A Change of Heart

I went to get a pedicure before going home. This plan had been delayed by days. The last few days have been heavy at work. When I get home, all I wanted to do was meet my bed. Today, I decided to be extra awake.

I was assigned to an attendant I was not familiar with. It's a favorite nail salon. I usually get assigned to someone I already had an appointment with before.

I smiled at her. She didn't smile back. I assumed she didn't see what I did. The session started. I heard her murmur. I sort of assumed she was talking about how small my fingers are and it might be difficult to put on French Tip art. I did not complain about her comment. I usually get that comment, only always with a smile and sweet tone, never did sound a complain. I always go for a French Tip. I was never adventurous with nail art. I just want clean-looking nails.

She would utter a word or two, throw a question or two that I can't hear. I decided to answer her with a smile always. I decided to also look her in the eye when she looks up. I checked her name. It took me some time to get a clear view of her ID. I initially wanted to send feedback to management about her attitude. But as we interacted, she softened. She became more caring and voice was softer. She gave a snicker or two. She went an extra mile of helping me dry my nails. I said she can leave me while I let it dry. She didn't want to until I pushed her to, so she can serve other customers.

She had a change of heart. I did, too. It was a good ending, a better one.

As a result, I gave myself a treat. I bought a half mango roll cake to celebrate my decision.

Am on Top

This photo is the same as my Bubblews avatar. It was taken by my friend, Sugar in October of 2012 in Baler, Aurora PH. I was on the roof of another friend's car.

Believe me, it was a simple dream come true. I have always wanted to experience that view. It only took one “please?" and I got what I wanted. Thanks to good friends who understand the simple pleasures of life.

From the top, it feels different. I’d say it also smells different, for some reason. And it, certainly, looks different. It can be downright scary if you keep on thinking of what's underneath. It can also be overwhelming, if you don't respect how tall you have become.

Every now and then, it’s good to change your perspective to get a whole new meaning. Try new things. Try simple new things. Explore new things. Explore simple new things.

It pays all the time.


Note: You will also find this entry from another site. Click this link. 

Andee Dear

Andee dear,

It amazes me when I find someone who is truly passionate about something. I say TRULY because I believe passion can never be faked - fake that you have it or fake that you don't. You'd message me even in the wee hours of the morning (am n0t complaining) when you want to talk about it. You talk about this author on Facebook and with me with so much intensity. I enjoyed every bit of it...So, I think you deserve this.

Found the title we have been wanting to start but have not been able to. Here's for you. You read it first and I will go next, then let's push thru with our plans to talk about it over coffee soon.

I see a Book Club happening. I have always wanted to start one. Who knows it could be this.

Keep reading, sissy!

Fox

May I have the cheque?

Today, just before going home, my friends and I stayed just a little bit longer at the office to chat some more. It is a post-Monday habit we do to make up for a busy day. 

One of us is planning on buying a refrigerator and a television. We were looking at what's available on the net. We were adding up the amount needed and realized how tight our budgets are at this time. To compensate for the frustration, we laughed and laughed and felt good, until one of us jokingly said, 

"Ok. May I have the cheque?"

Laughter was louder after.

It was in this moment that I remembered an episode of Oprah featuring Jim Carrey. In the interview, he shared how he visualized himself getting ten million dollars for an acting stint. He said,

"I wrote myself a check for ten million dollars for acting services rendered and I gave myself five years. or three years maybe, and I dated it Thanksgiving 1995. I put it in my wallet. I kept it there and it deteriorated and deteriorated . But then, just before Thanksgiving 1995, I found out I was going to make ten million dollars on... Dumb & Dumber... I put that check in the casket with my father because it was our dream together."

                                                   -   Jim Carrey, Oprah Winfrey Show, 1997

I shared the story to the group and encouraged we do the same, so we wrote a check that's more than what's needed made out to one of us, complete with a routing number, account number, signature and a check number. We asked that she (to whom the check was made out) keep it in her wallet.

