In Awe of a Great God Worship Concert!

Bonsoir tout le monde! Guys and gals I'm inviting you to "In Awe of a Great God" Worship Concert tomorrow at 6 P.M., that's November 30, 2008 at the ICITE Building in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City, Philippines. This is a fund-raising concert of SBC-Masinag (Sumulong Baptist Church-Masinag) for their Legacy Project.
You can buy tickets at the concert venue. Tickets are at P500, P200, P100.

We'll be having guests from the United States of America. The concert will be led and was organized by Thedore Amper and the SBC-Masinag Praise and Worship Team. I will be singing as a back-up singer together with the SBC Makati Praise and Worship Team. We will be performing the song "Prepare The Way" Pastor Jeff is on the drums, Kuya Manny on the lead guitar, Ate Sarj on the base guitar, Ate Eloisa, Eunice, Ate Clarissa, Ate Swelyn, and yours truly as back-up singers.

For more info, contact 09159037243 (Rege) /09163786271 (Pastor Jeff) / 6453027 /6453018 (SBC Masinag)

I hope to see you there! God bless!

QUAMET1 + Internet = FUN!

Salut tout le monde! I'm currently inside the PC Laboratory of the school having QUAMET1 (Quantitative Methods. I'm quite good at multi-tasking, you see. Surfing the Internet, updating my blog and listening rto Ms. Bernadette lecturing on Binomial Distribution. Haha.. This subject's quite a headache because of the x's and the y's plus the factorials. Good Lord help me get a high grade in this subject. Ciao!

Thursday School Routine

Bonjour! Here's another update from Rege:

DATAMAN (Database Management)

Due to traffic jam, I was late for my 8:00 AM class which is DATAMAN. Luckily, Sir Mark was late for about 20 minutes. What we did was plain, boring, Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) of a department of the school with the corresponding explanation of the processes that go about it. We chose the Career and Placement Office (CPO) instead of the ITRG (I. T. Resources Group) because it encompasses a lot of departments, hence, making our task, a toil. Sir Mark told us to pass our group work on Thursday but I have doubts about it.

QUAMET1 (Quantitative Methods 1)

We just had a seatwork in QUAMET1 with Ms. Bernadette. The seatwork was about Conditional Probability and Discrete Probability (I believe). I wasn't able to finish the last three numbers of the seatwork 'coz I ran out of time.

More tomorrow. Have a great day everyone!

The Landmark (Part 2)

Salut tout le monde! How're you doin' guys? Anyway, here's the second part of my previous post entitled, "The Landmark".

Childhood Memories

I still remember having a picture of my sister and my dear mother with the old Landmark building as the background. My sister's turning 22 this December and she's only 4 years old when that picture was taken. What I'm pointing out here is that it's not only me who had great experiences in this establishment, so do my family. I remember when I was young, and SM Makati is not yet around, Mama would buy Birch Tree (yes, that's my milk when I was young), of course, from Landmark. My father used to buy me my favorite chocolate "Nestle Selection" from Landmark. Unfortunately, "Nestle Selection" is out of the market since around year 2000, I think. I haven't seen it in grocery shelves for quite a while now.

Other Landmark Memories

Feta cheese, my favorite cheese, I believe, was bought by Daddy for the first time at Landmark. I also remember seeing my Auntie Len a lot of times at Landmark. There's just this one thing that I have not yet done at Landmark: Shopping with Auntie Zarah. We've been planning it since August but just can't push through. Maybe this December. A lot of my childhood clothes were from Landmark. They include my very first longsleeve and necktie I wore during the Baccalaureate Mass and Recognition Day in elementary.

So, to Conclude

Last Saturday, that was the fifteenth of November, guess where I was? At the Landmark of course! XD I and my father went shopping for groceries and "unperishable" goods for Christmas. You know, prices of goods are astronomical these days. Prices today go up, up and away! XD It's just practical to buy Christmas goods this early because supermarkets tend to raise prices during December. I let Daddy go home first as I still have some stuff to buy.

Also, last twelfth of November, I was at Landmark to shop some groceries. I saw Auntie Len and Ate Aying. Auntie told me that Ate Merey was with them. She asked me to give them a ride home. I agreed to give them a ride home. I postponed buying some stuff from SM for November 15 to have Auntie's request granted. I always wanted to help my relatives but I'm still don't have the "resources" XD to do so.

So to conclude, Laking Landmark ako! (I'm Landmark-raised!)

Have a great day everyone!

