Paalam, Pres. Corazon Aquino

We are deeply saddened by the death of Pres. Cory Aquino. We extend to her family our love and prayers for them. Her life of courage, spirituality, and moral leadership was an inspiration to the Filipinos and to the rest of the world. Her sacrifice, along with her husband Ninoy Aquino, led to the restoration of democracy in our country and had encouraged People power in many nations of the world. She made all of us proud to be Filipinos.

This great woman’s death made all of us poorer, but her life and legacy made our country richer. We believe that the best tribute we can give her is for us to continually fight and pray for righteousness to reign in our beloved land.

Without her unwavering sacrifices, we can't have what we are enjoying right now-the freedom that we have as the fruit of her self-sacrifices to stood up and fight for democracy and righteousness.

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Former Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino was laid to rest Wednesday next to her assassinated husband after a funeral procession joined by hundreds of thousands of supporters who hailed her as an exemplar of moral leadership.

About 600 priests and nuns linked arms around the Aquino mausoleum at the Manila Memorial Park to keep back the crowd who followed the flatbed truck with her flag-draped coffin on its final, nine-hour journey through the rain-soaked streets of the capital.

The procession went from the Manila Cathedral on a 14-mile (22-kilometer) route jammed with Filipinos dressed in yellow _ the signature color of the 1986 prodemocracy uprising led by Aquino that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Many in the crowds flashed the "L" sign for "laban," or fight, in Filipino _ an anti-dictatorship slogan _ and chanted "Cory."

Aquino was buried Wednesday evening inside a simple white-painted tomb next to her husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., the opposition leader whose mantle she reluctantly took on after his 1983 assassination when he returned from exile in the U.S. to run against Marcos.

Despite a patchy record during her six years in office as the 11th president of the Philippines, she remained a beloved figure. She died on Saturday after a yearlong battle with colon cancer. Her passing prompted an immense outpouring of grief.

"Nobody can replace her," said real estate agent Jessa Roche, 31, who recalled how as a child her parents had taken her to the "people power" demonstrations that transformed the Philippine politics after two decades of authoritarian rule.

"She taught us to pray and fight for our democracy. If a tyrant will return, there will be millions of Corys who will stand up. She left a good example and the next generation should continue that legacy," she said.

Former presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, the latter deposed in a second popular uprising in 2001 on corruption allegations, attended Wednesday's requiem Mass. They were joined by East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta.

"I think the greatest tribute that Filipinos can pay to Corazon Aquino and so many others who gave their lives for democracy is ... there should be no more dictatorships again," said Ramos-Horta. Aquino inspired East Timor's struggle for independence from Indonesia a decade ago, he said.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was at odds with Aquino after she called for Arroyo to resign because of vote-rigging allegations, paid a quick visit to the wake Wednesday morning upon her return from an official trip to the U.S. and left before the church ceremonies and procession.

The Aquino family rejected offers by Arroyo for a state funeral, but the armed forces gave full military honors.

At the burial, weeping family members, including Aquino's grandchildren and sons-in-law, lined up to kiss the former president's remains in the open casket.

Senior officers then carried the casket and placed it inside the tomb while honor guards fired a 21-gun salute before playing "Taps."

Relatives, friends, supporters and military commanders placed yellow roses inside the tomb before it was sealed. The crowd sang the patriotic song "Bayan Ko (My Country)," which was popular during the anti-Marcos struggle.

Earlier, in a tearful message of thanks to the multitudes of mourners, Aquino's youngest daughter Kris said, "You have given our family honor beyond anything we could ever have hoped to receive."

"No matter how great the sacrifices of my parents, I can honestly say to all of you that for my family, the Filipinos are worth it."

During her time in office, Aquino faced down seven coup attempts, mostly by officers who had pushed for Marcos' ouster and felt they had not been given their share of power.

While she brought political change, Aquino struggled to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite, including her family. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.

Aquino stepped down in 1992, refusing to seek another term and reminding people that her mission _ the restoration of democracy _ had been completed.


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Thank you.

ah1n1 virus in RP

From: ABSCBN NEWS| 06/16/2009 6:12 PM

MANILA - The number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus in the Philippines has ballooned to almost 250, based on the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH announced 54 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed A(H1N1) infections in the country to 247.

The health department said the new cases include 29 females and 25 males aged 5 to 70. It added that 52 of the new cases are Filipinos and only two are foreigners.

