hard times...

My thoughts and prayers goes to everyone affected by Hurricane Katrina.

This calamity reminded me of the two big floods we had in my hometown of Noveleta back in October of 2000. Two major floods in three days damaged a lot of properties, swept away people's homes and belongings which was accumulated over time, most of them life's possession. And took a life, at least of one child. This flooding didn't caused as much extensive lost of life and properties as what Katrina brought to Louisiana and Mississippi but I guess the impact is the same for those who directly felt the loss. And the experience of it is not something you easily forget.

My family, five years after these two floods, has still a vivid recollection of that quiet night when we were all lying infront of the television at the living room, and was shocked by the sight of water coming right at the front door. It was more like that scene in the movie Titanic where Rose is finding Jack and the water is so fast rising. I could still recall our most loved pet, Spice barking-out to get our attention to get her. I remembered the look of relief on her face when my husband carried her to where we are.

Fortunately for us, we lost only, most of our appliance, furnitures, some fixings, our treasured wedding album, which were eventually replaced. And fortunately also for us that time, I am employed by OMMPI, a very generous company who financially aided employees affected by such disaster, and had us back, if not all, what we had lost. I felt so much grief for the people in my town who totally lost their homes, their material possessions, who had really a hard time recovering. And for the family of the lost child.

All in all, it left us, my family, a scary and sad memory. I still remember the day we (my children and I) came to the US in 2002, my husband said "I am relieved that you all are here, I worry everytime it rains there, I'm afraid of you getting caught in a flood." But I still have my mother, close relatives, friends, and other people in the Philippines, so everytime I hear it rains there, I call my mother to ask if there's flooding in the place. I guess, I will be continously praying that it will not happen again.

Wherever you may be, whatever race or color, it will help a lot to keep on praying that such disasters will not visit us again. Times like this, we look up and bend our knees...

For those of you, dear readers, who would want to help our fellowmen in need, you may CLICK HERE and it will bring you to the donation site for the victims of the recent hurricane.

And for those affected, I'd like to share this thought by Thomas Jefferson.

It is part of the American character to consider nothing as desparate - to surmount every difficulty by resolution and contrivance.

(W)Hole hearted

"We're going to see a concert on Saturday," I told the kids while driving on our way home. "Is there an Act Two, Mommy?", Abraham asked. I smiled and replied, "No Anak (son), it's not a stage play, it's a concert." "So whose concert is it? how long will it take? where will it be?". And here's Lemuel's remark,"It's gonna be boring, can we just stay at home?"...

The kids have never been to a concert before and I felt so thankful that this is the first concert they've seen, a very wholesome one, especially for kids their age. To spark their interest, I called them infront of the monitor and showed them the Levites concert site. Both of them can't believe that the performers are all full-pledged priests from the Philippines. "Are they really priests, huh Mommy?"asked Bulilit (youngest). "Yes they are." There, I got their attention and they now have the interest.

With two curious boys we headed straight to the Wilshire Ebell Theater on 8th Street last Saturday. The venue, with so hospitable ushers and usherettes, is just perfect for the affair - not too big not too small - our seats were equally perfect as well. The mostly filipino crowd, with one or two whites and few hispanic audience represent all age groups, from little children barely learning to walk (no sitter for the night?), teens, us (the youth of old age), and a handful of well dressed retirees.

The concert started a little past eight with an invocation song "Our Father" sung by a cute girl of seven, so i guessed. Followed by the singing of the national anthems (Philippines then the US). The teen band called "Forgotten Fate" who frontacted did well for their first public appearance. And here comes the stars of the night - The Levites.

Fathers all: Mulong (Bass Guitarist), Nick (Vocalist), Mar (Keyboard), Dindo (Drums), Dennis (Lead Guitarist), Danny (Vocalist)

Absolutely fabulous performers, not enough superlative adjective to describe their performance that night. Everyone is just so outstanding and they carried themselves well - so well, you won't have a hint they are fishers of men first.

There were a lot of highlight in the concert, and one which we enjoyed most is called "the script", where Fathers Dindo, Nick and Mulong delivered their supposedly scripts conveying the concert's theme, in different moods like being cool and serious (drama - Ate Shawie and Ate Guy style), and dull.

And there's this one visual presentation (yes, the night was filled with meaningful visuals too) which started with a very cute narration of the Humpty Dumpty story (my youngest enjoyed this part a lot) and eventually relating Humpty's very fragile character to us, humans. Of how we easily crack when we fall, break, in times of trials and hardships. The message was effectively communicated through a medley of powerful and moving songs which describes the things that preoccupies our lives, money, fame, pleasure, selffishness, to name a few.

