGALAN SA IYONG ANAK
1. Ambrocio
2. Pogito (may officemate akongyan ang panglan)
3. Junior
4. Baby
APAT NA LARONG PILIPINO NA NALARO MO NA NG BATA KA PA
1. Moro-moro
2. Patintero
3. Tumbang Preso
4. Touch the color
APAT NA BAGAY NA AYAW MO SA PILIPINAS
1. graft and corruption
2. traffic
3. trapos
4. poor health service
5. mga driver ng bus and jipney
6. usok
7. baha
8. basura everywhere
9. Filipino time
....ha, apat lang ba talaga dapat?
APAT NA BAGAY NA GUSTO MO SA PILIPINAS
1. pamilya
2. kaibigan
3. kapitbahay (kahit minsan mga tsismosa)
4. tumatawa ang mga tao kahit maraming problema
APAT NA BAGAY NA GAGAWIN MO KUNG IKAW ANG PANGULO NG PILIPINAS
1. i'll see to it that all law-breakers get penalized
2. Ang penalty, community service
3. supilin lahat ng mga nangongotong
4. Magre-resign ako!
Di ko na maipasa ito, all of my blogmates have already been tagged.
APAT NA PINAKADAKILANG PILIPINO
1. Ninoy Aquino
2. Ramon Magsaysay
3. Tatay ko
4. Nanay ko
APAT NA PILIPINONG HINAHANGAAN MO SA ANUMANG LARANGAN
1. Bayani Fernando
2. Tony Meloto (Gawad Kalinga)
3. Sen. Mar Roxas
4. Cong. Francis Escudero (he’s brillant, ayaw ko lang na nasa panig sya ni Erap)
APAT NA MAGAGANDANG LUGAR SA PILIPINAS NA NARATING MO
1. Baguio
2. Subic
3. Ilocos
4. Manila Bay (pag sunset, yung tipong di mo na maaninag yung mga lumulutang na basura)
APAT NA LUGAR SA PILIPINAS NA GUSTO MONG MAPUNTAHAN
1. Boracay
2. Amanpulo
3. Davao
4. Sorsogon
APAT NA BAGAY NA PAG-NAKIKITA MO NAALALA MO ANG PILIPINAS
1. Tabo
2. bahay kubo
3. Karitela
4. jeepney
APAT NA PUTAHENG PILIPINONG PABORITO MO
1. sinigang sa miso
2. kare-kare
3. daing na bangus
4. inihaw na talong
APAT NA SALITANG PILIPINO NA KAILANGAN MO NG TALASALITAAN PAG IYONG NARINIG
1. burnik (ito ang word of the day ko courtesy of my friend Jay)
2. salipawpaw – airport
3. pasimano – window pane ata
4.
APAT NA KANTANG PILIPINONG GUSTO MONG MARINIG
1. Lupang Hinirang
2. Pinoy Big Brother theme
3. Sa Kabukiran
4. Bahay Kubo
APAT NA MATATAMIS NA SALITA O KATAGANG PILIPINO
1. giliw
2. irog
3. sinta
4. jowa (ngek!!!)
APAT NA APELYIDO NA PAG IYONG NARINIG NAKAKATIYAK KANG SILA AY PINOY
1. Magpantay
2. Dimayuga
3. Liwanag
4. Munsayac
APAT NA PANGALANG PINOY NA AYAW MONG IPANGALAN SA IYONG ANAK
1. Ambrocio
2. Pogito (may officemate akongyan ang panglan)
3. Junior
4. Baby
APAT NA LARONG PILIPINO NA NALARO MO NA NG BATA KA PA
1. Moro-moro
2. Patintero
3. Tumbang Preso
4. Touch the color
APAT NA BAGAY NA AYAW MO SA PILIPINAS
1. graft and corruption
2. traffic
3. trapos
4. poor health service
5. mga driver ng bus and jipney
6. usok
7. baha
8. basura everywhere
9. Filipino time
....ha, apat lang ba talaga dapat?
