Zol’s Neighborhood

One of my role models is an illiterate slave woman, Sojourner Truth (you can read about her here), who could not read or write, but she could not stand second-class treatment of women and she hated slavery. My favorite Sojourner story came one day when she was making a speech against slavery, and she got heckled by a man who stood up in the audience and said, "Old slave woman, I don't care any more about your anti slavery talk than for an old fleabite." And she snapped back and said, "That's all right. The Lord willing, I'm going to keep you scratching."

So often we think we have got to make a big difference and be a big dog. Let us try to be little fleas biting. Enough fleas biting strategically can make big dogs very uncomfortable. I am convinced that together fleas for unity, and fleas in schools and political congregartions, and fleas in homes as parents committed to a decent humane society are going to transform a nation and make it "un-post y generation" for any child to be poor or without education in your rich land.

I don't give a fuck how bad the job marjet is. I don't care how hard the challenges seem to be either. Hang in with life. And do not think you have to win or win immediately or even at all to make a difference. Sometimes it is important to lose for things that matter. And do not think you have to make a big difference to make your country different. Be a flea. Be human. Be proud. 

..to be cont'd

Geri Halliwell

I'm an FBB -- Filipino-born British and feel priveledged to be so. Although I spent my 17 years of life in the Philippines, I have been to the UK on and off during summers, hollidays or just mere family trips A LOT. Nine to Eleven hour trips coming back and forth didn't really bothered me as my family has been my sole purpose of traveling, risking the fun time I can personally have during those breaks. 

Now permanently living here, I now know why britons are so oddly proud of this great country; why people love the spice girls; and why people love the royal family. Whenever asked during legal tenders to complete a check-in-form, I write in utter pride: Country - United Kingdom; Nationality - British.

It is very uncool to posess anything with a Union Jack flag on it if you are a resident of the UK and not a punk (in which case it is marginally acceptable) as the Union Jack has become a symbol of xenophobia, pro-monarchy conservatism, stiff-upper-lip anal retention, the spice girls, and general Church of England bloody-mindedness.

Oh, and GOD BLESS THE QUEEN!!!!

Lol. Let's get down to my real post eh?

You're (insert nationality), and I'm British. For some reason, our parents decided to make love and nine months later our mother gave birth to us at the right time and place. In my case, my parents decided to 'make' me in my hometown of Cebu in the Philippines. I came here 17 years later and assumed full citizenship. My other siblings had foreign births -- My sister was born here in her hometown of Portsmouth, whlist my younger brother was born in the United States. 

I’m extremely happy not to be a citizen in one of the many countries on earth, where people struggle to make a living, not knowing if they will be able to feed their family the next day.

But can you really be proud of that?

You want to be proud? Achieve something. Spend some time helping the less fortunate, be great at whatever it is you like to do. Try to live your life being a good person. That’s something to be proud of. But nationality......eh?

If we could all stop belonging to a gang, religion, country or whatever, and lived simply as individuals with whatever abilities we inherited and make the best of it to live a good life and enrich it for ourselves, family and others, then things would only get better. A Country is a geographical and administrative area, not a membership of a club. The world is small enough now to see that our differences are historical accidents because we didn’t know each other. Now we can get together again I hope.

I'm proud to be a citizen of this mankind... 100% proud to be human.

God Bless the World!!

to be cont'd

I'm so far. so bored. ;)

Happy

1. Happy disposition

-Look for a happy, optimistic person. Find someone who has a sense of humor and can laugh at himself/herself. True happiness springs from a content heart. Beware of the person who is only happy when you are around. You’re going to get tired of being responsible for another person’s happiness. You could end up feeling guilty when the person slips into bouts of depression. True happiness is a part of a person’s character, regardless of the circumstances.

2.Thoughtfulness

-How does your date treat his parents and yours? Chances are you’ll get treated very much the same way. Does he see things that need to be done and offer to help? Or does he put his own needs first? Does he open doors for you and wait to seat you at the table?(ehem ehem) Manners are important – and they seldom get better after marriage.

3. Not easily angered

-Temper out bursts can be the symptom of internal hostility. This hostility is often repressed during courtship as a person is trying hard to be on his best behavior. Take seriously any outbursts you observe, and check with others who have known this person in different situations to see if they have noticed this trait. The way a woman treats her younger brother may be an indication of how she will treat her husband. Be leery of the person who has not learned to express his anger in words and instead merely harbors angry feelings in his heart. Going silent and withdrawing from a loved one because of anger is unhealthy and damaging to a relationship. Be sure you date a person long enough to observe how easily he or she becomes angry and how these feelings are expressed. Ask yourself, “Is this what I want to live with for a lifetime?”

