Embrace the light and let your eyes feast on the kaleidoscopic colors of life

I was startled by my phone's alarm. I squinted my eyes as I check on its screen. It said 8:30pm and my shift starts at 11:00pm. I placed it again on the white, plastic bed-side table. Its light was still beaming, filling my dark room. I lazily crawled towards the end of my bed and sat down feeling the floor below to let my feet search for my slippers.

I ceremoniously stood and walked towards the door. It was unusually quite in the apartment. I opened the door and peeked outside. It was so dark and I started to feel uneasy. I stood outside my room and steadied my eyesight looking through the lobby. I suddenly felt gloomy and alone.

There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in the midst of darkness - feeling cold and alone. We tend to dwell in that place which is making us feel tormented and taken for granted. In those moments, we self-pity and we succumb to that feeling. We let that situation impair our vision and judgment to realize that we always have the power to let light shine through our lives. All we need to do is find the courage to walk a little further, take couple of steps towards the light.

After minutes of staring at the lobby, I found the strength to walk two steps towards the corner and switched on the lights. Yes! The colors are back to life! It was as EASY as THAT. However, I do recognize the fact that this is opposite when it comes to the reality of staying in the 'dark'. There are people around us who need understanding ears and helping hands so they can get themselves out of the dark. We'll never know. One of them can be our sibling, an officemate or a friend. Those people who are afraid to tell anyone that they are going through hardships and depression from abusive relationship, addiction, unhealthy habits or problems in married life.

For a moment, I stood still as I stare at the lobby lined with shoe racks, wooden cabinets, linens fresh from laundry shops and colorful slippers outside each door, among others. I took deep breaths as I recall the times when I was struggling in the dark. 2009 - when I discovered the truth behind my then almost 4-year relationship. 2010- when I experienced the first 'devastating' heartbreak then followed by failure in the board exam. 2011 - Our family lost my only brother. Yes, those experiences were just part of the prelude to more challenges in life. 2016 is about to end and 2017 is oozing with wonderful promises and realization of dreams.

Out of nowhere, a lizard fell in front of me and I hopped in circle with suppressed shout while it hastily crawl towards the wall. Whhhoooaa! That was mind blowing! I giggled after realizing what happened. I hurried to prepare for work.

After the realization that night, I decided to visit a colorful restaurant near the office. My eyes will feast on its artistic interiors, well-crafted chairs and tables, pastel-colored decorations hanging from its ceiling and the inspiring thoughts scribbled and framed on its walls.

Vanilla Cupcake Bakery - a cupcake wonderland!

Its façade will  immediately tell you that the cafe will tickle your imagination with its arts display and cutesy paintings on the wall. Mouth-watering cupcakes lined up in a pastry stand and pedestal. I was excited to savor another hearty meal from their kitchen. I chose their fried garlic bangus  (milkfish) served with special Vanilla Cupcake Bakery rice and sunny-side up egg (or a fluffy egg, your choice). The plate was enticing with a couple of tomatoes topped with pesto and fresh, thinly sliced cucumber.  I was so refreshed with their Oreo-milk shake. Such a wonderful meal!

I know my words will fall short in describing how wonderful the place is so I have these photos for you.

Their walls say: A balanced diet is having a cupcake in each hand!
Choose Happiness.
It's the possibility of having dream come true that makes life interesting. - Paulo Coelho

Their pastry stand is filled with enticing cupcakes! You can never say no. Indulge!

More of the inside interiors

 Whatever life may bring, let us choose to let light shines through our lives and serve as our guide. Stay in the light and be reminded that life is full of colors. Every tick of the clock springs forth radiance of yellow and sunshine; every second is a chance to paint the town with overwhelming red and love. Enjoy life's colors. No matter what your life's color is at the moment, remember to spin life's color wheel and let every color you choose stand for friendship, laughter, peace and love!

Sharing colorful moments with you,
Antonia

PS:
The Vanilla Cupcake Bakery is located at Ground Floor, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City. It is on the left side of Wendy's; it's front area is a taxi lane. 

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Our family's first synthetic Christmas tree

It's the second day of my vacation in the hometown. I could not contain my happiness when I arrived home yesterday for my Tatay's birthday. He was waiting on the sala when I entered the house. He hugged me tight and I tip-toed so I can kiss his cheek. It will be a happy and fun 5-day stay.

