A trip to Cebu is always something to look forward too. It is a time for beaches, daily fiesta like meals, balut-ice cream midnight snacks, “discos”, late night kwentuhans. It is an opportunity to spend time with family and simply bond.
I will be flying to Cebu this Friday. I am happy that I will see my relatives again whom I have not seen months or years ago. However, it is a not trip that I am looking forward too mainly due to the purpose of the trip itself. All flights lead to Cebu to celebrate the life of my grandmother.
Things are different now. There will be an empty chair on the corner of the living room. There will be no voice heard praying the novena. There will be no one to prepare Milo/Ovaltine in the mornings even if I find it weird. There will be no one to call me up and greet me on my birthday with matching pansit or spaghetti to celebrate my special day.
Things may be different. I may have physically lost my grandmother but instead, I gained another angel who will continue to pray for me and watch over me from above. I believe that those twinkling things in the sky at night are not stars. Those are openings from heaven from Lola still pouring her love and shining down on me letting me know that she is in a better place and happy.
Trips to Cebu may not be the same but still is something to look forward too. Beaches, daily fiesta like meals, balut-ice cream midnight snacks, “discos”, late night kwentuhans will still be there. More importantly, my family will always be there waiting for me with a huge smile and warm hug.
Thank you Lola for instilling in me the concept of family. You will truly be missed but never forgotten. I love you. Until we meet again.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
On Life and Death
The concept of life and death is a fact. It is final which no one can escape. When one starts to live one starts to die. And when one has fully accepted the reality of death, then one starts to fully live.
Despite this knowledge, the transition of physically losing a loved one and gaining an angel is a struggle. It is doubly difficult for those who are left behind. It is with great effort to live each day knowing that one cannot feel the warmth and hear the voice of the other who has moved on to a better place. But there is only one right thing to do – be strong! Savor the happy moments shared and be thankful that the physical suffering is over. This is what Lola wants and this is how it will be.
Life goes on – my journey here and your eternal journey. Bon voyage! Until we meet again. Thank you and love you.
Despite this knowledge, the transition of physically losing a loved one and gaining an angel is a struggle. It is doubly difficult for those who are left behind. It is with great effort to live each day knowing that one cannot feel the warmth and hear the voice of the other who has moved on to a better place. But there is only one right thing to do – be strong! Savor the happy moments shared and be thankful that the physical suffering is over. This is what Lola wants and this is how it will be.
Life goes on – my journey here and your eternal journey. Bon voyage! Until we meet again. Thank you and love you.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
On Deaths and Wakes
Death is usually not a good topic to discuss. Death is when the heart stops beating, sensory capabilities shuts down and mind blacks out. Death is the termination of the connection between mind and body.
The lost of someone is never a happy incident. It is sad that there are people who we only see in wakes and memorials. Thus a wake or memorial is held in order to preserve the memory of the person whose vacation ended and whose journey to another life is about to begin.
Wakes/Memorials are gatherings for the living and the dead. There are no good byes only see you laters. Enjoy the reunion!
The lost of someone is never a happy incident. It is sad that there are people who we only see in wakes and memorials. Thus a wake or memorial is held in order to preserve the memory of the person whose vacation ended and whose journey to another life is about to begin.
Wakes/Memorials are gatherings for the living and the dead. There are no good byes only see you laters. Enjoy the reunion!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
NFCH Day 6 - Best 150!
I started the day without any expectations other than giving it my all to help redeem our measly performance from last week. It was a win-win situation already, with the kit, friends discovered, new lessons learned and instant exercise I was already a winner. To quote my brother, “I am just doing this for fun.”
When I got to the venue, I felt no one wanted a repeat of last week thus the cooperation of each Probie. Despite the fact that we only became Probies last week, we acted as team and that felt so good. We stretched together, did drills and prayed together. Even if our drills were “sloppy” and our cuts will not bring us to Boracay, we did not let that dampen our spirits, took it as constructive criticism and continued to give it our best.
1st game: Probies vs. Team 5 (Race to 11)
We were up against a team like us – a loser from last week. It was a win or go home type of game. We did not know how this team plays so we sent in our strongest line. Lessons: Trust = One must believe that one’s teammate can deliver. Knowledge of the rules = to make sure that the other team is not taking advantage.
Final score: Probies: 11; Team 5: 5
2nd game: Probies vs. Unit 1 (Race to 13 for 50 mins)
Another win or go home game. This time we were against team with league experience who had a clean slate team that kicked our asses last week. It was a tight game... pang championship na. “Our offense is not bad it is our defense that sucks.” Lesson: Defense is crucial.
