i won a ticket for Sugarfree gig sa 70s Bistro!

Nag-post si Ebe nung isang araw ng message sa sugarfree mailing list:

sa nagtanong tungkol sa next single, let me make it more interesting. ..
the first 5 listers who can guess what the next single is (it should be out in a few days) will
get to watch our next 70s bistro gig for free. ayos ba? =) don't email me privately ha? dito ko
na lang iche check sa list.
i'll wait for your answers til tomorrow ng 11am. game!

ebe

_______

curious, sumali naman ako.

'Nangangawit' yung sagot ko.

_______

nag-post ulii sya the following day:

bago ko sabihin, our next single is nangangawit. if we're lucky, a great director will do our
video. someone we've never worked with before. bigtime sya chong. sana di maudlot.
anywaaaay, the five listers who get to watch our next bistro gig are
1. TOJ/ Andipata
2. Kristelle Sison
3. christopher linag
4. inch
5. ellyn chan

now i know for a fact that baka si inch may pasok at si ellyn ay nasa australia. kung di sila
pwede (at malamang di pwede si ellyn), the others who guessed it right are

1. archangel salvosa
2. klara anonuevo
3. jayvee.

so please confirm na lang ha? =)

ang saya pala ng ganito, biglang nabuhay ang list haha.

ebe

ps boto na sa rock awards =)

_________

COOL. nanalo ako! sa dami nung nanghula eh tumama ang aking bet. hehe!

Astig! =)

say a little prayer please : A Letter from Carlo Cruz, whose wife perished in GLORIETTA

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz
was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall
bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed
to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical
Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there.
We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents
place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then
proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she
had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she
wanted to move around and listen to some music while I
grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of
Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2
entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she
turned right towards Filbar's while I went left
towards the restaurants. That was the last time I
would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at
the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her
appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1
through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn
the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave
from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped
as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the
same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried
getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too
much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to
make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without
a response only meant that she dropped it in the
confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med.
to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again
to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get
hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what
the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My
Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's
appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the
eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead
of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then
brought me to a small examination room. It was only
through a digital camera that I was able to confirm
(and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner.
I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should
have not chose to park where I did. I should have
braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should
have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to
breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source
of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you
on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber
starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the
loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the
details of how her mother died, but more importantly I
would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a
loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and
nurturing. She has always cared for her family and
friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time
mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of
which I regret not going through. The sweet is never
as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of
marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only
to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets
about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond
her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked
and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want
now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish
each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty
simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to
ask you to please include Leslie in them until her
40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit
and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

Sa Aking Pagtanda

here's a good reminder for us all...

Sa Aking Pagtanda

Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako at pagpasensyahan. Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay
nakabasag ako ng pinggan o nakatapon ng sabaw sa
hapag kainan, huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan. Maramdamin ang isang matanda. Nagse-self-pity ako a tuwing sisigawan mo ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tenga ko at hindi ko maintindihan
ang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihan
ng "binge!" paki-ulit nalang ang sabihin mo o pakisulat
nalang. Pasensya ka na, anak. Matanda na talaga ako.

Kapag mahina na tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong
tulungang tumayo, katulad ng pag-aalalay ko sa iyo noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay nagiging makulit at paulit ulit na parang sirang plaka. Basta pakinggan mo nalang ako. Huwag mo sana akong
pagtatawanan o pagsasawaang pakinggan.
Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? kapag gusto mo ng lobo,paulit- ulit mo 'yong sasabihin, maghapon kang mangungulit hangga't hindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo. Pinagtyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo.

Pagpasensyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy. Amoy
matanda, amoy lupa. Huwag mo sana akong piliting
maligo. Mahina na ang katawan ko. Madaling magkasakit
kapag nalamigan, huwag mo sana akong pandirihan.
Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa? Pinatyagaan kitang
habulin sa ilalim ng kama kapag ayaw mong maligo.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana kung madalas, ako'y masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan. Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin.

Kapag may konti kang panahon, magkwentohan naman
tayo, kahit sandali lang. inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa. Walang kausap. Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho, subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik na sabik na akong makakwentohan ka, kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kwento ko. Natatandaan mo anak, noong bata ka pa? Pinagtyagaan kong pakinggan at intindihin ang pautal-utal mong kwento tungkol sa
iyong teddy bear.

