Pepper Lunch? Pepper Lunch!

Pepper Lunch, yes indeed. Just by looking at the foods at their website makes me go *yummmm*. Ü

To know more about them, visit their website at:

http://pepperblogph.blogspot.com/

"I Love You, Yaya!" Seminar and Book by Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

First of all, I would like to thank the heavens above for sending me a well-suited Yaya for Yosh... Melody. Ü She's very respectful and have a high regard for everybody and really cares for Yosh.


This being said, I was thinking of sponsoring her for some seminars like how to improve caregiving for toddlers and how to cook nutritious meals, etc.

I have received an e-mail from a colleague and she shared about Ms. Maricel Laxa- Pangilinan's book launch and version of her "I Love You, Yaya!" Seminars.

I really do not know what's inside the book (got some ideas though) but for sure I know that moms like me (and yayas too!) will definitely learn from Maricel's words of wisdom and knowledge and expertise as a mother and an employer.

For the book launch and seminar this March 29, 2009, here are the details:
Date: March 29, 2009, Sunday
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Powerbooks - Megamall (Ortigas Center, Pasig City)
Speakers: Maricel Laxa Pangilinan, Dr. Donna Simpao

I highly encourage moms to bring their yayas at this seminar. These yayas will sure enjoy learning new things from the experts and they will feel empowered using these new ideas in their workplace... which is our homes. Ü

=================================================

Added on 10 July 09:

My colleague has forwarded this e-mail to me. I highly encourage SINGLE PARENTS like me to grab this book at their nearest bookstores! Below is the e-mail Ü ~

HI, EVERYONE... this is Felichi Buizon.

YOU MAY OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO MAY NEED THIS!!

I PERSONALLY WORKED ON A FEW ARTICLES FOR THE EMPLOYER'S HANDBOOK AND SESSION TWO FOR YAYA'S HANDBOOK.

TRIED AND TESTED ANG MGA IDEAS NITO.

IN OTHER WORDS, WE MADE THE MISTAKES,SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE THEM... HAHA! !EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO YAYA... THIS IS STILL WORTH LOOKING INTO.

"I Love You, Yaya!" HANDBOOK

A Must-Have for Caregivers and Employers

In these busy times, parents cannot discount the tremendous impact yayas or caregivers have on their children. For the past 10 years, The Parenting Company (TPC), in its advocacy of providing the best care for children, has been conducting the "I Love You, Yaya!" seminar program, a one-day training workshop for child caregivers and first time mothers. Conceptualized by mompreneur and celebrity mom, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, the "I Love You, Yaya!" seminar program aims to empower and equip caregivers with basic knowledge and skills to create a healthy and holistic environment where the child can maximize his potentials in different aspects of life. Maricel, together with sisters-in-law Dr. Donna Simpao and Felichi Buizon, along with professionals from various fields on child care, have been bringing the advocacy around the country-in residential areas, the corporate world, even in showbusiness.The Parenting Company and the trainers want to reach more parents and caregivers to make a significant difference in the lives of children. But the "I Love You, Yaya!" seminar program is still far from covering the entire country. Thus, TPC offers a must-have handbook for both caregivers and employers-The Yaya Handbook. It is a two-part reference book containing informative articles on hiring, training, and nurturing caregivers, as well as practical guides on first aid for children, common illnesses, developmental milestones, and even fighting stress. What's more, yayas can listen to the trainers themselves as the handbook comes with an audio CD containing the lectures in the handbook. It's like listening to the actual "I Love You, Yaya!" seminar in your own home! The Yaya Handbook-get it now and help make a difference in our children and caregivers' lives. For Orders and Inquiries Call: 920-0537 or email http://ph.f657.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=theparentingcompany%40yahoo.com

Special Discount for Bulk Orders!

Available at TPC Office #59-A Xavierville Ave. Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Employer's Handbook

An Employer's Guide with the following topics:

· Interviewing Caregivers

· Will you or will you not?

· Getting helpers from a recruitment agency

· A Guide to Partnering With Our Yayas

· Delegate

· Common mistakes we (parents and yayas) make in feeding our children

· Teach your Yaya the value of disease prevention

· Yaya: Your Organization Buddy

· Educating Our House help

· Helping our helpers help themselves

· Nurturing Caregivers

· Love Your Kasambahay

· Letting our helpers celebrate Christmas too

· Best Gift Ever: SSS for your household employees

· Enforcing the Day-off Policy

· Your Yaya and her cellphone

· Watch what they say!

