A Guest Post for Bing of I Love/Hate America

Viviene Coyne, fondly called Bing by her friends, is one woman you could not fail to notice in the blogosphere because of her undaunted style of presenting her thoughts and stories.


She talks about her life as an immigrant in the US , and many more in her blog I Love/Hate America. I feel honored to have been invited to be a guest writer in her blog with my story.

A Duet Back in Time - Martina Mcbride and Elvis Presley

Cutting edge technology has made almost anything possible now. We have witnessed how movies have evolved using the “green screen” where directors can virtually put the actors into the center of a scene without them going to the locations themselves. There was even a “rumor” about an actor doing all his dangerous and adventurous scenes in the confines of the production studio.

Here is one video in which MARTINA MCBRIDE is transported back in time to join ELVIS PRESLEY-The American Idol of All times (in the 1970s) in this duet entitled: “Blue Christmas”. Enjoy!

Video from: ElvisFanatic1

The Kreativ Blogger Award from Holly

This “Kreativ Blogger Award.” was given by Vivian Zabel, president of 4RV Publishing and author of the blog, "Brain Cells and Bubble Wrap", to Holly Jahangiri of the blog "It's All a Matter of Perspective: Mine"

Holly , also the author of the children's book - "Trockle" - has now passed on the award to me. Thanks, Holly.

The mechanics is to write "Seven Things About Me That People Might Find Interesting" and then pass on the award to bloggers whom you think are "kreative." The rules are found below. I lifted this verbatim from Holly's site:


Start of excerpt

The “Rules”

Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

End of excerpt

So here are the seven things about me that you may find interesting:

1. I love music and I could carry a tune. Perhaps if I had started training while I was still young, then I would have developed this talent. Unluckily, this was not granted so I just sing in the confines of my room, or in the comfort room....he he he...My favorites are Kenny Rogers, Carpenters, ABBA, Mariah, Celine, Westlife, and Savage Garden.

2. I have acrophobia, most people do. But it's different with me, I only fear high-rise buildings and not mountain peaks or flying; the ground seems to be beckoning, ouch!

3. I once wrote a sci-fi short story which I believed was my best. I had created an entirely new world for it, with matching vocabulary; but alas, it was rejected by all local magazines while some of what I thought were not so good were accepted. I don't know where that manuscript is now.

4. My next project after the Inspirational Book is a poetry magazine with three poets - Zorlone and Roy and of course me. I am still deciding whether to include other poets. I'm so excited about this, as this would be with colored pictures. I hope you'll reserve a copy. The first one will be available by first week of October.

5. I love crossword puzzles. Whenever I find one, I try to answer it, but I never bought a book on crossword puzzles. Come to think of it, perhaps I'll buy one soon.

6. I played the quitar when I was in college, sang James Taylor, Carole King , John Denver and even the Stylistics. I played for the church choir too.

7. I hate hypocrites. Pompous people who believe that they alone have the monopoly of all the goodness and virtues that God has handed down to humans. People who fulfill their religious rituals exceptionally well, but who are indifferent once they are outside the confines of their churches. Well, I am hypocritical too at times but I don't shout to high heavens that I'm better than anyone else.

So these are the things I hope you'll find interesting about me. The other more shocking truths, I have to keep them to myself.

I would like to pass this award to:

Aleluia Sanjuan a.k.a Punky Paige of PunkyPaige.com . Her blog is one creative venue for anything under the sun from political commentaries, to poems, to videos, to random thoughts and many more. It would surely take a very enterprising blogger to come up with various posts in different categories.


I also passed this on to anyone who thinks he/she can be creative.

Feel free to post this in your blog. Happy Blogging!

Incidentally, I have new posts:
My Blogging Friends.
A Poem for My Son (in Zorlone's Blog)

I Survived Raising My Teen

I got married at a very young age; that was why when my children were growing up, I simultaneously learned how to be a responsible adult and a good mother as well. It was a Herculean task! But I was an optimist (and still am), so I bravely faced all the challenges with a grain of salt and a smile on my face. I had to perceive these experiences as fun and joyful because they were peppered with humorous episodes along the way.

