Written Sentiments

Wishing to be a Genie

2008-06-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

Although I may not fit inside a bottle (so obvious if you know me), I just suddenly wished that I was a genie. I like the idea of making a person's wish come into a reality. And much more that I am wanting to be one because the wisher is someone that I love, my husband.

During our conversations, I noticed that he would always mention about PSP, and when I asked him if he would like to buy one, he said "No" without looking into my eyes. So I know that he is just saying No but deep down inside him, he wants to have one. He knows that we are currently financially struggling since we currently have a loan in Pag-ibig. I adore him for always knowing our priorities but it somehow breaks my heart for I know those are some of the simple things that would really make him happy. And of course as his partner and if only I can afford to buy it now, I will really do.

I know that God will always provide for our needs but He would provide for our wants in his time. So I am still waiting for the right timing.

On Working Abroad

2008-05-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Singapore is a hot topic here in our work. When we hear people resigning, the reason would be because they will be going to Singapore. What the heck is with this Singapore craze anyway? (Although I know most of the people here are no longer enticed with the so called Call Center or BPO world). So I used my hands, keyboard and Google. This led me to the PinoySG site where I found different links of Singapore Salary Guide.

Singapore Salary Guide 2007

Robert Walters - Slightly older but still worth checking out

Payscale.com - conducts regular surveys of salaries per country and profession

Jobstreet Salary Report

Contactsingapore Salary per Profession

MEDIAN MONTHLY BASIC AND GROSS WAGES OF SELECTED OCCUPATIONS BY AGE IN ALL INDUSTRIES
http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/etc/medialib/mom_library/mrsd/row_2006.Par.66566.File.tmp/2006Wages_table5.xls
http://www.contactsingapore.sg/home/index.php/eng/working_investing_in_singapore/employment_packages/salaries_by_profession

Now I know where these people are getting their motivation from. And I understand that it really is worthy of the risk that you will take.

And why am I so concerned about this? Well, my husband is currently looking into that direction, meaning he is thinking of working abroad. When he asked me about it, I told him that it's up to him because I really don't know how to respond to him. My heart is telling me to say "No" but my mind (and stomach) says "Yes." I know how it feels to be apart from him because he used to work in Batangas. It breaks my heart and I am always worried about him. And that is the reason why I asked him to look for a job here in Pampanga, so that he can be with us all the time.

I know it will be very difficult for all of us but I told him that even if he will work abroad, it shouldn't be forever. And we are really praying for it, if it is God's will for us to make that sacrifice for our daughter, then we will do it. But honestly, I don't want to think about that day when God will grant our prayers because it'll be a dramatic day for me, which I know will last for weeks, months, years.

I really dont want to think about it coz it brings tears in my eyes, even while I am just writing about it. But I know that there is always sunshine after the rain so happiness is next after those tears. Because that is all I want for my family, happiness.

A Mother's Pride

2008-05-27T02:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Arlene and I were talking about life, coz right now she and her husband are both working on having a baby. I told her that there are a lot of sacrifices in planning to have a baby, while conceiving a baby and even after giving birth. But once you get to see your baby, you will easily forget all those sacrifices. It's true, nothing beats the happiness that you will feel when you have a baby. And that is why, no matter what, you will always fight for you baby, you will always adore your baby and you will always be proud of him/her. True enough that my motherhood was tested a few days back. I dont want to elaborate things here but I really got hurt when someone indirectly said negative things about my baby (well that is my interpretation). My natural reaction was to indirectly defend her of course. And that is how I realized that I am very lucky to have her as my daughter and I am really proud of her because...

She is so talented that she knows how to sing tagalog and english nursery rhymes (such as "Tong, Tong, Tong," "Bahay Kubo," "Ako ay may lobo," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "Rain Rain Go Away," "Are you sleeping?" and "I have two hands") The Alphabet Song and count from 1 to 12. And she is only 2 and half years old. She even recorded a song in the singshot.com site which I have saved privately.