· Letting Go

· Relax and see a movie

· Vacationing without Yaya: Will it really be a vacation?

· Yayas and the never ending birthday parties

· Boosting Boys Molding Men

· Keeping Them Happy

· Family that Eats Together

· Engaging your Child's Cooperation

Yaya Handbook

A Yaya's Manual accompanied by an audio CD with the following topics:

SESSION 1

Topic 1: Gabay sa Wasto at Masustansiyang Pagpapakain sa Bata at Sarili (Basic Nutrition)

Topic 2: Kalinisan, Kalusugan, at Kaayusan sa Pag-aalaga ng Bata (Health, Hygiene, and Orderliness for Child Caregivers)

Topic 3: Gabay sa Paglaki ng Bata (Developmental Milestones)

Topic 4: Gabay sa Wastong Pangunahing Lunas para sa mga Bata (Basic First Aid for Young Children)

Topic 5: Mga Karaniwang Sakit ng Bata (Common Illness)

SESSION 2

Topic 6: Laro Tayo! Pagbuo ng Isang Malikhaing Kapaligiran (On Play)

Topic 7: CreActivity (Activities to Enhance Creativity)

Topic 8: Tayo'y Magbasa at Magsulat! (Pre-Reading and Pre-Writing Activities)

Topic 9: I-Off na Muna ang TV (Alternatives to TV viewing)

SESSION 3

Topic 10: Epektibong Ugnayan ng mga Kasambahay ng Pamilya (Family and Yaya Partnership)

Topic 11: Gabay sa Mabuting Asal at Tamang Pakikitungo ni Yaya sa Tahanan (Good Yaya Manners)

Topic 12: Pag-iwas sa Stress & Burn-out ni Yaya (Yaya Stress)Hindi biro ang maging Yaya, di ba?
==================================================


The Parenting Company, Inc.
1107 Jollibee Plaza Comdominium F. Ortigas Road (Formerly Emerald Road) Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines 1605, MNL
p: 995-4918 / 995-4908 f: 638-4156
Website - None Supplied
E-mail: theparentingcompany@yahoo.com (Look for Jovette Pangilinan)

The Parenting Company Inc. offers parenting and familytraining programs and services. We want to educate and equip parents and individuals with effective techniques and build up essential skills in strengthening families today. The Parenting Company Inc. also organizes and manages various family projects and events in partnership with key organizations, corporate partners and sponsors. Our pool of consultants is headed by “chief disturber” and top motivational speaker Mr. Anthony Pangilinan and his wife, multi-awarded actress and “mompreneur” Ms. Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan. Wanting to give only the best training to parents and individuals, The Parenting Company Inc. has top-caliber parenting experts and advocates as trainers, consultants and resource speakers. We are passionate in advocating effective parenting and in bringing positive change in the home for our society’s progress. Partner with us as we work to increase the Filipino family’s skills and abilities, equip them with the necessary tools for growth and development, strengthen their personhood and effect change in the home for our society’s progress.

It Feels So Good To Be Thankful

Been out of the blogosphere for more than a month. The longest I've not visited my blog. Gee, I feel like it feels being neglected. I'm sorry, teeny-tiny blog. I missed you though.


Ewan (I dunno)... since my camera bailed out on me, it feels like I have nothing much to say anymore. Or is it just me? Anyhow, let me give you an update (like some sort of) since my last post. Ü


I went to the massage that I was raving about (see previous post). And I must say that I wasn't really that impressed. =/ I don't know... I mean I was right on that massage bed for about 6 hours but there was really nothing to rave about. Oh well, it's just me. I mean don't get me wrong, he worked in a way that was "pulido" (in detail). Maybe I am just used to the massage Jalila (from The Spa) provides me.


At least now, I'll just come back for The Spa's massage, ginger tea, and contrast therapy bath.


Speaking of Contrast Therapy Bath --- did you know that it could help you lose weight?

What is Contrast Therapy Bath anyway? It is AKA Hot/Cold Immersion Therapy. It is a form of treatment where a limb or the entire body is immersed in tolerable hot water, or sauna, or steam, followed by the immediate immersion of the limb or body in a very cold water.