4. Willing to solve problems

-It’s almost impossible to solve relationship problems by yourself. Marry someone who will be honest enough to admit being wrong, who doesn’t have a habit of blaming others.

5. Purity

-Purity is not just an old fashioned virtue. It’s just safer to date someone who hasn’t played around. Pero don’t hold it against a person for past sexual involvement. You cannot always judge a person’s true purity by virginity alone. Mind purity is equally important. Is your date pure in his thoughts and speech, as well as behaviour? What jokes does he tell? What music does he listen to? What movies does he watch? What books or magazines does she read? Are they pure or suggestive? Mind pollution can lead to disrespect of the opposite sex.

6. Truthful

-Too often couples play games when they are becoming acquainted. Playing games in a relationship is a form of dishonesty. Marriage isn’t a game. It’s a serious lifetime commitment. Search your own feelings and share honestly during your courtship. Be you!

7. Accepts Responsibility

-Here are some questions that might detect irresponsibility: Does she see things that need to be done and do them? Does he volunteer to help? Does she get to places on time? Does he make lame excuses to get out of responsibilities? Does she take her talents seriously and work to improve her skills? Does he take care of his personal possessions?… Think about it. Just how responsible is the person you are dating?

8. Good Sense of Self Worth

-Often in a dating relationship, someone with a poor self-esteem may glean a sense of value from you. They become dependent on you to make them feel good. If you don’t want to live a lifetime having to tiptoe around a person’s fragile ego or having to hold yourself back for fear of how your spouse will react, then be careful not to get emotionally involved with someone who has a low sense of self-worth.

9. Accepts you just the way you are.

-True Love is unconditional love. The important question to ask is, “Do I love her/his faults?” Only when you can truly love the total person, including all the points and bad habits, can you accept your mate for who he is and not secretly wish you could change him/her.

10. Willing to grow.

- Good marriage grow together. They encourage each other to maximize their knowledge, skills and potential. Make sure the person you date seriously is the kind of person who is open to learning and will make changes when changes need to be made.

11. Affectionate.

- The ability to express love through words and actions is vital for an intimate love relationship. Look for tender words, acts and touches that are given naturally and “appropriately” throughout the day, and not just in private(tama tama).

12. Relationship with God.

- It’s very important for a marriage partner to have a personal relationship with God. Look for someone who is spiritually sensitive and willing to follow God’s law. A spirit-filled life is one filled with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. A person who exhibits these traits is certainly easier to live with than someone who doesn’t. What about your date/ if you’re interested in a real Christian, make sure his faith is part of his life 24 hours a day.

Sana ay nakatulong ng malaki ang listahan na aming ibinahagi sa inyo lagi lamang tandaan na

above all, always ask God the author of Love He could never go wrong.

(from tlw.ph)

I want to have an introvert day.

I want to spend a day alone doing this:
-reading a book
-writing in my journal
-reading my Bible
-talking to God
-eating
-sleeping

I want to have a day with no contact to other people. Even just for a day. A day of peace. A day of silence.

It could me a selfish day. But it would me a day alone with myself and my Dad.

I was able to visit Puerto Princesa City, Palawan a few days ago. I had a blast and definitely was the highlight of my summer. I learned that despite knowing how to swim, I still had an itzy-bitsy fear of water. And because of my hazy memory, I have to write it down here before the little details fly away.

                                                                  Day 1- AT FIRST SIGHT

       We had an 8:40 flight and we were at the airport by 6:15. Pretty early, huh? I was seated on 8A, a window seat! Cheers! It was sooo cold at the airport and I was only in sandals and shorts and shirt and I forgot my jacket but in the plane was a lot warmer. The flight was around an hour and fifty minutes but it was okay. I don’t have motion sickness or some sort like that so everything went fine. When we came at the airport which was a domestic one only, there were lots of tourists who came with us. By the way, it was the first airport that I saw tall grasses on the runway’s sides. The inn we stayed had a service which picked us up. It was only a few minutes drive and finally I had the first glimpse of the city. We were at the hotel, or I’d rather call it pension house, by 11. We didn’t waste any time so we booked for that day’s city tour at 1pm. So we were the first when the coaster came. They even actually had to wait for a few minutes because we were still having lunch. We picked up the guests at the other hotels then we painted the town. J The first stop was the Crocodile Farm and as expected, ang daming crocodiles. J There was a nature park in the farm but we didn’t go there because it was so muddy. Then my favorite part was next, photoshoot! With the park’s highlight, crocodiles. But it was just a small one and the guide was saying that of we want a photo with a crocodile with a rubberband-ed mouth, that would be an extra charge and the one with none would be for free. Nice one, kuya! Photo ops were limited for 3 to 5 but I had 13. Blessed me! Their skin actually felt do dry and because they rarely move, it felt like a huge toy. When we got to the coaster, it rained so hard. The next stop was the Iwahig Penal Colony which sells souvenirs made by the inmates themselves. They even sell their uniforms. J After that we went to Mitra’s Ranch which was a resthouse for a political figure in the city and it was shaped like a cockpt from afar but it has a great view of St. Peter’s (?) mountain (which has the Underground River inside) and the awesome Honda Bay. A perfect place for jump shots pero nahiya ako eh. :)) Next was the prime seller of for me was the best hopia, especially the ube one, ever! Bakers’ Hill with big, cartoonlike statues for phototaking. I remember there was also a soooo cute flower pot whatever. Had my photo taken kahit na bawal mag-step sa grass. Sorry, turista eh.:)