The Landmark (Part 1)

Salut tout le monde! How are you friends? It's been quite a while since I last updated this. Don't you worry. This blog's still running. Well, at least until Blogger is. LOL XD Today's post is about yesterday and some bits of today. i hope you enjoy this.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I being a very good student XD, skipped two of my classes yesterday. Quantitative Methods 1 at 10:00-11;45 AM (of which I'm near the end of the cliff) and Database Management at 8:00-9:45 AM (of which I'm hanging by a thread). I use my cellphone as an alarm clock or reveille, I believe, in french. Unfortunately, I lost my phone on the 12th of November. Although I have two alarm clocks on my bed, they don't wake me up. Some glitch of some sort, I think. There's even a time wherein I set the alarm clock at 5:00 AM. I woke up at around 8:30 AM, yet my alarm clock says that it's only 4:30 AM! Daddy's regained his sleep pattern in spite of the fact that he has insomnia. Prayer really works, I tell you!

I've Got my Cellphone Back!

After eating lunch, I went to my high school in hopes of getting my cellphone back. isn't it that if you lost something (I'm referring to tangible personal belongings), you have to retrace your steps in order for you to get it back. Thank God Sir Lorde got it. I apparently left it at the table inside the library counter when I visited HS last 12th of November. Some students found it and told him about it. He took care of it in chances of finding the owner of the phone. It also occurred to me that I must've left it on a jeepney seat while i was on my way to Market! Market! I also thought that I left it inside the Physics Teachers' Council Room or the reading center where I trained the school's representative in a prestigious oratorical competition. Thanks again, Sir Lorde!

LANDMARK

If there is one establishment in Makati City that I'd like to thank and I will forever cherish, it's the Landmark Corporation. Not that Landmark paid me a large sum of money to create this blog, it's just that Landmark has given me a lot of memories that has been a significant part of me.

P.S.
Since it's almost 12:00 AM, i decided to continue this tomorrow as I still need to wake up a lot early for a make-up class in public Speaking 1 (PUBSPE1) tomorrow. To the Philippines and other neighboring Asian nations, Good Night! To the rest of the world, Good Morning, good Afternoon and God bless us all!!!

Le Treizième Jour de Juillet

Salut tout le monde!

I started my day by getting a haircut at a nearby salon Dad recommended me. He even accompanied me. How supportive! XD That haircut's quite satisfactory. After that I immediately prepared for church. The moment I arrived at church, I went to the Sunday School area and installed the whiteboard in replacement of the blackboard (or the greenboard if I must say). Then, the Morning Service. After that, Ate Sarj told us to go to Ate Yanglee's house for a lunch treat. Ate Yanglee's birthday is on the 16th of July so, that's it. XD We rode a cab to Ate Yanglee's house. Upon arrival, we learned that the information was misrelayed or there had been a misunderstanding. Kuya Ric (JIVE Youth) is the only one Ate Yanglee asked to go to her place to pick-up the files of Breaking Point Foundation Phils. Inc. We just enjoyed watching Mr. Bean's Bean-a-thon (a 10 episode marathon of Mr. Bean). However, since we are all hungry and it's already around 1:00 pm, Ate Yanglee decided to let her housemates buy rice and cook lunch. We had a feast. XD

The sad part: We received a text message from Kuya Ric saying that unidentified persons riding a motorcycle snatched his purse while he's on his way to JIVE Youth Center. The change of the money given to him to buy JIVE Youth's food for the Youth Service was in the purse. We just thought that money can be replaced and we're blessed that the culprits didn't hurt him.

After that, we just watched mr. bean yet again and chatted. BTW, Ate Yanglee and Ate Sarj's never-seen-for-many-years-now friend arrived. It's their reunion since she will be going to Laguna. Then we went back to JIVE Youth Center like thieves XD as we have with us an expensive painting. I consider it precious. That's Ate Yanglee's donation to JIVE youth. XD

I then prepared the games for the Youth Service. Since I am the Game Master of JIVE Youth, I need to think of a lot of new, fun games. I bought marbles for the "Have a Marble-ous Sunday" game. As a segue, I went to Goldilocks Guadalupe to buy a Mocha Roll (Cake). I grew up having Jonis and/or Goldilocks as a birthday cake. this time, I bought myself a cake. Then, I printed a puzzle set on the Youth Center's office for the "Blindfolded Puzzle" game. The program was actually starting while I was printing and cutting the puzzle set. I know I should be preparing the materials for the games ahead of time but we went to Ate Yanglee's house. An hour passed while we were at her place.

After the Youth Service, we had the Evening Service. I prepared the cake to be sentenced for consumption. XD i'll upload sooner or later the pic of my cake. I don't have a cam at hand since my sister has it. She's in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. She texted me and she said that they were on their way home.

More details tomorrow. Joyeux anniversaire à moi! Thanks to those who greeted me. I appreciate it! Ciao guys and gals!

Farewell 16-Year Old Body... (Dix-sept le treizième jour de Juillet)

Less than two hours from now, I'll be saying "Farewell" to my sixteen year old body. Not that I am committing suicide. Definitely not! I love my life and that will be the stupidest thing I'll ever do. It's just that I'll be turning seventeen later. Yeah! It's my birthday later and tomorrow, the thirteenth day of July.
I'm ecstatic as ever. I started the day by going to school for the Coaching Session of the members of Flickers Photo Society who failed to submit the necessary requirements and/or have attendance violations. I also have to attend the workshop-seminar-turned-Leadership-Training of Teatre Phileo, the school's theater org. How I managed to kill two birds with one stone is up to you to decipher if I may say so. XD After that, I immediately went to church to practice the songs we'll be singing at the Morning and Evening Services.

