Thank you Lord for protecting us

I loved summer when I was a student. Now the only thing I like about summer is the times spent lounging at the beach with family and friends. I have learned to love the rain since it has become so hot and humid here in the Philippines. For me, the rain brings cool air, smell of life, and freshness in the air. Until Ondoy came…

My parent’s house is still flooded – both inside and out. The water is so slowly inching out. So slow that the day Ondoy arrived (September 26), we were knee-deep and now 6 days after, the water inside the house is still about 4 inches deep. Although we have already adopted a system that enables us to go about our lives, it is still frustrating to wait for the water to dry-up.

I am not bitching. On the contrary, I’d like to write about the things I am thankful for in the midst of this calamity. Here are what I am personally thankful for:

1. That I have a very considerate and good husband.
2. That our families are okay. Buboy’s parents are well and their house was spared of the flood. My parents are okay and are coping well despite the current situation.
3. That Buboy and I were here at Pasig when Ondoy came.
4. That Nanay had some food even if it’s just good for a couple of days.
5. That we have basic services such as water, electricity, and phone line.
6. That we have an elevated living area and that the bedrooms are also elevated.
7. That we were able to accept and cope with our present situation.
8. That so far no one is sick or getting sick.

Another super typoon is on its way, but I know that God will spare us of its worst. But nevertheless, we are preparing. We’re supposed to leave for Las Pinas tomorrow, but with Pepeng coming, we have decided to postpone our going back to LP until Sunday.

Lord, please protect us all.

-chebong

Celebrating Cory as a Woman

This is not to pay tribute to the political career of the late former President Cory Aquino. This is not to complement and praise all that she did for the Philippines and the Filipinos. A lot of people have done that already and one more from me would hardly make a difference. This is about recognizing Cory as a woman.

Cory has been true to being a woman. Calm in the face of problems; firm in standing for and by her loved ones; finds contentment in giving support, encouragement, cheer and love when she knows that it is all she can give at the time but it doesn't mean she's given up helping; knows when to rise up, move forward and when to slow down and reflect; has a solid grasp of her values; and have faith strong enough to make little miracles for herself and others. These are the values that celebrate a woman. These are the traits that we women can find inside of us. We just have to acknowledge it and use it.

-chebong

To the hospital again

This time it’s Buboy that was hospitalized, but his is for a far more serious reason.

Buboy called me from work Monday night, July 20, asking for a pill to help him with his headache. I thought he was just having one of his migraine attacks. When we met to go home later he complained of fever. He was burning hot when I touched him. It was a hard effort for him to drive home and the two-hour traffic made it even worst. I was really worried but we thought it was just flu. Buboy slept immediately when we reached the house while I stayed up late until past 2:00am watching over him, wiping him with a wet towel to bring down the fever. We stayed at home the following day, Buboy regularly taking Biogesic to calm the high fever down and Alaxan to ease the body pain. Early morning of Wednesday, chills came and that’s when I decided to bring him to the hospital.

It is really hard when the only person who knows how to drive is sick. We had to ask one of the neighbors to bring us to the nearest hospital. After some blood and urine tests the ER doctor decided to admit Buboy. The doctor who followed-up on us that afternoon said Buboy has a viral infection and they still have to verify if it is typhoid fever or dengue. We learned it was dengue late that night. Buboy became like a pin cushion with the multiple blood extraction to monitor his platelets. The doctor said he has to eat so his body can fight but Buboy has no appetite. He was released from the hospital on the third day of his confinement. His platelets are stable, his fever is gone, and his appetite is back… and I am just so thankful.

The experience wasn’t good for both Buboy and me. I was so worried but I dare not show him that because I don’t want him to worry about me too. I texted my family and close friends to ask them to pray for Buboy especially during the time when the doctors are still not sure what is wrong with him. I am very thankful because everyone texted back and I know they all prayed for Buboy. Then there was the issue of where he was placed in the hospital. We used the HMO given by the Company he works for. His coverage is only for a ward room which would be okay if it was in a hospital where ward rooms are still nice. I kept thinking that if we were in Pasig when this happened, it would have been easier to bring him to Medical City where ward rooms are so much more pleasant. Good thing Mama visits and bring fresh supplies everyday.

