IT’S MY BIRTHDAY JULY 6, 2011

Today is a gift which I already celebrated for more than 40 years with my family, friends, team mates & comrades. This gift is truly a blessing knowing that I am sorrounded with these people who are walking with me in this journey called life. You guys are indeed my real wealth and I am counting the ways how blessed I am to have this chance to say THANK YOU for being there all these years.

THANK YOU MOTHER for giving birth to me and for giving me the light of your wisdom which steadily shines in our home even in your twilight years. A light that  inspired me to shine as well and gave that same light for my home & family.

THANK YOU FATHER for instituting a strong pillar of faith in my heart and established the courage & strength in me which keeps me going to conquer my fears & battles.

THANK YOU BROTHER for being one of my mentor in discovering the outside world while giving me an assurance that you will be my defender.

 THANK YOU SISTER for the gift of friendship. I learned how to trust & appreciate the beauty and love of other  people.

THANK YOU TEACHER for instilling a gift of patience in my heart and mind and for letting me know that everything will be possible if I will try & strive hard.

TO MY OTHER HALF, THANK YOU for giving me the gift of love that maintains a harmony in our home and for giving me that strong shoulder to lean on whenever my strength fails me. I love you.

TO MY KIDS, THANK YOU for helping me to discover the real essence of motherhood. You are my inspiration & the fulfillment of my being.

TO MY FRIENDS, THANK YOU for giving me the chance to discover the gift of trust. You colored my world with your beautiful minds.

TO MY COMRADES, THANK YOU for showing me my social responsibility. That I have to prove my worth in this society.

TO MY TEAM, THANK YOU for sharing the gift of aspiration to achieve a common goal.

TO MY ENEMIES, THANK YOU for implanting an anger & hatred in my heart. You taught me to be strong & cautious at all times.

AND TO YOU MY GREAT CREATOR, THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to explore your creations. You are the source of my strength & wisdom. When everyone fails me, I know you won’t. Thank you for the gift of life that you gave me everyday. This gives me the chance to continue my journey and achieve the fulfillment of my conquests.

And to EARLY BIRDS, who greeted me earlier 😉 You know who you are. Thank you for showering me your love. I don’t have a message box in my wall not because I don’t want you to greet me in public. Of course I do that’s why I created this post for you. This is my way of saying THANK YOU for taking part in my journey 😉 I love you guys!

JULIET B. CORPUZ

JULY 6, 2011 4:48AM

Eto c Bespren Liza, ang relasyon namin parang alak, habang tumatagal tumatapang? anu un? tagay!!

Kainan mode at ang panahon, wlang pakisama, umuulan:(

ayan!! lakas ng loob, kaya nilagnat eh, umaambon na kaya yan hehe

Eto naman ay mas matindi sa alak, haha! ano daw? PATIS? grabe naman kau, ang alat nun! nyahahaha!

Ayan nman c Saby! kaya pala umuulan eh! peace anak!!! pagbigyan mo na c madir 🙂

Oh, ayan, masama talaga pag inawat, pagdidiskitahan ang food XD

Ang butihing maybahay ng aking 4×4 Team Leader na si Ronald Domingo 😉

Ang Team, Ronald at Sherwin, antok ka na wing? maaga pa ah!

ayan, nagpapasasa sa kodak kahit umuulan

at syempre nagpapakabusog na din

mas masarap kumain pag umaambon hehe

Pero syempre mas masarap daw tumagay, di ba mga kafatid? tagay pha!!

Hala! cge!! palakasin nyo pa ang ulan! XD

wag nyo ng tigilan!! wla na taung trek nyan!! nakupo!

hayyy, kaya ang tgal ng low pressure eh!! tsk tsk!!

oh!! ano to?? anong naman ang drama nyo? ahahaha!! pwd ba gnyan ang ayos nyo pag me trek? nyhaha!!!

at syempre eto ang highlights!! ano? bakit to naging highlights? eh kc kinukulayan ni robin ung hair ni kulot, nilalagyan ng highlights, nyahaha!! di na kaya ng powers ko to!! Thank you guys sa pakikisaya sa aking kaarawan 😉 bago mag uwian, yung regalo ko? hehehe. Loveyou all!!!

Share

• You, Greyz PanlicaN-bautista, Lois Corpuz, Marjorie Somejo and 14 otherslike this.
• • 

    Robin Sr Corpuz happy birthday my dear sweetheart i love you more than thousand fold.

    July 6 at 7:17am · Unlike ·  5 people
  • 

    Glenda Galope Happy birthday mare ko,.. wishinhg u more xtra time so we can meet soon,.. aside 4 my personal wish, wish u gudhealth and safety always,.. love u so so much.. miss u very very much,..

