You know what birds do? You know, their thing -- relocating, moving, migrating? Yup, that's what I did.
Last February, I have decided to leave Manila and work in (*drum rolls*) ILOILO City.
As soon as I got off work on the 28th of February, which was my last day with that company, I headed to Philippine Airlines ticketing office to redeem my free flight (should blog about that) and I booked for the March 2nd flight without batting an eyelash.
The next day was spent packing and looking for possible jobs and a place to stay in Iloilo. I didn't know anyone in the city aside from distant relatives and my bestfriend who lives in Guimaras— and aside from the fact that I didn't want to bother them, the pretense that I am a strong, independent woman must be consistent, so I had to find my way to my own place all by myself.
When I finally found an available room, I messaged the owner and found out that it was very near to the developing MegaWorld business district, where I plan to spend my next working months and years in. So I told her that I am coming from Manila and that I will check out the place on March 2nd and will move in immediately if I find it to my liking.
And boy, was I ever lucky to find this place. It's just by the outskirt of the business district, and going to the mall and workplace would only take 5 minutes by car, maybe less. It's situated at the end of a road though, so that means I'd have to walk 5 minutes to get on a cab or a jeepney (thank God for taxi-hailing apps!)
I have to tell you, the morning walk is so therapeutic! The sound of the trees and birds, the greetings of my distant neighbors, or even some passers by/street vendors, really gives a calming effect and a sense of peace (of course, until I get to my workplace, which is often toxic —a very usual ambiance in the BPO industry).
In the afternoon, I get to walk the same street and enjoy the many colors of the sky brought about by the sunset. AND AGAIN, it only takes a little less than 10 minutes to get home.
Isn't that just fantastic? Compared to Manila, this is really where I find my peace and calm.
Iloilo is the city of LOVE. And this bird loves it here a whole lot!
Plus, Guimaras is a boat-ride away! *heart-eyes*
THE GREATEST ADVICE
-Rick Warren, the Purpose Driven Life
(something for me to read again.. and again...)
When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.
Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves.
Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!
Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr./Ms. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr./Ms. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.
Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nastie habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.Don't keep others waiting needlessly.
Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.
Write poetry.
Love Deeply.Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.
Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.
It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.Pursue your passions.
Live your dreams.
DON'T LOSE FAITH IN GOD.Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.
Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves.
Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!
Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr./Ms. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr./Ms. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.
Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nastie habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.Don't keep others waiting needlessly.
Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.
Write poetry.
Love Deeply.Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.
Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.
It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.Pursue your passions.
Live your dreams.
DON'T LOSE FAITH IN GOD.Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
i've read the articles about them on the periodical today, as my routine is always the same - house, pass by a cold store to buy iced tea, work, get the periodicals, sit, and read. i'd be glad to finish the sudoku on it, coz that's just what i do -- sit.
i have been close to my grandma, because she was the one who's seen us grow. although she wasn't as doting as a normal one would be, she would always ensure our well-being. she wasn't the demonstrative type who'd hug and spoon-feed you. but i love her just the way she is. if she were a little different, we would have grown SPOILED BRATS. i'm sure. i can say we are spoiled, but we aren't brats. if she would succumb to our whining, we really will not be the way we are today.
modesty aside, my siblings and i, as far as i can say, we were humbled by our childhood. not much privileges of a normal child whose parents were both abroad, not much new toys or nice school things because our grandma prefers Baclaran than SM! but by that, she has established in us a simple way of living. not too pompous, and not boastful. i can almost imagine how boastful my brothers would be if they were given all the good toys? kids are like that... and we appreciate every little luxury that comes our way. because our grandma taught us that.
maybe that's the reason why i have a big heart for the elderly. i know my brothers do too, as they tell me if they see an old person and they feel pity if he/she looks weary. and that's why i was touched by grandma Amelia's story. she was a blogger, (yeah i was shocked, too) 95-year-old blogger. telling her life before the people, inspiring and encouraging with every single day she has lived to tell. and now she's gone. she logged off for the last time. she has lived her life to the fullest. and she had been given the time to tell it.