Oh, BTW, Thank you to Flickers who greeted me in advance and wrote me messages on a 1/4 illustration board. Thank you guys and gals! I appreciate it!

After the practice, I went to Glorietta, a local mall to shop. Malling and/or shopping (As you can always window shop XD) is therapeutic for me (As Rachel says) too. It soothes temporarily, the stress of the work load I have, the problems, nuisance XD etc. I bought a polo shirt, a long-sleeved button-down shirt, a necktie and some office supplies I'll be needing.

Just to create this post, I went to the farthest Internet cafe I've been because all of the IC's nearby our house are already closed. You see, we still don't have an Internet connection at the house. Hopefully by the end of July, we will have it.

BTW, the subtitle of this post means "seventeen on the thirteenth of July" en francais.
Joyeux anniversaire to me! Ciao guys and gals!

P.S. I look like 21+ although I'm just 167, turning 17. I also have the mind of a 27 year old according to a psychologist. By the time I turn 17, my mind will turn 31. Amazing! Principles of Psychology. I just wonder how old I will look. =)

Irritated... Why?

I forgot to tell you on my previous post that I woke up really early today. Around 4:50 am, I suppose. Upon my arrival at school this morning, I immediately went to the library to borrow a management book. I asked the library's staff, Ms. Rona, if they have the book I previously mentioned on my previous post. She said that it's already out. then, as I was making my way out of the library, I remembered that I need to borrow the "official reviewer of the Quiz Bee" which is "Answerboards Up!" by Ms. Pettizou Tayag, the competition's quizmaster. I asked Ms. Rona if they have it. She told me that it isn't in the library. I insisted that it is indeed in the library since I was the last person who borrowed it (indirectly). She was irritated as her actions implied.
Then, Ate Lovelyn, an orgmate didn't even greeted me when she saw me. The same to a professor of mine. Why are you people irritated and snobbish? I wonder why. Have a great day ahead!

Toil...

I just had a quiz in MANPRIN. Ouch! My brain cells started the Death March yet again. Sir JV's exam is a complete toil. His questions are essay type. Our previous quiz consisted of 6 questions totalling 60 points, all of which started with "Explain..." On the other hand, the quiz I took today consisted of 5 questions, totalling 80 points. The first question started with "Discuss...," while the rest started with "Explain..." I haven't reviewed all of the topics of Chapters 4-7 we discussed the past weeks. One bad thing is I wasn't able to borrow the book we are using, from the library because somebody borrowed it. Why do they have only 1 "Management in the New Competitive Landscape by Bateman and Snell" in the library? Next time, I'd be alot smarter. I'll borrow the ahead of time. Ciao guys!

A Tiger Ready to Pounce...

Since it's Thursday today, I didn't wake up early. I don't have an 8 am class on Thursdays. I went to school at around 11:30 am. I wasn't aware that Joharvey, my friend; a schoolmate (HS and College); and orgmate (Teatre Phileo), is riding the same bus I rode. I just noticed him when he tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to accompany him to a nearby salon to ask how much do they charge in coloring one's hair. You see, he will be attending a Cosplay in SM MOA on Saturday.

The clerk said that it depends on the color. Harvey, as what I call him, said that he wants the hair color to be red. The clerk then said that it would cost him 750. When we were on our way to school, I told him, "Why not use a wig that would cost him the same amount but can be reused?" He refused. I suggested, "Why not use the hair color that can be bought at stores?" he agreed. Haha..

He has a Physics class (10 am - 11:45 am), but did not attend it simply because it's over. The good thing, he said, is to have lunch money or baon in Filipino.

I had lunch and stayed at the ORSO (Office for Recognized Student Organizations). I had SOHONET (Small Office/ Home Office Networking) and FILIONE (Filipino One). FILIONE is fun because a group of my blockmates, Group 1 this time, would host a review on the past lessonby using a fun game. Their game's objective is to get the right answer and write it on the white board. All members of the group will fall in line. The question will be read by the first person of the group. Either the question or the answer will be passed on to the next one until the last member receives the answer. The last person will then write the answer on the whiteboard. The twist is that the whiteboard marker will be placed through a plastic cup and will be worn on the forehead. A garter is placed on the rim of the cup to secure it. That is the hard part.

While on the last part, one of my blockmates, whose name (he) I will not mention, wrote the word "listener" in the form "lestiner". A blockmate of mine whose behavior I have mentioned in my previous posts, laughed and laughed with his sinister voice. She continued on pointing out his mistake over and over through the course of the class. Such behavior!