    July 6 at 7:18am · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Robin, thank you for a thousand fold 🙂

    July 6 at 7:37am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Glenda Galope thank you for the good wishes, love u too & miss u more than u do 😉

    July 6 at 7:40am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Jessica Bustinera Corpuz Mommy! Happy Birthday 🙂 for me you are the best mom in the world. and nothing could change that :)) love you so much!!! 😀

    July 6 at 8:20am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Marilyn De Guzman Corpuz tita happy birthday….thank you for such being a good friend,,a great mentor and a loving mother to me….love you so much tita.^_^

    July 6 at 8:40am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Tess Ferrer Happy Birthday Pretty mom…May GOD continue to bless your family…. :))

    July 6 at 8:41am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Jessica Bustinera Corpuz, thank you baby! Love you too, galingan mo sa prelims mo ha 😉

    July 6 at 8:56am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Marilyn De Guzman Corpuz, Love u too Bas! Thank you too for giving me the opportunity to be your friend, mentor and mom 😉 I just love having many kids around. mwahh!!!

    July 6 at 8:58am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Tess Ferrer, thank you for the good wishes! I’m flattered xD

    July 6 at 8:59am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Jane Castaneda Happy Birthday Tita, thank you for all the good things you’ve done for me…May our God continue to bless you and your family..Love you po..^_^

    July 6 at 9:01am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Jane Castaneda, Salamat! Love u too and don’t mention it! Families are bound to go through thick & thin ^_^

    July 6 at 9:04am · Like
  • 

    Emily Corpuz tita happy birthday..

    July 6 at 9:50am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Eric Don Manansala happy birthday boss…… thanks for teaching me everything that i want to know… thanks for being my lighthouse,mentor……. wish you good health and more blessing to come……

    July 6 at 10:18am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Eliza M. Tam wala akong masabi galing sa paghahanay ng mga salita hehe…love you so much na di na mafold…

    July 6 at 11:44am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Emily Corpuz salamat!

    July 6 at 12:17pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Eric Don Manansala, thank you for the good wishes. I’m honored to be your mentor and believe me, you’re a fast learner 😉

    July 6 at 12:24pm · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Eliza M. Tam, over the years and the years to come, you’ll always be a friend that I can depend upon… Love you too Baliz, di na kayang ifold ang lahat ng pinagdaanan natin sa loob ng mahaba haba na ring panahon.

    July 6 at 12:28pm · Like
  • 

    Eliza M. Tam me tama ka jan fren…love you

    July 6 at 12:56pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Odette Mallari happy birthday!! galeng galeng namen.. wala lang.. parang speech lang ng cum laude sa UP.. nice =)

    July 6 at 1:14pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Odette Mallari, salamat! nakakataba nman ng puso yang comment mo haha! wala lang, when you are inspired, you can create a masterpiece 😉

    July 6 at 1:29pm · Like
  • 

    Odette Mallari ehehe.. I really think so, sino ba namang di ma iinspired when u have someone telling you” I love you more than a thousand fold!” (kilig) ma keso din pala si kuya Robin.. ka inggit!

    July 6 at 1:36pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint honga, me mga pagkakataong makeso din yang si long hair kaya dinadaga eh! ehehehe ewan ko ba, is that a sign of aging? haha!!

    July 6 at 3:36pm · Like
  • 

    Steve Haskell happy birthday Juliet! Hope you’re having a great day 🙂

    July 6 at 4:18pm · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint Hi Steve Haskell thank you for dropping by, care to have a cup of coffee? and yes, having special people around me, am really having a blast 😉

    July 6 at 4:54pm · Like
  • 

    Robin Corpuz Jr Happy birthday mommy, ginawan kita ng card 🙂

    July 6 at 4:57pm · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Rajisha Bustinera Corpuz happy birthday momsy! may your birthday be blessed, good health and I love You!

    July 6 at 5:24pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Jay R Callos ma’am juliet happy birthday po ingat po kau plage moOre bday’s to cOme poh —Jay r callos, Love jOY rOMbaoa, Mary joy Gabertan—

    July 6 at 5:34pm · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Sabrina Corpuz happy yippeee b-day madir :)) may all the good blessings comes to you

    July 6 at 5:36pm · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Dhey Faustino happy birthday yeth…love you…

    July 6 at 7:18pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Joel Esquejo Happy BEERday mam! nhuli ako, kddrting ko lng kc from airport.. ENJOY mam.. ^^

    July 6 at 10:22pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Joel Esquejo

    ‎…………(0 0)
    .—oOO– (_)—–.
    ╔═════════════════╗
    ║HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAM Juliet║
    ╚═════════════════╝
    …See More

    July 6 at 10:30pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Robin Corpuz Jr, yes baby, nakita ko yung cardna ginawa mo ang ganda nga eh, thank you! love you! mwah!!

    July 7 at 6:55am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Rajisha Bustinera Corpuz, thank you nak! you’re one of my blessing, love u!

    July 7 at 6:57am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Jay R Callos, Salamat! bat di kau pumunta?

    July 7 at 6:58am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Sabrina Corpuz, salamat nak! love u!

    July 7 at 6:59am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Dhey Faustino Thank you Dayang, love you to! hugz!

