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)