I am back.

This is something to celebrate on. I again allowed my thoughts to transfer its way to blogging. Now I do understand that writers do suffer from several blocks, which differs depending on each person’s emotions and feelings.

I am happy to note that – yes! I am now free from the chains locking my heart up. So much freedom, so much life has flown back into me. Making my heart pump blood again to my core – my spirit.

Certain instances in our lives may mark us BIG TIME. At times we were chosen to experience one thing, like in a cinema or a book, almost to incomparable bliss, then at the next, we will again shift to the dark side of it: painful and almost worth-dying for. (with exaggeration here, forgive me).

Some characters in our own personal stories may start as protagonists, but in the end of it all, they are antagonists waiting to happen, but without them, we wouldn’t be able to learn a single thing out of life.

It’s been already a month now since I finally broke free from my own self-conflicting pain, big thanks to those wonderful non-blood relatives whom the universe chose for me to have in my life. I came to the realization that with “things being left unsaid and unclear, we might lose our own self, agonizing over what mistakes we stumbled upon before without any clarity at all, and in the process, lowering our self-esteem to the point of losing our self – our spirit”.

A friend of mine (the best of all the best) brightened my heart over that by just simply, being there with me, while I read and go back to those memories one by one, it all boils down to my personal choice, to be happy or not? To dwell on the stupid past or give my self a chance to start new stories with new characters in my life.

Chapter 1 is just Chapter 1, it does not end there, life does not end at Chapter 1 at all, and most of the time, the person whom you thought you knew so well, might end up being someone you don’t know at all in just a flick of a hand – mysterious yes, and, also a fact – yes.

But, that’s really how it goes, people change, we all DO change. This change is unstoppable, it may break you at first, but always remember that it will also make you stronger in the process. I learned several arts here – if there is such a thing as the Art of Living, the Art of Loving and the Art of Learning, we can also freeze everything and call it the Art of Letting Go.

“Detach yourself from the world, so your spirit may be free” – Avatar

Say goodbye to facets of your life which only pulls you down. You may back down for a little while, hope that the storm will just pass, but after several tries and yet the rain won’t stop… let go of that door already. Close it, and vow to never go back inside that door again.

You may open yes – for in every path there is always a door up front, you may open several doors from afar of your past to wish them well, but be sure not to set foot inside again if you desire to live happy and move on.

“Every time you think of me send lights of love, then drop it” – Eat, Pray and Love.

Yes.

In the book of the Little Prince, wherein the Prince protected his rose (which looks just like all the other roses) inside a globe, protecting it from the winds and the animals, he mentioned that his rose is far different from the rest, because it is his rose. Such a lovely story indeed.

Now when I think of those memories, I just smile, for those were experiences, just experiences which made me who I am now. Then all has been washed over, birthing me in the process once again.

I am now loving the fact that I can appreciate the beauty of life within and outside me after a long while. Those situations when you see someone or something from the other side of the room, and you just cannot take your eyes off them, seems like a magnet pulling you two together, and then you clicked.

I am happy because, I can again fully embrace that selective moment.
It can be with whatever or whoever, just the fact that I can once again feel? That for me is a major achievement after all.

I am now flying towards a rainbow, let me correct that, I’m walking hand in hand with the rainbow, while the sun glistened in my face.

Thank you.

I really do love Sundays! Yes. Much Better. Haha. Well, my mom pushed me out of the bed early dawn today – Sunday, just so to jog and brisk-walk along Roxas Blvd, CCP and PICC and Macapagal Avenue (Again) and as she calls it “breath of fresh air”. I literally fell asleep fast after a draining day last Saturday, so I was actually too slow to react when she told me na: “hoy iha, tumayo ka na diyan at maglalakad tayo… kelangan mo fresh air…dali.”

So there I was, with my Bunny slippers on (kiddin) tries to prepare as I sip green tea. Hmmmm. Relaxing indeed.