I looked around the house and I smiled seeing the changes. It was last June when they started renovating. I have been away for 5 months while saving for the construction. My Tatay saw the grin on my face and asked me to enter the newly furnished room. I can see how proud he is knowing that he closely supervised the construction. He has been keeping a sketch of his dream house since I was a child and it is our aspiration to have it realized.

Completion is still at 40%. Excited as he is, Tatay asked me to check their room. I pulled the door sideways. He chose to have a glass door for the room. I have seen the structures in pictures but I am still all smiles when I see a couch on the left side and their bed on the right side near the aircon. A small ceiling fan is also installed and in between the couch and bed, a stand fan is in place. I am so pleased with the floor tiles they have selected and the paint color (soft green) of the walls and ceiling is eye-friendly. The glass doors are not tinted so Nanay placed a pretty yellow green curtain with wild grass/flower designs on it.

I stood on the sala area and from there I can see the second floor above the room. The space is envisioned to be a rooftop terrace and the leftmost side area will have one room to be constructed. 60% more to go and so much more saving to do. I strongly believe we will achieve our dream house.

Christmas is fast approaching and I do not see any holiday decors around the house. My childhood was fun especially during the holiday season because my Nanay is so artistic when creating our Christmas tree. She would rather create it from used papers, Bakhawan branches, yarns and other art materials. One time, she used a bamboo pole then made holes on it and inserted sticks from coconut leaves to serve as branches.  I recall that she will mix water with food coloring and pour the colored water on an ice candy bag. Those little plastic bags will hang on the from the makeshift Christmas tree branches - yellow, orange, green and others. They will reflect the lights from the christmas lights.  

We have not installed a Christmas tree for a very long time. This year, we decided to buy our first synthetic Christmas tree from store. I want my Nanay to relax rather than going to the nearest pond and look for Bakhawan tree or ask/buy for newspapers from sari sari stores. We bought glittery stars, artsy christmas balls, santa claus stuffed toys, little drums, colorful garlands and golden bells as well as Christmas lights.

For the new room, I placed a Merry Christmas sign hanging from the roof top. I attached silver balls and angel figures on it with strings made of small silver balls. I can't explain how I feel when I am putting up the pieces of the Christmas tree with my sister and a little girl from the neigborhood. Childhood memories were flashing back and it felt really heart-warming.

To complete the Christmas tree, I hoopped around it the colorful lights with small-size bulbs. My Nanay helped in switching it on. We heard a motorcycle coming so we hustle. When my Tatay finally entered the house, we light up the Christmas tree. He smiled sweetly and his eyes sparkle. I am really home. So happy!

Love,
Antonia 

(My big brother died last November 2011 and we are still grieving until this time. I am not sure when the pain will disappear - I think it will stay forever. This is the reason why we could not put up Christmas decors or celebrate all out during the yuletide season.)

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UPDATE: Suspected part of an insect on my left eye!

I was in a movie house with my friends when I started to feel weird again on my left eye. Halfway the movie (Fantastic Beasts and where to find them), I decided wear glasses. I reached out for my bag, which was placed on the floor, to fish out my eyeglasses without taking my sight off of the screen. I remember I stopped applying the prescribed eye drops five days ago, just in time when the redness disappeared. I really thought my eye is totally healed after the sclera (white part of the eye) cleared out. I felt something moving on the lid and it seems pointed. I continued to enjoy the movie though I am still bothered by my left eye.

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Living alone and away from home: How to survive sickness (colds, cough, fever, fatigue)?

Monday - 4:00AM and he was ready to leave. I hugged him tight and kissed him goodbye. It's time for him to go back to Negros for work and I am left here in Manila. He turned his back and started to roll his duffle bag. I followed him out and stayed on the doorway. He waved his free hand before he turned right to a corridor and I lost sight of him. My heart was crumpled. I thought I was going to cry. I am dreading this scene every time we need to part ways. One of the sad scenes that one needs to endure in any long distance relationship.

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JEEPNEY STORY: flying insect bumped my left eye

'Day Weng, duty ka today? Daan sana ako parlor for waxing/threading', I texted a friend who used to do my much-needed beauty must-have.

It's a Wednesday - 10:00AM already and I am in a jeepney on my way home from work.  Same daily routine but what makes it special for this week is that I will be seeing my beau on Friday after four months of being away from each other.

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JEEPNEY STORY: not-so-friendly Manong Driver

It has been a productive week after completing a 'brain-cell stirring' five-day training on a promising new product/field to support. It is already 9:00am and I am done with last minute sweep on my To-do list so I grabbed my jacket and fixed my things. I was smiling while I leave the training room - At last, it's weekend!

