A Festive Family Gathering

I visited my parents again Sunday the 7^th, at the memorial park. I thought of seeing the caretaker of my parents plot for his allowance. The caretaker is on his early fifties who earn his living, taking care of the plots at the memorial park. I did not see him last 25^th of Oct, the last time I visited. Being a Sunday and a week after All Souls Day, the memorial park was full of visitors taking time off from household chores to visit their loved ones. Or I guess like me they did not have time to visit last 1^ST of Nov. I was at work then.

For some families who have cars either they visit early, prior to All Souls Day celebration to have a good parking slot. Or, visit after the occasion. For a fee, tents are provided by the memorial park with matching chairs and a table. The park was on festive mood that started early Sunday morning. As described to me by my parents caretaker. Since night vigils are no longer allowed by the memorial park after All Saints Day and All Souls day. The visiting family members stayed from early morning to late afternoon.  Packed lunch, water and juices were among those prepared for a day vigil.

Upon arriving at the park, a boy around I guess four years old was crouched with pout lips trying to blow a candle. His older sister was giggling as she tried to stop him. The boy probably thought the candle had to be blown like the candle on his birthday cake. The candles placed on the headstones or anywhere near the departed loved ones have to be left lighted.  Soon as extinguished, they have to be replaced until all the visiting family members decided to go home. Of course, beautiful floral arrangements are likewise laid on same places.

The Philippines is composed of several regions and ethnic groups that may differ, in honoring and showing love to departed loved ones. One thing sure is Filipinos attachment to their families, living or those in the after lives.  ♥

All Souls Day VS Halloween

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Except for those homes located in posh villages, offices, and shopping malls. Halloween is not a great festivity in the Philippines. Most Filipinos would rather be at memorial parks and cemeteries to be with their departed loved ones. We visit departed loved ones on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, bringing candles and flowers. To some, just to avoid traffic jams, they visit as early as a week before or on the 31^th of Oct or 2^nd of Nov.

All Souls Day is the 2^nd of Nov. following All Saints Day. In the Philippines, however, we celebrate All Souls Day on the 31^st of Oct through the 1^st of Nov. Traditionally All Souls Day is great fiesta for Filipinos. It had been handed down from generation to generations. Filipino families gather themselves at the place where departed loved ones were laid to rest. Some would stay overnight from the 31^st of Oct. to the 1^st of Nov. To some however, they spend the vigil lavishly. Such that, some would bring wines and liquors, intoxicating themselves forgetting some wants to celebrate the occasion solemnly in prayers. To maintain peace and order, police officers are posted inside memorial parks and cemeteries. Bags are inspected from the entrance. Items like, karaoke, kitchen knives, playing cards are confiscated and returned to the owners upon leaving the area.

I visited my parents with my brother and sister in law, Monday 25^th of October. Good enough I heeded the advice of my sis in law. I filed vacation leave for Friday, 29^th of Oct. Lady luck did not smile at me. The vacation leave was not approved. The 1^st of Nov. is a holiday in the Philippines, but sad to say. No holiday for those working in Call Centers. The good news is we get additional pay working on Philippine holidays.

The Bookworm

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What is this young lady doing? What else but looking  at the array of books in a bookshelf. This young lady is the big girl in my earlier post titled, Some of My Treasures. This young lady is crazy about books and computers, like her auntie.  Looks like it runs in the family you say? Yes, of course. She is cute, too. Ahem! Told you, it runs in the family. I took this photo inside a bookstore in Alabang Muntinlupa City, Philippines. This was last Sept 2010, at our quick stop on our way home. She immediately took charge by browsing some books when we were inside the bookstore. Later, I guess she figured out she has other books to read at home. She resisted the temptation of taking one book to the cashier.

There is a popular theory of language acquisition called "schema" theory. Schema is an organized pattern of thought or behavior.  As children develop separate schemata for experiences they acquire. They apply these experiences in their growing years and in their adulthood. Literacy in language helped to express these schematic experiences in a form of both verbal and written communications. Books are good source of vocabularies and general knowledge. Non readers do not develop their reasoning skills and are simply dependent on intuitions. Their levels of communications are more on vernacular levels. Children who are wide readers become more literate and well rounded. Children who are good readers develop more self confidence. They know they could express themselves well.

