What I am Up To

I haven't been writing here as much as I want to. I've been juggling loads of things at the same time. Here are what I have been up to lately:

* My pregnancy

Adam is getting really big lately! I'm on my 7th month now is slowly preparing for the birth. We have already bought the major stuff and is soon to buy his clothes. There's this superstition that you can't buy an incoming baby clothes unless he is already 7 months old in the womb. Also, since my mom got that 12K worth of Sm GC and we used it for Adam's things, I am hoping more GCs will be given since it is Christmas. =) But I have been spending a lot of time in the mall lately to walk of my edema/manas. Thank God it's gone now.

* Colympics

I have been sending invites and proposals left and right. So far so good re media and product sponsorships. Hope to hear from the participants soon.

* My Website

I have started inviting suppliers to be advertisers in my website and so far I have 3! Looking forward in having more. =)

* My advocacies

Speaking, I am again asking your help to sign this petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/7/maximum-penalty-for-the-man-who-brutually-killed-a-dog-in-lithuania

It is about a man who threw his dog in the bridge! Imagine the horror the poor dog must have felt. I don't get it why some people are just so cruel. This dog needs justice so please sign. Thank you in advance.

On a more positive news, we have a new dog! We named him Arf Arf like our previous pet. He's such a darling. =)

My Pacquiao Weekend

I am never a boxing fan until Manny Pacquiao came around. Even if I don't want to watch a two people cream each other I HAVE to. HAVE because he is a Filipino and being a Filipino too I want to support him. But every fight converted me into a fanatic and I am not just watching to support him but because I want to. I enjoy his fights so much. What added to my fanaticism is the fact that he is not even a bit arrogant and that is very rare from a man of his ability and stature.

So last Sunday when he fought Cotto I supporting him 100%. I admit I was a bit anxious, not so sure if he can win this or not. I have watched 24/7 Pacquiao VS Cotto the night before and the champ was distracted while Cotto was very focused on his training. Not only that but there was animosity on his camp between his adviser and strength trainer and I was afraid that will bring malas to him. And so I prayed harder for him that night asking God for his win. And God granted my prayers! Combined with his grace and Pacman's ability, he easily won the fight! We were so ecstatic even if we have to watch it just on GMA 7 and endure all the commercials. It really is a very fine day when David once again thwarted another Goliath!

To people's champ Manny Pacquiao, Congratulations! We are so proud of you. We will again be praying for you on your next fight with Floyd(?).

Late Anniversary Post

I'm sharing here some photos taken during our Anniversary last November 9. The concept? This is us a year after. =)

Aren't we cute? hehe I don't even look 7 months pregnant. *wink*

On other news, my dog Alfred died that day also. :(( I was really crying like crazy. He was my dog and I love him so much. We were together since he was 2 and half months old. He's a Rottweiler and I really feel safe with him around. Now I feel vulnerable. And every time I see his empty nest I want to cry.

Buhbye my sweet Fred. I am missing you so much!

Loyal Dog Waits for Family

I was really touched by this:

Dog Builds ‘Nest’ From Injured Family’s Possessions

When Kathy, an animal shelter worker in Tennessee, spotted an emaciated Rottweiler along the side of a highway, she figured the dog was a stray or had been cruelly abandoned there.

But Kathy soon realized that there was something different about “Ella.” Ella was friendly and eager for attention -- behavior that is unusual for either a stray or an abused animal. She had clearly been loved by someone.

There were more clues in the wooded area just off the highway. Kathy discovered a “nest” where Ella had been sleeping. It was strewn with someone’s personal items, including a toothbrush, razor, comb and candle.

Then Kathy remembered something crucial. A few weeks earlier, a terrible car wreck had taken place on the highway…very close to where Ella had made her makeshift home.

Could Ella have been in the car? Was it possible that she had survived the crash and gathered the items thrown from her family’s car? Was she now loyally waiting for someone’s return?

Help Pets Separated From Suffering Families

Kathy’s hunch soon proved true. She contacted the state’s highway patrol authorities and learned that a single car had flipped over and landed on the side of the road near Ella’s “nest.” A family of five had been in the car. Some members had been hospitalized, but they all survived.

Rescuers had never seen Ella, who had likely been thrown from the car. The dog foraged on her own for a few weeks, drinking from a drainage ditch and patiently waiting for beloved family members who thought their special pet was dead!

American Humane stepped in when we learned that the family’s medical bills had caused tremendous financial strain. Unfortunately, the family had moved to a home that did not allow pets. We provided a critical grant to Kathy’s animal shelter to help fund Ella’s care.

Though unable to bring Ella back into their home at this time, the family was thrilled to see her and hopes to be reunited for good in the future. Meanwhile, Ella is living safely and comfortably in a loving foster home.

Minsan buti pa ang alaga...

Let's Join Hands in Fighting Global Warming

Just want to share this oh so important video.

Also, please visit the site Fight Global Warming. It's high time we get educated.

November

Ah, November! Signal of so many things: Christmas, long cations with the family and of course our Anniversary! We will soon be celevration one year of marital bliss this November 9! Yey! But since I am on the way, we can't travel. :( Bummer. Oh well. I bought already accomodations paman to Boracay/Palawan and we can't use it. Maybe next year? We'll see. So we will be celebrating the day by just being together. Maybe sleep till noon, watch a movie and have dinner. Simple yet special.. Can't wait! :)

Jay Adam

Finally I am able to scan Baby Jay Adam's ultrasound results and photos. Here they are:

It's a boy!


Jay Adam's close up shot

Colympics 2010 Concerns

We started inviting for the Colympics already starting with the media sponsors. So far so good in that area.

