What do you do on really cold days?

stay warm - bury myself under my blanket and pillows and just sleep it in or put on a jacket and jeans and drive out to drift away with the wind...

Ask me anything

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Training the Mind

The cultivation of thoughts and emotions – the Mind… the Conscious and the Unconscious… the Ideals for generating pure compassion and altruism… These 8 Verses are Buddhist Teachings, which lets you see yourself and be able to create a more positive mental attitude towards your own self and to others around you…thus, benefits all…

VERSE 1:

“With a determination to achieve the highest aim,
For the benefit of all sentient beings,
Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem,
May I hold them dear at all times.”

Click: Why do we need to cultivate the thought that other sentient beings are precious and valuable?

VERSE 2:

“Whenever I interact with someone,
May I view myself as the lowest amongst all,
And, from the very depths of my heart,
Respectfully hold others as superior.”

Click: Sense based on reverence and respect

VERSE 3:

“In all my deeds may I probe into my mind,
And as soon as mental and emotional afflictions arise-
As they endanger myself and others-
May I strongly confront them and avert them.”

Click: Essence of practicing Buddhadharma

VERSE 4:

“When I see beings of unpleasant character
Oppressed by strong negativity and suffering,
May I hold them dear-for they are rare to find-
As if I have discovered a jewel treasure!”

Click: Relating to those who are socially marginalized

VERSE 5:

“When others, out of jealousy
Treat me wrongly with abuse, slander, and scorn,
May I take upon myself the defeat
And offer to others the victory.”

Click: Tolerance

VERSE 6:

“When someone whom I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes,
Mistreats me in extremely hurtful ways,
May I regard him still as my precious teacher.”

Click: Patience

VERSE 7:

“In brief, may I offer benefit and joy
To all my mothers, both directly and indirectly,
May I quietly take upon myself
All hurts and pains of my mothers.”

Click: The practice of giving and taking

VERSE 8:

“May all this remain undefiled
By the stains of the eight mundane concerns;
And may I, recognizing all things as illusion,
Devoid of clinging, be released from bondage.”

Click: Criticism and Illusion

 

In other words I know, “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.”

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Simple & Quick: Trip Journal by iQapps

I found this very convenient app for the iphone called, “Trip Journal” by iQapps.

It’s a simple and quick tool to record your travels that keeps your photos, videos, location and your notes in one site. It requires you to have an internet connection, whether on 3G, Edge or Wifi. I tried it on my phone and the GPS Positioning works really well. If you can’t access your location, you can always do Manual Positioning which is a useful tool when you want to point out your exact location.

One neat thing also is that it tracks your routes into “Waypoints” – lines are drawn on the map from your starting point to your final stop. Another cool thing is that you can also add some media files like photos and videos on each waypoint! Neah huh?!

You can share your travels easier through Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, YouTube and Twitter. It’s definitely worth a try if you want a quick way to save your travel moments.

Just search for “TRIP JOURNAL” in the Appstore or check out the website at: http://www.trip-journal.com 

or you can access your Trip Journal through Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/tripjournal

Try it ‘coz you just might like it!

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The Phone Call…

As we got into the cab, the look on the driver’s face just gave it all. There was an air of sadness and quietness, and his face…it was blank…

…and so we rolled and passed EDSA….seeing: EDSA’s hustle and bustle with cars, trucks and buses all trying to squeeze in around you, honking and tailgating…but the driver managed to squeeze us out of the tangled mess just in the nick of time…

As we got closer to the U-Turn Slot by Mcdonald’s Quezon Ave., the driver answered his mobile phone and spoke quietly. But of course, we heard what he said…and as he spoke, I was able to put the story together…I felt this huge pain in my chest, and my excitement to go to our destination suddenly faded…my heart was beating so fast…

I wanted to cry as I listened…but then he cried…I could hear him sobbing and his face, as I saw it on the rear-view mirror, was that of a heartbroken old man…

As we passed around the Quezon City Memorial Circle, I noticed him taking some folded money out of the cigarette box, it was just a small amount…I really had to ask him…I just had to because the pain inside me was excruciating. He didn’t have enough money to pay for the bills in the hospital, because he only had a few trips. His two children got into an accident the night before, one survived, the other didn’t make it…

He said, “mahirap talaga kung wala kang pambayad sa ospital…” (it’s really hard if you don’t have the means to pay your hospital bills)

I felt so helpless, because we didn’t have enough money to spare him, so I just prayed to myself that God would help him with his pain and grief…that someone would help him…It’s Christmas Time and we’re all supposed to be happy…I prayed hard for him in those few minutes as tears rolled down my face…

Our trip was P80 in total, we could only spare him a few extra, so we gave him P200. I just patted his shoulder as I was stepping out and told him that everything will be alright…He looked at me, and a tiny smile filled his saddened face…

At least when I got out of the cab, I felt relieved that the little extra did really make a big difference…

That short trip did strike me in the most deepest sense – it was a little reality check, a reminder of the truths about life…

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Un Paradis Sur Terre…

An escape to a Tropical Paradise in the South Seas…

Peace…Tranquility…Bliss…This is what you will find in Alegre Beach Resort and Spa, located in the north eastern region of Cebu, in the coastal town of Sogod. The resort is about an hour and half drive from Cebu City, approximately 75 Kilometers from Mactan International Airport.