Now, we may not have the same fate as Jim Carrey did. The "cheque" might just deteriorate and we won't even notice. But one thing remained today - hope. And, I guess, hope is exactly what we need for now, not the money.

Travel Snippets: The Dignity of Bacolor, Pampanga

Travel Date: January 18, 2014
1st Leg of Attraversiamo 2014  - My Yearly Travel Series

This is the second stop of our Bits of Cuisine and Culture Trip to Pampanga. Our first stop was a full dining experience at Atching Lillian Borromeo’s house. You should read about it first from this link. The entry will lead you back to this. Enjoy!

Today's entry is about our visit to two amazing places, San Guillermo Church and Campo Santo de Bacolor.

San Guillermo Parish Church, also known as the "Sunken Church", is located in Bacolor, Pampanga, and was built in 1576 by the Augustinian friars. In 1880, the Church was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt in 1886. On June 15, 1991, another tragedy hit when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. According to USGS, it's  the second largest eruption in the 20th century; second to Novarupta 1912 eruption in AK.

The eruption caused so much damage when the lahar flowed from the slopes of the mountain onto the surrounding countryside burying residential areas including San Guillermo Church, which was half-buried.

I remember how the aftermath was also felt in Metro Manila due a typhoon that brought a mix of ash and rain all throughout the metro. We were asked to wear head gears every time we go outside the house. I can also clearly remember one person from a tv show who said, "The Lord wants Pampanga and the Philippines to repent from our sins." and how he related it to a scene of repentance in the Bible where people put ashes on their head to prove it.

Despite the lahar tragedy, you will still be amazed by the beauty of the church.

In fact, the beauty was also mixed with love when we visited it. There was a wedding.

We also found out that the easiest way to find the church is to use the name Santino - a child character in a local TV drama series, May Bukas Pa. When you ask where San Guillermo Church is, you might hear them say, "Ah yung kay Santino!" I was not a follower of the said drama series but it was interesting to know how the show made the place more famous. Am sure it has helped the community's tourism and income.

Just behind San Guillermo Church is also a lahar half-buried cemetery named Campo Santo de Bacolor.

Campo Santo de Bacolor is a one-hectare Roman Catholic cemetery. The thought that this place houses buried dead bodies, again, buried by lahar, can either give you the creeps or develop in you a greater respect for its history. It gives me the latter. I, actually, could not help but check the place myself. I had to tell my friends to come with me only if they are comfortable. A cemetery is one of my favorite photo subjects. I think it's a road less taken by photographers.

Let me give you a tour, if I may.

This is what's behind San Guillermo Church facing the entrance of Campo Santo de Bacolor.

You will find this before you enter the cemetery.

 Let's go inside.

 Inside you will also see the half-buried small chapel where the dead received final blessing. It is now a tourist spot.

 This is the view facing San Guillermo Church.

For some reason, I felt a little attached to this part of Pampanga.  It's a very simple place, nothing spectacular about it, but it has gained my utmost respect. Despite what it went through, it has kept its dignity in tact. This says so much about humanity. We could go through a lot of situations that could destroy us, half-bury us, make us struggle and limp through life, but we should never ever lose our dignity along the process. The tragedy should never turn us into another tragedy.

I plan on coming back because I still have a list to complete.

To all the locals of Pampanga, for now, let me celebrate you in the only way I know how.

If you liked this entry and would like to follow me, you may like my page on Facebook through this link.

TRAVEL SNIPPETS: Kusina ni Atching Lillian Borromeo

Travel Date: January 18
1st Leg of Attraversiamo 2014

I am not a travel expert, but I guess experience establishes your credibility more than your title. A good friend of mine reached out to me in creating a simple, short, not-too-expensive, one-day trip for another friend who has been very busy at work. They have been friends for a long time and true friends look out for each other, so I understood him. I, of course, loved the idea. I also want to kick off my travel journal for the year.