Then as we arrived at our destination, I am happy to note that we again had fun while doing the following:

1. watching the CIVIC-VOLCO Bike Race Challenge

2. Felt the sun, and air…. relaxing

3. Burned out calories (this I am sure)

4. Had another PhP23.00 FRESH BUKO Treat

5. Had our food stop, and I was able to try the newest of KFC, their Fish Maki (ten points from me, it’s a YES from me…)

6. Went DVD “shopping” and was able to watch all three the whole afternoon

Adjustment Bureau

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHVU3fKhsjI

Little Fockers

RANGO

7. Ate Chichacorn fresh from Ilocos Norte and boiled peanuts and Papaya

8. Had a super yummy time with these egg rolls given to me by my friend from Macau, thanks a lot San-san! Super sarap, most especially with TEA… large egg rolls. Yum! yum!

such a treat!

8. Said NO again to Starbucks… (hard one… but I can do this…)

9. Attended Mass at Malate Church

10. Braced Malate once again… wahooo! (before I forget, thank you again for the “writing souls” who went with me last time for a chilling mode at Malate. No pictures please…. haha.

11. Had fun again walking, especially with my mom

The Mother & Child

2. Last, but not the least, I am loving the effect of my “diet” na… thank goodness!

I am FIT.... ehem...

So there… I am indeed back to my usual self… each day is a learning chapter for me… and my “life notebook” is open for experiences and stories to tell…. I am just so glad that I am still ME.

With headaches, I have a new tagline: “I-tsaa mo lang yan…..”

It’s in the tires… Choose Federal Tires.

Race ‘em up baby!

Please help support my dear cousin guys! From your FACEBOOK account, If you have time – I know you do.. please add federal tire ph , then you’d be accepted after an hour or a day, then after which, please LIKE PICTURE number 4

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=132483850157702&set=a.132483766824377.27411.100001882638836&theater#!/profile.php?id=100001882638836

Please vote for my cousin - John Peter Gonzales, Picture number 4. Thank you everyone!

Thank you in advance for your support dear friends. VOTING ENDS in March 23…

Race ‘em up! Hugs and flying kisses to all…

Let us all be safe on the road… Fasten your seat belt and accelerate! Hugs!

I am now 25 years of age, and I can proudly say that for the past 14 years (and counting!), RX 93.1 The Morning Rush duo: Chico and Delamar has been part of my morning routine.

I know, they usually receive feedbacks such as “I’ve been listening to your show since Grade three”, “you guys are already part of our family for the past 10 years…” and so on… and being part of the KBP Golden Dove Awardee for Best FM Station (RX Monster Radion 93.1 – 7 years now) and having won the Best Comedy Show last November 2010 (The Morning Rush), I am just so PROUD again, for my choice of station, my choice of morning show and my choice of DJ’s! Yehaaaah!

thanks to google for the pic!

Yes. It is indeed THE MORNING RUSH which I am talking about, the duo who invaded my/our (me and my mom’s) “universe” for more than a decade now. I am talking of years here, and for a fan, that is already a breakthrough.

I know, we all have our own favorites, and I have no intention of comparison here, I just would want to take this opportunity to thank the duo for their contribution in my life ever since. I was moved to write my gratitude after hearing the BIG Reveal last Friday. Goodness, the BIG Reveal already made headlines at the GMA NewsTv http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215015//chico-and-delamar-reveal-big-news-on-air that is how hyped the topic has been treated by all of us “rushers” (both active and silent), which has attracted the attention of the media already. Way to go for Chico, in “mystifying” the topic. Haha.

So before the day of the revelation, C&D slipped about having a big announcement around 9:00AM, Friday, March 11 2011. And as a fan, I am too anxious about what they will say, will they be saying good bye already? are they going to add another partner in their duo, making them threesome? and some other crazy-stuff flashed before my mind.