Who Is That Girl?

This is another old photo of a high school teen. I know you guys are grinning. This is of the course the lady who refused to grow old and be a little princess in her dreams. ☺

The skirt was my school uniform. The so called naughty boys, or who knows even the girls would look up whenever I went up the stairs at our school campus. Lo! They got frustrated. I used to wear short pant underneath my skirt. My mother used to scold me for wearing mini skirt however it was quite comfortable to wear. The reason I guess my mother had, was not because she did not want me to expose my legs. It was because she was saving on her laundry soap. She had to wash my skirts and shorts. Mini skirts by the way, are never out of fashion in the Philippines. Nowadays however, I would rather wear slack pants and legging jeans.

One of my blogger friends, requested me to post some of the old photos I had kept. I mentioned about the old photos and letters in my previous post. We are each others fans. She is the ever zany busy mom that you would love her sumptuous simple recipes. Want to get to know her? I am sharing the secrets.   

http://busymomrecipes1.blogspot.com http://babyboomerlaughline.blogspot.com

That is all to today, folks. Your princess had been too busy lately. Thank you for all of your unwavering support. Have a wonderful day… everyone! ♥ 

Thank You Jackie Chan

Friends and bloggers, I feel better now after listening to the news almost everyday following 23^rd of August incident. I am on vacation leave again by the way. Four days, out of my remaining eight days vacation leave for 2009. My special thanks to Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan for his faith in the Filipino people. Here are except of his message from his Twitter account.

“HK is a nation built by a lot of different people.. don’t worry! We do not hate!” “Humans should be united and not kill or hate each other,”

Those who were involved in the incident are now under investigation and relieved of their duties. The ground commander who should I say had forgotten his common sense is on leave, too. The sentiment of every Filipino is for the responsible ones, be it in the line of uniformed or non- uniformed officials, to face the music. That is if, their lapse of judgement is proven beyond reasonable doubt. I do not have a military training, yet, it is my belief common sense must prevail to preserve innocent lives over rules of engagement.

Friends, I had written I have my childish manners. I laugh and cry easily. Yet, I am strong willed. The trait I acquired living by myself since I was in my late teens.  Do not worry I do not bite without reasons.  I do not go berserk when I get mad. There are times I would remain silent and withdraws when offended so as not to hurt people. I posted in here a real story, not wanting to hide from my online friends the real scenario of what is happening in our country. Generally, Filipinos are peace loving people, courageous, and you could give an above average passing grade when it comes to endurance. We had proven this to the whole world during 1986 People Power Revolution.

Miss Universe 4^th Runner Up, Maria Venus Raj arrived at the airport at around four in the morning today 26^th of August, time in Philippines. I am happy for her positive attitude. To us Filipinos she is a winner. No major, major, regrets she represented our country to the most prestigious Beauty Pageant. My congratulations to you, my fellow Bicolana! ☺

Few Good Men

Friends and bloggers, I am writing this post with a heavy heart. I am not superstitious person. However, Monday, 23^rd of August is not a good week to start with. Personally I always look forward to the start of the week as a new beginning. I felt so sorry the inevitable unfortunate events took place. In your own living room you must have watched live the hostage taking incident in Manila. I wished it never happened. Yet it did, watched by the whole world while some inept uniformed men struggled to end the tourist hostage frenzy. Where was the boss anyway?

A candle for peace

I normally report for work early, to avoid rush hour traffic jam.  I got lucky I got a ride at once and arrived at least an hour before my log in time. We have two cafeterias at the office and both have television stations broadcasting the incident, live. Most of my officemates were cursing while some were teary eyed. We watched and listened to the panting voices of the radio, television and other media personalities who were eager to have details of the story. I was very much disturbed when I got home at seven in the morning. I cried for the fate of the innocent people who just wanted to have a little enjoyment in life. I cried for the fate of Filipinos.

