The Waiting Is Over

Ten (10) days had passed after our successful Batch'87 Reunion. It was the first time I attended such event. So curious on what's going to happen. Supposedly, I am one of the registration peeps, but unluckily I didn't able to arrive earlier due to some changes in my sched. Anyways, I arrived when there are still few peeps (less than 50 I guess) around. Few of my classmates were already there, so we decided to choose our table (groupings are per section basis).

Little by little, the school's open ground area were being filled by excited and anxious former students of Roosevelt College Marikina, Philippines. I can see that all of us are so excited to see old friends which will be seen after 2 decades. I can see flashes from cameras (I am one of them :), picture shots here and there (thanks to the technology for inventing digicam that we don't have to worry how many shots left).

The program started... I may say that the highlight of the event was the giving of plaques of appreciation to our class advisers. I am so happy to see them after 20 years (there's no too much changes from their looks though). Then suddenly the only one who became a showbiz personality from our batch arrived, Tess Bomb (she was my classmate in 2nd year) of GMA 7 TV Network. She became one of the hosts and certainly she spiced up our night. She really is a great comedienne :)

As night deepens, people gradually lessen. I know that we have to parted ways for the meantime and I know all of us felt little sad about it. But the night didn't finish there! We decided to have cups of coffee first before we call it a night. We spent another hour in Tropical Hut Concepcion Branch. :)

Thanks to Timmy that we got home safe and sound (Yes, he dropped us home one by one. Isn't he a good man?)

At this moment, I'm feeling excited again for we will meet again on the 21st of December. Isn't that great?!!!

Government vs. Rebels

I was in the office this afternoon, When a friend of mine sent me a message informing me that there's a mutiny happening in Manila Peninsula, Makati City, Philippines this afternoon. First, I thought that it was only a joke, but when I transferred to other department and was able to watch a news, I found out that it was true! There was another mutiny occuring which was led by Senator Trillanes (who's detained for a mutiny once) again.

May I say fortunately it was not successful. What I want for my country is peace and unity. I remember when I was in my senior year in high school, People's Power happened (ousted Ferdinand Marcos, the former president). Now that we're about to celebrate our batch reunion after 20 years, a coup d'etat almost occured? What is this, a COINCIDENCE???

Tonight, there will be a curfew for all civilians from 12 midnight to 5 am. Officials are hoping that it would last only for a night. I'm sure all of my batchmates are hoping and praying that too, for our reunion is only 2 nights from now. I just can't imagine that we all have to leave the party and be home before 12 midnight or stay together till 5 am. I prefer the second option for I missed my classmates so much.

I just hope this predicament will be over overnight or as soon as possible. Please let us pray for peace on earth!!! Especially, to places where it is needed most.

Twenty Long Years

Twenty long years... Yes that's how long I haven't been connected with my former classmates in high school from Roosevelt College Marikina, Philippines. Until my cousin, Amy told me that we're having a batch reunion which she heard from an announcement in tv. From then on I was so excited about it but there's no one contacting me to inform me about the reunion, so I decided to do my way.

Finally I had their numbers and started to see some of my high school friends. I was so glad to see them, what more when my classmate, Raquel asked me if I can go with them for a house to house search for our former classmates. Excitement arised more. Looking for long lost classmates has been an adventure for me. And meeting them once again made us closer again. But of course I've been expecting for some changes from ones personality and it's kinda intriguing. :-)

The second motorcade (a pre-activity of the reunion) happened last Nov. 11, 2007. Everyone were so happy. The groupings are per section basis. I can say that the motorcade was a success. Now it's almost two weeks to go and the big event will happen. I am so excited to see all of my batchmates on Dec. 1, 2007, our GRAND REUNION.

All Saints Day in the Philippines

I want to share the whole wide world how the Filipinos commemorate All Saints Day. This usually took 3 days which starts every 31st of October to 2nd day of November. The cemeteries were congested by the relatives of the deceased persons from all walks of life. The tomb varies from museum type, loyola lot type (which was buried under the soil) to apartment type (see picture above).

Flower and candle businesses are boom on this special occasion. There's a long non-working holidays. It's just like a Holiday season where relatives see each other like a family reunion. Lots of foods and games to play were brought (like having a picnic in a park). I know not all countries don't do this way. And I am wondering what other countries commemorate their departed ones like Filipinos?

Glorietta 2 Explosion Victim

Just want to share this letter to everyone. It was forwarded to me by a friend. It touched my heart and surely will touch yours.