Yesterday, I started sending out the invites for the participants starting with AIG, Trancsom, ePLDT Ventus and GCS International. Imagine my surprise and irritation when I got a regrets email from Ventus.

Ventus! But they are our champion in Women's Volleyball! So why?!

I emailed their VP but no answer yet as to why. I'm starting to worry. Is this a bad omen?

Our Baby is...

We finally had that ultrasound.

IT'S A BOY!

So Jay Adam it is!

So excited! :)

Irritating Monday Morning

Early morning and my mood is shot.

My office computer is in dire need for an upgrade so my boss gave me permission to ask for a new memory. But last Friday, my computer conked out and it won't start. The computer technician said that my hard disk is having a hard time starting up so aside from the memory I now need a new hard disk. And so I gave our supply officer the specs of the two computer parts last Friday.

Just a few minutes ago, supply officer cam to me to pester me what kind of memory I would be needing. Memory card daw ba. Duh. Memory cards are for cameras not for computers. And since I gave him the specs already, I do not see why he is pestering me for this information. Also, he is insisting that memory and hard drive are just one and the same which is way not! I am having this feeling that he just doesn't want to buy me a these parts! Why I say so? I also have this outstanding request, which already has a purchase order signed by the Regional Director, to buy me a new computer chair since mine is busted. It has been 3 wks already and not chair has been purchased. My back is killing me which is being aggreviated by the fact that I am pregnant. I came to office today to find it totalled so I have no chair to use. Good thing my offiidn't go to the office today so I can use her chair. But what about tomorrow? Hay, pati ba naman sa loob meron paring red tape?!

Pepeng, Ondoy and Baby

Okay, here I am attempting to write a blogpost using my netbook. It's gonna be a taxing experience but I have to get the hang of it, right? Anyway, here it goes.

Pepeng is still in the house! Can you believe it? It is only now that I have teard of a typhoon going out of a country, making a U-turn then staying for almost a week now. It must be an unprecedented event. Another proof of global warming. He and Ondoy makes a good tandem. The places that Ondoy "forgave," Pepeng ravished. I dunno how we can get out of this one. I am anxious to start making changes but everybody is still busy surviving. My relatives in Pangasinan were badly hit by the floods yesterday. One evacuated already. As of press time we still don't have any news on their situation since their fones' batteries are already dead because there's no power in the area.

On another topic, I am now 23 weeks pregnant today! Been to the doctor and she gave me the go to have my ultrasound thgis Monday. Can't wait!

Ondoy's Wrath Tear Up a Family

This made me cry. It is so heartbreaking!

Last Family Portrait

Dad’s lament: ‘I wish I had died with them’
By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Miguel Asuela's world ended on the night of September 26 when in a matter of hours, he lost everything and everyone he held dear to tropical storm “Ondoy:” His mother, wife and their five children.
How do you measure a man’s grief? In his case, it seems impossible. “I wish I had died with them,” he said in Filipino, his eyes a study in anguish.
As Asuela stood at the El Capitan Memorial Homes in Marikina City, the 33-year-old looked like a man defeated. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes sunken and his cheeks gaunt. Silently he beheld the enormity of his loss: Six white gold-trimmed caskets lined one after another.
At the center was the casket for his wife, 29-year-old Desiree Bonifacio. Tucked into her left arm was their youngest son Lucky, who had been born only two weeks earlier.

Water-filled bungalow

Asuela’s entire family perished in floodwaters that had filled his bungalow on Patola Street in Concepcion I, Barangay Tumana. They were found in a heap inside the house, apparently trapped as strong currents prevented them from opening the door and fleeing.
Desiree was clutching Lucky to her body with one arm and one-year-old M.J. with the other. Beside them lay Asuela’s mother Ma. Flor Bonzo, 55; and Asuela’s other children Ma. Flordeliza, 11; Trixie, 9; and Miguelito, 7.
“Every night I can’t stop thinking about them. I keep thinking I should have been with them. I wish I had died too,” he said, almost in a whisper.
The Asuelas were a family of vendors selling religious items like rosaries, religious icons and sampaguita garlands and doing other odd jobs around the Immaculate Conception Parish Church.
That Saturday, Asuela had been working as a barker for jeepneys plying the Montalban and San Mateo route.
“At first, it was just a light drizzle. I didn’t really mind the rain. I never thought the water would rise so much,” he recalled.
Soon, the flood was knee-level and then waist-deep. Asuela began to worry. He rushed to the neighborhood and found that the waters down the ridge were almost up to his neck.
Senior Police Officer 3 Nonie de Belen of the Marikina Police Community Precinct 6 remembered how Asuela had tried to dive into the rampaging waters.
“I stopped him. I told him he’d drown, that he might end up dead while his family turned out to be okay,” he said. But De Belen was wrong.
Asuela said that when the floods subsided, he searched for his family in local schools that had served as impromptu evacuation centers for the flood victims.
“I didn’t go to the house. I was still hoping they were safe,” he said. When he found them nowhere, he returned to his house, accompanied by De Belen.
What Asuela found was more than he could bear.

Heartbreaking sight

He just sat in one corner and started crying, De Belen recalled. The policeman said, “I also couldn’t help but cry. The sight was heartbreaking.”
Asuela said his last moment with his family was over breakfast of hot pandesal and coffee. He said their happiest moment as a family came on July 12, 2008, when M.J. celebrated his first birthday.
“We shared a simple meal. We were all happy,” he said.
Asuela’s mother-in-law, Remedios Bonifacio, 54, said Asuela’s family was not completely gone. He actually has a remaining child, 3-year-old Leonardo, whom Asuela’s in-laws adopted after Desiree had given birth.
“He does not understand yet, Bonifacio said, referring to Leonardo. “When we ask him what happened to his siblings, he’d answer, ‘Sleeping,’” she said.