Upon entering the hugely gated resort, I knew it was going to be a REAL TREAT! Driving along the road with lush tropical gardens everywhere you look, the resort seemed really big. After 5 minutes, we finally got to the Lobby/Reception and was greeted with a huge smile from the bellboy, who helped us unload our bags. A few minutes after checking in, the bellboy took us on a golf cart ride to where the rooms are located. We walked a little bit more upon getting off the cart to get to our room.

Well, all I can say is that it was worth all that travel…

 

So, here’s a short video of the 3-Day stay at Alegre Beach Resort and Spa:

Un Paradis Sur Terre…

This one is highly recommended by me, especially if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind, while enjoying the beauty of nature in one perfect location.

For more info, please visit:

ALEGRE BEACH RESORT AND SPA

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Bluewater in Mactan Island

On a recent trip to Cebu, I was asked to visit a few resorts for a possible wedding location for my cousin who plans to get married next year here in the Philippines. Thanks to a good friend from Cebu, we were able to drive to Mactan Island to check out Maribago Bluewater.

The sun was high up and it was a perfect day to go to the beach. As we entered the Lobby, I was greeted with smiles on everyone’s faces. It’s the kind of welcome that makes you feel invited. A few meters away from the Lobby/Reception Area are 2 Saltwater ponds nestled on tropical landscapes on each side of the walkway. One pond was inhabited by 20 Blacktip Sharks with a few Lapu-Lapus and other small colored reef fish. The other pond was home to other non-aggressive assorted saltwater fish of different colors and shapes. On the other side of both ponds are rows of Deluxe Garden Rooms, which are priced at Php7000 per night for single/double occupancy.

It was really hot, I had to get a drink, a REFRESHING DRINK! We headed to the resort’s Allegro Restaurant and Poolbar. It was packed with guests eating Breakfast Buffet. I ordered a Banana Smoothie and it was REALLY nice and cold. Another plus points for me! A few minutes later, the Events Manager came and gave us a tour around the resort.

So, here’s a little video of our tour around Maribago Bluewater.

Maribago Bluewater–Mactan Island

To see more of the resort, just visit: BLUEWATER RESORTS

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Il Vittore

Here's something I've been wanting to share, a little inspiration to remind us that our lives really depend on us. Original poem by: C.W. Longenecker. I tried to translate it in Italian, since I am trying to learn this language. So, I hope it makes sense, just in case any Italian drops by my site. Hahaha!

Il Vittore

Se pensi di essere picchiati, si.

Se pensi di non osare, non si.

Se vi piace vincere, ma non si puo pensare,

E 'quasi un gioco da ragazzi non sara.

Se pensi di perdere, sei perduto.

Per cui il mondo si trova

Il successo inizia con un borsista sara

E 'tutto nello stato d'animo

Se pensi di essere surclassato, lo sei.

Hai avuto modo di pensare alto a salire.

Devi essere sicuro di te stesso prima di

Si potra mai vincere il premio.

Le battaglie della vita non vanno sempre

Per l'uomo piu forte o piu veloce.

Ma presto o tardi, l'uomo che vince

E l'uomo che pensa di poter.

I guess you just need to remind yourself once in a while so you don't get carried away or feel too overwhelmed about everything that is happening to all of us. Think positive and good things will come your way. Think negative, frustration and guilt will cloud your senses. You know you can do it. All you need is to believe...

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I was sick, but now I feel good...

Desde que fue internado en el hospital en Marzo de 2009, me dije que nunca volvere! Nunca me gusto ir a los hospitales. Nunca quise ser tratados alli a todos! El incidente en Marzo pasado 2009 fue la primera vez que se limita cada vez en toda mi vida! Por primera vez con dextrosa y por primera vez de dormir en hospital por mas de 24 horas! Aunque no fue tan malo, yo todavia no quiero volver a regresar...