We had a lesson on Listening (FILIONE) and there's this type of listener called a "tiger" whose behavior is to listen and be watchful of the speaker's words until he/she commits a mistake. Then, the "tiger" will either laugh, point out the mistake over and over again or both. We all know that it's bad to laugh at other people's mistakes because we all make mistakes. It will only make us a hypocrite because we make mistakes and yet we laugh at other people's. It's like laughing at yourself. Now, this blockmate of mine is like a tiger. A tiger ready to pounce...

Have a great night everyone!

Third Invitation

This day started great. I went through my daily routine and then went to school. We tackled "Liquidation of the Partnership" in FUNDAC2. It's easy, yet the table you have to make is quite long. In MANPRIN, we discussed International Management. Sir JV left us a German saying or proverb: "Respekterien, uber nitch aksepterien," which roughly translates to "Respect but not accept." (referring to different cultures) Later, I checked it and it actually is : "Respekt aber nicht annehmen." The "Respektieren" is "respecting" in German. So, if Sir JV is talking of the -ing form, it should be: "Respektieren aber Annehmen nicht."

After lunchtime, we had RESWRIT. I'll be doing a research on the effects of coffe on human behavior. It includes the reasons why people drink coffee, its effects on behavior and the body. we went up the library for the chapter 1 or the Introduction.

After that, I had office works. While I was buying shuttle tickets, I heard something that wasn't good to hear. It hurted my emotions because it wasn't true. The fact that it's not true hurted me because why do people have to say something that they know would hurt other people's emotions? Very, very unprofessional. I am so irritated. I'll spare you the details.Je'n ais ras le bol, if I may say so.

Anyway, my irritation was alleviated when I saw Ms. Rhea, the school's Student Services Directress reading a letter from a package. I had a hunch it's from QBF. Then, I was right! I saw the Quiz Bee Foundation's logo. it's what I've been waiting for. the 3rd invitaton from the Quiz Bee Foundation I'll be receiving for the 29th National Quiz Bee. I was the Division Champion of the Makati City Division of the 27th National Quiz Bee Makati-Quezon City Division Championships, Science and Technology category. I landed in 3rd place in the Metro Manila Regional Finals. When I went to college, I joined the 28th National Quiz Bee Collegiate General Information and International Affairs category. I, again, was the Division Champion of the Makati City Division. I became the Regional runner-up in the Metro Manila Regional Finals because the judges didn't acknowledge "Mont Blanc" as my answer to the question "What is the highest mountain peak of The Alps?" in the Clincher round. Mont Blanc is spelled Mont Blanc and it is the highest mountain peak of The Alps. The judges insisted on their answer Monte Blanc. I can't do anything about it. Past is past, and now, I'm back.

The competition is on August 16, Saturday at SM City North Edsa. Please pray for me. The Lord was with me in all my competitions and endeavor and I believe that He will still be with me in this competition. He's faithful even if we're not.

Have a great night everyone! Have to go home already!

Bowling...

This morning, we had our PEDUFOR (Bowling) class at SM Mega Mall. We had drills and a game set. I'm having a hard time executing the 4-step slide something drill where you take 3 steps and slide your left foot and place your right foot 45 degrees behind your left foot. Well, I actually estimate 45 degrees since it's difficult to measure exactly. In the game set, I hit 59+ pins out of 100 something. I had a lot of spares and splits, some gutter balls and a strike. Well, the strike is actually after I hit a pin. XD After the class, I went to school and ate lunch. Then, instead of having SOHONET, we had "Strategic Marketing" seminar for our first period. My blockmates connived to just sign the attendance sheet and then, leave the multi-purpose hall. After everyone left our classroom, I wrote this on the whiteboard:

BM71 SOHONET class,

Please proceed to the MPH1 for the "Strategic Marketing" seminar.
Don't you dare push through your evil plans. My watchful eyes are upon thee.

A tout a l'heure,
Regenald A. Isip
BM71 block representative

When the seminar ended, my blockmates immediately went up our room. When I arrived, the first two lines of my note were erased. One of my blockmates asked me, "Are you still the block representative?" I answered, "Need not to answer that." I then went out of the room. One irritating fact is that they already have me as the block rep so to speak, yet they don't recognize me as their block rep. I do a lot of things in favor of them ( decrease the temperature of the aircon, talking to professors when they don't want to, etc.) yet they replaced me. They picked this blockmate of mine who laughs at everyone's mistakes, including mine; is hypocritical; has a bad behavior etc. When they need me, they go and look for me, and persuade me. If they don't need me, they just leave me behind.

People persuade you and get along with you when they need you. When they no longer need you, they just throw away. I'm not generalizing. Some people do that.

FILIONE came. We just listened to our classmates' life stories. Some make you laugh, others make you cry. *sigh*

Life is like bowling. Not all the time you hit a strike. Sometimes you hit a spare. At times, you simply can't hit the center and hit a split. There are times when you just miss and have gutter balls. But remember, after hitting gutter balls, there's an all new set of pins ready for you to take on.

