Monday, December 31, 2012


And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the Unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

--- Annie Haskins

Source: nora95oconnor.blogspot.com

Friday, December 14, 2012

True Love


If people geninely love each other, the walls will break down, the shield will melt and the mask will fall. Nothing will stand between them. Just the pure and naked truth. They will speak the same language. Suddenly, every ordinary thing becomes extraordinary. This world becomes brighter and more beautiful. They will talk and discuss about everything, the small and big things. There will be a lot of questions which will be patiently answered until clarity is reached. Problems will inevitably happen from time to time. They will not stop until they find a solution. They will go through ups and downs which will make them stronger and wiser. They will grow together and inspire each other to be better. Their eyes will shed tears, their hearts will bleed and their bodies will feel cold at times. The suffering, sacrifice and struggle will be worth it. Because every tear, every drop of blood and the absence of warmth mean that they care enough to get hurt. They will love until it hurts. They will love with every breath and every heartbeat. This is true love. Love in its purest form ... devoid of greed, pride and lust. And this kind of love is worth fighting for. This kind of love is waiting for. This kind of love lasts beyond forever.     
 
ehow.com
 

"This world was made for you too. Enjoy it, explore it, experience it. Don't hold back. It is God's gift to you. Don't be a wallflower in the the dance of life."
 
--- God Wants You to Know

shailenderkaul.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World


All will be well ...


When I logged in to my FB account today, I opened this timely message. I'm sharing it with you.
 
 
 
Today, Christina, we believe God wants you to know that ...

when events happen which seem catastrophic, it is not only possible, but very important for you to allow yourself to come to a place of calmness.

Panicking serves no one - not yourself, not the people who are suffering, and not the planet. Allow yourself to trust that there is a larger purpose and that it may not be necessary for you to know that purpose at this time. Allow yourself to have faith that ultimately, all will be well.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Coldplay - Hurts Like Heaven


Dear Mother


"You are like a protective tree, that has guarded me from the fierce storms ... You are the one who has held my hand and taught me to take every step. You are the one who has guided me at every turn of my life. Mum, you are the most precious and the most beautiful gift given to me the day I was born."
 
 



Tuesday, November 27, 2012


When you're in the right place, committed to the right plan, all your worries seem to disappear. Your heart feels light, as if it's not weighed down by anything. You feel free as a bird. Your mind is able to focus on the things that really matter. Your thoughts are in harmony with how you feel, how you act and how things happen. Everything seems right. Everything's in place. Everything's along one straight line, with no breaks, no bumps and no skews. This is the way it should be. I'm on my way home.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Mindfulness Vow



Source: meditation-mp3.org


"Mindfulness Vow: Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving-kindness and to working for the well-being of all people, animals, plants, and every other precious thing on earth. I am committed to practicing generosity by sharing my time, energy, and resources with those in need."
 
--- 3,299 mantras, tips, quotes and koans for peace and serenity by Barbara Ann Kipfer

Tuesday, November 20, 2012


Our life is a huge blur of events until the world seemingly stops and we start to take notice. That's when our life truly begins.

Sunday, November 18, 2012


 
 
I'm going through something really huge right now. I just want you guys to understand that the things I post in my blog do not necessarily pertain to the things happening in my life. I may be happy. I may be sad. But this blog will continue to inspire positivity among people. It has always aimed to encourage people to live life to the fullest no matter what happens. You only live once. Live it well. 

Friday, November 16, 2012

BFF


 
I would like to dedicate this post to my best friend/cousin Gie. I remember when we were kids. We ran around the house, each one holding one end of a jumping rope so that we won't get lost and separated from each other. Hehe. We have such a tight bond that our friendship grew even stronger over the years. I stood up for her when she got into a fight with her classmates over some petty high school issue. She supported me as I passed through my "awkward" years. She taught me how to dress up and put on make-up in preparation for a date. She cried with me whenever my heart got broken. She cheered me on as I trudged my way towards becoming a doctor. She gave me a piece of her mind whenever I did something crazy. But then again, she's as crazy as me. Sometimes, even crazier. :-) We had lots of fun times together. We toured most of the videoke bars in the city, singing our hearts out and dancing like no one's watching.  We pigged out on food, watched movies and chatted until we fell asleep. She tagged along with me wherever I went. She patiently accompanied me to the doctor, to the dentist, to the spa or to the salon. She's always there to make me laugh. She's always a BBM, a tweet, an SMS, a call or a DM away. To my ever reliable, lovable, funny and honest bestie, I love you. I hope that wherever I'll end up, you'll be living close by. I can't survive without you.   




 

 


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Eyes on Me - Final Fantasy


After having been introduced to the world of anime close to a decade ago, I haven't really seen much of it. I'm not a huge fan but this anime song tops my list ...

Friday, November 09, 2012


 
I'm back in the UAE. I badly wanted to blog about something sensible but I'm still suffering from jet lag. I'll just answer random questions to keep the ball rolling. Haha.

 

Before you started this survey, what were you doing?

Tweeting, BBM

What is the last thing you watched on TV?