But nevertheless, Buboy is well again and we are home again, that is what’s important. I pray he won’t be so sick again… that neither of us be sick again.

-chebong

Remembering Basti

Basti left us two weeks ago to join and play with Baldo and Lolo in heaven. Basti was with my family for 7-8 years and so we miss him terribly.

Basti was given to us by my good friend Mox. My Lolo was the one who took him when he arrived to our house. Since that day they developed a kind of bond. I know this because I saw it. When my Lolo had a stroke in the middle of the night that eventually led to his death several days after, it was Basti who woke us all up and showed us Lolo lying beside his bed. During that time we had other dogs beside Basti, but it was him who barks and barks even when he was told to shut up until Tatay got up and followed him. And then there was the time when his friend Baldo (our other dog) died. I cannot believe the grief that I saw in Basti. I didn’t believe dogs can have feelings until then.

I miss Basti. He was not an ordinary pet. He was not an ordinary dog. And he was not an ordinary friend.

-chebong

We have a new living space!

Not really new… more like newly cleaned and decluttered room. Nevertheless, I am happy with what we have and what we did with it last weekend. Yup, it was a long weekend spent in a good way.

Buboy wasn’t actually feeling well last weekend. His tonsils were swelling and his temperatures were up to 38˚C. But he was so sweet to indulge me and help start the cleaning. He knows I wanted to rearrange the furniture for some time now. We started Friday and finished everything before it gets dark on Saturday. And by the time we finished Buboy’s temperature was down to 37.5˚C.

After we moved the bed, the cabinet, the tables and other things and after we threw away several kilos of thrash including old bags, shoes, boxes, papers, etc. we discovered a lot more space to move around the room. We have places for our collection of movies (CDs and DVDs) and books. Aside from that, we now have some sort of separate sleeping area and work area (where the PC and other electronic stuff are located) and in between is a space where we can move around without bumping to each other all the time. And with the new 19” LCD monitor that we bought last Thursday, we can watch movies together in bed without being too close to the PC. He can also play his games while I read on the bed without disturbing each other. I really cannot believe how our room looks so much bigger after the general cleaning.

Of course we had to do some adjustments with things like sleeping. With the bed moved to a different direction, our positions interchanged. I now have to sleep on Buboy’s right side whereas we were used to me sleeping on his left. But that isn’t really a problem because five years ago we were both used to sleeping alone :o)

I just hope we can maintain it that way for (at least) more than a year. Ha!

-chebong

What happened to summer?

Buboy and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and Mox her ?th birthday with the higop gang and a couple more friends (kuya Dex and Liezel) at Puerto Galera. We all thought that it wouldn’t push through after all those planning we did because of typhoon Emong. But with all our prayers combined, not to mention the dozen eggs that Mox offered to Sta. Clara, we experienced the other side of Galera. Although it was still raining, we had a grand time hiking, swimming, cooking and of course eating at the foot of Tukuran Falls. Too bad Terry weren't able to join us.

Summer also welcomes a handful of movies that we’ve been looking forward to seeing. Here’s my take on some of them that we saw over summer:

Angels and Demons. Disappointing, really. Da Vinci Code was way better if you ask me. They made a lot of changes from the book. That should have been okay but the fast pace of the story was not captured well in the movie. That and the fact that he leading lady’s acting was pathetic made me feel sorry I even watched it on its first showing day.

Star Trek. I’m not a Star Trek fanatic. I entered the theater prepared to get lost in the universe of… well, the universe through the USS Enterprise. I was surprised to find myself enjoying the movie; what’s more, I was actually able to follow it. Now that alone makes it a good movie to me.

