Si Baste at ang Hatak Group

I am dedicating this blog entry to all those who are misunderstood, misjudged and apparently called 'worthless'.

I instantly became acquainted with Baste when I first stepped in our school canteen. He was a typical student, wearing an off-white polo shirt, overused pants and what seemed to me a 'bedroom' slippers. He was one of the few who courageously asked me if I am the new Guidance Counselor while I was taking my short break at the canteen. I answered him through a simple gesture of my eyebrows. No words were uttered. That was our first encounter. 

What he doesn't know was that I knew him. I knew what he has been doing, what cases have been filed against him and apparently other records which seemed to be unsatisfactory. I had this impression that he will be one of the difficult students that I will handle. However, I was not prepared for the other circumstances that will soon happen.

January 18, 2013, Friday. It was my first activity - the Seniors' Recollection. I invited my closest friends to facilitate the activity. It was risky on my part since I was still trying to adjust to the environment and at the same time, of accepting the reality that this is a 'one-man team', not to mention the scarcity of budget. It was a  total turnaround from what I've been oriented at Ateneo. 

The recollection started at 8:00am. I was nervous. I was hesitant because I had no idea how the students will respond to that kind of activity. I was restless because earlier that week, I had started my exit interview with the seniors and I was already able to pin point the special students. Yes, I call them special or my favorites so as to create a more relaxed interaction. I kept visiting the three sections just to see how the students are behaving and how the facilitators are. I was more worried on the impression that the students might leave on our invited facilitators. Good thing, Ms. D was helping me all throughout the session. 

What surprised me was when it was about time to say their confession, the special students, my favorites were the first in line. Their willingness to avail the sacrament was really overwhelming. Much more when I saw them line up during the communion. It was the time when I can't help but praise God, praise Jesus, that He was able to work through the hearts of these students, through the facilitators. I was happy. I was extremely happy for the students. 

The following monday, a teary-eyed parent barged into my office while I was having my exit interview. She was in a hurry. She immediately sat down on the visitor's chair and started talking to me. She didn't tell me who she was but halfway through our conversation, I came to realize that she was Baste's mom. She was asking for my help because Baste got into trouble and was being summoned by the barangay officials. She said that she needs me to talk to Lando, a fourth year student in a different section, to make sure that he won't take his revenge on Baste. She was explaining that Lando's relatives warned her that they will make sure that Baste will pay for what he has done to Lando. I was alarmed, not because of the threat but by this innate feeling that I cannot fail Baste's mom. She needs my help and I must do something.

It was also through our short conversation that I came to know Baste, as a son. Baste's mom shared that her husband died two years ago and that their savings got depleted because her husband has to undergo a series of dialysis. She said that they used to enjoy a comfortable life but everything changed in an instant. Now, she's the only one working for her three kids. She is earning through her manicure and pedicure service and she's maximizing every business opportunity that comes her way. I asked her about her income and without hesitation, she answered me that her average earning is p100 per day and whenever she's lucky, she'd earn p400. I can hardly imagine how she is able to feed four mouths and still send two of her kids to high school with that kind of income. My heart broke when I heard her story. 

Baste's mom lightened up when she started telling me about her son. She enthusiastically shared that Baste is a good son, that Baste helps her to earn additional income for their family. She even cited that there was this one time when Baste helped his uncle paint his house and got p200 payment for labor. Baste gave the p100 to his mom and kept the other p100. She added that Baste helps her with the household chores and rarely leaves home during weekends. She admitted that Baste is really fond of his friends and she's aware of what his son is doing but she explained to me, with her pleading eyes, that he is a good person and has been reformed. She added that she decided to quit her regular job so as to monitor Baste's activities with his friends. 

After hearing Baste's mom, I had to pat her at the back. I had to reassure her that everything will be okay, that I will do my very best to help her with her concern on Baste and Lando. 

That afternoon, I issued a call slip for Baste and asked him his side of the story. He admitted that he punched Lando in the face because his patience just ticked off since he hasn't eaten anything that day and Lando was provoking him. I expressed my dismay and told him that his mom visited me in the office to make sure that he is okay. I saw how his eyes turned from rage to compassion. In that instant, I felt how Baste loved his mom.