A cooking competition

Without looking, guess what time it is

11:20 p.m.?

Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?

11:22 p.m. :-)

With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?

TV

When did you last step outside? What were you doing?

Today. I went to work.

Did you dream last night?

I was too exhausted to know.

Do you remember your dreams?

Sometimes

When did you last laugh?

A couple of hours ago

Do you remember why / at what?

An officemate's joke

What is on the walls of the room you are in?

Paintings

Seen anything weird lately?

Define weird.

What is the last film you saw?

MIB III

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Anywhere as long as I'm with the people I love. I need to travel more before I find out where I want to stay.

If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?

A big house where all of my loved ones can stay

Tell me something about you that most people don't know.

I'm auditory defensive. I have a fear of loud sounds like firecracker explosions, gunshots and bursting of balloons. I have to wear earplugs or else I'll really freak out.

If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

Let's not discrimate people based on race, religion, social status and abilities. We have one Maker. We are equal.

Do you like to dance?

It depends :-)

Would you ever consider living abroad?

Yes. I'm already staying abroad.

Last time you swam in a pool?

A week ago

Type of music you like most?

I can appreciate all types as long as they're not too loud/noisy.

Type of music you dislike most?

Heavy rock

Are you listening to music right now?

Nope

This is okay for now. I'm already nodding off ...


This reminds me of my mom SO much. Haha.

Monday, November 05, 2012

Airtalk - Yoko Ono


I discovered these beautiful lines through a link shared on Twitter. When I listened to the song, I admit that I was disappointed. But still, the message is nice so I'm posting it here.

One, two, three, four, five, six.

It’s sad that air is the only thing we share,
No matter how close we are there’s always air between us.
It’s also nice that air’s something we all share,
No matter how far apart we are an air links us.

It’s sad that past is something we can never share,
No matter how close we are the past is between us.
But it’s also nice that without the past
We’d have never known each other,
No matter how far apart we are it brought us together.

Yes, it’s very nice to have someone to share,
There’s something very nice to have someone to care.
We may not share our past but we have our future to share.

It’s sad that life is such a heavy thing to bear,
No matter how close we are it’s easy to despair.
It’s also nice that you and I know it’s what we all share,
No matter how far apart we are we can learn to care.

There’s something very nice to have something to share,
There’s something very nice to have someone to care.
We may not share our bodies but we have our minds to share.

Yes, there’s something very nice to have something to care,
There’s something very nice to have someone to share.
We may not share our language but we have the world to share.

Thursday, November 01, 2012


I have been going over my previous blogs and realized that my blog comments were not moderated before. Hence, several spammers were able to infiltrate the comment box. I'm doing my best to clean it up but it will take a lot of time. If you encounter any spammer's comments, please call my attention so that I can delete them immediately. I also need to update my links and check out the rest of my archives. This has always been a blog in progress. I'm open to suggestions. Thank you.

Monday, October 22, 2012



My baby's turning 4 in a few days! J This was how it was around 4 years ago …

"A new baby's in the house! Splashy baths with rubber ducks and silly bubbles. Soft pajamas and gentle goodnight kisses. Midnight cries and lullabies. Quiet rocking chair stories. Eating new foods with funny faces and tiny spoons. Soft cotton jumpers and socks to match. There's a new baby in the house." --- notes on my baby's picture frame 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Price Tag - Jesse J

 


A week ago, I went to a Japanese restaurant for their buffet. When I entered the room, I felt pairs of eyes size me up from my top to my footwear. People from high society made sure that everyone present that night had a right to be there. Since when did money become a criterion to belong?  This form of social prejudice doesn’t end here. Parents from affluent families want their sons and daughters to be married off to people belonging to the same category/profession. I understand that every parent wants to ensure their child's bright future after marriage but I think this is going overboard. Let's be reminded that everyone has a place in society. Everyone has a role to fulfill. Everyone has a right to be there and belong. We can't all be doctors and lawyers. We will not survive. From the cleaners who make sure that our environment is garbage-free to the teachers who encourage us to grow up and think, everyone is important. I don’t mind sitting next to a street peddler in the bus. I don't mind rubbing elbows with laborers. I admire hardworking people. Let's stop being judgmental folks. In the end, our profession won't matter. Our social class won't matter. And definitely, our money won't matter.  
 
 

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Jar of Hearts - Christina Perri


I'm back in the happiest place on earth - Pinas!!! Last year, I was also here around the same time. I remember this song. It was very popular on the radio back then.

26 Best Beauty Products


Let's hear it from the beauty expert, Rissa M. Trillo ... I'm dying to try the mineralized foundation as I prefer the no-makeup look on most days. ;-)

26 best beauty products
EYE STYLE By Rissa M. Trillo (The Philippine Star) Updated July 29, 2012 12:00 AM



I love experimenting with beauty products. That’s how I differentiate the breakthroughs from the blunders, and separate truth from hype. In the process, I have made the most wonderful discoveries and realized which products are worth keeping. Like many women, I am tired of having a drawer full of expensive mistakes. Here are the ultimate winners in my beauty book that are not only worth every centavo; these are worth buying over and over again.

