A Girl’s Notebook :)

As Chinese celebrates Chinese New Year today, the whole world celebrates Valentine’s Day. I dont have a date for ney is in Quezon (and dating someone else?!? of course not!). He has a work. I would like to greet the lovers, my friends, my family and to all the person who are dear to my heart a Happy Valentines Day!

Just a thought for you guys: For love to grow and to last a lifetime, it should be between two right people at the right time and at the right place.

Don’t give up on love. God bless you all!

Ciao!

Yesterday, the Catholic Church celebrated the feast of the Sto. Niño. It has been 3 weeks since Christmas Day. Jesus would have been 3 weeks old already. The feast of the Sto. Niño began in the Spanish Era when Ferdinand Maggellan brought an image of the Sto. Niño in Cebu. Different provinces here in the Philippines hold different festivals in honor of the Sto. Niño. The recent one was the Sinulog Festival in Cebu. Then we also have Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan. Another festivity in honor of Niño Jesus is the Dinagyang Festival in Ilo-Ilo. All these festivals offer street party and street dancing.

In our barangay, there was a parade held after the 6AM mass yesterday. Unlike before, there were not much music and dancing. The people brought different images of Sto. Niño that they have dressed in different styles, not just the regular attire.

In spite of the many festivals held to remember the little Jesus, the message of these different festivals is the same. We should not take the innocence in us away. Even if we have grown older and wiser, the innocence and the pure heart that the Niño Jesus possesses should always remain. I believe that if all the people who join the different celebrations and those who join because of whatever intentions they may have realize the significance of these festivals, then I believe that our country, our world would be a better place to live in.

I just wonder when Jesus was young, did Mama Mary asked Him what he wanted to be when he grew up (well, we know that she knew and He knew that He would redeem the world). If Jesus would have not been a carpenter like his poster father, Joseph, I guess He would have been a good Lawyer; a Judge maybe; a Doctor would be; or a Civil Engineer; I guess He would be a good Architecture; or a CPA. Would He consider being a Scientist; or He would be a Computer Engineer like me. Perhaps an electronics and Communications Engineer.

Ciao!

Every New Year, we never fail to hear the song Auld Lang Syne. I wonder what it means. Wikipedia says that it is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. Auld lang syne literally means “old long since” in Scottish. In English translation, it would be something like “long long ago” or better yet “For old times’ sake.”

Here is the lyrics of the world’s famous toast song for a New Year!

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We woke up at around 8AM the following day. It was January 1, 2010. We usually go to mass to utter thanksgiving and praise; and ask God’s guidance, love, care and blessings for the new year. Aside from that, January 1st is celebrated to remember Mama as the mother of God.

I heard mass at 11AM because I will be reporting for work already on the night of January 1st. There were a lot of misconception about Catholics adoration to Mama Mary. Well, maybe because there were other Catholics who do not know how to practice the proper adoration to be given to her.

Mama Mary is being venerated as the mother of God. She is not God. She is the Mother of God. We do not pray before her but we ask her to pray with us and to pray for us. Like what we do for our love ones, we pray for them. We respect her as the mother of God, our Saviour. Like what we do to the mothers of our friends and love ones.

Mama Mary is our mother. We are blessed to have her as our mother. On a personal note, I know that Mama Mary loves me so much. In spite of my weaknesses, I know that she continuously praying for me and for everybody for us to get closer to Jesus.

Ciao!

I was so happy to spend New Year’s Eve with my family. Thanks to Dell! December 31 was given to us as a holiday off :). I went home early from the previous night shift. Though we’re struggling for money, my sister and I shared for the feast we will have that night. I gave my mother money to buy fruits. I told her just to get one of each kind until it is 13. Thank God were able to complete 13 kinds of fruits!

I also bought some “lusis” or sparkles. I hate fire crackers and those other dangerous kinds. At around 7pm my mother started preparing the food we will be sharing for Media Noche. We had Relyenong Bangus, Sotanghon, Pork barbecue and hotdog. My sister, Pau, requested for hotdog. :) My sister Patty bought cake and made Buko Pandan for our desert. Hmmm, yummy!!!

At around 11:30pm of December 31, 2009, only 30 minutes away before we welcome another year, my mother and Antoinette went aside to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display. Oh, my daughter isn’t afraid of the loud bangs brought about by different fire crackers. At exactly, 12midnight, as we started jumping, clapping and greeting each other with Happy New Year, the lights went out. We had a power interruption!

It’s a good thing that it was full moon then. Patty then called, MERALCO and asked why we had power surge and how long it will last, but the staff wasn’t able to tell. So we ate food with candle lights! Sweet!

My mother said that the power were cut off because of the different dangerous fire crackers. I just hope that those people who fire those have an idea of life insurance rate for their security.  They would never know when an accident will happen.

Anyway, it was still a lot of fun welcoming 2010. We thank God for all the blessing He showered on us in 2009 and the blessing He continues to give for 2010. My daughter and I went to bed at 1AM. My cousin Joy, said that the electricity was restored at around 2:30AM.

Well, for me it was a blessing in disguise.

Ciao!

Thank you Mama Mary…

I am taking a break from catering calls to greet Jesus a Happy Birthday; to say thank you to Mama Mary for saying YES to God’s call and to greet everybody a Merry Christmas!

I know that everybody is very busy enjoying different family parties, but we should not forget the real reason we are celebrating Christmas. Tomorrow is a holiday, please do not forget to hear mass and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the star of today’s celebration; Jesus Christ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Ciao!