These are a few of those joyful memories that I and my son experienced in our quest for maturity.

When my son had his first crush, he went on all day and night, bugging me about what would be an appropriate gift for her on Christmas day. After we did our rounds at the mall, we decided on a cute pink teddy bear. He was so excited when we finally bought it. The party came and he was literally bouncing with joy. At last! he can now express his feelings. I was as excited as he was. He wrote his letter and tucked it into the arms of the teddy bear before requesting me to wrap it. He went to the party with a lilt in his steps as I waited anxiously at home.

When he came home however, he was sad and sullen. "What happened? She didn't like the gift?" I asked worriedly.

" Well, she didn't want to accept it," he replied sadly

"Why?" I inquired, surprised.

"You see mom, it was not her name on the gift card" he exclaimed , and there were tears in his eyes.

My heart stopped for one interminable minute. What name did I write? Was it Cindy? Or Claire? In my haste and excitement, I didn't double check with my son.

"I wrote Cindy," I said mortified. "I did."

"Well mom, her name is not Cindy, it's Claire!"

You could just imagine how I felt. I was thinking how dumb I was not to have verified her name! I reprimanded him for not double checking the card himself. But eventually I had to apologize because it was clearly my fault. We were both so excited and I had inadvertently made a mistake.

I was worried that this first "girl- experience" might traumatize him . My worries were unfounded however, because after two days, he came to me and said: "Don't worry about it now , mom. If she couldn't understand a simple explanation, then I don't think we could hit it off as friends," and with that, the matter was conveniently forgotten.

We had learned a lesson though. In his succeeding gifts, he made sure he wrote the cards himself. He still asked for help when deciding on what to buy and when gift wrapping; and yes, sometimes I still wrote the names, but he always double-checked them before handing them over to the recipients.

Another event that made a mark also in his teen years was the time that he was establishing his adulthood. He was a college sophomore then and fraternity was the "in" thing. The concept among his peers was that: you were not a "man" unless you belong to a fraternity. The problem was that in previous cases, the process of their "neophyte initiation," serious injuries occurred and some even resulted to death.

This made me very nervous and I was praying to high heavens that they would leave him alone. He; however, was not spared. He came to me one morning with that dilemma in his mind. A classmate was recruiting him for a certain fraternity.

I had to consider that he was no longer a young child whom I could command according to my wishes; that in the end, he would be responsible in deciding what course of action he would be embarking on.

It was serendipity that one of my students was an ROTC officer and they were enlisting new recruits for officer's training.

" You don't have to prove you're a man, " I said with all the confidence I could muster. Earlier, I had talked to my husband about this and he had assured me that we had brought up our son well and he would have to decide correctly on his own.

"Only those who are not sure of themselves will have to prove themselves, " I said to my son.

"I know mom, but I would like to join primarily because I want to strengthen my physical stamina and learn how to be a good team player."

"Okay, I have a more attractive alternative, " I winked at him. " The ROTC will be training new recruits for their staff. I don't have to enumerate the benefits you could reap from this, if you pass their intensive training."

To make the story short, he opted for the ROTC officer's training. He had undergone one month of rigorous physical and mental training. The last day of their training was what they called the "Hell Day", where they would have an overnight stay at the school grounds. I have heard that they were physically manhandled and severely exhausted by their training officers on this last day. Whoever could not make it on that particular event, would be eliminated.

So there I was, so high strung , even summoning my student to ask if the rumors were true. He just smiled and said: " Trust your son, Ma'am."

I could not relax though. When it was nearing midnight I stormed the school gates demanding to be allowed inside the campus. The kind security guard allowed me in when I refused to leave.

My son's face was a mask of embarrassment when he saw me. The Officer In Charge however was accommodating. He even offered me a seat as their guest of honor and I had a bird's eyeview of what was happening in the entire field.

They were going from one training officer to another and they were made to do exercises (crawling below a barbed wire fence, kneeling on peas for several minutes, running around the field until the officer told them to stop, etc. etc.) I felt exhausted just by looking at them.