The DOH said 85 of the infected patients have been discharged as of June 16.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III declared the country’s first A (H1N1) cases last May 21. The first case is a Filipino woman who came from a trip to the United States and Canada with her parents last May 18.

The woman, who showed mild flu symptoms, has fully recovered from the viral infection.

Also on Tuesday, Lagro Elementary School in Quezon City suspended classes for 10 days due to two confirmed cases of A (H1N1).

Nine schools in the country have confirmed A(H1N1) cases including De la Salle University-Taft, DLSU-College of St. Benilde, Far Eastern University-East Asia College, St. Andrews School in Parañaque, Ateneo Grade School, Mapua Institute of Technology-Makati, Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus, Hilera Elementary School in Nueva Ecija and Doña Candelaria Highschool in Bulacan.

2 ABS-CBN employees has A (H1N1)

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. announced Tuesday that its two employees have been infected with the influenza A(H1N1) virus.

The network said that the two employees are “already safe and recovering,” and that it is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) regarding the cases.

“Company officials have been closely coordinating with the Department of Health on the cases and have also conducted contact tracing to check on the health conditions of the people who may have been exposed to the two individuals,” Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN’s Corporate Communications, said in a statement.

Aside from this, Osorio said ABS-CBN has already implemented measures to prevent the new influenza virus from infecting other employees.

These, he said, include face-to-face briefings, regular flu advisory updates, installation of hand sanitizers around the ABS-CBN buildings in Quezon City, regular flu vaccination for employees and their dependents, as well as random body temperature checking of studio audiences and visitors entering ABS-CBN compound.

Meanwhile, Osorio assured that the ABS-CBN compound has been “disinfected” over the weekend.

“The network will continue its normal operations and will continue to promote safety and vigilance against the A(H1N1) virus,” the ABS-CBN official said.

abs-cbnNEWS.com is the online news department of ABS-CBN Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

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Too scary? But God says in His word; He is our healer. AH1N1 virus is now spreading worldwide and the latest was here in our country…it started with a few, now many are affected. Too bad…

I remembered DOH advisory: clean and wash your hands and use alcohol or any disinfectant, eat well and have a good habit or lifestyle…but hey, come to think of it…we are always communicating to a lot of people from all walks of life, we go to school, work, markets, park and etc, we are all prone to this virus-the deadly virus.

How are we going to know if we have this virus?

The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

The nerve right? But let’s do our best to protect ourselves from this matter.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are:

* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
* Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands — with soap and warm water — that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

(So, let’s pray not to have this, take care and stay safe.)

office

Ever since I’ve learned how to decorate my own room, I started collecting things like stuff toys, pen holders, picture frames, and more. For me, it is a fulfillment to see those we called “abubots”. It’s a matter of guilty pleasures for me.

Then, when I started to work, I began to personalize my own designated work station or office, I always put my things on my table and it gives more confidence for me to work for the best. I always make sure that I always have my abubots in my office. Others say, it’s cute and inspiring, others say, it shows how organized I am to my things. But sad to say, I can’t please everybody, one person said, it’s like garbage…she emphasized that my things are garbage and my designated office table is a waste and messy. At first, I think maybe, my things are messy but I realized, we have our own personality, and my personality is having those abubots while working and she’s not like that…I respect her opinion but I have noticed that she erased some files of mine in the designated computers for me. Isn’t it rude? They say, she’s pretty and came from a very prestigious university but as I look at her attitude, she’s a walking garbage, she doesn’t have manners. I pity her because her office look like a real garbage-having a plastic bags in her table…OMG, I really pity her. (This is not the first time she did this to me, she must be thankful enough coz I’m not the type of person who will fight-“di kami magkalevel”, pag pinatulan ko sya, para ko na rin sinabi na di ako nag-aral. I HAVE MY VALUES AND I KNOW HOW TO USE MY VALUES –I also have BREEDING and I know where to put myself. Maybe, she’s absent when her teachers taught Values Education)

I do hope next time; she will know first what is Real GARBAGE and which is not. And also, I hope that she will realize that we have different personality-“wag sana niya itulad yung pagkatao niya sa iba.”

I will show you my office and her office. I let you all guys to make your own conclusion.

my office:

her office:

which is garbage and which is not?

be strong

We’ve all had our share of disappointments in life. We have all been discouraged and have thought of giving up.

