the Gift of Now

:: Lily in a pond ::

While commenting on a post of one of my blogger friends, Mai, I slipped a line about enjoying our “now’s”. Our present. Our current. Of where we are.

I come to realize how a big part of me remains like a child on the way I make “sulit” whatever it is that I have, or where I’m at. Like how kids forget the worries and all those included in the grown-up’s list. Enjoying all the happiness I can out of each moment, because I know that SOME moments don’t come twice.

While preparing for the wedding, James and I once again realized just how different we are. I often told him how important it is to me to make our moment beautiful. Not necessarily expensive, but beautiful. The line I’ve been quoting quiet frequently lately is, “50 years from now we will look back at this moment and we will have deep wonderful memories to go back to”.

(And we are way better in dealing with our being different from each other this time compared to before. Harmony in being different.)

I love where I am right now, who I’m with, what’s been happening in my life. And looking back, I barely see or felt any regrets on what I’ve done or been through in the past. Because in each moment worth remembering, moments which matters, I know I have given my ALL. Especially when it comes to people, things and events that are close to my heart… I only give my BEST. If it is not my best, then I make sure I do something to make up for it. Because, yeah, I feel bad when I give less than my ALL to something which means everything to me.

Other things I do half heartedly, some even slipped my mind… but when I love I gave ALL of my mind, attention and self into it. Be it towards a person or a hobby. That is just how I was built. And I have grown tired of apologizing for that. I’ll adapt, learn and adjust so I can also grow as a person, but I AM WHO I AM, charms and flaws all rolled into one wonder-eyed girl.

I do think and plan for the future. Maybe not just as detailed as I need them to be. And this part, I am more than willing to learn. Because that not so far future, will soon be my present, and I’m still going to enjoy it and make albums of memories with it, as I am doing now.

But while that distant future is still in planning stage, allow me to give my best in my Now, and this will be my gift not to myself, but to you. Life moves very fast, and while I plan for the future, I am more excited to the surprises held by the present.

My best Now.

p.s: Dili ni drama, nag think aloud lang.

Hot Cebu

Tara's Cafe

Cebu was hot! Literally. And Figuratively.

I just got back last weekend from my one week visit to cebu. After the excitement and euphoria subsided, I can’t believe how hot it is there. Hotter than last year when I came home for the holidays! The fan was in full blast at home, and the water, every time I’m the shower, is just pure heaven to my scorching body. But nevertheless, I welcome it all with open arms and sweaty armpits… LOL.

But aside from the sweaty experience, I can not help but be amazed at how much my little hometown of Cebu has grown in just a year.

My last visit home was last December during my Christmas vacation. (This year, it’s my boss’ turn to  go home, he let me and my groupmate both go home to enjoy our Christmas with our families for 3 straight weeks last year . And I was working for just barely 4 months then. He soooo deserves a break.) After a year of being away, my little hometown of Cebu has grown a lot! A whole lot!

A visit to the Asiatown IT park for instance, where I worked for 4 years, displayed 3 buildings which were not there when I left. Hahaha. I sound like I haven’t seen my share of super skyscrapers. But then, it is heart warming to see so many developments happening in my little city. More offices, means more work for my fellow cebuanos. Yipeeee!!

There is The Walk which housed some of Cebu’s gastronomic pride. The buildings and offices where international companies are situated. The e-Office smack in the middle certainly still looks like an elementary school.

And a visit home is not complete without checking out the new Ayala Terraces. Man oh Man! So pretty. All these resto’s lined up in a curve with friendly and accomodating cebuano service and mouth watering dishes. I’d recommend them to my foreigner friends anytime. As well as none cebuano friends who I filled with delectable stories of my queen city of the south.

But I cannot help but be teary eyed when I saw the big, big sign which says “Fully Booked”. Waaaaaaaaaaaah! Hindi ka na nag-iisa National bookstore!

Ms.Wade, Me (Yang to Jang) and Jang. College close buddies Dinner at Tara's

I was also surprised to see the Duty Free branch at SM North Wing! I had my passport registered and got a Purchase card which I gave to ate Cherry.