APAT NA BAGAY NA GUSTO MO SA PILIPINAS
1. pamilya
2. kaibigan
3. kapitbahay (kahit minsan mga tsismosa)
4. tumatawa ang mga tao kahit maraming problema
APAT NA BAGAY NA GAGAWIN MO KUNG IKAW ANG PANGULO NG PILIPINAS
1. i'll see to it that all law-breakers get penalized
2. Ang penalty, community service
3. supilin lahat ng mga nangongotong
4. Magre-resign ako!
Di ko na maipasa ito, all of my blogmates have already been tagged.
Di mapakali
I feel so awkward today. Di ako mapakali. Nakakailang. Uuwi ba ako ng maaga o hindi. Bat naman kasi na-overlook ko yon.
Magkaiba yung medyas na naisuot ko (I bear boots kasi). Pareho naman ng kulay pero yung isa mahaba, yung isa maikli. One is made of cotton, polyester ata yung isa. Medyo nasasakal yung kaliwang paa ko dahil sa garter, maluwag naman yung sa kanan. Haay, ang hirap ng ganitong feeling. Lagi kasi kaming nagmamadali sa umaga kaya sa kotse na ako nagsusuot ng medyas. Huli na nang ma-realize ko na di pala sila magka-partner. Henry is already late for work, kaya di yon papayag na bumalik kasi. Kaya ako, pinagtyagaan ko na lang kahit magkaiba ng lapat yung paa ko.
Sana uwian na.....
Magkaiba yung medyas na naisuot ko (I bear boots kasi). Pareho naman ng kulay pero yung isa mahaba, yung isa maikli. One is made of cotton, polyester ata yung isa. Medyo nasasakal yung kaliwang paa ko dahil sa garter, maluwag naman yung sa kanan. Haay, ang hirap ng ganitong feeling. Lagi kasi kaming nagmamadali sa umaga kaya sa kotse na ako nagsusuot ng medyas. Huli na nang ma-realize ko na di pala sila magka-partner. Henry is already late for work, kaya di yon papayag na bumalik kasi. Kaya ako, pinagtyagaan ko na lang kahit magkaiba ng lapat yung paa ko.
Sana uwian na.....
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Ang simula ng pangarap
Bakit nga ba kami nangarap at nag-pursige na mag-apply sa New Zealand? Katulad din kami ng iba na gustong bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang mga anak. At yon ay di namin nakikitang madali kung nasa Pinas kami.
Year 2001 when Henry and I seriously considered moving to a new territory to raise our family. We only have Vince then. Oo nga’t libre na yung bahay namin (we live with Henry’s parents) at stone-throw away lang sa simbahan, school at palengke kaso mo, Malabon naman yon. This is spelled out as B-A-H-A. Kahit siguro mansion ang bahay ko, kung para naman akong nasa island pag high-tide, wala ring kwenta. Nagsimula na kaming magplanong lumipat ng Bulacan (where I grew up). We purchased a lot in a subdivision in Malolos. Nagtanong-tanong ako sa kilala kong contractor kung magkano aabutin ang house construction. My jaw dropped, nakakalula ang presyo. That was the time when we thought of using the money for migration instead. Nice idea di ba.
Lahat kami sa family are fixed income earners, mga bayarang manggagawa 'ika nga. Kung magkasakit ang isa sa amin na matindi (wag naman sana), malamang na pati pamanang hapslip ng lola ko eh maibenta namin. Oo nga’t managerial capacity na kami pareho ni Henry pero sa mga routine and emergency expenses lang napupunta ang kita namin. Nalilimas kami everytime may nagkakasakit o kaya kung may kailangang ipaayos sa kotse. We think that we are almost at the peak of our careers and yet we can’t provide a safe, healthy and secured environment for the kids. Pano pa kung may nawalan ng trabaho sa amin? Nakakatakot isipin.