Same routine - I hopped in a jeepney and this time there was no queue of passengers waiting since it's Saturday. I have a blissful feeling and though quite exhausted, I know my eyes are sparkling for I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Gradually, passengers filled in the vehicle and we are up to leave.

I was intently observing the people around me - there were lovers giggling in the other side, the elderly beside me is quite shaking when he raised his hands to hold onto the horizontal bars and the lady on my right side was dozing off. I draw a half-smile thinking that I have been dwelling in a place which is far away from home and all of these people are strangers to me.

It has been my habit to buy buko juice so I need to drop by near 7-eleven. 'Para po!', I said in loud voice. The jeepney did not stop so I exclaimed louder but still cheerful, 'Sa tabi lang po!'. The driver did not mind me. Some of the passengers are also telling the driver to stop. The guy beside the driver poked him in the shoulders so the jeepney slowed down. The guy pointed a blue-colored headset attached to the driver's ears. I realized he was listening to something so he did not notice. I was still smiling that time - I was just so happy and I was not irritated easily.

BUT then after a moment, I can feel my face's expression turned to something 'sour' when the driver exclaimed, 'Alam mo namang intersection to, sana bumaba ka na kanina nung may mga bumaba.' In my mind, I can see myself turning red with gush of steam going out from both ears and executing karate moves!!

I kept calm and subconsciously said 'Okay'. I think that changed my cheerful facial expression to a sad, disappointed one. When I finally got out of the vehicle, I was still bothered by how the driver treated me. I have the following unspoken: 

• Why would I join those three passengers in getting out? That was 2 blocks away! We were in the middle of traffic and there were cars following the jeepney (bumper to bumper). I find that dangerous!
• Though I really don't mind if I have to walk, I am just comfortable to land right after the pedestrian lane (few meters away) where I feel safe. Coincidentally, it is in front of 7-eleven.
• I really want manong drivers to be cheerful while they are driving but I don't think it is advisable to wear headsets and listen to music or whatever that would somehow impair their senses to the requests of the passengers or other external forces along the way.

For many, the scene may be normal. I actually think right now that I am just Over-Reacting. What do you think? I just wish all of us can say our thoughts in a nice way possible. If I were him, I can say: 'Pacensya po, intersection kasi yun. Saglit lang po, dun nalang sa tabi.' Is this impossible for our manong drivers to say? I don't think so. I still believe there are several drivers who are courteous and kind.

Well, I may be judging him right now for treating one of his customers badly. I then realized that it is true - words are so powerful - these can affect someone's mood or alter a state of mind. In my case, the effects were somehow temporary (30 minutes). Hahaha! when I got out of the jeepney, I still managed to say 'Hi' to the buko vendor and cheefully greeted Nanay Linda when I dropped by my suking tindahan to buy lunch.

I have been working in a field where I uphold quality customer service on top of my priorities. I put passion and dedication in everything that I do especially when dealing with people. Before joining the company, I was not so sensitive in situation when unsatisfactory service is observed. Day after day, I realize the value of saying the right words and how to put stress and emotions on them. Your words can make someone's burden lighter, temporarily ease their worries and can somehow brigten up a gloomy day.

We just have to choose the right words and say them right. I am positive that when that happen, there would be one less unhappy person in the world.

Keep Smiling!

Antonia

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'Friendship Over' without prior notice. Sad.

This is a story of Amara and her former close friend Lucas.

Amara was new to her job when this happened. Her new workplace exuded good vibes - friendly new faces, supportive bosses and harmonious relationships among co-workers. Though most of the trainees were friendly, Amara was still hesitant to make friends.

After several weeks of training, she started to open up to 'strangers' and turned three of them into close friends. They are JJ, Lucas and Elize. JJ is the cheerful one and he loves Anime and he even join cosplay events. Elize stands out in the group- she is pretty and charming. Lucas is a shy-type guy but a good listener and easy to get along with.

The four of them used to spend break/lunch time together. They had a group chat in facebook where they crack jokes, make fun of each other and plan their weekend getaways. Amara realized that it is more fun to have close friends even in the office. Though work is not so easy, their friendship made her feel that tasks are lighter and inspired her more to go to work every weekday morning.

Every time spent with three of her friends brighten up her day - fun, full of laughter and giggles. They were really enjoying each other's company despite their individual differences and personal problems.

One day, Amara noticed that Elize is no longer joining them during lunch/break time. She learned that Lucas was courting Elize and that the girl turned him down. Everything got awkward with Lucas and Elize. A lot of things changed between them.