A few weeks later, two students were again referred to my office because of a major offense. They were candidates for expulsion. However, I suggested to our Discipline Officer and the parents to give me time to talk to the students before they decide to endorse them to the principal for expulsion. They agreed and I immediately lobbied that they'd be given another chance and assured that I myself will monitor them and report their progress. 

I asked the two students to regularly report in my office. Everyday, at 7:00am, 12:30pm and 4:00pm, they will report to the Guidance Office and will serve as student assistants. I signed them up for the Peer Facilitators/Counselors group without asking them. I felt that I need to let them be part of a group that will influence them positively. 

It has been two weeks now and these two students have been diligently reporting to my office. They are also attending meetings of the peer group. What's really surprising is that they even recruited their friends to apply for the peer group. That's when I started calling them Hatak Group. When I asked them why they wanted to join the peer group, they unanimously answered that they wanted their image to change, that they wanted to help, that they wanted to become a better person.

As for Baste, I can say that he has changed. His aura has changed. Although he still projects that maangas image, I can sense a nicer and a more kind Baste. I've been hearing him say salamat more often and he hasn't been in office asking for permits so he can enter his class. He would still visit the office but the last time that he did, he was asking for the entrance application form of BISCAST because he intends to enroll in a vocational course on airconditioning. 

However, I would still consider these students as work in progress. They still have to go through a lot for their total transformation but I am confident that they will get through it. I will be with them all the way, whatever path they choose, I will make sure that I will never leave their side.

I just hope that the story of Baste and the Hatak Group will serve as an inspiration to many. These kids, these students do not seem to be the kind of person that they are projecting. Give them time, that is all they need. Time for someone to listen to them, time to let them speak, time to let them defend themselves and time to let them grow. I know that there are a lot of Baste and Hatak Groups in every school. We are judging them because of their appearance, their mannerisms and their misbehavior  But have we ever asked ourselves if we ever took time to talk and listen to them? Yes, they need our open hearts and unbiased ears because they have a lot of stories to tell. Their stories are rich and their dreams are just hidden there, we just need to let them speak. LISTEN. FEEL THEIR NEEDS. Because if we do, our students will never run out of goals, of dreams. Do you think students like Baste and the Hatak Group like what they are now? what they have become? I don't think so.  But we will never understand them if we do not give them our time.

I also hope that whoever will be reading this might also be moved to take that step in order to change someone else's life. THINK. FEEL. ACT. There are a lot of household who would rarely have three meals a day yet there are a lot of us who are quite confused with what to do with their money. I would like to quote my favorite teacher's challenge to us, that if one day, we can already afford to send someone to school, then do so. Helping household by sending one or two of their kids to high school is a big thing. In public schools, you'd only pay less than P1,000 for one school year. See how far p1,000 can go? So please, I am encouraging you to do your part. It is our shared irresponsibility, please act now. It's never to late. You can still ignite the dreams of these students. Don't give up on them, please do your part.

Mga Santong Tao.

Taken last February 16, 2013.

Buhay Gobyerno.

I officially became part of the government when I started working way back in 2007. My participation was the usual remittance of 10-15% of my monthly salary which was forwarded to our government in different forms and in different agencies. It was the time when I came to know who BIR, SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth are. It was also in the same circumstance when I gradually accepted that they will STICK with me forever.

Since my starting salary was quite low compared to my batch mates who were working in Manila, I did not really complain on the monthly deductions. I did not really mind how much they were deducting as long as I have enough money to spend whenever my friends and I would dine out or have the usual get together. That was until I started to work in Ateneo.

I was blessed to have a faculty-ranked position when I applied in Ateneo in October 2008. It was a position under one of the busiest or should I say the busiest office in Ateneo. The salary was really beyond my needs, it even supported my ‘frequent wants'. However, that was also the same year when I started to become more aware of my hard-earned money.

I began to question, where does my money go? How come that they are deducting this much? I slowly began to imagine bundles of thousands coming from the monthly obligation of all workers, not to mention the taxes from big companies, multinational companies.

And it all stopped there.

Not until I became part of the work force of the government.

I was hired as Guidance Counselor of the Department of Education, Camarines Sur Division last November 21, 2012. I was assigned at Pamukid National High School, San Fernando, Camarines Sur instead of Pili National High School, my supposedly first work assignment. I have to wake-up at 5:30am everyday and be ready by 6:15am for my 30-40 minute travel. I have to admit that the daily transport is quite tedious on my part considering that my body is not used to long travels.