My Brewed Cup of Laughter every morning

So, as like those other rushers who listens on their way to work, there I was, with my earplugs on, enjoying another mysterious day with Chico and Del, and kept on laughing my head off (this usually happens whenever I listen) and so, I made up several words to describe the Morning Rush Fever:

- chicoadellusion: delusional approach to the duo, seeing them in corners, always wearing clown red noses, making you laugh without any reason at all (haha)

- morning rash – because of too much exposure to TMR (the Morning Rush), their effect has already been “radio-burnt”, physically visible to the non-rushers, because of too wide smile out of laughing their _ss off

- zingerzongwritervirus - because of Chico’s genius, all rushers are infected by this, singing several “hits” of his album out of the blue, and even rush to download his songs, and kept it playing on mp3′s and ipod’s (no anti-virus for this one)

-delavoiceaddiction – Delamar indeed do have a very beautiful and soothing voice. Every rusher will definitely agree with me.

- chicogastroenteritis – because of this guy’s craziness and alien invaded thoughts, rushers have no option but to laugh and guffaw, especially when he tries to outdo delamar with his magical-childhood

I usually listen to them each morning while inside the bus or inside the MRT, and I really do laugh out loud when they “snapped”. I don’t care about those who do not understand what is going on inside my “ear-paradise”, but they sure are missing a lot of fun!

I still have other ideas on mind, but I wanted to go back to the main purpose of this Thank You blog post, so, come 9:00AM while already seated at my office table, I am still listening to them, and when I heard the Big Reveal: Delamar shared to the whole world that she is indeed having a baby, and she made me cry (because of her way of explaining things, her wonderful insight about her baby, and just about love.. I felt the love enveloping her totality about the gift that she have right now…and it is just wonderful.)

link for their podcasts are here: http://cdtop10.blogspot.com/ (they have archives of each show here, wherein you can download and listen if you missed them, each show really can produce great laughters!) Especially when you are feeling off and low-key, they do me a great favor by looking at the bright side of the world, and when I am feeling perfect, they also do me great favor by sustaining my energy, feeling upbeat and ever so-sexy. As a fan, I can say that they are my radio friends, all of us rushers’ do feel that way, most of the listeners are fans way back years ago… they even have an EB often, and developed friendships throughout the years.

So there, congratulations Del!  And, I, together with your other fans, are so proud of you. I personally would like to thank you guys for sharing your lives with us (in your own way). I am a silent rusher, but I am a rusher still, and is proud of being one. You guys are part of my life already, and your voices are like music to my ears every morning… Cheers to more years for Chico and Del!

Thank you!

Yes, Del  - always pretty and Chico – great blog! Haha.

2011. Year of the Rabbit. I am now serious about fitness. Let me repeat that:

I am now serious about fitness. I am now serious about fitness. I am now serious about fitness. I am now serious about fitness. I am now serious about fitness.

Hmmmm, I guess it is not that bad after all (no rolling eyes this time). Hahaha. Well, I just would like to share that now, I am already taking into consideration every particle which goes inside my mouth. SERIOUSLY. If you knew me too well, I only look like a “snappy-eagle-food-critique” but for my taste buds, all foods are supposed to be “masarap”. Hahaha. Really, except… except… for veggies. I do eat vegetables, especially if “walang choice”, but if given the chance to choose between “fast foods/meats/junkies over veggies/fruits/healthy options” I would definitely choose the former over the latter.

Yes. That is my food drama ever since. I grew up inside the walls of “fast food, those juicy-meaty-burgers-fries-shakes-coffees-sandwiches-stuffed-ready-to-eat-pizzas-crepes-and-all-other-unhealthy-characters-in-the-food-pyramid”. What a waste! Whew. It’s because all of those tastes sooooooo good!

So, my body got used to the situation where: I gained fat + I crash diet for 3 days + I’m back to my old belly. However, it has come to my attention that my tummy (my ever reliable tummy) often gets melodramatic (sickly). Several times has it been that I am on sick leave because of this stomach of mine, and yet, I still do not take my eating habits seriously (rolling eyeballs, again). (but to up my chances still of being “kinda-semi-fit”: I love eating Yogurts!)

