Gucci

Halo-halo

Strum

Tangerine

Cookie

Puka

Diving

8:30

Etiquette to ride

1 Be mindful and move quickly when boarding. Otherwise, you block the aisle and obstruct traffic to other seats.

2 Pare down your baggage. Avoid those oversize handcarry bags that take up so much space.

3 Don't bump your bag in someone else's seat. This is rude ---instead, wait until take off. If the seat is unused, only then should you feel free.

4 Stay in your seat until everyone's boarded. After takeoff, only then you look around for an empty seat to transfer to.

5 When watching shows or movies in your laptop, wear your headsets so as not to disturb your seatmate. Also, don't turn up the volume on your music player ---this can still distract the person next to you.

6 Learn to back off. Sure it's good to chat up with your neighbor, but know when the person wants privacy (ie she puts on eye shades or close her eyes or is reading a book).

7 Don't recline your backrest all the way. Respect the person behind you. And try not to encroach on your neighbor's space.

8 Foster good toilet karma and wipe down the seat and clean up after you've done your business.

Mwahugs,

Boyeng <3

Praying Mantis

How can my heart begin to thank You when You have Authored my life so well?

Thank You for being in my single life, in my dating life.

You know what I needed before I even thought of asking it from You.

There were a lot of lessons along the way. It was mostly about dying to myself, and leaving the control to You, my Father. I am far from the person You want me to be, but I wake up in the morning with a peace in my heart in the knowledge, that You love me for me. I am changed, transformed, renewed in You everyday. That, I am certain.

You leave me satisfied. You make me hunger for Your Truth, oh, I drink it in. It's the only security I have.

I leave it all to You, that is rooted in You since day 1. You are faithful to have guided THE best  –I trust that You carry us through till death.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude, I cannot praise You enough throughout my life, for letting me know You first, as my Eternal Lover. I will not have it any other way.

I just want to dwell in Your presence all day. To soak and bask in Your majesty.

Let this love always seek to glorify You, in all ways, may we die to ourselves to fully know Your Lordship.

I love You, my life sings to You my Lord. I am a testimony to how good it can be, to have You as my Strength, my Shield.

Let You have all the praise and adoration.

I am humbled.

Amazing voice from this lass!

Breakeven from an Irish band, The Script.


I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a god that I don't believe in
Cos I got time while she got freedom
Cos when a heart breaks no it don't break even

Her best days will be some of my worst
She finally met a man that's gonna put her 1st
While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping
Cos when a heart breaks, no it don't break even even no

What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you
What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok
I'm falling to pieces
I'm falling to pieces

They say bad things happen for a reason
But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding
Cos she's moved on while I'm still grieving
Cos when a heart breaks, no it don't break even even no

What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you
What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok
I'm falling to pieces
I'm falling to pieces
I'm falling to pieces
(One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
(Cos when a heart breaks no it don't break even)

You got his heart and my heart and none of the pain
You took your suitcase, I took the blame.
Now I'm tryin' to make sense of what little remains
Cos you left me with no love, no love to my name.

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a god that I don't believe in
Cos I got time while she got freedom
Cos when a heart breaks, no it don't break even

What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you
What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok
I'm falling to pieces
I'm falling to pieces
I'm falling to pieces
(One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
(Cos when a heart breaks, no it don't break even)

Picchurs

Mama

The salt and light in our family.
Whose love, patience and wisdom have mold us.
Our pillar of hope. 

The small lady just woke up;

trying to hide under Mamila's skirt.

Mishka with her dad.

A foreign tarsier :D

Joshua with Mamita.

I didn't know our half-brother, Immanuel, is this big already.

Am I that old now?

In the woodland.

At the hacienda.

Oh, I missed Pagadian already!

The woman who'll never admit that she's just next to my genes :p
My aunt, our Mami Eden.

Rotonda baby!

Where I used to spend my dawn and dusk.

Where we walked the talk with my bestest friends.

My childhood friend.

We nicked each other as "sisterette".

Because we're like real sisters.

I'm her dad's favorite :)

Our class doctor soon to be bride.

I love you, Vian!

To blissful years of marriage.
And to prosperous medical profession to both of you.