When I first learned about my appointment in DepEd, I immediately informed my relatives particularly my aunts who were also working in the government. They were both happy and apprehensive. Apprehensive because they know how the system in the government works: the 'usual procedure' and the existing 'protocol'. They basically gave me tips for survival.

Being me, I reported on my first day with excitement. I usually have this kind of disposition whenever there is something new in my routine. My first jeepney ride was quite a thrill, I didn't know where I should say 'para po', how much I should pay and worst, I don't know where Pamukid is in San Fernando. Good thing jeepneys have 'konduktor', they are for me a 'mobile tour guide'.

Finding Pamukid National High School is not that hard, you can easily see the big signage beside the road.  However, you would still need to take a few steps before you reach the gates of the school. Our school houses around 990 students with 35 personnel, 29 teaching and 6 non-teaching personnel.

The moment I entered the campus, I felt awkward. Perhaps because I was overdressed that time. I was wearing my black slacks and a semi-formal top. I wanted to make a good impression to my future boss and I remembered that 'power dressing' is an important factor if you want to make an impression, a good one :) Nevertheless, I continued to dress in the same manner even until now, because if I don't, the students might mistaken me as their classmate.

The days turned to weeks and months. By February 21, I'd be celebrating my third month here in our institution. However, it feels like I've been working here for ages and with my short stay, I was able to note a few things that I should always keep in mind.

1. Our work schedule is from 7:30am until 4:30pm. However, based on my observation, in the morning, some people tend to stretch the 7:30am call time to 7:45am or worse until 8:00am. BUT during dismissal, everyone seems to be in a hurry. 4:30 is 4:30. No extensions if possible. Yes, working overtime is a mortal sin not unless there is a school occasion.
2. Not everyone is given a 'blessing'. If you receive one, better keep it to yourself.
3. Almost all teachers would complain about how low their salary is, to think that their daily rate is way higher than the regular daily rate. I came to understand the reason behind after I saw how impulsive they are whenever there are sales representative visiting our campus. If one teacher bought an item, they must buy as well. Talk about competition.
4. Noise pollution is not new in public schools. It's either you go with it or you just bear the noise that's cracking the walls of your office. Perhaps this is the reason of my frequent migraine attacks.
5. It's really rare for teachers to keep their mouth shut and it's quite impossible for them to speak in low voices except during meetings.
6. When you're preparing meals or snacks for a visitor, always include the total number of employees in your school. It's a habit I think and again, I think this is the reason why some schools have depleting MOOE fund.
7. Always know where you stand. Some practices in the government would really test you and your values. Just stick to your values because you can never go wrong if your principles are clear.
8. Know when to 'read between the lines'. Some people would use sarcasm either as a form of joke or to indirectly tell you how they feel towards you. Be sensitive. Know when to smile and know when to reason out. Timing is very important.
9. Find someone who shares the same work value as you do. This will really help a lot particularly in coping with your working environment.

These only comprises a portion of my mental notes. I will try to add more as I try to remember them.

Nevertheless, I am happy where I am now. The longer I stay here, the more that I am convinced that I am needed here. Working in the public sector is quite a challenge, not because of the task but because of the people around you. Perhaps, I'll allot a separate blog entry for the more inspiring story/stories.

Valentine Pledge

Today, I will commit to love and serve my God unconditionally in every way.

I pledge myself to choose and love the right, the good, the fair and the true.

I will be the light that will ignite a person’s hope to help them cope.

I will be the strength to those who lose their way to keep them back on track.

I will comfort and soothe those who are in pain to restore their smiles.

I will treat everyone with respect, the way I respect my loved ones.

I will learn how to apologize even if it would mean swallowing my own pride.

I will intently evaluate every consequence before I decide to make an action.

I will become a person who takes responsibility over his actions.

I will also learn how to respect the property of others.

I will value it the way I value my things.

I will listen and hear others

And I will never judge them because it is the right thing to do.

I will love others and treat them with kindness

Because after all, they are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Follow Your Dreams

Source: The Daily Therapy

Never Settle For Anything Less

Source: The Daily Therapy

Work for a Cause

Source: The Daily Therapy

Do What Makes You Happy

Source: The Daily Therapy

Bonding with BFF

My BFF Kristal, whom I fondly call 'Japsee, and I had a sweet afternoon date last Saturday before I attended the launching of Mr. Kengkoy at Moonleaf Naga. We decided to try Hands and Strands' BFF package which includes Hair Spa, Manicure, Pedicure and Foot Spa. As soon as we've finalized the plans for the afternoon, I immediately texted the number posted on their weebly to set an appointment and tadah! we got a slot for 2pm.