After sometime, there was a nudge on my shoulder. I turned to face my son who said: "Mom, don't worry about me. I'll be okay. You're the only parent who's here, please don't embarrass me. "

He bent, kissed me and whispered :" I love you," and before I could reply, he was off in a flash, back to his marathon.

I stood up and felt hot all over. What a fool I was! Indeed, I was the only parent in the oval. I waved at their OIC and left hurriedly, assuring myself that my son would be fine, that I had nothing to worry about. He came home the following morning with raw bruises and minor wounds - but he was alive!

Of course, he graduated from the ROTC officer's training the following week , with flying colors! As I stood there proudly, pinning his medal, I learned another lesson: I was there to guide him, but he has to tread his own way to manhood.

Presently, at age 31, he is the youngest major in the regional military camp here in our locality; and had been assigned as the OIC of one big division.

There are still numerous events that we both encountered in his growing up years, but suffice to say that raising my son was a great learning experience not only for him, but also for me. I would like to categorically state that I had survived raising my teen, and what a wonderful journey it was!


Photo by: mikebaird

Are You Afraid to Die?

If this question would be asked, what would be your answer? To be honest about it, my answer varies according to the mood I am in. At times, I would tend to say yes, there are times, I simply do not care.

I am afraid to die because I don’t know the method in which the scythe of death will take me. Will it be painful or painless? I have very little tolerance for pain and this is what I fear the most.

I don’t want to die yet, because I have several things in mind to do –“My Bucket List” of sorts. To give you an idea, here they are:

Publish a book on Inspirational Stories – ongoing – the Publishing house says it would be ready before the month ends.

Write a novel Umma Ayam Sinsana – still on chapter 15 and –writer’s block; but I’ll keep on for sure. I sure congratulate Holly Jahangiri for her Trockle, which has been published.

Publish a compilation of poems (Doc Z, Roy, Elmot, Jan, Luke, Holly, Lyle, Reyjr, Dee, Kelvin , Yatot...Perhaps Ever would like to join too? Everyone is invited)

Publish a bio (maybe of mine or a family member?)

It seems the above-mentioned are all in the “writing genre”. Well I have other plans as well:

To tour the world and document these travels as @thirdworldgeek and Ceblogger usually do; locally at first, and then Europe, Spain, the US, and India. I wish money would fall from heaven for me to be able to do this.

To skydive (wow – I would like to feel how it is to fly, with the fresh air on my face and the wind whipping against my body! )

To record a song (The Will of the Wind, Solitaire to name a few…) I would be contented doing it the privacy of my room. I'm a frustrated singer. (ehem...)

The rest in my bucket list concerns family which are too personal to reveal. If you insist and would like to email me, I might...he he he… (Just kidding.)

And the next thing that comes to mind is how do I like my wake to be?

I want it to be solemn but not sad. I want all my blogging genuine friends to be there. I want my adopted son Sir Arvie – to sing “The Warrior is a Child “and Rey Jr - “Stand by me”. This I personally wish it could happen before I die, so I could admire it with both of my mundane and ethereal self.

Of course Doc Z can belt out the song:” Bed of Roses”, he he he… although it is not pertinent to the occasion. It would be refreshing to hear his ululating notes of the song. This dynamic person is a poet, writer and a singer all rolled into one.

Roy could also sing: “Malayo ang tingin”? Ang tanda Na ng kanta…he he he…

Lyle could croon: “Words” for me too, with the permission of his wife, of course. The melody and tune just fits perfectly with his mellifluous voice.

Jan, third world geek, would just sit, listen and enjoy the entertainment, while hopefully where I lay, I would be able to “ listen” in peace.

Then, I want my body cremated and my ashes gathered in a special urn. They could spread my ashes eventually in the mountains where I had previously dreamed my dreams and rejuvenated my soul and being – just like what Eric of Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy usually did/does.

I would permit crying…lol… what is a wake without this expression of loss? Am I too presumptuous to believe people would mourn my loss? Perhaps the world would be a better place to live in without me? But I believe in encouraging my wards instead of terrorizing them so I guess the CC bloggers would not wish me dead even when my back is turned. (Wink) (I know they said hi to Holly.)

