THROUGH THE YEARS

It's raining very hard. Rain makes me senti. I just celebrated my nth birthday last week and I'm thankful for all the blessings and sufferings I've encountered because it only made me a better person.

I was on leave on my actual birthday. I accompanied my mom to the hospital for her check-up because her health card will expiring this month. At any rate, I'm still fortunate that I have work, family and friends who are very supportive.

I had my birthday celebration two days after I came back from work. It was a touching celebration because my share of pancit was complemented with lechong manok from Andok's and a mocha birthday cake from Goldilock's, under the care of my colleagues.

I received a lot of birthday greetings thru text. Then there's facebook. My wall was filled with birthday greetings from classmates, clients and friends from way, way back.

What is my birthday wish? There is a saying that birthday wish should be kept a secret in order for it to become a reality.

credit: http://photobucket.com/images/raining

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THE FIGMENT OF OUR IMAGINATION

Over the years, our imaginations are ruled by fictional characters and superstitious images of horrifying creatures. When I was a child, my parents would scare the hell of me of vampires or "aswang," ghost or "multo" or "moomoo," and other make-believe creatures so that I could eat my food, behave or go to sleep in time.

My spiritual adviser used to say that they are the works of evil. I always pray if I feel so afraid or if a rumor spread that there is a monster roaming around the streets of Metro Manila.

When I went to college, I was educated about this mythical creatures. They are part of the literary stories handed down from generations to generations. So much education lured me away from them. I was now more afraid of the living than the mythical creatures they blame when a series of unfortunate events happen.

But I seldom watch horror movies. I don't like the gory details or the blood spilling out from one's body. It makes me sick.

When I was in Grade 5, I was exposed to the very first vampire movie entitled "Fright Night." The vampire was considered a villain who drinks blood and can turn his victim into one of them. I evolved from being scared to reading vampire books like "Dracula," which narrates his power over centuries as ruler of the Transylvannian Kingdom. It was made into a movie starring Winona Ryder, Keannu Reeves and Gary Oldman as Dracula.

Brad Pitt became famous because he starred in a vampire film with Tom Cruise entitled "Interview with the Vampire," before he snatch the heart of Angelina Jolie. Although Louis became a vampire, he does not want to be a monster by feeding blood of rats. In the end he and Lestat had a falling out because he cannot stand the lifestyle of murdering innocent people to satisfy your thirst.

Fast forward to present. It's vampire phenomenon once again as Stephenie Meyer wrote a novel depicting a lovestory between the vampire and human. At first Edward Cullen tried to stay away from Bella Swan because her blood is like a heroin to him. But little did Edward know that his prey is falling in love with him. And for Bella, Edward was her knight-in-shining armor. Her angel. That's why people fell in love with Edward Cullen too.

I just finished reading Twilight. But now, I'm about to finish New Moon. Frankly, Robert Pattinson as Edward and Kristen Stewart as Bella are the perfect match for the role. I can't think of any celebrities that could give justice to the role. Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black was also an improvement from being a lanky boy in Twilight to a muscular shape-shifter in New Moon.

I can't wait for November 20. I just hope that I am forgiven if my thoughts are with Stephenie Meyer's characters.

BIRTHDAY FEAST

Today, we celebrate the birthday of my uncle. Assorted food were prepared consists mostly of fish, beef, pork and some sweets. My uncle gave us a fried maya-maya-a large fish-in addition to the dishes that my mom prepared.

Fried maya-maya. Another deep-fried fish that my uncle brought for the birthday lunch we hosted for him.

Noodles such as pancit canton cannot be absent on birthday celebrations. In our country, there's a saying that noodles signifies long life for the family and friends of the celebrants.

Steamed Tilapia: One of my favorite fish. The meat is tender and juicy especially when steamed.

Pork binagoongan: A Filipino specialty consists of pork cut into cubes mixed with bagoong or shrimp pate.

Beef Calderetta: The secret is with the sauce. That I cannot reveal because as I say, it's a SECRET...