I do not blame anyone, yet I am a person bruised and wounded emotionally. I pray for forgiveness and understanding from the victims relatives. I abhor, apologized for the strong word to my readers, the ways of coward uniformed men for the settlement of their undue demands. Gentlemen in uniform, like you and most civilian Filipinos we are warriors in whatever ways to uplift each of our lives. By going berserk to reiterate your demands the more you hurt yourself, your families and your countrymen as a whole. Because of the latest incident, we became a laughing stock to the whole world. We have threatened possible investors to our country that would alleviate our economic turmoil.

I challenge you uniformed Filipino gentlemen to go by your sworn duties, to die in dignity for protecting lives of innocent people not protecting your own. I challenge you to pass on the legacy to your descendants with pride the Philippines Flagged wrapped on your lifeless body. What a great honor for a gallant Filipino, is it not? There are only few good men, count yourself in.

Going Bananas

The Philippines is among one of the Asian countries known as producers of banana plants. It is why most Filipinos are pimple free. You could not find a monkey with pimples, not ever! Kidding aside, I made a research on this fruit. I found out there is truth in this widely circulated jokes.

By pressing regularly the inside, of banana peel on our forehead and our cheeks, it tightens the skin thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It may not produce an instant result. But by doing it regularly and continuously the skin will look fresher, more toned and healthier. Banana peel speeds up healing of bruises because of its natural healing properties. It helps regenerate and restore skin cells. Banana peels can be used to heal warts. Cut the peel to the size of the wart and tape it in place. It takes around five to seven days to heal the wart completely.

Banana fruit can be used as anti wrinkle topical treatment. It can help detoxify the skin. When used as exfoliating mask. Combine one fourth cup of mashed banana and honey or other ant-oxidants rich fruits. Another way is by combining mashed banana fruit with white cosmetic clay. Mashed banana is used as facial mask to brighten up the skin and clear up acne. If you have no time to buy facial mask, mash one half of banana fruit. Add two teaspoon of flaxseed oil and four to five drops of rose water. Mix them all together to make a fine paste. Apply on your face and neck. Relax for twenty to thirty minutes, then rinse face with cool water. Bananas are rich in oils the helps skin from drying out. The soothing properties of banana fruit prevent acne and other types of imbalances causing inflammation.

What’s In It with Coffee?

Had you visited Manila, and some other cities in the Philippines, you must have noticed a lot of coffee shops located almost everywhere. Among the top ten coffee shops are ~♥

1.      Starbucks

2.      Gloria Jean’s

3.      Bo’s Coffee

4.      Figaro

5.      Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

6.      Seattle’s Best Coffee

7.      Café de Lipa

8.      UCC Café Plaza

9.      McCafe of McDonalds

Let us stop and talk a while..

10.  Café Capreal 

In Manila, most of these coffee shops are located inside hotels, shopping malls or they have their own rented place like that of Starbucks. Starbucks rank number one. You could easily find one, either close to offices, golf course or any strategic locations frequented by people from all walks of life. To be more attractive to coffee lovers, this coffee shop sells, tumblers, coffee mugs, bags or other items bearing Starbucks name. Although Filipinos love coffee, those who have tight budget may not be interested buying the items. They are quite pricey. Coffee lovers do buy them as keepsake items. One thing I noticed about Starbucks is their accommodating place. You could enjoy your stay in the place as long as you want. In some coffee shops waiters would ask if you have other orders or needed something. As if to say, you need to give way to other customers.

As people used to flock to these coffee shops. The entrepreneurship mind of their marketing staff had conceptualized the idea of selling cakes and pastries to go with coffee. Coffee shops are even popular than ice cream parlors. After all who wants to sweat it out at the gym to ward off excess calories? So what is with coffee that made it so popular? Nothing really, it is the place that is more important. Coffee shops are places you could conveniently stay while waiting for your friends. It is a good place for buying time while waiting for a business partner for an important meeting. Or a place to simply read the morning news paper while enjoying a stick of cigarette all by your self.  ☺

Care for a Cup of Coffee?