    July 7 at 7:00am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Joel Esquejo, Salamat Jo! kaya pala di ka sumilip, hinantay ko kau saka si Joseph

    July 7 at 7:01am · Like
  • 

    Greyz PanlicaN-bautista belated HappY Birthday Mam Juliet 🙂

    Wednesday at 9:00pm · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint Thanks Miss Greyz, bakit di na kita nakikita sa feeds ko? halos ung mga old friends ko di ko na nakikita puro new friends lang kaya tuloy ung iba di ko rin na ggreet

    
    

    4 hours ago · Like

    NOTE THAT THIS POST IS COPIED FROM MY FB NOTE 😉

Pasko at New Year sa Pinas 2008

JANUARY 8, 2009

I had a long break before and after Christmas season and I never had the chance to post our Christmas celebration. My kids and nieces are rallying and demanding me to post the Christmas photos and other activities so this would be a long post guys 🙂

Filipinos usually starts welcoming Christmas at the knock of “Ber” months. As early as September, you will hear Christmas songs played on the radios and I myself started to decorate our house with Christmas Tree last October.

Of course my daughters did all the decorating stuff while I was pre-occupied with a lot of work and issues here and now as am staring at my blog, I realized that I never post a single article about Christmas [sigh 😦 ]

But it’s better late than never, so I have to post all the activities we had before Christmas time and after New year.

My youngest and only son Robin Jr. (Nonoy)

My third daughter Rajisha

My 2nd daughter Sabrina

Jessica & Nonoy

My niece Jane

Yours Truly 🙂

Simbang Gabi at San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac City

Dec 16 – Misa de Gallo

We’re off to church for the Misa de Gallo where we have to attend the early mass at 4am. Morning masses lasted for 9 days and it is believed and also part of Filipino traditions that a person who completed 9 days mass will have their wishes.

Some church celebrates mass before the break of dawn at 4 o’ clock in the morning while other celebrates mass at 7, 8 or 9 o’ clock in the evening.

It is also a common tradition for Pinoys to buy native Filipino foods such as malagkit, suman, bibingka, ibos, puto etc… after the morning mass.

Native Filipino Foods

Belenismo – The art of making Belen

It’s one of the project of our present local officials. This was conceptualized by Tarlac Heritage Foundation President Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay aiming to make the province of Tarlac as  “Belen capital” of the Philippines. It was launched in 2007 and since then, it becomes a yearly activity for Tarlaquenos which is actively participated by different Barangays, municipalities, institutions and local organization from different sectors and local businesess of Tarlac.

ASIATEN

Max’s Luisita

San Sebastian Cathedral inspired Belen

16 Belens won from different categories out of 78 entries. Categories includes personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama.

Tarlac Police Office Belen of Barangay Salapungan received the first award followed by Asiaten Hotel and Coconut Grill as third. Winners were personally awarded by Senator Loren Legarda

Zone ABC DEMOLITION CAMPAIGN

Demolition Poster at Barangay Entrance

The Nolcom authorities temporarily stopped their daily demolition rounds campaign, maybe for the sake of Christmas but nailed this poster at our Barangay main entrance. At present, they never resume the usual rounds of military jeep anouncing demolition. The last update was prior to Christmas, Zone President announced that we will expect the release of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on January 27, 2009 and we are hopeful that it would be released earlier.

Inter Barangay Basketball League

There were many activities in the city. Barangay Basketball league, was participated by different basketball teams from different Barangays. Hub coaches one of the basketball team. The overall winner was Barangay Texas.

Carolers were everywhere, kids, teens, adults & beggars. Some houses who don’t have an extra money for carolers will just put off their lights early. But since I am running a gaming homebiz (PC & Video), and most of my customers are children and teens, I have to allocate coins for them but the good thing about it is that it would go back in my pocket as they would be back playing the next day.

Prior to Christmas time, my kids were busy preparing for their school Christmas party and exchange gifts so as a mom, I have so many things to do which makes me so busy such as buying clothes, gifts, school projects etc… etc… not to mention my printing jobs which requires most of my time.

Dec 24, 2008 – Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!!

Noche Buena

My day starts and ends at the kitchen lolz!

I have to cook for our Noche Buena. Macaroni Salad, Spaghetti, Crispy Pata, hotdogs, pan bread with cheese and a lot of candies for the kids. Gift giving… And a lot of Christmas Photos …

Mommy and Rajisha

Daddy and Sabrina

Juliet and Hub

December 25

Mano po Ninong/Ninang!!

Kids visited their Ninongs & Ninangs (Godparents) to ask for blessings and gifts. We call it “pagmamano”, another Filipino tradition where kids and teens are visiting their Godparents, these were the people who sponsored our children during baptism and acts as second parents to our kids. They usually prepare gifts or money for their Godchildren. My kids want to extend their sincere thanks to Ninong Atty. Jojo Batalla, Ninang Ressie Reyes, Ninang Myrna Sapasap, Ninong Edgar Uy, Ninong Bong Gallo, Ninang Luz Corpuz, Tita Sally & Ate Cherry for the money and gifts. And I also want to thank my daughters for their gifts for us. I love  you Jek, Sab, Ish, nonoy & ate den…

Dec 27, 2008 – Happy Christening Baby Jed!!

