My Ninang Baby passed away last Monday, October 15, 2007. She was buried today.
Ninang, i know you will finally get the rest you deserve with God.
Dear Lord, please keep my Ninang in your grace along with the others who departed in Your name.
-chebong
Friday, October 19, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Being a professional writer
A few months ago, during the start of my long leave, I wrote here that one of things I wanted to do during my hiatus from regular work is to write… anything! Several times I thought I will be able to fulfill this goal. But it wasn’t until last week when I finally got a real chance to write… professionally. Okay, it wasn’t something that pays well, yet I get paid doing it so I call it writing professionally. Please bear with me. Besides, I had to take a really long writing test to be accepted, though only as a probationary writer. The thing that excites me however is the fact that after submitting my first batch of articles, the head editor gave me another batch to work on. I mean, that should say that I did pretty well, right? I’m really glad to be doing this, if only to hone my writing skills. Buboy thinks my writing has really improved. That, coming from someone I look up to when it comes to writing, is really something for me. He’s been very supportive from the start, never doubting my skill. That’s my husband! Maybe someday I’ll even get to write a book, something that I have always dreamed of. There’s no harm in dreaming… and of trying.
-chebong
-chebong
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Engagement: a happy occasion
Aside from the films, I haven’t witnessed a wedding proposal before. And it has been four years since Buboy and I got engaged ourselves. Thus I didn’t realize since last night just how beautiful it can be even for the spectators.
My sister Juvie got a marriage proposal from her long time boyfriend Benny during one of the regular meetings of the church group they are both actively involved in. We are not a member of this group. However Benny asked us to be there so we went. My sister was obviously surprised to see us there. But we did well by actually participating in the discussion.
Benny was one of the key speakers for the night and he talked about love finishing it off by going to my sister who was seated among the others and kneeling, presented her with a ring and asked the question “will you be my wife?” Now this happened inside the village chapel making the event serene despite the many cheers and laughter from the group. Juvie was clearly surprised and dumbfounded she turned beet red and was not able to immediately answer. But of course she did say yes after several moments of speechlessness. Well, it has been proven long ago that speechlessness can occur during intense moments such as this so it was not taken negatively by both Benny and the group.
After the meeting and the main event, which apparently was the proposal, the group decided to celebrate a little by dropping by Mc Donald’s Fort for a late dinner and afterwards coffee at UCC next-door. Buboy and I had fun along with everyone else despite the fact that we’re not part of the group and some of them we've only just met. However, I noticed how Juvie was still quite silent for most of the night. But it was evident that it was a happy silence. I bet she’s reenacting in her mind the proposal over and over. Well, she was clearly glowing.
My sister Juvie got a marriage proposal from her long time boyfriend Benny during one of the regular meetings of the church group they are both actively involved in. We are not a member of this group. However Benny asked us to be there so we went. My sister was obviously surprised to see us there. But we did well by actually participating in the discussion.
Benny was one of the key speakers for the night and he talked about love finishing it off by going to my sister who was seated among the others and kneeling, presented her with a ring and asked the question “will you be my wife?” Now this happened inside the village chapel making the event serene despite the many cheers and laughter from the group. Juvie was clearly surprised and dumbfounded she turned beet red and was not able to immediately answer. But of course she did say yes after several moments of speechlessness. Well, it has been proven long ago that speechlessness can occur during intense moments such as this so it was not taken negatively by both Benny and the group.
After the meeting and the main event, which apparently was the proposal, the group decided to celebrate a little by dropping by Mc Donald’s Fort for a late dinner and afterwards coffee at UCC next-door. Buboy and I had fun along with everyone else despite the fact that we’re not part of the group and some of them we've only just met. However, I noticed how Juvie was still quite silent for most of the night. But it was evident that it was a happy silence. I bet she’s reenacting in her mind the proposal over and over. Well, she was clearly glowing.
The couple with the witnesses at UCC cafe'
To the newly engaged couple, Juvie and Benny, Buboy and I wish you strength as you share the gift of love and happiness that God has given you. We love you!
- Chebong
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Happy Birthday Mama Mary....
Today is September 8... Mama Mary's Birthday.
Happy Birthday Mama... we love you and we thank you for watching over this particular Kurly Couple all this time. We know that you will continue to intercede not only in our behalf, but that of the whole world. We thank you for your continued blessings and prayers for all of us.
With love,
-Buboy & Chebong
Friday, September 7, 2007
Farewell Baldo... We'll miss you...