That reflection that used to stare at you from the mirror, straight in the eye; standing so tall and proud now hangs his head low…

In pain from the betrayal of people you used to trust and vowed to serve with all your life and might;

In anger from not being able to take things into your own hands;

In frustration from things not going as you planned them;

In shame for your failure to achieve what you came to do…

Discouragement is not an easy thing to deal with. With discouragement comes depression; something that I have come to be fully acquainted with even before I came to Singapore. But the former things; my past hurts and pains has taught me a lot in dealing with discouragement and also with my depression.

Cliche as it may sound, thinking positive still does the trick. Optimism is the key.

Having a clear mind on what to do next can actually help you get through any barrier that disappointment, discouragement and depression burdens you with; that is actually better than letting all the negative things just bury you six feet underground.

But above all, nothing and no one can get us out of all the shitty things that we can get ourselves into except the powerful arms of the one who loves us so much; the one who made us to be more that what we think we can be; the one who begs to disagree when all the world sees you as someone that you’re not; the one who wonderfully and fearfully made you for his purpose… It was my savior Jesus Christ who got me through… and I believe that he will continue to in the days to come.

So when you feel discouraged, hold on to his word. He who began a good work in you will continue to complete it in you and through you. Do not give up on doing good, especially when you feel like not doing good, for you will receive a great harvest at the right time if you do not give up.

Press on. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You are blessed.

(Hebrews 10:35-36; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 138:7)

my dreams

I used to dream when I was a kid. A lot. I dreamed about being famous. Of being a matinee idol or something. At some point in my life I even dreamed of being a porn star! Seriously. But that was all when I was a kid, and by being a kid I mean just two months ago. Hehehe
I also dreamed a lot about being a doctor, of being a pediatrician actually. You see I love kids and I think they love me back too. And besides, when I was a kid, being sick was really sickening for me. I wasn’t really the sickly type but when I do get sick, it usually meant days even weeks in the hospital. what makes it worse is the fact that most doctors don’t really know how to make me feel better, which to a kid like me back the was really frustrating.
So as I was growing up, I dreamed of going to medical school but seeing the lack that our family had; we don’t have much money, I decided to just let it take the back seat in my life and pursue a degree in broadcasting.
I didn’t regret that I took up broadcasting instead of medicine, because looking back now, I realize that somehow, I got to live my dream of being famous.
In college I was exposed to theater where I got to perform on stage in front of a lot of people and play major roles. In a sense I got a taste of stardom and boy do I have a lot of stories to tell about it. And even after I graduated I still got to experience the cameras, the lights and the action.
I never even imagined that I will be able to work in a TV network, which eventually became the number one TV network in the Philippines. But you see, it has been my dream to work in one and guess what? It happened.
I dreamed of working in a network where I will be able to help other people at the same time that I was earning a living for myself… guess what? It happened.
I’ve also always dreamed of being a teacher. My family has a long line of teachers and I’ve always dreamed of being one of them.
I think at some points (yeah ‘points’ because there was more than one instance of it happening to me) in my life, I had some shot at teaching.
As a kid I can still remember instances where my siblings, friends and I would play “school”. We’d take turns teaching each other.
I can also recall pitching in during Sunday School at church. I would teach other kids about bible stories and about God.
Growing up, I found myself not just teaching kids at Sunday School but also the youth and even people older than me.
During college, I enjoy discussions and sharing my ideas; I enjoyed it mostly when I get to share something that people learn something from.
People tell me, even my parents, that I will be a pastor because I speak well. I don’t agree with them because I know that I’d rather teach than preach.
Until now, I dream of teaching… and I will not stop doing so until I wake up doing it.
I still dream until now, but unlike before, my dreams now are one by one becoming a reality.

I had a dream… and I’m living it now.

Reason to live

my reason to live

Praise God!! weeee!!! He’s indeed great! magnificent!
an all-powerful,
all-knowing God..!!!
He showed me my nothingness and proved His greatness…
I know that I’m a
slow-learner but that didn’t hinder me
from getting good grades. God knew my
heart and He saw that
I was doing my best for His glory…
I have my limitations but God taught me that
setting those limitations
would give Him much glory. He has
been my reason in pursuing excellence… He
has been my strength,
motivation, and inspiration. His love gave me
enthusiasm in studying…
Lord… You’re my everything… I love you and I will
never get tired of
doing my best in everything to give You the
glory that You deserve.
I just can’t live without You…