Anything 'bout Christmas

The Star and the Starlet | Provincial Capitol, Maasin City

The Magus and the Shepherd | University of San Carlos, Cebu City

Frail Light By the Night | Jones Avenue, Cebu City

A Tale of Three Towers | The Fuente Osmeña Fountain and Christmas Tree with the Crown Regency Tower, Cebu

Pancho and Vixen are leading the ride tonight! | Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu

The Traditional Parol at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City

Gigantic Trees at SM City Cebu

A gypsy-doll decoration at SM City - Cebu's gigantic Christmas Tree

One of the many miniature infrastructures at SM's Christmas Village of Hope

One of the many miniature infrastructure at SM's Christmas Village of Hope

Candles and a Tree | Purok Talisay, Mantahan, Maasin City

Starry, starry Tree! | Brgy. Mantahan, Maasin City

Large tomatoes for a Large Tree | Brgy. Mantahan, Maasin City

O Little Town of Bethlehem | Mambajao Nativity Scene

Christmas Lanterns dolling up one of the trees at the Provincial Capitol, Maasin City

Shadow Playing with the Holy Family | So.Leyte Provincial Capitol

Abstract depiction of the Nativity Scene at the So. Leyte Provincial Capitol

Through the Lens: Radiating His Love

This post is the Image Version of "Radiating His Love".

There is always that HEART that is made an instrument to Radiate His Love to these fellows.

If the one nursing me is as beautiful and as nice as her, who would complain?

You'll find it amazing how one kid bites his Jollibee Chicken Joy, and savor its taste right to the bones.

There is that feeling that distinctly makes you smile from the heart.

Our classmate Glen, with his caring Ob-Gyne better half, Dr. Ruby Correa Facturan.

The MPA Batch 6 of Southwestern University Graduate School and Friends!
Front Row: Francis, Kneeknew, Glen, Audy, Joel, and May
Second Row: Michelle, Marge, Isabel, Dr. Ruby, Carla, Irish, Desiree, Sherlyn, Anne, Sharon, Rhiza, Rose
Back Row: Marilou, Richie, Lyndon, Hera, Vic Jay and Sir Enriquez

Radiating His Love

Some things are just nostalgic. This is my second time to visit the Home for the Sick and Malnourished Children in Pasil, Cebu City. The first one was when we had our outreach program organized some years back by the now defunct Earthlink Installation Services Department of then People Support, Philippines - Cebu, now Aegis People Support. The home is being manned by the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation founded by Bl. Mother Teresa. This home is one of the many homes the said congregation has established in Cebu City guided with its foundress' virtues of humility, chastity, poverty and obedience with its active apostolate for caring the sick, the poor, the oppressed, the hungry, and all those who are the "least of My brethren" (Matthew 25:31-46).

I tried to hold back the tears at the flash of emotions that got mixed up when I saw the children . They were dressed in their humble gala costumes as they performed the tableau of the Nativity. It was awe-inspiring to see the children in their theatrical act that brought everyone in the hall in an all-sort of feelings. The children greeted us (the MPA Batch 6 Masterands of Southwestern University) in a welcome song that was reflective of deep sense of excitement and joy. There was delight and pleasure in their looks. Their eyes glistened when they saw the packed meals, the toys, and all sort of goodies that were prepared for them. Yet, some displayed hesitation, shyness or perhaps fear at the sight of strangers visiting their little abode of hope, their humble shelter of care.

Who could blame them of such feeling of awkwardness? I understand them. There has to be that certain level of comfort that they need to keep up. Other than the fact that some of them are undernourished and are being cared for by the Sisters so they could cope up with their health, these kids have sometime in their lives felt that they were abandoned, uncared for, oppressed along with the economic crisis of their families and got lost in the trail. It settled in their hearts and minds that this shelter is a place where they experienced the love and care they truly deserve. Outreach visitations such as this are something to look forward to. This is one kind of event that they would consider special. Such would give them the "day" to experience the love from the people outside of this shelter, or outside of their comfort zones.

The strangers were led by Carla who coordinated the activity with the Sisters. Our Pag-IBIG classmates, Anne, Audy, and Desiree came with some of their officemates Sharon, Rhiza and May whom the kids were quite at ease with. Not just because they were pretty, but they surely have the charisma for kids. Sir Glen had the best company for the day, no less than his M.D.-wife, Ruby Correa who was all-supportive of this noble cause. We got all-out support (and strong arms to carry the load) from  Francis, Vic Jay, Sir Enriquez, and Sir Joel (photographer 1), Sherlyn (photographer 2), Michelle (whom I was teasing about what she could recommend for the skin care of the kids), Marilou (who was a good team-up with Sharon during the feeding), Rose (who played literally with bubbles with the kids and who by the way is one of the best drivers in the world!) and myself (photographer 3). The NSO classmates Hera, Ritchie, Lyndon, Irish, Isabel and Margie came with their loot bags for the kids (As expected, the latter two were still silent than ever! How I wish it was easy to crack a joke on them!). Though the SWUGS MPA Batch 6 and our professors could not all be present  (Asa gani si April?), their gifts and donations were all the more appreciated. Being with this people made all the experience worthwhile!