One of our dogs, Baldo, died this early morning. He was the oldest of our three dogs. Baldo was the alpha dog in the house. He was given to my brother when he was just a puppy and has been with us for ten years. Although he was such a sweet dog (to our family), he was also a loud and extremely territorial dog. Those who don’t know him (heck! even those who know him but see him rarely) are terrified of him.
Baldo’s companion for six years was Basti. He was given to me by Mox when he was also just a puppy. Baldo and Basti, though always together fight a lot… especially when we adopted a female dog. We had to give her up, the two dogs were fighting over her like crazy! But even when the lady dog was gone, they would still fight. We’d see one of them limping and we’d know. It’s like a sport to them somehow. They were always in competition. They compete over food, attention from us; they would even compete in barking to let us know someone is at the gate. We’d always know from their barking though if that someone is a stranger or family.
This morning when Baldo was lying under the table slowly slipping away, Basti stood by him with his head close to Baldo’s as if whispering consoling words, staying there, not leaving. When Baldo finally used up his final breath, Basti nudged his head as if waking him up, not believing that he had already left.
They say fighting among true friends is normal. They also say that dogs make good friends. I now know it’s true. I’ve seen it happen. Baldo and Basti, despite being just dogs know what friendship is. And their friendship goes beyond their fights. I wish all people would experience such friendship.
I have been worrying about Basti for awhile now, with him being quiet and obviously depressed the whole day. But then again, everyone needs time to mourn a lost friend, Basti included.
Baldo’s companion for six years was Basti. He was given to me by Mox when he was also just a puppy. Baldo and Basti, though always together fight a lot… especially when we adopted a female dog. We had to give her up, the two dogs were fighting over her like crazy! But even when the lady dog was gone, they would still fight. We’d see one of them limping and we’d know. It’s like a sport to them somehow. They were always in competition. They compete over food, attention from us; they would even compete in barking to let us know someone is at the gate. We’d always know from their barking though if that someone is a stranger or family.
This morning when Baldo was lying under the table slowly slipping away, Basti stood by him with his head close to Baldo’s as if whispering consoling words, staying there, not leaving. When Baldo finally used up his final breath, Basti nudged his head as if waking him up, not believing that he had already left.
They say fighting among true friends is normal. They also say that dogs make good friends. I now know it’s true. I’ve seen it happen. Baldo and Basti, despite being just dogs know what friendship is. And their friendship goes beyond their fights. I wish all people would experience such friendship.
I have been worrying about Basti for awhile now, with him being quiet and obviously depressed the whole day. But then again, everyone needs time to mourn a lost friend, Basti included.
-Chebong
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A Pig Named Malou Fernandez
Malou Fernandez is very famous these days. She’s been talk of the town across socioeconomic levels. Too bad she’s not enjoying it, as I’m sure of… because she won’t be able to show her face to the public for awhile. Everyone is calling her a pig… not because she’s overweight… but because she acts like one. I think people can forgive her for acting like a diva and for being one hell of a social climbing elitist… but for being degrading of others is another story.
She not only insulted the OFWs in her article “From Boracay to Greece”, she’s also defended herself by calling those who spoke up against her writings humorless illiterate.
No one can blame the people who have responded with curses and bad words that attacked her personally. She deserves it. She’s not even sincere in her (sarcastic) apology. I don’t think she even understands why a lot of people hate her guts. She has irked the Filipino people, not for being a cheap brand-dropping bitch, but for being an insensitive brat who thinks so highly of herself and so lowly of others, especially of the hardworking OFWs. The worst part is... she’s also a Filipino.
Originally, I don’t want to give her a space in this blog. But heck, maybe she deserves some after all… if only for uniting the Filipinos into showing our support to the OFWs.
-chebong
She not only insulted the OFWs in her article “From Boracay to Greece”, she’s also defended herself by calling those who spoke up against her writings humorless illiterate.
No one can blame the people who have responded with curses and bad words that attacked her personally. She deserves it. She’s not even sincere in her (sarcastic) apology. I don’t think she even understands why a lot of people hate her guts. She has irked the Filipino people, not for being a cheap brand-dropping bitch, but for being an insensitive brat who thinks so highly of herself and so lowly of others, especially of the hardworking OFWs. The worst part is... she’s also a Filipino.
Originally, I don’t want to give her a space in this blog. But heck, maybe she deserves some after all… if only for uniting the Filipinos into showing our support to the OFWs.
