New President, New Hope

Today, June 30, 2010, we just witnessed another significant event in our Philippine history as the 15th President, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, was sworn into office.  Although I was not there to see it for myself, I felt goosebumps especially when I heard the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang" and "Bayan Ko" were being sang (by Charice and Madrigal Singers, respectively).  What more for those who personally went to the inauguration?

The images shown on TV were enough for me to conclude that, despite the unbearable heat, people there were obviously in a festive mood as they experienced a renewed sense of hope and vigor for the our country.

But still, I just could not help myself wondering..... where is James Yap? :)

So Long, Ate Paz

I received a phone call just a few minutes earlier from a colleague and told me the sad news: an officemate has already passed away.  Although it was already expected, as she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness some weeks before, I could not help but still feel a painful sense of loss for Ate Paz.

Just last Friday night, my two officemates and I proceeded to hospital to visit her.  She was already in state of comatose.  Upon seeing her, I almost cried.  I immediately reminded myself that I am neither a kapamilya nor a close friend, hence I was able to keep my tears from falling.  But still, I was depressed. (This explains why I can never qualify as a doctor or a nurse).

I knew her for barely three years only but the impact she had on me lingers on.  She was the only spinster I have ever known who has no attitude problem.  She could crack jokes and could easily join along (which is amazing to me because she always projected a serious aura).  I learned later that she had been a close buddy to her teenage nephews and nieces.

Ate Paz, may you rest in peace...

the most important man in my life...

too bad, he is long gone. but in my heart, he still stays.  nobody could replace him. no one ever...

i would always remember papa as my hero.  his reassuring smile would be enough to tell me that everything's okay.  he was the most understanding and patient man that i had ever known.  well, maybe the adage is true, that good men die young...

papa, happy father's day.  i'm so proud of you, for you did a great job here on earth.  i'm so honored and thankful that God gave me the best father in the world, and that is YOU. :)

Sing Me A Song Again, Papa

I was in taxicab this morning when I heard the song, "Sing Me A Song, Daddy", played over Ted Failon's radio program in advance celebration of Father's Day.  As much as I would like to compose myself especially that I was already approaching my destination, I couldn't help myself being misty-eyed while reminiscing that moment when I once sang that song at our sala at home about twelve years ago.  My papa was just upstairs then.

After my so-called "videoke concert", I realized papa was patiently listening to my "song reading".  His smile says it all... that somehow, he appreciated my poor but humble way of showing how much I love him.

To Papa:

Sing me a song again, Daddy
Sing me a happy verse.
Teach me those clever lines you sang
As you carried me on your shoulders.
Sing me that hymn that you so loudly
Sang in church with mom.
Sing it again to me and fill me
With all your words of wisdom.

Comforting words of love when I
Would get home from school in tears.
Somehow your songs have stayed within me
Down through all the years.
Once when my younger heart was broken
Your shoulder was there to cry on.
Sing me those songs I know will linger
Long after you have gone.

I am standing at the threshold
Of a chapter in my life
I am asking for your blessing
As I'm about to be the wife
Of a man I know who loves me
And I'm proud to be his bride.
Dad the time has come for me to leave your side.

So, sing me a song again, Daddy.
Sing me a lullaby.
Wrap me inside your arms, Daddy,
'Though this is not goodbye.
Your songs will live forever
In my heart. When times get rough
The ones I'll most remember
Are your songs of love.

Your songs will live forever
In my heart. When times get rough

The ones I'll most remember
Are your songs of love.

Sunblock On A Rainy Season

I recently bought a sunblock just in time for the official declaration of PAG-ASA that the el niño phenomenon has just ended.  :(

Nevertheless, I chose a product that has a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) than what I had been using.  I found this Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream with SPF 50 at Watson's in SM Mall of Asia.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not keen on bleaching my face as I do not want to look like Michael Jackson in any way.  It is just that the Nivea Sunblock comes with a whitening ingredient.  What matters most to me is ts high SPF, that's all!

Accordingly, Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream is an effective protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing.  Here's the cache:  No need to wait for 20 minutes as it protects IMMEDIATELY upon application.  Isn't that great?  That means, I need not be afraid to go out right after I apply sunblock on my face.

This is the bonus:  The formula with Licorice extract reduces skin's pigmentation at its source to effectively lighten the skin.  Further, it reduces melanin production responsible for dark and uneven skin tone.  Lastly, it protects the skin's collagen to help prevent wrinkles caused by frequent sun exposure.

If I'm not mistaken, Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream costs at around P350+ (or about US$7.5).  Try it!  And maybe we can compare notes later about its effects (whether side effects or otherwise) on our faces..

I'm Proud To Be A Josenian!

Few years after I passed, results of CPA Board Examinations no longer interest me unless I know somebody who took and/or passed it.  I didn't even know that the recent exams produced a topnocher from my own school, University of San Jose-Recoletos, not until I read an article from just simple thoughts blog.

Three Josenians made it to the top 10.  It is worthy to note also that my best friend and batchmate got the 14th place in the CPA Board Examinations held ten years ago.

I attribute the success of my fellow Josenians partly to the educators who somehow made a mark on these successful examinees.  I can speak for myself as I had my fair share of experiences with the so-called "terror" accounting teachers.  It was only when I started reviewing for and passed the exams that I appreciated the discipline that these notorious teachers instilled in me.

To my teachers, thank you.  :)

Going Gaga Over Chocolates

I admit I'm a certified chocoholic.  I don't intend to join chocoholic anonymous because in the first place, I'm not interested to get over with my addiction.  Imprison me if you want.  I assure you, your efforts will be worthless as I will practically do anything to satisfy my cravings for chocolates.  I could not live without chocolates!  Period!

Sounds cheezy, right?  That's how passionate am I with chocolates.  I even plan to study on baking just to make my own masterpiece of chocolate cakes, brownies, cookies, etc.  Good thing I bumped into chocolatesource.com which supplies chocolates, particularly, for baking and gift items.  Just browsing at their website makes my palate crave for more and place my orders online.

Hmm.. I need to gulp water fast!