MAN AND WOMAN'S BESTFRIENDS

"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will just do fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart of dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?" -John Grogan from MARLEY AND ME

A movie inspired by the book written by John Grogan. I have the privilege to watch it a while ago. It is based on the true story. The story deals with the journey of John Grogan from the time he got married till parenthood. But aside from John and his wife Jenny, another central character of the story is their labrador, Marley.



The dog became a part of their life when they bought him as a puppy in a farm raised by a dog breeder till his death. He was named Marley by John because they were listening to a Bob Marley song on their way home. During his younger years, they named Marley as the worst dog. He nips on pillows, scratches the furnitures, eats three times a day and addicted to mangoes.



Marley became a part of John's promotion, Jenny's pregnancy, the birth of the Grogan kids and John's 40th birthday. He was also an inspiration in his columns. The kids love Marley because whenever they came home from school, he will be there waiting for them and they will race towards his house. The saddest part of the movie is watching him die in the veterinary clinic and the entire family have to bury him at their backyard.


It was indeed a touching movie that teaches us the value of treating our pets extra special, especially dogs. They are man and woman's bestfriend. A dog doesn't have to eat expensive dog foods or being paraded in a fashion show, they just have to be treated with the same amount of love and affection because they also have feelings. Treat them right and they will reciprocate it with the same amount of love and affection in return.

SO MUCH TO THANK FOR

I have so much to thank for. But sadly I cannot put them into words because I don't know where to start. Last August 13, after 11 months of gruesome training in our company-sponsored Officership program, finally, I made it. I passed the panel interview and effective September 1, I am promoted as one of the company's officer.

What can I say? My eyes were brimming with tears of joy upon hearing the news. But I know that this no bed of roses. This will entail so many responsibilities, coupled with gift of wisdom and discernment. But the most important thing above all is doing my part, relax by having a positive outlook, and most importantly, PRAY. I prayed a lot for God to give me strength. And He never failed me. I am blogging as testimony of God's unwavering love in my life. And I know that all of us should have faith and trust in Him because He will never leave us in times of need.

WHY AM I NOT POSTING LATELY?

A week after the death of our former beloved President, I have been out-of-touch in the internet world lately.

First, there is a problem with computer access. Our DSL provider had encountered some problems for the last few weeks. My connection was greatly affected because we cannot browse the internet. I have been calling them for assistance, but most of the time, only the customer service provider are the one answering our calls. I cannot blame them because they only relay what was written in their computer. If the technical people decided not to write anything, the customer service assistant will be the ones to make excuse so that they can appease their caller.

Next, I have been reviewing for my panel lately. This is the make-or-break part of my career that is why I have to concentrate on it. After 11 months of gruelling training, all my efforts, with the help of Divine Intervention, paid off. I am now 1 step ahead of the corporate ladder and I'm very happy that it turned out for the best. One of the significant learning thru this experience is always to thank the Lord for all the blessings...aside from being calm and relaxed.

Now that the phase of my training period is over and I was able to make it, I think it's about time for me to concentrate not only my blogging but also my driving skills. According to my mentor in driving, I have the tendency to be an offensive driver. My instructor advised me to always be on the defensive side because it will be our responsibility ones we bump into something.

Anyway, I just would like to thank the people who take time in following this blog. I'll try to write as often as I can, it's just that blame it on the DSL provider...

IMAGES FROM CORAZON AQUINO'S FINAL MARCH

Another look at the former President Corazon Aquino's funeral march and burial.

photo credits: Associated Press thru http://news.yahoo.com

This is dedicated to the late former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. 1933-2009

CORY AQUINO'S FINAL JOURNEY

Corazon Aquino, 76, was finally laid to rest at around 9:00 p.m., Manila time, August 5, 2009.

At 9:00 a.m., the last funeral mass was held at Manila Cathedral. Prior to the mass, a white cloth which symbolizes Baptism was placed on top of the casket, followed by the Book of Gospel and a cross.

Her youngest daughter, Kris Aquino was very emotional at the duration of the 4-day wake. I can't help but be emotional too.

At around 11:00 a.m., the casket made its final journey from Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park.

Thousands of people flocked to the street to witness another milestone in Philippine history.

Most of them braving the heavy downpour of rain. It seems that heaven cried with the entire nation as they joined in bidding farewell to the late former President Cory.

Thank you for your selflessness, your Excellency Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. You will truly be missed. I will always wear this yellow ribbon in my heart as a remembrance that once upon a time, a widow and single mother fought for our nation's democracy and freedom.

photo credits: Associated Press thru http://news.yahoo.com and http://www.coryaquino.ph

NINOY AND CORY REUNITED IN DEATH

I'm very fond of love stories. Normally, I'm the type of person who loves happy ending. But as I grew up, I realize that love is not about happy endings.

