The Inevitable Year-Ender Post

Goodbye 2011! Pleased to meet you, 2012!

It might seem anti-climactic of me to post some sort of year-ender special several days after. But believe me, If I were forced to write this one days earlier, I don't think it would be coherent enough to be understood. 

It's exactly 3 am. I went home from the mall thinking how I would start this year-ender entry (That's how excited I am!). Hopefully my mind would cooperate considering the current time I'm writing this one.

Seems like just yesterday. In the blink of an eye, we are yet again bound to bid goodbye to 2011, and be pleased and hopeful to say hello to 2012. This year has been one hell of a roller coaster ride for me and my family, with a couple of unprecedented loops and puking turns which are somehow soul-contorting. In the past couple of months, we have been withered, beaten to the pulp and set into a dizzying spin by problems. But to come out of those infinite holes of despair intact and united by strands, I believe, is already a testament to a family's intellect and resilience. And fortunately, we did. It's a Herculean feat accomplished for the family, because even though we were basically caught off guard by these inevitable atrocities of life, still, our optimism and collective faith have made us successful at the end. I am not bound to go into details anymore, we might lose track If I would. :) 

It is also in this year that I have learned that school and real life are very different. Even though I barely have enough exposure in the clinical setting (Roughly 5 months at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center), still, the experience was worth treasuring and reminiscing. If I could be thankful for anything, at least my college life previewed how it is like to be immersed in an actual working environment. Although it may not be pitch perfect, it is better than going straight from the classroom to the real world adult existence.

It might be too much of a generalization for me to conclude that 2011 is all about despair and challenges to overcome. There were also a lot of things to be thankful for. First and foremost, I would like to extend my profound thanks to my friends (esp. my college friends, best friends Ronelie and Mary Jane, and Khadzz!) who were always there with me through thick and thin. They showed me the real meaning of unconditional love and respect. I grow fonder everyday because of them. I would willingly trade the whole world just to be with them forever, to infinity and beyond! =)

The wisdom that I have gained all throughout the year is also something to be cherished for as long as I live. No amount of money can equate this one, be it the wisdom that I have derived from books or the wisdom I have inculcated along my interminable journey on the highway of excellence.

And lastly, I would like to thank our Creator for giving me another year to enjoy and live my life to the fullest. Even though there are times that I feel extremely down on the slumps, still, You stood by me and never let me succumb to the temptation of giving up. I may not have followed everything in accord to Your will, still, I promise that I will try my very best to be a faithful servant of Yours, proclaiming Your Words of Salvation and Goodwill for the common good of everyone.

This entry is insufficient to describe how 2011 had been life-changing for me. I gained some and lost some, others I won't care about, but a few leaving an unfathomable, gnawing void. This year has been an immense learning experience, equally blessed and challenging, bruising and elating. I bid farewell to passing year and welcome the coming one full of optimism and enthusiasm.

I think I have just exhausted all the thoughts in my head. I must be hitting the hay now, lest I would be a zombie on tomorrow's (I mean, later's) New Year's eve revelry. Happy New Year everyone! Make our optimism come true! xx

Firecrackers, and all that jazz.

**I woke up earlier this morning with a smile on my countenance. I think the euphoria of yesterday is still liberating my disposition. Having attended a friend's nuptial and the moment of inexplainable elation of being with some good old friends whom I haven't seen in a month of Sundays may have indeed caused me this certain kind of bliss. It was really a day well spent.

**

The Bocaue Trip

My family went to Bocaue earlier this afternoon to buy some firecrackers for the upcoming New Year's Eve. It has been a tradition in the family ever since. It is as if the eve would not be complete if we won't have these firecrackers vibrate our eardrums to their enduring limit. 

I think we are just one among the thousands of families who would line up wads of cash for firecrackers. Having witnessed hundreds of people earlier in Bocaue spending huge moolah for firecrackers had actually made me think that some people are really capable of spending too much for such futile things. I am not totally against the use of firecrackers. I understand the symbolic importance of such things, but everything should run in moderation. Seeing these pyrotechnics lighting the sky is like literally imagining money go up in smoke. I would rather welcome the year seeing the money put food in the mouths of street dwellers than see colorful explosions of feigned happiness.

