You will be missed, Bapang Ding!

This is a place for my egocentrism. Dramas can be seen, but I never thought I would be posting a eulogy kind. I don't expect anyone to read this. A special person deserves a space on my blogspot.

An uncle of mine died on November 6, 2014 at the age of 64 due to cardiac arrest. We called him "Bapang Ding". He was the husband of my mom's sister, Nanang Ising (Auntie Ising), the eldest among the siblings. When our grandparents had to spread their wings above, Bapang Ding and Nanang Ising assumed the duties.

Bapang Ding was a caring husband and a good provider. During a family get-together, the elders looked back to the time when Bapang Ding was in 20's and could trek back and forth between Pampanga and Manila with a bicycle for work every day. Just to earn a living! Don't worry! I had the same thought as yours. But according to them, it's true. Well, I could still remember him and my cousin who went to Manila using a motor bicycle one time. Unfortunately, that was the reason a tremendous arthritis afflicted him.

Lately, we've been calling our relatives back in the Philippines a lot to be updated. My cousin said there are many people who offer condolences and sympathy. It goes to show that my uncle did touch many lives.

His loss left us feeling sick at heart. Seeing the bright side in this is our last option. Our family needs to have in mind that Bapang Ding is now happier with his creator up above. Our solitary worry now is my aunt. You know, this couple was really in love with each other. No one could separate them. When all their children got married, they were always next to each other. They had been going to the market and church together. They had been doing the laundry and been cooking together. So when he breathed his last, the words she voiced were "Paano na kaya ako nito?” It made my heart melt.

"Bapang Ding, thank you for all the memories. Thank you for having taken care of us. We will miss your funny dance moves, your jokes, and everything about you. Do not worry for we will take care of Nanang Ising and love her even more. We will see you soon. We love you."

Riyadh Idol - Kids 2014

Riyadh City gave the limelight to those kids with magnificent talent on October 31, 2014.

FMJ Productions organized and Healing Hands FOundations endorsed the event, Riyadh Idol Kids 2014. And again, I was lucky to have been the master of ceremony

There were 7 kids who competed under junior category and 5 kids for the senior category. I tell you, all of them were like adults as they sang their piece. "Small but terrible" phrase perfectly fits them. They were little kids but with big powerful voices. Each contestant had his/her own way of projecting and rendering his/her song.

The champion for Junior category is a little girl named Sarah. Her winning piece is Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On". Whereas, a little man named Kenneth bagged the 1st prize. His winning piece is "All of Me" by John Legend. For those who deeply know me, yes! It moved me to tears. Haha!

What I found amazing about this event was the support of people for each other. Notice the event itself. It has been supported by many sponsors like Cebu Pacific, Jarir Bookstore, Jollibee, Outback, and several organizations. Goosebumps is what I got when friends/families/fans cheered for the contestants as they waved their banners. And of course, the never-ending support of my parents and sister. :)

By the way, the gown that I wore during the event is a creation of Jonas Presas. What a glamorous gown! However, I had to wear a white undergarment to conceal the cleavage. Hihi! Exposing too much skin will give my parents a heart attack. Lol!

Black Refinement

Jonas Presas's Creation

Photographed by: Pai Koh

Riyadh Got Talent

"I don't believe in competition. I believe in the spirit of helping other people, especially who are in need" - A very inspiring line from a Pakistani doctor who was one of the contestants of Riyadh Got Talent. This was his answer when I asked him on stage about how he feels.

Healing Hands Foundation is founded by Mrs. Alina Articulo. Members are from Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, USA, and Saudi Arabia, but all based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From the name of the foundation itself, it clearly gives you an idea about their mission. Their project last year concerned Typhoon Yolanda's victims. They provided food and medical assistance. This year's project aims to rebuild classrooms of an elementary school in  Tacloban, Philippines which were completely devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

The foundation organized a small event called "Riyadh Got Talent" last month. The actual event took place on September 12, 2014. People would think that it is the typical talent search, all about showcasing talent and winning prizes. But of course, there was a deeper and more meaningful reason why Riyadh Got Talent was created. Luckily, I became part of this successful event. I co-hosted with MJ Fanorma.