Anyway... Enough of those. Let me tell you the best things that happened to me for the past few weeks.

One, I went to Bohol again. This time I was able to enjoy the time I had there. The last time I was there I only stayed overnight.

Two, I had made new and good friends when I went to Bohol. Little did I know that I would have a new barkada out of them. I was thinking na mabo-bore ako or maa-out of place. But there was no waking moment that it happened. Everytime we were together, lagi kaming nagtatawanan, nagkukulitan, nag-aasaran, nag-aalipustahan, at shempre hindi din nawala yung inuman. Haha. Sabaw ako madalas nung nasa Bohol kami. And yes, now I promised myself I won't get drunk in front of them.

Thank you Au, Gec, Gel, and Joey. You're a blessing to me. Samin ni Y.

Three, I was able to bring Y in the office again. Ü grabe. Namimiss ko na ang anak ko na yun. I'm praying right now na sana magkaron na kami ng katulong. Nung Feb 16, andito sha, ayun, laro sha ng laro. Pero most of the time natulog lang sha kasi napuyat sha the night before. Tapos nung hapon, nagpunta kami ng ATC. Kumain kami ng Tanigue Steak (Php 105.00) sa Mesa Steak Grill (ok naman ang pagkain dun kaya lang shempre mas masarap at hindi nila tinipid ang ingredients nung unang panahon). Pagkatapos namin kumain ni Y, ayun, naglaro na sha ng naglaro sa playground malapit sa Burger King. Tapos, alam nyo ba? Yun yung araw na natuto shang magslide pababa sa pole (yung parang fireman's pole). Ambilis nyang matuto, grabe.
May gifted child talaga ako. Ü
Sana magkasama na kaming muli. Yung mahigit lang sa pag-ii-spend ng weekend kasama ang isa't-isa.
Naiyak nga ako nung pinakuha ko muna si Y sa nanay ko nung Lunes ng gabi (16/02/09). Kasi ayaw talagang umalis ni Y sa bahay. Alam siguro nya na yun ang "home" nya.

Four, thank you kay C. Na open ang bahay nya sa mga pagkakataong kelangan ko ng matutulugan. At masaya akong magkaron ako ng lukaret na kaibigan sa kanya. At kahit minsan, aminado ako sa sarili kong nawi-weirdo-han ako 'pag gumigimik kami dahil bigla umaakyat ang "sosy-meter" nya 'pag nasa labas kami. Hee hee.

Five, salamat kay Ch dahil ni-reprieve nya yung late ko na valid naman. =)

Six, yung prayer ko na matuloy ang summer outing namin sa Punta De Fabian --- nasagot ni Lord (Thank you, sobra, Lord!Ü). Ayun. I think that is my getaway-from-it-all place in the future. Grabe, tungkol jan sa summer outing na yan, ako na ang nagdi-direct. Maraming plano, sobrang konti ng panahon. Sarap. =)

Seven, natutuwa sakin ang mga ka-team mates ko tulungan silang mag organise ng parties. Haha. Party girl nga siguro ko (huwattt?!haha). Sana nga nag-events organiser na lang ako or, ika nga nila Gel and Au, Tourist Guide. Haha. Siguro nga I was born for it. =p

Eight, I felt happy with Gilbert thanking me sa small things na nagawa ko for him. Ü You're welcome, Gilley! Buti nga ngayon at di ka na mahiyain. Hee hee. And thanks din sa ... you know what =p

Nine, I was über-surprised with the flowers B gave me. Kahit di na akma sa atmosphere namin yun. I was happy, elated, and thankful. The flowers have wilted dahil sa sobrang init sa loob ng bahay... pero sana hindi yung kung anuman yung meron kami. Kahapon nga pala we went out to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic. Ok lang yung movie. Parang andaming cuts. Mas mag eenjoy siguro ako sa movie nila John Lloyd at Sarah o kaya sa He's Just Not That Into You.

Ten, the things and people that are usually overlooked... I am most thankful.

Well, those made my weeks and my time worth living. =)

Best and Practical Price for Reflexology / Therapeutic / Swedish / Shiatsu Massage is now in MANILA!! Only Php 800 for 4 Hours of Massage!! Ü

A lot of us would like to make a bang for our buck, right? Of course। Everybody would like to make the most out of what we they earn। Sometimes, though, after the hustle and bustle of a busy life, we find our bodies stressed out and literally aching in pain। So what do we do? We either take in some medicines, wallow with the pain, drink some booze, or go to the Spa - whichever fits us most.