X-men the Origin: Wolverine. After the movie, I have tons of questions to Buboy, much like after we watched all the other X-men movies. It was entertaining though of course I have very little knowledge of the world of the mutants so try not to persecute me.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Definitely a children’s movie, so yeah, I enjoyed it. This movie reminds me why I like children’s stories; it brings me to different places that I can’t reach right now.

Terminator Salvation. Aside from my irritation over how Kate Connor was portrayed and Bale’s usual character voice, the movie does not disappoint. There are a lot of interesting characters including that of a part-robot, part-human Marcus Wright.

BFF (Best Friends Forever). This is the only local movie that I watched and not with Buboy but with some of my officemates. The movie and its story weren’t so great but what the heck, it was funny and that’s what we came for anyway… to laugh really hard.

Aside from movies, Buboy and I enjoyed some late night TV series marathon and poker sessions. We finished the last season of Grey’s Anatomy and the first season of a new series called Fringed (Science). Buboy and I bought our first 300 pieces chips poker set and had a head to head game with a couple of beers the week we had the set. Hopefully we can arrange poker nights soon and play with whoever can make it.

And the season of summer is over. Too bad we weren’t able to go camping at Anawangin. Well, maybe in a couple of months. We still haven’t got a tent yet anyway.

-chebong

So how do we sing Lupang Hinirang?

I cannot believe that the National Historical Institute (NHI) is after Martin Nievera for the later’s version of Lupang Hinirang. Martin is not the only Filipino singer who injected his own personal touch to our national anthem. I have been disappointed over and over again by the different versions of Lupang Hinirang, Martin’s version included. But of all the versions I heard, I think that Martin’s is closest to the original.

Lupang Hinirang is a march. I like its beat, I think it’s regal. It commands attention and respect, at least in my opinion. I have heard that our national anthem has been praised and even said to be one of the best anthem in the world. It’s just too bad that with the many versions we Filipino hears of it, we might not even recognize it in the future.

If NHI is serious in its campaign to preserve the original musical arrangement and composition of Lupang Hinirang, they should not only reprimand Martin Nievera but all the others in the past who sung it with their own rendition. And they shouldn't stop there. They should issue a guide that artists can use on how Lupang Hinirang should be sung.

-chebong

Pacman knocked the Hitman

Pacquiao won the fight against Hatton yesterday winning his 6th world title to date showing the world that he really is a great fighter.

Congratulations Pacman.. for being one of the Filipinos who capture the world in awe! We are proud of you.

-chebong

mineral make-up

I read about mineral make-up three or four years ago at femalenetwork but I never gave it a thought until last week. I came across several sites selling mineral make-up and signed up for a free sample from one of them, ellena mineral cosmetics. The samples arrived yesterday, 2 shades of powder foundation and 1 finishing powder. I tried one of the foundation this morning and was pleased with it. The smoothness reminded me of the body shop’s all-in-one face base, only this is much, much cheaper. The ¼ teaspoon samples came in mini zip lock plastics and estimated to last for a week at least. I’ll buy containers for my samples and probably order the regular sized foundation and finishing powder when my samples run out.

Anyway, this day is gloomy. It has been raining since last night. I hope we get a good weather next week so we can do the little hiking and exploring we plan to do in Puerto Galera.

I wish it's 6:00pm already so we can get out of here and go home already. Haay..

-chebong

Reunions

Last week, April 19 was the grand reunion homecoming of our high school in celebration of its centennial anniversary. Terry and I went together with my sisters Weng and Juvie. It was fun to see old faces again. It was just sad because the event wasn't well advertised that not many alumni were informed. In fact there were only six attendees from Weng's batch and eight from Juvie's. It was good that my batch mates pretty much did everything they could to invite everyone as about forty of us went. The whole event brought back memories of experiences that shaped my adolescence. I'll probably be posting the class picture we took as soon as i had it scanned later.

Then last Saturday, April 25 was an outing/reunion of sort of Buboy's family. It was my mother-in-law's birthday and we went swimming in a private pool at Calamba, Laguna. Buboy's family is small and it's nice to see them together all at once as this happens very seldom. It's because his sister lives in Laguna and his brother lives in Bulacan unlike my immediate family who practically live together. I told Buboy that we should really do this reunion-like gathering with his family at least once a year.