Bibay the Environmentalist

A lot of projects have been going through my mind eversince Typhoon Ondoy has ravanged the Philippines. Drastic movements shall be made so as to save the planet and thus ourselves. I have always been an environmentalist at heart. Heck, there was even a time I wanted to be one. Unfortunately, we don't have that in the Philippines. So I decided to be something else but I still never abandoned my save the planet ways and now Mother Earth needs me more than ever. If only I am not pregnant I could start right away but since I am. concrete ways have to wait. But planning can start now! I have already came up with a few ideas:

1. Conduct tree planting activities every now and then.

I have a lot of friends who will go along with this one. Seedlings are FREE at DENR, everybody should know this fact to take advantage of it so a tree planting activity is cost free.

2. Create events that will give awareness

My friend Leah gave me a good one that is even related to my current Wedding Blog project. Why not plant a tree for every couple that is getting married! I am sure with the help of other suppliers a lot of couples will go along with this.

3. Lobby for platic-less society

A friend from PAWS suggested this and I think he is correct. Since the event is still fresh and elections are just around the corner, we should push Senate to come up with this law that will order establishments to use paperbags instead of plastic. SM is already doing this every Wednesday. We should compel ALL establishments to do the same.

4. Coordinate with DepED and Sate U's to educate the kids

Instead of spending their free time and NSTP doing "nothing," why not educate them on the global warming and its effects. But educating kids is not enough. They should practice what they learn to really inculcate the message. Practical exams will therefore be tree planting activitoes, clean up activities and other save the Earth activities. While we are at it, why not educate them also on animal rights? Now that's hitting two birds in one stone!

I'm sure I will come up with more just give me time. For the meantime, I will be maintaining a site to help promote the salvation of the environment. That will keep me busy while waiting. I will also continue fund raising WWF and having them talk at the our Colympics. We should all do what we can. This will only get worse people!

How was Typhoon Ondoy Able to Flood the Whole Luzon

It was the worst the Philippines has ever seen. For the first time in history, the whole Manila area was flooded together with other 14 or so provinces. And not just any flood, flood that will make Noah build his legendary ark. At first I thought my mom was exaggerating when she said she wouldn't be able to go home last weekend because the flood in the Cainta Junction was already 10 feet high. I have never heard such thing so I thought she just feels tired and doesn't want to go home anymore after her meeting that 1pm at Antipolo. I even told her that she has a service to bring her home so that wouldn't be a problem. When she replied in our ym chat that Edsa is also flooded, I replied with a pouty "Ok. Bahala ka." then turned on the TV and tuned in to DZMM at Channel 3. That's when I accepted the hard reality that what my mom was telling me is indeed the awful truth. For 10 hours, the news screamed of pleas of help from stranded victims in their rooftops asking to be rescued, of landslides and flash floods. No one was spared because places that were never affected by floods before were now submerged in water. Electric power was cut in the condo by 1:30PM and my mom kept texting that the water is rising and that she is running out of battery soon. Our condo is located near Ortigas Extension in the Pasig-Cainta area besides the Pasig River. The water rose so high in our unit that it covered the 1st floor destroying the units located there. My mom was also stranded for 2 days with no decent food. Other than that, she is fine.

Ondoy then proceeded to Central Luzon where in stayed in Pampanga to play for a couple of hours. When Ondoy arrived, water in our backyard (a farm) began rising as well as the water in front of our house. Thank god our house is elevated so we need not worry too much about the water in front. What worried us is the accumulating water at the back. When the water got so high years before, it needs an outlet of release thus destroying houses in the process. The first year that happened it destroyed the house extension of our neighbor bringing with it the neighbor's washing machine, car, Tv and other appliances. Two more houses were destroyed the same manner. The next year another neighbor got destroyed. The raging water brought with it parts of the house as well as the fence that seperates it from the other neighbor. Again, another two houses were destroyed the same manner. So this year, we are afraid it will happen to us. After all, weve been spared twice already. But lighting struck somewhere and the poor unfortunate house still has a waterfall in it. That won't stop until the water at the back is all drained.

So why all this destruction? Ondoy was not a super typhoon but it was able to bring Luzon down. I have a few theories:

1. Global Warming

We have been warned this would happen sooner or later and yet we sneer thinking it won't or at least it won't happen until a couple of hundred of years or so. But it is happening. Climate change is happening all over the world and it's all man's fault. The snow caps are melting thus more water to precipitate thus more water to bring down on us. It's a freaking cycle and it's just going to get worse! But man is still oblivious until a few thousands have suffered. We continue to quarry our mountains resulting in landslides like in Montalban, Tanay and Antipolo. We also continue cutting down trees that's why we don't have their roots to help support the mountain soil. I could go on and on but that would be a waste of energy. What we need to do is to remedy this. In our own way, save a tree if you can't plant one. Conserve energy and fuel. Why buy a Hummer if you know it disposes so much smoke that it can clog the air? Etc, etc. Little ways help a lot!

2. Our Garbage Disposal Sucks

When the water subsided in Metro Manila, what was left? Garbage! People throw their garbage everywhere. Garbage that clog the sewers. So when we need these sewers to suck the water, they can't. If we just help by disposing our garbage properly then the water won't get as high as it has been. Even the rivers overflowed because they are now so shallow because of garbage.

So basically what I am saying is this is all our fault. God has not forsaken us; we have forsaken the environment and now it's payback time. I hope that after this catastrophy we now think of ways to remedy the bigger problem. I don't want another Ondoy to happen.