THE LETTER

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med. to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed,decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and from. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

Nightless in Southern California

That’s how Southern Californians described their place right now especially who lives in San Diego. “Nightless” because of the flame the wildfire brings. It is so heartbreaking when I see the news about this wildfire in Southern California. Two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) residents already evacuated (the number is still increasing), 1 died and some got treated for burn. At least one hospital area was closed by the threat of the so-called Witch Fire, along with several nursing homes.

I watched a reporter reporting his house is being gutted by the fire (if you’re in his shoe, what would you feel about it?). A relative of mine was already been advised to evacuate, but luckily was told to go back because the wind changed direction. An actress from the Philippines evacuated and when she got back to her house, it’s a miracle that her house was not burnt while all her surrounding neighbors gutted by fire.

Despite of the will of the firefighters to stop it, the fire is still uncontrollable. What they need is rain. And we can help them thru prayers.

You gotta watch this video...



What do you think the most effective way to stop the fire?

Racial Discrimination… Again?

Desperate Housewives, an ABC primetime soap opera belittled Filipino doctors when Teri Hatcher delivered an insulting line, “But first let me see his diploma. Just wanna be sure that he didn’t come from some med school in the Philippines”.

A Filipina nurse customer in H&R department store was insulted by an American saleslady, while asking for an assistance. She was ignored and told that she’s just a Mail Order Bride.

Most of the Filipino passengers were held in an immigration office in an airport for long hours of interrogation and sent back to the Philippines.

The issue of racial discrimination has never been ended and guess will never be. Why is it so strong? What’s the root of this? I myself don’t know the answer. But in my point of view with what recently happened, it is because of the bad images of us Filipinos have. Let’s admit, there are really a lot of mail order brides and many overstaying (TNT) Filipinos in the USA.

But Americans must not condemn Filipinos in general. Lots of Filipinos in the USA are living and working with pride whether they are TNTs or not. The Filipinos in medical fields are doing great. So I am wondering where in the world the writer of Desperate Housewives got that idea? And maybe the salesclerk in that department store was dumped by her boyfriend for a Filipina? Who knows? Just wondering…

Special Delicacy from Southern Tagalog

Why do many people from Southern Tagalog in the Philippines and other part of Luzon love to eat mudfish (isdang dalag)? And people from other places don’t? From the people I met, I found out that most people from Bicol region, Visayas, and Mindanao don’t eat this fish because it can only caught from a dirty place, from a canal or some muddy places. But not in Southern Tagalog, most of it was from fish pens from the province of Rizal.

See how powerful a mudfish is…



Source: www.youtube.com

Let me share you the most famous dish for dalag…. paesang dalag!!! It is a soup base dish. It is very simple to cook. First boil water with onion, ginger, salt, sweet potato (camote) and pepper. Then pour the cut fish, let it boil for few minutes, then pour the petsay and the onion spring. Presto!!! You have paesang dalag. Serve it hot with fishsauce with calamansi and chili. Mmmmmmm.

Another dish for dalag is what you called “pakalog” (shake). It is the delicacy of Santolan, Pasig in NCR. Actually their feast was named “Pakalog Festival” named after the dish. It is also easy to cook, just boil the live dalag fish in a pan with tamarind soup and salt. Be sure that it has a cover or the fish will go back to water. J When it is cook, set aside the soup and fry the fish, when fried pour back the tamarind soup and let it boil for few minutes. Presto!!! You have pakalog.

Try this and I’m sure you’ll love it.

Fabulous Birthday Party

Throwing up a birthday party is not a joke. There are lots of preparations which start weeks before the day itself. What are the stuffs that should be prepared? The venue, foods, invitations, souvenirs, games, prizes etc…

The party came but the hardship is not over yet. We have to make sure everything is doing well. The buffet table must always be full of foods, the games, the chairs and tables must be sufficient enough for all the guests, we transfer from table to table to entertain them all. Throwing a party is not really a simple thing to do.

But with the trend nowadays, a party thrower would have worries no more. Event organizer is the answer. Just contact one and presto you can sit and relax till the party is over. Just prepare around 100k bucks and you’ll have a memorable one. Remember 100k bucks. :-)

What is life without limbs?

Do you feel that you are living in vain? Do you think you are miserable? There’s a point in our lives that we feel God abandoned or punishing us. We even want to commit suicide because you feel that there will be no sunshine to come.

I want to share you this video profile for you to answer if you are really living in vain and live so miserable… I don’t know this man personally. He was only introduced to me via email not once but several times.

He touches many lives around the globe. He touched mine and I am very sure that he will touch yours.

You have to see this ....

Source: http://www.youtube.com/

Now tell me. Are you living in vain? Are you miserable?