Weddings have become a staple occasion in our household. Not because I've got family members getting hitched but primarily because of my brother's occupation as a freelance video editor. Right next to our house is his studio where he spends his time mostly editing weddings shot for clients and partners. Most of them are with established names in the industry.
Just last week, the highlights of this much talked about wedding of Heart Evangelista to Senator Chiz Escudero made buzz in the news and why wouldn't it? As for me, I found myself around Wednesday night at the comfort of my bedroom with my one-year old niece watching the highlights of their wedding as captured by the lens of wedding cinematographer, Bob Nicolas and his team.
Video from Bob Nicolas Wedding Films
The event exudes mostly elegance not to mention the heartwarming (and partly funny) part of wedding vows. But what got me hooked (apart from getting teary eyed with the vows) was the music that they've used in the wedding video. I was caught in awe with how Johnoy Danao crooned his song Buntung-Hininga. Just listening to the lyrics were more than enough to get me hooked I was literally bitten by the Last Song Syndrome for days.
Sa dinami-daming tao sa mundo
May nag-iisang para sa’yo
Kanyang pupunan ang ‘yong pagkukulang
S’ya ang sasalo anumang ibato ng mundo
Ang’yong pag-alala, kanyang mapapakalma
Ang dating ayaw mo, ika’y magkakagusto
Ang isa’y dalawa, kayong dalwa’y iisa
Saan ka man magpunta, hindi ka na mag-iisa
Kaya pagal na puso, ‘wag na ‘wag susuko
May hihilom, sa mga sugat mo
Sa iyong mga patawa, ay ‘di ka na papalya
Siya ang tanging bangka, ‘pag baha nang ‘yong luha
At ‘pag naliligaw na, kamay nya ang ‘yong mapa
S’ya ang antipara, pag malabo na ang ‘yong mata
Kaya saradong puso, buksan muli ang iyong pinto
May kakatok
Balang araw
Sa dinami-daming tao sa mundo,
Aba’y akalain mong tayo ay magtatagpo
Nagkatugmahang puso, sa wakas simula na ‘to
Buntong hininga
Buntong hininga
Mag buntong hininga kaya muna tayo.
I was that enticed I included this on my playlist (and am playing the song as I type this entry tonight). Johnoy Danao showed brilliance in playing with words and I was, not just humming the song in my head, but appreciating its lyrics. He has placed a nice message about hope in this song. And just like what I've said in a previous Facebook post, he knew how to ignite a flicker hope in a big yet positive way.
I am writing this entry right from my bedroom nursing another bout of allergic rhinitis that has been bothering me since Friday. I'd like to think that the change of weather combined with pollution and a few stressful days earlier during the week to be the culprits of this malady. I am already eyeing the possibility of having this health issue attended by a a specialist by the coming weekend. I have been going through occasional bouts for years but that were bearable compared to what I've been having lately, which tends to bother me even at work.
Anyway, since I chose to stay home today (just to stay safe, so I won't hopefully have to call in sick tomorrow), I decided to have a quick update as I rarely get the chance to catch up with my writing.
I finally have a copy of James Patterson's novel First Love that was given to me by a friend as a Valentine's gift. While I'm not much of a fan, I got enticed after reading one of his books, Sundays at Tiffany's in 2011. I've previously seen the large print format of this book and I found it quite expensive so I postponed buying it. But thanks to a friend for spoiling me, my craving for this literary pleasure's solved. And the gift came with a box of Kleenex, just in case reading would cause me to become all too weepy.
Another thing is this ongoing project. It was last year when I came across the idea of keeping a memory jar. It's an interesting endeavor which I tried last year but got unsuccessful given the turn of events (read: getting both all to busy and exhausted that I just want to sleep when I get home). This year, I tried a hand at it again and luckily, I am able to religiously update it.
It's a good thing to find out that if there's one thing that this little project taught me, it's learning to see the good in everything; that despite of what has happened the whole day, it's a challenge to look for something worthy to be thankful for. It's good though that not all days are the same. If a day has been exhausting, you get to look for something worth thankful. And if a day contains a lot of good things, I get to pick one that's the best, write it and keep it in the jar.
I hope to maintain the habit though. At times it scares me to think, I had gone past two months with it and there are 10 months remaining. But something to be grateful has to be present every single day and that would be more than enough to keep me going. :-)
It's a day after Valentine's. How was the aftermath for you? Mine's just plain simple and will be told in this (hopefully) short post.
