Snow, condolence...

This is a week full of disappointment for me. Snow, my pet hammie, gave birth to her second litter---five pink baby hammies. Sadly, one by one, they died. I never expected it to happen because on her first litter, only one died. Sigh. It was quite disappointing because I prepared everything before the big day. I had set up her cage and placed a lot of shavings and food. I even placed a small house for her to hide the babies. But in a single blink of an eye, all that was left was a sad Snow, the shavings and food, and an empty cage and house.

Snow:(

In life, no matter how we prepare for something to occur, the unexpected will always happen. Things don’t always work out the way we wanted it to. We will always have regrets and what ifs. There will be obstacles continually hurled towards us and adversities will poke us behind our backs from time to time.

As mere humans who cannot go against the cycle of change, what can we do? I myself do not know the exact answer. I don’t have the ample exposure to life’s comedies and tragedies. I am currently seeking for answers to a lot of questions. People tell me to always be vigilant and prepared for whatever life brings. Maybe this is a good advice. Vigilance and preparedness will help us in this journey called life. For me, we also need open-mindedness. An open mind, and an open heart—these are the best assets of humans against changes and unexpected circumstances. If we accept the fact that we can’t control everything, it would be easier.

Snow, I’m sorry for your loss.

   

PUV Rejection

There are a lot of mean people in this world. We encounter them every minute of every day. Okay, that’s an exaggeration. I’m just so freakin’ pissed. Just this afternoon, I was doing my groceries. It was okay even if the cashier was a total newbie. She first told me that my card isn’t working. I told her I just used it moments ago. It turned out that she swiped it the wrong way. Gah! No, she’s not the mean one. I met him after I did my groceries. Maybe you’ve already guessed it, maybe not. It was the taxi driver.

Taxi (photo from google image) 

I had about 6-8 bags with me and together with the grocery crew we went to the taxi line. When it was my turn, the grocery crew carried 2 of the bags towards the back of the car while the driver asked me where I’m headed. I told him and he replied that his trunk won’t open. It was clearly an excuse because he didn’t give any indication about the ‘broken‘ trunk He mentioned it only AFTER he heard my destination. GXG-899. Be careful. Karma strikes ten-fold. When I rode the next taxi in line, he told me that the driver was being shrewd. I figured that out on my own after the heartbreaking rejection. Boohoo.

 This refusal of a public utility vehicle happened to me a lot of times. I guess it happened to a lot of you too. What happened to the public part? With the way they are refusing passengers with either lame excuses or a straight no, it doesn’t follow the customer is always right motto. Commuters are customers right? We opt to pay ridiculously high fares for the fast service but tendency is that they will refuse us to suit their own interests. If our destination is too far, they refuse. If it is too near, they refuse. If there’s no assurance of passengers hiring after us, they refuse. They have a lot of demands considering they are PUVs.

I want to understand that they are choosing passengers because they want to get the highest profit with their limited time (especially for the rentals). I have to understand that they badly need the money to feed their families and one can acquire it by going beyond their quota or boundary (not sure ‘bout the term). Sigh. I am thinking if their desires to bring enough moolah outweigh their responsibility of being a public transport vehicle. If feeding their families justifies their refusal of commuters hailing a cab to get home late at night or when it’s raining cats and dogs. Or maybe one commuter had waited for hours (I’ve tried it) just to be refused flat out. What if the rejected commuter becomes a victim of a crime just because he/she was stuck there alone… at the side of the road…late at night? Hmm? Have you (taxi drivers) ever wondered about that?

We have already accepted the high fares (reluctantly), the kamikaze pilot-like driving, the sometimes incessant chatter, the AM drama, etc. Well, I have to admit that the fast driving really helps especially if I’m super late. I’m happy that some drivers really help you reach on time. I know that at times, some commuters are a bit rude. Some drivers tell me that commuters urge them to break traffic rules just so they can reach their appointments on time. If the poor driver ends up being caught, the driver suffers while the commuters walk away fine-free.