Hands and Strands is located at the first floor of ADC Hotel beside Mexicali Naga. You'll easily notice the salon because you will be greeted by an unusual 'blackboard' themed signage, just right outside the salon, where you can see the prices of the services it offers.

Entrance Door

Sweet scents of lemon and mint dominate the salon which makes every client a bit curious of what they are to expect when they avail any of the services. Since my best friend and I were getting the BFF package, the one in charge suggested that we have the hair spa first before they do our nails. They asked us to wear cute golden robes while they prepared all the necessary paraphernalia for the foot spa :)

Hair Spa

We were presented with the three flavors for the hair spa namely beads, strawberry and mint. Japsee chose the one with beads while I opted for mint. 

Super comfy couch :)

After doing our hair, we were seated to this super comfy couch for our foot spa. The best thing about this couch is that it's too comfy that some customers would even fall asleep. 

And when you try to look up, you'll see an interesting interior.

Interior

The first thing that we did was to submerge our feet in lukewarm water for about 10-15 minutes. 

They have service slippers for customers availing the foot spa and pedicure service which I think is cute! :) And they're PINK!

Strawberry Flavored Foot Spa

Similar to their hair spa, Hands and Strands offers different flavors for their foot spa. You can choose from Mango, Strawberry, Lemon Grass and Peppermint, that's all that I can remember :( I got Strawberry while Japsee chose Peppermint. The one colored brown is like a mud wax which gives your feet a cool feeling after application.

Strawberry and Peppermint

Japsee

The entire BFF package lasted for about 2 1/2 hours. We decided to grab a bite at Mexicali to comfort our grumbling tummies :)) We ordered our favorite quesadillas, cheese and garlic for Japsee and grilled chicken for me :)

Cheese and Garlic Quesadillas

Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

I really had a great time bonding with my BFF and we both love Hands and Strands. Who knows, we might avail another package next month. 

Cheers to friendship!

Ybalon Resort

Ligaya, together with our friends, decided to have a nice holiday-off in Ybalon Resort, Iriga City. It was a long overdue plan since we have been wanting to visit Adee's place whom she often refers to as the 'City of Springs'. However, instead of having the originally planned overnight stay at Adee's, we opted to have to visit one of their best resorts, Ybalon Resort.

The moment that you enter the resort, you will really notice how clean and how well-maintained the resort is. The well-landscaped areas and the relaxing benches could really entice anyone who visits the resort. They also have a cemented pathwalk so you won't have to worry your shoes would be getting muddy whenever it rains. 

And of course, how can we not notice the gorgeous swimming pool? They only have one pool but it's an olympic-sized pool, enough for a few friends who wants to do a few lapse. 

On the middle left portion of the resort, you'll notice a cemented bridge. When you try to get closer to the bridge, you'd see a breed of Koi :)

Overall, we had a great experience. We were able to maximize the pool because there were only two groups who went swimming, us and a bunch of teenagers. The price was a breeze in our pockets. Entrance Fee was P50 and the cottages cost P300 each, we were even able to bargain getting two cottages for only P500. So, if you're planning to go for a swim, try Ybalon Resort for a change, the place is big enough for a family outing or a barkada getaway :)

Christian Freedom Bible Church

Yesterday, Tim (the boyfriend) asked me if I could help his boss modify the final logo for a particular Church where his boss is the pastor. I was quite hesitant at first since I have never accepted any professional project relative to logo design. I mean, I know that I am not really an expert on that field, I know basic photoshop but the rest, it's all a mystery to me. A proof would be the consistent look of awe whenever I see collections of digital illustration that's really brought to life. Let's just say I'm still trying to master that craft.

But then again, because of LOVE, I said yes. 

I was quite nervous while doing the logo because I know that I am making it for a Church. Imagine the pressure and the feeling of excitement, anticipating the outcome of the logo. I immediately submitted the first design to Tim but he made some suggestions which I gladly took note of :) (see, I'm obedient).