If my dad is still around, he’ll probably make me think twice. Kahit na puro freckles ang balat at banyaga ang apelyido nya, may pagka-patriotic yon. He never entertained the idea of leaving the Philippines for good. Aba, sasabihin ko naman sa kanya that our plans don’t mean I love my country less. Priority ko lang talaga yung mga bagets. However, if he is able to witness all the controversies our economy and government have been dealing with, malamang sasabihin non “sige anak, suportahan taka�.
Year 2001 when Henry and I seriously considered moving to a new territory to raise our family. We only have Vince then. Oo nga’t libre na yung bahay namin (we live with Henry’s parents) at stone-throw away lang sa simbahan, school at palengke kaso mo, Malabon naman yon. This is spelled out as B-A-H-A. Kahit siguro mansion ang bahay ko, kung para naman akong nasa island pag high-tide, wala ring kwenta. Nagsimula na kaming magplanong lumipat ng Bulacan (where I grew up). We purchased a lot in a subdivision in Malolos. Nagtanong-tanong ako sa kilala kong contractor kung magkano aabutin ang house construction. My jaw dropped, nakakalula ang presyo. That was the time when we thought of using the money for migration instead. Nice idea di ba.
Lahat kami sa family are fixed income earners, mga bayarang manggagawa 'ika nga. Kung magkasakit ang isa sa amin na matindi (wag naman sana), malamang na pati pamanang hapslip ng lola ko eh maibenta namin. Oo nga’t managerial capacity na kami pareho ni Henry pero sa mga routine and emergency expenses lang napupunta ang kita namin. Nalilimas kami everytime may nagkakasakit o kaya kung may kailangang ipaayos sa kotse. We think that we are almost at the peak of our careers and yet we can’t provide a safe, healthy and secured environment for the kids. Pano pa kung may nawalan ng trabaho sa amin? Nakakatakot isipin.
If my dad is still around, he’ll probably make me think twice. Kahit na puro freckles ang balat at banyaga ang apelyido nya, may pagka-patriotic yon. He never entertained the idea of leaving the Philippines for good. Aba, sasabihin ko naman sa kanya that our plans don’t mean I love my country less. Priority ko lang talaga yung mga bagets. However, if he is able to witness all the controversies our economy and government have been dealing with, malamang sasabihin non “sige anak, suportahan taka�.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Happy 6th Birthday Vince
Medyo masama ang pakiramdam ko since yesterday kaya tinanghali ako ng gising kanina. When I opened my eyes, wala na si Vince sa kama (tabi-tabi kasi kaming matulog, hi hi hi). Pagbaba ko ng bahay, I saw him preparing for school. I gave him a big hug then greeted him Happy Birthday. Sabi ko sa kanya ako na ang magbibihis sa kanya. Aba, wag na raw. 6 years old na daw sya at kaya na nyang magbihis mag-isa. Napangiti ako. Parang kailan lang mukha syang bubwit na kinakarga ko. Ngayon, marunong nang magbasa, mag-toothbrush at magbihis nang walang tulong itong si kuya. Ilang panahon pa, magkakaron na sya ng sariling buhay, sariling mundo. Sana mapalaki namin sya ng tama para tama rin ang mga gagawin nyang desisyon sa buhay nya.
Happy 6th Birthday Vince. mwaaaaahhhh!
Happy 6th Birthday Vince. mwaaaaahhhh!
Friday, September 30, 2005
I've been tagged
Ito na yung assignment ko kay Marhgil....