But, I would like to emphasize that crying should not take forever. Life goes on, so everyone should move on, I – to whatever awaits me – I hope it’s not the burning furnace. Mea a culpa.

I remember the story of the publican and the Pharisee; the Pharisee being so proud and judgmental of the Publican, proclaiming in his self-righteous way that he is impeccably pure and without sin : “ I am not a sinner , like this Publican beside me” . Little did he know that God had cast him into the fire and had uplifted the Publican to heaven.

No one is perfect, we all have our imperfections, and in our quest for perfection, we should always treat others as we expect to be treated;”The Golden Rule” - the mother of all rules should be our guiding tenet. If we observe this, then we could always have our motivations pure and honest and we usually don’t go wrong.

My tombstone? Let it be written:

Here lies Jen, the dreamer.
Who dreamed big with hopes a-glimmer,
that one day all of her aspirations
Would be fulfilled till her last exhalation.

Where are our poets? (Doc Z, dragonblogger, summerbreeze, elmot, Holly, Luke)

Would this pass?

I know these are meandering thoughts and I rambled away from the topic. Allow me to express them as they have occurred in my mind.

Am I afraid to die? that I prefer to keep you guessing as to what my definite answer would be!

Photo by Tammra McCauley

An Interview With Holly Jahangiri

Holly Jahangiri of "It's all a Matter of Perspective: Mine" has conducted a group interview among friends.

How could this be possible? Well, you could read the superb post here about - "Thoughts on Blogging", written by the gracious, veteran writer herself - Holly Jahangiri.

The Dangers of Sexual Promiscuity and Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STD or Sexually Transmitted Diseases occurring in teenage children. This is because oftentimes, persons infected with it show no symptoms of the condition and would therefore; pass unknowingly the bacteria from one sexual partner to another.

Parents also tend to refuse in acknowledging that their teenage child is infected because this would indicate that he/she is sexually promiscuous at a very early age.

This realization may indicate that in some way the parent may have neglected the child.

We have to accept this fact though, because the only constant thing in this world is change. What we had considered as taboo and unusual during our times, are no longer considered as unusual now in this society of constant change.

The dreadful fact shows that there is now a growing percentage of teens acquiring not only Chlamydia infection but other STDs as well, like gonorrhea, and worst HIV and syphilis.

Since we cannot be with our children 24 hours a day, then we must have to warn them about the dangers of sexual promiscuity. Letting them know that being sexually active at an early life has its disadvantages. Their knowledge of these, may decrease the likelihood of them contracting the disease.

We must warn them that:

1. STDs, like Chlamydia, is commonly acquired through sexual intercourse. This occurs when the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis enters the sexual organs, the mouth and the anal organs.

2. When Chlamydia is untreated and undiagnosed it could lead to more severe conditions like PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which is an inflammation of the pelvis, rectum and then eye inflammation when the bacteria invade the tissues of the eyes.

3. Wearing condom cannot truly protect them because the person may have the bacteria in his throat or anus.

4. Early pregnancy can result too, which would be a major, stressful responsibility for the child.

5. Infertility could result too.

6. When an abnormal vaginal discharge or pain in urination occurs, a medical-laboratory check-up should be done to ascertain the cause of the symptoms.

7. There are more severe, lifetime conditions - like HIV and syphilis - which they would be acquiring through sexual intercourse.

In the end, if we have given our best to educate our children on the dangers of sexual promiscuity and had taught them the significant moral values that they should learn, then they would certainly act as responsible and well-behaved teenagers.

Photo by ecastro

Vicious Online Predators: Protect Yourself

By: Roy dela Cruz

You were sweetly surfing the internet, confident that everything would be just fine. Then all of a sudden, your computer monitor turned blank and no matter what key you press nothing happens. You tried to reboot, only to discover the worse – all the data in your hard disk are gone!

If only you weren’t so stubborn and updated your virus protection the one that your techie friend has been egging you to do for a long time now. Maybe your data are still intact, but now, there’s really nothing you can do… they have been blown to “kingdom come.”