At kapag dumating ang sandali na ako'y magkakasakit
at > maratay sa banig ng karamdaman, huwag mo sana akong pagsawaan alagaan. Pagpasensyahan mo na sana kung ako man ay maihi o madumi sa higaan, pagtyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga huling sandali ng aking buhay.

Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.
Kapag dumating ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw,
hawakan mo sana ang aking kamay at bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang kamatayan.

At huwag kang mag-alala, kapag kaharap ko na ang
Diyos na lumikha, ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagapalain ka sana ...

dahil naging mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama't ina...

Written by Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles
CWL Spiritual Director
St. Augustine Parish
Baliuag, Bulacan

senseless (2)

Nakakagalit yung nangyaring trahedya sa Glorietta2 nung Byernes.
Bakit kailangan pang may madamay na mga inosenteng tao? Wala naman silang kinalaman dun ha?

Nagbabasa ako kanina ng Inquirer, hindi ko napigilan ang mapaluha. Nandun sa article yung excerpts ng interviews sa mga pamilya nung mga namatayan. Naisip ko, kahit kaninong pamilya, pwedeng mangyari yun. Marami pang maaaring gawin at maitulong sa pamilya nila yung mga nasawi. Pero nagyon, naglaho na lamang bigla lahat ng kanilang mga pangarap. Nararapat bang sapitin nila y'on? Maiisip mo talaga, na unfair ang buhay. Hay, nagiging philosophical na naman ako. Nadala lang siguro ako sa mga nabasa ko sa dyaryo kanina.

Sa bawat paglabas natin ng bahay, paano pa tayong makasisiguro na makauuwi tayo ng buhay?

Ipagdasal natin ang mapayapang paglalakbay ng mga inosenteng biktima ng krimen na ito.

contrasting

I met Malbert and his sister Bernadette while taking some photos of the sunset in Baywalk. I enjoyed talking to these kids. They are from Vito Cruz, Manila. Malbert is very smart and articulate that you wouldn't think he's only seven years old. He boasts that he could climb the coconut tree in front of us. In fact, Malbert was the one who volunteered themselves to have their photos taken. Bernadette shared that their youngest sibling named Angel died severl years ago because of drowning in Manila Bay. Bernadette is in grade 2 while Malbert stopped schooling. After the shoot, they proceeded to Luneta to make palimos. I gave them my baon (a sandwich) and some coins.

I learned a lot from Malbert and Bernadette. I hope that they will go the distance someday... that the darkness they are into right now would turn into light.

yet another bombing

Today is a tragic day. May bomnings na namin sa Maynila, this time sa Glorietta. As of the latest news, 8 ang namatay at maraming sugatan. Sino kaya ang may gawa nito? Kawawa naman yung mga nasawi at yung kanilang mga pamilya. Ano na ba ang nagyayari sa atin?

photo credits: http://disneycute.multiply.com/

Hopia lyk it!

Ang Pinoy talaga, sadyang malikhain. Magaling mag-isip. Pag himaluan pa ng sense of humor, mas lalong nagiging astig. Nakita ko to sa Quiapo. Saludo ako sa nakaisip nung pangalan na to.

an afternoon photowalk in the historic Malolos

Today was a fun and learning-filled day for me. I had a photowalk in Malolos. Ang sarap palang matutunan ang kasaysayan ng sarili mong bayan. Ngayon ko lang naa-appreciate ang mga mahahalagang pangyayari sa kasaysayan ng Bulakan at syempre pati ng Pilipinas. It makes me proud na malaki ang ginampanang papel ng aking probinsya sa ating identidad at pagkanasyon (nationhood?).

Manila, Manila

I particularly liked how the first photograph turned out. I cannot believe that I was actually the one who took it. Lol. Being an amateur in photography, I think that it was quite a feat. (Oo, nagbubuhat ako ng sariling bangko. Hehe!)

In Motion @ Quiapo Bridge

You've Got Mail

Para sa akin, kahit laganap na ang e-mail at iba pang uri ng high-tech modes of communication, iba pa rin sa pakiramdam ang makatanggap ng sulat na ipinadala sa pamamagitan ng snail mail. Napaka-personal kasi nito. Nakakalunkot lang isipin na hindi na natin masyadong ginagawa itong tradisyon na ito.

Yung monument ng The Postman daw is dedicated to the men and women of the Philippine Postal Service. Sabi dun sa mark: A symbol of service excellence, the postman delivers mail that touches the lives of the people across this country and around the world.. Agree ako dun. Bilib ako sa ating mga kartero. Natatandaan ko nung gradeschool ako, palagi kong hinihintay yung kartero sa aming bayan lalo na kapag may inaasahan akong sulat mula sa mga kaibigan. I miss the good old days. Hehe!