I prepared a very simple itinerary. I did not research too much. I just made sure that we know, at least, the addresses of the places we will visit. The problem about reading too much about a travel destination before going is losing the elements of surprise and adventure. Research just enough and wait to be surprised. Test your travel instincts and learn from it. 

Straight from the evening shift at work, we left the office at 1030AM.

First Stop - Kusina ni Atching Lillian Borromeo 

Lillian Lising Borromeo is known as the Guardian of Kapampangan Kitchen. She is famous for cooking native dishes of Pampanga using the traditional ways she learned from her ancestors. She has guested in a lot of TV programs showcasing her cooking prowess. She has also been awarded for her efforts to keep her culinary genius and the culture of the Kapampangans alive.

Photo from Sugar Canto.

We did not waste time. We feasted on the delectable dishes served before us.

Let me feed your eyes.

Aside from the mouthwatering food, Atching Lillian also offers a baking demo of the San Nicolas cookie (and more) for her guests. She shared stories after stories of how her ancestors prepare food. She injected bits of her sweet sense of humor every now and then, which made her very charming. She also showed us some of the traditional wooden cooking implements such as the very old rolling pin and the huge egg beater.

 

She invited some of her guests to try the cookie molding part and gave free samplings to all.

After the demo, you can look around her little museum where she placed every piece that speaks of her tireless effort to preserve her local color and humbly show her achievements. Another proof of this is the ongoing ABS-CBN program shoot while we were there. See photo below.

ABS-CBN shoot.

Atching Lillian is a very warm person. When I made a reservation, she immediately accommodated us and politely informed me that there are other guests scheduled the same day and made sure we are fine with it. She has been known to attending to her guests personally - talking to them, hugging and kissing them as they enter her home. She has even called me three times to ensure I know where to find her place.

We were asked to write on her Guest Book and we did. We thought it was our only way to appreciate what she does for Pampanga and our country.

Needless to say, food was great! The pandan juice was a first for me. It was refreshing.

More than the food, I liked the experience it gave me - that homey, motherly, and warm ambiance while eating is probably something you will rarely get these days. Her gracious ways and very calm way of communicating remind you of your own mother. When you look around, eat and smell the food, you know you are in the right place. You are home.

Here's a photo of Atching Lillian's home.

Photo from Sugar Canto.

Her house is located in Mexico, Pampanga.

Check out our next stop from this link.

When You Have Nothing to Write About...20 Tips!

If the story can’t find us, we look for the story.  

In your whole writing career, am sure it has happened to you - inability to write. What should I write about today? Where will I get an inspiration? There is no response from your head. None. Nada.
 
Back in grade school years, I became part of the Journalism Club. I was one of the Editors-in-Chief of the school paper. I thought it was the career I was destined to take. I was wrong. As I got older, I felt that my writing became dependent more on my mood. I can no longer write with a deadline. I cannot be forced to write. However, when I feel the urge to, I can’t stop it either. I recently joined a paid blogging site where the number of your qualified articles determine how much you earn. Imagine how it may be a little too overwhelming for me. On this blog, I write an average of just 5 entries per month.
 
If you have the gift of being able to write all the time, I salute and envy you. In my case, I get through those episodes of Nada more often than most of you. Now that I have followers on my blog and, also, trying my chance in paid blogging, I try to address those I-can’t-think-of-what-to-write moments:

Let me share them with you. If it will help you at least once, then it’s worth your time.

1. Look for an old photo that could generate a story out of you. It does not even have to be yours. It could be someone else’s. Note: Be sure to give credit to the owner.

2. Visit your Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking sites, and read your old posts which may remind you of a good story you could write about. You might be surprised of how many you’ll remember. It will also be a good way to reflect on what you have learned from them and tell us so we can learn from it, too.

3. Watch a movie or an episode of your favorite TV show and talk about a scene that caught your interest.

4. Look for your old works – poems, stories etc. Refresh its meaning to you. Your perspective may have changed with time.