Final score: Probies 13; Unit 1: 12
Lunch time. It dwelled upon me that if we win, we could actually go to Boracay. However, as what I mentioned earlier, whatever the outcome may be, win or lose, I felt like a winner already. Of course, 2-0 from 0-3 was an accomplishment in itself. Then again, why settle for that if we could go all the way?
3rd and final game: Probies vs. Spacegrapes
Just like our 2nd game, the team we were up against kicked our asses last week and has league experience. After two games earlier, we were physically tired. Count on the heat to drain our energies. No wonder -- Camp Hot. I guess it was our pride or adrenaline that kept us going. Good thing there was unlimited hot Nestea to fuel us.
Game time! Two teams battled to be champions and for a trip to Boracay. With everything that was at stake, tension increased. Hearts pounded faster. Cheers grew louder. Deep into the game, fouls and violations were suddenly called. A flying cap scene occurred. Nobody expected the outcome. I myself had doubts, but when I started the day, I told myself, I might as well give it my 110% and have fun.
Lessons: Communication, teamwork, trust, hard work and prayers. Congrats Probies!
Final score: Probies: 13; Spacegrapes: 9
Thanks Probies and of course, super thank you to our Coach. I really learned a lot.
“So paano guys, see you in Boracay?”
When I got to the venue, I felt no one wanted a repeat of last week thus the cooperation of each Probie. Despite the fact that we only became Probies last week, we acted as team and that felt so good. We stretched together, did drills and prayed together. Even if our drills were “sloppy” and our cuts will not bring us to Boracay, we did not let that dampen our spirits, took it as constructive criticism and continued to give it our best.
1st game: Probies vs. Team 5 (Race to 11)
We were up against a team like us – a loser from last week. It was a win or go home type of game. We did not know how this team plays so we sent in our strongest line. Lessons: Trust = One must believe that one’s teammate can deliver. Knowledge of the rules = to make sure that the other team is not taking advantage.
Final score: Probies: 11; Team 5: 5
2nd game: Probies vs. Unit 1 (Race to 13 for 50 mins)
Another win or go home game. This time we were against team with league experience who had a clean slate team that kicked our asses last week. It was a tight game... pang championship na. “Our offense is not bad it is our defense that sucks.” Lesson: Defense is crucial.
Final score: Probies 13; Unit 1: 12
Lunch time. It dwelled upon me that if we win, we could actually go to Boracay. However, as what I mentioned earlier, whatever the outcome may be, win or lose, I felt like a winner already. Of course, 2-0 from 0-3 was an accomplishment in itself. Then again, why settle for that if we could go all the way?
3rd and final game: Probies vs. Spacegrapes
Just like our 2nd game, the team we were up against kicked our asses last week and has league experience. After two games earlier, we were physically tired. Count on the heat to drain our energies. No wonder -- Camp Hot. I guess it was our pride or adrenaline that kept us going. Good thing there was unlimited hot Nestea to fuel us.
Game time! Two teams battled to be champions and for a trip to Boracay. With everything that was at stake, tension increased. Hearts pounded faster. Cheers grew louder. Deep into the game, fouls and violations were suddenly called. A flying cap scene occurred. Nobody expected the outcome. I myself had doubts, but when I started the day, I told myself, I might as well give it my 110% and have fun.
Lessons: Communication, teamwork, trust, hard work and prayers. Congrats Probies!
Final score: Probies: 13; Spacegrapes: 9
Thanks Probies and of course, super thank you to our Coach. I really learned a lot.
“So paano guys, see you in Boracay?”
Sunday, March 21, 2010
NFCH Day 5
0-3.
We tried hard as in very hard but it was not enough. I am not a sore loser but seriously, our asses were kicked! The score was not even close. The games were not even exciting. I bet fanatics would have dozed off. :(
This just showed that I definitely have a lot to learn. Basics and everything! I have tons to work on and improve. I seriously need to at least like running. If I cannot help in offense, I should at least make bawi in defense.
Aja! Good luck to team Probies next week!
We tried hard as in very hard but it was not enough. I am not a sore loser but seriously, our asses were kicked! The score was not even close. The games were not even exciting. I bet fanatics would have dozed off. :(
This just showed that I definitely have a lot to learn. Basics and everything! I have tons to work on and improve. I seriously need to at least like running. If I cannot help in offense, I should at least make bawi in defense.
Aja! Good luck to team Probies next week!
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