Well, isn't that the element of surprise? After all, it's pretty much the same thing we do year after year, burn money for the fleeting moment of euphoria, and create a make-believe period of excitement for the approaching year, as if anything would change if we reduce bad spirits to deaf entities.

I am not criticizing those people who have a penchant for firecrackers. As I've mentioned above, we, too, are also into firecrackers. But let me emphasize this one- everything should run in moderation. Be more discerning. And I believe no one has intended to welcome the upcoming year with having incomplete digits, nor having their pockets emptied for no good reason.

I would hate to end this entry with an irritated tone. After all, it's approximately 2 days before 2012! Even the tiniest amount of bad vibes won't be entertained! =)

The Jacob-Carreon Nuptials

Just perfect!

Yesterday was the largely organized, and widely anticipated wedding of my friends Princess and Mykie. Finally, after years of being together, they have decided to tie the knot and vowed to each other's promise of being together to infinity and beyond. The venue was just perfect, which was glamorously decorated  to the nines. The picturesque scenes literally made everyone's eyes got all watery. The momentous occasion also gave me the opportunity to mingle and catch up with old friends whom I haven't seen for a long time. It was a night of camera flashes and smiles under the seemingly starless and pitch-dark sky of Dec. 28.

But, seeing such a display has always had me cringing, if not completely repulsed. Aside from the fact that it is a constant reminder of my disappointing love life, or sometimes lack thereof, it is somehow pressuring to see my friends and colleagues finally settling down. Heck, I don't even have a girlfriend as of the time being. And perhaps, given the fact that I would be pursuing MedSchool next school year would probably halt my fate of being married at the soonest possible time. I think I should focus more on my career first instead of whining about this. haha :)

Best Wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob! Cheers!

Nuptial Vows- Exploring its core

A Wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. It is also considered as an outward expression of love and affection. There is a great joy and awe when two people reach a point in their relationship when they make the significant step of commitment in marriage. It is a time for thoughtful reflection and cheerful celebration. it is more the beginning of an exciting journey rather than simply an event.

The meaning of marriage differs from one person to another, and from one time to another. In ancient times, for example, a marriage meant a condition in which a woman was given to a man almost as a property, and often as part of a political, social, or business arrangement of some sort. For much of human history, marriage has been a permanent institution that, once entered into, cannot be dissolved except by the death of one of the spouses. In the modern world, however, marriage is a vastly different thing. On the up side, marriage is today more of a gathering of equals, rather than the subjugation of one to the other. On the down side, marriage often becomes much more temporary than it has been in years past.

Marriage is also an agreement between the man and woman. Husband and wife take certain vows, to love one another, to cherish one another, and to stay together through sickness and health, for better and for worse. In most cases, this agreement includes sexual faithfulness, and a promise that each person will do what they can to make the other one happy. For some people, this agreement between man and woman takes the form of a covenant between not only the couple, but God as well. Thus, many marriages are performed within the rites of various churches and religious institutions.

True enough, it is one of those occasions to which everyone is looking forward to experience. May we still be able to vividly decipher its moral and spiritual significance despite being clouded by commercialism and sublime superficiality.

Christmas Eve 2011

Sta. Maria Family, minus Kuya Jeff.

This year's Christmas Eve was a far cry from the previous Christmas Eves we've had. In the wink of an eye, the most awaited event of the year has come and gone. It seems like the enervating weather and the Mindanao tragedy redirected our spirits to a more somber mood. And to top it off, I haven't received any gifts (Tangible or Monetary) from anybody, in which I think had caused me these depression-like symptoms. But, who am I to whine about this? I should be more discerning and be more appreciative of what I currently have, considering most of our local kababayans in Mindanao have lost a lot of things, and sadly, including their loved ones, when the ravishing floods brought about by tropical Storm Sendong devastated their community. 