The Face Shop Illuminating Cushion Blusher — Every single person who has seen me pregnant thinks I’m having a girl because I’m “glowing.” Now you know my secret! I own this in two shades: pink (a lovely pink that gives a natural flush to the cheeks) and orange (a pretty peachy hue that gives a lit-from-within glow). I absolutely love how it instantly gives even the most tired complexion a beautiful glow! Here’s another secret: this blush also contains sebum-control powder so you can bid oiliness goodbye. Available at The Face Shop stores nationwide.

Becca Boudoir Skin Collection Mineral Powder Foundation — If there’s any makeup that can make your skin really look like skin while providing ample coverage, this would be it. Results are so natural-looking that you can wear it to bed to mimic smooth, perfect skin around the clock. It feels and looks like you have nothing on. Yes, even he won’t be able to tell! I myself had to use a magnifying mirror to see actual evidence that I was wearing powder foundation. Suitable for all ages and skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, this non-irritating powder is safe to use even after cosmetic procedures and facials. Unlike other mineral powders that come in pots, this is packaged in a portable pressed formulation in a handy compact with a built-in mirror — it will never be a mess to apply and you can have beautifully flawless yet natural-looking coverage everywhere you go! Don’t forget your kabuki brush. Available at Adora in Greenbelt 5, Makati.

K-Palette Lasting 2-Way Eyebrow Liner — I’ve tried a lot of eyebrow products but this one made my heart beat differently. This beauty tool makes grooming the eyebrows a breeze. The fine tip of the micro-fiber brush gives the most natural-looking feathery strokes, mimicking your real eyebrow hair. The powder tip is perfect for grooming the inner brows. It’s pretty hard to make a mistake with this — it will make even makeup newbies feel like a pro! With this product, your eyebrows will never look fake or overdrawn. Smudge-proof and water-resistant, it gives you perfect eyebrows for 24 hours. I love it in Honey Brown for a natural, everyday look. But if you want strong, well-defined, artista-looking eyebrows, get it in Chocolate Brown. Available at Beauty Bar.

Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush — I can lose any of my makeup brushes but not this! Its performance surpasses all of my pricey branded brushes. The Charm Luxe Flat Top brush is like Photoshop at your fingertips! It literally creates a flawless face right before your eyes. With just a moisturized face, I simply use this brush with my regular pressed powder and apply my powder in circular motions. It gives a lightweight, seamless, and practically poreless layer to the face while covering imperfections wonderfully. I swear, this magically “Photoshops” blemishes away. Available at www.beautyandminerals.com.

Becca’s The Ultimate Mascara — The mascara that lives up to its name: it lengthens and thickens lashes and provides long-lasting power in our country’s hot and humid weather but feels light and weightless. Its conical-shaped brush curls, lifts and separates lashes and picks up the perfect amount of mascara every single time. It makes application a breeze — you get evenly coated lashes in a single swipe! It’s also your perfect ally in our hot, humid weather — its water-resistant formula repels water, sweat and tears. It dries fast before you can even sweat in this heat. It promises easy removal with warm water, no makeup remover required! It also repairs and conditions lashes plus prevents lash loss. Suitable for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers and all skin types, it’s available at Adora in Greenbelt 5, Makati.

The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Loose Powder Foundation — This is what converted me into a fan of mineral makeup. It provides good coverage for imperfections, redness, blemishes and even the spider veins on my cheeks. No yucky metal smell. No unsightly shine (which makes it perfect for oily skin). No cracks and creases even when you smile. And no fake powdery trace of makeup up close or in photos. Even if you zoom in, it simply looks like real skin! Pores are minimized and the powder is so finely milled that it sits so smoothly on skin with a barely-there feel. It’s so weightless you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Available at The Body Shop stores nationwide.

Pond’s Age Miracle Intensive Cell Regen Super Serum — This is the best anti-aging product that delivers younger-looking skin without needles or machines. I’ve been using Pond’s Age Miracle for the past five years and I’ve been passionate about it simply because it works. My skin looks and feels better than it did 10 years ago. It takes just seven days for this serum to time-travel your skin back to its original youth. It’s no wonder this has garnered countless beauty awards here and across the globe. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

Pond’s Age Miracle Dual Action Eye Cream — Great skin is pointless if your eyes betray your age. This has not only gotten rid of fine lines and wrinkles but prevents them from forming, too. When I’m rebounding from a long night, this always makes me look like I had eight hours of sleep. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

MAC Eye Shadow in Jaunty — Ladies, please leave the glitter to the kids. It doesn’t make you look any younger. It just makes you look cheesy. My current favorite, this is a versatile yet natural-looking shade that lends the illusion of youth and perfection. Mimic the youthfulness of children’s eyes by using it to highlight the inner corners of the eyes. Dust it on your nose bridge to give the illusion of a sharper nose or even use it to highlight the brow bone and cheekbones. Sweep it on the entire lid for an easy way to add sparkle to your eyes. Yes, they’ll probably think you took pains to do your eye makeup when all you did was sweep on this great color! Available at MAC Cosmetics, Rustan’s Shangri-La Mall, Glorietta 3, and Power Plant Mall.