And now, may I present to you the final logo and stationery design of Christian Freedom Bible Church :)

What made it really overwhelming was the simple letter that I received from Mr. Cabrera, the pastor of the Church and also, Tim's boss, the one I was referring to earlier. It was a note that made me feel really appreciated. And although I have not given up my being Roman Catholic to Christianity, he was very comfortable addressing me as if I was a regular in their Church.

Note: I have been attending a Christian worship service since high school. There were a lot of times when I wanted to 'change my religion' but I cannot sacrifice my devotion for INA. I am spiritually happy attending the Christian service but there are practices in Roman Catholicism that I just cannot give up because I, myself, know and understand what these practices are for and I have personally experienced God through these practices.

8th year

To the person who stood by me through my joys and hardships, the person who kept pushing me to go on despite the uncertainties in my path, the person who made me look forward for tomorrows, the person who made me realize what it means to 'wait', the person who always wanted the best for me even if it means sacrificing his own happiness and the person who made me a better me.

Thank you for never giving up on me, on us.

Thank you for the eight wonderful years and I am looking forward for more years of friendship and love with you :)

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH TIM MARIANO! 

Photo courtesy of Adee Alarcon :)

GYM

Meet my gym buddies :)

Source: Yinyin Bragais

Suarez-Encinas Nuptial

One of our batchmates finally tied the knot! Congratulations Yannie and Bok!

Para Kay INA

It was Traslascion last year that H, E and I decided to document the procession. We didn't know that we had to seek permission from the Archdiocese of Caceres so we could situate ourselves in the nicest spot. We ended up doing ninja moves just to take those photos. But this year, we became part of the official photographers for the entire duration of the Peñafrancia Festival. What made it worth it? We had access to the tower at Metropolitan Cathedral and the view up there was really enthralling!

How Dugong Atenista Saved My Aunt's Life

Today was supposed to be like any ordinary day. Until I got a text message from my mom that my aunt, one of her younger sister, was in Mother Seton Hospital waiting to be checked-in a room and is scheduled to have blood transfusion. Her platelet count was too high and her hemoglobin was too low. My aunt said that it's anemia and that her doctor still has to check if it is because of lupus or malignancy. There was also this anticipation that we might transfer to St. John Hospital if my aunt couldn't get a room at MSH.

I arrived 7:30pm at the emergency room of MSH. I asked the nurse at the information booth and she directed me to Row 9 where my aunt was currently resting while waiting for a room. My aunt looked normal at first but her paleness was quite disturbing. I honestly thought that she was okay; she was chatting with her visitors, she was joking and she was even seated on her bed.  However, her bestfriend, Auntie Susan told me that we might need bags of type AB blood for my aunt. Without thinking twice, I started calling the staff of ADNU's Office of Student Affairs.

By practice, whenever a student, an employee or an Alumni would need a bag of blood from the Blood Bank, the first office that they would run to is ADNU's Office of Student Affairs (OSA). OSA has been conducting a bloodletting drive twice a year, one in July and the other is in December. The number of donors has also been increasing every year. I had the chance to donate blood thrice, I think, and it was because of the fact that my blood type, AB, is very rare. I just wanted to make sure that if anyone needs an AB blood type, there is one available. I never really thought that I would be needing the same bag of blood that I once donated, tonight.

It was 9:00pm when my aunt was finally admitted to a room. Her best friend and my other aunt, mama's eldest sister, was trying to talk to the nurse-on-duty at the Laboratory if the hospital could provide the blood tonight. The nurse said that there was none available at BMC but when Auntie Mary called Dr. Litam, we learned that there are two bags available in BMC. The problem was, we need a clearance from the barangay and other requirements that I never took note of. While the nurse was explaining all these requirements to us, I told her that I was a blood donor in Ateneo and I have the same blood type as my aunt. Her face lightened up and instead of putting us into so much stress, she issued us a promissory note and she just asked me to request the letter of endorsement from ADNU tomorrow. Immediately, we went to BMC, told the same information to the nurse-in-charge and in 20 minutes, we were driving back to MSH carrying the two bags of type AB blood. Later by midnight, the blood transfusion will take place.

I am really grateful to ADNU's Office of Student Affairs for making it easy for us to have access on our much needed hemoglobin. If Dugong Atenista was never implemented, it might take days before we could have that two bags of blood. I am also deeply indebted to the anonymous donor who was so selfless in donating his/her own blood knowing that much preparation is also needed before one could really qualify as a donor. Thank you also to my friends who helped me get in touch with OSA and to Tim who stayed by my side and kept me strong.