12 contenders competed. There were singers, dancers, and beat boxers. Majority of the contenders are Filipinos. I tell you, judges really had a hard time choosing the winners because all of them possess magnificent talents. But this year's Riyadh Got Talent champion is the BYB Dance Crew.

BYB Dance Crew

Each admission ticket was sold for 100 SAR, which included dinner. 300 tickets were sold. Many gave donations too.

It is amazing to know that despite the restraint of the country, residents could still congregate and work hand in hand for humanity.

Entertaining and at the same time helping - Riyadh Got Talent showed great humanity. It's my pleasure to be part of it.

See the video and other pictures below:

Extempore Blog leads to Realization

At exactly 1:00 pm, I began typing this entry. I am not in the mood to compose one, but I think this is a good way to consume the remaining working hours. I have no more files to work on. At times like this, I used to play Clash of Clans, but my supervisor caught me doing it this morning, so I am trying to lay low now. Hence, the blogging. Do not worry! He is kind, no reprimanding happened. Haha!

The Fault of Clash of Clans (Lol!)

I am not totally ready with the topic I am going talk about. Let us see where these flimsy fingers will take me. Hmmmm???

Ok! Here...

I had a self-observation last night. I realized that seeing other people happy makes me even happier, especially if they went through hardship. Just like my big sister. She had been arguing with her current sponsor for she wanted to transfer to another company that gives bigger offer. She did not succeed, but the good thing is that her current company satisfied her demands.

Another successful stories are my 2 counsins'. Jermaine and Kuya Marlon came from impecunious families. Well, their families used to be wealthy, but life can be very challenging sometimes. They lost everything. Presently, both of them are striving hard. Jermaine is now working in Doha, Qatar and Kuya Marlon in Japan. When I saw their pictures on Facebook, I could not stop thanking God. Tears of joy fell down my face. You may find me arty-farty, but I am not. I witnessed how difficult their lives have been. Blessings were poured upon them and I felt so blessed too.

It feels good to see people being illumined by sunshine after a strong storm fumed. It even feels better to see people whom you have been praying for to be happy actually became happy in the end.

Refreshing Stopover at Pangasinan

Hundred Islands - the only attraction in Pangasinan that I had known. I was not fully aware that Pangasinan is a beautiful province with several beautiful attractions... until we had our stopover.

This is a late post. We went to Pangasinan in April 2014.

The original plan was to visit our relatives in Pangasinan and head to Baguio straight off. But due to my nephews' thirst for adventure,we visited two beautiful places. Before I forget, TPLEX (Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway) provides easier access to Region 1. Hence, we reached the place after a few hours. We were able to visit my cousin and his family.

The first spot we explored was Enchanted Cave located in Bolinao. There was a tourist guide who assisted us around the place and acted as our photographer too. Hihi! Enchanted Cave is a resort, I may say. There is a man-made pool and a man-made falls. Its main feature is the cave itself with natural spring in it. The tourist guide told us that water can be drunk in the morning, before tourists soak in, which never will I do. Hihi! Honestly, it is refreshing to dive in. It is amazing how clear the water is that make you see the corals at the bottom.

At the time, accommodations are still being put up. So, we stayed in a hotel.

Next morning was supposed to be a trip to Baguio. The adults (mama, papa, & Tito June) did not want to range over the place anymore. However, we passed by these huge vinyl wall letters forming "Hundred Islands". Oh dear! Who would not want to eye this spectacular tourist attraction of my homeland? No one, except the adults who could not endure the heat of the sun. Since we were not able to repress our excitement, we insisted.

We rented a big boat for 1,700 pesos. You can choose a small one for 1,000 pesos, but this kind of boat is a bit shaky and unsteady. There is more of a secured feel riding a bigger one. Each person has to pay environmental fee which I forgot how much.