5. Call an old friend or someone you have not talked to for a very long time. You’ll find new stories from old friends.

6. Think about something you have not done and talk about it.

7. Do you have kids or pets? Watch them and learn. There’s always a story to tell from those babies, furry or not.

8. Recall a weekend adventure, or a travel, or food you have experienced. People love to hear those. I would love to read that.

9. Go out and eat in a restaurant you have not tried. Talk about your experience.

10. What are your plans for the weekend? Talk about it. Are you traveling? Show us your itinerary and then tell us if you got to follow it when you come back. That’s two stories in one!

11. Listen to a favorite song and talk about it or talk about a song you hate hearing and tell us why.

12. Turn on the TV and watch the news. Tell us your opinion

13. Turn on the TV and watch the TV ads and talk about it.

14. Think about the things you usually tell yourself. Write yourself a letter.

15. Get up. Go out for an hour. See the outside world. You might be spending too much time in an enclosed space. The world has a lot to offer.

16. Been finding stories outside your house for a while? Try your own home. Look around, you might see something you've never seen before and surprise yourself.

17. Talk about a favorite TV character. It should be someone you see yourself attached to.

18. Take a shower. You might need a refreshing experience to clear your mind. One of my good friends makes better decisions after a good shower.

19. Write about how you feel about not being able to come up with a story. Turn your mess into a message. I did.

20. Sleep. Sleep well. A dream might give you a story.

If none of these work, GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK FROM WRITING. It will come back. It will always come back. Remember, the number of posts you write does not define you as a writer. It is what you write and a little bit of your readers’ reaction to it that do.

Happy Waiting! Happy writing!

Any last words?

Yesterday, I posted a status on Facebook that may have stirred an uncomfortable feeling for some. I said,

“If I have influenced you, in one or another, to do what you do now, be it travel, explore, love, keep, let go, do well, get a tattoo, love an animal, dance, hug, fire a gun, learn from everyone and everything, count blessings, influence, share, make a mistake and learn from it, love art and music, eat, live, then my whole life and everything I did in it is worth it.’

A good friend of mine commented,

“But it doesn’t mean that you can already schedule a meeting with the Almighty…”

This isn’t the first time I have posted a status of this nature on Facebook. Like I said, words like these make others feel uncomfortable. It is, I assume, a good discomfort. It is coming from the feeling that you don’t want to see your friend’s status now and learn after a day or two that those were her last words and she said it like she knows exactly she’s going.
 
Why do I do it anyway?
 
Why not?

Most of us, if not all, have seen how death can take away one’s life so quick. We can see it on TV, read about from the newspaper, or hear it from someone. Along with the dreaded news of death, we also hear a lot of regrets in the air. Regrets because of not being able to say goodbye for the last time, of not being able to show how much one loves the other, of not being able to prepare things, and so on and so forth.
 
When death strikes, it’s inevitable. When that moment comes, when you know that it’s actually happening, a million thoughts and words can go through your mind - words you could have said, things you could have done, faces you could have stared at for a longer time, people you could have hugged for just one more second, apologies you could have said aloud, anger you could have expressed, bridges you could have built, and a lot more.
 
Be grateful and say it while you can. Don’t dismiss the idea of death. It’s real. It will happen no matter how you wish to dismiss it. Utilize the time. When we have a good understanding of death, we value life more. We do things that make us fall asleep in peace at night. 



* I own the photo. 

You may also find this post from this LINK.

A Lesson from the Dislike Button

I got two Dislikes on the first 5 seconds of my second post in my first hour of Bubblews. Bubblews is a community that allows its members to post entries about various topics and earn from its growth.

I am new to Bubblews. A friend of mine introduced me to this. I also have a blog of my own and he suggested that I try this. I did.

I love diversity and that includes my high respect for differences in opinion, culture, individuality, and backgrounds. This is also why I travel a lot. I see diversity in a very beautiful way.