Anyway, Buboy discovered that he can sing more than twenty songs in one sitting during our family outing. He literally sang for almost two hours and received at least eight 100 scores. He said he now has a favorite - Though the Years of Kenny Rogers. Well, I don't mind. I love that song!

Pictures to follow.

-chebong

Hospital scene

I guess i better blog about my hospital experience, not for anything else, but for the sheer fact that this has been my first in the past 20 years and i wouldn't even be there if not for the fact that i don't have a nebulizer at home.

I think my cough started the last time i jogged about 2 weeks ago. I was so sweaty and there was a cold breeze during my walk back to the office. The next day i knew something is up. I didn't jog again because i started coughing already. Then the cold came. Then the next thing i knew imy nose was so clogged i couldn't breath through my nose and my throat hurt from trying to cough out all the phlegm and later my voice was slowly going out. I couldn't sleep for a couple of days until i decided that i need to see a doctor already. Mind you, i wasn't exactly excited about this thought.

Then last Wednesday, Buboy told me that perhaps it's better for me to get confined to a hospital. The idea of sleeping in an air conditioned room struck me. Why not? I haven't used my HMO card. So we made plans and decided that Medical City is the best choice we have. We went to work Wednesday morning, me mostly just to get all the paperwork ready for my confinement. Right after lunch we head down to Medical City's ER.

I was immediately checked at the ER, blood works and x-ray. However, doctors couldn't find anything wrong with me aside from my clogged sinus. They were a bit hesitant to recommend me for inpatient care. Then my attending doctor at the ER said i better stay there for a couple of days to rest. Yey! i was so happy i texted Terry and Mox immediately.

My first visitors were my two bestfriends! Mox arrived shortly after i got settled in my room and Buboy left to get some supplies from Pasig. A few minutes later Terry was there as well. They stayed until almost midnight. The following night Juvie and Benny came with 3 servings of palabok. We prayed the Station of the Cross at the hospital chapel after Juvie and Benny left.

I slept most of the time i was in the hospital and Buboy did the same if he's not watching TV. Our bill was more than 13k but Buboy paid only P15 for a glass i didn't realized i requested. However, we spent almost 3k for food, parking and outpatient medines. But we did enjoy the fact that while others are suffering the haet outside, we were comfortably cool in my room at the 11th floor.

BTW, Buboy was the best caretaker there is!

-chebong

Nanay and Tatay

This article was forwarded to me awhile ago. I felt tears in my eyes as I read it because my Nanay and Tatay too gave the best years of their lives for us.

I remember my Tatay very strong, both in body and in personality. He’s very wise and objective that relatives from both sides of the family come to him for advice and support. He never let any of them down, always giving his time to hear out their problems and/or celebrate good times with them. I always feel protected whenever he is around. Tatay is the first man in my life and I still cannot imagine life without him.

Nanay also has a very strong personality. I have inherited at least half of mine from her. I think that is the reason why we always clash before. But it was just recently that I appreciated her strength. She holds our family together. She takes care of my Tatay now that he is sick and she still takes care of us and the household. Although she gets tired easily these days, she still doesn’t stop doing what she thinks she should do. Nanay never complain, even when she feels something and that makes us fear for her health sometimes. She may talk a lot at times but she knows when to stop. She is the picture of a strong woman, loving wife and caring mother.

I don’t get to see them often these days, but I still always think of them, maybe more often than before. I try harder to please them and make them happy in little ways. We were not brought up to be showy of our affection, thus saying I love you is not natural to us. But I hope they know that we love them, and I hope they know that we know and feel that they love us.

