A Memory of forever.....

Pretty mom during her early years

Twenty years ago when I last saw you...since I last hugged you but I can still remember everything about you, the last lines you told me "Nak, ayusan mo ako, baka may mga dumating na Press mamaya". That was my Mom, even in sickness, she can manage to crack a joke. Sadly, those words that she uttered became true.....

My mom has a Rheumatic Heart condition since young . The term "rheumatic heart disease" refers to the chronic heart valve damage that can occur after a person has had an episode of acute rheumatic fever. This valve damage can eventually lead to heart failure (Source : About.com). 

Year 1989 when she starts to have a regular visit with her Doctor and on the 3rd week of June, I thought it was a just a regular check up, I remember vaguely seeing my Dad talking to her Doctor in a serious manner. I was the youngest and I was only 16 then and they thought I can't handle the truth, somehow, they kept the true condition of my mom from me but I have a certain feeling of sadness and fear that I can't explain. 

Eve of June 24, I was tasked to be her watch at the hospital. I have our first CAT Orientation back then so my Mom told me to get some sleep which I did. Instead of me taking care of her, she was watching over me while asleep, I woke up hearing her cough so hard, I stood up and gave her water, instead of bothering me she told me to go back to sleep again. After a nurse attended to her, she went back to sleep, I suppose.  

Early morning of June 24, I was getting ready for my first CAT orientation when she asked me to get her a medicine, sadly, I did gave in to her request that easy, she told me, "Sige na anak, last na ito".... those words suddenly got me, so I obliged myself to get her some medicine before I go to school. 

Before I left for school, she asked me another favor, "Nak, ayusan mo ako, baka may mga dumating na Press mamaya".  My mom is a Susan Roces fanatic, and sometimes we tease her that she looks like her. I was happy enough to comb her hair, wipe some parts of her body and change her clothes, she was teasing me about my highschool crush while we are having that moment. After that, she told me to go and told me that she will just wait for our house helper to replace me. My siblings and my Dad was at home since they have been assigned to be at the hospital almost the entire week. 

My Mom - Upper right most with her siblings. Beside her is the eldest, Papa Ben.
Below : Pape Fred, Papa Thor and Tita Nonna or Tita Mommy as we call her

So I left before 7:00AM...at around 9:30AM, I saw my sister at the school grounds, I was excused from the CAT Orientation and gave me the bad news that my Mom is gone. I ran around the school parking lot like crazy...crying and in shocked! I went to where my sister was standing and we went home to get her favorite dress for the burial. 

We arrived 45 mins later or so, my brother and my Dad was already there. I ran up to her and hugged her tight and told her how much i love her...after i said those words, the warmth of her body is slowly diminishing. As if she justed for me to arrive.  I was trying to recall everything that had happened that whole time I was in hospital, and i regret that moment that I did not follow her request right away to get her the medicine. I know it was time for her to go, but I learned a lesson that CHILDREN SHOULD REALLY OBEY THEIR PARENTS and SHOW YOUR LOVED ONES HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM WHILE THEY ARE ALIVE. 

Up to this day, I still miss my mom. Not a single day that I am longing for her. 24 years had passed and I can still remember how we were when she was still with us. Sending all my love and prayers to you MOM, may you keep watching over us. I love you.

That dress that I was wearing....she made it for me. She was indeed a Supermom! She is the best cook ever, she can do carpentry, be a plumber if we need it, my movie buddy, our best friend.

A Trip to Iba, Zambales' Secret Destination

March 29, 2013 - Holy Friday, I and my friends had decided to explore the other towns in Zambales after our overnight stay at Pundakit, San Antonio, Zambales.

We hit the road at exactly 9:45AM, with some stop overs. We all agreed to go up to Iba, Zambales and check some beaches and other possible tourist spots. While having lunch we found out that there is a secret falls in Iba, Zambales, not even the locals are familiar with it.

We were told to go to Brgy. Sta. Barbara (one of the baranggays in Iba), then look for the Baranggay Hall and ask the Baranggay Chairman for permit and for a guide. Off we go to Sta. Barbara, which is not that far from the Market of Iba, Zambales.

We were just so happy that the Kapitan gave in to our request and found some Baranggay Tanod Volunteers to be our Tour guides.