Jed’s clothing and accesories

Jed’s Christening

Location: San Miguel Church Time: 11:00 a.m. Reception: Max’s Restaurant

Cherry’s firstborn was finally baptized before new year. We were all invited at the reception but we can’t leave the house so I stayed home to entertain some expected visitors while my entire family attended baby Jed’s christening. Welcome to the Christian World baby Jed 🙂 I hope you grow up to be a God-fearing boy with wisdom and kindness 🙂

Baby Jed’s cake

Reception: Max’s Restaurant – Luisita

Baby Jed’s Candles, Token & invitation

Mommy Che & Baby Jed

My kids; Jessica, Sabrina, Rajisha, Nonoy and my niece Jane

Corpuz Family

December 31 – New Year Celebration 🙂

Once again, our day starts and ends at the kitchen but this time Hub did most of the cooking 🙂 Another Filipino tradition, we have to prepare 12 fruits on our table, 1 bowl of rice, salt and water and malagkit with egg on top. My mother in-law is doing this yearly and now that she’s gone, we decided to follow her tradition. We were roaming the market to complete the list of fruits. We had grapes, apple, watermelon, melon fruit, oranges, kaimito, pineapple, banana, pears, chico, ponkan and buko (young coconut). Hub added garlic and onions this time.

Media Noche

Yummy desserts 🙂 Kainan na!!

For safety, we never use any firecracker this year. It’s also part of saving our budget so instead of firecrackers, we played Christmas songs and videoke. Childrens are playing videos till dawn and we gave it for free until the next day.

Happy New Year!! it’s chow time 🙂

We’re all full lolz!! 🙂 look at the tummy haha!!

Final Pose 🙂 Happy New Year to all of you!!

The magic of “Ber” has passed and now we’re welcoming the New year with hope & gladness in our hearts. Happy New Year to all of you guys. May this year brings more blessings to all of us. Cheers!!

Juliet & Family 🙂

Mount Pinatubo Trek

Due to overwhelming response of my readers to my Mt. Pinatubo Post, which also becomes my no. 1 post since I started blogging, we added another service in our homebase business. This is Tour Guiding Services

My hub and I has particular task in running the business. With IT related works, I am in-charge of the internet, design and documentations while hub is doing the field work. But when the need arises, I also assist hub with field work activities.

Recently, I have many inquiries in my inbox particularly Mount Pinatubo Trek. I used to have a computer shop at Capas Tarlac and Tarlac Municipal Tourism had been one of our clients. I designed and created the Identification cards for Mt. Pinatubo Tour guides and most of them are Aetas. I also designed banners, flyers and brochures.

Last week, 2 clients from the internet hired our service thru this blog, Greg and Wisnu. Greg arrived last week but he went to Puerto Galera first and he scheduled trekking on Saturday, Dec. 13. Wisnu Wijaya, an Indonesian based in Malaysia arrived last Dec. 9 at 5:30pm. Hub meet him at the airport. They arrived home at almost 10pm. Although we had an agreement that we will book him in a hotel but because we were so excited sharing each others’ experiences, he decided to stay with us. Our house suddenly turned into a transient home.

The next day hub included Wisnu in the group of trekkers bound to Mount. Pinatubo.

Hub (in white shirt) with Wisnu and Mt. Pinatubo trekkers

Hub during the actual trek

Weee! Samson or Hercules?

Natural and Fresh Spring Water from Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo Crater

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Boating

Have fun, experience swimming at Mt. Pinatubo crater

4 x 4 wheel drive, the only transport system that would survive rocks and boulders

After a tiring day, sooth your muscles and enjoy full massage spa

Spa comes in different packages; mud spa, volcanic ash spa and many more.

What are you waiting for? experience a once in a lifetime trekking adventure at Mt. Pinatubo Philippines. You can come in group or you can trek alone with native tour guide.

For more inquiries, leave your comment here or email me pinaykeypoint@yahoo.com

Update 2/8/2009

Please click the link to see our recent Mount Pinatubo Trek last February 6 & 7, 2009

For further inquiries, detailed info, trek schedules and itineraries please visit my other blog:

HTTP://PINATUBOTREK.BLOGSPOT.COM/

POST UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 14, 2012

WE ARE NOW ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED TEAM IN THIS FIELD.

THANKS GOD FOR MY BLOG AND FOR THIS POST;)

I Need Your Strength

Two top media company has already come in our place to look at the matter but we never see any light at the end of the tunnel. Days passed by swiftly and the thoughts of losing the roof on our heads beyond January 30, 2009 makes me weaker each day. I can’t even feel the Christmas in the air, although cold wind is already embracing me… I guess it just makes me numb each passing day. The show of force is so demoralizing, watching the regular round of soldiers in our neighborhood is creating fear and confusion among the children. I already written our cause to some top leaders of our society but it seem our issue had just fallen in deaf ears…

 

 

I started blogging to ease my pains

To ease my feelings and gain some friends

To voice out my opinions and ravings

and to pacify the anger in my surging veins

 

The journey to blogging seems interesting

It lessen the worries that makes me lame

It makes me feel alive once again

From more than 3 years of silence

 

I was silenced by the forces of evil

Who threaten to take my life If I never refrain

Refrain from what? You may ask me that

From being radical which narrowed my path

 

But I can’t live in silence for many years

It makes me crazy and will paralyze my brains

Now I need to go out once again

Maybe not in the street but in the field of blogging

 

 I love my kids, I don’t want to endanger them

That’s why I shut my mouth off and quit from work

But how long shall I stop and just stare at them?