So, thank God for great friends. For bringing into my life, one-remarkable-sister-who-happens-to-have-ultra-sensory-powers (I just added “little” exaggeration here).  So, my life changed last February 21, 2011, after I got an EAR-JERKING-SERMON via a phone call over my so-called junk body (wail…wail…). Take that ha, ear-jerking (it means my eardrum almost exploded) cold sermons about my eating habits, junkies, coffees..blah..blah..blah…and even tasked me to define my grandest vision of my physical self, and to send it via email in no less than 2 hours. IMAGINE?

Hehehe. But, to you sis, “thank you” for that. Really. Because that was the first time, that a friend ever did that to me. EVER, in that manner. If looks could kill, then that phone call literally killed my “dancing fats”. Haha. Kidding aside, I was able to analyze more the effects of my bad eating habits, my vices, and my lazy body. Last year, I used to be active in jogging and badminton. But now, I really do not know what happened. My system slowed down for a while, and I allowed myself to be lost in the puddle of flavored caffeine (now I understand, why my cognition somehow declined! Heavens!)

So I decided that I have to go back being physically active during Sundays. Early dawn, with the support of my mom, we went back to our jogging and walking mode at where else? Roxas Blvd. So, from Taft Avenue, we brisk-walk to CCP (we did 15 rounds in their semi-oval)

(the energy every Sunday at Roxas Blvd and CCP were incomparable!)

Then, after our rounds, we headed for Malate church for a mass, on our way, instead of our usual green mermaid coffee latte’, we saw a very refreshing PINOY drink – none other than – Fresh BUKO Juice. Peeled in front of us, and just 23.00. Wow. Super mura! and it is very fresh indeed. I Love it!

The tree of Life

the natural sweetness of life. At its best and simplicity

and just to share how “malaman” our buko:

our 23.00 is worth it. Love this value meal!

So, not to keep this blog post long – here is my diet regimen for this day (Feb 27, 2011 after a looooong morning of walking and jogging at Roxas, PICC, CCP, Rizal Park and SM Manila):

Yes. I am such a corn ball - Whole Kernel Corn

My favorite meal now: Okra+one slice of cheese+whole wheat bread

At first, I thought my smile would forever leave my lips whenever I eat this type of combo, but boy, I fell in love with this meal! Haha. Now, I am saved. Cheers to healthy body and life. My own kitchen is now open for brown rice, Australian oats, fruits, and veggies: especially okra and tea.

Cheers to healthy life. I am responsible for my own body, I wanted to live now appreciating every cells I have. My unfit body unfolded before my eyes after that “one phone call” last Monday (I used to be very confident and comfortable with how I “react” to the world, never did it occur to me that my totality is declining already).

So thank you again dear sis. I am now indeed serious about being fit (ehem.ehem.)

This drink is my thank you!

RH Bill? What Bill then?

“Human life is the most sacred physical gift with which God, the author of life, endows a human being.”

I chose that particular line because it speaks of the “beginning” of everything, life itself is the greatest miracle ever there is, from God. The chance to pro-create in accordance to His image and likeness is a blessing which we, humans, need to preserve and respect. Life should always be treated with utmost divinity; its process which came from God (even how Science tends to intercept) shall be valued more than anything else in the world – in our world of existence.

As for my personal assessment, there should never be an issue about the reproductive health bill. We are a country, govern by Catholicism. Even if there is a separation between the Government and the State, still, we, as Filipinos, who indeed have the capacity to think about whatever is right and wrong, must not think twice over the preservation of life. We should act as agents for its preservation. Whatever state we have right now, it all came from decisions made by man – and we should be responsible in standing up for our own judgments. Deprivation for an unborn to see the wonders of the world is such a sin. One breath equals to one soul. One soul equals to one family. One family equals to one community. One community equals to one nation. One nation equals to one country and one country equals to the WORLD. The world which will be the key element for future generations. Lives do not stop at one single moment. It is a continuing miracle, and conservation of its purity is an even more outstanding miracle. Life is the most sacred, physical gift from God. Without it, how can we all survive? Better yet, how can we all start in the first place?