While I spent most of my mornings at home, I had blocked the afternoon for personal agendas including the 2:45 pm showing of Fifty Shades of Grey at Robinsons Place Metro East -- alone. Okay, just for the record (and I'll be on the defensive side this time), I decided to watch the film to find out if Sam Taylor-Johnson gave justice to EL James's novel. And save for some parts, most of the content of the book was followed in the film. I watched alone and most of the audience were well, couples. So kapag maraming ipapanganak na baby sa November 2015, alam na kung bakit.
Just a reminder though to those planning to watch, cinemas are seriously implementing their policies as the movie is rated R18. In my case I came there with my office ID just in case I would be asked, which was actually the first query before I got my tickets so I offer the same advice. Keeping your ID handy won't hurt.
After the movie and a short trip to the mall, off I went to SM Taytay to meet up with a friend, Lee Miyaki. She's the brain behind the Wattpad novel Sir, You're Hot which was first Wattpad story turned book that I have read last year. We spent three hours chatting about her book, the inspiration behind it, as well as its sequel. Not to mention answering a lot of questions she had for me -- over our Java chip and strawberries and cream.
Of course, because I am a big fan of books, I did not let the opportunity pass to have the copy of my book signed by her. She was kind of shy but still, she did not just sign it, she scribbled on the page.
In the end, I may not be among those who celebrated a couples holiday in a cheesy way with flowers and teddy bears but I still had a blast celebrating Valentine's Day this year.
Today is the last day of my week-long vacation leave. I know it's been a long time since I wrote anything and this post was inspired of an endeavor I vouched on some months ago and after visiting the page of Matrix Professional Philippines. Indeed this is a long overdue post.
It was in October last year when I just had this sudden urge of wanting to bring my short hair back. I've been sporting a long hairstyle for quite some time and was really decided for a change but my office mate, JR told me to put the activity on hold and showed me the article about the 8" Cut for Cancer Challenge of Matrix Professional Philippines.
 |
| The stylist wasn't done yet when they took this photo. |
The said activity was a win-win situation to those who dared to participate, because you get to help a cancer-stricken child gain his/her self esteem while you get to have your haircut for free courtesy of volunteer hairstylists from the different Davids Salon branches. I have always wanted to join such activities that encouraged donation, but I don't deem myself to be fit to be a donor given that I am taking medications often. It surely hampered me from doing so. But this one proved that there still is a way for me to do it. My hair was indeed a sort of life saving asset and helped me accomplish one of the things I really wanted to do. At the end of the event, it was announced that there were 400 people who donated on-site and I am more than happy to be part of it.
My hair had started growing longer again given that it has been four months since this event happened. And participating in this activity was one of the best things I have embarked myself to prior to reaching 30 and I am indeed a very happy adult with what I did.
 |
| No one's too old for a party -- not even at 30! |
God's plan for my life is simple. He will take all my choices, mistakes and failures, and turn them into something good.
I turned another year older two weeks ago so this is a long overdue post. For years, I have lived my life always looking at things "in the future tense". While an is event unfolding in the present, I always have one question to constantly ask and think of: What will happen tomorrow?
Years ago, when I was just 18, I remember a time when I asked myself, "will I still be alive enough to reach the age of 30?" When my birthday came, I recalled that question only to find an answer -- I am still here. And I am here now. It felt like I succeeded defying some odds. In my 20's my life was filled with worry and anxiety, from health, career to relationships. I have a lot of those "paano na" momemnts in my youth. But the night before the big day, I tried digging stuff from inner memory and found out a lot of wonderful things among of which are:
- I was blessed a stable job for two and a half years and counting -- with a kind boss and wonderful colleagues to boot.
- I am able to cross out items in my bucket list one after the other.
- I am still able to see quite clearly (with the help of my trusty glasses of course).
Contrary to my fear that I could be blind by the time I am 30 years old.
- I have a complete family and my parents are still here to celebrate such a milestone with me.
- That God allowed me to be a productive being despite having to battle health issues once in a while.
It may only be a few, but those are worthy discoveries. As I turn 30, when I try to look at how things has happened in my life, what I have now were more than what I wanted and prayed for. God indeed knows how to write a straight line from a broken one for He compensated me for the things I previously lost. As much as I'd like to use #30 on my photos or Facebook status posts, I'd rather not. For it signifies the end (those in the written profession, journalists and editors specifically would know).