She brings so much joy in my family like when we have get together on special occassion she would always sing and dance for them. And then my sisters and brothers would give her some candies and at times she would have 20 pesos in her pocket. At her age, I think she can bring home the bacon (just kidding...hehehe)

She is so sweet that she would even say "I love you" unexpectedly. Lately, she is saying those words in tagalog "Mahal mahal kita Mama." I think she learned that phrase from the telenovelas that my mother in law and niece were watching during the afternoon.

She knows how to use to mouse, move it around, place the pointer in the correct location and left click. Thus, she can now play Cake Mania, Dora's "Say it Two Ways," and Blues Clues' "Use Your Imagination."

She learned how to ride a bike at age 2 and she even use our big three-wheeler bike now while we stroll inside our subdivision.

She no longer wear diapers during daytime. Thanks to Ate Jenny for helping us train our little kiddo. Hopefully we can teach her how not to peepee during nighttime. But I guess that would be another challenge for us.

She also knows how to swim on her own (with a life vest of course). She is so brave that she would even take a slide into swimming pool or jump into the pool all by herself. I know that is kinda dangerous so what I do is just to be near her when she does her swimming tricks. Coz she doesnt want you holding her when she is trying some new things. And we are giving her some independence so she can learn things on her own.

She knows how to make friends to strangers specially to kids. She will start a conversation by simply saying "Hi!" Would you believe that a lot of people in our subdivision know her and those people doesn't even know us (as her parent).

I know she has imperfections, but those imperfections are becoming my strengths because that is when my parenthood is being tested. Whenever she acts in a not so normal way, my patience is tested. Whenever she reacts negatively to what I say, my love for her is being tested. And I would just then think of what my sisters would always say "Hey she is just a kid and that's normal. Just let her enjoy life and be there to guide her."

Because whatever happened the whole day, when we go to bed, me and my husband would always tell her "I love you baby" and she would then respond "I love you, Mama," "I love you, Papa."

And that is what matter's most, our love for each other.

Trenta

2008-05-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

Buri cu mung mag blog kapampangan, pasensya na nung ali yu man antindyan. Ngening trenta (30) na cu, aisip cu mu dacal na cu dapat ipasalamat quing biye cu. Atin cung malugud a asawa, malagu at macagigil a anac at macatucnang na cami rin queng sarili ming bale. Nanu pa waring anyawaran cu. Nyang misip ku, sabi cu, nung para cacu mu ing isipan cu, ala na siguru (nung ali sana payat na cu hahaha), pero anyang inisip que ing anac cu, uyta carin cu la ayalala na dacal cu pa dapat anyawaran uling dacal cu buring abiye kaya. Dacal kami planu ampong pangarap ning abe ku para kaya. Kaya ita namu ing winish ku anyang sinimba kaming abac abe ke ing katwangan cu (uling sabe ing aldo kapanganakan mi), ing asawa cu, anac ampo ing paunacan cu na abe mi queng bale.

Cayari ning misa, diniretsu na cami queng plengqui abe que ing paunacan cu, cabang minta la Jollibee ing anac, asawa at catwangan cu. (Eque pweding tuqui ing malati king plengqui nung ali, lumbat cami mu. Pro atin macatulang ecsena nyang minsang tiqui que plengqui...dinalan cami cretang mag-aasan, cabira iquit no reng tugac, nilapit yang bagya at sabi na "yuck! mama, yuck yuck!!!" cayarti na rugo. Pero balu cu metacutan ya din uling ena no buring lapitan caybat na nita.) Cauli mi, tambing cu nang inatchu deng ilutu. Sinadya mi la deng dederang a liempo ampo pusit na atin palaman pati na reng tilapia. Map namu atchu ya ing metung cung bayo at sinopan na cami queng pamamalaman kareng ampo pamamalot kareng iderang. Caibat mengan na cami ban canita macapaglutu na cu din. Deni reng niluto cu ampo ditac a litratu:

BAKED MACARONI
(ini ing paborito da ding bisita mi ampo syempre ning asawa cu =)

MIXED VEGETABLE

ROASTED CHICKEN

oyni ing keyk mi

o ginette ika wari mag birthday nak? hehehe

deni reng pamilya cu: i Ima cu, capatad cu pati na ring asawa ampo anac da pa

deni reng capatad na ning asawa cu ampo reng asawa't anac da, pati na ing catwangan cu

ini samut samut na

Basta masaya ing aldo a ita uling achu la ngan halus deng taung importati cacu... deng lulugud ampo luluguran ku... deng inspirasyun cu... Salamat quecongan!