Ever Bilena Eyeliner — An affordable eyeliner I can always rely on. It’s a cheap beauty trick I learned long ago from top makeup artists whenever I’d inspect their tools backstage during a fashion show or shoot. Their eyeliner pencils have great color intensity, deliver a rich black line worthy of the catwalk and cameras, and don’t smudge, even for everyday use. Unlike most eyeliners from foreign cosmetic brands, our very own Ever Bilena eyeliner formulation can wonderfully withstand our humid weather. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

L’Oreal Color Riche Intense Lipsticks — I’ll confess, I have one tube of every shade. These give your lips an extra boost of color. They instantly brighten the face without overshadowing your other features — perfect for achieving statement lips! And don’t worry, these lipsticks don’t dry out the lips. They glide on smoothly and moisturize with beautiful staying power. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara — This is the third Bobbi Brown mascara I’m a fan of. This latest one is by far their best ever. The formula goes on smoothly and evenly — absolutely no clumping every single time I use it. The brush is perfect for getting in the corners and allows you to get every single lash, even the bottom ones. Unlike other mascara formulas that weigh the lashes down, this magic wand keeps your lashes curled. Even months later, the formula in the tube doesn’t thicken and clump into a mess. This mascara goes on seamlessly, giving the most natural long and lush-looking lashes, as if you were born with them. Available at Rustan’s Makati.

Make Up For Ever Duo Mat — A big staple in my makeup kit, this strongly rivals the legendary MAC Studio Fix in my beauty book. It gives flawless coverage without the need for using a concealer. I just tap this under my eyes and it transforms tired eyes without settling into fine lines. It superbly conceals dark spots and blemishes while looking completely natural. Don’t be afraid of the word “mat” because this is actually the powder that’s perfect for our humid weather. Available at Make Up For Ever Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Bonifacio High Street.

Pond’s Flawless White Ultra Luminous Serum — This is a favorite among beauty insiders. The serum has a concentrated formula with 250-percent more lightening power than the day cream. It diminishes both the size and intensity of persistent blemishes, stubborn dark spots and discolorations. And yes, it’s so powerful that it works on scars and stretch marks, too! Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

MAC Mineralized Charged Water Moisture Gel — If there’s a brand that makes sure its skincare line wears well under makeup, it’s MAC. This is an excellent moisturizer that also preps your skin before makeup. It’s gel-like and ultra-light, making it great for our tropical weather. This product is actually a heavyweight in the moisturizing arena — it absorbs quickly but provides intense hydration. It also gives the smoothest base for makeup — even with just face powder on, skin looks ultra-smooth, poreless and well-hydrated. Yup, no thick, heavy, sticky feeling that most primers give. I don’t have super-dry skin, but this has definitely become a staple on my bathroom shelf. Available at MAC Cosmetics, Rustan’s Shangri-La Mall, Glorietta 3, and Power Plant Mall.

The Face Shop Black Bamboo Deep Clean Lip and Eye Makeup Remover — I swear this is the gentlest yet most powerful eye makeup remover I have ever tried in my life! Thanks to bamboo and oak charcoal, this efficiently gets rid of skin impurities, lip and eye makeup. Perfect for those with sensitive eyes (or contact lens wearers like me), this mild yet effective makeup cleanser does not contain irritants such as artificial coloring, synthetic perfume or alcohol. Your eye area will never sting or feel dry. Unlike other oil makeup removers that irritate the eyes and clog pores, this is a non-oily product that mildly works on the skin for effective cleansing. Eye makeup is gone in one swipe. Available at The Face Shop stores nationwide.

Malin + Goetz Acne Treatment — One of the best lifesavers as a model, it shrinks that ugly zit overnight while you sleep! With a cotton swab, simply dab one drop on each pimple and it dries up your pimple overnight. It contains salicylic acid and 10-percent active sulfur to dry and medicate acne and pimples. Best of all, its formula incorporates zinc oxide to help prevent scarring. Available at Adora in Greenbelt 5, Makati.

The Face Shop Mask Sheets — If there’s one thing I hoard, it’s this. Quick and easy to use plus the results are surprisingly instant! The Face Shop’s Mask Sheets come in so many variants that they answer every beauty woe. I really didn’t expect much when I first bought them. At most, I thought they would just hydrate my skin the same way any jar of moisturizer could. But wow, your skin instantly looks so amazing after that you won’t feel the need to put on any makeup after. This has never failed to make tired skin instantly look good! A big must for every woman especially right before a romantic date, a big event or a wedding you have to attend. Available at The Face Shop stores nationwide.

Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer — When you realize what a good body moisturizer is really supposed to do, you never look back at others you’ve tried. Say goodbye to lotions that are heavy, greasy, would just slide off and give a false sense of moisture to the skin. This gives serious, 24-hour moisturization without the stickiness. Absorbed by the skin upon impact, it is non-greasy and eliminates wait-time for dressing. Best of all, skin feels petal-smooth — yes, the kind of smoothness that is memorable to the touch. The first time I used it, my husband immediately complimented me on my super-smooth skin. It also wiped out stubborn ingrowns and made my legs younger-looking and smoother than they’ve ever been. Available at Adora in Greenbelt 5, Makati.

Pureology Anti-Fade Hydrate Shampoo — The best in caring for colored hair, sulfate-free and 100- percent vegan. Makes hair so soft, you can practically skip the conditioner. But what amazed me the most was how significantly less hair fall there was in just one wash. Almost every woman I know who has switched to sulfate-free, organic and vegan shampoos confirms the dramatic difference in decreased hair fall. I can imagine how horrible my sulfate-infused shampoos used to be! I’m now a convert. I can’t think of using anything else anymore for my hair. Available at Studio Fix Salon by Alex Carbonell in Greenbelt 5 and other leading salons.

Pond’s Facial Washes — This is the kind of cleanser that saves you from unnecessary expenses. Truly thorough and effective in deep cleaning, Pond’s Facial Washes do such a great job that they eliminate the need for a toner and makeup remover! The many variants address all kinds of skin concerns yet never strip your skin of its natural moisturizers. It’s no wonder we all grew up with this facial wash and both men and women alike continue to swear by it. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

Belo Essentials Sun Expert — Your best armor against skin aging! For anyone who wants impressive sun protection, this is a must. On sunnier days when I need extra protection, I use this all over my body from head to toe. It never feels sticky (even when outdoors!), it’s incredibly easy to spread (just like body lotion), and best of all, it’s one of the few sunblocks that never leaves an unflattering white film. If you have a boyfriend or husband who stubbornly resists wearing sunblock because of the greasy feel or unsightly white residue, introduce Belo Essentials Sun Expert to him. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

Bench Fix Hair Gel — Among all hair products, this has been my absolute favorite for many years — definitely a hall-of-famer in my beauty book! It’s affordable, provides invisible hold without the heaviness, and never, ever flakes even when you brush your hair out! I just put a dollop on my palms, rub them together then smooth the product over my hair. Available at Bench stores and Bench Fix salons nationwide.

Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable Conditioner — Good habits give great-looking hair. Backstage during fashion shows or photo shoots, hairstylists always compliment my hair for looking so smooth, shiny and healthy. They think I’m super-sipag in getting monthly salon treatments! This is my cheap beauty secret! I use it religiously every day — it’s my favorite supermarket find! Plus, it smells so good that it drives my man crazy. Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

Vaseline Perfect 10 Whitening and Anti-Aging Lotion — I’m sure we all care for our faces but let’s not allow the skin on our body to betray our age. An anti-aging product for the body is a beauty-must! I have always been dreaming of a product like this: an all-in-one product for the body that protects, evens out skin tone and fights aging. Boasting the best proven anti-aging ingredient retinol, AHAs and antioxidants, this wonderfully nourishes the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, treats age spots, blemishes and hyper-pigmentation, boosts radiance, delivers fairer, even-toned skin, and provides UVA/UVB protection from the aging and burning effects of the sun. Yes, now even our bodies can remain forever young! Available at leading department stores, supermarkets, personal care stores.

Dashing Diva Nail Polish — I have always been very anal about streaky nail polish and watch every application with an eagle eye. A swipe of color isn’t enough for me. It has to be immaculately streak-free and perfectly even in color. But Dashing Diva’s nail polishes are virtually foolproof. They never streak, no matter who applies them. The professional brush in Dashing Diva’s nail polish will make every first-timer feel like a pro! The formula also dries quickly and is formulated with patented ingredients that ensure longwearing and chip-resistant color. For red, I really like Dashing Diva’s New York Slice, which stands out among all reds. I’ve never gotten so many compliments on such a basic color! It’s the perfect shade of red that will flatter all skin tones. Available at Beauty Bar.

If You Forget Me - Pablo Neruda


I was leafing through a booklet when I saw a familiar poem. Pablo Neruda, we meet again ...

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Gangnam Style - Psy


I will try to blog while on vacation but since it seems next to impossible, I guess I have to see you next month. You'll definitely hear from me again. :-)
 
I will leave you with this Korean song ... Gangnam style. Ellen Degeneres loves this. Nelly Furtado sang this in her concert. My daughter loves dancing this. This song topped the UK charts. I mean, who doesn't know this song? I found a YouTube video of the song with an English translation, Enjoy! Good vibes everyone ... :-)

The Warrior is a Child - Gary Valenciano


It's okay to get tired. It's okay to cry. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to be human ...


In order to hurdle our way through the rat race, we pray for good health, take multivitamins, follow the MD's advice, read self-meditation books, go to spas, etc. etc. But still, let us remind ourselves that we have the right to cry, get tired, get sick, get confused and suffer from a bad mood. Let's accept the fact that we are flawed. We may be strong and great in a lot of ways but we are not perfect. Let's embrace our humanity.  
 