While they are crashing our rights and our home

We were all strangers in this land

Which created by God for every man

But some men are greedy and cruel

They draw the boundaries and created their titles

 

But how dare you claim you own the land created by God?

You just draw the line and claimed it’s yours?

And for that claim you’re ready to harm and maybe kill

Whoever blocks your plans and claims?

 

Fights and wars has just one cause

The greed in every man’s heart to rise in power

By trampling the rights and freedom of other men

Just to place themselves in the pedestal of fame

 

The journey to freedom maybe long and hard

Millions of men had already sacrificed their lives

For the call of justice, equality and sovereignty

Despite all these, we still have to take our steps in this journey

 

I am drawing my strength from God and friends

And I am calling you to internalize the cause

The fight will be stronger if you joined mine

I need your strength in the darkest time…

 

~by: Juliet B. Corpuz ~

12-8-2008 4:00am

Poetry is my healing balm… I need to put into words all the bad feelings I have in my heart…

Related posts of our issue:

Demolition Issue

Demolition update

Eviction notice

Jan 1, 2009

I would like to thank all my readers and blogger friends who extend their hands and support to our demolition issue. The good words coming from you guys is very important to me as this keeps me going and stand on my feet each day.

I also want to give my sincere thanks to SSNUFY for a wonderful poem he composed for this post.

POEM FROM SSNUFFY

Be still my friend have you not forgot
that an awesome God Controls the lot
His word is law and very true
and you know the depth of His love for you

So Stand in faith and and trust His Word
to doubt His power is quit absurd
For He is God and on His Throne
and your promise is your not alone

In His good time this storm will pass
and you will stand at peace alas
and the threat so bold that held you there
will disappear in the morning air,,,,,,

Gods very best >>>SSNUFFY

Thank you very much….

Here is my response for this poem…

Thank you very much SSNUFFY
For this sincere poem you created for me
The thoughts made its way to my heart
Which adds to my strength and made me glad

Never will I forget I have a Big God
Who always leads my path
In him I draw my strength
To face all my struggles and pains

I always thank him for all the friends
That He sent my way as an instrument
Who cheers me up when I’m in vain
Which cushion the blows and ease the pains

I stand still and keep my faith
To trust His word is my shield
This storm will go and never win
Cause I have a God who never fail

<<<<Juliet >>> [January 1, 2009     7:30 a.m.]

Pinoy Entrepreneurs

Everyday we hear different stories about Economic problems. Oil price hikes, recession, depression, business foreclosure and now the flight of our fellow Pinoy OFWs coming home in batches because they lost their jobs due to economic turmoil.

The magnet of poverty line is getting stronger everyday pulling so many people down. Government is very diligent to sustain and increase the magnitude of the magnet energy reserve to further attract more people and so far, they are successful. And now they are keeping up with the latest trend in entertainment and fashion. They are on their feet practicing the latest step of Latin American dance of Cuban origin, Cha-Cha. Wow, this government just can’t get enough of us. They are like blood sucking creatures that will not stop until the last drop of our blood.

Thanks God, He give us beautiful minds to survive the cold. Despite the economic glitch, Pinoys are surviving within the underground economy wherein the circulating currency is by bulk of coins. The government, despite dancing to the tune of cha-cha is crippled in terms of providing employment and health care for the common “tao”. But my fellow Pinoys are innovative. They are embracing the beauty of Entrepreneurism. Despite the lack of capital, they are still coping up to run their business to support their daily needs. And I believe that these are the real entrepreneurs. The real survivors.

This is the clear picture of Pinoy Entrepreneurs and often times they are dislocated by dispersal because of “illegal operation” which according to the authority, they are hampering the traffic flow. During dispersal, their goods are sequestered by the police and because they have no money for fines, oftentimes, recovery of their products is impossible and of course their products would fall “in good hands”.

Masyadong brutal kahit maliliit walang patawad.

Mobile Refreshment

Mobile Barbeque

Mobile Smoked Fish

 

Refreshment Stand

Hand Carried Delicacies

Mobile "Tinapa"

Mobile Banana Industry

Banana Stand

Mobile Botique

Mobile Natural Coconut Juice

Mobile Dried Squid with Vinegar

Snacks and junkies

Mobile "Mani" Store

Mobile Corn Store

Pinoy Chicken Barbeque

in short, Lechong Manok

Ice Candy for Sale

Mobile Fast Food Chain

Mobile Fruit Store

Mobile Quick Meals

Mobile Burger Machine

Mobile Token Store

Mobile Rice Cake Store

in short Bibingka

Visits, Moves and Transfers to New Locations

NOVEMBER 16, 2008

I have many blogger friends here who are blogging about their adjustments in the Philippines. They are sharing their experiences both good and bad to warn their fellow citizen just in case they want to visit, move or settle here. According to them, they feel that they have to share what they have gone through because it’s something they don’t have when they move here. Nobody warn them about the consequences and because of these, they never enjoy their stay.