Tuve una experienca traumatica antes de que yo estaba confinado en la hospital. En la semana del incidente, que estaba teniendo el peor dolor abdominal nunca! Lo que es peor que tener un aborto involuntario!!! Haaaayyy....Dios Mio! El dolor estaba en mi abdomen derecho. Trate de masaje con balsamos hierbas, la aplicacion de la reflexologia en mi propio pie, beber mucho te de hierbas, y rezando por el, pero el dolor solo se calmo por un tiempo. Que lastima! Fue tan doloroso que no tenia mas remedio que tomar comprimidos de Ibuprufeno, que me dije a mantenerse alejados de la medida de lo posible, solo para usarlo cuando el dolor se hace insoportable...Que dolor!!! ;(

Yo no podia soportarlo mas...Tuve que ir a ver a un doctor y asi que fui a la clinica mas cercana. Alli se me hizo tomar varias pruebas, que incluian la sangre, orina y pruebas de embarazo! Los resultados fueron normales y por lo que el medico de cabecera hizo un control fisico por la presion en el abdomen. Ella me dijo que yo pueda tener una "Appendicitis" y que deben limitarse de modo que el cirujano puede venir a mi comprobar al dia siguiente. Ella tambien me dijo que puede necesitar para cortar me abre!!!! Waaaaaahhh!!!! No puedo! No me gusta! Estoy totalmente de panico!!! No quiero ser operado!!! No No No NO...!!!

Les dije que quiero ir a casa y que no creo que tengo un "Appendicitis". No hay antecedentes de "Appendicitis" en mi familia. Queria una segunda opinion! He firmado la renuncia y salio de la clinica. Waaah! Que loca!

Cuando llegue a casa, mis padres ya estaban a punto de irse. Huh?! Al parecer, mientras estaba fuera, que ya llamo a sus conexiones y han programado mi confinamiento en un hospital mas grande y mas profesional. No dude en mi barriga seguia doliendo...llegamos a la "University of the East Medical Hospital y la consulta del Dr. Edgardo Cortez, MD, FPCS, que mis padres han pedido. Era un hombre muy entretenido y divertido, lejos de los que esperaba de "Cirujanos". El dolor se detuvo de repente! Waaah! Gracias!!!

Me dijo que no me preocupara y que el no cree que tenia "Appendicitis" y que no hay necesidad de cualqiuer cirugia...Aunque yo estaba seguro de conseguir a abierto, todavia tenia que limitarse y someterse a una seria de pruebas. Dr. Cortez cree que podria haber un problema con mi sistema reproductivo! Asi, pidio que la Dra. Susan Pelea-Nagtalon, que se especializa en "Embarazo de Alto Riesgo". Busque su ayuda y me obligo a someterse a unas pruebas. Dado que era la primera vez que se limite, yo estaba un poco ansiosa por lo que me va a pasar.... ;(

Tengo una habitacion comoda sin embargo, un metro de distancia de la recepcion de las enfermeras y gran ventana con vistas al estacionamiento trasero por el rio. Fue tal vez la misma ventana en el video de la guardia de saltar del edificio para salvar el medico de conseguir desaparecer con su coche hacia la pared se desplomo en el rio embravecido, durante el evento catastrofico, "Ondoy/Ketsana" pasado mes de Septiembre de 2009.

La primera noche en el hospital era incomodo. Cada 10 minutos, no habria pasantes, enfermeras, y asistentes medicos que llegan a comprobar mi. No me sentia enfermo ya mi abdomen y que dejaron de doler. Luego llego la enfermera que llevaba da dextrosa! Yo vi la aguja, me asuste!!!! Noooooooooo!!

Cerre los ojos y lo agarro fuerte en la cama con mi brazo derecho extendido para la dextrosa. Yo estaba mas asustado wue ella intento en busca de una vena apropiada. Mi muneca estaba demasiado flaca!! Luego aparecio en la aguja y me dolio!!! No llore cuando...jejejeje ;)

De todos modos, para hacer mi cuento, me diagnosticaron "ovarios poliquisticos". Me di cuenta de que es una enfermedad que es inevitable en nuestra generacion de mujeres de hoy. Dra. Nagtalon dijo que no me preocupe, porque puede ser curado. Acabo de tener que tomar algunos medicamentos. Pero, por supuesto, no volver nunca mas justo despues de que fue dado de alta de hospital.

Desde el incidente, empece a beber "Green Barley" todas las mananas cuando me despierto. Ha sido para mi un habito de beber por lo menos 40ml de la misma antes de que yo me cepillo los dientes. Beber me ha ayudado mucho! Voy a escribir de nuevo sobre ella. Por ahora, puedo decir que yo estaba enfermo, pero realmente, me siento mucho mejor!!! ;)

Que experiencia! Pero me alegro de que estoy bien ahora... ;)

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Looking Back in 2009.

....now ready to write.