-chebong

My 35th birthday

I celebrated my birthday with Buboy last weekend. We booked a room at Holiday Inn Galleria and spent Saturday night there. We didn’t have dinner Saturday night because we had a late lunch of steak but we bought a pint of ice cream, chips and soda for some night snack while watching TV. The next day, we celebrated Mass at the Edsa Shrine after a late buffet breakfast at the hotel then had steak again for late lunch at Chilli's. The food trip alone made up for the fact that I had my period that weekend. It was nice, spending the weekend with just the two of us. We had a corner room with two full glass walls. The bed was a bit springy at first but really comfy and I love the pillows. We’re thinking of doing it again next month.

However, the pounds I lost through jogging were instantly back after that weekend. I cannot believe how fast my weight bounced back. I didn’t have a weigh-in before I started jogging, but I noticed some changes in my middle part after several sessions. However, I couldn’t be disappointed about a nice, relaxing weekend, can I? At least it proves that jogging really makes a difference for me. I jogged again last Wednesday and I’m supposed to again tonight, but it’s currently raining. I don’t know how long this rain would last. The weather these days can really be confusing.

-chebong

electronic books

I recently discovered ebooks. Actually, I have a couple of ebooks since last year but I can’t bring myself to read them. I feel it’ll strain my eyes or something. I even printed the whole 182 pages of Good Omens so that I can read it comfortably. Last weekend I downloaded a copy of Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince because for once I wanted to read the book first before I watch it on film. I was actually planning of printing it chapter by chapter but when I started reading it via my pc (in the office) I realized it wasn’t so hard after all. I guess all those net surfing paid off, my eyes can stare at the monitor reading articles for hours.

Thing is I got really excited that I downloaded the complete Harry Potter series (I only read The Goblet of Fire and only because my sister Weng got a free copy from a book fair) and the Twilight series. I guess I’m too cheap to buy the books, he.he. And since Buboy is again working from home, he has his own pc and I can use our pc by myself (to read or watch films) when I’m home. Also, I can read some even at the office when things are not so busy. My appreciation to this age’s technology has just gone up a notch.

-chebong

Running in circles

Today will be my 4th run session. I can’t believe that I actually enjoyed running and walking after work. I know I said I was excited, but still, I was half expecting that I’ll give up after a couple of sessions. Probably it’s because I do it on my own - no trainer, I always run with a friend (except today but it's okay), and it lessens my guilt over eating binges with Buboy during weekends.

Although I’m having fun with my new found activity, I have other things in my mind right now. I’m a bit worried about the traces of blood that I have noticed with my discharge. It’s not every day that I see it, and God knows I keep a watchful eye on that one. I think it’s happened four or five times already in the past two to three weeks. At first I thought it’s just a sign that my period is coming, but it hasn’t come until now. I’m scared that something might be wrong with me down there.. again.

Then of course, the silly me is hoping that the blood-stained discharge might be a sign of pregnancy. So I bought a pregnancy test. The result is negative. And I wonder why I feel so bad when deep inside I know what the test would say even before i had it.

God I hate this! I feel like I’m running in circles and I don’t know how and when to stop.

-chebong

time to do some exercise

Buboy plays basketball with his officemates every Friday. I encourage him because I know the exercise is good for him plus he gets some time with the boys. I need some exercise too, not only because I have to do something while I wait for him on Fridays, but because I’m getting bigger every day. And so last weekend I bought my first rubber (running) shoes in 15 years. I plan to run around the park near our office every Friday… and maybe a bit more often when I get the hang of it.

I did some research on jogging/running and found out that I can burn about 350 calories by running for 30 minutes (hey, i'm not in too much hurry to be rid of all my flabÜ). However, it is not advisable for someone like me to immediately start running. I’ll have to start with intervals of walking, brisk walking, and running. Then of course there’s some stretching I need to do before and after each run. I think I’ll need to really do that so that my body won’t go into too much shock when I start this activity. I can still recall how sore my body was after that caving and hiking thing we did in Sagada a few months ago… argh!

Friday is a good day to start. I can stay in bed the whole day next day should my body beg me to. I’m excited! I just hope this excitement will last long enough for me see some results.. some 20 pound results I hope!