With the other people who prefers paying themselves back through a good massage and a steaming sauna, one would need to shell out about at least Php 1,000.00 for an hour of decent sauna and massage. Unfortunately, to some (most especially men), an hour is not enough. But one has to be budget-wise, he would opt for the Php 1,000 and would just ask the masseuse to focus on the most-stressed areas that he has (usually feet and upper back).

All this being said, I was blessed to have found and known Mr. and Mrs. Bing Chua. Mr. (Bing) Chua has studied in Canada to learn Reflexology, among others, he has also learned Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Swedish, and Shiatsu therapeutic massages. I spoke with Mrs. Linda Chua (his wife) this afternoon and she's a gentle soul. She said that healing and massaging is just her husband's passion (no wonder a lot of people rave that he does it well!) and that his heart is devoted on therapy and healing other people. He is a one man team and he's just being assisted by his wife with small things, over-all, he's the one who does the Ultimate 4-hour massage.

Well, actually it isn't 4 hours. Sometimes, it is more than 4 hours, depending on the body type. Ma'am Linda said, most especially if it's a guy who has a big built, it takes about 6 hours for the whole massage to finish. They start at 12PM and end at about 6PM. Just like was said above, the Php 800 really don't mean much to Sir Bing, he's just passionate with what he's doing. The Php 800 just goes to the electricity, the maintenance of the place, the aircon (yes! the room has A/C!), the towels (washing and replacing), and the devices that he uses, maintains, and upgrades.

Over-all, I have heard all praises and raves about Sir Bing. I mean, even if I have yet to meet him (I have already booked on 24 January at 10AM - until about 2PM), I know that I am in very, very good hands because I am with a person who works not just with his hands... but also with his heart. Ü


How to get there?
by commute (sorry, I don't drive =) )
Take a bus going to Cubao, drop off at P. Tuazon. Ride a tricycle and tell him to go to 14th Avenue. On the 14th Avenue, there's Townsquare, just look for the newest Townhouse and that's it.


You could ask for Ma'am Linda's assistance (she will meet you in front of her house) through these numbers:
mobile - (+63) 919-592 5585
landline - (+63) 2-437 1991


Have a Healthy and Amazing Life!! Ü

Cebu Cheap Budget Hotels and Transient Rooms with Contact Numbers

- Sugbutel - Transient
P250/head (kid 3-11yo 50% off)
highly recommended for backpackers


- NO Name - Transient
P 700.00/ overnight stay
Own Toilet & Bath
Location: Sanson Road, Across JY Square Mall
(+63 32) 515.5915


- Tubod Flowing Waters Resort (with swimming pool)
Standard Single Room (2 max) - P1,200
(+63 32) 272 3467


- Rajah Park Hotel
Standard Room - P 2,400/room/night with breakfast
Location: Fuente Osmena, Cebu City
(6332) 412-3337 , 412-4850, 254-7277
info@rajahparkhotel.com

- Holiday Plaza Hotel
Superior Room - P2,450/room/night with breakfast
(+63 32) 2549880
Location: Ramos, St., Cebu City
mailto:fo@holidayplazacebu.com

- Richmond Plaza Hotel
Deluxe Room - $85/room/night only
Location: Mactan Island, Cebu
(+63) 32 232-0361

- Eddie's Hotel
Standard Room - P1,630/room/night only
Location: F. Manalo St., Cebu City
(632) 910-4203 up to 05

- Mango Park Hotel
Standard Room - P 1,880/room/night only with breakfast
Location: Gen. Maxilom Avenue
(032) 233-1511 up to 14
mangoparkhotel@yahoo.com

- Cebu Grand Hotel
Superior Room - P 2,700/room/night only with breakfast
Location: Escario St., Cebu City
info@cebugrandhotel.com