Gino, take extra care of Biwi.
God bless you both.

Random chatterbox in my head...

This is the problem in Japan, it's all about form, or put it in another way, it's about style over substance and especially being able to look correct, follow the form book and not being able to think for yourself.

And where in planet Mars did they get the idea that I'll be seeing my past beau while I'm abroad? Gah, I can't quite fathom how ladies here saw their boyfriends just like bank dispensers, and or, the kind of Santa Claus all-year-round.

What really gets into my nerves is, if you'd dye your hair red, put on uber make-up on your face, gloss yourself like those women you saw on fashion mags, I am still my own style. My mood swings from drab to flamboyant to chic. But I don't drag myself to be like anyone else. Lest I will be same fashion victim as you. Beauty is pain. Disastrous!

...bus is here. Ciao!

Mwahugs,
Boyeng <3

*Excerpt

As I write this, I am holding back tears. It is not because I don't like Noynoy Aquino, nor because I think Erap being allowed to run again and now come second in this race is a joke, but because about 90% of my voting countrymen allowed a good thing slip through their fingers... yet again.

I read a comment someone posted on the GT fan page that said the Philippines will never cease to be a third world country, because the Filipinos keep thinking like one. It's a tragedy that we repeatedly refuse to acknowledge our islands' limitless potential. By electing the same kind of people over and over again to lead our nation, we are consciously closing our minds and hearts to a new era in politics; where mudslinging and dirty tactics can become obsolete. It really is a shame.

Sour graping is the easiest thing in the world. I could whine, complain and write angry hate notes and messages about how stupid, inane and terrifically idiotic we've now made ourselves out to be. I could congratulate the 12 million Filipinos for damning us to 6 years of shame, blame and online games. There are so many delightfully snarky things I could say that would probably make me feel better. But this time, I won't. Why? Because this time, I've learned how to.

Throughout his campaign, Gilbert Teodoro was often praised by many, both in the public and private sectors, for his brilliance, integrity, capability and positivity. It was due to these qualities that he received support from me and over 3 million Filipinos across the country. Though we did not soar as high as we wanted to, it was in the few feet above the ground that I, and I'm sure my fellow "Gibonians" will concur, learned valuable lessons in politics, leadership and more importantly, in life.

Of these lessons, here are 10 that I will always remember... and treasure.

1. Stop the negativity! Take responsibility! One of the things Gibo was most commended for was his commitment to maintain a positive campaign throughout the period. Not once did he stoop down to sling the mud back, he would only wipe it off his shoes. His focus was on bringing his voice and platform to all areas of the country, to give us the chance to discern and make the decision based on that knowledge. No matter how dirty the arena had become, everyone still wanted to shake his hand.

2. The world keeps spinning and so should we. "Society does change." Gibo said this in one of his sorties, when he talked about addressing the material needs of people today. In an ideal society, people should be content to live within their means and capabilities. But unfortunately, reality begs to differ. The times, they are a changing, Bob Dylan once sang, and it will continue to do so whether we like it or not. The ability to adapt and adjust can no longer be considered an option, for it is fast becoming a necessity.

3. It's not the what. It's the how. Another thing Gibo was often praised for was his practical take on traditional and modern day issues. His platform attracted many because his proposed policies and solutions seemed "doable". In fact, there were no promises made to put an end to the problems that have been haunting our country for decades, if not centuries. After all, an idea is one thing, but its execution is another entirely.

4. Not all bad grass come from the same seed. We civilians have this idea that all government officials are the same: corrupt, self-serving and power hungry. But after listening to Gibo speak in one of his sorties about how corruption can be eased through incentives and rewards for good behavior, I realized that there still are public servants who actually WANT to serve the public.

5. Shit happens. But you can always clean it up. Throughout his stint as Secretary of National Defense happened two tragedies: the Typhoon Ketsana and Maguindanao massacre. His response to these disasters, while not perfect, was still commended by those who actually knew what the heck was going on. Even during the campaign, when many a time was he frowned upon for these unfortunate events, not once did I hear him point the finger at other people. What I admire is that he took responsibility for his actions and did what was best at the time to appease each situation.