We are the Children...

Guys… an open invitation for a fun dance workshop.. for a cause..hope you could join us…

hawaiian hula and tahitian dance  workshop

with Anna Carbonell

Let your body move your hips gracefully to the melodic sounds of the Hawaiian music and “shake” rhythmically to the drumbeats of Tahiti.  Let your heart move your hands to tell the story behind the Hawaiian lyrics and to express your own sensuality as you dance the ‘ote’a (traditional dance from Tahiti). Let your breath move the spirit within to embrace the beauty of your whole being. Anna will teach the basic footwork, hand motions, and “eha” (breath) in order to tell the story and the essence of a song.

No previous dance experience required. Please come in comfortable loose clothing during the hula workshop and bring a sarong during the Tahitian workshop. Aloha. Iorana!

sunday, march 6 | 1:00p – 2:30p

UNIT 506

GREENBELT MANSION, PAREA STREET

(BETWEEN PASEO DE ROXAS AND DELA ROSA ST.)

BIO

Anna Carbonell has been dancing the hula for over 18 years and has learned under the tutelage of Michelle Akina and Janu Cassidy of the Hawaiian Cultural Foundation (HCF) in NYC.  She started her professional career at the age of 17 with The Royal Hawaiian Dance Company at a family theme park in Pennsylvania.  She has then performed across the U.S. at various venues and events with HCF and Aloha Hula NYC, a company which she co-founded in 2007. In addition she has featured as a Polynesian dancer in television commercials and has worked as a model for many years, appearing in Cosmopolitan, Self, All You Magazines and various print ads and billboards throughout mainland US, Hawaii and Asia. Anna has also appeared as “Liat” in South Pacific, a Tahitian dancer on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, numerous roles as a Pacific Islander in daytime soap operas and even a cameo opposite Blair Underwood in “Sex in the City”. Anna now focuses exclusively on Polynesian dancing and teaching yoga.

WORKSHOP FEE:  PHP500

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO ANNA’S MOM’S CANCER TREATMENT PROTOCOL.

MAHALO NUI LOA FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

We were sent to Bacolod City for a week-long work assignment. I love to call it as “The Negros Smile Project” for several reasons:

1. We were in the city of smiles;

2. Visiting the place and finishing our goal may bring out lovely smiles;

3. The experience with the team, in between laughters (millions of it I think) and stories are so awesome, causing me to laugh sooooo hard; and

4. I just love the sound of it, that’s all. hehe.

I can never forget the experience I had (2nd time now), lots of funny moments happened from the flight from Manila – Bacolod (Monday) then way up until SUNDAY!

Sabaw to the Max...

The fishes are really huge!!!

The Steak.

and the food! Oh dear heavens, the food were so great, great in a sense that majority are cooked fresh, and prepared with loving hands… but, to top it all off, it’s the company that really keeps the Smile Project Team alive and kicking! haha.

I LAB IT....

And also… one thing which I loved about the place: walking distance to Starbucks!!! (which starting today, 21 February 2011 I will no longer order Coffee Latte’s which are not that healthy after all…after a LOUD NUDGE from a friend, which I shall post something about some other time, haha).

So, here we are: the bloggers!

Naks.. with Tito Erns!

who are both coffee addicts… Need I show more pics with coffees in between? Nah. The aroma of this “LAB IT” post can speak for itself….

Touch our Coffees.. NOT. Visit our blogs na lang. hehe.

So again, thank you po, I had a great time working and…

“I LAB IT!!!!”

My Dear Friend... Guyito...

Philippine Daily Inquirer.  Check.

Guyito. Check.