My Projects

I have been busy with my wedding blog projects all long weekend long. I have registered the site to free directories and free traffic sites to up it's traffic. I have also registered it in sites that look for advertisers and so far so good. I've had advertisers but my highest bid is still just $0.30. I have to double my efforts to get at least $1 a day. I will also be writing to local suppliers to offer them my site for their advertising endeavors. I am planning on charging a measly P50/day for starters just to get the ball rolling. If I can get 3-5 suppliers then that can still amount to something, eh?

As for my pet project The Call Center Olympics, I am now busy computing the expenses. So far, one big company has signified to be a media sponsor. I am happy because that really up the chances of getting sponsors who pay money. Hey, the free products are great but I still need cash. =) Plus, it'll be election year next year and I am willing to stoop as low as to get a politician for a co-presentor. The baby will be coming soon and we need all the moolah we can gather. Soon I'll also be unable to do all these stuff so better do all the hadwork now than cram later. Besides, these projects are giving me the energy rush I love.

Another Sickness for Me

We finally went to the ENT doctor last Tuesday when I again secreted blood from my nose. This started when I blew in a tissue last week when I have the colds. Instead of mucus, blood-and lots of it, came out of my nose. I am not so worried since it may just be my mucosa since I have been blowing hard to get rid of the mucus as my pulmonary doctor said when I visited him after a few days for my monthly visit. But it became a worrysome thing when it happened again last Saturday and again last Monday this time with me not even blowing in a tissue. I was just lying in bed reading a book when I felt that I need to release something from my nose. When I did get hold of a tissue lots of blood again came out. The bleeding lasted till the next morning but the blood is not gushing out. It won't come out until I blow in a tissue. That made us worry since the blood might be coming from my lungs. So I finally consented to see a doctor - an ENT doctor as my mom pester me, after my husband gave me a cold shoulder after the incident for being so stubborn and not going to an ENT doctor right after the first incident. And so me, hubby and my dad went to an ENT doctor and was instructed to have a nose colonoscopy. A nose colonoscopy is when they insert this rod rod like instrument in your nose to see its insides. Its uncomfortable as hell and it costs a lot too, much to my annoyance. So the diagnosis is in: I'm abnormal; my veins in the nose are exposed which should be under the skin as a normal person's would. Their exposure made them weak and sensitive and that's what's causing the darn bleeding. I need not worry said the doctor. I just have to spray some steroid up my nose twice everyday together with my inhaler which I also take twice a day. It'll be a cause of worry if I started sprouting blood daily - a tablespoon is enough to cause alarm OR if i suddenly bleed buckets of blood. If that happens then it's an emergency since I might lose a lot of blood if I am giving birth and my nose is joining the raket. So there, another sickness for me. I just hope baby won't be so lucky and get them also like what happened to me - I inherited all of my parents health defects from my dad's seryngoma to my mom's scoliosis and asthma.

Dog Culling in China: Another Barbaric Act of the Chinese

Another barbaric deed of the Chinese happening in this time today is the killing of dogs in one of their cities. Why do they kill them? Because of over population, I gather. But then again, they do this also to dogs with owners who do not meet their specifications. They chase them and beat them senselessly until they die. Now is that the correct way to do it? There's no right way of killing an innocent animal whose only fault is to live in this world but why do these people choose to subject them to more hurt? If it can't be helped, why not just euthanize them? That is the more humane way to do it! I really don't have any respect for the Chinese now. They really don't care who they hurt as long as they make money out of it. Ruthless and barbaric, that's what they are!

Please help in making a stop to this. Please sign the petition here:

http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw_united_states/get_involved/take_action/take_action_2.php?msource=DR090919001&tr=y&auid=5300459#x

This really makes my blood boil.

Please sign!

Another cause that needs our help:

http://www.uniteddogs.com/stopkillingdogs/

Please tell everyone you know.

PAWS ADoption Billboard in Edsa

You are looking at the first PAWS Adoption billboard. Situated in Guadalupe Edsa, the billboard features Karyle and Shoeshine, a rescued dog in Marikina. Isn't she a beauty? I hope a lot of establishments will follow this good example so that a lot of people may be informed that adoption is an option and that animals, even our local cats and dogs, deserve our love and attention. Kudos to Eastwood for sponsoring this billboard! Thank you, thank you!

My Presario is in the Hospital

My baby laptop is in the hospital. She refused to open up because her hard disk is failing. She is sick and now I'm crippled. I feel so paralized without her especially since I am maintaining a wedding blogsite that I have to update daily. To my readers, a little patience please. We are doing our best to revive her. I am extra worried thou since I bought her in the US and all my drives are there plus my warranty is also there. I pray that she will come back to me this weekend when my mom's "doctors" have alreay taken care of her. This is going to be a long week.

Asthma Nuisance

Just came from my doctor and the verdict is in: I have to indure the inhaler till I give birth else there's a possibility I won't be giving birth the normal way. Ugh! Why do my asthma has to strike now that I am pregnant?!

Greyhound Racing in the Philippines is NOT Happening

Our efforts paid off! Greyhound Racing in the Philippines is never going to happen! Hurrah! Thanks to those who voted no and helped spred the word. Special thanks to Senator Jamby and Cardinal Vidal of Cebu who helped. I am oh so happy when I got the email!

House withholds OK from greyhound racing

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:59:00 09/08/2009

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has agreed to hold in abeyance its approval of a second franchise for greyhound dog racing after animal protection groups prevailed upon the Senate to defer action on the first franchise.

Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona said House members agreed to beat a retreat from his House Bill 4116, which grants a legislative franchise to the Southeast Asia Greyhound Racing Club Inc., even though the bill had been approved on second reading.

Madrona said the House was forced to make the move after seven senators vowed to block the introduction of greyhound racing in the country because it was "immoral" and "cruel to animals."

They were prevailed upon to do so by animal rights groups Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Animal Kingdom Foundation, Feathered Friends, Compassion and Responsibility for Animals, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The Senate is currently deliberating the first legislative franchise to operate greyhound racing in Mandaue City for Fox New Millennium Amusement Club Inc. (FNMACI), which was approved as HB 5291 by the lower house in December.

Madrona said the House committee on franchises had conducted extensive hearings on the two greyhound racing franchises before they were approved.

Wrestling with a Giant

My shoulders are still aching from the wrestling match I had with my Rottweiler Alfred last Thursday. I let him out of his cage so he can walk around the house for his much needed excercise. But much to my annoyance, our kittens, who I put in our roof to keep them safe from the giant dog, don't have the sense to stay there. So imagine this giant breed of a dog going in top speed to catch this little kitten. I was in panic and honestly, I didn't really think when I joined in their "battle." I was trying to prevent Alfred from eating my kitten and I put all my efforts in prying him away from the poor thing. He doesn't have a collar so I have to put my arms around his neck to try drag him to his cage which is like 5 meters away. I was close to crying. He is so strong and he refuses to budge his eyes trained on the kitten who is hidding under the table. It took all my strength to drag him to his cage but the darn mutt won't enter his lair! So I have to drag him to our bodega only to have him escape yet again. I finally won the battle when I was able to get hold of him again and ribboned the hose on his neck to hold him. I then grab hold of the scared kitten and toss her inside the house for safety. Only then did Alfred came back to his senses and allowed me to lead him to his cage with a cup of food as bait. Only then did I remember I was pregnant. Good thing, Alfred didn't attack me when I started meddling with him and his "dinner." After the wrestling match, my hubby arrived and was really surprised to see me in this dishieveled form. He said I smelled like the dog. Well, good thing baby is safe after all that activity.

You are Crazy, Woman!

I was selling mg GC for Boracay because I won't be able to use it anymore. Someone signified that they want to buy it. But instead of just buying the GC and taking care of all the bookings, the supposed buyer asked me to book them already. The GC is for 2 adults and 2 kids and they are 5 adults and 2 kids. Anybody can see the huge discrepancy in the numbers. So accommodating as I was, I did what they asked thinking that it is a sure deal. After all, you don't book something you are not sure of, right? Then all of a sudden she's telling me she'll think about it coz the offer in the other hotel is cheaper. The person who referred her said she might be asking for a discount and after that message from her came the message asking for a discount so I gave it to her. I really am anxious to get the GC off my hands because I need the money for something else. I thought everything is okay already since she asked for specific details and also told me she will deposit the money in my bank Thursday. So imagine my surprise when she told me she is now backing out and will not be taking the GC anymore! Come on! You don't put someone into that much trouble then not end up getting the product! I would have appreciated it if she was upfront from the start - that she is still canvassing. But no, she asked to be booked! That person is a little crazy I tell you!

Amazing Dogs

Meet Chanel, the world's oldest dog. She recently just past away at the age of 21 or 147 in human years. Such a long life which has been lived with love and caring. Her owners dote on her and she as constantly showered with care and attention. No wonder she lived to be so old.

Here's a picture of Chanel who loves to wear a sweater because it keeps her warm:

On a related note, the world's tallest god, Gibson, has also recently just passed away. Like Chanel, he was also constantly showered with love and attention by his doting owners.

Here's a picture of Gibson:

I wish all animals are as lucky as them.

The Wedding Obssession

I am not a big fan of Telenovelas. I actually think that they are a waste of my time since their storylines are usually predictable plus I also hate the fact that I have to tune in everyday so as to satisfy my OCness. So it is a big surprise for me to really like ABS CBN's The Wedding. I was able to watch it from the start since my husband, who doesn't have cable at their home, watches Tayong Dalawa and The Wedding is right after it. I love The Wedding's light and funny story but most of all I realize that the storyline reminds me a lot of our own love story - how my husband, who is a simple man, dates me in the park and treats me to fishball and carinderia food (Mind you, like Marlon to Candice he is the only one who took me to such a place and food. I haven't eaten in carinderias before I met him. ), how we broke up for such a mundane reason, how I took on another boyfriend after two weeks just to keep my mind from thinking of him and how he realized I am the only one he really wanted and asked me to be with him again in the risk of being punched in the face by my then bf which is what happened. Marlon's "cute" antics in his efforts in trying to win back Candice is so like Jay. And it doesn'y hurt that my husband kinda looks like Zanjoe too! So you see dear friends, it is really inevitable that I will love this teleserye. Watching it has also became our bonding moment too. And now that it is coming to an end, I will surely miss it.

Roadkill

I was really sickened and angered this early morning when I saw a cat's remains in front of our house as I was about to ride our car. The poor thing has been a victim of a hit and run as I assume at first. But who in their stupid mind will hit a cat in a subdivision? The speed limit is supposed to be so slow that it could be mistaken for a funeral possession! So I therefore conclude the poor creature died because of stupidity or it was deliberately run over. I can't believe that people can be so heartless! I immediately went inside to count our cats if all are safe and sound. I was distressed enough last evening as one of our kittens have a broken leg. I was on the verge of tears as I curse the person/s who did the horrible thing. For me, such act is just unforgivable. God bless the poor kitty's soul.