It took me a while to get myself to write. So much had happened that it blew me away. Although I can't say I'm actually not craving to tell another story, because I really am. The events that took place meant a great deal to all of us. These events will never be forgotten.

It's 2010 already. The New Year had gone by and ever since that day, I know that there's so much coming ahead, more than what came in 2009. What did happen in 2009?

Here are some of the major events that took place in the year of 2009:

Barrack Obama proclaimed as President of The United States of America

Former Philippine President Cory Aquino dies

Worldwide Economic Crisis increases Unemployment Rate

More than a thousand Palestinians died at the Gaza Strip

The destruction during the Australian Bush Fire

H1N1 Virus Worldwide Outbreak that killed many

Food Scarcity

Michael Jackson, a tragic and mysterious death

Tsunami in Samoa kills more than 100 people

7.6 magnitude Earthquake hits Sumatra killing more than 1000 people

Suicide car bomb kills more than 100 people in Central Baghdad

Suicide car bomb at a market in Peshawar, Pakistan

Belgian President Herman Van Rompuy becomes European Union's First President

Simultaneous bomb attacks in Baghdad

A Nigerian man said to be linked to Al'Qaeda tries to blow up a passenger jet from Amsterdam

Tropical Typhoon "Ondoy" floods the whole of Metro Manila

6.3 magnitude Earthquake hits the town of L'Aqui in Italy

So much more happened, that if I listed them all, I'd fill up a week's worth of blog posts! One way or another, how great and how puny an event, they were all meant to happen. Our planet is telling us that we have to be aware of the natural phenomenons and that they are bound to happen as it did before. History does repeat itself, even if you don't believe it. It is our right to know what will happen to our future, whether we will still be alive in 10 years time or not. What is important, is for us to understand the phenomenon, accept it and learn to live with it. I am pretty sure there are more events that took place all over the world back in 2009, but I am also sure by this time, we would be able to develop proper means of survival, in consideration of all aspects of life. People are crying and craving for "Change". Let us give us all this chance to make life worth living, for the good of our future generations.

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A Cry For Yellow

I woke up at 4:20pm earlier and I was a still a bit buzzed. Today is the 1st of August 2009. Went to get a cup of hot Milo for my first drink, then turned on the TV. It was just then that I realized that Mrs. Cory Aquino, the Mother President, had already passed away earlier today. Right now, the TV Stations here in the Philippines are showing their own tributes to Mrs. Cory, and as I watch and continue writing this post, I started crying, I began feeling pain. First it was just a tear, then I started feeling pain in my heart that it was beating so fast. Many tears fell down continuously and I couldn't help it. I felt so much pain. I felt many people hurting from this passing away. It was then, I realized, I had to write.

As I watch the local tributes on TV, flipping from channel to channel, even on CNN and BBC, I could feel the pain. I guess I was called again by the higher beings to do something too. So this is my tribute to Mrs. Cory Aquino, The President, Tita Cory, The Symbol of Peace and The Mother to her family and to the whole Filipino Nation.

"....RECONCILIATION and NON-VIOLENCE....the moving force for the revolution....Ninoy took the lead, i followed....Give more for what i believe in myself what is good for the country....Be sincere...." - Cory Aquino

Known as Tita Cory in the Philippines and almost all over the world. She was born as Corazon Cojuangco, 4th Child of the family, a Valedictorian at St. Scholastica, studied abroad and started into politics in her province, Tarlac. Tita Cory was a very wise and simple lady who was sincere up to her final moments, still crying for peace and reminding us all that we still have a chance to save our nation. She has become a real inspiration of people power all over the whole world.

For me, I strongly believe that she is the modern lady hero of our time right now, and so I started crying again. I could it feel more, with the weather outside, strong winds, hard rain, the gray skies, it was surely a mourning day today.

I am currently searching on the web on other tributes for Mrs. Cory Aquino, and I am really surprised to see that there are many others! Some have already uploaded their own video tributes, wrote in their blogsites, news pages and many others. This I thought was a good thing. People are truly sincere with their feelings. Here is one video I thought was worth watching and remembering. This was shown on TV last Wednesday, July 8, 2009, on the show, Probe Profiles.

Mrs. Cory Aquino was a strong woman of determination and pure kindness. She is the Epitome of a Real Mother, who truly cares for those who needs care and attention. A real mother who knew what was best. A real mother who was never afraid to fight for what was right and just. A real mother who cried, smiled, laughed, and touched the hearts of many. A real mother who will be remembered throughout the history, not only in the Philippines, but across the globe.

May you Rest In Peace Tita Cory...I wish that someone like you would come up to save our nation again, but I remembered, YOU ARE THE ONE AND ONLY...

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