Today is the 7th day of what we call “Simbang Gabi” or Advent Novena Masses. Simbang Gabi starts on December 16. In our parish, there are three masses for Simbang Gabi, the evening mass that starts on December 15 at 9:30PM, which will end on the night of December 23; and the early morning mass, which starts on December 16 at 3AM and 5AM, which will end on the dawn of December 24.

My mother and my youngest sister are hearing the said masses. I hope that they would be able to complete this 9-day novena mass. It has been a while since I heard mass from Simbang Gabi. I remember when I was younger; I would always look forward to Simbang Gabi during December. It gives a great feeling especially when you are able to complete the novena mass. It has been said that if you’re able to attend all the 9-day novena mass, then whatever you wish for, will be given. To be honest, I don’t remember anymore my wishes then. But what I know and what I can remember is that, God has always been good to me. Well, God is always good to everybody. It’s just that we often overlooked His goodness.

I tried to recall the last time I heard mass during Simbang gabi, and I believe it has 5 years now. I just enjoy the “bibingka”(rice cake) and “puto bumbong” which my mother brought home after mass.

Bibingka

Puto bumbong

To know the history of Simbang Gabi you may click here.

I hope next year I would be able to hear mass during Simbang Gabi again.

Ciao!

Christmas is just around the corner. As of this writing, I believe there is only 25 days left before Christmas day. They say that Christmas is only for children. Well, I don’t think so. Christmas is not just the day for gift giving or about Santa Clause. The reason why we celebrate Christmas Day is that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We celebrate Mama Mary’s obedience and faith in God. Without Jesus, I cannot imagine where we would be today. I am not sure if we would still be here today. There has been a lot of criticism about December 25 as Jesus birthday. I know that December 25 isn’t really the “date’ when Christ was born; it is just the date when we celebrate His birthday. I believe the real meaning of Christmas is more important than the date itself.

Alright, since it would be just few more days before Christmas Day, my mother decided to set up our Christmas tree. Oh, my little girl was very excited. She has been waiting for my mother to set up our own Christmas tree since our neighbors have their own Christmas decors on display already.

My mother washed the leaves of the tree first. Then, I helped her in putting the leaves and Christmas lights on. My daughter’s favorite part was hanging the different ornaments we have for the tree. We have different colored Christmas balls, flowers and Christmas characters such as Angels and Santa Clause.

After 2 hours, we have our gorgeous tree! Gifts are the ones missing under it. Well, I have bought ample of gifts already but haven’t find the time to wrap them yet.

I really enjoyed this bonding moment with my mother and my daughter! What about you guys? Have you set your trees up already? If not, then do it now. It would really make you feel good.

Ciao!

In lieu of Thanksgiving Day in the US, our company held its annual Christmas Party last November 26. It is really quite early to hold Christmas Party but to take advantage of the US holiday; the company set the party to that day. The volume of calls expected would be handled by our outsourced offices.

Roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving Day!

The Christmas Party took place at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La hotel. This year’s theme was MTV awards. Everybody was encouraged to dress up for an award’s night attire. I am not really into dressing up; I came in wearing a see-through black top and black slacks. Luckily, I was not under dressed.

Makati Shangri-La

There were different MTV presentations, which we enjoyed. Of course, I enjoyed the food. I didn’t eat rice. I preferred to eat pasta and the different a la carte served. I munched on the different sweets for desserts.

There were different raffle prices but I was not lucky enough to get one. Anyway, what I enjoyed the best was the live performance of Parokya ni Edgar. I really loved the way they performed. Chito and Vinci were such performers! They made my first Christmas party at Dell memorable!

Parokya ni Edgar

I went home around 2AM the following day. It was a tiring yet amusing night!

Ciao!

My sister and I heard the 8PM mass yesterday. It is the last scheduled mass every Sunday in our parish. I used to hear mass during the 5PM mass, but I find the 8PM mass more solemn.

Anyway, yesterday the Christian world celebrated Christ the King. It was the last Catholic feast then Advent begins. As I contemplate about yesterday’s feast, I wonder how people appreciate why we celebrate Christ kingship. I know that each one of us has our own way of expressing our respect to His majesty.

Unlike other royalties we have known in our history class, Jesus is the one who truly showed us that He is a king yet a servant. He is a king who did not live a wealthy life and was not dressed with fine robes. He is a king who gave His life to save humankind.

It is true that Jesus kingdom is not here on earth. But I’d rather be in His kingdom rather than all the famous and popular kingdoms on earth.

Ciao!

I asked my cousin to download an instrumental for the songs that I will be singing for my friend’s wedding this coming December. She was able to download the songs I need. In addition to the songs I asked her to download, I found a song which happened to be ABS-CBN channel 2’s Christmas station ID. It was the first time I have heard and seen the full video of it. I cried as I watch the video.

It is true that our country has suffered a lot of problems. But we should not forget that Jesus is our hope and He will light and direct our way. We should not forget that we have Christmas because of Him.

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It was a good thing that November 1 this year falls on a Sunday. Sunday happened to be my rest day from work, so I was able to join my mother and my sisters in visiting my father’s tomb in the cemetery. My two cousins joined us as well.

My father’s body lies in Pasig City Cemetery. We opt to go there in the afternoon. We brought flowers and lighted candles. We didn’t bring any food with us, like other families who went there. We also did not stay long. After about 1 hour, we offered prayer for papa and decided to leave.

Well, the best part that we enjoy most when we visit the cemetery was the different food stalls inside it.

It has been a practice to visit the tomb of our departed loved ones during November 1. Even though November 1 happened to be a day to celebrate Catholic Saints; while November 2 should have been the day to celebrate the our departed loved ones. A day to remember that though they are no longer with us, we know that they are in a happier and peaceful place.

Ciao!