*** A few weeks ago, I had to start getting used to wearing prescription glasses most of the time. This dependence on glasses saddened me big time. I HATE wearing glasses. I'm eyeing contact lenses as an option for weekends and special occasions. I'll see if they'll work for me.   
 
*** I suffered from the great big flu days after getting a flu shot. Isn't it ironic? I was probably hit by a different strain. Unlucky me. I'm still recovering from it. I have to get my immune system back in shape in preparation for my Pinas vacation.  
 
    

Friday, September 21, 2012


Still on weddings, I love watching this over and over again ... I'm a sucker for happy endings. :-)

Congratulations and best wishes Minic and Ria!


It was a LONG day yesterday ...

Woke up at 6 a.m. in order to prepare for my cousin Minic's wedding.

Went to work.

Braved the traffic in order to catch the intimate wedding reception at Emirates Palace. Straight from work. On a Thursday night.

Whew!
 
100% worth it! Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
 
 


 
 
 
From an internet source
 
 
My blog has changed over the years ... From being a silly girl who doesn't have a clue, I have become braver and wiser. Definitely a woman in progress ...
 
They say that life begins at 40. I beg to disagree. Life begins as soon as you realize that you're here for a purpose - when you start asking yourself, "Okay, so what's the big plan out there?" You may be in your teens. You may be in your early 20s. Heck, you may even be on your deathbed when you realize this. But life begins ... This blog is about searching for the answers after that big question came. It's about forgiving yourself for being far from perfect. It's about laughing at mistakes and not taking life too seriously. It's about patiently waiting for the sun to shine once more after a stormy day. It's about learning from experience. No assumptions. No rules. Just life, the way I choose to live it. 



Last week, I decided to migrate to another blog. I wanted to try a new web design, a new look ... something that's more eye-catching. But, in the middle of preparing for it, I got all senti. So, I have decided to stay here for now. :-)

 


 

Friday, September 07, 2012

BECAUSE I'M BORED ... AGAIN :-)


Found these questions while browsing the net ...

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
50 Shades of Grey - I'm reading this book simply because I wanna know what all the hype is all about.
3,299 Mantras, Tips, Quotes and Koans

FAVOURITE BOARDGAME?
Monopoly!
Scrabble

FAVOURITE MAGAZINE?
Cosmopolitan

LEAST FAVOURITE SMELL?
Dirty bathrooms, cigarette smoke, strong perfume

FAVOURITE SOUND?
Ocean waves, raindrops, chirping of birds

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
Thank God I'm still alive! :-)

FAVOURITE FRUIT?
Durian, mangosteen, mango, berries

HOW MANY RINGS TO ANSWER THE TELEPHONE?
Around 2 or as soon as you're able to pick it up. The longer it rings, the more irritating.

CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
Chocolate

DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
Nope

STORMS: COOL OR SCARY?
Depends. If it doesn't cause floods or any type of disaster, it's cool. Otherwise, it's completely scary.

DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI?
Yup. This is a really weird question.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE JOB IN THE WORLD?
Any job that involves helping patients, especially those who have less

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HAIR COLOR?
Mahogany

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE?
Who hasn't?!

IS YOUR GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?
Definitely half full!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIES?
The list is long but my top faves are: Titanic (there's really something about this movie ...), Untamed Heart, Somewhere in Time, Jerry Maguire and The Lion King

WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED?
I can't see. Hehe.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT TO WATCH?
I don't like watching sports.













Lifening by Snow Patrol


Love, happiness and peace ... This is all I've ever wanted from life. :-)

Musings This Week


Thoughts triggered by the books and tweets I read, songs I heard and life itself ...
 
Isn't it ironic that sometimes, people who have more have less to give and people who have less have more to give?
 
Pain is inevitable. It's part of being human. If you choose to suffer, the pain will stay with you. If you choose not to, it will pass.
 
Would you rather let life bore you with simplicity or excite you with complications?

  





Friday, August 31, 2012

Eid 2012

 
 
Whenever my brother organizes something, it's always a certified success. He's the brains behind our Eid break. We stayed at a hotel in Dubai that's situated near Dubai Mall. The kid in me got really excited over the sweet treats at Candylicious. Then came lunch. I had cheeseburger at Burgerfuel and malt shake at Johnny Rocketts. I enjoyed the iced lolly I bought at The Works while watching the Dancing Fountain in front of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.   The place was lavishly decorated with lights which reminded me of Christmas in Pinas. Then came dinner. I really liked Yo Sushi's concept of taking whatever dish you fancy from a conveyor belt. The food is tops as well. Here's a sample video of the amazing Dancing Fountain in Dubai:
 
 
 
Just wanna make a quick post to inform everyone that I'm still alive and kicking, just insanely busy. Got really sick this week which prompted me to visit a doctor. Being a doctor myself, I'm ashamed to admit that I only go to a doctor when it's extremely necessary. I wanna thank Doc Peng for taking care of me as usual. I subjected myself to a load of lab tests to make sure that I'm healthy and ready for my Pinas vacation which is scheduled real soon. I hope the results are okay. Keeping my fingers crossed ... I miss blogging. There are just a lot of things on my plate right now. For instance, my daughter will start KG 1 this coming week. I still can't get over the fact that she's ready for school. How time flies ... There's no time for anything these days except work and my kid. It's actually a good thing because I just want to think about the present for now. I don't wanna get overwhelmed by what lies ahead. I know that whatever happens, I'll be fine. I'll be happy. And I'll be at peace. That's what we call FAITH.