Back to the topic, how can we get back to the abusive taxi drivers? I’ve read online that we can do something about it. First, we need to acquire the following information:

1. Plate number (I think this is the most important!)
2. Taxi name or the operator
3. Name of the driver (you can cite his features if ever his license isn’t shown in a conspicuous place)
4. Description of the taxi (model, color, etc)
5. Complaint

Report them to:

LTO-CEBU

Cebu City District Office
N. Bacalso Ave. Cebu City 6000
LTO Hotline: 2563766 or 2543122
Registration: 2563767

Cebu City Extension Office
MVIS Bldg., Wireless, Subangdaku Mandaue City 6014
(032) 422-6460

Mandaue City District Office
Antipolo St., Mandaue City 6014
(032) 4202991

Talisay City Extension Office
Multipurpose Bldg.Talisay City Hall, Talisay City
(0921) 5594957

Lapu-Lapu City Extension Office
Lapu-Lapu City Hall, Lapu-lapu City 6015
(0918) 716-3817


If you want to get even without going through the hassle of reporting (I still recommend reporting them though), you can try the following:

1.      If they just stop, open their window, ask, and refuse, you can threaten that you’ll report them to the authorities. You can show them that you’re getting their plate numbers.

2.      If you go inside, sit comfortably inside the taxi, the driver asks you and they refuse upon hearing where you’re going: you can get off the taxi but leave the door open. It’s his problem. (a friend of mine taught me this trick;p)

3.      If they are really rude, tell the driver you’d sue or report them.

4.      If they ask for an extra payment or say that they won’t use the meter, get off the taxi without closing the door. Haha! You’ll get total satisfaction unless another passenger will ride.

Let us all link arms to fight against this abuse by avoiding the biggest mistake of commuters---tolerating those abusive drivers. We must do our best to spread awareness to others. Oh, and I hope that the management of Gaisano Mactan will follow the steps of SM and Ayala in ensuring the convenience of their customers especially transportation issues. Sigh. I better stop writing and arrange those groceries. Sigh. Tough.

Food for the body...and soul.

Ram Justin L. Laroga

Give-aways:)

Ram2x's get-up (love the shoes!)

Last February 20, 2011, I attended a very special occasion. It was the christening of my godson, Ram Justin Landingin Laroga. I went to Jessa Bianca Landingin-Laroga’s house, Ram2x’s mother. Together with her family and fellow godmothers/fathers, we attended the mass inside the Regional Training Center. It was a bit embarrassing because when we entered the RTC, police trainees littered the area and attended the mass as well. There were a lot of testosterone-pumping males flooding the area but at least I’ve seen a few female trainees. After the mass, the christening began. All godmothers and godfathers gathered behind the couple and Baby Ram2x. We then went to Jessa’s house for the reception. The food was sumptuous!

Happy Christening!

The yummy blue cake

The excited mother and grandmother before the mass.

The couple carrying Baby Ram2x, the godmothers, the godfathers, and the priest.

I’m sharing this event not only because I’m a proud godmother but during the christening, the priest’s words left an impression on me. First, he told us that as godmothers/fathers, we must be good role models for Ram2x. Second, he mentioned the seven sacraments. The seven sacraments are very important and sacred for us Christians. This is a blessed time for experiencing God’s presence on our lives. The first sacrament is baptism or christening. A priest told me that baptism’s significance not only lies with the infant’s entrance to Christianity but also the display of faith and the acceptance of his parent’s responsibility in training their children the Christian-way. The second sacrament is communion. It is the time wherein we accept the Body and Blood of Christ. The third sacrament is confession. It is where we confess our sins, repent, and seek forgiveness. The fourth sacrament is confirmation. It is said that it’s like a mature baptism wherein the young Christian deepens his roots and commitment to the Christian way of life. The fifth sacrament is marriage or Holy Matrimony wherein it is a sacred celebration and union of two people in law and with God’s blessing. The sixth sacrament is the holy orders which is the continuation of Christ’s priesthood. The last sacrament is the anointing of the sick. It is given to the dying, the gravely ill or those who will undergo a risky operation. The last sacrament not only applies for the healing of physical sickness but also for the mental and spiritual aspect. I’m not really a strict Christian believer and I’m not sure if I gave the correct details. I’m no expert but I tried my best.

