Lovers and Friends

There comes a time in life when a person let others know how he feels which he has kept to himself or herself. And in doing so would set that person free and feel the heart lighter. What happened was a matter of speaking from experience as Jon says in his blog.

Graduating from high school, this boy went to study at the univesity where he met other students who had the same dream. The dream of getting a good education and a better life and give only the best to himself and his parents. At the same, get to know others who are worth his time and effort. He did got just that- he became good friends three girls and nothing's wrong with that. (ala "Three's Company", Yabang no). With their youthful innocence, they became close, on and off the campus and found out that they were drawn to each other. They like each others company. After the second year, the two girls went their own ways. The boy and the third girl went on to enroll at the same course, all the while remaining very good friends.

On the third year, their friendship got stronger. They helped each other out in their studies and with their personal lives. He would go her house, after school, and just hang out, share jokes and stories just about anything. He was happy with their relation until one day he went to her house and she introduce a guy who is her BOYFRIEND. But, he wanted to remain good friends with her and didn't say a thing and acted as if there's no boyfriend. Later on, he realized he was FALLING in love with her, but, he never let her know that. He was just happy to be a good friend, but, as days went on the girl was getting more in love with her boyfriend that she neglected her real friend which she didn't realized then.

The boy finally saw what was happening that there was nothing going to happen good in their relationship. He disppeared from her life- no goodbyes, no explanations and without her knowing his true feeling. Later, he realized that she wasn't his worth his time, his effort, his friendship or even his love. If it can be called love. What do you think if you were this guy? Is he a fool? Or is she a fool? Is he right in not telling her his feeling? He never saw her and that doesn't matter now. The last that I learn from him, he's a very happy man. He has learned to moved on many, many years ago.

This Joke In

What do call a pig in a Mercedes Benz? (Anong tawag sa baboy na nasa Chedeng?)
The Answer is: PORK AND BENZ

Gino Got To Celebrate His 24 Year

As I've mentioned in my post before, we celebrated Gino's birthday last Sarurday. It was a perfect day--a sunny morning and blue sky with mild cool breeze in the afternoon. His guests include Astrid's family--hubby Rick and sons, Alfred and Andrew and daughter, Saundra. Of course, Nette's parents were there too, with Fletcher who arrived late, as usual, and left early, as he has part time work to do.

Nette prepared the pasta-liguini with clam sauce, adobo spare and mango salsa with shrimp and grilled scallops. Astrid made the kare-kare and Mommy made the sisig, empanada and bagoong sauce. Papa had his beer, as usual, and his banter and our discourse about the week's happenings. One of which was the recall of Chinese-made products. We all had a NO-DIET for TODAY day, spent in our patio, although, which was cut short--cause by swarming KJ flies, which apparently like the food fare also. So, at mid-afternoon we had to go inside and continue eating around the kitchen counter, which is the magnet for guests whenever we have a party. There was also a multi-flavor cake which the children like.

But, what the children enjoyed more is playing the new Nintendo WII video game, which Rick bought that day here. As you can see in the pictures, they had a lots of fun. Some shots were inside our house for those who haven't seen our french retreat. Ang yabang ano? All in all, the day was good for all of us and special because it's a celebration of a special guy, a special son like Gino.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAIL

Today is my niece's birthday which sad to say my family wasn't able to celebrate not even once because we are always away from them since she was born. She has grown up to be a responsible and very bright adult which I was seeing that she would be from the time she was in high school abroad. Oh, we saw her once, here in the States when my brother's family visited us during the 90s, but, she was just a small girl, now she's lady with lots of accomplishments. She's a very good writer which she got after my Father who's the most intellectual, followed by my kid brother, in the family. As for me, I am just as trying hard to be. She also a fine photographer, which she got after me--I guess. She also a website designer bar none. I hope and sure she'll continue to reap more successes in her young life.

So, Gail, we want to say Happy Happy Birthday and wishing you more to come and hoping also that we got to spend your special day more often.

My Son Turns 24

Today, July 31st is my only son's birthday. Eversince, from his childhood until his middle school days, we would celebrate it with a party, sometimes at a park, at the beach or at home, but, always around his loved ones- family or friends. But, as he gets older, he doesn't want to make a big deal about it. A simple gathering of immediate family members or just the three of us is enough for him, as we did today.
His work schedule started at 5 am, so, I wasn't able to greet him Happy Birthday and the only time I had the chance to do so was when I phoned him at noon during his lunch break.

Then, for his birthday dinner, I bought him a small cake, though not his favorite- the Oreos kind- a marble with chocolate icing. And Nette made linguini with Shitake and clam sauce. Serve with chilled Smirnoff "ICE." Pictures were taken showing us all happy although it was quite simple and him wished more birthdays to come.

To Gino: A Happy Happy Birthday and Know That We Love You Always!