When I saw the Dislike notification, I wondered. Was it my profile picture s/he didn't like? Was s/he able to read my long post for 5 seconds and found it trash? Did s/he accidentally clicked Dislike? Haha! Questions are popping in and out of my head. If I commented, liked, or disliked a post, I really meant it. Maybe that's why I wondered long.

Until I realized something about us, humans. Our need to be accepted is huge. We want to be liked all the time. It's a basic need. But I also realized another, if I hadn't gotten those two Dislikes, I would not have written this too.

Lesson? It's good to be liked but it's also good to stand up for something. As the cliche says, we can't please everyone. If someone disliked you or the things you do, don't fret. Take it as a learning experience. It's not other people's acceptance that defines you. It's how you handle their acceptance or rejection.

Note: Feel free to dislike if you didn't like this post but I thank you warmly for taking the time to read. Enjoy your morning, evening, wherever you're at! 

See this post - http://www.bubblews.com/news/2031258-a-lesson-from-the-dislike-button

The China Project - Entry 3

I want to go to China and spend a week there this year. My friends and I have already booked a one-way flight but  with my meager income, I may not be able to fund the whole travel so I came up with a game plan. I suggest you read about the whole story from the first entry of this series first. Click this.

Aside from the saving, I have started the "earning" part, baby steps. With the help of another friend who volunteered to do the cooking, we started with small meals.

Have you read Entry Two?

There was a little challenge encountered when the second meal was prepared. It was a learning experience. To make up for the not-so-awesome dining experience, I gave each of the buyer a simple sweet treat. 

The meal preparation continued. I only prepare at least four everyday. I don't actually earn much. P15-20 per meal was enough for me. I appreciate the effort of my friends to support me by buying food or inviting friends to buy the food.

Jem, one of them, said, "It was a small step to China and a big lunch for them." He was right.

 

The China Project - Entry 2

I want to go to China and spend a week there this year. My friends and I have already booked a one-way flight but  with my meager income, I may not be able to fund the whole travel so I came up with a game plan. I suggest you read about the whole story from the first entry of this series first. Click this.

Aside from the saving, I have started the "earning" part, baby steps. With the help of another friend who volunteered to do the cooking, we started with small meals.

Day One - Four pcs of Cheesified French Toast.

Beautifully wrapped in brown paper bags they were sold for P25 each. I see it to it that my prices are enough as everyone is trying to save money. My buyers are usually my friends, two of which will also join me in the trip so I can't jack up the price. 

Here's one photo of a friend who bought one. 

Day Two - 4 packed meals with pork and egg, sweets, pineapple, and rice, for P50 each.

This was both a learning and a touching experience for me. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, I was told that the pork was marinated longer than it should have so it ended too salty. It was a learning experience.

What's touching? My friends, who were honest to give me the feedback, still ate and enjoyed the meal. Good thing it goes with sweets and pineapple bits to give balance.

I felt responsible for what has happened so I am giving the four buyers a sweet treat later tonight to apologize. I will post the photos on the 3rd entry.

While preparing what's next on the menu, an interesting thought came. Maybe this project isn't just about saving and earning money for China. Maybe there will be something more to it. Am looking forward to it.

My Top Ten Favorite Human Nature Products

100% Natural
Money back guarantee
Cruelty free
Pro-Philippines
Pro-poor
Pro-environment

What else can you ask for?

Human Nature has everything I look for in a personal care product. I first heard about this product from my former boss. She is a fan of the product more because of its advocacy and because she knows her skin is taken care of. I find myself in the same situation now. 

Let me give you a short story of how Human Nature.

Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. was the brainchild of Gawad Kalinga volunteers Anna Meloto-Wilk, Dylan Wilk and Camille Meloto who burned with the desire to help uplift the Philippines and the Filipino people from poverty.