-chebong
Sunday, August 12, 2007
"VINDICATION" is a dish best served... GOLD!
Ey-Yo... Eh-Eh-Eyo...... Ey-Yo... Eh-Eh-Eyo!!!!
*uhrrmmmm*... Sorry 'bout that, let me compose myself a little... *whew!* okay, I think I got it under control now... lemme' see, where was I? oh yeah....
Yesterday was the start of the second round eliminations in the current season of UAAP basketball. Chebong and I were invited by our good friend Mox to watch the pride of our beloved Alma-Mater, University of Santo Tomas' Growling Tigers go up against the Green Archers of De La Salle University. I was excited at the idea of getting to watch live college ball again. It's been a little less than 10 years since I got to go to one of these things live and "a-little-bit-psyched-up" would be a pretty weak description of what I was feeling one week prior to game-time.
Yesterday was the start of the second round eliminations in the current season of UAAP basketball. Chebong and I were invited by our good friend Mox to watch the pride of our beloved Alma-Mater, University of Santo Tomas' Growling Tigers go up against the Green Archers of De La Salle University. I was excited at the idea of getting to watch live college ball again. It's been a little less than 10 years since I got to go to one of these things live and "a-little-bit-psyched-up" would be a pretty weak description of what I was feeling one week prior to game-time.
Admittedly, it was pretty weird getting back into the whole "school spirit" thing. I remember back in college when my buddies and I used to go to these things. One can't help but reminice on the things that made it all one heck of a fun ride: the cheers the chants, the jeers, the cheerleaders... (oh yeaaah...cheeeerleaders... heh heh heh). Going through the motions of it all after a long period of inactivity made for some pretty awkward moments at first.
We got ourselves upper-box tickets with seats located roughly at the center-area that got us a pretty good view of the courtside action. We did'nt get to actually sit at our designated seats (nobody at these things does anyway) and ended up taking spots along one of the center aisles. Being among mostly college kids was a little bit awkward at first, especially when the cheering and chanting started and one tiny bit of realization set in... we did'nt know any of the chants they were doing!
It was embarassing...
Well, like the bright campers that we prided ourselves to be... we got the hang of the new chants eventually as the game progressed, thereby managing to look a little less silly during the rest of the event.
The game itself did'nt change with the passing of years. The same adrenalin rush of watching cagers from both Universities trying to out-do each other was still the main reason school spirit is always at an all-time high during UAAP season.
We got ourselves upper-box tickets with seats located roughly at the center-area that got us a pretty good view of the courtside action. We did'nt get to actually sit at our designated seats (nobody at these things does anyway) and ended up taking spots along one of the center aisles. Being among mostly college kids was a little bit awkward at first, especially when the cheering and chanting started and one tiny bit of realization set in... we did'nt know any of the chants they were doing!
It was embarassing...
Well, like the bright campers that we prided ourselves to be... we got the hang of the new chants eventually as the game progressed, thereby managing to look a little less silly during the rest of the event.
The game itself did'nt change with the passing of years. The same adrenalin rush of watching cagers from both Universities trying to out-do each other was still the main reason school spirit is always at an all-time high during UAAP season.
tiger cub at the game... yep... we start 'em off young...
This particular game was no exception. Coming from a 17 game losing streak that started way back in 1999 against DLSU, the UST Growling Tigers have been itching for some payback for quite some time now. The first half of the game was pretty depressing on our part since UST was putting in a pretty horrible game... too many missed shots and too many turn-overs got me to thinking that maybe us watching the game live turned out to be bad luck for our home team.
Luckily for us, after the half-time break, (and after probably a helluva lot of ass-whupping in the locker rooms by UST Head Coach Pido Jarencio...) the Tigers came out strong and were giving the Archers a run for their money!
until the 4rth quarter that is...
It all happened so fast... yet so agonizingly slow (don't ask... I cant figure that one out myself), but regardless of the increased offensive and defensive strategies of UST, the Archers managed to put an impressive 12 point lead with 1:57 remaining in the game. This was it... "payback's gone down the drain"--- I thought to myself: "If some sort of miracle is gonna happen... it had better happen soon!"... and from the looks of the kids around us, I'd gather they were'nt thinking much different.