The last thing the priest shared to us is that Ram2x must be taught his three duties. First, the duty of the priest wherein one must pray and have faith. Second is the duty of the good king. It is where one must serve the masses. And third, the duty of the prophet wherein one must spread the word of God.

We were listening to the priest's words of wisdom.

I’m really happy that I was able to learn a lot of things from Ram2x’s christening. My tummy was also glad. Thanks for the food---both in body and soulJ

After the christening: Classic tradition---photo-op with the beaming mommy, daddy, godmothers, godfathers, and the sleeping Baby Ram2x!:)

photos by: mommy jessa and renkei



2nd M. Lhuillier "Kwarta Padala" Invitational Karate-do Championships

Juban, Arcamo daog tagduha ka bulawan

Ni YoyO R. Abayan (Banat) Updated February 15, 2011 12:00 AM

source: www.philstar.com

CEBU, Philippines - Mikabkab og tag-duha ka bulawan sila si Kent Juban sa Labogon ug Mary Angelique Arcamo sa Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association (OSKA) sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka dibisyon sa 2nd M. Lhuillier Karatedo Championship niadtong Pebrero 5-6 didto sa Ayala Active Zone.
Ang duha ka bulawan ni Juban naggikan sa -65 kg. ug open weight divisions, samtang si Arcamo sa Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association (OSKA), miugkat og bulawan sa -53kgs. ug ingon man sa open weight sa womenÆs division.
Gipilde ni Juban ang mga pambato sa Philippine Military Airforce Club (PMAC) nga silang Donald Tanudtanud ug Mark Allen Jitomo sa open weight category. Si Juban mipatigbabaw sab sa -65kgs. human iyang gipilde ang iyang teammate nga si Josie Francisco ug si John Ray Conde sa Renzoku nga miangkon sa silver ug bronze medals.
Lain pang gold medalists sa men's open weight mao sila si Mark Wendell Gimena sa Cebu Martial Arts Club (CMAC) sa -55kgs. ug Glendale Mark Guinamos sa Labogon sa -60kgs., silang Jay Gene Alindajao sa OSKA ug Allan Estrera sa Spiritual and Sports Martial Arts Association (SSMAA) midaog og silver ug bronze sa -55kgs., samtang ang mga entrante sa PMAC nga sila si Reynaldo Arguelles ug John Carlo Garcia mao ang miangkon sa silver ug bronze sa -60kgs.
Sa women's class, si Ann Marie de la Riarte sa Sports Karatedo Organization (SKO)-Mandaue mipukan ni Martina Samantha Caparoso sa OSKA aron sakmiton ang bulawan sa -48kgs, samtang si Claire Gamboa sa Renzoku mao sab ang nidaog og gold sa -60kgs.

Ang torneyo gipaluyohan sab sa Central Visayas Union of Karatedo Organization, Inc. (CVUKOI) ubos sa liderato ni Steve Blanco. Ang tournament manager mao si CVUKOI secretary-general Rolando Basirgo.



Glendale Mark Guinamos accepting his gold medal

 

The instructors and winners of the tournament

The Kumite Champion medal. Congrats!



Photos by: renkei

Usui and Misaki

Whew! I can’t contain my shudder of delight after watching the last episode of Kaichou Wa Maid Sama. Usui and Misaki. Weeehhh! I screamed in ecstacy after that long awaited kiss and confession. I like how their characters developed ‘til the end. They’re definitely fire (Misa) and ice (Usui). The ending was a bit hanging but enough for me. It wasn’t that cheesy and there were no out of character moments. I just hope there’s a season two or even a special episode full of romance. Two thumbs up for this anime! Next stop, Fairy Tail.

The unforgettable kiss

This is one of the few sweet moments exchanged by Usui and Misaki (although Misa is asleep)

Usui and Misa:)

Note: Got the photos from the net



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Hindi pa nga Agosto...