Friday, August 10, 2012


In life, there are no rules. You simply have to do what should be done at a given moment.


Source of Pic: missphattypants.com

The more problems you have, the less you take life and yourself seriously. I guess that's how people survive best. :-)

Source of Pic: thesunnygirl.com

Never Gonna Leave This Bed - Maroon 5


My current LSS ... And it's my brother's fault. Hehe.



Wednesday, August 08, 2012


As the day comes to a close, let's offer a prayer to our friends, relatives and fellowmen fighting to survive in the Philippines. Countless homes are presently submerged in flood water. Thousands of people have no food and shelter. Lives have already been lost. Our bayanihan has been put to the test once more. I believe that we will survive this nationwide tragedy. The rain will stop soon and our land will become dry. In the meantime, let's be safe.  


Friday, August 03, 2012


I'm the queen of shrewdness. I have always believed in cost-effective shopping. However, these products are worth the extra bucks:      


I have sensitive skin and it's hard for me to find a product that my skin doesn't react to. Shiseido products work really well and they last for a year.


Prestige Lipstick is longwearing so there's no need for frequent touch-ups. I also found a perfect shade which I can use from day to night.


  
Fitflop sells the most comfy footwear I have ever tried. I can use them for hours without suffering from tender and sore feet. A must-have for those who love to walk. I bought my first pair 3 years ago and it hasn't shown any obvious signs of wear and tear yet. A really good investment.  

Whenever I feel like my days go by without meaning or purpose, I set out to make other people happy. We don't live our lives for ourselves alone. Sometimes we have to reach out, make people smile or offer a hand to others in need. Making others happy actually ups our happiness scale. That's a fact. Ramadan gives us countless of opportunities to do just that. If we lack time, the easiest way is to drop off our old books, clothes and household items in designated areas in the mall for less fortunate people.

Source: http://campaign.dubib.com

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Rather, I have the power to wish: by Eshla


Can I help you with that?

I wish I could.
I wish I could grant you peace.
I wish I could create joy for you.
I wish I could take your worries.
I wish I could digest your fears.

For this is not merely empathy,
This is love,
This is friendship,
That too in its most crude form.

For I bear no gifts.
I don't bring presents.
I don’t have those. Nor can I afford them. Nor do I believe in such pleasantries.

Rather I have the power to wish
And the will to make it real.

So, I will wish for my friend.
I will wish for you.
For it is the only thing I can give- a hope, a dream.

Because reality says I cannot wipe out your sorrows,
I cannot lift your pains,
I cannot rectify the injustices.

I cannot.
That is your path, I’m told. That is your journey to endure.

But I will rest my hand on your back,
And I will wish,
Wish that it were not so,
Wish that my feet fit in your shoes.
Small or large,
I wish that I could drag them along a foreign path,
So that you may rest your tired soles.

For it’s only a wish that I can gift you. But that wish encapsulates every bit of my being.

I wish,
And I believe.
I believe that such kindness makes wishes bear fruit.

What Matters Most - Philippine Madrigal Singers


A beautiful song performed by the very talented Philippine Madrigal Singers :-)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Med Student Syndrome


Haha!

If I Could - Celine Dion


For my daughter ...



If I could
I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes
Give you courage in a world of compromise
Yes, I would

If I could
I would teach you all the things I've never learned
And I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned
Yes, I would

If I could
I would try to shield your innocence from time
But the part of life I gave you isn't mine
I've watched you grow
So I could let you go

If I could
I would help you make it through the hungry years
But I know that I can never cry your tears
But I would
If I could

If I live
In a time and place where you don't want to be
You don't have to walk along this road with me
My yesterday
Won't have to be your way

If I knew
I'd have tried to change the world I brought you to
And there isn't very much that I can do
But I would
If I could...
Oh baby... mummy wants to protect you
And help my baby through the hungry years
It's part of me
And if you ever... ever need
Sad shoulder to cry on
I'm just someone to talk to
I'll be there... I'll be there
I didn't change your world
But I would
If I could!

I admit that, unlike my mom, I'm not maternal by nature. It's simply not one of my inherent traits. I had to learn and develop it over the years. I was used to being taken care of and not the other way around. I was always my mom's little girl and I kinda got stuck in that role for a long time. When I found out that I was going to be a mom, I felt so emotionally unprepared for the seemingly daunting task of rearing a child. When my baby was born, I was scared to hold her for fear that I might drop her precious, fragile body. I didn't know how to change her nappy, when to feed her, what to do whenever she cries. It was a constant guessing game, a very challenging trial-and-error thing. I thank the people who answered my 911 calls whenever she wouldn't stop crying, whenever she's sick and whenever I was being a frantic clueless mom. How time flies. Mishka's 3. I may not have aced my first 3 years of mommyhood but I think I'm doing fine. I actually think I'm getting quite good at it. :-) The ordeal I had to go through this week in order to make my daughter stay in the UAE with me involved lots of tears, sweat, guts, faith and determination. With the help of my family and friends, I did it, we did it! To my daughter, I love you more than my life. Wherever I'll be, you'll be with me, no matter what it takes. That's a promise.       