Moving to a new place is not easy. It would take a lot of adjustment. I personally experienced this because my dad was in the army and he used to move from one place to another and sometime, we have to go with him. It was only when I started studying that he decided to retire so we can settle in one place. He preferred to settle in a little Barrio along the bayside at the foot of the mountain. That was his dream place. He had motorboats which he used for fishing. The sea has been an extension of my playground. Every Saturday, we usually hike to visit his coconut farm at the middle of the mountain called “Balanga” and “Sarimao”. We would hike at least 4 to 5 hours before we reach the place. I used to climb trees to get my favorite fruits; mango, dalanghita, guyabano, santol, guava etc… Dad has a green thumb and he can grow any tree 🙂 I grew up with abundant fruits and fish. I also help drying coffee beans both “barako” and the regular ones. Life was simpler then until Martial Law has been declared.

My Hometown: Caranan, Pasacao Camarines Sur

My eldest daughter Jessica (4 yrs old)

This was taken on 1998

I won’t elaborate Martial Law because it’s for another post but as far as I can remember, it was a chaos. Many of my dad’s comrades has been killed so we decided to leave the place and moved in the city. I lost my childhood. At grade 4 I had to transfer and leave my friends. It was a painful experience.

After high school, we moved to Manila and it was another adjustment. But these moving and transfers made me flexible. When I have my first regular job at Kawasaki Motors Philippines, I was selected for company training abroad. I had been to Japan twice for 6 months, first in 1990 and 1992. That was a great experience. I had my trainings at Sumitomo Wiring Systems (SWS), Yokkaichi City, one of the biggest corporations in Japan.

Dad like a typical army is always ready. He helped me with my preparations. He gave me a checklist of important things that I have to prepare. Because Japan is not an English speaking country, he advised me to enroll Nippongo. I learned my basics at Pros International, it’s a language school located at the second floor of Manila Hotel Nikko then. It’s not a very difficult language since I learned my basics in just 1 month. Dad gave me books and magazines to read about the culture and ways of the Japanese people so I can easily get along with them.

He told me that I must bring the following to make my life easier:

• Biscuits good for at least 3 days just in case I don’t like the food and grocery is not scheduled yet.
• Pack of my soap, shampoo and toiletries including pads for my period.
• Medicine kit with cotton, band-aid and basic meds for first aid.
• Sewing kit with needles, thread of different colors and scissors
• Manicure set. Complete with nipper, nail cutter, pusher, brush, acetone and nail polish
• Beauty products. My face powder, make ups, lotion, cologne etc…
• Drawing tools. I have a complete set of water color, brush, colored pens, pentel pens etc…
• I also have a complete set of hair cutting materials. Yes, I can cut my own hair lolz!
• Writing tools. Stationeries, envelopes, pad papers and notebook. PC and mobile phones are not yet popular that time so post mail and long distance call were our means of communication.
• My Bible & rosary, magazine, a Japanese-english and English-japanese dictionary, and Japanese grammar book and recipe book.
• Camera and films, my favorite cassette tapes and CDs and of course my walkman (No iPod yet then)
• My little scrabble set and playing cards
• He told me not to bring many clothes and footwear since I can buy those things at the mall. He just told me to bring formal clothing for important events.
• Of course I also brought a frame of our family picture so I can still see them while I’m away.

Sumitomo Wiring Systems Japanese Management and Staff

Makiyama Factory Management and Staff

Those things are not too bulky so I just have 1 big bag and a hand carry bag. We were leaving on the month of May so dad asked me to bring a warm jacket and insisted that I wear a type of dress that would fit for cold season. He told me to bring an extra sandwich in my bag just in case I don’t like the food so I won’t get starved.

Me and my close friend Roselle Sandejas (Nasaan ka na ngaun?)

Before leaving, we still have to go at the company for further orientation, they were surprised because I had the smallest bag while my other officemates has bulky bags like a cabinet 🙂 They were making fun of me because I am wearing winter clothes and summer was at its peak then. But daddy knows best. He saw my ticket and we will be stopping at Korea, and he told me that Korea is a very cold country.

Having fun with Tuchinaga San (I wish I can communicate with you…)

I really have a smart dad. He was so right. My officemates who were wearing sexy clothes and thin blouses were swearing when we had our stopover. Icy cold wind touched our skins when we walked at the tarmac to take a Cathay domestic plane to Japan. They can’t even walk and they were all trembling. Since our baggages were in the compartment, they cannot get their jackets. I was so thankful that my dad told me to wear proper clothes and keep a jacket in my hand carried bag.