01. What is your favorite word (s)? ok, great, please
02. What is your least favorite word (s)? stupid
03. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? serenity
04. What turns you off? Kayabangan, pessimism
05. What is your favorite curse word (s)? tangeks, syit
06. What sound or noise do you love? Enya, Parokya ni Edgar, giggles, raindrops
07. What sound or noise do you hate? vacuum cleaner, busina pag heavy traffic
08. What profession(s) other than your own would you like to attempt? Lawyer (like Atty Danny Concepcion), secret agent (parang si James Bond)
09. What profession would you not like to do? Jeepney driver (ayoko ng usok), police officer
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "you did great"
01. What is your favorite word (s)? ok, great, please
02. What is your least favorite word (s)? stupid
03. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? serenity
04. What turns you off? Kayabangan, pessimism
05. What is your favorite curse word (s)? tangeks, syit
06. What sound or noise do you love? Enya, Parokya ni Edgar, giggles, raindrops
07. What sound or noise do you hate? vacuum cleaner, busina pag heavy traffic
08. What profession(s) other than your own would you like to attempt? Lawyer (like Atty Danny Concepcion), secret agent (parang si James Bond)
09. What profession would you not like to do? Jeepney driver (ayoko ng usok), police officer
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "you did great"
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
101 Things about me
1- I was born in Manila.
2- I was baptized Jennifer Hankins
3- My father is bisaya with american ancestry; Mom is an Ilokana (from Pangasinan)
4- I am 2nd in the family
5- My zodiac sign is Gemini
6- Born in the year of the Pig (kaya pala medyo chubby ako)
7- Both my parents are teachers (although my dad changed career later on)
8- My maternal grandparents took care of me when I was 2 to 4y/o
9- From Proj. 8, we moved to Bulacan in 1975
10- I was 6y/o when I entered first grade
11- I went to 4 different elementary schools (Isabello, St. James, Barasoin and St. Martin)
12- My younger sister studied piano and banduria but it was I who ended up learning the instruments
13- When I was 7 and my sister was 9, my parents would allow us watch movies in Paramount Theater (just the 2 of us)
14- I was best in Rondalla in grade school.
15- My aunt sent me an aerobics book+tape when I was 8y/o (ang taba ko daw kasi)
16- I was Most Obedient in Girl Scout
17- There were only 32 of us in my 6th grade class
18- I speak a little Ilokano
19- My father thought I wanted to be a nun (he was so wrong)
20- I had rheumatic fever/heart disease when I was 13y/o
21- I enjoy playing Scrabble esp. with my dad.
22- I never experienced spanking from my parents
23- I am not comfortable speaking in public
24- I easily get dizzy in moving vehicles
25- I was angry when Ninoy Aquino was killed
26- I was an 'extra' in the movie Deadly Roses (a movie I never saw)
27- I was a CAT officer
28- In 1984, I had first degree burn on my face courtesy of our pressure cooker
29- In high school, I graduated with honors (20 ata kami noon)
30- I dreamt of being a journalist (di naman masamang mangarap)
31- I had appendectomy in 1986
32- I thought I was good in numbers so I took up engineering (I proved myself wrong later on)
33- My first calculator in college is so cute but not scientific (that's why I failed my first quiz in Trigo)
34- I took up Industrial Engineering in college
35- My student number in MIT is 87117318
36- My very first subject in college is Chemistry
37- I hate chemistry; Chemistry hates me
38- My first dormmate is Eleanor Fejer
39- I joined a collegiate service sorority in 1988 (nasa puso ko pa rin yon 'til now)
40- I got 'bokya' in a quiz bec. my then new calculator is solar-powered. Uso noon ang brownout and my classes were usually in the evening
41- I finished college in Nov. 1991
42- My best friend is Glenda Saludes-Cruz of Mariveles
43- The first time I voted was in 1992
44- My first job was selling (sales engineer for a roofing company)
45- I photocopied my very first salary
46- I lasted only 2 days on my second job.
47- My 3rd job was as an Industrial Engineer in shoe manufacturing company (1992)
48- I had an operation in my ureter in 1992 (stone removal)
49- I worked for Bankard, Inc. for 10 months (1995)
50- I met my husband at Salem Beds where we both worked (sya 5years, ako 3 months)
51- I never had my own birthday party :-(
52- I learn to drive in 1996
53- I once lost my entire bag to a theft in a mall (muntik na akong maglakad pauwi ng bulacan)
54- I got married in 1997
55- I had 2 miscarriages
56- I was devastated when my dad died in 1999
57- I first gave birth in 1999
58- I named my son Vince Mitchell. Vince bec. my dad's second name is Vincent, and I like Mitch of Bay Watch (corny..)