Friday, July 20, 2012

A Brief Lesson in Flow Charts


HAHAHA!


Source: Outside the Interzone

Stress Busters!


Don't let stress get to you. Fight it. Learn to live with it. It's part of life. Here's my personal list of stress busters:

1. Take a walk along Corniche.
2. Jog in the morning.
3. Drink your favorite coffee while reading a good book.
4. Listen to music, lots of it.
5. Shop but watch your budget. If your budget is nil, go window-shopping instead.
6. Smile even if you want to scream or throw things around. Just smile. :-)
7. Be with someone who makes you laugh and laugh out loud at every opportunity.
8. Go bowling.
9. Go to a nearby arcade and play hockey or basketball.
10. Watch a feel-good movie.
11. Go to a bar and sing along with the band. Watch the people go crazy on the dance floor.
12. Go to the salon and enjoy a bit of pampering. Again, watch your budget.
13. Watch a fun TV series like New Girl.
14. Read some lines from your self-meditation book.
15. Pray.
16. Act like a kid. Thanks to Mishka, I'm starting to be a pro at this.
17. Videoke. I find "What's Up" by 4 Non-blondes a very effective song. You can scream "WHAT'S GOING ON?!" at the top of your lungs. 
18. Eat cake. I love Costa's New York cheesecake with caramel topping and blackforest cake.
19. Grab a bag of potato chips.
20. Get kikay with your friends and take lots of pics for FB.
21. Travel.
22. Blog.
23. Read funny comic strips. Gulf News has Garfield, Dilbert, Wizard of Id, Andy Capp and Calvin and Hobbes. We have our very own Pugad Baboy.
24. Watch anything jologs on TV. The more jologs, the better.
25. Take deep breaths. Stretch out those tired muscles.
26. Cry for a LIMITED time period only.
27. Get lots of sleep.
28. Watch Just for Laughs. Simply hilarious.
29. Watch Barefoot Contessa, Unwrapped and Everyday Italian.





Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer


Butterflies in my stomach, fairy lights, petty fights, burning the phone lines, love letters and poems, bouquet of flowers, puppy love ... THE KILIG SONG of my teenage years!



Ramadan Rules and Regulations for Non-Muslims


Source: Yahoo News


During the 30 days of Ramadan, fasting Muslims around the world will observe strict rules, including abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations between sunrise and sunset.

Non-Muslims, too, will be expected to respect the local culture in many Islamic countries, and should be aware of certain rules and regulations…
    There are strict fines in some Islamic countries, as well as possible jail time, for eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum in public – including in their own cars - during daylight hours. In the UAE, for instance, fines can range from AED2,000-2,500 and/or a one- or two-month jail sentence. Getting let off with a warning is a possibility, but not guaranteed. In Egypt, citizens and foreigners can be arrested for a misdemeanour offence if caught, while in Indonesia penalties can include flogging.
    While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, showing courtesy and consideration for those who are fasting is expected.
    During the day, non-Muslims can eat in designated areas, usually behind screens. Some hotels, shopping mall food courts and restaurants will remain open – but discreetly – so it is best to plan ahead by calling them to find out. Most outlets will deliver food during the day as well.
    Similarly, most offices have designated areas where you can eat or drink. It is considered common courtesy not to do so in front of your fasting colleagues.
    Learning a few Ramadan greetings can show your respect for the Islamic culture. In Arabic, it is customary to say "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak", which basically translates into "May you have a generous/ blessed Ramadan".
Do accept Iftar invitations from friends or colleagues, as this will provide you with a way of learning more about the customs and traditions of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month for peace and piety, so abstain from swearing and using offensive language or gestures in public, as this is considered disrespectful.
Ramadan is also a time for giving and charity, so do your bit by donating to your favourite charity or volunteering.
Because fasting also includes abstaining from sexual contact, any public displays of affection are considered disrespectful, too.

Modest dress is advisable, so do cover up. Women should wear loose, long-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts or trousers, while men should wear long trousers.
Work hours
for most banks, offices and government organisations will be reduced by at least two hours, so make sure you find out the new timings. Public transport schedules (such as for the Dubai Metro) and paid parking hours will also change during the month.
Live music is banned in public places during Ramadan but recorded music may be allowed. While bars remain open at night, most night clubs are closed. Likewise, playing loud music either in cars or in private residences is considered impolite and should be avoided.
Some Muslims are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, so do not be surprised to see them eating as usual. These include the sick, elderly, pre-pubescent children, nursing mothers, pregnant or menstruating women and travellers.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Fix You - Coldplay



When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you