Bilang papugay sa kanila, bakit di tayo bumalik sa ating nakasanayan (kahit isang beses lang)? Subukan natin muling magpadala ng sulat sa ating mga kapamilya sa mga post office sa ating lugar. Ako, gagawin ko yan ngayong semestral break.

dahil dito sa Mariposa ay mahirap ang nag-iisa

Dahil dito sa mariposa ay mahirap ang nag-iisa
Dahil dito sa mariposa ako lang ata ang nag-iisa

Mariposa. Isa sa mga unforgettable songs ng Sugarfree. Ganda ng lyrics, di na nakakagulat dahil si Ebe ay isang musical genius. Astig din yung music video nito with Quark Henares at the helm.

Wala lang, napadaan kasi ako kanina dito nung papunta ako sa Cubao X. Naisip ko lang kuhanan. Di ako pumasok ha? Baka may mga malisyosong mga nilalang ang nagbabasa nito.Haha! Ayus!

Avenida: A New Look

Isang welcome development yung utos ni Mayor Alfredo Lim na ibalik ang dating Avenida, yung Avenidang bukas sa mga pampasaherong dyip. Ang ginawa kasi ni dating Mayor Atienza, isinarado nya ang lugar na to sa mga PUJs (at sa iba pang pribadong mga sasakyan) at pinalagyan ng tiles nang sa gayon ay puro tao lang ang laman ng lansangan. Hehe, di ko rin masyado naunawaan kung bakit ginawa yun ni LA. Ang naging epekto tuloy ay ang matinding trapik sa Sta Cruz area. Ngayon, maluwag na ang lansangan, na para naman sa pangkalahatang-kabutihan. Mabuhay ka Mayor Lim!

Jump!

Escolta kids frolicking in a breezy afternoon. At the background is the Pasig River and the Central Post Office. I am finding it amusing to capture happy moments of children. These kids are carefree and innocent. I wish I am a kid again. Hehe!

return of the comeback

Para sa akin, kapuri-puri ang ginawa ni Caparas na buhaying muli ang industriya ng komiks. Maganda rin na suportado ng National Commission on the Culture and the Arts (NCAA) ang proyektong ito. Naging bahagi na ng Pinoy popular culture ang form ng literature na ito. Nung bata ako, natatandaan ko pa na palagi akong bumibili lalo ng nung Funny Komiks. Si Eklok yung di ko makakalimutang character dun. Di lang naman kasi entertainment ang purpose nito. Matututo rin ang mga batang (maski matanda hehe) pahalagahan ang pagbabasa. May mga aral din namang matututunan dito. Maganda rin na sa murang-halaga lamang ay mabibili na ito. Bumuli ako ng dalawa kanina sa may gilig ng Sta. Cruz church. Sana ay tangkilikin ito ng masang Pinoy.

high

While taking a walking tour in the Pasig River along Escolta to find some interesting subjects to photograph, I saw these kids climbing the post. Guess why they are there? They are going to jump and swim!

sino 'to?

Hindi yan image ni Mama Mary. Akala ko din nung una eh ganun eh. It turned out tarp pala sya ng isang candidate for the upcoming SK elections. Nakalagay yan sa mga likod ng tricycles . Nagoyo talaga ko, sa malayuang tingin parang kung sinong santo. Hehe. Sana manalo sya, kung qualified sya.

Abalos steps down

Even before the impeachment case against him has formally begun, Comelec chair Bejamin Abalos stepped down from his office. The resignation of the besieged Abalos was pathetic. What's with all those tears and use of drama to spice up his act? Making pa-awa did not work. The news viewers are now intelligent. They know that the accusations against Abalos are true. His highly questionable dealings with ZTE has taken its toll on his career. The appeal to emotions tactic of is futile. In the meantime, he has to attend the ongoing Senate hearings on the matter. Looking at the wider picture, he still has not cleared his name on the previous controversies he got himself involved in, most notably, the Hello Garci scandal and that of the cheating incidents during recent senatorial elections. The Comelec under his term, according to a topnotch election lawyer Atty. Leila Delima, is one of the dirtiest that has ever existed. Hence, there is no more reason for him to stay in office. Fellow staunch GMA supporter (In)Justice Secretary Gonzales must follow suit. Oh, and GMA herself too.

Where will this telenovela lead us?

Abangan na lang natin ang susunod na kabanata...