whata Sunday!

I was waken up early yesterday by an SMS message from JiJi, inviting me for a tennis game. It was around 6:00 am that I got to his place. I proceeded to KenKen's house and there he was, preparing too for our tennis play. Then at the DPWH tennis court, we wiped off the slightly wet surface as it was raining a bit last Saturday. We volleyed for like 45 minutes and it got my shirt wet. When KenKen's father (kuya Norman) arrived, he joined us and we played doubles with me and KenKen as partners. After our game, Ate Daylin came around. She doubled with Kuya Norman against me and Sir Butch. We lost to them at 4 - 8. Winning the game really didn't matter (it never mattered to me at all) to me. What has always been the priority is me, getting fit while enjoying.

When I got home, I got a text message from Roland, a 3rd Year college student of mine that we pursue on what we planned last week - that was to have a good time at the beach on Sunday. He asked me if I could drop by so we could get Miguel his classmate. Then, we three proceeded to the wet market to buy fish and all what we would be enjoying at Palid Beach. When we got to the place, I saw a lot of friends. Miguel was amazed how could I have such a number of friends. We really had a great time there despite the limited rice. We swam to the wavy waters and it was such a fun jumping off the waves! We left the beach at around 5pm. When I got home, after drinking plenty of nice, cold water, I fell into my bed and enjoyed a long night sleep!

Rest in Peace Ate Mila

Last week, while we're (the Interlude Choir) practicing songs with Sister Aurea, we heard a news that Ate Mila, a member of our singing ministry group passed away by a complication due to appendicitis. Of course, we were all shocked. These past few months she hasn't really been that active with us but Ate Luz told me of her intent to be back again to the choir. She is survived by her son who's at his 20's and her daughter Meldie (our choir's projector girl), 16. Ate Mila should now be in joyful reunion with her late husband.

It was only like more than a year that I have known ate Mila. She to me, is a simple lady, a beautiful person inside and out, and a loving mother. She used to be at the "alto" group in our choir.

Last Saturday, the choir visited her wake at her parent's home in Tirso Babiera. Sr. Aurea led us in praying for her eternal repose.

Happy Birthday Daylin

My sis celebrated her 26th birthday last Aug 16. In the morning, I was busy at the church being the choir organist, and a beginner at that. Huh! When I got home at around 11 am, I saw that Mckoy was busy at the kitchen. He was preparing for the birthday lunch. Papang asked me what gift I would give to the celebrator. I handed my sis 500 bucks and she was happy with that.

I took a little sleep after the lunch to prepare my self for a tennis match. I sent SMS to my students/playmates telling them that we'd play at 3 pm. I sweat a lot and it was really great having felt good after the game.

Today, Our Lady of the Assumption Feast

I woke up early and drove off to the church. The Interlude was going to be the choir on the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist for the Feast of our Lady. I would be playing most of the songs on the organ, live!

The mass started at around 5:30 am. I was really pessimistic at first, having the thought that I might commit mistakes. You see, I am a beginner when it comes to organ. It has been just more than a month that I have practiced playing on organ. We were singing Marian songs in the post-communion and in the final. Anyhow, the mass got over and I thought I somehow at least got a passing mark because my mentor, Sister Aurea gave her OK with my performance. Way to go! But I know I am still on my first step. If time permits, amidst all trials, I believe that within a year, I could be better.

At 8 am, I rushed to DPWH to play tennis with my students. It has been a while since I played. Somehow, I played and I really sweat a lot.

so sorry i am

It's really not that easy to say sorry. Often we tend to be biased with our very selves and at times when our actions cause pain on others, we are most likely to reason out on our favor.

I did not expect a thing that I could hurt someone so close to my heart - that's Kuya Manny. He has been so good to me and my gratefulness for his kindness and his family would not suffice to express how happy I have been knowing him and his family. While we were practicing a song, and after having sung it, he flashed on an LCD another hymn , which wasn't really the song that we would practice with the choir. (Kuya Manny had all those PowerPoint presentations made). But the song was great and it's one that has been so familiar with me. So we sang or practiced the song. I saw that some words in there were not the ones I used to sing with my students. And so I told him that it was "wrong" and I thought I was really pressing hard the issue. Then he told me he did not intend it to be that way. He was really hurt when he said that. On my part, there was truly no speck of intention of hurting him or whatever, but then again, I hurt him. Because of the conviction within me that I wasn't purposely turning him down, I said sorry again and again. I was truly profoundly sorry, having thought that despite all his hard works, there I was, simply saying that something was wrong. Anyhow, I was glad that he offered me his hand after all.

"To forgive is divine". Perhaps, so famously known. But there nothing to forgive for anyone who is not sorry at all.

Got a new phone today

When I received my "differential" a couple of weeks ago, I decided that I buy a new phone. I used to have an MMS phone but I unfortunately lost it. It fell out of my pocket while I was driving. I used to like the N70 so I thought of buying one. Last Monday, my sis told me that she would be going with her husband Mckoy to Zamboanga City on Wednesday. I asked her if she could drop by a mall to buy for me N70. So yesterday, she bought the phone at a wise price. Now I have it and I truly like the unit.

Oh by the way, they went to Zambo to buy a spare part for the vehicle of IMAVEMCO. Unluckily, while on the way home this morning, the motor on which Mckoy was riding had its back wheel interior burst due to swelling caused by very hot road. Their son Joshua was with them. Good thing the little boy was wearing helmet (all of them anyway) and not a single scratch or bruise was inflicted on him. This morning, I really had a bad feeling about their travel. My heart was really palpitating fast when I had my thoughts on them. Thank God, there were good Samaritans who helped them. Mckoy and my sis got some minor bruises and pain. They're OK now. Thank God!

Congrats Rainier!

My contestant in Science III Quiz (Chemistry), Rainier Mesia of Zamboanga Sibugay NHS won first place in the District Level Science Contest 2009 that was just held this morning at Ipil National High.

We are now gearing up for the next level, the SLC which will be sometime next week at Titay National High.

Dimple turns 7 today.

Dimple and Angel got their birthdays celebrated yesterday, since the dates are only two days different. Papang treated them two lechons. The kids were so happy having all their friends attended their party. Happy birthday Angel and Dimple!

Farewell President Cory.

Former President Corazon Aquino flashes the ‘Laban’ sign as she speaks to thousands of people at an anti-Charter change rally on Sept. 21, 1997 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. AP-Bullit Marquez (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168752/Former-President-Corazon-Aquino-people-power-icon-passes-away)
Tita Cory is indeed an icon of democracy. I do still remember my childhood days when she struggled with the Filipino people to free our country from dictatorship. When she came here in Ipil, my elder brother had an unforgettable experience with her. While the people were surrounding her, she threw her yellow garland, which was caught by my bro. I could recall her words to him that was told to me by my bro: "Iyo na 'yan boy!".

This morning at 3:18, she passed away. May she now rest in peace with Ninoy, as her legacy of freedom linger forever in the hearts of true Filipinos.