Monday Afternoon...

I just had RESWRIT (Research Writing). The class is uhhh... boring. Unlike my research class in HS, this one is way boring. I still don't have a topic in RESWRIT. My blockmates already have theirs. I'd be doing a solo research. I'm thinking of researching on the real cause and/or the truth behind the sinking of the Titanic; disproving the "Da Vinci Code"; or some scientific research. We have to pass the Conceptual Framework, etc. of the research topic later at 5 pm. Please help me! Any suggestions? Thanks!

Monday Morning...

Gah... I woke up at 7:00 am this morning yet I arrived in school at 8:46 am. I have sleeI had a sermon from Daddy because I didn't wake up early for school. One thing that added to my irritation is my longsleeve shirt that is too hard to iron. The folds and creases or whatever you call it, whatchamacalit won't come off! So, I went to school with a semi-ironed shirt. I ate spaghetti while riding a bus. i used chopsticks. Chposticks come in handy.
when I arrived in school, we had a quiz in Fundamentals of Accounting 2. I failed the exam! Don't ask me my score. I don't know what's happening to me. I aced Accounting in HS. Then, it's MANPRIn (Management Principles) time. We had a discussion and it's lunchtime!

Lessons learned: Wake up early! Study hard!

More later! Ciao!

P.S. Cross-posted to LJ.

Saturdays Have Never Been This Great!

Salut tout le monde!

I'm back folks! I'm terribly sorry to those who are reading my blog. I haven't updated this since February because I had been really, really busy. Sorry! For my posts on February- June, visit my personal journal at http://sagaciousmaster.livejournal.com/

Anyway, I went to school this morning. Today's the 2nd General Assembly of BMAG or the Business Management Group of Asia Pacific College. The GA will start at 8 am, but I arrived in school at 8:57 am. I knew all along that the GA will start late. I, being famous for arriving on the dot, arrived exactly as the opening prayer started. We had fun in the GA. However, I missed the parts of the GA as I have to cover and document the Teambuilding Activity at the auditorium of the school. The Teatre Phileo will have a pictorial today. I will also have a meeting with the Flickers Photo Society members and officers.

The meeting is commencing right now. Later, we'll drop by Glorietta 4 Timezone.

Later! Ciao!

BTW, Please click on the ads. Thanks!

Day 55, 2008: The Mission

Comment allez vous, mes amis? Here's an- update in my game of the fastest and the biggest reality show on earth:

Route Marker No. 1
Destination: SBC-Makati
Reward Challenge: Sunday School Teaching

The morning's great, the weather's fine, everything's okay! It's gonna be a great day! After having cornflakes for breakfast, I bathed and dressed. Today, I'll be teaching again, the children in Sunday School. It's really easy to fall into a routine in this kind of ministry. However, my motivation is seeing my students learning and abiding God's Word. That's why I call this a Reward Challenge. We were reviewing for next Sunday's mid-term exam. Yes! I made the Primary and Beginners class curriculum. 12 sundays, with a mid-term exam on the 6th week and a Final exam on the 12th. I was raised in a Sunday School, so I dhould know how a SS is ran. My students are one of naughtiest classes in the world. They wrecked the door of a cabinet in the room. I let them copy a set pointers for next week. The rest went well.

Route Marker No. 2
Task: JIVE Youth Program

Now's the fun part. We started the program at around 3pm. I sang along with Pastor Jeff. After two songs while operating the projector, I was called to go to the front to lead the Games and Icebreakers. I'm the youth center's Game Master so, I have to prepare games that provoke almost anything. From laughter to competition, you name them! Haha! Wholesome things only. Then, some dongs and, thee Word of God. There! SBC-Masinag's waiting for us.

Route Marker No. 3
Destination: SBC-Masinag, Masinag, Antipolo City, Rizal

Tribal Council: Missions Conference & Banquet 2008
Hall Pass: Reunion with Friends

At around 5:30 pm, we rode an L300 to SBC-Masinag. Pastor Jeff drove. When we arrived at SBC-Masinag at around 6:13, the banquet had started. We then, ate pansit, a Filipino noodle delicacy, barbecue and a piece of cake. Then, some songs, and some remarks from Pastor Lance and there. Done. I met Ate carmeli, Kuya Mon, Ashley, Jonah and the others. Quite a reunion! The last time I saw them was May of last year. Camp Recall. Then we headed back to Makati.

Reality Bites!: Vehicular Accident, 1 person dead.

As we are on our way home, we passed by a crowd of people. A traffic jam was in progress. Pastor Jeff asked a spectator, what happened. There was a collision between two motorcycles or an accident involving both of them, I suppose. A victim's body was covered with newspaper. Although he is wearing a helmet, he still died. I suppose he's a man. Death comes without warning. Death doesn't come with a warning. It doesn't choose people, young or old, rich or poor. This is REALITY! The mission of believers is to spread the gospel of God! That Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from our sins! That if we accept Him as our Savior believe that Jesus is the God's only provision for mankind and commit our lives to Him to be used in His plans, we will be saved!