My mom's specialty: banana cake and black and white cupcake. The latter was taken from Mrs. Field's cookbook. Ingredients for cupcake includes cream cheese, chocolate mix and chocolate chips.

Gelatin anyone? My sister prepared a multi-colored gelatin mixed with evaporated milk for dessert.

ANYTHING AT CONTI'S

Yesterday, it was the 65th birthday of my godmother. She happens to be the bestfriend of my mom.

And the good way to celebrate someone's birthday is to host dinner with her relatives and close-almost family-friends. We were invited to attend a sumptuous dinner at Conti's in Paranaque. Since everybody had their tummy full, the leftovers were distributed among the guests, including us.

Food from left to right: Baked Salmon, Pork asado, Lasagna and Pancit Malabon

FOODBITES: MOZART BALL

Eating is definitely a way of life. I love to eat especially when the weather is cold and rainy. I crave for sweets most especially chocolate. Therefore, I would like to introduce to you a sample of some edible stuff I'm addicted to for the past days...

Last Friday, July 17, 2009, my mom and I went to Merced Bakeshop to purchase 1 dozen of Mozart Ball. It's a chocolate-coated meringue ball. Very crispy and the chocolate really melts in my mouth. It costs P120.00 for 6 pieces or 1 box, and costs P21.00 per piece. This my latest indulgence...Yum!

IN THE ARMS OF AN ANGEL...

Note: This is one of my favorite all-time songs that I never got tired of listening. I also love anything related to angels-figurines, pictures, movies, graphics...Fascination with angels was influenced by my auntie living in U.S.A. She gave us some angel figurines when she was on vacation. The track is the themesong from the movie "City of Angels" starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan.

IN THE ARMS OF AN ANGEL

by Sarah Maclachlan

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance

For break that will make it okay

There's always some reason to feel not good enough

And it's hard at the end of the day

I need some distraction or a beautiful release

Memories seep from my veins

Let me be empty and weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the Angel far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn

There's vultures and thieves at your back

The storm keeps on twisting, keep on building the lies

That you make up for all that you lack

It don't make no difference, escaping one last time

It's easier to believe

In this sweet madness, oh it's glorious sadness

That brings me to my knees

In the arms of an Angel far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie

In the arms of an Angel, may you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of an Angel, may you find some comfort here

AN ENCOUNTER WITH AN EPILEPTIC STRANGER

I made a trip to a mall in Pasig one weekend for some errands. While my mom and I were walking along the basement, we noticed a group of people gathering around a teenager. He was lying on the pavement surrounded by guards, janitor and curious strangers. A lady was rubbing his arms and holding his head so that it won't hit the floor.

My mom and I accompanied with our curiosity went to the crowd. We notice that saliva was dripping from his mouth. Then the lady holding him told my mom that he was epileptic. Honestly speaking, it was the first time I witnessed an epileptic. But my mom instructed the lady to remove his shoes and rub his feet. They even looked for a spoon to stick in his mouth as a precautionary measure.

I made my own research on epilepsy.

• Epilepsy is a neurological condition, which affects the nervous system or a seizure disorder. Usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures that were not caused by some known medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar. It can also be diagnosed after one seizure if a person has a condition that places them at high risk for having another. (source: http://www.epilepsy.com/)

Honestly speaking, I was scared when I saw the teenager lying on the pavement. His companions were desperate and helpless. Most of the people just pass them by. The guard and janitors were only watching. They did not even called a doctor or nurse to give first aid. The person regained his consciousness and he doesn't want to be looked at. My mom assisted the lady in giving a first aid by massaging soles of his feet. I felt proud because we were able to help a stranger...even if I only watched from a distance because I have to admit, I'm not really knowledgable in dealing with epileptic people.

