Too much beauty

"It's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once and it's too much. My heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst, and then I remember to relax and stop trying to hold on to it and it flows through me like rain and I can feel nothing but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid, little life. You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure, but don't worry. You will someday." - Lester from American Beauty

So this was the quote that kept on running in my head when I was watching the sunset this afternoon in Ilocos. I can't help but feel really lucky and grateful for all the blessings I have and had. It's a crazy ride but it's always worth it. :)

There is a way to be good again

That pain and emptiness in your heart?

Remember this.

No matter how big the mess...
No matter how deep the hole is...
No matter how hurtful you were...

God will always present an opportunity for you to make up for it.

There is always space to forgive.
There is always room for second chances.
There is a way to be good again.

Hilariously Lost

So Lee posted a photo on my wall yesterday (see below) and then I started laughing. All of a sudden I remembered getting lost in Brooklyn the other month! Of all places to get lost it really had to be in NYC!

I can't even get into details how it happened, let's just say from a 'hipster' neighborhood -- all of a sudden I was already surrounded by conservative Jewish people. Like with their tiny cap, long beard, black outfit. Just like how you see them on TV that's it! Oh and I don't think they appreciated the fact I was wearing a tiny tube dress.

So I went to one store and asked the lady how to get back to the town where I came from she started telling me to take the subway and ride two trains.

I thought to myself 'Why would I take the subway if I just walked all the way here?'

So I saw the next station and while I was climbing up the stairs I just had that instinct - I don't think this is the right way. I looked up and realized that I really did cross to the other side of Brooklyn Bridge! So I went back down and saw a police officer. I finally pulled out the tourist card and explained I was lost. She was a sweetheart! Actually I was lucky enough to find an officer who was hella animated and funny.

She was like 'Oh hunny! You don't take the subway! You take the bus back to Nassau!' So she walked me to the bus stop and she said that since I have the metro card already I can use that already and to ride bus no. 62. I shouldn't even think about jumping into another number. I suddenly heard the angels sing when I saw bus no. 62 approaching.

When I was about to get down the bus, I already saw my cousin and I knew she ready to give me a piece of her mind. When I came out - we both started laughing out really loud.

Seriously who gets lost by just walking and taking photos? Thank goodness I was in a country where everyone could understand English! What if I was in Europe? (Hahahahahahahaha! I'm ready)!

Proud to say I didn't cry but yeah there was a part that I panicked- sorta. :p Surprisingly, I didn't get lost when I was in downtown San Fo while I was exploring alone! :) Google map is my new best friend!

Double J

I owe this blog more than 10 entries already – but let meshare one of the highlights of my US trip which I can relate with a current event in our country. It’s not like this entry is really deep but I just want to speak my mind out now.

The moment I landed at Dallas, Texas and saw my good - the first thing I told her was “Let's go to the JFK Museum”. Surprisingly, after living there for 5 years, she’s never been there and I’m glad that I was able to share this experience with her.

So we put in our earphones and went on with our audiovisual tour – aside from my old World History books back in high school, I was ready to meet John Fitzgerald Kennedy again.

I remember getting goose bumps, almost crying and being at awe by his life. All I could think of that time was – “He was a good leader –he shared the same vision as his people”. I just didn't understand why he had to die so early and it was just so tragic that the he was right next to his wife when he got shot. I did not only see how the US mourned for his death – but the whole world. I also witnessed the power of media even when there was no internet back then.  I don't think apathy was never a problem back then.

I left a pretty long message in their guestbook – key message was “I hope that the Philippines will have a great leader like him someday.”

Then when I got home – the plane of Secretary Jesse Robredo crashed. While watching the news I was thinking – is this even possible?  I felt like this was just part of a movie.

I remember reading the article of Cathy Guballa-Babao and sobbing in my cubicle. Of course that’s when it really hit me that not only was Robredo a great leader but also a great father. He was the epitome of THEFAMILY MAN.

Of course – all these testimonials and features started coming out in media but what impressed me the most was his TSINELAS leadership.

For both leaders – it was all about SERVICE.

They both stood out because they were not defined by what they receive (the title, the power) but with what THEY GIVE.

Yes the nation is really sad but I think it gives us more hope that GOOD GOVERNANCE still exists if not in this country – most definitelyin this world.

Thank you JFK and Jesse for giving me the spark to stillbelieve.