I do hope that we believers fulfill our mission here on Earth. Remember what Rev. Mallory said. "This is just our dressing room..." Have a great day, Ciao!

DAY 54, 2008: Adieu Ma Tantine... Adieu...

Salut tout le monde! What's up, folks? This day's quite long day. Now, I give you, the details:

DAY 54, 2008: Adieu Ma Tantine... Adieu...

Route Marker No. 1
Destination: Baras, Province of Rizal
Stop-Over: Crossing, Mandaluyong City
Tribute: Interment

This post is dedicated to:
Ludivina Isip Vallestero
June 28, 1937 - February 20, 2008
You're forever loved and cherished!
Adieu Ma Tantine... Adieu...

I was awakened by the knocks and shouts of Auntie Florinda. I opened the door and let Auntie Inday, as what she is usually called, inside the house. He told Daddy that we are supposed to leave at 8 am. It's around 8:30 am. I suddenly remembered that today is Auntie Luding's interment. I told Daddy that I too, want to attend Aunt's funeral. I insisted, and as always, I win. Hahaha! I then dressed up in black. Dad told me that Auntie Benjamina, or Auntie Mina, will be joining us too. Then, we went to Auntie Inday's house . We waited for both of my aunties to go out of their houses. While waiting, I went back to our house ro get my longsleeve shirt and the jacket, Ate Elvie lent me. Our house is really a corner away from my aunt's house. I realized that the funeral will be at 2 pm and the sun is still above us. Since I am wearing black, which absorbs and not reflects light, it will be really hot. The jacket on the other hand, was Kenneth's, my nephew, and was lent to me by Ate Elvie, which happens to be my cousin, last Thursday when we went to Baras. When we're all prepared, we headed on out to EDSA. We just walked. We then rode a bus to Crossing. While on the bus, I and Auntie Mina chatted. When we arrived at Crossing, we headed towards the Jeepney Park. We are supposed to ride the earliest jeep to depart, but that jeep cannot accommodate all four of us. We then resorted ro the next jeep. After almost an hour, the jeep we are in, finally departed. I and Auntie Inday sat on the front, beside the driver, while Daddy and Aunt Mina were at the back. We then chatted and chatted. We talked about our lives, as usual, and the places in Rizal. Then, when we are at Baras, I told the driver to stop the jeep because I know, we are at Auntie Luding's house. Daddy disagreed. I just let him decide and prove him wrong. We asked the driver where is Sitio Iloco, Barangay Evangelista. He told us that we just passed by Sitio Iloco. So, we walked for about 500 meters to our destination. We then met our other relatives. After having lunch, some chitchats and such, it's now 1:45 pm. The family then prepared for the burial. We then walked for about a kilometer towards the town cemetery. As per trasition, people in provinces walk towards the cemetery. When we arrived at the cemetery, Auntie Luding's casket was opened for final viewing. Lots of tears were shed, including mine. Aunt is so kind. She's one of the kindest person I've ever met. After around three minutes, The casket was then put inside the niche. The niche was then covered. (FYI:Here in the Philippines, we don't usually bury dead people 6 feet under. Niches are made for "covenience". Niches can pile up to 9-10 layers as in "apartment types" that reach up to 10-11 feet high.)
We then went back to Auntie's house. After some refreshments, we decided to go home. The details? Tomorrow or so... Oh btw, the title means "Farewell Auntie... Farewell..."

Day 53, 2008: Taking Care Of What Needs to be Taken Care Of...

Salut! Guys, I wonder what you are all up to? Feel free to comment on my blog. Don't worry, I don't bite, I mean, I'm open-minded.. This is what Friday brought me:

DAY 52, 2008: Taking Care of What Needs to be Taken Care Of

Route Marker No.1:

DESTINATION: APC
ROADBLOCK: Mid-term Exams

I woke up early today. At around 7:40, for an 8:00 am class. Haha! I was just kidding with that early thing. I have sleeping problems, so I cannot wake up really early except when somebody wakes me up. My father told me not to go to school today to go and see my doctor. Just visit and no consultations. Gust kidding! I really mean have a check-up with me doctor. Later, he changed his mind and told me to just self-medicate! I missed my mid-term exams today in Accouting. You know how I got infuriated. I just went back to sleep. At around 12pm, I already ate, bathed and dressed. I then went to school. I, then, paid my tuition and got my exam permit, magically! Haha! You know what I mean. I haven't paid my tuition in full, yet the cashier gave me an exam permit! You'll never know how happy I was. Then I talked to my Accounting prof and took the exam. 1 down three to go. I still have a meeting at around 6pm so, Tata for now!

DAY 52, 2008: the Psychic Has Passed Away...