Here are some tips on how to deal with an epileptic person. Most importantly, remember to have A CLEAR MIND and LOTS OF COMMON SENSE. What to do when you encounter an epileptic person: (source: http://www.epilepsy.com/)

1. Stay calm.
2. Prevent injury. During the seizure exercise commonsense by insuring there is nothing within reach that could harm the person if struck with it.
3. Pay attention to the length of the seizure.
4. Make the person comfortable as possible
5. Keep onlookers away
6. Do not hold the person down. If the person is having seizure trashes around there is no need to restrain them. Remember to consider your own safety as well.
7. Do not put anything within the person's mouth. Contrary to popular belief , a person having a seizure is incapable of swallowing their tongue so you do not have to stick your fingers into the mouth of someone in this condition.
8. Do not give the person water, pills, or food until fully alert.
9. If the seizure continues for longer than 5 minutes, call a doctor nearest you.
10. Be sensitive and supportive, and ask others to do the same.

After the seizure the person should be placed on his/her left side because there might be a risk of post-seizure vomitting before he/she is fully alert. Person's head should be turned so any vomit will drain out of the mouth without being inhaled. Stay with the person for 5-20 minutes until he/she recovers. (source: http://www.epilepsy.com/)

HIS MUSIC WILL LIVE FOREVER

Fans from all over U.S. trooped outside Staples Theater to see Michael Jackson. They carry different Michael Jackson paraphernalias with them to show their undying love for the King of Pop.

Staples Theater, L.A. is jampacked. They are celebrating with the legendary icon.

There will be no pyrotechnic effects. He won't be singing, dancing or moonwalking to his songs. Instead, his family and friends will do it for him. But...

He is still onstage. Ironically speaking.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop might be gone for good. But his music leaves an imprint in our hearts. I felt a wave of emptiness as I listen to his colleagues and friends sing his song...while he is lying inside the casket.

BY MY TEARS-THE ART OF CRYING

While surfing my facebook, Timi, a schoolmate and friend of mine tagged me in one of her notes. I was really moved by the poem that it really made me cry so hard...not that I have no reason to. But sadly, I was in the crying move that night due to some unfortunate discriminating event against a senior citizen who is close to my heart...Not only was I crying, but I was also stressed out.

BY MY TEARS

By: Timi Stoop-Alcala

"This is my program:

Let us all weep.”

--Kenneth Patchen

The world has not wept enough.

Yes, we have cried for reason’s demise

Or reason itself turned cold and cruel

We have wailed for lives cut short,

For hearts that beat without spirit,

We have cursed each season upturned,

The death of leaves, the fall of mountains –

Why do our species define

history and peace as contradictions?

With righteous anger,

We tremble at injustice, and yet

We summon wars as much as we train heroes.

We are relentless, without limits

Like a catastrophe

And we punish ourselves for this terrible,

Implacable destiny.

We torture ourselves for conjuring destinies

That destroy those who seek them.

But we have not wept enough.

The night’s disquiet is more piercing than our mourning.

Suffering is still greater than our sadness.

So, I propose:

Let us weep until we cannot.

Let us weep so hard

that we cannot turn our back to the other

without touching, without sharing,

without being shaken by our capacity for despair.

Let us take pride in our weeping,

And weave these tears into our skin,

That laughter becomes a memory,

And happiness a dream.

Maybe then,

We shall call destiny, hope.

Love, our evolution.

I shall begin with myself.

By my tears, my love shall know me.

I used to cry when I was a kid. My teachers and classmates in school used to call me a baby. When I was growing up, I was oriented that unable to cry is a sign of strength. Crying is a sign of weakness. But as I mature, I learned that crying is part of human nature, synonymous to breathing, walking, or eating...If we control my emotions, I cannot breathe. Sometimes, inability to express oneself thru crying makes a person sick. That's why nowadays, young people, especially professionals are having health problems due to stress and emotional imbalance. Therefore, it is fitting to cry especially when the need arises. It's good for the health.

When I'm hurt...I cry

When my father passed away...I cry

When I'm frustrated...I cry

When I had an illness...I cried

When I pray for strength...I cry to GOD

Because He wash away my tears