Just As I Expected

As I woke up this morning I thought this would be another day at the office, but once I was on the street I realized that people would have what is called the "Monday Blues." You know how that feels, if not, it's a day back to work after the weekend, workers tend to be sluggish, not sure of their actions or just plain having a hangover. Like drivers who can't decide if they would yield or not to traffic or to another car whose driver's trying wait to what the other driver would do. These behaviors can have fatal consequences if the parties involved are not careful. Luckily for me there were no accidents that happened.

And by noon, with all the things that I have to do at work, it's all back to the same routine just as I expected. Dealing with customers-what's their concerns, their opinions and suggestions. Just their diferrent personalities make my day interesting which makes it go faster and before I know it, it's time to clock out. Heading out of the dealership for home, I'm thinking already of watching tv shows like 24 HOURS, LUPIN, MGA MATA NI ANGHELITA, SINASAMBA KITA, SA BAWAT PANGPINTIG NG PUSO and ending with EAT BULAGA in the comfort of my living room just as I expected to do every single day of the week.

If you are one of these people, all I say is to live life with cheerful disposition and realize that our lives are better after all just as we expect it to be. That we do can do good as well. Have a fine day my friends.

Gino's Favorite Places

After yesterday's Mass, we passed by Ralph's Superstore for Gino to look at his work schedule next week. The store is one of Gino's favorite places aside from Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target and the Mall. He loves working there and his co-workers like him in return

Spending Time With Him

Yesterday, my family and I attended Mass at the our parish, the Mission San Luis Rey (MSLR), the biggest Spanish church the Catholic Mission built, starting from San Diego to far as the Northern California, during the discovery of the New World. For that the MSLR is called the "King of the Missions." Going to the mission's grounds remind me of the churches I used to go to in Pilar, Bataan which has a main church and a cemetery nearby. Here, they have the main Mission church, a modern parish center-church and an old small chapel and a big cemetery.

In front of the Mission church is a big pepper tree, the first in California, a sunken garden and ruins of a soldiers' garrison that was used by the Americans during the Civil War. There's also a museum, a souvenir shop and a retreat house. For me it is always relaxing when I'm in this holy ground, which is kind of ironic cause it sit just a mile away from a freeway. But, best thing I like about this church is that it's where we can hear Mass with Pilipino Choir, which the religious experience more meaningful and prouder that after one song they perform, some parishioners would softly clap their hands in admiration. It's also not as crowded as the other missions we have seen throughout the Golden State. And I would prefer for it to stay that way so We can really just spend time with Him that way He would like us to.

It's Nice To Be Nice

A sports manager once said:"Nice guys finish last." I don't believe this. A living proof is my Father, who is, to me, will almost be Number One. He has accomplished many important things in his life and one of them is to raise children who have become responsible and respected citizens just like himself. Thanks Dad. He's the nicest guy I know who I never seen husrt a fly. He's not a wimp for he commands gentleness from others.

Here are some things to emulate about being nice:
1. The power of nice a domino effect that may not be immediately apparent but will eventually find its way back.
2. A stranger on the street mat seem insignificant, but could be your boss's wife of client's daughter.
3. Treat everyone with respect. Today's clerk could be tomorrow's MD.
4. Being nice is always ON. It must be automatic, it's loses it's effectiveness if used only whenever you like it.
5. Being nice has effects that may not be seen but they are felt; if only by you.
6. Treat others with kindness, respect and generosity and you'll be blessed.

This OFW is Coming Home

It's late at night now, but I have to welcome one OFW (OverSTATE Filipino Worker)who's coming home from Washington tomorrow night. She's been away from home for four days, leaving me and Gino alone by ourselves. But, she need not worry for we're doing just fine. She has work hard and I am proud that she bag 2nd Place as National Marketing Director for the first half of the year in their comapny. And she even has a trophy to show for it and rightfully deserves it. I know cause I was there since she started in this field.

So, with great pride and joy, we welcome my wife, Nenette. And next weekend we're going to the beach which we have been planning so many times before.

Kiss Kish Goodbye

I have to post this after seeing it on PinoyTV. Kish Island is near Iran where several OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) are stranded for many reasons and one of them is being maltreated by their employers. They live and sleep in the beach because they run out of money to pay the hotel and just walk around asking for help from their kababayans. And there are some of them who do help without fanfare or publicity, just plain desire to do good to those who's having a bad time. Or shall I say a bad dream. One of them do it even if they cannot send money to her family back home.

I don't know why this keeps happening to our fellowmen. I can only wish that the governments involved would take measures to educate their citizens as good hosts and workers. And when one of the OFWs gets his or her visa to Dubai, there are very emotional and happy scenes of relief and joy. My heart really went out to them. And I say to them "Kiss Kish Island Goodbte!"

It's Time To Change

This is a new look of my blog since my old one was erased and I don't know if it can be unerased anymore. For this I want to thank Mabelle for helping me create this new spot and Jon for helping get started with the old one. For these two blog gurus, you are my saviors in these ever-changing technical blogging world. You'll read more about me this time and look at pictures which I wasn't able to insert more often in my old blog.