Picture 093

The last place we went to was the Binuatan Weaving. I forgot the real name of this place but it’s where I tried weaving. I did only four strips. We were dropped at the tiangges where we bought the must have pasalubongs. There weren’t much to see here but still, I bought the must have keychains. J The guide said that the pension house we stayed was just near that we could just walk from the tiangge. Turned out that the near he was referring to was almost two to three blocks away. Perfect for our haggard mood add to that the fact the most streets in Palawan were hilly.

                                                         Day 2- TREASURE UNEARTHED

 Anyone who comes to Palawan surely had experienced this day. We went to visit the now world-renowned Underground River. Though it was on the same city, it was still a two hour drive of zigzags and hills from the city proper. Had to be ready before the clock stroke 6:30 but the service came at 7. So we drove and drove more until we stopped at some viewing deck along the way for some great view of the St. Paul’s mountain and the Honda bay. 45 minutes left for travel. By the way, half of the roads were very rocky. Guide even called it a “free massage”. We stopped at a beach and at the side was a little port for the bancas. We had to take a 15 to 20 minute boat ride to where the underground river was. The waiting time took longer than the boat ride itself, it was 45 minutes and we were at number 17. When we reached the island, we had to walk 150 meters to reach the waiting area for the boat that takes you inside the underground river. We were warned not to bring plastics because monkeys snatch those. Ang daming nakuhanan. One monkey even took a bag of Clover chips from a pile of snacks. Lucky us, our batch was the last one to tour the river that morning.

DSC00556

It was MAJESTIC inside. It really took a lot of imagination to know and name the stone forms. There was a Cathedral where there were stone forms of the Holy Family and also a huge melting candle. The river was about 8.2 kilometers long but we were only able to travel about 1.5 kilometers and it already took 45 minutes or so. After the tour we stayed at the island for another twenty minutes for the photo photo thing. :) The beach was so clear, the waves were perfect and the trees so lush. I might sound so poetic here but really, everything seems to be in perfect harmony with nature. Maybe, it's all because I've lived a city life for a time now. So another boat ride and when we reached the port, it was noon and we had to walk still under the striking heat of the sun for our lunch. It was worth it. The lunch was sumptuous and first time that I tried drinking fresh buko juice, fresh as in direct from the fruit. I was supposed to swim but it was so hot that our group just decided to head back home.Two hours drive again and all of us in the group were obviously dog tired and caught up with a long dose. It started to rain quite hard too making us sleep better. Back at the hotel, we booked for our last destination in Palawan, Honda Bay. =)

                                                           Day 3- PARADISE FOUND

I actually had no idea what would happen today. I've never even heard of Honda Bay before. Nangni only told me that we would definitely be swimming today. Call time was later than the day before, 8am it is. The coaster was already full when we hopped in. But the thing is, this time there were a number of tourists. One even greeted me a warm "Good morning!" I think she's Russian. I don't know. My gut feel just said so. Anyway, Honda bay was only 30 minutes drive from the city proper and a 45 minute ferry ride. Main activities here were island hopping and snorkeling. I was actually expecting something similar to Pangasinan's Hundred Islands but turned out something beyond that. We stopped over at Pandan island to drop off some people (they were guides) then went on to Snake Island. I thought it was an island with a forest generously inhabited with snakes. :) un pala, it's named "snake island" because it is shaped like a snake. When we finally arrived, it felt surreal. The sand was so white and so fine, like stepping on a huge polvoron mix. ;) one more thing, the island was a complete VIRGIN. No restaurants, no stores, and even no restrooms. :) I think they just improvised but it was clean according to some foreigners. I took a quick and excited leap to the beach. Finally, I can swim. :) Someone approached us asking if we want to learn snorkeling because the island has a majectic reef somewhere near. He even said it was for free and they offer it so that tourists would enjoy the trip. We were given a super crash course on snorkeling. How to clean goggles and more importantly, how to breathe underwater. It all took only like three minutes or so. Ang bilis. :)