Anna's passion for the environment blossomed with her first child. Together with Dylan her husband, the successful British entrepreneur who gave up his fast cars and wealthy lifestyle in England to work for the poor in the Philippines, they decided to use cloth diapers after reading that disposable diapers contain toxic chemicals and take 500 years to deteriorate! Living a more sustainable and "green" lifestyle eventually led them to using fewer chemicals and, well, less stuff in general.

Anna and Dylan lived in the United States for a year while Dylan set up a network of Gawad Kalinga volunteers. During their stay, Anna noticed a growing trend of affordable, natural and ethically-acquired products entering the mainstream market. Formerly found in just boutiques and high-end stores, they could now be bought in supermarkets and drug stores.

Upon their return to the Philippines, Camille and Anna continued their research and were able to successfully collaborate with a natural formulator to create Human Nature's first line of products.

                                                                                  SOURCE: Human Nature

My dear friends and I have been fans of HN product for years now. Last Christmas, we did some Human Nature gift shopping to give to our friends. We want to share a product we believe in with the people that we care about.


I have played around their products and found my comfort. If you have not tried any of their products, my top ten might help you start with your own trial experience.


10 - All Natural Spray Sanitizer, 50ml for P59.75 - If you think this cool spray is just for your hands, you are wrong. You can also use it for any surfaces, disinfect rooms, or clean toilet seats. It kills 99.99% of the germs without the chemicals. I like the cool after-feel it gives me.  

9. 100% Natural Healthy Lotion, 50ml for P64.75 - No harmful chemicals and gives a non-greasy feel.

8. 100% Natural Fragrance Free Soap, 120g for P64.75 - Use a soap that does only what it's supposed to do - clean. Leave the fragrance job to your perfume.

7. Perfect Glow Mineral Blush, 43g for P250.00 - Get that blush and not the harmful chemicals. I like the Sun-kissed shade a lot.

6. Natural Feminine Wash - Chamomile Cool, 50 ml for P54.75 - This is 98.66% natural. The cool sensation of this variant leaves 7you feeling fresh and clean.

5. Nourishing Facial Wash, 50ml for P79.75 - I like the smell of this Tomato extract facial wash. It's a good after work clean.

4. 100% Natural Massage Oil, 50 ml for P195.00 - It has two variants and both smell good, but I like Rejuvenating better. Say no to the itchy massage oils they use in spas, bring your own. 

3. 100% Natural Hand and Foot Salve, 50g for P119.75 - The softening effect it gives is something you will like from this product. The all-natural plant oils gives your hands and feet a soothing relief. I like the Strawberry variant.

2. 100% Natural Purifying Facial Scrub, 50 ml for P104.75 - Made with real strawberry seeds and fine bamboo granules, this no-chemicals facial scrub can remove dirt from your face without harming it. It also gives yous face a soft feeling after wash. It smells good, too.

1. Balm for All Seasons, 10g for P99.75 – This is a very soothing all-around balm. I use it for headaches, body pain, itch, or insect bites. I like the smell a lot. It is not too strong as a lot of balms around. The smell gives you a calming effect.

As you can tell, I found comfort using HN products. Aside from taking care of myself, I also like their advocacy. I like that they don't test on animals, they help Gawad Kalinga, support farmers and other communities, they use all-natural ingredients that help preserve the environment, they take pride in being Filipino by showcasing our own talent and products, that they offer great customer service, and how they are extremely passionate about everything I just mentioned.

If you can find a product that gives what you need, takes care of you, and everything around you, like the environment, the animals, the poor, and the country, stick to it. Don't sell out just because of the brand name.

IMPORTANT!

Human Nature did not pay me for this writing. I am a mere fan of their advocacy, intergrity and product. 

All photos, links, and product descriptions were used with the permission of Human Nature and can be found from their website.

The Project Tenfold Circle, the non-profit organization I am with, will soon partner with Human Nature. Check our facebook page regularly. Stay tuned.

This entry can also be found from this link.