Salut mes amis! I have a quite exasperating day today. After two years of experiencing this really tough roadblock, it has occurred again. Here are the details:

This post is dedicated to:
Ludivina Isip Vallestero
June 28, 1937 - February 20, 2008
You're forever loved and cherished!

DAY 52: the Psychic Has Passed Away...
ROADBLOCK: Colds
Route Marker No. 1&2
Destination No. 1: Crossing, Mandaluyong City
REWARD CHALLENGE: Shopping
Destination No. 2: Baras, Province of Rizal
HALL PASS: Another Reunion
REALLY TOUGH ROADBLOCK: Death of a loved one

I woke up this morning with a cold as usual. Why am I catching this cold this time of the year? I know of a friend who has a cold and other illness. Get well soon dear! Anyway, I've been awakened by the morning chatterings of my father and my Auntie Nancy. I have bad hunches about what they were talking about even when I was asleep. You see, Rege has hypnopedia, an ability of hearing and understanding anything around you while asleep. My hunches were then verified when I told Auntie Nancy a statement that made her blurt out the truth. I don't want to ask directly, so I use a psychological maneuver of inquiry that we use in SDC. That's the method detectives and use in investigations and in interviewing the suspects. My hunches were now confirmed. Auntie Ludivina's dead. Then, there came something that made me sit on a chair and reminisce the things I and my Auntie Luding shared. (Luding is her nickname) I then ate breakfast. I talked to Daddy and insisted on going to Auntie Luding's wake. He finally gave in. Later, Ate Zarah, my cousin and Leah, my niece arrived. After dressing up, we then rode Kuya Arman's trike. He's my cousin too. Good thing he passed us by. Then we rode a bus to Crossing. Upon arrival at Crossing, we bought some snacks, bread, spreads and Pan de Sal (FYI: Pan de Sal literally means, bread with salt) at Pan de Manila. Then, we headed towards the Jeepney Park. We rode a jeepney going to Tanay. it will pass by Baras.
I'll tell you how terrible the trip was. Rizal is the province to the east of Manila. It was named after Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippines' national hero. The trip was around 2 hours. The jeepney navigated itself through lots and lots of zigzag roads, steep roads and such! It 's really an exhausting trip. Then, we rode off at Brgy. Evangelista, Baras, Rizal. We made our way through a long street and arrived at the Valledtero's residence. It was quite a reunion among myself, my other cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren! Yes, I have grandchildren. My blood is older than those of my other relatives. I then stared at Auntie's casket. The body of the casket is plain white, eith gold decorative handles and other ornaments. I then looked at the Auntie. She's just like sleeping. Dhe underwent a state of comatose for about a week before passing away. I can still remember the memories we shared the last time we saw each other. I also had a hunch that I will never see her again alive when I last accompanied her to the trike stop to go home. This is another tough roadblock for me as almost 2 years ago, my mother, Aunt Fely and Aunt Josie paddes away.

This is reality that is what I am trying to talk about in this blog. Life is the Fastest and the Biggest Reality Show on Earth! You'll never know until when you'll live. Life is so fast that people become old and die immesiately, mostly without warning. Life is so big because you've got only one shot in this world and after all, God entrusted you this life!
As summarized: Life is short. death is sure. sin the cause. Christ the Cure.

Auntie Ludivina, Auntie Luding Nanay Peke (Mother Fake) (FYI: Peke is fake in Filipino.) We call her Nanay Peke because of her false or fake teeth. Dentures in simple terms. She is a pdychic, I'm telling you. When she was still in her teenage and young adult stages, she can see visions that came true. She has ESP. She can tell things that turned out to be true, inexplicably. She might also have guessed the date of her death. Yes, the psychic has passed away...

When she visited us last year, we would chat about almost everything. We joked about a Filipino horror film with the ghost chanting "Halika!" (FYI: Come here!) and would always say that in a sinister, creepy voice, trying to scare each other... Dhe told me life's lessons that she learned. I will always cherish her and her memories forever. I will never forget you and rest assured that you'll always be loved, Auntie Luding.

After quite some time, I and my father went home. I still wanted to dtay, but, I still have some things needed to be taken care of. I'm sure Auntie will understand. I will try to attend her interment on Saturday. The trip home went smoothly.

So, guys and gals, show your relatives and loved ones that you love them and you really care about them, because if the end comes, you can only look back and regret... Ciao!