-chebong

Baby blues

Yesterday Buboy and I went to attend the dedication of Kian, Allan and Susan’s baby. Allan is one of Buboy’s friends from college. I was excited to go, not only because Allan has been a good friend of mine too, but because his baby was so cute the last we saw him at Francis’ baby’s christening last year.

We arrived at the venue a little early and went outside to wait. Then Ritchie and Sherrie came and we girls chatted while the boys did the same in the other corner. After a few how are you’s, Sherrie broke the news that she’s already 4 months pregnant. I got really excited and happy for her and I know she actually saw it. Then Nhey and Arlyn came with their daughter Julliene. I noticed that Arlyn is getting bigger and I was later informed that she’s 5 months pregnant with their 2nd baby. I was still okay that time and still happy for the two moms sitting beside me. However, when we were all seated down inside and the ninongs were called to seat in front that I began to feel depressed. Nhey said he’s not a ninong because Allan is already the ninong of their first child and according to superstitions it’s not good. It dawned on me that Buboy is the ninong of all his closest friends from college’s first child. Who will he get to be the ninong when we finally have our baby?

Then during the dedication ceremony, Allan and Susan offered a prayer and they said something like thank you Lord for entrusting us to nurture a life. Big time sadness hits me again. I wonder why God would not trust me to nurture another life. Can’t I do it? Tears started to line my eyes. It hurt so much to push them back so no one would notice. We ended up going earlier than the rest of Buboy’s friends.

I thought I was over this. I thought I have already accepted that God might have other plans for us. I thought wrong...

-chebong

Road trip to Neo

We all visited Neo last weekend, except Nanay, Tatay and Jun-Jun. Nanay and Tatay wanted to come but we didn't think Tatay is up for an 8-hour drive (2-way) yet. He was brought to the ER a week before we went to Neo because of pneumonia and is still a bit weak. And Jun-Jun, well, he’s a different story.

Frankly I was so excited to see Neo again, though I was also nervous that he might not know us anymore. The moment we reached their place, I picked him up from his mother and he started to cry. Of course he did not recognize us, it’s been more than 3 months since he last saw us. But he did warmed up to us eventually, at least before we had to say goodbye again.

Neo, though had been in a hospital, had measles and allergies, is still a bright and happy baby. He was always moving about and playing. He crawl fast and always wanted to be in a sitting position or walking (held, of course). I missed him already. Maybe because I know it’ll be a long time before I get to see him again.

I wish Jun-Jun would realize how lucky he is to have Neo.

Anyway, since we’re already up north, we passed by Clark for some duty free shopping. I bought sweatpants for jogging (which I’ll write about next time) and of course chocolates and pistachios. It was a fun day, not only because we get to see Neo again, but because road trip with my siblings are always fun.

-chebong

hot air balloon fest

Last weekend, Buboy and I went to see lots of things that fly at the 14th hot air balloon festival at Clarkfield, Pampanga. It was a fun and different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. True enough, we saw a lot of flying things such as small airplanes (2-seater), sky gliders, sky divers, helicopters, loads of kites, and of course hot air balloons in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Some of the events that we didn’t miss (hey, we need to catch up on some sleep a few hours there in the park) are the hot air balloon flight, aerobatic flight display, Philippine Navy and PNP skydiving show, skydiving exhibition, light airplane balloon busting competition, kite flying, and the hot air balloon night glow. There were also photo exhibits with amazing pictures that makes me want to take up photography too.

The airfield was covered with people of all ages. We saw a lot of baby carriages and granny wheelchairs too. It was good judgment on buboy’s part that we brought a banig as we position ourselves in the middle of the crowds with tents and mats. Being Valentine’s Day, there were two really sweet proposals via sky gliders that day. But it doesn’t change the fact that it was a true family affair. I’m glad buboy took me there.

-chebong

I miss Neo

I miss Neo. I was hoping we could visit him last month but it was a busy month so.. We haven't seen him in three months. I know he's changed a lot. I wish he still remembers us.