Now, you begun to realize that internet security is a serious concern, because you can never tell when you may stumble upon a website that has a ‘worm’ hidden in it. You should always think safety all the time.

There are lots of anti-virus programs, which you can purchase from the net or from computer stores. Programs that contains updated to give you that extra confidence that you are ready and nothing of the above incident would ever happen to you again. Just always make sure that your program is always updated.

And the Truth Shall Set You Free

This beautiful quotation: “Truth will prevail,” is an apt quotation for this post. No matter how you hide the truth, and no matter how you cover it up, it will always shine in all its glory in the end. It is such a beautiful thought and simultaneously a time tested adage that we often ignore. Experience had proven though, that indeed this is true.

I also believe that at the time of reckoning you answer only to Him and Him alone because He alone knows the truth about you and what you have done in your mundane existence.

The Clin Chem bloggers are part of the truth I have right now. These are young men and women who derive their values from what we set as examples. Filipino values like : respeto sa sarili at sa kapwa, pagiging matulungin, may utang na loob, hindi makasarili, may sariling sikap , makatao, makabayan at higit sa lahat may malinis na konsensya. ( self-respect and respect for others, helpfulness, has a grateful heart, not selfish, is resourceful and has ingenuity , is pro-man and nationalistic and most of all –lives with a clear conscience. )

I had introduced them to the blogging world because I had wanted them to experience the immense information and learning modalities they could avail of online; how we are a supportive, helpful and dynamic group of people that they can learn and interact with. I see the blogging world as a new tool to enhance their learning skills and I was encouraged because of the vast technology they could utilize; hence the birth of the Clin Chem Bloggers.

I have assigned scheduled posts in between exams and other school work. Blogging is not everything they do; they have to turn in assignments on time, prepare oral presentations and take their exams. And their posting depends upon the on-going schedule they have in school. This week is their midterm exams.

College life is toxic. I ‘m sure you have experienced this yourselves, so for the whole semester and the next semester, they have a scheduled activity.


In fact, their next assigned activity - which was posted August 4, (take note of the date) - is due on or before August 19. And there will be continuing posts up to the next semester.

The Clin Chem Bloggers are genuine blogs with real people behind who voluntarily voted for the Jedi bloggers - after visiting the Jedi blogs. How could they describe the blogs if they hadn’t? They have not violated any rules of the contest and are therefore valid votes.

Let’s not dampen their trusting and sincere enthusiasm in blogging by clouding their honest votes and labeling them spams. Instead let’s encourage them and show the beauty and wonder of the blogosphere.

If I really wanted to create splogs for the contest, I could have enlisted all the other blogs which were recently created by the incoming students. There are a handful of them.

The blogs voted by these Clin Chem Bloggers are worth your precious time, I can assure you. These are truly emerging blogs which could positively “influence” people across the globe. You’ll come across interesting , artistic, entertaining and info- laden posts in these blogs. Being influential for me is being able to evoke the positive traits from your readers, and I am proud to be a Jedi Blogger!

I wanted to remain mum at first, but remaining silent may be interpreted by some as being acquiescent.

This would be the first and last time I'll be posting about this topic.

My parting words would be, “ In time, truth will prevail.”

August 15, 2009

I would like to add this quotation which is apt for this post: (courtesy of Mon)

"Sa taong may paniniwala sa iyo- Hindi mo na kailangang magpaliwanag. Pero sa taong walang paniniwala sa iyo - walang sapat na paliwanag."

( To people who believe in you, explanations are not needed, but for those who don't have faith in you - no amount of explanation would be enough.")

Let's Welcome Two Newbies to the Blogosphere

Hello guys, I almost forgot to write this post. I was bone-tired yesterday and went to bed early.

When I woke up...I remembered my promise.

These two neophytes have a burning passion for writing and I'm very excited to welcome them to the blogging world. I can only do so much to encourage people.

If they don't really have the dedication then no matter what I do, they won't succeed. But these two very young, talented and yes, beautiful too...he he he...young ladies are RARING TO HAVE A GO at blogging.

So without much ado, I would appreciate it if you could spare your time and show these two young ladies that we are a supportive group - nurturing, caring and generous with whatever we can contribute.