DAY 48, 2008: A RELIEVING SUNDAY

DAY 48, 2008: A RELIEVING SUNDAY

Route Marker No.1:
ROADBLOCK: Difficulty of Sleeping
DESTINATION: Philippine Evangelism Center (P.E.C.)
STOP-OVER: SBC-MAKATI
HALL PASS: Reunion with Former Churchmates
REWARD: Sunday Revival

I actually had a hard time sleeping in the wee hours of the morning. My cold's bothering me. I hardly can't breathe. I can't sleep by breathing through my nose because it's clogged with mucus. I drank medication and thank goodness, I slept soundly.
I woke up at around 7 am. Still, I went back to sleep and woke up later at around 7:40 am. I got up, bathed, and gargled and made my way to SBC-MAKATI. I left Kuya Ric the lesson for Sunday School, as I will not be able to teach the children. Tin will. I immediately went to P.E.C. I was warmly welcomed in the church I was formerly attending. Of course, it's inevitable to meet former churchmates. I badly miss them, really. But, the reason I went here id to worship God, not for reunions. Reunions can be taken care of later, after the church service. I immediately entered the auditorium. People were already worshipping God. too bad, I missed the first parts. Then, Minister Masilungan told us to greet everybody around. I saw Rachelle, a former Sunday School classmate, sitting on the church bench behind where I was sitting. I shook her hand. I maintained proper decorum while I was inside the church. No chatting with friends.
Pastor Donnie Ompad then, introduced today's speaker, Reverend Gordon Mallory. He's with his wife, Sister Apton Mallory. I was scribbling down notes so, at least, I have his preaching documented. Here's what he preached:

"All of my years, God has been Good to me"
Scripture Text:Psalms 37:3-5; 25
³Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

⁴Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

⁵Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

²⁵I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

We read the scriptures and focused on the v. 25. He was kidding while preaching! He said that this verse is appropriate for him. Rev. Mallory's around 60 yrs. old. He knows how to speak Filipino! He said "I'll try my best to speak the best English. if you don't understand anything I say, I'll understand!" He let us tell our seatmates "I'm very sorry to tell that you're getting older!"
Here are other memorable quotations from him:

" You're not as young as you used to be."
" My knees are talking to me."
" You're knees are complaining to you."
" You can't stop yourself from being old."
" Old age brings about changes."
" Please call me young again! "
" Where did the young man go? "
" My feet are crying."
' As long as I have breath, I will praise the Lord!"
" When you are near the end, you look back..."
" This is your dressing room! " - referring to the Earth as a temporary place.
" I have no sad stories to tell. God has been good to me!"
" I can just be who I am. I can't be somebody else."
" Isn't it good that God didn't make us alike? He threw the mold away when He created you! "

He told us a story of himself when he had this infection in the pancreas. E. coli. and the other one he can't remember. He underwent surgeries and was injected lots of antibiotics. He was then transferred to a separate room with another man coughing harshly and was like strangled. He said " This is the end! Deathward room." He asked the nurse for two requests: first, he be transferred to another room, he alone is there, and, his wife stays with her all through the night, hold his hand as he sleeps and stuff like that. But the nurse twice said "Sir, it's impossible." So he asked the nurse for their supervisor. To his surprise, she is a Filipina. He told the supervisor: "Kumusta ka? (FYI: How are you? in Filipino.) and other phrases. "Sir, how'd you know our language?" the Filipina asked. "Pilipino ako." he said. "The truth Sir.' the Filipina said. Rev. then told the truth. He was a missionary in Manilaand partnered with Filipino pastors for evangelism. The Filipina supervidorvidor then said, while crying, "Sir, only a few people like you loved the Philippines, it's culture and people." Rev., then said his request. the supervisor said that it can't be, but can be agreed upon. His request was granted. He latr got well. God's good! he also told us a story of a missionary who preached, over and over, that you will live forever. His friend the doctor, disagreed. They then died in a car accident. He also told us an illustration of how old age affects everything we do. He told us that when you are in a church service, and all of you were asked to stand up and you're not standing, your churchmates will then tell each other this: " Oh! He's backslidden. He's no longer spiritual (anymore)!" (humor intended) He also told us the story of his teeth. He told us that his teeth came out at night and went into a glass inside the water closet; and in the wee hours of the morning, his wife will thenbe shocked to see his teeth in that glass. In short, he gave us a testimony of how really good is God to him.

After that, the revival service began. Pastor Ompad told us to just thank the Lord for His goodness. I underwent revival. I realized how good God has been to me.
After the church service, I went downstairs to meet other churchmates. Ma'am Lou Domondon got excited when she saw me. She's my Sunday School teacher back then. Picture takings, chats and phone number exchanged then took place.
then, it's time to say "See you!" and not byes.

Route Marker No. 2:
DESTINATION: JIVE Youth Center
ROADBLOCK: Disappointments
TASK: improve the Youth Center
DETOUR: Saturday or Sunday?

I then went to JIVE Youth Center after eating lunch at home. Being the Youth Center's Game Master, I prepared the games for today's program. The result, No one came. We invited previous attenders after the Youth Center's third re-launching. Disappointments settled in. we then talked about moving the Youth programs to Saturdays instead of Sundays. The verdict? A trial of the program next Sunday and if nothing happens, Saturday shall it be.
I then went home for some things to do and I attended the evening service.

So that's it. See you tomorrow! Virtually or cyberspatially speaking. Ciao!