Too bad I wasn’t able to visit all the new malls, stores, cafe’s and shops that opened while I was away.

Even the old love that we so enjoy like the AA’s BBQ did some resto revamped without losing the taste that only Cebu BBQ can offer. Truly world class. (I had my fill of their pork belly and sizzling Bangus and my all time favorite guso!)

Cebu is really swinging it! I’m so proud!.

Because of the limited time I had While I was there I wasn’t able to meet everyone who I love to be with. Most of my day time was spent home with my family or in front of the TV. Hehehe.

I was able to meet Mimi for a bit, and gave her chocolates to give to the rest of the supergirls. Thanks Mi! (Mai and Kaith, See you next time ha! Hope to see Ai pud next time. )

Dance Queen Chesle-leen, Dee and Van a.k.a Serena Dalrymple. Hillarious Bunch.

Tara’s Cafe is also a sweet surprise. Had dinner there with my college friends, Jang, vanessa and Cesleen together with Ms.Wade (college professor turned post-college close friend who gave me and James some tips on Marriage). It is so near our place! It’s located just across Zao, where I had dinner a year before with Mai, Chichi, Mimi and Kaith.

I so love Tara’s Cafe, and the food is something I’ll surely miss. (You should try their Baby Beef ribs, yummy!)

Tabo sa Banay is also one of my stops. Where I did some old school shopping. Tabo sa Banay shopping tips: Wear comfortable clothes, wear slippers and leave your cellphones and bulky wallets at home.

James and I also tried the night market at Colon Street. This is where I bought faked Havianas for 40 pesos, and him a nice pair of fake Adidas flats. Hahaha.

I hope that in the next few years to come, Cebu would continue to rise up and develop as one of the competivie cities to watch out for, and yet not lose it’s identity and charm which more than anything else beckons visitors and locals and prodigal children to come back to it again and again.

I also hope that in the next few years there’ll be more places which would cater to the artistic and creative side of Cebu. A place for dancing, poetry reading, crafts, plays and literary recreation infused with good food and perhaps a few modern ammenities. This bonus would be a good addition to this paradise in the South.

Soon. Soon.

My More

Thoughtful Blossom

~*~**~*~

A pleasant conversation between a flower and a butterfly.

“I wish I could give you more gardens where your little wings would feel like it has found it’s own fairy kingdom.

And if I could, I would give you more vibrant and blossomy petals, and you can use them as blankets when you are cold, or as cushions as you lay and dream.

For now, I’ll give you more understanding, love and affection that these little rose bud can muster. My little leafy hands will always be available for more of the tight hugs when you need one.”, the flower quipped.

The butterfly rested on one dainty petal, looked at the heart of the little flower, and said

“You are already my more.”

~*~**~*~

And the little flower was silenced, and started to write down about the pleasant conversation.

Scoopful of Wisdom

James and I had a chance to talk with a Wedding Solemniser here in Singapore. Wedding solemnisers are civil servants who are invited by the government to have the authority to exercise marriage ceremony for couples.

She was working in one of the government bodies here in Singapore for 27 years. After that she was asked if she could be one of the few select individuals who can preside weddings. And she is a Filipino. Kabayan

We had this chanced talk with her over scoops of Andersen’s Ice Cream. And we left being filled to the brim not just by the sweet delectable dessert, but also by the selfless insights which warmed our hearts.

She is a gentle and soft-spoken woman. One of those few who age with much grace and beauty.

While sipping her chamomile tea, and us having spoonful of raisin and rum dairy sweetness, she shared some tidbits of wisdom on marriage.

• Marriage is a decision based not just on feelings

• The relationship which can make you the happiest person one time can also be the very reason which can hurt you on another. But it is worth the sacrificeS.
  

• NEVER take each other forgranted

• Be wary of those things which can put the relationship in danger. It can be people, work or even hobbies.