Us attending the symbological Christmas Eve mass

On the night of the 24th, we decided to head to the church first to hear the annual Christmas Eve mass before bingeing ourselves with all of the gourmet dishes mom has prepared for the symbological feast. I was so amused in seeing flock of people who were dressed to the nines, and were surprisingly all glammed up. Hopefully everyone was able to grasp the meaning of the homily despite being annoyed by individuals who endlessly parade themselves like headless chickens while the mass was on going. I easily get irritated with those types of people, it is as if they don't have the utmost respect for the Eucharistic celebration.

After the mass (which disappointingly started 45 minutes after the set time), we immediately headed home and started pigging out. We exchanged stories and stupid whatnots while on the dining table, then took some pictures as souvenirs of the eve. 

The majority of the night was all about us singing our hearts out on the videoke machine. I could no longer count how many songs I have sung during that entire evening, but you can vividly tell that I have wildly abused my voice upon hearing my raspy and lusty voice as of the time being. It was indeed a simple, yet meaningful celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Even though it wasn't as equally glamorous as with the recent years we've had, it is the spirit of togetherness and kinship that still, made the celebration worth reminiscing.

Adele's "One and Only"

Good evening everyone! How was your Noche Buena? uhm. Well I hope everyone had a blast as much as I did yesterday. By the way, I am running out of productive things to do this evening so I decided to write an entry here on my blog. And I have been staring at the monitor of our PC for hours thinking of what might be the best topic shall I discuss in this post. But unfortunately, I just can't think of any. In order for me to have some sort of panacea for my willingness to write a post (As if I'm really compelled to write one), I will just be sharing a song taken from Adele's 21. 

'One and Only'

You've been on my mind,

I grow fonder every day,

Lose myself in time,

Just thinking of your face,

God only knows why it's taken me so long to let my doubts go,

You're the only one that I want,

I don't know why I'm scared,

I've been here before,

Every feeling, every word,

I've imagined it all,

You'll never know if you never try,

To forget your past and simply be mine,

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only,

Promise I'm worth it,

To hold in your arms,

So come on and give me a chance,

To prove I am the one who can walk that mile,

Until the end starts,

If I've been on your mind,

You hang on every word I say,

Lose yourself in time,

At the mention of my name,

Will I ever know how it feels to hold you close,

And have you tell me whichever road I choose, you'll go?

I don't know why I'm scared,

'Cause I've been here before,

Every feeling, every word,

I've imagined it all,

You'll never know if you never try,

To forget your past and simply be mine,

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only,

I promise I'm worth it, mmm,

To hold in your arms,

So come on and give me a chance,

To prove I am the one who can walk that mile,

Until the end starts,

I know it ain't easy giving up your heart,

I know it ain't easy giving up your heart,

Nobody's pefect,

(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart),

Trust me I've learned it,

Nobody's pefect,

(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart),

Trust me I've learned it,

Nobody's pefect,

(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart),

Trust me I've learned it,

Nobody's pefect,

(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart),

Trust me I've learned it,

So I dare you to let me be your, your one and only,

I promise I'm worth it,

To hold in your arms,

So come on and give me a chance,

To prove I am the one who can walk that mile,

Until the end starts,

Come on and give me a chance,

To prove I am the one who can walk that mile,

Until the end starts.

I've been LSS-ing this song for a week now. I think this track stands out among the other songs in her album. Aside from the fact that this is the only optimistic song ripped from '21', for me, 'One and Only' somehow sings my emotions as of the time being. How does it feel to love a person who is unfortunately committed already to somebody? Painful, only if you would be viewing it negatively. How many times have you hoped to say to this person right in front of his/her face how truly deserving you are for his/her love? That you are worthy of his/her endearing words of affection? 

'One and Only', considerably, is a serenade of some sort, perhaps a contemporary version of wooing someone you dearly love. Truly, these sweet sentimental lines may not cost as much as large teddy bears on Blue Magic, or huge bouquets on Bloomingdales, but their meanings are much more depictive of a full heart trying to express the engulfing awe of love. These poetic-like lines, for all their limitations, have the capacity to endure time, even to the point of immortality, with their meanings still as vibrant and as reminiscent of its singer's amorous intentions.