The theme is being "Hole hearted" - true enough, everyone of us have that empty space in our hearts which we try to fill up with things we think will make as whole, but in the end, we still feel empty, like we're always lacking something.

Borrowing Father Danny's words, "Can we fill-up a bucket full of holes?" I and a couple of others said "No." But, yes we can...as Father Danny continued, "if we immerse it in water, if we cling onto the one who can fill up the empty space in our hearts" GOD is.

And so I rocked, clapped my hands, danced the night away...but the message of the concert was ingrained deep in my thoughts, and in my heart - instantly making me whole.

As for the Levites, God's chosen few, intruments of peace and holiness, I salute you all. May God prosper your projects. It is very holy indeed to think of the welfare of your fellow retired (sick most of them) priests. God bless you and keep you healthy for many more concerts. By the ways, don't you think it's time to groom relievers to carry on the mission? (just kidding...you all look young anyways! )



Right by the parking lot, I asked the kids, "so did you have fun?" "Yes!" (I predicted this while the concert is going on...contrary to their initial reactions) they said. "Are they coming back Mommy?" (they asked because from the website it said, this may be the Levites' last tour because they're getting old). "Why? you guys want to hear them sing again?"..."Yes!"

(and thanks to Tida for this experience!)

Sanctity, then, is not giving up the world. It is exchanging the world. It is a continuation of that sublime transaction of the Incarnation in which Christ says to man: "You give Me your humanity, I will give you My divinity.You give Me your time, I will give you My eternity. You give Me your slavery, I will give you My freedom. You give Me your death, I will give you My life. You give Me your nothingness, I will give you My all." And the consoling thought throughout this whole transforming process that it does not require much time to make us saints; it requires only much love. – Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

life's bumps

Indulge me with your views dear readers... "crab mentality" why does it exists? Why can't some people just let others be? Why do some people think they are the center of the universe and that the world should evolve around them? Why do some people when they experience difficulties would want the same for their neighbors? Is there satisfaction gained? does it bring happiness afterall? A lot of questions...calmed by whoever authored the following article, i thank you, so much...

Be more concerned with what God thinks about you, than what people think about you.

" I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friend, red lights called Graves, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.


HAVE FAITH IN HIM (I do...)



And thanks to Juvy Balan, for posting this article to our highschool egroup...very encouraging...

"A firm faith in the universal providence of God is the solution of all earthly troubles." BB Warfield

a woman over 30

My friend Debbie is really good at finding inspirational materials, articles like this one by Andy Rooney, humorous and self-esteem booster for women. Hurray to this sisters!

Andy Rooney says:

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.

A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.

Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.

A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free".

Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.

"How do you write women so well?" (Secretary). "I think of a man, and then I take away reason and accountability." Jack Nicholson (Melvin Udall) in As Good As It Gets Movie Quote

TEN TIMES BETTER!

Happy 10th year Anniversary to the management and staff of OM Manufacturing Phils, Inc. ! My baby and one of my most loved companies, one with people close to my heart.

Save some of the goodtimes for my visit next year (Videoke at Island Cove, eat all you can at Servando's, seafood buffet at Josephine's, etc.).

Arnel (Advance Good Birthday Greetings!), I'll pass by OM Thailand (if there's a free stop, otherwise, fly back to Manila and share the fun), be ready for that treat, thai food fiesta!

Thanks for visiting my site by the ways, Arnel, Kobayashi-san (t'was fun talking to you on the phone last time), Mhay (thanks for the emails and the picture - hello to Ferdz). Papa John thanks for texting me (always, kisses to Vangie) and making me jealous that you're going to Taiwan for an outing...To the handsome duo, Boy and Noel, i miss you guys. Tita Frita, am not forgetting your Zippo. My inaanak Paulo, how's the family?

Takada-san, how are you and OM Osaka? hope you're doing good there and regards to the family! Otani-san and the staff of OM Okayama - congratulations, good job in training the OM Phils.' staff. Takamura-san, o genki desuka?

And to everyone else in the company, congratulations and take care of your livelihood, OM that is!

Shacho, you're the best! Take very good care of yourself, as we always say whenever you take your frequent plane rides, you cannot die (a lot of people will be hungry)! hahaha!!!

Have a great company outing in Taiwan everyone! too bad i missed this one! Kampai!!!

The success combination in business is: Do what you do better...and: Do more of what you do...David Joseph Schwartz