So to you, who is reading this, if you have an opportunity to donate blood, do so. You will never really know when you might need it back. Your name might be anonymous to the recipient but I swear to you, that person will forever be grateful to you because you, ANONYMOUS DONOR, gave that person the chance to live again, to be with his family for countless days and to be a possible donor in the future.

Please, support ADNU's Dugong Atenista or any bloodletting drive organized by your community.

One Shirt. One Plate.

In ADNU, I have a group of friends where people would often refer to us as LIGAYA. I blogged about LIGAYA in 2011, the same year that our group was formed. I can never forget that day when we strolled along the quiet corridors of Ateneo, taking pictures of people piling up plastic bottles, volunteers gathering inside the Christ the King Church and the solemnity at the roof deck of the Entrepreneurship Building (I was still working for the DAVPO then). Then the five us suddenly became LIGAYA.

What was really overwhelming was that some members of the ADNU community would address us as if we were like a package deal. Like if a department/office needs volunteers, LIGAYA would be enlisted, to the point that some people thought that the commitment of one member of LIGAYA is considered a group commitment. Of course, we also had rough times, we would have dissenting opinions on matters but what really bonded us was our respect for each other's differences.

Early 2012, LIGAYA thought of coming up with a program to support the FEED A SCHOLAR program of the College Admission and Aid Office. We initially agreed to sell shirts and have a portion of our sales donated to the Feed A Scholar program but we were never able to move on with our plans. Our plan remained as an idea. However, during the 3rd quarter of this year, our desire to support the program was finally realized. The group regularly met and had to finalize every detail, from the name, to the design up to the division of functions.

NOW, I am so proud to share that BLUE GENES DESIGNS was officially launched yesterday, August 28, 2012. We came up with two shirt designs in time for the Penafrancia celebration. We were also able to finalize our program entitled ONE SHIRT. ONE PLATE which means that for every shirt that you buy from us, you are already donating one meal to one scholar.  We really hope that this program will expand in due time so that we could also try to extend our assistance to the HS scholars.

Mishaps & Fortune

I know that they usually associate the month of August with drought, financially. According to my mom, while I was growing up, August is a month where there is lesser income in our business and it seemed like a month's salary is never enough for an ordinary employee. However, if that would be the case, then for some, it's like "August" every month. I guess some of you will agree.

August 2012 is an extreme month for me. It was this month that I receive three job offers from multi-national companies but I ended up declining all their offer. It rarely happened to me being offered the same job from different companies, all with enticing remuneration package. Yet, my heart was telling to say NO and say YES to my mom on her request for me to stay in Bicol.

August 18, 2012, our beloved ex-mayor died in a plane crash. DILG Secretary Jesse Manalastas Robredo, a good man and an exemplary public servant, had an accident while he was on his way home from Cebu to Naga City. He was trying to catch the awarding of his youngest daughter when the Cessna plane that he was on had engine failure. He was found 180 ft below sea and 800 meters from the shore. Yorme's body lies at the Archbishop's Palace now where a number of Naguenos would patiently wait for their turn to see the casket of their beloved 'Pogi'.

August 20, 2012. I almost lost my Blackberry Torch when a stranger tried to snatch the phone from my bag. Good thing an honest lady called my attention so I was able to run after the thief. I really thank the Lord for the two security guards who followed me and never left my side until the thief returned my BB.

August 22, 2012. Finally, Ligaya's dream is coming true. I can't share it yet but it's for a good cause. I will blog about it as soon as everything is final.

P.S. I am sorry if there is no coherence on my blog. I just need to share all these things before I forget them.

Favors from God

Ever since I had been attending the Christian Church, I have been consistently receiving graces from the Lord. Everyday, from the moment I open my eyes and feel the rays of the sun touching my skin, I would thank the Lord for giving me another day to live, to be with my loved ones and to do things which will please Him. However, there are days when God would usually go out of His way to make ordinary days EXTREMELY extraordinary. Just like today.