Beach Resorts and Contact Numbers Available in Malapascua Island

Two years ago, I've been to this terrific, magnificent, and amazing island. I must say that this is one of the cleanest beaches I've ever been to. The sand is powder white with clear blue waters welcoming you to swim, snorkel, and dive. Although in the land, there is nothing much to do here but to swim or to bask in the sun to get a tan, I recommend this to people who do not appreciate many crowd or partying in the night (unlike in Bora). You can get a tan here and there wouldn't be a lot of people staring at you. When Beau and I were there about 2 years ago, we were sunbathing for more than 2 hours and all we saw walking on the beach was a pair of couple. You can also pig out here as there are a lot of restaurants that you could choose to eat at. There is the Japanese Restaurant (it just looks like a simple house outside, the house is painted green, and there's a couple of wooden seats for you to dine at but man! the food is über-authentic, ask him around and they'll know who you would be talking about), there's a much bigger resto in front of that, just so you know. This Japanese Resto serves the best Gyoza that you could ever taste in a secluded island I tell you! Nearby that place is Ging-ging's Resto is that serves the best choco-pancakes with fresh mango on top! Whew! Just remembering it would make my mouth watery. Gosh. This is the only reason why I would like to go back to Malapascua. Haha. This island is at the northernmost part of Cebu and is about 4 hours away from Mactan Airport.

To get there from the Airport, take a Taxi going to Northern Bus Terminal (About P200). I highly recommend to arrive at the airport on an earlier time, like 6-7AM so that you can get the best seat and A/C bus available. Check the buses "D ‘ROUGH RIDERS" and "CEBU AUTOBUS" (orange in colour) from here and almost every hour there is a bus leaving for Maya (where the port going to Malapascua is). First trip is at 4AM and last trip is 4PM. Although, make sure you leave before 9-10AM because the other buses that will leave after that would only be the Ordinary buses, without the A/C, and with literally some rough rides. So opt for the A/C bus instead. Make sure that you will arrive before 3PM at Maya Port or else you will have to take the special trip that would cost you 100 times more than usual or you will have to stay overnight at any nearby motel or place there (which I don't know of). The trip from Maya Port to Malapascua is about 30-45 minutes (depending on the tide) and it would cost you about P35-40 each (paid 35 pesos 2 years ago but not sure how much it is anymore).

Of course, if you're in Malapascua, you would like to make the most out of your stay there. As I can assure you, 4 days won't be enough. Time flies so fast yet feels so slow here. It flies so fast that maybe 2 years after you've been there, you'd still feel the freshness of the memories you would have gathered here (just like I do), and time flies so slow there because the town as well as the living is laid back and just like me, you will end up pigging out all the time and maybe going back to Ging-ging's once in a while.

Now, if you have decided to go here, check the highly recommended list of Beach Resorts in Malapascua and it's contact number. The rates are per room per night and not per person. Rates as of 2009. Breakfast not included unless otherwise noted. I've only given you an idea of the Fan Rooms available because this is the room I prefer. I'm the cowboy/backpacker type and so, I got the cheapest rooms available (Fan Rooms). Well, the reason why I go to this island is to live like I'm in the island, anyway. So, for the meantime, I stay away from A/C rooms because I'd like to feel like an "islander", as I call itÜ. You can opt to google them so that you can check their websites yourself, I also recommend that. Here's the list:

- HippoCAMPUS:
Fan Room P1350
+63 (0) 927-336-9703+63 (0) 915-400-1005
- Malapascua Exotic Island Dive & Beach Resort: ***
Fan Room P1,200 Extra Matt P350
+63 (0) 918-77 40 484+63 (0) 917-3276689
ask the boat man on before hand to drop you in front of our resort
- Danos -
Fan Room P1,200 (been here and I rather go to a different resort - I think there are many more resorts better than this, although breakfast is included but I'd rather go some place else. There are a lot of )
+63915 666 1584
- Blue Water Malapascua Beach Resort ****
+63 918 5872427
- Slam's Garden Resort
Deluxe Fan Room P1,800
+639053433495/+639154410621
- Bantigue Cove ****
Deluxe Fan Room P1,500
Fan Room - Php1,800.00
Extra Bed - Php300.00
+63 0917 6259 826+63 032 437 0322
- Mangrove Oriental Resort ***
Budget Room 2 Persons Fan Only P800
Standard Double Room 2 Persons Fan Only P2800
**Rates exclude 12% EVAT Rates exclude 10% service charge (63) 916 218 55 34
- Logon Beach Resort
No Contact Number. See website below:
http://hem.passagen.se/waeppling/malapascua/index1.htm
My Note: Nice Place and Bungalows! See Website.
- Sunsplash Resort
Deluxe room (ca. 25 m²) with aircondition, SAT-TV, minbar, inclusive Breakfast for two person - 50€ Euro
Super Deluxe room (ca. 35 m²) with aircondition, SAT-TV, minbar, inclusive Breakfast for two person - 60€ Euro
Extra person inclusive Breakfast - 15€ Euro
- Cocobana Beach Resort
Cottage with electric fan and good sea view: 2 Persons P 1600
Cottage with electric fan and limited sea view: 2 Persons P 1000
Super Deluxe AC - P 3,100
Deluxe AC - P 2,700
Fan - P 2,000
Sorry, they can only book rooms as part of a dive package** (please sms/call them still to verify) Reception - +639159200011
Nora, for German - +639159114631 or +639155208068

