Looking Back at 2007

The year 2007 started rather inauspiciously for me - in darkness. Still, despite the absence of electricity to brighten our New Year Media Noche in the physical sense, there was a palpable effort to make the New Year celebration a joyous event despite the odds. For me, that drive to pull through despite the odds was in many ways, the defining point of the entire 2007. This was the year of rebuilding, the year of surviving.

Now as the new year 2008 beckons, I can't help but look back at the past year. I'm thankful that even with many inevitable problems, conflicts, and disillusionment that pockmarked the whole year, it has been a year full of blessings - in the form of new and old friends, a stable job, a loving family that is still together and many more.

When stripped down to the basics, just as we were when the year started 12 months ago, one gets to realize that the best things in life really aren't things. I may not have all the riches and material things, but I'm glad I have the 'best things'. Goodbye 2007! Cheers!

New Life, New Beginnings

The past week has been quite eventful, and definitely, one of the most important highlights was the beginning of a new life and a new hope, the birth of my new godchild Gaby. This post is a shout-out to her mom, my friend and colleague Phoebe.

Congratulations for having such a beautiful baby. I know that despite the buckets of tears you shed throughout the time you carried your baby in your womb, you remain strong and steadfast. I am happy that you have finally found the courage to stand up on your own and refuse to be trashed by anyone.

Now that you have a new daughter, continue to be strong. Don't be afraid; I think a family is already complete when the love you give is pure and strong that it will fill any void or emptiness. Just have faith, fulfill your duty as a mother and create a beautiful family for your children. I'm sure God will reward you for all the sacrifices.

Your new child is truly a blessing. I wish that with her birth finally comes the happiness that has long been elusive to you.

Ma's Special Day

Today is Ma's special day - her birthday. Hehe. I can remember my sister and I used to make home-made cards from cartolina and some coloring pens.

Well, the cards looked like crap but I hope Ma appreciated the effort and the thought. Hehe.

Happy Birthday Ma. Thanks for everything. Love 'Ya! :-)