It struck me how the people in this home have worked so hard to keep it a dwelling place of love and an abode that will radiate Christ's love to many.  There is that feeling that distinctly makes you smile from the heart. You'll find it amazing how one kid bites his Jollibee Chicken Joy, and savor its taste right to the bones. It was like as if it was his first time to eat such a treat or as if his mind is in question when the next delightful treat would be? Wouldn't it melt your heart how another kid would go near you and hug you, and make you feel how happy he was to see you despite your "being a stranger" to him? These and many more things to ponder about the thought of bringing joys to these children, if not everyday, at least when Christmas nears.

But the call for generosity and love does not end here and does not end in that home in Pasil. The challenge is beyond those doors.

I have this book of the Albanian Living Saint, In My Own Words where she was quoted:

             "There is a terrible hunger for love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We must  have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own family. Find them. Love them."

CHRIST's Love moves in mysterious ways, we should yearn and act on radiating this love to others.

Inspiring Graciously

     There is no reason to forget about the Birthday of my dear cousin, Esperanza Mabel Samaco.

          

        Anyone who celebrates birthday is reminded that he/she isn't getting any younger. However, may your years remind you not of how you have aged but how long you have been an inspiration to many. May you be blessed a hundred fold and continue to be an inspiration to everyone!

          Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

Brushing Off

She's been staring at me when I am not looking towards her direction. I caught her smiling at me one time, and blushing in another instance. My words seemed to stutter when our eyes would meet but simply I tried to break some humor to dispel the awkwardness in the atmosphere.

I am not really good at awkward moments. Then I started to feel conscious about the things that were going on. Still, I have to manage and compose myself without being obvious of that discomfited feeling. I realized I needed that extra dose of confidence while everyone else in the room were waiting for every word that I say. Now, I am starting to ask myself, "What am I going to say now?"

We haven't really had long conversations before. Probably because we don't often see each other. But I know she's someone nice to talk to. Agh! Nothing really special or extraordinary, but I know she has good and nice things to share ~ just about anything. 

I am just assuming of things. I remember Eric Bogosian's line from his role as Travis Dane in Under Siege 2 when  they couldn't find Ryback's (Steven Segal) dead body. He said, "Assumption is the mother of all F**k ups! Sorry for my language, but yeah, I cannot just rely on some coy smiles and blushing cheeks and then conclude that they mean something amazing. I don't need someone to knock my head and tell me to wake up from a sudden spell of idiosyncrasy or something.

Pause. Blink. Shrug. And brush the idea off. I don't have to get involved, again. (Not unless if it's real) Moandar lage ang pagka-sigurista!

My Teacher Classmates

I am now on my last leg in my Master's Degree. Quite amazing how I managed to mix up everything within the year ~ work, school, part-time job at a local college, civic works, Church responsibilities. Good thing my brother is good at handling things at home. At least, minimal help will be expected of me of the chores (especially in the kitchen) at home. <grin> But I know my schedule is really messed up, hectic and chaotic to say the least. But why should I complain? Funny to say, "mirisi kay mi-enter!"

While on my third trimester at Southwestern University for my Master's Degree in Public Administration, I would like to pay tribute to some of the wonderful people I have met and got along with during the entire season (of school work). Let me start with two. As the title suggests, they are teachers who happen to be my classmates.

Marichu Genargue

Public School Teacher

Ma'am Ichu and Ma'am Wen were the first two classmates I got to feel the homey experience in school. I was probably one of the last enrollees during the first trimester and the only one coming from the LGU sector while the rest are a flock from almost the same offices, except for a few more stand-alone masterands.

It was pretty remarkable how we got to deal with each other easily. Probably because I don't really have problems dealing with "good-natured" people. 

         "Mga lagov man pod diay ni sila!" I said to myself, referring to them who also have their own share of laughs and interesting stories to tell.

ROSE MARIWEN RENES

Public School Teacher

What impressed me with these two teachers from San Fernando, Cebu is how they paved way for good education to their pupils at Sangat National High School. Their experiences in their call of duty as "public school" teachers simply remind me that teachers are among those people with the most difficult profession. I'd say, I have my own experiences, too, being a College professor myself. But compared to what they have dealt with over the years, I'd say, mine was just a pinky-finger to theirs.