Happy New Year!! Ü

Happy New Year, Everyone!! Ü

If you're going to look at my blog you'll see that I have updated it with some of my goals for 2009, the things that I am thankful for, and the places I'd like to visit as well. Feel free to browse through them as you may get some ideas where to go or what to do in case you'd suddenly feel more adventurous. Ü

You see, I guess for years now, I've been a believer of "The Secret" itself. Years back when was still pregnant with Yosh, I've constantly been praying to God that he will be cute, bouncing, smart, happy, healthy, passionate, great, inspiring, and loving kid (among many other great things too!) to me and the people that's surrounds him. Little did I know that time that I've constantly been asking for the Universe to conspire for my son's being --- that he'll be amazingly, wonderfully made --- just very like how "The Secret" works... That whatever I ask it does happen, that Universe will grant it. On the right side portion of my blog, you'll see there of the places I'd like to visit, the miracles that are happening and have happened in my life, and the goals that I have for and will reach by 2009. They look stunningly unbelievable for some and utterly usual for others. For me, they are the things that I have yet to have, goals I have yet to accomplish. I guess, for years that I've been believing for "small" things, 2009 should be the year that I should believe for the bigger things to . We all should, shouldn't we? Despite some people call there would be recession, thing here is, if we believe it, then it would happen. So, why not we believe that Universe will ever and always be abundant with love, wealth, joy, and laughter and it does do everything to conspire on hearts wishes may it be something good or not-so-good.

In no particular order, just by order of reckoning though, these are just some of the über-many miracles that had happened and is happening in my life:
- Yosh
- Graduating High-School (I was hard-headed then, I was not going to school, I thought I won't graduate Ü)
- College's scholarship
- Hirayamanawari (being on TV ~ Channel 2!)
- Dec 2004/2003 gift from Christmas Party at VCF - Bible (naks! haha)
- Brix
- Working for this multinational oil company
- B-day gift - Mug (from Scoozi - 25/11/08)
- Small wallet (from the Nine West bag I got from Claire)
- Xmas gift - Coin purse from Bing (Thanks, Bing!)
- Xmas gift - "Cars" watch for Yosh from Deej (Thanks, Deej!)

xxx and sooo much more! xxx (well, I'm trying to reckon other stuffs but... I could remember them when I'm already out of the office. Haha._)

These are just some of the nicest things that happened to me. Hope that as 2009 kicks in, you'll be able to find the best of the things that come your way. Remember studies show that the brain, our thoughts, find for "proof" of the things you think most of. So, if you think of health, wealth, and happiness everyday - your brain will find all the supporting "proofs" of those things in all things. They will be magnified and expounded.

In a nutshell, I'm wishing you all a very happy and wonderful and safe new year!! Let me start going home now to see my family. Hi, Yosh! I'll see you soon! Ü *muwah!*


Cheers to you all!!

Heinaku, magparamdam ka muna. (What Are Friends Are For??? - pun intended)

Yes, yes, yes... I know, I know... Baket mali ang grammar ko? Eh baket ba?! Naiintindihan nyo naman di ba???

Teka, may kwekwento ako senyo. Nung isang linggo, bago magpasko. May isa akong kakilala na matagal ko ng hindi nakikita at iyon... Bigla na lang nagparamdam sa text. Eto ang sabi:

Her: Mamay?