Ms. Universe 2009

Venezuela has done it again! Venezuela has bagged the Ms. Universe title for the second consecutive year in the August 24 beauty pageant besting 84 beauties from all over the world. The Philippines has high hopes that Bianca Manalo will win, if not the title, any award but unfortunately the judges don't agree. I personally don't like Ms. Philippines beauty but I still rooted for her of course because of Filipino pride. Oh well, we still have next year. I just hope we will have more beautiful, smart and talented contestants to send on the years to come. I feel that the pageant industry in the Philippines is now also going downhill. Proof? Who can forget Janina San Miguel, the Ms Philippines-International who can't string an english sentence even if her life depended on it? She really is a disgrace and I can't believe she won that title in the Binibining Pilipinas 2008 pageant. Does that mean the other contestants who didn't win are far worse? Que horror!

Going back, congratulations to Stefania Fernandez! I think she deserves the title. Well, except for the small fact that she can't even speak English. =P

The Last Journey of Ninoy

I stayed up late last night to watch "The Last Journey of Ninoy." It was a real eye opener for me. I am one of those who never really quite get the extent of Ninoy's heroism. Yes, I believe he is a good man and he helped liberate the country from Martial Law but I never realized the extent of that help he gave till last night. The man really dedicated his life in serving the country and in the end is really prepared to die just so the Filipino people will act against the dictator. Everything that happened to him in Marcos' regime is planned unlike what I thought before that all happened because of chance. He really deserved to be a hero. To quote him, "They can kill me and that will be the best thing that will happen to me, to die for the Filipino people." How many men do you know will do that again?

Here's the trailer of "The Last Journey of Ninoy."

Thanks for the freedom, Ninoy. I never really cherished it till now. Bilib na bilib ako sa'yo!

Inspiration

I have been a bad blogger. I have tons to write but I haven't been putting tghem in paper. SInce I got pregnant I got too lazy to go online. Anyway, that's about to change. I vow to be a better blogger from now on. I really want to be a professional blogger. Also, I just got an inspiring comment telling me she has been following my blog and reading my posts and she really likes what I am writing. Thank you again Abegale for that generous comment. Will keep that in mind whan the lazy bone attacks. :)

Woes

I spent last night tossing and turning till 2 am in the morning worrying about mundane things but most improtantly about being financially ready for the baby. i'm kinda nervous about the gastusin since our money has been invested someplace else. I began calculating how long it take for us to earn from our investment. I also began calculating how much will I need to give birth and to give my child a good baptismal party. I've never been a worrywart when it comes to money so I don't know what makes it different this time. Maybe seeing that a small Avant feeding bottle costs a whooping P500 gave me that jolt. Eitherw ay, I should really start planning for my delivery this February.

Please Adopt!

The Animal’s Saviour

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter; the cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and betrayal.
And I was angry!!!
“God,” I said, “this is terrible! Why don’t you do something?”
God was silent for a moment, and then spoke softly,
“I have done something,” was the reply. “I created you.”
- Jim Willis-

Is there a place in your heart and space in your home for one of our delightful rescued pets?

http://www.caraphil.org/Adoptions.html

On Adopting Homeless Animals

I've submitted my intent to adopt these two cuties.

Aren't they adorable? Hard to believe that once upon a time they were homeless. The Compassion and Responsibility for Animals group (CARA) has done a great job. If you want to get a pet, please consider adopting. There are a lot of animals that are looking for homes and need our love and caring. You may visit CARA's blog for more information. As of date, I have adopted two cats. They are really five but unfortunately, the other three died. I will keep on adopting as long as I can. It is my dream to build a shelter in Pampanga in the future. I'm really working hard on that goal.

Please pass the information.

Asthma Attacks...Again!

I have been absent in the blogging world for a long time mainly because I got sick. I had fever and coughing and up till now the coughing is plaguing me that's why yesterday I finally went to the doctor. I wouldn't have done so if my Mom didn't pester me to do so and she did that because I am pregnant. In our family, coughing, even if it takes a few weeks, is considered normal and we don't really bother ourselves by going to the doctor. But since the baby is involved...well, you know what they say about grandparents. Anyway, I was diagnosed again with asthma. I've had asthma bronchitis since I was in high school when coughing plagued me for a month or so. But after being diagnosed, we just assumed it went away since I thought I am not experiencing the symptoms. Guess I was wrong big time and my asthma stayed with me and attacking me on and off for the past ten years without me knowing. So now I have to carry that pesky inhaler, which by the way costs so much even with the 30% discount card the doctor gave me, and look like a nerd. The doctor said the relief will come in two weeks. So before the two weeks are up I will still be coughing and wheezing like crazy. I just wish our baby won't be too rattled by the noise or the disturbance. I'm not worrying about the inhaler affecting the baby; doctor promised us it is safe to use and will be absorbed by my lungs as soon as I puffed it in my mouth.

Manila Bulletin's Big Boo Boo

See the big mistake? How can Manila Bulletin be so careless about such things? Isn't proof reading and editing part of the protocol anymore in the newspaper industry?

Lagot kayo.

Goodbye Tita Cory!

Corazon C. Aquino, the 11th President of the Republic of the Phhilippines, died on Augustg 1, 2009 at 3:18Am due to cardiac arrest as a result from her colon cancerf. She was 76 years old.

Tita Cory has been the symbol of democracy of the Philippines for she had played a very crucial part in the liberation of the country from the Marcos Regime. But this feat didn't make her presidency a smooth sailing one as she was often threatened by coup attemps and numerous critisms from Filipinos. But didn't stop them from loving and respecting her after her term was over. She is one of the pilars of the Philippines and her demise will be a great loss to gthe Philippines. But I personally is happy that at least her fight is over for she won't be suffering anymore. Colon cancer at stage four is a very difficult illness and her family knew that too that's why they have offered her also to the Lord when she has really began to slip. At least now we have an angel guiding over us. God knows our political system needs already divine intervention.