My Favorite Birthday Gift

2008-05-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 6:00AM my daughter moved closer to me and tried to get my attention by saying "Mama, mama." And when I looked at her, she simply said "I love you!" Afterwhich, I looked into my husband and saw that he is still sleeping. That means so he did not coach our daughter to utter those words. So I kissed my daughter and said "I love you too!"

That was the first and nicest birthday gift I ever received.

Sacrament of Matrimony

2008-05-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Last saturday, we attended one of our friends' wedding. I remembered the sermon to the newly weds (and to other couples too including us). The priest said that couples would only need to remember 3 C's in marriage and that is : Communication, Committed Love and Christ. I definitely agree with the priest. Let me tell you why.

Communication
I remember when we were on our first year of marriage, I have a hard time expressing my feelings with my husband. When I am angry, I just decided to keep my mouth shut and let the pain subside. But I guess, the pain remained in my heart coz everytime we have disagreements, I would always remember what happen in the past and suddenly, I will not talk to him anymore. So he told me once, "why dont you tell me what 's wrong? Hindi ko naman nababasa ang laman ng utak mo (I cant read what's on your mind)." Well, he has a point, he deserves some explanation and if I really want to make this marriage work, then I need to tell him everything. And that is also the reason why marriage is also considered as a partnership. Well, now, we talk about everything and anything...our wildest dreams, failures, heartaches, finances and so on and so forth. My list will be endless. But the gist is kahit ano. May it be good or bad, big or small, sweet nothings, just share thoughts and feelings with each other.

Committed Love
Why would you marry a person in the first place? It's because of your love for him or her and that you are willing to commit yourself for the rest of your life with that special someone. Your Wedding day will be the start of your commitment (But for others, I guess it even started way before marriage, just like us). Let me remind myself of what I told my husband during our wedding day:

"Grant us o Lord To be one heart and one soul From this day forward For better or for worse For richer or for poorer In sickness and in health Til death do us part. Amen"

Christ
I would not say that when you put God as the center of your relationship, everything will be alright. Of course, there would always be disagreements and temptation. There would always be bad days. But if you have God in your relationship, you will know how to handle such unfortunate and undesirable events in your life.

And I just would like to add a simple yet effective act that you can do everyday to keep that love alive. Never fail to Say "I Love you" everyday. (I love you babe!)

So now its your turn to tell me how do you maintain that loving relationship with your partners?

8 Random Facts about Ginette

2008-03-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

I just got tagged by Jo aka AiDiSan (our ever bubbly and funny officemate & friend). So here are 8 random facts about my little angel:

1. She had her first tooth when she was 4 months old.
2. She adores Winnie the Pooh.
3. "Bahay kubo" was the first song she learn to sing when she was two years old.
4. Ginette is a great dancer!
5. She likes the movie "Ice Age" (and she even knows some of the lines).
6. She will always cry if Mama and/or Papa would say "Goodbye" to her.
7. Ginette is what I call an "independent baby" and loves mingling with other kids (like in the parties and at the park).
8. If Ginette dislikes you she would say "Go Away" and "I Hate You" in front of you.

That's about it!

There is a reason for everything

2008-02-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

I have been exposed to the internet for about 9 years now and have just started blogging a year ago. Initially, my purpose for blogging is to make money but I havent been so successful. I realized that I may not have the right reason why I blog. Through bloghopping I observe that most people do it to share their thoughts and feelings. Thanks to my friend Arlene who inspired me to do a personal blog. That's why I have this.