But in reality, this is only the beginning of wonderful days that are ahead.
To the 24 Year-Old Glaiza,
As you wake up today, you have reached a year shy of quarter life. How time really flies. While I am unsure as to what I should tell you in this letter, I'd like you to know one thing: Life is ALWAYS wonderful.
I know that a lot of things are going in your life lately. Quarterlife crisis included but that is among those things that will remind you you're human. You'll go through periods of confusion and uncertainty but just like any other thing in life, it will also pass. Eventually you'll realize that all these has purpose. While you are living to fulfill your dreams and following your passion, you will come to a point that you will need to figure and weigh things out. Nothing endures but change and wanting for a life of feasibility is not a bad thing. It only means that you know the difference between what is stagnant and what is stable -- and which one you should take. Just be willing to try each and every positive opportunity that will come your way because it is in trying you'll get to find the one that fits. I cannot exactly tell the precise time (maybe in a year or two) but one thing is for sure -- you will find it in the most unexpected industry and you'll feel it in your heart that it's the right one. The heartaches you felt for the jobs that you've lost will eventually pay off because you'll soon be employed in an industry that will make you realize how valuable you are through your talents (regardless if you walk like a penguin or if your eyesight is not as sharp as an owl's).
It is in your job, you will fulfill items on your bucket list. Remember that wish of wanting to return to Ateneo that you wrote? You'll soon find yourself there not just to stroll around but for a noble purpose. You've always wanted to obtain a passport before reaching 30? That will happen. You've always wanted to do volunteer work? Surely you'll be able to join not just in one but in a lot of it. It will be in those activities you'll experience a different level of happiness and realize that part of your purpose is to serve others and you don't need to be in politics to do it.
You would go through heartache and will try to go to a couple of dates but you'll end up ditching both. I know you'd be thinking you're old enough to know or to be in that point but through those heartaches, you'll know what you really want and decide on what you really deserve -- something real and not the one that will just waste your time. The pain of being left behind (or to put it bluntly "dumped") may linger on but don't let that consume you. There is always a reason why the guy in your past won't make it to your future -- that is because there is someone out there who qualifies to have the kind and amount of love that you can give. You may wait for a very long time and feel like simply just giving up thinking nothing happens, but hang in there and keep the faith. God is never deaf to your prayers. Don't be afraid to give things a try because eventually, things will fall in place. Who knows, the boy you met when you were just 18 (and would meet again a decade later) could just be the same person you have been asking God for.
Life is wonderful. It always will be. Remember that.
Cheers,
Your 30 Year-Old Self
While I was aware of yesterday's SONA, I did not have much chance to listen to it. I was given an opportunity to catch a few parts and while listening, these things suddenly popped in my head -- what I want to happen if I was the one speaking in that podium:
To ensure that teachers, policemen and soldiers are well compensated and recognized with their efforts in each and every way possible. Because second to mothers and Overseas Filipinos, they are the people who carry more than the usual burden in their careers, they are part of what other people think of our country and what kind of nation we could become. If private companies give the privilege of salary increases, I believe the government should too especially because public servants in the form of these people have all the reasons to have them; their effort and sacrifice are more than enough to justify that.
Reduce the retirement age from 60 to 55. This is due to the fact that you really could not predict mortality. Not a lot of people these days are lucky to live way past 50 and those who have been employed for years should be entitled to the fruit of their hard-earned labor -- most importantly their retirement pension for their sole use and benefit.
- Remove exclusivity in job opportunities. Simply because this is a form of discrimination. I do feel a certain level of anguish to see job vacancies that bear "exclusive for or preferably graduates of ____ school only". I believe that a person's worth is not measured by name of his or her school but what is in his mind that he can do to contribute to social improvement. Same goes with age requirement. Age could be a factor in the rising rate of unemployment, not because people could not perform jobs anymore but because they tend to be rejected by employers because of age limit. Age is just a number; it does not mean that when you grow old, you won't learn anything new.
Too bad, these things would just be written as a wishlist of some sorts for now. If only a corruption-free government is possible and cooperation would emerge, then these could eventually become real. But then there are also two realities: That not all politicians could become obedient disciples and our president is far to living the life of a saint.