• Accept your partner for who he or she is, without the intent to change him to suit your picture of a perfect person to share life’s road with.

• But being accepted for who you are, faults included, shouldn’t stop you from improving yourself as an individual. Love always wants to better himself/herself for the other person.

• Treasure healthy relationships around your relationship.

• Sometimes the give and take will not always be 50-50. It can sometimes be 70-30 or 90-10. There will also be times that one person can give more than 100% , while the other is down and in need.
  

• When the honeymoon stage starts to wane, DON’T PANIC.

• Know each other’s strength and weaknesses. Be each other’s strength. Support each other’s weaknesses.
  

• Put into heart the vows that you’re gonna make to each other. Know them by heart and recite them to yourself through the years, not just on your wedding day. To remind you that you made a commitment to be with this person.

• Marriage is one of the most beautiful journey two individuals can take as they became one.

There are a million and one tips and advises out there, but what I would love to hear are those that really came from the heart. The ones which once spoken by the giver brings with it heartwarming or bittersweet memories. Those are ones I would love to hear. And I had a scoopful of it last night.

You see, I see myself as a deep well eager to be filled with stories. Journey with me.

Plus One

We went old school. Our families love it.

~*~~**~~*~

Both of us were clueless on how things usually go. He had to ask Mami which comes first, the dinner or the Talk. Talking comes first.

I was useless, I was a dummy on his side and was laughing most of the time. If not laughing, trying to contain giggles.

My lola, who usually just keeps to herself, sat beside James and was really into the whole conversation. It was her first time meeting him. And I am pretty sure it went well.

It was a relief that my auntie (almost like a second mom to me), was able to contain herself and didn’t invite the whole family tree. I had to keep reminding her that it’s not the wedding yet.

My Mama love to cook, so she loved her time in the kitchen preparing for the dinner. Had to remind her also that James’ side won’t be coming empty handed. The one whole lechon is more than enough in fact. Mami’s pasta was one of the best seller.

His side sat on the left, mine on the right, and the two of us in the middle. LOL. We were huddled together inside the humble sala, with the christmas tree on the side to add more flavor to the already festive yet very simple celebration.

He formally asked for my hand in marriage from my parents. And as his kuya puts it, in front of many witnesses our next journey has started.

My mama and auntie keep on broadcasting how much of a papa’s girl I am. I almost died when they told James to have patience with me, as my sib and I are not used with household chores. Hehehe. Giyabo ko sa akong ginikanan! But made up for it by saying I cooked some of the dishes for the night. Hahaha. My papa prefers us “studying” over scrubbing the floor squeeky clean. (if I can choose, I’d rather cook than wash dishes LOL).

We capped the night with small talk. They were asking us for details, to which the only answer we can give is that we don’t want a circus for a wedding. To which everyone nodded in agreement.

We have more than enough time to prepare for this simple walk down the aisle moment. The lesser the stress the better for all. LOL.

I don’t mind getting married in blue jeans.

Unconditionally thankful for the love and joy that friends and family have for us, on our new journey together. Daghang Salamat kaayo!

~*~~**~~*~

It was a fun night. We went old school.Our families loved it.

And my take home for that night is a line from my usually anti-social father, when he was teased that he’ll be like losing a limb as he give my hand to the man at my side, to which he prompty replied, “Not minus one, plus one”.

Shoot me

I am a bad blogger. I am a very bad blogger.

I haven’t been updating my blog lately. So sorry for that. Not that I ran out of stories to tell, it’s just that something big is coming and it took my time away from my PC. (Except when I play Diablo II hehehe).

Anyhoo, something short

I was browsing my multiply contacts just now and two thumbnails caught my attention. Mai and ate Mae’s avatar’s were right beside each other. And see for yourself why it bought a smile to my face.

~*~**~*~

Photography is eveybody’s milk

The photo on the left is Mai and the one on the right is at Mae.

~*~**~*~

P.S: isang tulog na lang cebu again!

P.P.S: Pamamanhikan here we come hihihi