Malamig ang gabi hindi dahil walang date na nangyari sa Valentines day. Malamig masyado ang gabi ko dahil nakatutok yung aircon sa akin. Pakiramdam ko tuloy na naninigas na hindi lang ang katawan ko kundi pati utak. Hindi ako pwedeng lumipat at di ko kayang bitbitin ang stone age na kompyuter ko. Eh tinamaan kasi ng magaling ang laptop at nasira. Oo na, alam ko na wala kang pakialaman ngunit ako'y naglalabas lang ng ngitngit at pagkainis sa sinapit ng matalik kong kakampi (yun na nga, yung laptop). Kaya eto, nagtitiis na lang ako. Nagsusulat ako ngayon sa facebook dahil maraming problemang bumabagabag sa aking isipan na nagpupumiglas na makawala upang magsimulang wasakin ang sanlibutan. Di ko naman papayagan at baka makasuhan ako ng destruction of properties ni Mother Nature at ng sambayanan. Mahirap na, wala pa naman akong pera ngayon para tustusan ang paglilitis. Alam ko na nagtataka kayo kung bakit ako nagsusulat sa wikang Filipino. Baka ang nasa isip ninyo na ang sagwa naman na nagsasalita ako sa wikang ito kahit na Cebuana ako. Yung sa mga hindi nagtataka, ihanda niyo na ang mata nyo at talagang gusto kong magpaliwanag. O, eto na ang simula.

Isang araw, natanong ko na lang sa sarili ko habang nagbabasa ako ng facebook kung bakit karamihan sa mga status ng kaibigan at mga di kilalang organismo ay nakasulat sa wikang Ingles. Oo na, ako man ay ginagawa rin ito. Naisip ko, di kaya ginagawa ko ito para magmukhang may pinag-aralan at edukada? Kumatok tuloy yung alaala ko sa kaibahan ng salitang 'literate' at 'educated' na kung saan ang 'literate' ay yung taong nakapag-aral at yung 'educated' ay ang taong ginagamit sa pang-araw-araw ang kanyang natutunan sa loob at labas ng silid aralan. Naglaho na ang alaala pagkatapos kung banggitin ito kaya ako'y babalik na sa paksa. Yun na nga, ang wikang Ingles ba talaga ang sukatan sa pagiging intelihente ng isang tao? Sana maglalaro ang tanong na ito sa inyong isipan.

Mula elementarya at hayskul ay pagkatapos idikit gamit ng glue at nung nilipad ng hangin ay talagang pinukpok na sa ating isipan ang kasabihang

"Ang taong hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay mas mabaho pa sa malansang isda o kaya sa isang medyas ng basketbolista na hindi nalalabhan ng limang buwan."

Isa pa ay hindi ba ninyo alam na kapag hindi natin ginagamit ang ating sariling wika ay maglalaho ito na parang bula? Nakakalungkot isipin na ang isang bahagi ng ating kultura ay mawawala lang dahil sa kolonyal mentality o sa makabagong termino na ‘globalization’. Ikinahihiya ba natin ang pag-gamit ng Filipino? Dapat lang itong gamitin at paglinangin dahil ito ay ating tungkulin bilang mamamayan ng Pilipinas. Kaya humayo kayo at magparami---este, paunlarin ang wikang Filipino habang ako naman ay magtitimpla pa ng mainit na tsokolate.

Ay, oo nga pala. May nakalimutan ako. Pagpasensiyahan po ninyo ang Filipino ko at hindi ako eksperto dahil ilang dekada na ang lumipas mula nang matutuhan ko ito mula sa guro ko noong hayskul. Hindi  po ako nagsasalita ng Tagalog kundi Filipino. May kaibahan ang dalawa kaya lang mamaya ko na ipapaliwanag at ang tsokolate ko ay nagaantay na.

a new beginning

This is it!

Another attempt to write a blog!

Well, my first blog is still alive albeit unconscious. I wasn’t able to update it due to techie and personal reasons. I don’t know why I want to start writing again because I have this habit of starting things but leaving them unfinished. Maybe I am bored. Nonetheless here I am listening to that oh so familiar rhythm of the keys crunching as I hit it with my fingertips. Honestly, I don’t know what kind of blog I want to start. I’m torn between a travel blog and an anything under the sun kind of blog. I don’t usually travel nowadays due to financial limitations so I guess I’ll choose the latter. Maybe I’ll start another blog (travel) later or inject my travels to this blog. (sigh) Indecisiveness is really one of my major faults. But the most important thing is that I’m able to express my views and opinions. Selfish huh? :D