the other person on my title is the complete opposite... really heartbreaking to tell. he's a 17-month old baby. ruthlessly abused by his mother, and her beau. HE WAS JUST 17-MONTHS. he doesn't know how it was to be angry. kids, are forgiving. do all you want to do to them, but they will still love to have your hug. he doesn't know how the world worked. how cruel some people are, and unfortunately for him, he was living with two of them under the same roof. but he does know how to love. and no one he loved gave him back the same.
he lived only for 17 months. he wouldn't be seen biking, wooing girls, getting married, and become old. he wouldn't be heard singing, or even be introduced to cellphone! he will never know the internet. and he couldn't make a blog anymore, just like grandma Amelia... yet he touched lives. only the painful way...
i feel so terrible. not for him, but because of him.
this brought me a thought. young or old. happy or sad. in agony or in waiting... all of us will go one day. what have we left behind? all our riches, all the fame, all the things of this world will just pass away. years will come, and all that's left are memories. memories of the happy days, and some sad. why not make it each day worthwhile? one really never knows what tomorrow will bring. only God knows.
the present is year is about to end in about 22 hours and 37 minutes. another year to look back to. there were good days, and of course there will always be bad. it must always be balanced or else, you're abnormal.
this year, i got to know a part of me better. i knew my weaknesses and strengths. before, i was always asked this same question for a job interview and i would tell the most shallow reasons. but now i know better.
my strength is my family. they keep me going. i realized that as vain as i am, i'd rather send all my money to my family back home. that's how less spending i am on myself. my reason is, life is short. i have to make the most out of it. but not for myself, but to those people i love and care about. i want them to be happy. making them happy makes me happy. i want to make them happy hanggang kaya ko.
my weakness would be my emotions. i often let it interfere with my daily activities and even with my socializing. because i am not a pretender. i show what i want to show, but with consideration to others, of course.
this coming year, we cannot promise ourselves to change this, or do that. because we don't have control of our tomorrow. all we can do is really show kindness to others. do what would make you happy today. live well. love much. laugh often. happy new year from bahrain.
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You
will have your heart broken probably more than once and
it's harder every time.. You'll break hearts too, so
remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight
with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things
an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too
many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You
will have your heart broken probably more than once and
it's harder every time.. You'll break hearts too, so
remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight
with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things
an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too
many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never
been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset
is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
i've been contemplating a lot lately. gods, its like my whole world's slowly shrinking to complete non-existence. it all starts with the house i'm in right now. it's almost hell. i'm dying to move out. problems seem to coem from both sides of the pole and from east till west. i hardly slept last night with all these thoughts. i am so desperate........... if not only for the thought of summer, i would have wished to be deadssssss. this coming summer would be very special for me because it would be our jubilee celebration, and i'll be seeing my grandparents and then jade's coming home. what's so exciting about that you might wonder? well, we are going to bacolod for one, i'm sure. then guimaras of course. then i'll cry a lot. but before all that i've had my chocolates from jade right? then the lolo and the lola are coming home with us... then it'd be their golden anniversary, won't that be exciting? so for now, i think i'll just take all the blows. the sun will come out tomorrow.....
God takes real good care of me. i know. i'm just too stubborn, thankyouverymuch.
Just this month, there were three people in my life who passed away...
There's "kuya" jorge, the ultimate basagulero in our community, but a kitten when it comes to my lola. He was shot dead...
Then, lola Grant... my regrets were few, like not sending her a birthday card on her 96th birthday last July 16. but i'm happy that she's resting already. and the hope's in there that she'll see lolo, and us (hopefully) someday...
And 2 days ago, my class adviser when i was in high school... my "nanay"....
I'm wondering what all these are for...
at least when i die, you have this. di ba?