AIKO of ...feel the rush. No need for drama

"Take a peek of my TRUE SELF. feel free to read.

I'm not a writer by heart, but i write whenever i feel the need to. εїз loves singing and acting, but barely believes she can pull it all off."

Aix, as friends call her, is an aspiring singer, having won some singing competitions. Paging Rey Jr. of "Born on a Syzygy", you might be able to give some tips to this young lady.

Academics and singing are not a good combination though so studying has to take priority.


BEE - LOG of Life of a Blog Buddy

Outspoken, but I rather choose to keep myself private.. :)

I was laughing while reading Bee-log's post. Not because of the content but because of how she presented it. It was a well documented post.

Ever of Pamatay Homesik , you have now a female counterpart. he he he..

I'm sending an invitation to everyone, most especially to the Jedi bloggers help me to encourage these two newbies.

Thanks for all the support you would be extending them.

To AIKO and BEE-LOG , WELCOME!!

To Establish an Entrepreneurship:Buy a Business Franchise

If you plan to be a private entrepreneur, you will find it more and more difficult to establish your own business. This is because of the fact that before you would be able to establish one you have already spent so much that you have to work double time to be able to recoup your loses.

You will have to conduct a feasibility study, spent time and money to look for an appropriate venue and area where your business would supposedly thrive. Enlisting personnel could also prove to be a daunting task. You’ll have to make sure you’re the “sui generis” of that particular business you’re embarking on to attract customers.

To facilitate things for starting businessmen, it is easier for you to find a franchise for sale. This is rapidly done online. You could easily search for business opportunities, and countless franchise for sale that would suite your business acumen. You could browse from thousands of websites about businesses for sale, complete with their profiles and the specifications of the business they sell or provide.

There are several types that you could enter into - like marketing and many more established or non- established business franchise ready to be taken over by you.

Having your own business gives you the feeling of satisfaction and pride that you can succeed where others have failed and one way of ensuring more successes is to franchise.

Will You "Stand By Me" ?

“Stand by Me” is a song I consider as one of my favorites because the lyrics are so simple but they "stand-out”, and the tempo appeals to my quirky taste of soul, jazz and slow rock - all rolled into one.

I equate the song with precious friends who have been there through thick and thin and whom I could depend on, when all had turned their backs on me. These friends I could count with only a few of my gnarled fingers.

The first best friend I ever had was from high school. We were adversaries at first, having been pitted against each other in several academic contests. We were competing with each other for the top notch honor – valedictorian of the graduating class.

I had never been competitive. My measure of improvement was to compete with myself -If I had performed better in the suceeding event - then I would consider the endeavor a success.

She ended up with the honors.

Relatives urged me to file a formal complaint and to challenge her to an academic showdown, but by then I knew there were more important things in life than fame and prestige - one of them was friendship!

And she was my best friend! ( and still is)

I believed then that being on top of the class entailed integrity and a sterling character and she had both. There was no reason for me not to bow out.

We have had a previous agreement - before the announcement - that we would stay on as best friends whoever would earn the honor; and that the results would not ruin our relationship - and we did!

Up to this day, we still text each other, e-mail every now and then. She had planned to visit me before the start of the year, but things did not push through. She’s still unmarried by the way, guys….he he he...

I usually adjusted well with other people. They were all my friends but I didn’t open up to persons I consider “friends” but in reality are mere acquaintances.

I gained a second best friend in second year college. I didn’t warm up easily, but when I did. I made it a point to stand by my best friend against all odds. Not even a fight between us would stop me from defending her in front of other people.

She was one best friend everyone would like to have- a rare gem that could come once in a lifetime.

College was not easy and there were numerous challenges that have to be hurdled. Since my first best friend was “away” studying in another city. My second best friend was a blessing. Her name is Polly.

There was a time in my college life when I had turned into a “black sheep”. I was relatively young and was easily swayed by negative forces around me. (I guess the Jedi force was not with me then...) I had almost flunked second year because of my absences.

