CONFESSION

I have a confession to make. I am a terrible blogger. I mean, I can go on days, weeks, months (sometimes even years) without blogging. I tend to forget that I have a blog. To think that I go online on a daily basis. I envy those who spend time pouring their thoughts and sharing their experiences (with photos) on their blogs and sometimes I ask myself - why can't I be like them? Why can't I blog regularly? Well, I'm trying. I keep trying, believe me. 

Maybe if there was internet and blogging when I was a teenager, I could have done a lot more. I was an avid letter-sender when I was young- I spent more money on stamps than on food. And another confession: When I was younger (so much younger - yes- when I was still in school), I spent most of my allowance on books and movies than food, clothes and shoes. But no regrets. It helped me A LOT. 

Now, if I could only remember to blog on a regular basis..... Oh yeah, I already included 'blogging' as a MUST on my planner.  

TRUST GOD

Trust GOD. I know I do- with all my heart. I've been through a lot of things lately but I am keeping my faith that everything happens for a reason. That someday I will find my answer and understand His wisdom. Because right now, I simply trust His will. 

And everything that I do, I offer it to Him. 

To God be the glory!

DVD Marathon

I finally had the chance to have a DVD marathon after days of (seemingly) non-stop writing. Not that I'm complaining (writing can drain the blood out of me), of course not. It is fulfilling. I'm just saying, of course everyone deserves a break sometimes- even just for several hours. And when I'm not writing- I'm either reading books or watching films (no, I'm not a geek- this is normal for me).

Started with The Priest since I missed the theatrical screening (busy, remember?). The beginning of the movie reminded me of Sleepy Hollow- I don't know why.  But it was entertaining in a weird way- I guess because Paul Bettany displayed some hardcore shit. Hanna was next. It was like a kill fest, I ended up baking some leche flan just to keep the balance (weird, I know right). The Contract was surprisingly good- I couldn't believe I missed that movie in 2006. I love John Cusack as always (he should do more movies, Hollywood).

I'll be watching Your Highness in a little while. Don't disappoint me, James Franco.

Latest Novel

I crapped this photo from a group shot released by Bookware Publication. It's my latest romance novel. Oh yes. How very timely. I cannot decide though if the girl looks like a mash-up version of Marian Rivera & Kim Chiu or Jessa Zaragosa.

Remember, don't judge the book by its cover. Seriously!

Remembering The 1995 World Youth Day

How time flies. About this time, sixteen years ago, the largest Papal gathering in Roman Catholic history (current world record holder) happened in Manila. More than 300 thousand Catholic youth from around the globe travelled to the Philippines just to attend the 1995 World Youth Day. The Rizal Park or Luneta saw about 4 million people during the last mass headed by Pope John Paul II. 

And I was there. 

I saw how millions prayed and showed their faith to God. It was the most amazing experience. 

And I will never forget this song "Tell The World of His Love" because it brings back a lot of wonderful memories and good feelings. 

Another song that played a role in the 1995 World Youth Day is "Shine Jesus Shine."

This year, the World Youth Day will be held in Spain (August 2011).

VIVA SR STO NINO!

Today, we are celebrating the 799th year of our Sto Nino Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. Our Ati-atihan Festival, though not being highlighted that much compared to other events- is actually the 'Mother of All Festivals.'

Yes- we started it all.

I remember my grandmother telling me before that even during the Japanese occupation- our town continued to celebrate the traditional Sto Nino Festival. Yes, not even the World War II was able to stop the Aklanons in giving honor to the Child Jesus. 

A few years ago, a friend of mine made this comment while we were strolling the town plaza amidst the drums and street-dancing.

"This is why we Aklanons are such good dancers. Even the kanto boys can dance!"

Which was true. Find anyone who grew up in Aklan, especially in Kalibo- beat the drums and you could see him/her swaying... or at least moving to the beat. Add a lyre and you'll see some dance steps.