59- My OB Gyne is a good friend from high school
60- I got an educational plan (CAP) for Vince when he was 8 months
61- I switched career from industrial engg to IT in 1996
62- My first IT job was as an MIS Assistant
63- I am good in systems analysis and application testing
64- I studied programming but didn't have the time and patience to practice it
66- I am not into sports (my body is not designed for it)
67- I am scared of dogs, snakes and heights
68- We started our plans to migrate in 2002
69- Australia was our first destination
70- 2003, we appreciated New Zealand
71- We got invited to apply for Work-to-Residence visa on June 27 2005
72- I like Kris Aquino
73- I am not afraid of moomoo
74- The first and only time I had Big Mac was in July 2005
75- My favorite perfume is Beautiful
76- I am not into Nokia phones
77- My phone right now is Samsung E330
78- I collect wonderful quotes
79- I gave birth to my second child in 2004
80- I don't like raisins and pineapples cooked
81- My right thyroid gland was removed in 2002
82- I only had professional manicure/pedicure once (for my wedding)
83- My shoe size used to be 7.0, now it's 7.5 (minsan 8 pa)
84- Waistline - secret!
85- Weight and height - secret pa rin!
86- I have freckles all over my face
87- I completed all payments to CAP despite news that they are 'bankrupt'
88- I don't' drink nor smoke
89- I don't have a night life
90- I don't have a social life (sabi ko na sa inyo boring ako)
91- I am 'matalinaw" (20/20 vision)
92- I have not seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies (dehins ko sya type)
93- I was able to read only one Harry Potter Book, yung #2
94- I have 18 inaanaks
95- My dream vacation is BORACAY
96- My pc at home is so jurasic, a Pentium 1 233mHz
97- After office, I am a full time mom (no computer, no cellphone)
98- One thing that I would like to learn is how to get mad.
99- I love watching CSI (Las Vegas), The Oprah Winfrey Show and Justice League
100- When I was just learning to drive, naka-disgrasya ako ng tao
101- Wala akong favorite color.
* - I got the inspiration from Teacher Sol
2- I was baptized Jennifer Hankins
3- My father is bisaya with american ancestry; Mom is an Ilokana (from Pangasinan)
4- I am 2nd in the family
5- My zodiac sign is Gemini
6- Born in the year of the Pig (kaya pala medyo chubby ako)
7- Both my parents are teachers (although my dad changed career later on)
8- My maternal grandparents took care of me when I was 2 to 4y/o
9- From Proj. 8, we moved to Bulacan in 1975
10- I was 6y/o when I entered first grade
11- I went to 4 different elementary schools (Isabello, St. James, Barasoin and St. Martin)
12- My younger sister studied piano and banduria but it was I who ended up learning the instruments
13- When I was 7 and my sister was 9, my parents would allow us watch movies in Paramount Theater (just the 2 of us)
14- I was best in Rondalla in grade school.
15- My aunt sent me an aerobics book+tape when I was 8y/o (ang taba ko daw kasi)
16- I was Most Obedient in Girl Scout
17- There were only 32 of us in my 6th grade class
18- I speak a little Ilokano
19- My father thought I wanted to be a nun (he was so wrong)
20- I had rheumatic fever/heart disease when I was 13y/o
21- I enjoy playing Scrabble esp. with my dad.