Here are some important tips if you decide to explore Sta. Barbara's falls :

• You really have to ask permit from the Baranggay Hall of Sta. Barbara, as far as I know, this is for free.
• It is a must that you get a tour guide! 
• The trek is about 1 to 1/2 hour if by simply walking from the entrance going to the foot of the mountain
• Leave your car at the baranggay hall premises, unless you have 4x4 Jeep, SUV then take it with you, your trip going to the foot of the mountain will be much faster. 
• BUT THE BEST OPTION is get a tricycle with big wheels, it can take you up to the nearest pathway to the falls. Then your trip would cut short! It can be 25 to 30 minutes from the start of the 'trek'. Then another 10 to 15 minutes going down to go inside the mountain.  All cars or tricycle has to be parked in an area before going down the falls, so from there on, you really have to walk..... It is just an easy trek, just bring enough water on a hot day it can sustain you well. 

Our 1 hour and 15 minutes walk started here. We can no longer bring the car inside cause of the big rocks along the way.

We started walking at around 2:00PM, just when the sun is raging!

This is suppose to be a river, but since it's summer, there is no water according to our tour guide

After an hour of walking my earthly body is starting to give up..... I asked our tour guide to contact their base via Radio to send us tricycle that we can use when we return to the place where we left the car. I don't think I can survive going back. But he said, there is no more signal to where we were, I desperately shouted  and prayed ; "Lord! Send us 4x4 Jeep or at least a tricycle please....." and in less than 10 minutes... Answered prayer!!!! Our guide saw one of his comrades who lives within the area, asked me if it is okay for us to ride in a trike that they are using for charcoal delivery, I just agreed and said yes, it doesn't matter what kind as long as it can take us faster back to the car.

My friends and I are quite relieved with the thought that we will not be walking the same distance going back, so we continued walking towards the goal.... The Sta. Barbara Falls. Lo and behold!!! as we enter the foot of the mountain, one of the falls is already greeting their guests with a warmth sound of water.

The first falls that you will see as you enter
Photo taken by : Elaine B. Cedillo
All rights reserved 2013

Our guide said that there are about 20 falls inside the mountains, But due since were pressed for time, we were just able to go to the two falls.

After a long walk...a plunge in the water is what we need! 

Even Carabaos needs some chilling time! 

Our Magic Transportation! Us, girls are seated on the wooden seat while our guy friend is seating at the back of us

Our Tour Guide.... Thanks Kuya Romeo! 

Going home.... I can finally see the road leading to where we started

I may no longer fit for these kind of activities, but this is definitely worth it! Would I come back agian? So far, no...but who knows! :)

The learning curve

Learning is a continuous process, as we live our life in a day to day basis, there are always lessons to be learned no matter how old you are and how smart you think you are.

Just wanting to share some thoughts and I am sure that you have experienced this one way or the other. Here are the 10 things I learned and realized during the first 2 months of 2013.

• I have learned that no matter how painful the truth can be, it can really set someone free.
• I have learned that honesty is still the best policy, at least you know that what you are dealing is true.
• I have learned that no matter how much effort you put into something, people will never be satisfied with your performance.
• I have learned that some people are there to observe your mistakes to elevate themselves.
• I have learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
• I have learned that it is easier to react than to think.
• I have learned that there should always be a limit in helping others, there are some people are really abusive and ungrateful.
• I have learned that true friendship is beyond partying, gimiks, fun times but it can be tested when you can tell her things that he or she ought to know.
• I have learned that "OPEN REBUKE IS BETTER THAN SECRET LOVE" as according to the scriptures.
• I have learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

How about you, what have you realized lately?

Win a dinner for 2 at Sugi Restaurant from 88 Mangos

Win a dinner for two (2) at Sugi Restaurant courtesy of 88 Mangos! A new online directory community.

Just log on at http://88mangos.com/and feel free to review any of our listed directory.

Here is the mechanics :

• Sign up via Facebook
• Write authentic reviews in 88 Mangos (per our "Guidelines")
• The member who writes the most approved reviews in February (1st-28th) will win a GC valued at P1500 from Sugi Japanese Restaurant in Greenbelt 2 Makati (set menu for 2)

Trip to Manila by myself

Since I got into photography as a hobby, 2 years ago there are a lot of things that I still want to learn and experience. One of which is to travel alone or do a photowalk all by myself to see how will I be without depending on anyone else's skills or support.

I finally did it! I went to Lawton...walked around and observe first before taking out my camera (a tip I learned from great street photographers such as Luis Liwanag and Larry Monserate Piojo). After being comfortable of hanging around the area, I took out my camera and start shooting. My goal for the day is not to shoot people, just landmarks and places around Manila.

After Lawaton, i Walked towards Jones Bridge and stayed for a while. I got little bit concious cause people might think I would jump off the bridge since I have been standing there for more than 30 mins :). I just keep on walking back and forth Jones Bridge to see if there are other interesting angle or subjects. I just observed that our Philippine Postal Office from where I was has a different beauty. If only the river is clean, it could have been like that of Washington D.C.. But I love the building's reflection on the water.