Nonetheless, Amara and Lucas remained close friends. Since JJ was well-occupied with work and cosplaying, the two were left behind. They started to form a bond. They continued to spend coffee-time together and share experiences at work. They keep each other updated and they truly cared for one another. Their officemates used to tease them for they can be lovers but Amara knew that theirs is pure friendship - no more, no less. Elize still greets them but she is spending more time with her boyfriend.

Months went by, Amara and Lucas continued to share the friendship with JJ catching up when he is not busy. Amara cherished the bond so much that she treats Lucas like a brother. It's like they can't live without each other in the office. Despite busy schedules, they find time to check through chat or text messages. Even in facebook chats, they still made each other's day lighter.

Suddenly, Lucas changed when he started to court Tanya and they became lovers. He started to act weird. Messages were shorter and pings were no longer frequent. Their funny conversations were turned to nods and cold treatment. When their paths crossed in the lobby, Lucas will look down and Amara will  still greet him to get his attention. This continued for weeks. Amara realized that they have become distant. Perhaps because he just have to focus on Tanya? No. No. Amara knew that Tanya will not be jealous of their friendship. Lucas did not say anything to let Amara know why he acted that way.

'How are you, Lucas? I missed the group. I hope we can catch up!', Amara sent a chat message. She saw Lucas was typing a message then nothing happened, no replies. Minutes, hours passed - she was on seen zone.

This sad situation happened like a blink of an eye. Their friendship was like a colorful bubble formed by a happy kid and just disappeared in the air. Nothing left but memories of laughter, corny jokes and funny stories.

Amara is now hesitant to reach out to Lucas. She still connects with JJ and Elize sometimes. Everything has changed and it hurts.

---------------------------------------------------

We all have our stories of friendships. Some of us are now separated by distance or work schedules or lifestyle changes. However, we do our best to make time and catch up, if possible. There are friendships broken due to harsh words and situations. Most remained silently despite years of being apart and when reunited, it seems nothing has changed. Others ended with no reason at all. It just happened. Sad, but we are yet to know why.

Your friend,

Antonia

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Mia and the pink sling bag - A true to life horror story

When I was younger, I received a pink sling bag gift from a family's friend (we considered a grandma). The bag was such a pretty one. I can still recall that it has a kitty print and some girly stuff. I was not able to use it in school (I was about to enter college that time). I then let my sister use it.

Here's Mia, my younger/baby sister. This pic was taken recently.
I am not sure if this is the pink sling bag.

Mia (I call her Yang) was a member of the school's cheering team and they were having series of practice at night in preparation for the University-wide competition. She usually goes home at around 10pm. To keep her energized, she brings with her food/ baon - rice and viand in a Tupperware container with spoon and fork.

About five days before the competition, Yang used the pink sling bag. They were conducting their practice sessions in the school's covered court. They were chanting the last lines of their cheers and executed the hand movements. 'That's all for today', said their coach. 'You can all now go home and rest!'.

Yang was giggling with her friends as they walk through the corridors of the school. The premises started to be filled with chatters from other members of the cheering squad. The lobby was already dark since lights were already turned off. She held her bag and heard the sound of the spoon/fork clinking while walking. They already finished their meals after practice. She looked back on the lobby for she saw something unusual. She told herself it was just her imagination.

The school is walking distance from our house so she decided to just walk. There are only few people in the street and the night's breeze started to be uncomfortably cold. She continued to walk with her hand holding her pink sling bag since the fork/spoon were making some clinking sounds. She frequently checks on the clouds up high and gazed on how some stars twinkled in the dark sky.

After around three to five minutes, she reached the roadway to our house (to the right). The ground was not yet concrete (rocky road) and the area was dim-lighted with the reflecting lights from our neighbor's house. She walked in steady pace (around 15 meters from the main road) and she sighted our then wooden gate. When she reached the point where she needs to turn right, she suddenly could not move! The pink sling bag was moving by itself! She can hear the clinking sounds of the spoon and fork accelerating. She panicked. She exerted more effort so she can run. She finds herself running in the same spot.

The sling bag started to rise as if a force was pulling it from above but it was still attached to her body. She was filled with so many emotions - fears and anxiety. She ran faster but could not leave the same spot. She started to feel exhausted. She saw the bag rising up above on its own so she grabbed it by her right hand and prayed so hard, very hard. She then hit our wooden gate which was left un-locked and this collided with the wall of the adjacent dilapidated house. This caused a bang!