It comes out naturally- you know- our dance skills. Most of us grew up surrounded by drums and lyre. It is part of our tradition and our culture. We dance to honor our Sto Nino. We could dance everyday for two weeks and it's not even enough. 

Viva Sr Sto Nino! Viva! Hala Bira! Hala Bira! Viva!

I practically grew up chanting 'Viva Kay Sr Sto Nino Viva! Hala bira' while street-dancing. It was already a way of life- we do it every third week of January (third Sunday). 

I feel bad that I cannot join my family and friends in celebrating our festival this year. It breaks my heart that I am here in Manila and they are in Kalibo- keeping up with our traditional Ati-atihan Festival. 

I may not be there to see the 799th festival. But I promise to be at the 800th Sto Nino Festival in Kalibo.

And that's a vow. 

So...

So I still have this blog after all. And I already created another blog (under a fictitious name) just so I could pour my thoughts. I really suck at maintaining blogs (perhaps if I am being paid to do this then I could do better... hmmm... lol).

Anyway, I just can't terminate this blog. So what I will do, I will try to visit this from time to time (good luck to me). Update this if I can. I cannot promise the moon and the stars, but I will try. At least the spirit is willing. :)

POWERFUL MEDIUM

DO you believe that TV is a powerful medium? I do. Totally!
Imagine this evening- I wasn't even watching- I was updating my entertainment blog but I could hear the TV because it was just a few steps away from my computer table. An AD came on screen about the health benefits of eating pasta with tomato sauce. Suddenly I couldn't focus anymore. I wanted to eat pasta! So the unthinkable happened... I cooked spaghetti in the middle of the night! Crazy huh? Damn this TV ads.

THE HOLIDAY

Watching THE HOLIDAY on HBO while having lunch made me realize how much I miss England and Los Angeles. I know it's crazy but what can I do... Amanda's (Cameron Diaz) gorgeous place in L.A. reminds me of all those beautiful houses in Beverly Hills while Iris (Kate Winslet) house in Surrey reminds me of all the lovely British houses that I have seen in England. And I actually stayed in Surrey area when I was there. And of course- Jude Law is just so hot that he could melt all the snow in the movie! Hahaha!

SERIOUSLY!

I cannot believe that this page has been around for two years and I only posted 3 items! And they call me a writer. Seriously!

Okay- I am guilty of updating my other blog and of spending time sorting and inviting friends in my other account. But still.. I know. No more excuses. I am turning over a new leaf. I will blog more... be more. Damn- that sounded like an ad! Seriously.

THE END OF SUMMER

I never had the chance to say goodbye to summer, and it breaks my heart to think that I have to wait for another ten months. I thought I would still be able to enjoy the smiling sun but like a couple with a forbidden love, summer vanished while I was sleeping and when I woke up, all I could see were dark skies and rain pouring outside my window. I felt betrayed. I feel sad. I don't like rainy days- it makes me want to cry. I miss summer already.

I love summer- I guess because the best days of my life happened during summer. It reminds me of all those fun I had with my friends back in the province. I have a lot of summer memories that sometimes I could just sit and dream about it all day.

Ten months. I can't wait for the next summer to come.

AROUND THE CORNER

It's halloween- which means, Christmas is just around the corner. Oh yes- if there is one thing I noticed about our (Philippine) culture, right after the halloween, or the Undas as we call it, people would then start putting all sorts of Christmas lights and decors. Of course, Christmas songs have already started invading the airwaves way ahead (we usually start playing songs as early as September). Pressures! Pressures! It's like hearing the ticking of the clock and it's getting louder everyday till the 24th. Geez... which reminds me, I need to work double- no, make that triple- time- just to save enough for Christmas. Whew.

Why My Little Corner? Because the world is too big for me to conquer. Of course I have dreams of changing the world... of making a difference.. of leaving a significant mark. But I am realistic. I can only embrace what is within my limits. And for now, all I can conquer is this little corner where I sit. At least I have a computer with me- I can pour my thoughts and translate it into words that hopefully would reach others. Perhaps someday this little corner would turn into a block. We'll see.