The Park Monument outside the Manila City Hall

Reflection after the rain 

The Main Post Office

As the sun is setting down, I bravely walked inside Binondo. I stayed for a while outside Binondo Church until I decided to try another 'first' that I have been wanting to experience... Riding a Kalesa! For P150 bucks, I was able to go around the entire Chinatown, Ongpin and back to Binondo Church. This thime, I didn't click much on my shutter, I just wanted to see the peole, lifestlye and traiding in the busy streets of Chinatown.

The Sun is going down

Binondo Church

An Adventure Kalesa Ride

The Pedicab and the Kalesa

Soon, I will be facing the last part of my 30s life and I don't want to stop exploring things so I can learn even on my own. I just want to keep on growing not just in the hobby that I chose but also as a person.

Next on my list... riding an LRT and hopefully take photos, cause honestly, I have never tried riding an LRT :)).

Note : All photos are taken with Lumix GF1 (testing mode)

All about Pasaload

For my and your guidance :)

How to Share a load, Pasaload, Globe Smart and Sun

In the Philippines prepaid mobile phone users are able to share and pass their recharge load from one phone to another on the same network. Each carrier Smart Pasaload, Globe Load Pasaload, Share a load and Sun Give-a-load have different rules and charges when sharing recharge load.

Learn how to get free load here »

Smart Communications Philippines Logo

Pasaload Smart Instruction

Share recharge minutes from one Smart cell phone to another is called Smart Pasaload. In order to share minutes both phones must be usinga  prepaid SIM card such as Smart Buddy. The amount of load shared i sup to the user and can be as low as P2. Load expiration varies.

Smart Pas-a-load Instructions

This is how to pasaload from one Smart cell phone to another. You will get a text message notifying you if the user you are sharing with is not on the Smart network and that the share has failed.

1. Text [mobile number to send load to] space [amount to share]
2. Send the text to 808
   Example: 09181234567 P300
3. Your friend will receive a text notification if the pasaload is successful.

Read More About Smart Pasaload »

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Globe Telecom Philippine Logo

Globe Pasaload and Share-a-load Instruction

Globe prepaid subscribers can transfer load through Globe Pasaload or Globe Share-a-load. The amount shared is up to the user sending the load but the expiration varies by amount sent. To get the latest load expirations text [HELP] to 2916.

How to Share-a-load or Pasaload with Globe

1. Text-in the load amount you would like to share.
   Example: [P300]
2. Send the text to “2” plus your friend’s 10-digit phone number (P1.00 per send).
   Example: 2917xxxxxxx
3. You and your friend will receive a message confirming the successful reload.
4. After the first load, you will receive a text message prompting for a 4-digit PIN. Use it to protect your phone against unauthorized loading.
5. Starting with your next load, text in amount and 4-digit PIN.
   Example: 5 1234

Read More About Globe Pasaload Here »

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Sun Give a load Pasaload Logo

How to Give-a-Load, Share a load Sun Cellular

Sharing load on the Sun network is called Sun Give-a-load. With Sun give a load users can share load from one peso to twenty pesos. Load expiration varies based on the amount sent consult Sun for current expirations and fees for transfer by texting HELP to 2292.

Instructions Sun Give-a-load

1. Text [amount (P1- P20)] space [11-digit recipients mobile number]
2. Send to 2292
   Example: 300 09223214567

My 1st E Jeepney Experience

I have been hearing and reading about the E-Jeepney that is going around Makati but I never had a chance to try riding even if I am a Makati resident. I had a chance to finally try it and it was a blissful experience.

The E-Jeepney line starts at the back of Landmark. They have two routes, One is around Legaspi Village and the other is at Salcedo Village Side. It used to be for free for more than year, it's only last summer that they imposed an P8.00 fare. It's not bad at all considering that you will be able to go inside either Legaspi or Salcedo Village without the hassle of walking under the heat or rain.

I got a chance to chat with few of the lady drivers...Yes,  most of the drivers are women! This only proves that women can do some tasks that we thought only men can.

According to them, the owners prefer to have a lady driver because women are more disciplined, patient and they can control their temper quite well than men. Most of these women are in their late 30s until 40's. They earn decently with a day off plus an 8 hour day job. Not bad huh!

I hope that there will be more companies like them who is not only concern about the environment but also takes care of welfare of their employees.

The E-Jeepney goes around from 7 :00 AM to 10 : 00 AM, 11 : 00 AM to 1 :00 PM, 4 :00 PM to 6:30PM.

Starting the journey from Landmark 

The Star Electronic Jeepney

It's almost 5:00 PM and it's running out of battery....Garahe na!!!!