Fall kaya walang dahon pero madaming bunga 🙂

We arrived at Osaka airport at 12pm. We were all starving and we have to wait for our guide. Thanks to dad, I have 3 sandwiches which made me full. Of course I’m not greedy so I shared it with them. We were 10 trainees then and they were apologetic for teasing me and very thankful for that sandwich.

Indeed, I had an easier life than my officemates. I have a complete supply of my basic needs while they have so many clothes in their baggage. It was after a week that we were allowed to go at the grocery but since most of the products were labeled with Japanese characters, they don’t know which is which. And because they never give time to learn the basic Japanese language, they can’t communicate with the Japanese sales persons. I had a month supply of my personal needs so I already knew the labels before my supply runs out.

Tuchinanga san’s kids. Naomi San yung panganay. Nakalimutan ko na yung bunso 🙂

Of course they forgot to bring the lists I had above, they borrowed my scissors, my nail cutter, my nail polish, my needles etc… They told me it would be too costly if they would buy those things in Japan. Those were just one of the reasons why I adore dad 🙂

Because I knew the basic language, I had the easiest task and most of the time, I just have to translate their concepts from Japanese to English and let me do the explaining for my group. I was also assigned to do a lot of Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese concept of making suggestions that will improve production operation. First, I have to observe the old method making a time study then I have to introduce a new method which is more effective, speedy and will save cost and time.

Inaba San and Yoko tsan (Yoko, musta na kaya kau ni kuya Jun? I hope we can still communicate )

If my new method is proven to be effective; of course I have to implement it for at least a week and if it brings positive result then, I have to document it and submit it to the management. The great thing is that, they would pay you for that. From the simplest to complex suggestions and implementations that you imparted, it will be paid accordingly and take note, I earned a lot from that and that’s my edge because I knew the basic language. I can explain and defend my suggestion kahit pa nga barok niponggo lang haha.

My bestfriend Dhey (sobrang miss na kita friend, diko na maalala kung kelan tau last na nagkita) Behind us was Edzel, isa pa yan, nasa US kna daw… sana maka pag chat naman tau)

Japan, is a very clean country. If you throw something on the road, say it’s a candy wrapper, a Japanese walking behind you will stop, will pick it and throw it in a trash can. I swear, you will be very embarrassed if you do that.

They are very honest. I accidentally left my wallet at the counter and the cashier was running after me to return my wallet. They also follow traffic rules strictly. I remember when we spend the night at the city, then we have to go home at dawn, we hired a taxi. Stopping at the junction, we noticed that there was no car because it’s too early then but he was patiently waiting for the green light. My officemate who was sitting at the front seat teased him and asked him to go on red light anyway there’s no car and no cop around. He sternly said: “No! That’s why there are so many accidents in the Philippines” and we all laugh and marvel at his good attitude.

Dabarkads sa Tokyo Disneyland. Hay naku miss ko na kau lahat. Gusto ko na atang maiyak jabang pino post ko to 🙂

We had funny moments though. Like for example when we were at the park, and we really have to use the toilet, we have to wait for somebody who will walk in or go out because we don’t understand the signage and we have to endure what we feel.

Narra Park, one of the oldest park in Japan. Mountain peak ito. They considered these deers holy. I’m feeding them with biscuit

And the first time that we used the vending machine hahaha! 🙂 It’s terrible. So embarrassing, we dropped the wrong amount of coin and it was stuck and we have to ask for an assistance to fix it. We also meet a Pinoy friend who want to make fun of us. He told us seriously that every bottle has a deposit, all we have to do is to return it inside the vending machine so we can get the coin deposit.

Selle, sobrang miss na kita, 1993 pa ng last tau nagkita… saan nb kau friend?

I didn’t took it seriously but one of my officemate did! (siguro matinding pangangailangan) She was trying to return the bottle inside the vending machine and pressing the button hoping that she can get the coin when a Japanese asked her why she’s doing it. She was crying when she went home because of that incident.

Those were part of great experiences. I made a lot of friends and they even go to the Philippines to visit us. 4 of my officemates married a Japanese, Teresa Lontok Watanabe, Lynette Garcia Kawakami, Fides Cardenas and Goy but sadly I lost communication with them when I was transferred in Tarlac. More than a decade had passed before the mobile phones and Internet arrives and I can’t trace their locations anymore.

I wish to meet them one day in the internet like my childhood friends from Bicol who found me through my “Promdi from Pasacao Post” .

Welcome to the Christian World Baby Jed

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

First week of November was a busy week for us, after the preparation and celebration of Undas (All Saint’s Day), our niece Cherry delivered her first born, a handsome baby boy at 2:30pm of Friday, November 7, 2008.

Cherry is very dear to us as she’s almost my eldest daughter. I’m very fond of her, I helped her with her assignments, I turned her hate for Algebra into love and explained to her the basics so she can cope up with her mathematics.

I watched her growing from her teens to a full grown woman. I laugh with her, cried with her and I had been a listener to her laughter and sobs. She almost acquired my activist’s point of views and had been a very idealistic person.

