Monday, August 28, 2006

30 na si Tatay Amats


Maligayang Bati aming mahal!!!
Tatay Amats Happy Happy Birthday to you.

The wooden frame of Isay's bassinet is hand-made by Tatay Amats. He is not really a carpenter but I was amazed that he was able to put this frame together a few days just before Isay arrived. It was indeed a labor of love. What made it very special is the love, time and effort that Amats spent making this this frame -- measuring the dimensions, canvassing, buying and cutting the wood, borrowing carpentry tools from the grandfather of Joy (of He cares).

I want to honor you today Tatay Amats by sharing it here that you bring much happiness in our lives by loving us simply in your most unique way. You help me see that the most important things in life are not success or being wealthy or the number of things you have accomplished in life or doing what others expect you to be. We may not be rich, but we never lack in anything.

You made me appreciate the most mundane of things can bring us joy. The butterflies we see or the way the dog of our neighbor barks, greeting us on our way or how the small maya birds in our back terrace ate our left over rice. Simple things that otherwise I would have missed, but you helped me appreciate these and much more.

There are many lessons you have taught me about loving unconditionally, trusting and relying on His grace. I am still learning my lessons I guess. Thank you for being understanding of my complex mood swings and other what-nots. There are many more things I want to share but there are also some things that cannot be described.

Today on your 30th birthday, I pray that He shower His grace and blessings on you.

I thank God for you.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Happy na Birthday pa


Double Celebration. Today August 26th is my sister Jinky's birthday. I want to honor my sister today on her birthday for being the loving and maalaga na sister that she is. She took care of baby Isay while I was in UPLB today. We had a small family celebration at home. We had this torta de los reyes from Aristocrat bakeshop our shared birthday and graduation cake. Salamat Tatay Amats for the cake.

It has been a long (starting at 3am)and memorable day. I thank God for the messages He sent me today, for the beautiful people and my loving family. Thank You Lord for that wonderful embrace this morning. My cup overflows.

ang sablay



U.P. Naming Mahal

U.P. naming mahal
Pamantasang hirang
Ang tinig namin
Sana'y iyong dinggin.

Malayong lupain
Amin mang marating
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin

Luntian at pula
Sagisag magpakailan man
Ating ipagdiwang
Bulwagan ng dangal

Humayo't itanghal
Giting at tapang
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan

Ika-Sampung Palatuntunan ng Pagtatapos



Today is indeed a blessing. The last time I have a similar picture was 14 years ago.
Assembly at the Student Union Building then a memorable march towards Umali Hall and Freedom park in UPLB. It wasn't raining this early morning, clouds hung low from the foothills of Mt. Makiling, a cool clime that complements our warm anticipation. Today I was able to wear for the first time the University of the Philippines' Sablay which replaced the traditional graduation gown. I felt proud to be Filipino wearing the Sablay more especially because it contains the alibata. I was even excited to match it with my beaded heeled slippers. Pakiramdam ko Pinoy na Pinoy itong graduation na ito dahil ako ay naka tsinelas. Ang saya lang talaga!!!

Seeing fellow classmates who've become good friends over the 5 years I stayed in UPOU, my heart overflowed with a calm gladness and then some.