6. There are many things we can compromise. Integrity is not one of them. Being a member of one of the most powerful political machineries in the country, it would have been easy to engage in the crossfire that happened between several of the candidates. Everyone wondered why he refused to denounce his ties to PGMA, even though people were saying they would vote for him if he would. Why not compromise, I, like many other Filipinos thought? Then, during one of his sorties, I heard him say that there is nothing on earth that is worth ruining his father's name, and his son's future. Right then and there, I understood.

7. Freedom, contrary to its root word, is not always free. So don't waste it. We are the only fully democratic country in our region, yet, we are one of the least progressive. This is something I've heard him stress over in many talks and forums. We actually have the right to say when we want change and when we've had enough. Sometimes, we don't appreciate how lucky we are, that we have the freedom of speech, the freedom to choose our religion and elect our leaders. It's up to us to make decisions for our future and the betterment of country. And luckily, it will ALWAYS be up to us.

8. Peace, on the other hand, is always free. So please make use of it. One of the main points of Gibo's platform was, and always will be, peace and unity among our 7,000++ islands. We are a diverse archipelago, rich in culture and heritage, and that is something we should be proud of, not hate. We often hear of the problems in other poor countries when in fact, we have the very same problems right next door. Though it is a very popular answer among aspiring beauty queens, that doesn't make it any less crucial. Peace should always be a priority in this, and any country.

9. The importance of a legacy. Of all the times I've heard him address the people's fear of him playing a puppet to PGMA, Gibo always says one thing: that he is still young. What he meant by this was that if he had been given the chance to lead, after his 6 years in office, he would still have many years to show face for; which he would not jeopardize for his sake, and more importantly, for his family's sake. After all, we can think of many ways to gain money and power, but we only have ONE life to live and ONE legacy to leave.

And last...

10. Love our country. This may be the simplest lesson, but nonetheless, it was something I deeply needed to relearn. In this day and age, we are more exposed to the outside world than ever. I'm not scared to admit that there have been a number of times when I felt ashamed of being a Filipino, in a country so afraid of change and innovation. Ashamed of our penchant for favoring people for who they know over who they are. Ashamed of our blatant backwardness, especially when compared to our neighboring countries. But the moment I heard Gibo speak about his vision for the country stirred in me a feeling of patriotism that I never thought I had. In the few months that I displayed my belief in his candidacy; I had also, willingly, displayed my belief in my country.

Despite the grief I feel for the outcome of this year's elections, strangely, I cannot escape the feeling of hope and pride that continues to swell inside me. Looking through the Facebook pages of fellow "Gibonians", it's easy to see that there was something new, exciting and inspiring that was born out of all this. And I know that whatever was awakened in all of us is something that cannot be easily abandoned, or forgotten.

Though he's said before that this is the last time he expects to run for public office, I sincerely hope that for once, he said something he didn't mean. I hope, no, I insist that he runs again in 2016, because he owes all of us the opportunity to see his platform, ideas and vision become our reality. Throughout his campaign, we were introduced to a new breed of politics and contrary to what the new first lady (sorry, it slipped) has said, the Green Team volunteers were NEVER paid.

So Mr. Teodoro, if you ever get to read this, please consider giving us the chance to vote for you again. That is the only payment I seek.

Oh yeah, and thanks for the lessons. :-)

p.s. I need to add this. Some people have been arguing here and some have been posting negative comments. This note contains my OWN opinions and feelings about the subject. To those who supported other candidates; I hope you can relate with this message as well, with whoever it was you voted for. But there really is no need to get aggressive or defensive anymore, the results are in and the color wars are over. Let's accept the results and move on. Thank you.

I sit and watch the sun
as it sets in the horizon
On the ocean as it shimmers on the waves,
awe struck with this splendor
It causes me deep emotion,
it glows like a golden pearl
Amidst the waves that swirl,
this makes my heart surrender.

You are sitting just close enough
for me to feel your warmth,
The orange hues of the sky
swirl into a daze and I disappear,
With the last of the sun rays
I float through the clouds,
But I can still feel your warmth
on my smooth skin,
It puts reassurance in my heart
that you are there to keep me warm.