Some so called “friends” convinced me that life should be enjoyed at the moment- and so we went gallivanting around the city –painted it red, and watched all the weekly movies showing in all theaters; we went sight seeing, bowling, visiting places etc, etc…

Polly was just a mere acquaintance then. A “hi”, “hello” “good morning” - dorm mate.

One time though, she cornered me and said: “You know Jen, you have to set your priorities right.”

I looked at her with scorn and replied defiantly, ”It’s none of your business.”

That semester, I got a grade of 76. I have been a half- scholar the previous semester so mother and father were outraged. They learned all about my truancy and how I had squandered their hard earned money on trivial things. They summoned me back home and told me to quit college.

I was devastated. In spite of my delinquency, I had dreams of becoming a professional someday. I cried and wrote to my “friends” to come to my rescue – but no one came. Not even a whiff of concern had reached me when I was so forlorn and in need of consolation.

Only one letter came and it was from Polly – the person, I so ignored.

After a semester of being the homebody, when my parents were certain I had learned my lesson, they sent me back to college.

But they made sure I only had ample money to cover for my basic expenses. I was constantly stretching my allowance to make both ends meet. There were times I had only one dried fish (tuyo) with my fried rice (sinangag) for breakfast.

One dorm mate made a joke (a bad one for me) by sticking the lone "tuyo" into the mound of my fried rice. It stood like a sore thumb and everyone was laughing. I didn’t laugh though, and neither did Polly.

But thinking about it now, that was funny! It must have looked like a flag pole! He he he.

My so called – friends who were with me during my affluent months were nowhere to be seen. I tried to forget what they’ve done and extended my hands in friendship but they didn’t want it. In my time of despondency only Polly had always been there for me.

We would share whatever we had for breakfast, went to school together and studied together. She stood by me through thick and thin and had always provided the warmth and love when I was down and needed someone to cheer me up- even at the risk of being ridiculed. I was no longer the popular student because I was broke.

I was not easy to live with, (I and Polly had reserved the same room) and there were times I was a bad friend – but Polly never counted my infractions.

She wrote my faults/sins on water- easy to be washed out - but etched my good deeds in stone – these she remembered all the time. “You’re good, keep studying.” “You’re not dumb.” "You can do it."

We come across all sorts of people in our lifetimes. Sometimes we call them friends because they’re good to us. But would we stay on if they commit faults? Sometimes, when one small error is committed by our “friends”, this is the thing we tend to remember and forget all the other good things she/he has done.

It‘s like seeing the tiny dot in an expanse of white sheet. We should be aware of this, so we won’t be committing this “sin.”

True friends stay on no matter what.

There are significant lessons I have learned from my best friends:

1.No one is perfect. Accept people as they are.
2.If you want change, you should start first within yourself.
3.Focus on good things done by your friends and not on their “sins”.
4.Be loyal to your friends. Don’t talk behind their backs. True friends don’t do that.
5.Simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness could strengthen your bond.
6.Actions speak louder than words. Say it and do it too.
7.If you want to have a friend – be a friend.
8.Treasure your friends; they’re one of the few gems in this world that money can’t buy.

In my adult life, aside from my 2 very best friends, I noticed that most of my genuine friends are “males”. Perhaps because male friends are easier to be with and they also treat me nicely because I’m a woman. (wink)

I understand there was also a heartwarming movie made about noble friendships entitled "Stand by Me" but, unluckily, I was not able to watch it.

I leave you with the song’s video and lyrics “Stand by Me.” By Ben King. (I prefer the original version)


Video by Adriancit0

Stand by Me - Ben E. King

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
So, darling, darling

(Chorus:)
Stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And, darling, darling
(Repeat chorus)
Darling, darling
(Repeat chorus until fade)

Lyrics courtesy of Romantic lyrics

Planters in my Garden and Veranda

I was talking about gardening in my earlier post and how I had loved having a garden in my backyard.

Well, let me continue in this post.

In that garden, I would like planters to make the garden more pleasing to the eyes.

These Outdoor Planters would also provide more space to plant flowers and creeping plants. This would give more garden plots for my vegetables.

My plants would not only be in my backyard, but I would also prefer some window box planters and Indoor Planters in the veranda or living room.