22- I never experienced spanking from my parents
23- I am not comfortable speaking in public
24- I easily get dizzy in moving vehicles
25- I was angry when Ninoy Aquino was killed
26- I was an 'extra' in the movie Deadly Roses (a movie I never saw)
27- I was a CAT officer
28- In 1984, I had first degree burn on my face courtesy of our pressure cooker
29- In high school, I graduated with honors (20 ata kami noon)
30- I dreamt of being a journalist (di naman masamang mangarap)
31- I had appendectomy in 1986
32- I thought I was good in numbers so I took up engineering (I proved myself wrong later on)
33- My first calculator in college is so cute but not scientific (that's why I failed my first quiz in Trigo)
34- I took up Industrial Engineering in college
35- My student number in MIT is 87117318
36- My very first subject in college is Chemistry
37- I hate chemistry; Chemistry hates me
38- My first dormmate is Eleanor Fejer
39- I joined a collegiate service sorority in 1988 (nasa puso ko pa rin yon 'til now)
40- I got 'bokya' in a quiz bec. my then new calculator is solar-powered. Uso noon ang brownout and my classes were usually in the evening
41- I finished college in Nov. 1991
42- My best friend is Glenda Saludes-Cruz of Mariveles
43- The first time I voted was in 1992
44- My first job was selling (sales engineer for a roofing company)
45- I photocopied my very first salary
46- I lasted only 2 days on my second job.
47- My 3rd job was as an Industrial Engineer in shoe manufacturing company (1992)
48- I had an operation in my ureter in 1992 (stone removal)
49- I worked for Bankard, Inc. for 10 months (1995)
50- I met my husband at Salem Beds where we both worked (sya 5years, ako 3 months)
51- I never had my own birthday party :-(
52- I learn to drive in 1996
53- I once lost my entire bag to a theft in a mall (muntik na akong maglakad pauwi ng bulacan)
54- I got married in 1997
55- I had 2 miscarriages
56- I was devastated when my dad died in 1999
57- I first gave birth in 1999
58- I named my son Vince Mitchell. Vince bec. my dad's second name is Vincent, and I like Mitch of Bay Watch (corny..)
59- My OB Gyne is a good friend from high school
60- I got an educational plan (CAP) for Vince when he was 8 months
61- I switched career from industrial engg to IT in 1996
62- My first IT job was as an MIS Assistant
63- I am good in systems analysis and application testing
64- I studied programming but didn't have the time and patience to practice it
66- I am not into sports (my body is not designed for it)
67- I am scared of dogs, snakes and heights
68- We started our plans to migrate in 2002
69- Australia was our first destination
70- 2003, we appreciated New Zealand
71- We got invited to apply for Work-to-Residence visa on June 27 2005
72- I like Kris Aquino
73- I am not afraid of moomoo
74- The first and only time I had Big Mac was in July 2005
75- My favorite perfume is Beautiful
76- I am not into Nokia phones
77- My phone right now is Samsung E330
78- I collect wonderful quotes
79- I gave birth to my second child in 2004
80- I don't like raisins and pineapples cooked
81- My right thyroid gland was removed in 2002
82- I only had professional manicure/pedicure once (for my wedding)
83- My shoe size used to be 7.0, now it's 7.5 (minsan 8 pa)
84- Waistline - secret!
85- Weight and height - secret pa rin!
86- I have freckles all over my face
87- I completed all payments to CAP despite news that they are 'bankrupt'
88- I don't' drink nor smoke
89- I don't have a night life
90- I don't have a social life (sabi ko na sa inyo boring ako)
91- I am 'matalinaw" (20/20 vision)
92- I have not seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies (dehins ko sya type)
93- I was able to read only one Harry Potter Book, yung #2
94- I have 18 inaanaks
95- My dream vacation is BORACAY
96- My pc at home is so jurasic, a Pentium 1 233mHz
97- After office, I am a full time mom (no computer, no cellphone)
98- One thing that I would like to learn is how to get mad.
99- I love watching CSI (Las Vegas), The Oprah Winfrey Show and Justice League
100- When I was just learning to drive, naka-disgrasya ako ng tao
101- Wala akong favorite color.
* - I got the inspiration from Teacher Sol
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