To Tita Cory, thank you for everything you have done. Your contributions to the country will forever be remembered and honored.

Spreading the Love

Thanks to Lorna and Carla for the tag.

Rules:

1. Copy the badge and put it on your blog.

2. Link back the person who passed you this award.

3. Spread the love to at least 10 or more bloggers.



Spreading the love to Lenj and Ayha. :)

Another Niceprint Gripe

I saw a bride's blog about how she wrote down all the places and shots she wants the pictures taken. She even had her sister print her inspiration shots so she can show her photographers. I wish ever again I have done just that. Maybe then my photographers wouldn't have forgotten to take those precious photos. I wish I have splurged more on photos by hiring a back up photographer maybe then my photos will not be incomplete. I feel sad once again and for the nth time regarding this matter. This is the biggest regret I have on our wedding. Such a beautiful wedding but poorly documented. Imagine the big bucks we have spent just to have it just the way it is and not have enough beautiful photos to show from it. I just wish the video will be better. I dunno if I can ask Niceprint to get pictures from them, heard the quality is not that good thou. If I can just re-enact the entire thing believe me I will but unfortunately I can't. I just feel so cheated. My husband said we can get married again after 25 years so I can get the photos I want but I will be 52 years old by that time and I'm sure won't be so pretty. Oh well. Maybe that's the reason why I haven't finished with the photos for the album yet. Seeing them just pains me so much.

A Child and Her Dog - a touching story for animal lovers

Found this on my inbox:

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last

month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith

was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.. She asked if we

could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got

to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she

dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in

heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog

even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am

sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my

dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our

return address on it. Then Meredith

pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would

take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon

she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she

asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in

gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith'

in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith

opened it. Inside was a book by Mr.

Rogers called, 'When a Pet

Dies..' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God

in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey

&Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven.

Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey

right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me

just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved

being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any

pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this

little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey

by..

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you

write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her

especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love,

God

Touching, isn't it? Sorry for the uneven sized letters, just cut and pasted.

Niceprint...HMP!

We are finally sorting thru the photos from the wedding and I am getting angrier and angrier everytime I see how many photo ops have been missed! I am so dissapointed with our photographer, Rupert and Weng of Niceprint, that I am really regreting getting them for the wedding. Edmund's work, our photographer for our prenup pictorials was great and I wish everytime that it was him that I requested. Now I have to ask a graphic artist to do a photo of us in the famous lagoon area of Fernwood Garden Venue 1. I got Fernwood for that view and I didn't get a photo documentation of it! Imagine paying P115,000 for nothing. Hate it, hate it! Will give them bad ratings really!

The Murder of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince The Movie

I was so disappointed in the last Harry Potter movie and here are my reasons:

1. It was boring. This can be attributed to the fact that the events are so undeveloped that it kept jumping from one scene to another. If you are not a reader you will have a hard time grasping the importance of things shown in the movie.

2. Oh course as expected, a lot of scenes are not consistent with the book. I stopped comparing on the first scene. But can't believe it was a different script altogether! Nothing same with the book. And the characters are acting so out of character. Since when did Harry became so obsessed with girls that he will be picking up random strangers in pubs in such dangerous times? Harry also looked so stupid when he just watched Dumbledore die without doing anything. In the books Harry was seen as someone who is so vigilant that he cannot sit still if he knows a wrong is being made. He is also so protective of others that he often disregard his own safety just to save others. And now in the movie he just watched and do nothing as Dumbledore was cornered. He didn't even questioned Snape when he told him to stay where he is. Harry hated Snape so much that he automatically says and does the opporite he say and tells him to do and now he just follow him without any questions? Come on!

3. A lot of important things has been skipped in the movie like the memories about Gaunt and Batshiba. How will Harry know that they are hunting for objects related to the founders of Hogwarts as the next possible Horcrux? Will they just be touching every random object as Dumbledore said that you'll know a Horcrux because it will leave a trace of magic? The importance of Harry's staying with his Aunt and Uncle was also obliterated since he was fetched by Dumbledore at a train station pub. Does this mean that the very action packed and important chase scene in Book 7 is going to be obliterated as well? The importance of the Half Blood Prince has also been overlooked and undeveloped. We wondered why they bothered naming it "And the Half Blood Prince" at all. And so on and so forth. Just too many to mention.

4. The movie left a lot of unexplained things and gaps that they will have to make up to big time if they want movie goers to understand Book 7. In my opinion, they can omit movie 6 and it won't matter in the storyline at all. THe only good revalation here is Dumbledore's death which was anti-climatic. I was left saying, "Yun na yun?"

5. The overall theme of the movie was "Nagtipid" or budget cuts. We kept saying it over and over all through out the movie. "Nagtipid" that's why there is no fight scene before the death of Dumbledore. "Nagtipid" that's why there was no funeral before the ending. Oo nga naman, you need to get hundreds of extras for that. Nevermind what it will signify. Again, so on and so forth. Too many to mention.

I could go on and on and on with the list. Bottom line is, I HATED IT. At least Book 5 has a saving grace. It has a very cool fight scene in the end. Good luck naman sa Book 7.

One Word Meme

USING ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers. Be sure to tag the person who sent it to you!
thanks to Carla for this tag!