Our Nanay was startled and got up from bed to check on Yang. When she entered the house, Yang angrily threw the sling bag on the bed. She was shaking and shivering from the incident. She felt drained with energy. It was the most horrifying experience she had. Our mother followed her upstairs to ask what happened. She could not utter a word at first. After some time, she explained and our Nanay pacified her by saying that it might be just her imagination. She must be tired and needed to take some rest.

From that time forward, she is no longer using the pink sling bag. She told  me the story in Dumaguete, during the University week when they competed for the Cheer Leading competition. I believed her.

What do you think? Would you consider that a supernatural encounter? Look around you, do you see things that others do not?

Whether it was just her imagination or a supernatural encounter, I know we are living in a world where not all can be explained by science or logic. What matters most is that we stay firm on our faith and use prayer to defeat the enemy.

Happy Halloween!

- Antonia
(I can feel my hair raising and goosebumps forming while I write this blog. Worse, I am alone in the apartment. Liz is on her way from Pasay.) 

P.S. I secured permission from my sister to post her story.

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How about a buko a day? Will it also keep the doctor away?

I turned off my desk's computer and started to pack my things. It's 8:30am and I am ready to go home. I am happy to leave the office earlier than usual and wrap up the first day of work for the week, satisfied with my performance. Char!

I am chirping like a bird as I walk towards the elevator. I need to pass through the sidewalks of Landmark to reach the jeepney waiting area. The streets are already busy with people from different walks of life and a LOT of vehicles. I lined up in a quite long queue of passengers - I think I am in the 15th. The barker started to collect 7php. I was smiling then he stopped in front of me and announced that the next batch need to wait for the next jeep. Whooaa?? Just my luck! My smile turned into a pout and I patiently waited for the next one.

As usual, traffic is heavy during this time of the day - majority is in a hurry to go to work and some are eager to go home. It has been 30mins since the jeep departed from the area. I am literally stuck in the traffic and I can hear co-passengers complain. Other passengers whose offices are within walking distance from where we are, opted to go down and hike. I started to feel iritated and restless  with heat,  pollution and honking of horns. Other passengers are just sleeping in their seats.

At last, we have reached the JP Rizal street. My mood was replaced with excitement and glee when I sighted Manong's Buko cart! After battling with traffic and heat, I deserve a healthy and refreshing drink for 30php plus the buko meat! (I admit, I can buy buko for 10php in the province or ask someone to pick one for me fresh from a coconut tree.) 


The sun's heat is getting intense even if it is still 9am. I need to stay hydrated with an entire buko! Manong skillfully whipped his bolo to open the buko (young coconut) and poured the water in a plastic bag. With a flexible knife (not sure if it is just improvised), he scraped the tender buko flesh and placed it in the plastic to join the water. In my head, I can imagine myself clapping like a child.

I learned that its water has the following benefits:

• Vitamin C and B Complex, Calcium, Potassium, manganese and magnesium
• It is fat and Cholesterol free!
• Soothes urinary tract infection and it is a urinary antiseptic
• Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, it can also kill intestinal worms
• Helps in reducing risk of kidney stones
• Improves blood circulation and balances blood sugar
• Aids in weight loss and helps achieve hydrated, glowing skin!
• Boosts metabolism and aids in easy digestion.

The buko meat is also a good source of vitamin A, E and known to help reduce level of bad cholesterol. I am a rice-lover and I would tend to have more than 1 serving in a meal. With the buko meat, I am able to reduce rice intake and have it as a substitute. I am so proud of that!

What are you waiting for? Visit the nearest buko cart in your location and grab one or two now! Stay hydrated! 

Back to my routine -- I decided to take tricycle to reach my place for 16php. In some days when the weather is not so hot, I also opt to walk through the wet market. I arrived with a smile and sparkling eyes, ready to take my lunch and some beauty rest.

Lesson for today: whenever you are in a not-so-good situation, think of positive thoughts. Just smile and you will surely survive the day!

Smiling while sipping buko juice,

Antonia

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I thank God for second, third and nth chances

Posted: May 22, 2008 | 5:02 PM Pacific Time
Place: Near Freedom park, Kagawasan Avenue, Dumaguete City.

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Life is all about Loving its every detail

Date Posted = May 21, 2008
Time = 6:55 PM (PDT)

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The series of seminar/workshops that the PYLON, official graduates yearbook of Negros Oriental State University System, conducted catered an avenue for the PYLONites to learn more on their fields and even refresh the learnings of old staff. In the Creative Writing Department, our lecturer urges the participants to make a feature article or any with the theme: 'how could you make something beautiful?' The following composition is one of the articles I made during the activity. Let me share my thoughts with you guys!