These indoor plants would not only be healthy because they would take in carbon dioxide and bring out oxygen - which our body needs to survive - but would also add elegance and glamour to the ambiance of the house, especially the decorative planters.

I once had a creeping ivy in my veranda and it looked so romantic. Aside from this aesthetic value of providing a refreshing sight for my visitors, it had also served as a tool for relaxation.

When I had wanted to relax, I just stepped into my veranda took a comfortable chair, closed my eyes and inhale the tangy, oxygen-rich air and soon enough, I felt rejuvenated.

I have transferred residence now to an apartment and there are no backyards. But I still plan to buy planters for my living room. Plants should always be a part of a home's healthy ambiance.

What Do You Observe as a Blogging Code of Conduct?

A code of conduct is almost always established in any civilized, social community. The blogging world is similar to these social structures.

It is in this context that an international blogging code of conduct should be promulgated to set the ground rules for proper blogging decorum and conduct.

Although bloggers observe an unspoken rule in the blogosphere, several blogging communities established their own rules, because of a few, bad eggs who threaten to spoil the booming and dynamic blogging industry.

Several groups like the HP bloggers, the Blogging Wikia and many more have already established their own ethical standards.

Websites have their own guidelines that you have to accept and comply with before you could join their sites.

The rules of conduct that they have adopted have basically the same thrust - the respect for self and respect for others. i.e. be cautious and responsible of your words, respect the intellectual property rights of other people, etc.

Many are against this idea as they feel that it is a violation of human rights and that some unscrupulous people might take advantage of this to advance their own selfish ends; but this can be minimized by promulgating basic ethical norms that every blogger should follow no matter what diverse culture he comes from.

The Ten Commandments from the Holy Bible would be a perfect example. The commandments are clear, precise and concise. There are various, existing religions but their beliefs adhere to the same basic tenets of the Ten Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, etc.)

This Code of Conduct that every Blogger should follow must set clear boundaries between what is considered as decent and indecent language, of what is bad behavior and good behavior. It should set clear laws and sanctions on the violation of intellectual property rights. It should also be a venue for the prevention of bloggers from exploitation, harassment, spamming and identity theft.

These are genuine crimes that only a Universal code of conduct could address and monitor. Integrity and honesty then would prevail.

These aspects could be included in the Code of Conduct for bloggers, which would make it more significant:

1. No discrimination as to sex, race, or creed we are all sentient, human beings.

2. Honesty and sincerity should be lauded, these have their just rewards.

3. The desire to help and support each other. A Magi once said: "Ensuring the welfare of others is ensuring your welfare as well."

4. No criminal activities. Criminals should not be allowed entry into the blogging world. If someone is caught, they should be given necessary sanctions. Crime does not pay.

5. Love others as you love yourself

These all boil down to the Golden Rule; "Do unto others, what you want others do unto you."

What about you? What do you observe as a blogging code of conduct?

Photo by cambodia4kidsorg

Travel in Style to Taloctoc

Having a sleek looking car or truck is a status symbol in most countries - especially third world countries.

Even celebrities are "conscious" of how good their cars look; so much so that we oftentimes watch on TV - celebrities becoming advertising agents.

As for me, the closest thing I had as a vehicle was a run-down old jalopy truck.

I would like to visit once more Taloctoc, the far flung village in the hinterlands of Kalinga, where I had spent my childhood days, and I would need to use something that could accomodate the whole family and be road worthy; I need a sturdier, durable and more ergonomically designed transportation.

I had always dreamed of a dodge 1500. It fulfills all the criteria I mentioned above and more.


A nissan maxima or a gmc would also be ideal if I travel alone. The outstanding interior and exterior built and structure would give me the assurance that I'll be safe on the road.

The ride from the city proper through the treacherous mountain- roads of Kalinga would be around 12 hours, which would definitely be a road torture for any vehicle. But these vehicles including the toyota camry review would endure any rough road and still be coming out whole. I've seen lesser cars give in to the arduous ascents and descents through these long and winding roads.

When I go back to the place where I have spent my happy childhood days, I would like to do it in style- in my dodge 1500!