That's all for now. I would just indulge myself on the luxury of sleep since I have been deprived (Willingly, no coercion involved) of it during the past couple of days because of the Misa de Gallo (Yep, I fortunately was able to complete them). I would be posting a year-ender entry prolly within this week, just give me enough time to gather my thoughts. haha

goodnight everyone! =)

Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall: Review

This will cost you 550 php, but believe me, it's all worth it!

The seemingly hopeless and somewhat enervating mood of the weather today hasn't affected much of my disposition after watching ADELE LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL DVD. I have patiently waited for this one to come out (for almost a month after its international release, November 28). And as soon as I found out that it has been already released nationwide on all of the record bars, I immediately found myself ranting like a lunatic on how to grab my own copy as soon as possible. Thanks to my cousin Jerryle who was at the mall during that particular chaotic time of mine and actually had himself purchased the DVD for me.

The release date of Adele’s DVD is auspicious, and not because it comes just in time for the Yuletide season. It reminds us of what Adele’s recent throat surgery sought to preserve: her rich and lusty voice that soars to whatever blustery cliffs the songs demand.

The bulk ofthe setlist centers on her record-breaking album 21, which includes many of the real gems she's got in her catalog thus far. Adele brings dramatics of her two albums to life, with a bit of humorous, cuss-filled banter in between songs. Fans are certainly given another reason to root for her while she recuperates, as her voice stands out in a sea of autotuned ‘divas’.

Her music is a rarity nowadays

Compared to the flashy Beyonce concerts that I have already seen (of course, also on DVD, lol) LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL seems drab visually, a standard concert video with a performer who does little more than talking between songs like ‘a right chatterbox’ (as she puts it) and sings without even a costume or set change. But Adele makes up for the lack of inventive visuals with a sense of stunning vocals. Hearing her taking flight on ‘Take It All’ backed simply by piano,or driving herself soulfully through ‘OneAnd Only’, one can only wish that the surgery will be a successful one, because hers is a voice we can’t afford to lose.

This is undeniably the most special gift I've ever received this Christmas. And by the way, I think I would be posting more Adele-related entries here on my blog to address how she totally changed my perspective when it comes to music. I believe she truly deserves much of my attention. Long live, Adele!

Christmas in its Truest Essence

Hearing Christmas carols being played on the radio, the alluring smell of puto bumbong and bibingka, enchanting façade of Christmas lanterns being displayed on all houses, are just some of the wonderful things we get to experience during the Yuletide season. Christmas is the liveliest time of the year when we hold parties, give and exchange gifts and have family or group reunion. It is also the most expensive season of the year because of the money we spend on decorating our homes, and on buying gifts and foods.

'It is the night of our dear Savior's birth'

Every year, we look forward to celebrating Christmas with our family and friends. To some, it is a time to shut down all work and rest or travel. To others, it is a time to visit people and have fun with those they haven’t seen in a long time. All these are great and they really make a colorful season.

“What is the essence of Christmas?” If I have to ask you this question, what would be your answer? What is the real meaning of Christmas to you personally? Is it the gifts that you will receive? Is it the thirteenth month pay? Is it the various parties you will be attending soon? Or is it the fun of going around and do shopping?

We celebrate the season to express our gratitude to God for fulfilling His promise that He made through the prophets, to send to us our Savior- the Messiah. The love of mankind is God’s reason for sending His only begotten Son to us. Jesus’ birth is God’s gift to us.

We emulate God’s gesture of kindness by also giving gifts on Christmas. The amount of gift that we give or receive doesn’t matter. What is important is that the act of giving and receiving comes from the heart. Your act expresses your love and appreciation to the person you deal with. Giving is even more admirable when the recipients are the poor- the people who really need our help.

Jesus is the essence of Christmas for maximum celebration. So, as we celebrate, we should remember that it is a time to appreciate God for sending His Son for us. Also, it’s a time to examine our stand with God and our relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, it is a time to share God’s goodness and the good news with others.

This photo was taken from last year's Christmas Eve

Therefore, as we eat, drink and make merry, let us not forget the essence of Christmas. An understanding of this reason behind the celebration will make it more fulfilling, peaceful and exciting for us. Merry Christmas to everyone!