So as I was surfing the internet I came across my niece blog and I got interested reading her blog to see what's going on with her. She had some confessions there that were quite shocking to me. She is a high school student already but we treat them just like babies (I guess), never have I realized that she's a young lady already. I dont wanna go into details here coz I respect her privacy. But I am just so thankful that I bumped into her blog coz now I know what she's been up to lately and I was able to give advice to her (as her tita of course). I even shared this with my other sister and we both have the same reaction. Im so grateful that my nieces are smart enough to know how to protect themselves, cool enough to enjoy their adolescence years and receptive of our advices. Moreover, Im thankful to the internet coz it became a venue for me to show to my family how much I care about them. To all my nephews and nieces, enjoy and be safe coz I love you very much!

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/

What hurts the most?

2008-02-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Am I so sensitive or selfish? Why do I easily get hurt? These are the things that play in my head right now? I do not know if I am right but what I know is that I just love my family so much that I wanna spend all my time with them. And I expect that my loved ones will do the same. Is that right? Am I expecting too much? I know that at times I need to let my love ones grow by themselves, have fun with others. I think they need space, they need sometime without me. But I guess I cannot understand that, coz I am not like that...maybe....

And what hurts me most is that when your loved one does something that you dislike. And that he knows the negative consequences of his actions but he seem to careless about it (that's what I think).

Do you consider me as your partner or just simply your wife? Think about it.......Today, I hate the word sorry for its useless, coz damage has been done. Im hurt again.

photo: www.sxc.hu

Technorati: Just claiming my blog...

2007-11-28T19:03:00.001-08:00

Technorati Profile

Facing Stressful Situations

2007-11-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Everything shall pass....

I'm emotionally and financially drain this past few weeks. All of which made me feel anesthetized. I've already talked to my husband and my friends about this. Thanks to them for always lending me their ears. Thanks for allowing me to vent out all my frustrations. Thanks for letting me cry a river of tears. Just so you will understand what I am going through, let me ask you these questions:

How would you feel if someone is putting all the blame on your when he's also at fault?

How would you feel if someone you trust suddenly betrayed you?

How would you feel if someone whom you've learned to value suddenly doesn't seem to care anymore?

How would you feel if you thought that you've done nothing wrong with this person yet he's so bitter about you?

What would you do if suddenly you feel so numb and tears just stopped flowing from your eyes?

I dont really hate this person coz I know everything shall pass. That one day, I'll just laugh all about this. And in fairness to him, he did some good things to us and for us. We really appreciate all of them. We are still thankful that we've crossed ways although our relationship did not have a happy ending. I think that is the reason why I'm so disappointed, I have high expectations when it comes to good relationships

Anyway, I feel better today. Why? Because of my family and friends who are always there. One of them told me that "Dont worry, once you moved to your new Home, you'll forget all about this." (I know in a few weeks, I'll tell him "You're right!"). Another one told me that there are other people in worse situations, what I am experiencing is nothing compared to what they experienced before (True again!). I'm just so thankful for all the comforting words you said.

I know that these are just normal challenges in life. At times our emotional maturity is being gauged and that our Faith in Him is being put into test. The question is, can we always surpass such situations?

photo: www.sxc.hu

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 3

2007-11-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Ask and you shall receive....

As I have mentioned on my previous post, I replied to the Unionbank Customer email regarding my expanded use number and now I have it, yipeee! I immediately logged in to paypal to update my account. At last, I have a verified paypal account!

Then I proceeded in withdrawing my money and received a message that the money transfer will complete in 5-7 days.

So for those who are still having difficulty with using Unionbank EON Visa Card on Paypal, just drop me an email.

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 1

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 2

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 3 (current page)

UPDATE!!! (Nov 20)

God is good....

The money is now reflecting on my EON Card. Yehey!
So finally, I can say that Unionbank EON Card can be used on Paypal.

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 2

2007-11-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

Try and try until you succeed....

What a great morning! Finally I was able to get pass the first step of adding the Card. My EON Visa Electron card is now accepted! Here is the message I got after adding my EON card on my Paypal.