Picture 194

Nangni went on to the reef first while I was at the shore starting to think if I would still go on snorkeling or I'd run somewhere. Natakot ako bigla! :)) it must be the freakingly paranoid me again. But I chose to stay (yes, parang I'd learnt that from some film. Ha ha) The usual, "Bahala na" attitude. It was scary at first but when I was already getting used to it thanks to the fish. By the way, you let them come near you if you feed them with bread. ;) It was so nice, all colors and sizes. parang sa tv lang. :)  The fear soon went out. :) Nakita ko si Dory (Finding nemo) :)) Too bad there wasn't even a single picture. sayang! So we turned back to the shore and then Nangni and I together went snorkeling again somewhere with the guide. This time, with no bread. Naubos na eh. Boo! Basta, it was so pretty underneath. After that snorkeling thing, Nangni and I toured the island. while mama shopped for pearl souvenirs. Nakakapagod kaya lumagoy ng malayo. Oh, the guide said that the water was "quite" deep. So touring the island under the sun's heat was not as excruciating as it may seem. It was just so great here. Felt like I'm somewhere unreal. Water so clear, sand so white and sky so perfect. But when it was past 11, we had to get on the ferry again for the next island. It was, I think, 20 minutes until we reached Pandan Island where we had our sumptuous Filipino lunch. Yum yum.

Picture 202

After a while, we went swimming again. I didn't have my goggles with me so I sort of fed the fish while I was just sort to say, above the water. When I knew that all the lunch was somewhere in my system now, I tried snorkeling again. But just somewhere not deep. ;) When we were about to decide that we had much for the day, a guide again approached us and asked if we wanted to go somewhere a "BIT" deeper. Of course, we would! Again with the pretty underwater scene. It nicer here with more corals and all that. :) We stopped somewhere and stepped on some  huge, hard coral. They call it "Brain Coral". I took off my googles and realized that we were already somewhere in the middle of the ocean. :)) while saying nothing but "ANG GANDAAAA!!!" Then the guide said, "MAGANDA PO TALAGA ANG DAGAT. TEKA LANG PO MA'AM, AALIS LANG AKO SANDALI".:)) Like there was somewhere else to go. The shore was just so far and I can't believe I swam that far. The guide was somewhere. Iniwan kami for a while. Living by the moment, we went on and just fed the fish for a few minutes and finally, the guide was back! :)) makakabalik na kami. :D and when we did, i was happy not only for returning to the land where humans are meant to live but with all that I've seen only a few seconds ago. A totally cool and rocking experience. \m/ So after all that swimming under the sun then the rain and the sun again and get casually dresses, fresh buko juice was next. ;) and our tour guide from the coaster was there asking who wants to try his camera tricks. He was insisting on it but my cam went low bat on this 3rd day so I used nangni's. His tricks were cool. Though, I've tried some before but really nice souvenir photos. I loved that one on the broom and he was saying,

DSC00593

"GANITO KA UUWI NG MANILA." :) We had a chit chat with the others in our group tour then time to head home. There were more people in the ferry now than we came and Mama met someone from Plaridel too. I noticed that most people were sleeping but I wasn't. Ang saya kaya kahit mainit. Anyway, kanya kanyang trip naman yan. :) So reached the port then the coaster then, it was traffic! ;))))) Palawan traffic.

When dinner came, had it at a known seafood restaurant in the city, KaLui. Saraapp.

DSC00611

They're known for seafood and before you enter, you should leave you slippers outside and.. you have the choice if you want to sit on the floor, on some very low cushion or in the traditional wooden chairs. And here's the thing, while we were there, it went brownout. :))  how's that? :)) but it was fixed a few minutes after. Great avocado shake, grilled fish, yummy crabs, and sweet o sweet fresh fruit salad. heehee Still, THIS IS MY FAVORITE DAY! We went home to pack stuff for the day that I wished never came.

                                                      Day 4- UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

As said, I wish this day could have never come. Time to go back to Bulacan. Back to the reality. ^__^ I've packed my stuff the night before and I was a bit sure that I had not forgotten anything. Though the idea of having a reason for me to go back to Palawan because I left something would pass for a good excuse. We had a 10am flight so we had to be at the airport early and that was also where we took our breakfast. Their airport is only for domestic flights so it's smaller than NAIA 3. We bought souvenirs again.:)  Our flight was delayed by three minutes according to the screen. There weren't much happenings today aside from we waited for an hour or so before we got picked up in Manila. It was Manila traffic this time.