1. Where is your cell phone? table

2. Your hair? black

3. Your mother? stubborn

4. Your father? crazy

5. Your favorite food? sisig

6. Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? coke

8. Your dream/goal? happiness

9. What room you are in? office

10. Your hobby? traveling

11. Your fear? death

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? nirvana

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren’t? back stabber

15. Muffins? blueberry

16. Wish list item? moolah

17. Where you grew up? pampanga

18. Last thing you did? blog

19. What are you wearing? uniform

20. Your TV? sony

21. Your pets? loads!

22. Friends? selected

23. Your life? perfect

24. Your mood? unstable

25. Missing someone? yes!

26. Car? soon

27. Something you’re not wearing? socks

28. Your favorite store? SM

29. Your favorite color? pink

30. When is the last time you laughed? kanina

31. Last time you cried? kanina

32. Who will resend this? me

33. One place that I go to over and over? UPD

34. One person who emails me regularly? w@w

35. My favorite place to eat? loads!

passing it on to lenj and lorna.

Concerns

I received again an email about an abused animal. This time, poor Murphy (the name of the dog) was dragged for 1.5 kilometers from a pick up truck by its owner! Good thing Murphy survivied but his owner only got a fine of R1,500. The injustice! Intend to kill and get a fine. Tsk. Also, why the hell is he being dragged in the first place? For fun? That is not how a sane human being thinks! Is the world really over populated by cruel beings? Why do you have to inflict pain knowingly to others? I can't really fathom the answer to this one. I will just pray for Murphy just like I pray for the cats and dogs in China who are victims of the fur trade.

Speaking, I just had an inspiration yesterday while going home from work. I was reading Newsweek and it occurred to me to write to Newsweek and Reader's Digest as well for them to cover the fur trade in China. I hope they will pick up the story. Everyday that passes by is a wasted day for this cause.

I was also very sadden yesterday while looking at the old trees that lined up the roads of my hometown. DENR has just given permission to DPWH to have them cut down for road widening. These trees are way older than I am and they give shade and clean the air in these roads that they cover. I just can't help thinking that their days are now numbered and soon I will go out of the office and see them cut down already. Some of the trees have already been cut down and it really pains me to see their deep roots now being unearthed for this road widening project. The distrcution we do to nature to continue with progress. I vowed to sponsor a tree planting activity in our org to help make up for this at least.

Still on Animal Cruelty and Doing Something About It

I am still so bothered about the situation of cats and dogs in China that I decided to make it my mission to let as many people know about it. I wrote yesterday to the producers of The Oprah Show to urge them to make a story about this cruelty. Being an animal lover, I am sure that Oprah would want to do this show but the decision for now rests on her producers. I hope that they will take notice and reveal this hurrendous act to the world. It is just so senseless and cruel and sad! Everyday that pass without something being done is a day wasted. I am always praying daily to God that he clears the mind of these people and save the animals.

Meanwhile, the Philippines, or her senators at least, are thinking of putting a greyhound race track in Luzon and Cebu. Can you believe this stupidity?! The country is plagued with problems and all they could think of and put their precious time in is weather to put a racetrack that not just kill and torture a lot of dogs but also promote gambling in the country. I am not paying a freaking P3,000/month on taxes to pay these people to do this!!! I just don't know what they are thinking! Good thing, five senators are already voting NO. Please help convince the others by signing in the petition located here. Please do sign and spread the word. We don't need this is our country! Update: the poll is now on its 298th petition signer. Yey!

I will rant about how Harry Potter 6 stunk later. Will have to tend on my farm for now.

Please Sign and Spread the Word

Friendship Chain

Thanks Sis Lorna for the tag.

This is the easy way and the fastest way to:

1. Make your Authority Technorati explode.

2. Increase your Google Page Rank.

3. Get more traffic to your blog.

4. Makes more new friends.

Rules :
1. Start copy from “Begin Copy” until “End Copy” to your blog.
2. Put your own blog name and link.
3. Tag your friends as much as you can.

I'm tagging Carla and Lenj. :)

Please Help Stop China in Skinning Cats and Dogs ALIVE!

I came upon this site when I was surfing the PAWS website. It is a website that urges people to sign a petition to stop China from skinning cats and dogs ALIVE. Oh, imagine the horrors! Cats and dogs being skinned alive then tossed in a corner to die! I cannot bear to think of it much more. The thought made me cry. Being an animal lover, I can feel the pain these poor creatures has to go through for what? For fur? Fur used for toys, clothes, shoes...these things won't ever, ever equate to the lives of these animals! I hate the Chinese for being so barbaric. Why are they so heartless and cruel? I guess it shouldn't be so surprising that they can do this thing to animals. After all, they knowingly put poison in baby's milk didn't they? They just don't value life! Anyway, that displeasure will just have to be discussed in another blog post. I don't want to rant and rant but in the end do nothing. I am not just type of person. And so I urge everybody to please sign the petition to help make the lives of cats and dogs in China better. The site is http://www.animalsaviors.org. Also, please let everybody know about this horrible horrible act by blogging about it, forwarding the website address to all the people in your contact book, friendster, facebook, multiply etc. This must stop! Please help make this stop!

My Fave Song as of Date

I'm a creature of habit. Meaning, when I like something I tend to repeat it over and over and not get tired of it even if people would tend to find it weird already. Like in UP, there was a time I ate sisig from Gloria's in CASAA every single day until I palpitated one fateful morning from too much cholesterol. I also ate shawarma for dinner and dunkin donut for merienda. And now, my "obssession" fell on Secondhand Serenade's song Fall for You. I just love the strong guitar rifts and melody. I've been playing it over and over since 4PM today and J is now even learning how to play it in the guitar. I'm sharing the video here:

Enjoy!