Don't get me wrong, Im not saying that my I got my Paypal account verified, well, not yet...So I still need more patience coz I need my my 4-digit Expanded Use Number which will appear on my bank statement in 3-4 working days. Here is the message from Paypal:

Although my Paypal Transaction can be seen on my EON Account History, I still dont have my the 4-digit Expanded Use Number or I just dont know how to look for it. Here is my transaction history.

But as mentioned on the message I need to wait for 3-4 working days. Im confused so I emailed the Unionbank's Customer Service once again and am awaiting for their reply. Still no reply after my third email. Thus, I called the Union Bank customer service here in Angeles and found out that they could not help me regarding 4-Digit Expanded Use number. They just referred me to their Customer Support in Manila who handles EON Accounts. I was about to call them but then I stumbled on this blog while trying to find a solution to my problem.

paypal-expanded-use-number

On this blog, it was suggested to use the last three digits that you see on your transaction history (from my account its the "840") and just add 0 (zero) afterwards. I tried it but didn't work for me. While I try to continue bloghopping to find helpfu information and alleviate my frustrations, I guess I also need to call the Manila Customer Service coz Im now clueless on how to proceed.

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 1
Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 2 (current page)
Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 3

A Tragic Story as an Eye Opener

2007-11-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

Poverty is really a big problem here in the Philippines. You may want to read this very tragic story of a young girl who killed herself because of poverty.

Girl who killed self lamented family’s poverty in diary

So sad, isnt it? The story of the 12-year-old girl (named Mariannet Amper) was featured on GMA's show Wish Ko Lang coz Mariannet intend to send a letter to the said program hoping that her wishes for her family will be come true. And last Saturday, I watched the Wish Ko Lang episode wherein the program did grant all her wishes. But the sad part is that the little girl is no longer here to accept and enjoy the things she asked for in her letter.

After knowing the story of Mariannet, I asked myself why I complain a lot when faced with financial problem when in fact there are people who are into worse situations. And how could this little girl decide to end her life just because of a 100 pesos? Nobody knew what she was thinking at that moment and what pursuade her to do such tragic act.

Whatever we may be experiencing in life, doing such is NOT A SOLUTION. There is always hope... So the question is....

Can you be an instrument of hope for someone who is hopeless?

This question is not only for Philippine Goverment....not only for the Filipinos...but for everyone around the world cause we are all witnesses of poverty.

So, let's take some time to reflect on this.

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 1

2007-11-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

Patience is a virtue...

When you are faced with financial crisis, you tend to get irritated when "expected cash" are delayed. Who wouldn't be? If you will search on the Internet, you would find out that Paypal is now working on the Philippines. When I read about it, I got excited coz finally I can use this well-known and frequently utilized money transfer service without any problem. Those were my thoughts...

Through online research, I did learn that I need to get a VISA card to have my paypal account verified. And Unionbank's EON card (Visa Electron) came up as one of the options. Because it's cheap (350 pesos), I applied for EON Visa Card online and got my card in about a week.

FYI: I applied for an EON Visa Card last Oct 24, 2007 and Received a letter from Unionbank Customer Service saying "We are also pleased to inform you that your EON Card will be made available to your preferred UnionBank servicing branch after three(3) banking days from today." on Nov. 5.

Then, I immediately tried to add my EON card on Paypal but guess what?!? I was unsuccessful.... I received the an error message.

Thanks to Google coz I was able to locate blogs that talk about the same problem (Jozzua,
chibilicious and Nierva) . One said that I need to have a CyberAccount activated and that I have to deposit at least 90 pesos on my EON Account. So, I register my card online to activate my EON Cyberaccount. I received the message that says, I needed to wait for 48 hours to be able to access my EON Account online. (more patience....).

Now, Im on my third week and have just deposited 500 pesos on my account. When I tried to Add the Card on my Paypal, the same message appeared. I'm starting to lose my patience now but when I read posts from blogs, others are now able to use EON on Paypal. I just emailed the blogmasters as well as the Unionbank relationship manager to ask for advice as what I should do next.

I never thought that this is a tedious process but I really need to make this work so I should be more patient...

Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 1 (current page)
Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 2
Using Unionbank's EON Card on Paypal Part 3

What makes me happy...

