Wala Ka sa Lola Ko!

Recently, I met this lola in a nearby park. I was amazed by her fluency in English, but what really got me into her was her charming and animated way of telling tales about long ago, and the way she addressed me.

Cool sense of fashion - flowery prints ;)

"Anak-ko(ng)..."

This is the way Ilocanos call their children. I found it really sweet, but most importantly, it reminded me of my Lola Sabel.

Lola Sabel is a picture of beauty, hardwork, love and strength.

Lola Sabel in her 80s

From her narrations, she was a former yearly Reyna Elena of their barangay. Guys fought with each other just to be her partner, but in the end, her tito became her partner to pacify the guys. Although she had an arranged marriage at a young age, my grandparents had a faithful and long-lasting relationship. During the time of war, they protected their family by all means. They grew old together, until my lolo died. They bore 10 offsprings and had multiple grandchildren, who love them dearly.

Today, my Lola Sabel reached almost 85 years of her worthwhile life.

She is a loveable mentor for all.

Makulit na lola (We'll try jump shots next time :P)

We love her dearly.

The Story of Mr. Dignified

This entry was based from a friend’s humorous narration this afternoon.

A very good model

He is a dignified man, with machismo all over his smug face. He responds to queries and solves problems with composure. He is respected by all. Some even hesitates to approach him because of his intimidating nature. All in all, he is the befitting figure of manliness and composure.

Then came his special day.


A lot of people gathered in the hall for a gathering. Elbowing the blabbering individuals, this dignified man made his way through the crowd and sat in front of distinguished guests while sharing his insight about certain issues.

Then the tragic event occurred.

Out of nowhere, a cockroach emerged and flew towards the ‘dignified’ man. The ‘star’ cockroach landed on Mr. Dignified’s left shoulder.

All eyes were on him, anticipating what would happen next.

Suddenly, Mr. Dignified, losing all the composure in him, jumped off his chair and shouted..

“WAHHHHH!!! IPISSS!!! !)^+@^6 !6@> ipis!!!!! TULUNGAN NyO KO!!!!!!!!


He covered his face with his hands and shivered with fear, grimaced by the cockroach.

An old lady, stood up and patted the cockroach away from his shivering body.

The rest of the story is predictable. :)

Thus, Mr. Dignified is now known as “Mr. IPIS”.

The star-of-all-occasions

Ripples of the Water

Swish swish swiiissssshhhh – goes the ripple of the water.

In layman’s term, here is a scientific rule in the relationship of water motion and sound waves:

When the water is quiet, then it’s deep.
When the water is noisy, then it’s shallow.



In the same manner, this can be applied to individuals, in general.

Do you have a noisy and blabbering mouth which goes on chattering unimportant matters? Or, are you the timid one, who speaks only when needed?
Do you ever let your tongue get out of control, like a forest fire, to the harm of others as well as yourself? Do you even use your lips to curse or speak uncomplimentarily about others? Or, do you keep quiet or leave when topics are not upbuilding?

These are simple searching questions, yet your answers may say if you’re deep or shallow. ;)

Remember, deep people are very much blessed with wisdom yet they do not waste their knowledge in blabbering, but speak only for advantageous purposes.

So, is your ripple a noisy SWISH SWISH SWIIISSSHH or a quiet one? ;)

That Green, One-Eyed Monster!

“Such a cutie! I love it!”

This was the initial statement I heard after I showed this photo to a friend.

This is actually a sweet course, sold to aficionados of Monsters, Inc.. Yeah, it is truly cute and dazzling, despite the fact that it IS a monster, cinematically speaking. ;)




Admit it. There are monsters who ruin your life, monsters that pull you down whenever they see you successful and happy, and monsters that tell devastating rumors about you behind your back. There are also monsters who envy you. Without you knowing it, they want to be happy and successful like you; thus they hate to see your triumphs and elation. These “monsters” are gobbled up by their insecurities and frustrations in life.

One thing I learned from this shot. Not all monsters are horrible and very much disgusting.

Some monsters just need to be pampered and showered with attention. Some need your appreciation, association and help. Despite the fact that they are “monsters”, they can also be your friend. Just try to see the good in them. :)

Let us all try to live by this rule.

“Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you. Return evil for evil to no one.”

Who knows? That “monster” may learn the value of goodness and benevolence, and may change someday.

So the next time, a disgusting ‘one-eyed-green-monster’ irritates or persecutes you, smile.
Think of him/her as this cutie sweet and learn to see the positive traits in the individual.

For that “monster” may make your life sweet and satisfying after all. =)

On Fairy Tales and Marriage

“They got married and they lived happily ever after.”


This is how most fairy tales end. After surviving the trials and hindrances from witches or any other antagonists, the prince and princess find the love of their lives and become happy in each other’s arms.


This is in fairy tales.

Castle - where the union of Prince Charming and his princess happens

But in real life, it is so different.

Usually, marriage becomes the commencement of most problems, especially people who enter marriage and realize that they are not yet fully ready for the big responsibilities involved.

I remember an insight from a public talk, saying that before you get married, you should be able to work on certain areas of your personality.

We may ask ourselves. Before I get married, am I matured enough in the following aspects?

• Physically
• Financially
• Emotionally
• Socially
• Spiritually

These are just some points to ponder on. We cannot be 100% ideal, but the way we view marriage should be a serious matter. We can do a series of self-examination to ensure that we can live up to the roles of being a good husband/wife/parent. Of course, no relationship is perfect. Problems will surely occur, yet a truly matured couple can overcome all difficulties.

Shrouded by darkness yet the light of love shines through

Another tip from the Bible:

For a marriage to thrive, God needs to be involved in the relationship. His Word says: “A threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two.” (Eccl. 4:12) “Threefold cord” is a figurative expression. When this illustration is applied to marriage, it includes the husband and wife, the first two strands, who are intertwined with the central strand, Jehovah God. Being united with God gives a couple the spiritual strength to cope with problems, and it is the key to achieving the greatest happiness in marriage.

Therefore, at the right time, marriage will surely be a success.

A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendship, all the enjoyment of ease and reason, and indeed, all the sweets of life.

May we all find our life partners, and in due time, get married and live happily ever after. ;)

Sleeping Bessy, I mean, Beauty with her Prince ;)