Hello World Wide Web! Good morning everyone! Never mind what time you are reading my blog. I want to great you all, good morning. Morning is the start of a brand new day, a new beginning, a brand new hope. What a wonderful world, isn’t it? 

Coffee is great when shared with friends.

The past week was just fine. Thank you my friends for making me smile with your blog posts. I am grateful too, my friend is safe from his mission and now back at his office. His silence for almost two weeks made me nervous however I can not do anything. He loves his job. It is a profession for him and I respect that. I can only pray for his safety. He is a professional soldier assigned by his country in Afghanistan.

I had a bad allergic attack for three days this the past week coupled with slight fever. No worries folks, both were taken care of. I have a pretty good immune system. I did not take medicines yet when I started to feel pain in my throat whenever I would shallow. You could call me stubborn and I agree. I thought gurgling with lukewarm water with salt would cure my painful throat. However, when the dry cough started, I accepted the fact I could not stop my allergy anymore. 

My antihistamine cough medicines did help, plus the non drowse cold medicines. I am grateful to whoever invented these medicines. If you have allergic cough like me, you would know the discomfort for coughing non-stop. It is dry and painful cough. Nope, I did not stay in bed but went to work. I got lucky I did not lose my voice. I just had to press the mute button of my Avaya phone every time I would cough with a customer on the other line. Whoever uses my headset when I am not in my work station should have a good immune system, too. 

I slept too long Saturday morning. I thought of babying myself once in a while. I woke up feeling refreshed. No more fever, the cough had lessened. If you by any chance read about the 6.5 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines, no worries, the place is too far away from Manila. It happened in Cotabato City the southern part of Mindanao. Mindanao is the Philippines second largest island. According to the news, there was no casualty.

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http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20100724/tph-after-magnitude-6-9-quake-aftershock-ce44f36.html

Weather Update

Weather in Manila, Philippines is back to normal warm temperature after typhoon Conson. The sunshine brings a smile to many after the storm.

The city folks were stunned by very strong wind last Tuesday night, 13^th of July. The following day however most houses had the electricity service resumed in the early afternoon. The aftermath of the strong typhoon could not be seen much in Manila, compared to those in the nearby provinces.  Badly hit by typhoon was nearby provinces. I felt sorry for those families who lost their loved ones. I pray for their immediate emotional recovery.

I was happy to receive text message to my phone from my American friend from Tennesey. He said he saw in the news about the typhoon. No teasing here folks. The two of us are just friends, okies? Getting defensive? Nope! I just do not want his girl friend to break up with him. By any chance, his real sweetheart reads this post. To my blogger friends from World Wide Web, thank you so much for your concern. You are my treasures. No worries. Your princess was hardly affected by Conson.

Yes, Manila is back to its normal warm weather now. I am glad I have earlier work shift. The schedule helps me to save on sun block lotion. My umbrella though had been a great companion, rain or shine. It is just that, sometimes I get lazy to give it a room inside my shoulder bag.

Typhoon Hit Manila Philippines

Manila, Philippines was hit by typhoon, Tuesday night, 13^th of July international code name Conson. It was signal no. 2 in Manila area but wind was very strong. Some areas in Manila do not have electricity as of yet and no internet connection. The power was shut down to avoid accidents or further accidents. I am glad however that at home, waking up at 3pm  14^th of July, Philippines time, our electricity service was back on. My internet connection is also working as if nothing happens.

I was at work last night and hardly felt the strong wind. The building where our office is housed is quite sturdy. I did not even feel what happened in the entire Metropolis. It was in the morning coming home from work when reality bites. Our neighbor advised me she was so scared and could not sleep keeping close watch at their roof that might be blown off. Thanks goodness the roofing was intact sparing them from major repairs. The rain was not that much. It was that wind apparently that was so scary.

At home except from missing cold water to drink everything seemed alright. I missed the electricity for a while. I slept after drying my hair with a hand fan after I had taken my shower. I just turned on my electric fan at its lowest. I woke up at the cool brush of air from my osciliating electric fan. I checked on my internet connection, typed this short post to let you know folks your Jolly Princess is still smiling.  ☺