Two islands were visited by us, but you can visit all the developed islands. We were just thinking of the adults who did not go ashore and stayed at the boat the whole adventure. Adults will always be adults. Haha!

After leaving Hundred Islands, we went to Jollibee to celebrate Kongkong's (my nephew) 5th birthday.

Next time I will visit Pangasinan, I will make sure to pass by Treasures of Bolinao.

Note to my 23-year-old-self

I started this post through narrating the crap I put into my life. I was about to finish the 2nd paragraph when I realized... Here I am again, recounting my downfall. It's as if I cry for sympathy. Lol! Hence, I raped backspace key for revision. Haha!

Since I just turned 23 last month, I want to collect more good vibes. Also, I realized that frequent discussion of your misfortune and mistakes may plunge you deeper into the hole. Thus, I need to do some decluttering in my life.

I made a list of things I need to do so as to gain life betterment. Here they are:

1.) Nuff with virtual drama
A bit of explanation is stated above. I've been posting about my bitterness on twitter, IG, plurk, and blogspot. I should minimize doing such. I will not completely stop this virtual sharing, especially on this page you are currently at. As you may know, blogging gives me relief. I think, if I were to share, it should be something that could inspire others. If I were to express, it should be something that would not hurt others.

2.) Productive
When I was still jobless, I was just staying at home and was doing chores. Proud to say I had been doing laundry and ironing. T'was tough, you know! Haha! Presently, I work at the office from 9 am to 6 pm. I am unable to help my mom with it. When I get home, it is either I take a nap or play Clash of Clans. Lol! I need to lessen the time I spend on unnecessary naps and mobile games. Do the chores and run errands as soon as possible. Also, I must bake and juice again.

3.) Healthy lifestyle
Juicing, exercising, and consuming healthy food have been ditched by yours truly. Body toning becomes harder as one gets older. I am planning to be fit again. Reduce munching too much sweets and fries, plus perform some exercises. However, I doubt that I will be consistent with this, especially when mom loaded a basin with packs of M&M's

4.) Negative people
People with a bucketful of negativity are pervasive and contagious. I, being a prophet of doom, easily gets influenced by them. Some of them wear very charming masks but their hearts have bad intention towards you. Some appear to be extending their hands, but their unconscious minds want to prove something on your face. Moreover, people who do not want me in their lives must be out of mine too. Giving them freedom will set me free.

5.) Frugality
Since I am now employed, I should be mindful of the future in spending moolah. No more binge shopping. If I am to indulge myself, imma make it grand but has to be done once a year only.

6.) Groom yourself
Onlookers think I am beauty-conscious, but my family and close friends know how simple I could be. Seldom do I groom myself. Comb the hair, apply powder and wear pink lipstick - my oh-so-quick routine before going out. I swear, I do not know how to put on my make up. I always end up caking my face with it. Being presentable is a must for a 23-year-old lady. Thus, I shall exert more effort in learning of make up application.

7.) Stay Connected
For the past months, I've been busy with random stuffs. I ignored my FB messages. I forgot to say hi to my college and high school friends, nor did I even bother to visit their FB wall to get updates. I will try to read all my unopened messages and respond. I will try collecting my super friends' mobile numbers again. Hihi!

8.) Optimism
One thing I hate about myself is being a pessimist, to the point where my self-esteem reaches the ground. I've been battling with pessimism. I hope I can win in the battlefield.

9.) Pursue my dream
I posted on my other blog before that I have one last dream. My life has been a roller coaster lately. I want some changes. I want improvement. I may not be successful in achieving my dream, but I know I could obtain the changes and improvement I want during the whole process.

10.) Pray More
I do not forget God. He is always in my mind and heart. I just want to talk to him more.

So, these are the 10 things... or I should say my 10 goals after turning 23. I am praying and hoping that I won't need to celebrate another birthday to accomplish them. Lazim!