Yesterday, my mom and I went to the Philippine Daily Inquirer Historical Gallery at The Annex. We actually have no idea that they have an ongoing activity there (given that we are avid PDI readers, we went to the mall just merely to watch 127 Hours of James Franco and for shoes.

Then while walking… I loudly shrieked “GUYITOOOOOOOOO”. hahaha. Funny. My mom looked at me as if I lost a little bit of my mind, then excitedly (like a fan) I pointed out at the lower floor level “si guyito! si guyito!” hahaha.

I love the Philippines

Then, that is when our PDI moment started. The gallery shows actual (up-sized) newspapers way back ages ago: 1980′s to present, with their headline news that really speaks of Philippine History. From administration to administration, the turn over of our roots.

Then, they have their several mini “guyitos”, a design your guyito contest. Love it.. their old memorabilia: typewriter, notes.. etc. And of course, the HUGE GUYITO at the center!

check him out! glossy!

Thank you to Ate Cris for sharing this inspiring shout out... I only added the DO IT. hehe

Yes. Carabao is our National Animal, because he exudes “macho appeal” when it comes to farming…. kiddin… I am kinda biased, because I belong to Year of the Ox.. I somehow feel that we are connected. hehe..

Since then, I was exposed to newspapers already, I love reading. It’s just that because of technology, I allowed myself to dive headfirst into its epicenter, forgetting that it is with newspapers that I started my reading habit.

Thank you for the reminder dear Guyito. I’ll never stray too far again….

Yes. YOU Can.

Social change is a very basic term and must be assigned further context. It may refer to the notion ofsocial progress or sociocultural evolution; the philosophical idea that society moves forward by dialecticalor evolutionary means. It may refer to a paradigmatic change in the socio-economic structure, for instance a shift away from feudalism and towards capitalism. Social change may be driven by cultural, religious, economic, scientific or technological forces. (thank you Wikipedia)

We can all dance with the flow of Change.

Who says you cannot? Attitude. Just Attitude.

That is why, one of the most famous tagline of a brand comes from Nike:  ”Just Do It”. It speaks of the positive force of pushing somebody to reach his/her potential.

Every single miracle here on earth, can move mountains, if one may insist. All of us are faced with this huge rock of CHANGE, we might lose ourselves thinking over ways of how to step over that huge obstacle. It can be emotional, social, mental, spiritual or cultural change. So here we come, preparing ourselves, with our sneakers on, trying to lift one foot up, dragging, just to go beyond the other side (where the angels are singing with glee). However, with much effort on JUST trying to do the same strategy, over and over again, we, at times, tend to forget to look at the different side of the picture.

How can we fully appreciate the positive light of this BIG C (change), if we cannot think of ways on how to fully understand its after effect, and how can we fully understand its after effect if we wouldn’t start to explore within ourselves if we can DO IT.

Do first, before you complain. Do not be swayed with the idea of having been infected with AIDS (as.if.doing.something). Let us stop procrastination please. We all have the capacity and the ability to GO BEYOND what we can do. Let us not limit ourselves with our KNOWN area of possibilities. There is MORE out there.

And, stay away from negative people if you can please. Add more positive people in your network support. They are the base angels here on earth. You are lucky if you were able to find one, for their selfless passion of helping others be empowered in all areas of their lives , makes them unique and rare. Be thankful if you have one in your life, they can be family relatives, friends, colleagues, stars, moon, planets.. etc.

It all boils down to attitude. Like this famous shirt shout out which I have seen before, in front it says “Do Not Give me Your Attitude, I Already have One…”. May you see your capacity to build miracles. More miracles. Do not be afraid to do so, and if you ever met some rejections or failures along the way, treat each rejection as a ladder towards success. You learned, and that’s what really matters.

I just hope that your attitude is 90% on the positive side.

May we embrace every new phase that we may encounter, after several trial and error, positively. Never ever, limit yourself. Pass the popcorn please.