This trip was just so great. Definitely, I would love to return and see more.

What to do? What to do?

I think I have a pretty long list of what I need to do. I may write it down but I won't be able to do it right now anyway. So I'll write it later when I wake up and the sun is shining or raindrops fall from the rooftop.

I'm still kind of high in planning and putting these plans into action. It has been two months since I felt this. It's tiring sometimes to plan and do to things but, I am still and will ever be grateful that I am in the mood of doing such.

I'm still high,not just in the mood of writing down my plans. I want to give my mind a rest from stress its suffering.

Ugh. As i write this blog, I'm struggling not to think of making any plans for tomorrow.

i want to write about something. i just don't know what to write. now, i'm starting to feel not to do anything. my mind is not functioning well right now. hello! it's 1am and i'm sick. yet i'm staying up late.

> She
> jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the
> operating room.
> She said:
> 'How is my little boy ?
> Is he going to be all right ? When can I see him ?'
> The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could,
> but your boy didn't make it.'
>
>
> Sally said,
> 'Why do little children
> get cancer ?
> Doesn't God care any more ?
> 'Where were you, God,
> when my son needed you ?'
>
> The surgeon asked,
> 'Would you like some
> time alone with your son ? One of the nurses will be out in
> a few minutes,
> before he's transported
> to the university.'
>
> Sally asked the nurse to
> stay with her while she said good bye to her son.
> She ran her fingers lovingly through
> his thick red curly hair.
> 'Would you like a lock of his hair ?' the nurse
> asked.
>
> Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's
> hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.
>
> The mother said,
> 'It was Jimmy's idea
> to donate his body to
> The University for Study.
> He said it might help somebody else.
> 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said, ' Mo m , I
> won't be using it after I die.
> Maybe it will help some other little boy
> spend one more day
> with his Mom .'
> She went on,
> 'My Jimmy had
> a heart of gold.
> Always thinking of
> someone else.
> Always wanting to help others
> if he could.'
>
> Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the
> last
> time, after spending most of the last six months there.
> She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat
> beside her in the car.
>
> The drive home was difficult. It was even harder
> to enter the empty house.
> She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag
> with the lock of his hair
> to her son's room.
>
> She started placing the model cars and other personal
> things back in his room exactly where
> he had always kept them.
> She laid down
> across his bed
> and, hugging his pillow,
> cried herself to sleep.
>
> It was around midnight
> when Sally awoke.
> Laying beside her on the bed was a fo lded l etter.
> The letter said:
>
> * Dear Mom ,
> I know you're going to miss me; but don't think
> that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just
> 'cause I'm not around to say
> 'I Love You' .
> I will always love you, Mom , even more with each day.
> Someday we will see
> each other again.
> Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy
> so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me..
> He can have my room and all my stuff to play with.
> But, if you decide to get a girl instead,
> she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do.
> You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you
> know.. Don't be sad
> thinking about me.
> This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as
> soon as I got here
> and showed me around some, but it will take a long time
> to see everything.
> The angels are so cool.
> I love to watch them fly.
> And, you know what?
> Jesus doesn't look
> like any of his pictures.
> Yet, when I saw Him,
> I knew it was Him.
> Jesus himself took me to see GOD !
> And guess what, Mom ?
> I got to sit on God's knee
> and talk to Him,
> like I was
> somebody important.
> That's when I told Him that
> I wanted
> to write you a letter,
> to tell you good bye
> and everything.
> But I already knew that wasn't allowed.
> Well, you know what Mom ? God handed me some paper and His
> own personal pen
> to write you this letter.
> I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to
> drop this letter off to you.
> God said
> for me to give you
> the answer
> to one of the questions you asked Him
> 'Where was He
> When I needed him ?'
> 'God said
> He was in the same place with me,
> as when
> His son Jesus,
> was on the cross.
> He was right there, as H e Always Is
> With All His Children .' Oh, by the way, Mom ,
> no one else can see what I've written ...except you.
> To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper.
> Isn't that cool ?
> I have to give God
> His pen back now.
> He needs it to write some
> more names in
> The Book of Life.
> Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper.
> I'm sure the food will be great.
>
> Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore.
> The cancer is all gone.
> I'm glad because I couldn't
> stand that pain anymore
> ...and God
> couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either.
> That's when He sent
> The Angel of Mercy
> to come get me.
> The Angel said,
> I was a Special Delivery !
> How about that ?
>
> Signed With Love from God, Jesus & Me.