Kuya Ryvin and I were supposed to meet up at the Good Shepherd Church to attend the 10:00am mass but something 'extraordinary' happened. I woke up at 8:00am and prepped up immediately. As soon as I was done washing my hair, the water just suddenly stopped flowing! I can't help but grin and be thankful that I woke up early today than usual. I left the house at 8:45am and I started looking for bus 960, unfortunately, I forgot to check where the bus station is. I just assumed when I checked the route in google maps that it will pick up the passengers at the Bukit Panjang Interchange (which is my normal experience by the way) but the bus number is not on the list. I tried asking the owner of the only Filipino store here in our area and she gladly directed me to the bus station. Again, a mistake, I forgot to ask which side of the road I should be on. To cut the story short, I went on the wrong lane and instead of going to Bugis, I ended up going to Kranji. The alloted travel time from our place to Bugis is about 45 minutes and since I wasted at least 20 minutes of the travel time just because I rode on the wrong lane, as expected, I was not able to attend the mass. 

When I got to Bugis, I informed Kuya Ryvin that I won't be joining him anymore since I have been trying to look for the Church but I can't seem to find it. I ended up having breakfast/lunch at McDonalds. I had to eat because I was too hungry that I felt like my world was moving on its own :)) 

I decided to have Filet-O-Fish and orange juice for my brunch. It was quite expensive though. This meal cost me around $7.00. Imagine how expensive this meal is :(

As soon as I finished my meal, I texted Kuya Ryvin that I will try to look for the church again. I passed by the National Library and SMU. When CHIMES caught my eye, I knew I was on the right track. Yes, I found my way to the church but the mass was about to end when I arrived. I decided to offer a simple prayer instead and since it was my first time in the Church, I offered a wish. 

Kuya Ryvin had lunch at McDonalds and we met this cute girl who kept on smiling at us. I called her 'Mutya, the Singapore version'. She is about 3-4 years old and her eyes would literally lighten up whenever she smiles. We waved goodbye when we left and she shyly smiled at us and immediately buried her pretty face in her mom's lap. Then, we started walking towards 'Bugis Divisoria'. There, we found these amazing souvenir items being sold at a very reasonable price (I won't mention the price here though). 

We bought 6 sets of these surprisingly nice key chains and I even got the magnets for free. This is the first international magnet that I'd put on refrigerator. Yes, I do collect fridge magnets because it reminds me of the happy memories of a particular trip. I am hoping to collect more :) Too bad, I forgot to buy magnets when we went to Malaysia.

Moving on, after our Bugis Divisoria trip, we went to Orchard to meet Uncle Greg. However, they had to go the the Philippine Embassy first to arrange ate's passport renewal and we had to wait for them until 3:00pm. We decided to take a stroll at Isetann since we wanted to check the movies at Shaw Theaters. Kuya Ryvin and I were debating if we should watch the movie given our limited budget. We were already queuing to purchase our movie tickets when some random guy with his friends approached us and asked if we are watching Spiderman. He was giving us tickets that we thought is being sold to us but eventually, it turned out that he was giving two tickets to us for free. We were really caught off guard that we forgot to thank Mr. Stranger. We were still high with the 'favor' when we bumped into them and eventually, it gave us the opportunity to thank them a number of times for their kindheartedness. It also turned out that the tickets include a free meal.  

Upon entering Lido 4, we were given a sweet-flavored regular popcorn and a pepsi bottle for our snacks. I can't help but grin because it was the flavor that I like and I was also kind of hungry that time and I was even thinking of buying snacks since we were already spared of the expense for the ticket. It was also a coincidence that we did not have to rush to the restroom since the theater has one. Yes! Lido 4 has its own restroom inside the theater. See how blessed we are? :)

After the movie, we met up with my uncle and we headed for Serangoon to purchase chocolates for his kids. We went to Value Dollar at Nex Mall to scout for the most affordable chocolates. We got the chocolates at a very affordable price. I just hope I won't go over the allowed 20kg baggage allowance.  

We bought enough chocolates for Uncle's kids and he gave me one pack of Mars and Snickers. Yes, I am intending of keeping it to myself :)) I might still change my mind though, I can always share these chocolates anyway. 

Later on, uncle brought us to Carl's JR for dinner. I somehow felt awkward choosing our meals because the cheapest meal there is about $6.00. Imagine converting it to peso, it would cost around p200 per person! I decided to order the cheapest meal for me and Kuya Ryvin but our bill still totaled to 45 SGD which is about p1,485. The good thing though is that the drinks are refillable but I doubt if one could still afford refilling his glass because the serving is really big! When our orders arrived, you could imagine the look on our face when we saw the burger. It was bigger than my palm! Look!