As Wives and Moms, I think they are both pretty much doing a good job! Ma'am Wen, whose policeman hubby also happened to be our classmate, sees that the "lady of the house" is in control, but likewise sees to it that she never loses that sweet charismatic aura towards her man! Ma'am Ichu, on the other hand, does a big deal of being in-charge while his seafarer hubby gets offshore. How interesting to listen to their stories about their "kiddos" and their experiences of rearing them. They remind me of how my Mom had been dear to me when she was still here.

As my classmates, they both are an inspiration! But, funny how we laugh at the idea that we would get tensed every time we get to report in our MPA class when we ourselves are teachers. We know there is that different level of absurd feeling called "nerbyus" yadah-yahdah when facing professionals. But who cares if we fret in class, as long as we don't fart!

Profile: Thirdy Mercado

      It took me some time to set Thirdy for a shoot. We had the hardest time matching our schedules. Imagine this: He works in a call center (usually on grave yard shift, while I work in a local government. He stays in Cebu while I am based in Maasin but frequents Cebu on weekends but usually for school (and not for leisure). His rest days usually fall on weekdays, while mine, of course are on weekends (which, again, I usually spend for my class). It seemed like a hopeless case that we've been talking about how excited the two of us were to make our dreamed photo shoot to happen.

      But I was just impressed at how the two of us settled for the date to do all these things. All we had to do was find time. And on my part, I had to find time for my classmate since grade school and whose Mom I am dear to.

      He cooked breakfast for the two of us. He laughed and told me that it was his humble expression of gratitude. It was a nice breakfast, but quick. We couldn't waste time. We will do the talking while on the shoot. 

      He was "super" worried (as how he described it) of some allergy scars on his right cheek. Yeah, I had to agree with him but assured him that it's going to be fine. He didn't have to lose that level of confidence that we need for the shoot to be successful.

      His idea of the shoot was inspired by GQ. I knew it was something not hard to achieve. We were both positive we could get the "ACHIEVE" (as how he termed it) mode.

Thirdy M. Mercado (he prefers this than his real name, Abundio M. Mercado III) is a Psychology Graduate from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. An Aquarian, he believes that "Life is boring if you'll take it seriously". 

He listens to Katy Perry, Outer Lid Break Off, and DB Boulevard and watches Project Runway, Lost, Gossip Girl, Glee on Television.

Just as how he describes himself:

call center whore. psychology major. extreme. unpredictable. deep. thinker.  beach bum. traveler. fashionista extraordinaire. hopeless romantic. obsessive compulsive. love.

A few months after this photo shoot, he got tied up in a relationship.  But now, he is single. You might find it exciting to know what interests him. :)

Tenjewberrymuds

This was an email I got when I was still working at a call center. I couldn't help but laugh and laugh again and again everytime I read this.

To get the full effect, this should be read aloud. You will understand what 'tenjewberrymuds' means by the end of the conversation. This has been nominated for the best email of 2005.

The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service, at a hotel in Asia, which was recorded and published in the Far East Economic Review:

Room Service (RS): "Morrin. Roon sirbees."

Guest (G): "Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service."

RS: "Rye..Roon sirbees..morrin! Jewish to oddor sunteen??"

G: "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs." 

RS: "Ow July den?"

G: "What??"

RS: "Ow July den?...pryed, boyud, poochd?"

G : "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled please."

RS: "Ow July dee baykem? Crease?"

G: "Crisp will be fine." 

RS : "Hokay. An Sahn toes?"

G: "What?"

RS:"An toes. July Sahn toes?"

G: "I don't think so."

RS: "No? Judo wan sahn toes??"

G: "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means."

RS: "Toes! toes!...Why jew don juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder?"

G: "English muffin!! I've got it! You were saying 'Toast.' Fine.

Yes, an English muffin will be fine."

RS: "We bodder?"

G: "No...just put the bodder on the side." 

RS: "Wad?"

G: "I mean butter...just put it on the side."

RS: "Copy?"

G: "Excuse me?"

RS: "Copy...tea...meel?"

G: "Yes. Coffee, please, and that's all."

RS: "One Minnie. Scramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin we bodder on sigh and copy....rye??" 

G: "Whatever you say." 

RS: "Tenjewberrymuds."

G : "You're very welcome."

scramah egg and crease baykem

anglish moppin we bodder

copy, anyone?

     Photo Credits: Scrambled Eggs and Bacon by Fine Cooking, English Muffins by Weight Watchers Recipes, Coffee by Photography Blogger