Benigno Aquino Jr. was a budding politician married Corazon Cojuangco. Their union produced 5 children namely Balsy, Pinky, Viel, Noynoy and Kris.

Their lovestory was tragic. Ninoy was captured while fighting for the country's democracy, being separated from her wife and 5 kids.

Their reunion in the U.S. was bittersweet. But according to Kris, that was the happiest days of their lives. When in jail, Ninoy was able compose a song for Cory:

I have fallen in love with the same woman three times

In a day spanning 19 years of tearful joys and joyful tears

I love her first when she was young

Enchanting and vibrant

Eternally new

She was brilliant, fragrant and cool

As the morning dew

I fell in love with her the second time

When first she bore

Her child and my

Always by my side

The source of my strength

Helping to turn the tide

But there were candles to burn

The world was my concern

While our home was her domain

And the people were my

While the children where hers

To maintain

So it was in those 18 years and a day

Till I was detained, forced in prison to stay

Suddenly she's our sole support

Source of comfort our well, spring of hope

On her shoulders fell the burden of life

I fell in love again with the same woman third time

Looming from the battle, her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained

Undaunted and unafraid

She is calm and composed

She is God's lovely maid

When Ninoy came home from the U.S. on August 21, 1983, he was ambushed. Cory and her children was devastated. It was the first time I heard Cory expressed her sentiments over the death of her husband and the injustice in the current administration.

Two years after, the colleagues of Ninoy invited Cory to run for public office. All she can think of was she was a house wife and she does not have an experience in politics. But she cannot refuse the request of the Filipino people who saw her as a symbol of hope, peace and democracy.

During her term she survived coup attempts and military instabilization. But she stood by. Prayer became her powerful tool in battling crisis and problems. When she ended her term, she made a graceful exit and decided to retire to private life.

She continued her role as a mother to her children and honed her artistic skills. She became active in charities and religious activities. Until the last few months of her life.

A year ago, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. This month, doctors admitted to her children that she has barely weeks to live. They even told them that she might not make it to commemorate the death anniversary of her husband.

A few weeks ago, it seems that Ninoy is already fetching her lady love. Maybe, he wants to celebrate his death anniversary, this time, with Cory at his side. Truly, they made a promise to love each other even after life...They are a part to whole and they will always be one. It's like a deja vu. As her body was being transferred from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral, it's like a replay of her late husband's funeral march. Truly this a memory that will be forever etched in our hearts, a lovestory of all time...

photo credits: Arnold Barredo thru http://ninoyaquino.50webs.com

THE LEGACY OF CORAZON AQUINO

Barely 20 days before Ninoy Aquino's death anniversary, her wife and our national mother, Cory Aquino joined him to be with our Creator.

She gave herself to serve our country. That's why Filipinos are paying tribute to her in her final days.

Her sign will always reminds us that once upon a time, she lead the country in a non-violent People Power revolution.

She did not die in vain. She surrendered herself to the Lord just like what she did when this country needed a leader. And she will always be in our hearts forever.

credits: Associated Press via http://news.yahoo.com

THE POSITIVE FORCE THAT IS CORY AQUINO

This is truly the death of an era. More than a month after the death of King of Pop Michael Jackson, another historical icon passed away today at 3:18 a.m. Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino passed away after more than a year of battling colon cancer. She passed away 20 days before the death anniversary of her husband, former senator and democratic advocate, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. She was a picture of strength when his husband was ambushed.

From being a simple housewife, she ran for public office as the first woman President, ending the 20-year Martial Law term of the late President Marcos. I even remember, I was still in elementary when my mom and cousin went to EDSA to participate in the historical EDSA Revolution. It was also during those to time after the snap election when we had no classes for a week due to security reasons. My mom would even wear yellow because that is the symbol of the Aquino party. She was cited as "Woman of the Year" for Time Magazine in 1986.

She was a positive force in our nation. Aside from bringing back democracy, she was able to survived 6 coup attempts during her term.

She had a word of honor. She promised that she will never go back to Presidency after her term. And she was true to her word. Instead, she continued to help others in her own way thru giving advice, actively participates in charities or religious activities. Whenever face with problems, she remains calm and she always seek God's guidance.

Last March 2008, Sen. Noynoy and Kris Aquino issued as a statement about their mom's condition. She said that her mom is battling colon cancer and she's taking everything calmly. Friends and family testified that she remained strong in the final days of her life.

Truly she will definitely be an icon. She will always serve as a leader in the hearts of the Filipino people.