Aba. Iisa lang naman ang taong tumatawag sakin ng "Mamay" at sha iyon. Shempre, bilang ako na mabait at hindi kasungitan, eto ang sinagot ko:

Me: Aba. Nagparamdam ka?ü musta?

Sa pagkakagulat-gulat ko, nalaman-laman ko na lang na...:

Her: Eto malapit ng manganak... Sa 24 na siguro.ü sina Yosh, at ang mga kapatid mo? Kamusta?Ü

Nakng! Ayun na pala at manganganak na sha ni hindi man lang sinabi sakin nung una na buntis na pala sha! Sa tono o estilo ng kanyang pagte-text para bagang may hinahanap sha ng tulong sakin. Pero dahil sa may pride ako at kahit papano ay masakit para sakin na iwan nya ako sa ere. Para bang ni hindi man lang nagsabing mawawala sha o ano, hindi ako nag-alok ng tulong. Nagtanong lang ako kung lalaki o babae yung anak nya, ayun naman lalaki daw pero sa government hospital manganganak. Nagtanong ako tungkol sa Philhealth nya at sa dati nyang employer pero yun... Wala shang sagot. Ang sakin wala din naman akong pinansiyal na iaabot sa kanya (naunahan na sha ng lolo, lola, yung isa ko pang lola, anak, kaibigan, nobyo at mga kapatid ko). Naghihintay ako nun na sabihin nya sakin na kelangan nya ng tulong, pero wala naman shang sinabi so... Wala din akong inalok. Ngayon lang ako di nag-alok ng tulong. Para kasing sa kaibuturan ng puso ko, isa na lang syang estranghero. Sana man lang naisip nyang kaibigan din ako, di lang kung may kelangan sha ngunit pati na din kung may nangyayaring mabuti o di maganda sa kanya.

Kaya nga minsan, naiisip kong mas mabuting magkaron ng kaibigang lalaki. Kasi sila hindi malabong kausap, hindi malabong kasama, at madaling pakisamahan. Yung lalaking-lalaki ha, hindi yung maarte. Ikumpara ko sha dun sa isa kong kaibigang tawagin na lang natin sa pangalang Mik. Kami, kung di man kami nag-usap ng matagal na panahon, nung bumalik ako parang wala lang. Mabuti pa din sha sakin. At ako kung magpaparamdam ako sa mga kaibigan kong hindi dahil sa may kelangan lang ako, at gayon din sila (hindi ko nilalahat ah, meron din akong mga kakilala jan kapag pera ang usapan at kelangan nila hindi nawawala sa listahan nila ang pangalan ko - hahaha). Noon, hindi ako madamot. Pero ngayon, napatunayan ko na mas mabuti minsan na mag-Chinese-kuripot ako, di ba sa sobrang kuripot nila yumayaman sila? Masubukan ngang gawin yun. Haha. Ngayon, balik tayo kay Mik. Si Mik nung bumalik ako ay nagregalo pa samin ni Yosh. Sakin green na Puma na bag, kay Yosh - robot. Robot lang. Shempre, sa edad ni Yosh wala pang mag-mamagandang bumili ng PSP dun noh, pero sa edad ni Yosh na to, ay naku, atat na atat na shang magka-PSP kahit sa gantong edad nya. Tapos yung tuwa na naramdaman ko dahil naalala nya ako? Ay! Hindi mapantayan (mejo lang shempre iba pa din ang pa-The Spa ni Beau ~ haha)! Anyhoo, yun nga... Ewan ko ba, hindi ko alam kung conditional ba ang pagkakaibigan dahil sa hormonal change ng isang babae dahil may estrogen sila (haha joke lang), o dahil talagang iba lang ang pagpapalaki sa mga lalaki, o baka dahil may scrotum lang ang mga lalaki kaya sila ganon (haha ~ isa pang joke to ~ hahaha).

Isa lang ang masasabi ko, mas matagal ko pang naging kalilala at kaibigan si Her, pero di hamak na mas ok ang samahan namin ni Mik.

Hayyy...
Mga tunay na kaibigan nga naman, ang hirap hanapin.
Pagiging isang tunay na kaibigan nga naman, mahirap maging.


Tignan nyo na lang si Beau, 26 years bago ako nahanap. Har har.

;-P


(at shempre Beau, 23 years bago kita natagpuan. Naks! wuv u)