But since I was really, really hungry, I finished every piece of the burger :) You must be proud of me Tim! :) We stayed at the restaurant until 8:00pm. We talked and talked about our families, career and plans. We ended up with big bellies after consuming that crazy burger. Overall, I really had a great day and I thank the Lord for it, for the surprises and for the kindhearted stranger :)

Thank you, Singapore! :) 

The Untold Story

Ever since I was a kid, I have always wanted having a big sister. I would imagine my big sister helping me choose the right clothes, giving advice on zit outbursts and sharing her own experiences on how she got through a particular girl dilemma, dealing with boys!

I have always wondered how it would feel like having a sister. Mama, coming from a big family with 8 siblings, has 3 sisters while my papa has two younger sisters. I can imagine a regular 'make over session' where your sister paints your nails while you do her hair and a frequent fashion show where you'd get to wear her hand-me-down clothes. You'd be more lucky if you're elder, I think.

Nevertheless, there was also a sense of fascination when my friends would tell me that they would rather have a big brother instead, that I am so lucky because I have a 'kuya'. I would retort, 'having a sister is more fun, kuya doesn't play dolls', with a matching sad face. I was a kid then, who would have thought that an innocent fascination would turn out to be a real blessing.

My kuya is just a year older than me. He was born on April 9 and I was born on the 5th. I don't know how my parents did it but they must have a purpose why we were born on the same month. Since we are just one year apart by birth, I get to have the same age as his for 4 days. My consistent mischief would be calling him by his first name, besides, we are of the same age right? But I could only do that on the first day, maybe because it was more than getting used to calling him 'kuya' for 361 days but he deserves the respect of the title 'kuya'.

My brother has always been my 'protector'. I remembered the time when we were just little kids and we were used to playing in our neighbors' house. There was this one time when I was bitten by our neighbor's dog, kuya immediately grabbed me and all the way to our house, his small hands were encircling my 'fat' thigh just so the rabies won't go up to my heart :( He was pushing me to go on, to keep on walking until we reach our house so that lola could put something on the wound.

There was also one incident when he had to get some coins at our school's fish pond (it was thought to be a wishing pond) just so he could buy me a fishball. He got the coins while I was on the lookout, trying to avoid our ever strict school guard 'Guard Edwin'. I was so hungry that time and we had no money left on our pockets. We were waiting for someone to fetch us and my kuya tried to find a way to feed us both.

I was a crybaby and he was always there to make things seem okay. As long as I have my brother, everything felt right, I feel like nothing bad will happen to me. However, a protector would also have a time of weakness. I remembered crying when I learned that my brother broke his right arm while he was playing at school. It was my Chinese teacher who told me that my brother got into an accident and I rushed to the room where he was but instead of being strong, I fled because I could not bear seeing him like that. I cried and cried until the second period. What was worst was that I could not see my brother in the hospital until his x-ray is done. I ended up calling in sick the following day just to sit beside him all day, watching cartoons.

Don't get me wrong but we would also quarrel. He would squeeze my hands until it makes me cry and when we were getting old, whenever I did something wrong, he would not talk to me for weeks! Even if I tried to win his apology by doing the chores, he would treat me as if I was not physically there. Yes, I am scared of my kuya and I hate it when he gets mad at me.

Now.

Ever since I was a kid, I have always wanted having a big sister but having a big brother is way better. I may not share my clothes with him, won't have make-up and make-over sessions but having someone who will stand by you and encourage you to go on even if the whole world doesn't feel like going with your plans, it's more than to be thankful for. My kuya and I don't regularly talk but when we talk, it's worth the days and weeks that we're not communicating. Even if he would often call me 'spoiled brat', he would always see to it that I get what I want, from my goals to my 'wants' (thanks again for the DSLR kuya!) even it means that he has to sacrifice, that he has to work harder.

Now.

I do not know if I could still make it here in Singapore knowing that I only have 3 weeks left to find a job. Nevertheless, should I not be destined to be here, I'd be more than happy to go back. I am more excited to see my brother and share the space with him. I am excited to clean our house, to cook meals for him and to do the groceries, just like the old times.

Even if I failed here in Singapore, I have a bigger blessing that I am looking forward to when I get home :)