Mwahugs,
Boyeng <3

iPad Pre-Orders Are Halted in Japan

May 12th, 2010 by Steve Nagata

Impress Watch is reporting that as of 3:30 pm today, just two days after the iPad opened pre-orders in Japan, retailers in Japan have ceased to accept new pre-orders citing limited supply of the initial shipment.

According to customers who pre-ordered the iPad already, even people with a pre-order are not guaranteed to get an iPad on launch day if stocks are depleted before they pick up thier order.

At the Apple Store in Ginza, customers were told that it additional stock might be available for walk in sales on May 28, but there is no guarantee any additional iPad stock would be available to walk in customers.

Pre-orders are still possible on Apple's online store, however the estimated shipment date has slipped back from May 29 to June 7.

It is unclear how many iPads will be made available in the initial launch day shipment, but it is increasingly likely that Apple will have a sell-out first day.

Two Words

Lea's Wedding



How Rob proposed to the Disney princess...

Liberal

Am I the only one who thinks the politics in my own country is beyond repair?

I somehow got a jolt upon knowing that some questionable characters are contemplating, if not, driven to join the political rat race.

I was disconcerted when I knew of Manny Pacquiao seemingly bent on having a seat in his province in Sarangani. I certainly am proud that he has brought so much prestige and valor to our country with his over-the-top, extraordinary prowess in the field of boxing. But to even entertain the idea of him having a hand in the passing of presidential decrees and republic acts is somehow more than I can take. I applaud his wanting to make a difference, but not all people wanting to "make this world a better place" need NOT run for congressional seat. Must it take a position of power to somehow yearn for peace in a place you so want to change? Moreover, the real issue I am trying to address is, it takes more than sheer, profound desire to help, one needs to be equipped as well to lead constituents. I am not trying to put down the latter’s educational status, but truth be told, we all deserve someone who profoundly understands the scope of responsibility of being a leader. Manny may very well serve General Santos by being the good boxer that he is, a field where he excels, a medium where he can advocate servanthood, an avenue where he can make a difference. Leave the congress to those with more expertise.

And what with this mestizo movie actor as a vice-presidentiable? What is this world coming to? Is this the trend we all want to see? Good-looking, award-winning actors taking in on the government ratpack  to add to their colorful resume. What is it about these actors who have carved a fine niche in the movies and television, that dumbfounded them to reality that WE DESERVE MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE! Haven't we learned from our plight with Estrada (and as an after thought, his posse Senator Sotto —who has done wonders for the government –NOT!) Who put us through hell and back with his platform and agenda –which remains to this day, boggles the mind out of me. We are still a laughingstock of the world because of our momentary lapse in judgement by voting for Erap (I sure didn't, but a big slice of the polulation had wool pulled over their eyes).

It is such a tragic comedy how we are wired. We seem to have a great deal of difficulty drawing a line between what we are plagued in the idiot box and the stark gnawing reality. These characters played the best roles there are –they saved damsels in distress, prevented bombs from going off, ally to the poor, become heroes. Hmmm, the world of entertainment, pun all the more intended. It's about time we get wiser and start helping ourselves in this next election. Bottom line is, NOT all of us should scour politics. After all, the followers are the ones who truly make a difference.

On another note, I know campaign is almost over. But I still have 12 midnight to back off. To every ZamboSurian, I am asking you to cast your votes wisely.

Please don't forget my uncle from the Yellow-party. Let's elect Mario Fermindoza for Board Member District I. Boyet Vera Cruz for Congressman. Roseller Ariosa for Governor of Zamboanga del Sur.

The Three Stooges with the Yellow headman.

I almost forgot... Benigno Simeon Aquino III for President.

I was 9 when I first fell in a pitfall, in the hands of Quasimodo.
And I have always admired Esmeralda.

The springtime brings out the brightest green in things
And tiny sprouts push the soil from their way
Mr. Sun, please don't go away

'Cause the winter saddened all the flowers
And the oceans turned to gray
And the sky cried down for days and days
Mr. Sun, please don't go away

The birds and bees all sing happy things as they fly into the sky
And lonely trees will grow families in their leaves
Mr. Sun, stay here won't you please

'Cause the winter saddened all the flowers
And the oceans turned to gray
And the sky cried down for days and days
Mr. Sun, please don't go away