I was looking at his photos when he was with us and his face has really changed since he arrived at Pasig in September until he went back to Pangasinan in November. I'll have his photos printed so i can give them copies. I want him to remember his family in Pasig as i know we won't be seeing him that often. I hope we get to visit him next weekend.

-chebong

2008 Summary

Inspired by the blog of my sister-at-heart Mec, I listed down some of the things that sums up my 2008. Here goes:

1. Something new that I did in 2008
- I went on a long road trip with Buboy and we went caving (twice!) which may be the most physical of all my activities in the past five years at least.
2. New year’s resolution
- I actually don’t have one except to try to keep writing on my thank you journal
3. What I want for 2009 that I did not get last year
- Baby

4. Most memorable experience or happening
- It’s still the road trip that Buboy and I did early 2008. It was the best two weeks of our lives together. It proves that we can live alone together, far from family and friends, have lots of fun and not kill each other :o)
5. Achievements
- Adjusted well enough back at work
6. Disappointments
- I don't try hard enough
7. Investments
- Probably the new insurance and retirement fund we bought
8. Splurge
- For me it has to be the dress I wore at Juvie and Benny’s wedding. I still can’t believe I paid that much for a beach dress!
9. Historical event
- Everyone will agree it has to be Obama winning the US presidency
10. Life lesson
- I can’t do everything and it's okay.. God sent someone special to help..

I cannot believe how hard it is to answer some of the items above, to think I chose them items! I guess I wasn’t really being conscious of what was happening to me last year. This is eye-opening! I shouldn’t miss what happens in my own life… I should be on top of it! I really should do better in my 2009 summary.

-chebong

the blog's new face

I was looking for a new look for this blog. I kinda got tired of the old one. I thought maybe a new template every now and then would motivate me to visit the site and blog something every few days or so. I found a lot of pretty templates online but I'm having trouble downloading what I like so I ended up with a custom blogger template. I also love this one because of its clean breezy look.

I'm still waiting for Buboy to pick me up. I bet he's on his way already coming from his 4:00pm meeting at HighStreet. I'm well fed from our afternoon meryenda so I'm still okay, though I hope he gets here soon. I guess i'll have to busy myself with the internet for now. Oh well..

-chebong

Nanay's birthday

Nanay celebrated her 60th birthday last January 12. We had a simple party for her and invited mostly relatives. Weng, Juvie and I chipped-in for everything. It was fun. Considering that it was a Monday, a lot of people attended and we were up until 2:00am cleaning up.

I wish Nanay happy senior years ahead. We may not be okay most of my adolescent years but I have come to appreciate her and what she’s done for us since I graduated from college. We’re still not that close but I believe our relationship has improved a lot since my younger years. I love her and I know she loves us too. I really hope we can give her good life ahead.

-chebong

Sagada... again

Buboy and I went to Sagada for the second time in 2008, this time with my sister Weng. We were mesmerized and truly captured by the beauty of Sagada and its people when we reached it at the tail of our January 2008 Northern exposure trip that we made a promise to ourselves to go back, and we did! This time our trip there was in the middle of a very long Christmas holiday vacation, thus the place was beaming with tourist, local and otherwise. Even the president (GMA) visited Sagada while we're there.

We went caving again, though instead of the big cave exploration (Sumaging Cave) we opted to try the cave connection. It’s a bit more exciting (not to mention exhausting) as we entered the burial cave and came out of Sumaging cave. It was a 4-hour tour inside the cave but it tested my endurance and patience and I found out I still have enough stamina so it was well worth it. The next day we hiked to the big falls. It was an hour-long hike down a rice terraces. The falls is so majestic and its crystal clear cool water refreshes us after a long hike under the sun. But the hike back up almost crashed all the energy I had left.

The thing that makes us want to go back there over and over again is not only the refreshingly cold mountain air and the striking landscape with all the adventures it brings, but also the Sagadan people who have shown us nothing but warmth and hospitality. Truly Sagada may be considered the last frontier of Luzon.

-chebong