2007-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

When you get home after working for about 10 hours, all you would like to do is to get some rest. But I'd rather spend some time with our little one. She's a bubbly 2 year old daughter. I just want to post some pictures of our happy and wacky times.

Funny huh? My daughter was just a 1 year old on this picture but she already knows how to have a wacky day

Now that she is a year older, she's smarter and bubblier. You can see that she can easily mimick my moves and posing. And if you would only hear her, she can even mirror anybody's words. And she is simply our love and happiness... =)

Trusting a Stranger

2007-10-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Elders would often advice us not to talk to strangers. And its just logical to follow that advice especially if you are too young and inexperienced. However, if you are old enough to know what is right and wrong, it's just okay to meet new people through acquaintances. But, can you really trust a person that you just met?

Building relationship is difficult especially if you are to entrust a person with something so special in your life. What I am actually talking about is a construction and consulting company who help people to build their house, purchase a lot and apply a loan through Pag-ibig.

You see, my husband and I decided that it's time that we live on our own home. Although we already own a lot in a subdivision here in the Philippines, we don't have enough money to build a house of our own. So we need the help of Pag-ibig or HDMF. And after asking some of our friends and co worker, who had some dealings with this certain company, we hired them.

I can say that that we had a smooth working relationship. From the big boss down to their workers, we never had problems with them. Even the Architect who is in charge of all the paper works became our dearest friend. She is just so nice that I cannot say any bad thing about her. But any relationship have imperfections. And this may be due to misunderstanding and miscommunication. So, we try our best to fix things immediately if we feel that there something wrong. And for sure after the contract we will provide honest and constructive feedback so that they work on their opportunities and provide better services with their future clients.

But now I can still say that our decision to trust a these people we previously call strangers is just right coz we were able to gain new friends amidst all the misunderstanding. So are you brave enough to trust a stranger?

Friendship: One of God’s greatest gifts

2007-10-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

Have you often wondered when did your relationship with your friends begin? And can you gauge how much do you love your friends? And how much they love you?

Building a friendship is not an easy task. But it is still ironic coz I know having a relationship with someone should also come naturally. Looking back, I could not really tell the exact date when I become friends with my friends. I can't even remember when did I first call my best friend as best friend? But what's clear to me is the reason behind our friendship, the hows and whys. All my friends know who I am: my ups and downs; my mood swings; ; my bitterness; my happiness; my achievements and even my dreams. At times they even know my whereabouts both in cyber world and real world.

And one secret that my best buddies and I share is the history of my family. How my family was way back when my father was still alive. I didn't have enough chance to enjoy that so called "sophisticated life" coz my father died when I was only one-year old. My friends know all about that, they know how my family struggled through the years specially when I was still studying in college. I do not want to write about my family history here coz its not really what I want to write about. Maybe on another post....and I really need enough time just to write my family's drama anthology (hehehe).

Friendship is a give and take relationship. I also know some of my friends secret. But to all my friends out there, don't worry, I don't intend to write them here on my blog. So relax.... hehehe

Im just so thankful that I have great friends and I am still able to build new friendships with my co workers. With my new friends now, we can share experiences about our families. We encourage each other to make a fortune out of our talents and abilities. We help each other in resolving our financial crisis. We listen to each other's hearbreaks and triumphs. During our breaktime, we talk about almost anything and everything. Thus, I consider it as another level of friendship. But don’t get me wrong, I do treasure all of my friends just the same way.

So why am I writing about friendship? Simply because I miss my old friends, "high school buddies," "blue flower girls," "the badings," "the chenelyns," "the archers" and a lot more (I cant recall how we came up with those names). I also want to let them know how much I appreciate and love them. I want to let them know that my life would not be that exciting and enjoyable if they were not part of my life.

Now, what I am most thankful for is having a best buddy. One whom I can share my wildest dream and my deepest secret. To that person, I can show the best and the "beast" out of me. When I'm with him, I can cry, laugh, smile, frown and be the real me. My best buddy doesn't only know what my history was but he's now a big part of my history. Why? Because my best buddy loves me so much that he married me.