"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"

Surprise Me :)

It's been a crazy week here in the east coast but surprise me some more, New York.

I know you have something for me. :) hahahaha! Last 4 days!

On a high! On a high!

This post is like one week overdue already! But every time I remember what happened last Saturday I can't help but smile. I actually feel honored that I was with the boys in the same room when it all occured!

It was PauloNav's *ahem* 21st birthday and he gave me a prod pass to the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival in PICC. Both of us have been so busy with work and I guess this was the perfect occasion to catch up and spend time with each other.

Karl one of his bandmates sent an entry to Philpop and he was really fortunate to be one of the finalists. Their performance that night would be his last 'hurrah' since he will be going to Singapore to take his MBA. When we were backstage eating, I could feel how nervous he was. I knew he wanted to win so bad.

When they went up on stage to perform the song (with Mark Bautista) - I got surprised that tears just started coming out. The lyrics were beautifully written and with its melody - it totally enhanced the meaning of the song. 'Bawat Hakbang' is a track that anyone can relate to. I knew at that moment they were gonna win. If not the grand prize at least 1st runner up or 2nd runner up.

When all the other contestants were called backstage for the awarding-- wow talk about a small room full of tension! I just started praying that Karl would win.... After announcing the 2nd and 1st runner up, I was still hoping and I knew the boys were too.

God is good all the time :)

Karl Villuga won the Grand Prize of the 1st Philippine Popular Music Featival with the song 'Bawat Hakbang' interpreted by Mark Bautista and the Akafellas. :)

What an awesome birthday gift to Paulo and despidida to Karl (bitter-sweet though). July 14, 2012 is my favorite day of 2012 so far.

I was really blessed to witness all of this! God answers prayers all the time as long as you put your whole heart into it.

Believe it or not - you guys might think I'm overacting but this actually got me in a good mood the entire week. What happened to Karl was really inspiring and I loved it because he never gave up. There should be more people like him in this world - talented yet humble. And the boys displayed the true meaning of brotherhood and friendship because of all the support they gave for this contest. I'm really blessed that I have friends like them in my life.

Once again, God is good all the time. I could not think of a better way to end this entry - let's just say I had this a huge smile on my face from the first letter I typed and until now it's still there! Just watch the video below so that you'll understand why they won! :)

Their finaale performance.

My Inday Moment with Mark Bautista!

Congratulations Karl! So proud of you!

One of my favorite couples - Daryl and RJ!

Happy Birthday Paulo! I love you forever and ever and ever!

The boys before going up on stage. Pogggiiiii!

The envelope - TAKE IT! TAKE IT!

Vis-a-vis

So my dad and I finally decided to apply for a US tourist visa - I was scared at first because I got denied for my UK visa last year.

So after 2 weeks of preparing our documents and scheduling our appointment - the office was kind enough to grant me a leave. I was really nervous because you often hear horror stories from friends on people who get denied even of they can afford a trip to the US.

No gadgets allowed - not even your yosi and lighter! What will I do while waiting for my turn?

So my dad had this brilliant idea - every time someone would come out of the room - we will have to guess if the US consul granted them a visa or not. First guy that came out had long hair and a scruffy look. My dad 'denied , they prob said shave first'. Next was a family with adorable twins. My dad ' Approved. They're all happy and excited to go to Disneyland'. I wanted to do a face palm right then and there. If we don't get our visas it was probably because of karma.

We were already by the third window - I was praying that an American dude would interview us since they're the most lenient. I saw a middle-aged American girl who looked really strict. Afraid. The girl before us got denied. My dad and I looked at each other.

So first question to my dad 'May I know the purpose of this trip?' He replied ' To attend the wedding of the daughter of my only sister '. My bubble thought : ' Wow! Straight English si daddy! You could have just said to attend my niece's wedding'.

Consul asked more questions about our current jobs. Then she looks at my dad and asked 'so where's your wife?'

Silence.

My dad just looks at her and starts tapping on the table 'my wife? My wife? My wife is at home!'

I couldn't take it I started laughing out loud and the American girl started laughing with us. She said 'isn't she joining you in this trip?' and I had to explain that my mom already has an existing valid visa.

Scary middle aged American woman looks at both of us and then says 'okay? I'll be sending your visas in a week'.

Aprub! Oh Bong Vilchez! You are the best! You can know how to make anyone laugh! :)

Happy Birthday, Daddyo! Love you!