Born to a military family, she had taken the same path. At 26, she’s now a chief investigator of CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), Camp Macabulos, Tarlac City. I am closely following her career and hoping the best of everything for her and her family.

Welcome to the Christian World Baby Jed 🙂

Baby Jed

Baby Jed

The new member of the family

See how cute he is… hmmm, she looks like her mommy che 🙂

The tired mommy Cherry… sleeping beauty 🙂

…and the visitors Ate Evelyn (Che’s mom), Ate Luz & Beth and yours truly in the red shirt 🙂

Undas sa Pinas 2008

 NOVEMBER 1, 2008

Filipinos are celebrating All Saints Day and All Souls Day every 1st and 2nd day of November. It’s one of the most celebrated traditions in our country. We call it “Undas” or “Fiesta ng mga Patay” in Tagalog and because I’m a Bicolana, we call it “Fiesta ng mga Kalag” in Bicol Term.

Fiesta, yes this is almost a festivity as families are going to cemeteries to pray and celebrate. It’s a whole day activity and to some, they even spend it overnight. It’s like a party or reunion as we are also bringing foods aside from flower and candles.

Yesterday, Hub and Jane went at Eternal Memorial Park at 7am to prepare our place. They brought some chairs and light candles while I prepared some food for our lunch and snacks. Every year, I usually cook “pancit” and “malagkit” for this occasion. This is a native Filipino food. We also put “atang” or food offerings in our altars. It’s a traditional food offering for the souls of our departed loved ones.

Some communities are also holding Halloween Party and “Trick or Treat” but in our Barangay (Pinoy Term for Community), families are spending the day at the cemetery. We prepare flowers, candles and my son even bought his pet Meme to spend the day with us.

My kids enjoyed the day playing, eating and running around. It’s also a time to meet old friends as many of our friends who are staying at other towns and provinces are going home to visit their loved ones. This is also a nice time for family reunions so it’s almost a dual celebration both for the departed loved ones and the family as a whole.

These are some of the pictures of the Undas

In loving memory of Inang, Tatay Pedro and Kuya FrancingMy eldest daughter Jesicca >>> pa cute  🙂Yours truly and my kids- Jek, Sab, Isha, Nonoy, my niece Jane and KBHub & the kidsMy youngest son, NonoyJane, Isha & KB >>> hala kain ng kain 🙂Hub’s niece Marilyn A.K.A. “Basisang” and her BF Aldrin>>> Oiii, sweet nila 🙂Sabrina>>> Pa cute din  🙂Inabot na kami ng gabi

My sis in-law, Ate Luz and niece Cherry

E2 c Hub dapat daw me solo pic sya 🙂 (talo pa ko- ako wala 🙂 )

at syempre only in the Philippines: Negosyo kahit araw ng patay 🙂

Okay, til here folks, that’s our yearly celebration of UNDAS SA PILIPINAS. Til next post 🙂 Ingat!

Note: ingat means take care

Happy Halloween!!

MyNiceSpace.com

Semestral Break

OCTOBER 29, 2008

It’s my Kids’ semestral break so I’m a bit rested this week without having to worry with their early breakfast meals, snacks and packed lunch.

Our days typically starts at 4:30a.m. That is from Monday to Friday. I have 4 students here, 1 college, Junior high and 2 grade school and every morning, my house is busy and noisy as my kids are arguing who will use the bathroom first. Each of them has a morning task, they have to arrange their beddings, sweep the floor, feed their pets, clean their shoes and iron their uniforms. I use to do these things but as they grow up, I begin to distribute the tasks to train them juts like how my day trained me.

After all the fuss, I would send them off to school at 6:30am. Classes starts at 7am but they should allocate a 30 minutes travel time. I will be left with all the mess, dishes on the sink and kitchen stuffs used in preparing their breakfast and packed lunch. But this is already a minimal task since they already do the rest. I don’t have to worry about their beds because they already finished cleaning their rooms.

Motherhood is really a tough job. No vacation and no rest days lol! When I was still working at a private firm, I used to leave early with them and the mess are are left to my 2 maids. After the birth of my son, I decided to stay home to personally attend to my kid’s needs.

Everyday, after they all left, I will quickly clean the mess and would sit in my desk to start working. I am running a homebase business and working online as well. Before I left my job, I really have fear if we will survive if I will stay home but hub insisted that I should personally attend my kids since they are growing and maids cannot replace my role.

I really enjoy staying with them and I realized that after I sent them all to school, I still have all the time to myself, so to maximize my idle time, we decided to open a homebase business. I manage to help hub earn a fair amount to sustain our financial needs. I also found online writing jobs which really fills my idle time.

I guess this is just a matter of initiative and resourcefulness, so to all mommies out there na maraming idle time pero meron namang talent, you can consider working online, yung fit lang sa oras mo at di ka naman ma pe pressure.

Another occasion that will make us busy this week is All Saints’ Day. We have to go to cemetery to clean my in-laws tomb. This is a yearly event celebrated by the Catholic Community all over the world. I’ll tackle that topic in my future post

Til here guys, sa susunod uli 🙂