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Rub Ribs & BBQ to spice up my weekend

I am living alone and away from home since I started working here in Makati. During weekends, I love to stay indoors and watch movies, surf the net. Most of the time, I spend my weekend alone except when I attend The Feast with Marker (my friend) or when I go out with Liz (my friend/bhouse neighbor).

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THIS IS NOT OUR WEDDING | Coronation of Miss San Juan 2012 (Money-contest pageant)

I think this is an awkward pose. Haha! 

June 2012 - Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. It was around 1:30PM and Mr Sun is on its peak, happily blazing its rays. I was standing in the entrance of the old Admin office, observing how the scorching heat of the sun absorbs the last remaining moisture on the ground. A couple of dump trucks and vehicles were passing by causing dust to spread like crazy. I was squinting my eyes on the thought that I need to walk on that same ground. 'Five minutes more', I said to myself.

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Episode 3 Learning Visayan Dialect: Expression (Ekspresyon or Pagpahayag)

Hello Everyone! Today, I will introduce to you some Visayan Expressions. This is the third episode of the Series - Learning Visayan Dialect.

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5,249 new CPAs in October 2016 (Let me tell you my story)

OCTOBER 2011 - Iloilo City. I hailed a taxi from the city's port and climbed couple flight of stairs to reach the PRC office. I was so pissed off and disappointed that I did not mind the long queue of professionals. I stormed through the office and found the correct counter where I can raise my complaint. I called out the staff and with a very intense tiger-look on my face, I showed her the printed results of the CPA Board exam and shouted: 'My name was misspelled!! I have a very simple name and yet you can't encode it right??!!' I was so furious that I can feel my face turned burgundy-red and my eyes burning with emotions.

PRC erroneously misspelled my name in the list of CPA Board exam passers last 2011.

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Sending love and smiles to children with illness around the world

Each of us has his/her own canvass to paint. Every day, we are faced with this empty canvass and we are surrounded with all the paints in bright and dull colors, glitters and other art materials. It is up to us what color to choose and what decorations we will put in our canvass.

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Episode 2 Learning Visayan Dialect: Greetings (Pagtimbaya)

Hello Everyone! Today I am so excited to share to you common Visayan Greetings! (Watch Video Demo below!)

This is the second episode of the series: Learning Visayan Dialect. Greetings in Binisaya is 'Pagtimbaya'.

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Episode 1 Learning Visayan Dialect: Introductions and Casual Conversations

Learning the Visayan dialect is easy and enjoyable!

I started with a series of episodes to introduce the Visayan dialect to foreigners and some of my friends who want to be familiar with it.

My name is Mighani.

Ang akong pangalan si Mighani. 

 The shortened version of word: ‘Pangalan’ can be “Pa’ngan” “nga’n” or “Ngalan”

So you can say:

Ang akong pang'an si Mighani.

Or,

Ang akong ng'an si Mighani. 

Or,

Ang akong ngalan si Mighani.

You can simply say: I am Mighani. 

Ako si Mighani.

Then you ask your newfound friend: How about you?

Unya, ikaw? 

 What is your name? 

Unsa imong pangalan? or, Unsa imong ngalan? 

After asking the name, we would usually want to know regarding their residence. And we ask: Where do you live? 

Asa ka nagpuyo? or, Asa ka puyo? 

 You may also say:
Asa diay ka nagpuyo? 

Note that the word ‘diay’ is a term that may denote ‘by the way’.

Like: Oh, by the way, where do you live? 

You may answer: I live in Dumaguete City.

Nagpuyo ko sa Dumaguete City.

Interested to know the new friend’s age: May I know how old are you? 

Pwede ba nako mahibaloan ang imong edad? 

Informally: Pila imong edad? 

In the middle of the conversation, you can graciously ask your newfound friend to take some snacks or the like. And you say: Let's grab some coffee!

Mangape ta!

After the enjoyable chit chats, you can end the conversation by saying: It was nice meeting you!

Maayong pag-ila-ila nimo!

You can also say: I am happy to know you!

Nalipay ko nga nakaila nimo!

Until we meet again!

Sa sunod napod ng pagkitaay!

Until next time!

Sa sunod napod!

For you to internalize and hear how these words are spoken, please watch the video! 

Happy learning! Maayong adlaw diha kanimo! 

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