I dont know if the big Guy upstairs heard me and all the other Tiger fans silently praying to the high heavens for help... but something happened... It wasnt that noticeable at first (considering the large lead already attained by DLSU) but the Tigers were ACTUALLY fighting back!!! Like it's striped namesake, the UST cagers silently and ferociously fought their way out of the corner that DLSU ushered them into. Every steal, jumpshot, three-pointer and free throw went in like clock-work closing the 12 point gap and sending the game into heart-stopping overtime!
I'm not sure what fueled the Tigers during that fantastic run... or what was going through their minds as the clock was slowly counting down to oblivion. What was clearly evident to all the fans that night was how much their hearts were into the game. This game was a testament to fighters who wouldnt back down to insurmountable odds, to improbable heroes and impossible victories... an underdog story? Not hardly...
It's the Growling Tiger story.
UST beat DLSU in overtime last August 11, 2007. Managing an 8 point lead with a final score of 81 to 73 against the dazed Green Archers... the Tigers have finally gotten their payback.
Viva USTe!
Tigers Ruuuuuule!!!!!!
- Buboy
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Back to the dungeon next week
Starting next week I will be reporting back to work every Monday. I thought going to the office once a week will be a welcome break from being home everyday (and supposedly being bored) but right now it’s not what I’m feeling. Right now I’m dreading the day that I need to go back to work. I don’t know why. Must be because I learned that Jane, my assistant, is 4 weeks pregnant when she’s only been married for one month. Perhaps because of the incident that happened (non-signing of contract of new employee) before I went on leave. Or maybe I just really got tired of working. I still do not know.
So what have I accomplished for the past 3 weeks? Well, I finished the 1st season of Grey’s Anatomy; read Inca Gold by Clive Cussler, The Villa by Nora Roberts, and Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Prachett. I have cleaned and partly organized our rooms and I started going to Baclaran. Currently I’m reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Oh, and I’ve been accompanying my mother-in-law to her medical check-ups and stuff. I guess I have been busy somehow... Yeah right, I am still trying to convince myself.
-chebong
So what have I accomplished for the past 3 weeks? Well, I finished the 1st season of Grey’s Anatomy; read Inca Gold by Clive Cussler, The Villa by Nora Roberts, and Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Prachett. I have cleaned and partly organized our rooms and I started going to Baclaran. Currently I’m reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Oh, and I’ve been accompanying my mother-in-law to her medical check-ups and stuff. I guess I have been busy somehow... Yeah right, I am still trying to convince myself.
-chebong
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Missed friends are not lost friends
Last weekend I got to talk to one my best friends from grade school via YM. Although I have a pc with internet access at work, a broadband in Pasig and vibe in Las Piñas (this is not too long ago until the pldt line got corrupted around our area in Las Piñas and any dial-up can’t sustain a connection for more than a minute!), I did not install YM because I’m not much into chatting. Last Saturday Buboy had to install it in Pasig because I was waiting for a message from someone who broke my heart (she made me think that she’ll get me to write articles for her, the b*tch!). But then maybe her only role in my life is to link me with my old friend. Well, the moment I was logged in, there was Doc Lani! I missed this girl sooo much! It has been years since we saw each other last because she went to the US. I can’t wait till I talk (or make that chat until I buy a headset and cam for our pc) to her again and make up for all the years that passed. There definitely are a lot of updates to make :o)
-chebong
-chebong
Monday, July 9, 2007
Liberation day
Today is my grand liberation day! The first day of my long vacation. I know I will have to get back to work every Monday starting next month, but at least I have 3 full weeks for myself. If only Buboy can join me. Hopefully he’ll be able to take a long leave by October too.
So how did I spend my first non-working day? I washed our undies, I prepared our things for Las Piñas (we’re going home there tonight), and prepared Buboy’s reimbursement receipts. I know it’s not much, but I’m supposed to be on vacation, remember?
Actually, a lot of “things to do” are waiting for me in Las Piñas. I plan to start with our closet and I’m sure it’ll take me to a lot more things to do. But I don’t have to hurry and push myself, I can take my time and choose what I want to do first… like maybe write :o)
Life, right now is sweet…
-chebong
So how did I spend my first non-working day? I washed our undies, I prepared our things for Las Piñas (we’re going home there tonight), and prepared Buboy’s reimbursement receipts. I know it’s not much, but I’m supposed to be on vacation, remember?
Actually, a lot of “things to do” are waiting for me in Las Piñas. I plan to start with our closet and I’m sure it’ll take me to a lot more things to do. But I don’t have to hurry and push myself, I can take my time and choose what I want to do first… like maybe write :o)
Life, right now is sweet…
-chebong
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