Memories & Reflections

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

some contemplating going on...

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Missing Charles

I have a good friend named Charles. He’s a wonderful person. He is quiet but gets along with anyone pretty easily. I knew we’d be good friends the first time he said “Hi.”

Charles wants to be called PC. It’s short for Pastor Charles. Yes, he’s a Pastor. I used to call him Pastor and/or Pastor Charlie for the longest time til I finally trained my tongue to say PC. He likes it that way. I believe it makes him more comfortable especially with friends.

I remembered when the four of us (with Grandma and Apples) took a walk in the mall one Sunday afternoon. We went inside a video store to look for my “Oscar De la Hoya” album. I couldn’t find it there so we decided to check another stall. He was lost in the shelves so I cried, “Pastor!” He readily came to me and whispered, “Don’t call me Pastor here.” We went to the next store and again, he was out of sight. I stopped for a while, took a breath, and then blurted, “Charles!” He came out. He smirked and looked satisfied. Then I whispered back, “It doesn’t sound right.” My culture convicts me for being rude to call an elder by the first name. I will never forget that day.

PC is a very gifted person. Besides the anointing of leading a flock to Christ, he is blessed with skills that I always “wish I had” since a child. He loves photography and the art loves him back. He is excellent in this field. He would send me a couple or more of his recent photos every now and then. All the photos are awesome. I told him a few times to publish his work. He is very down to earth. He’s contented with preserving the beauty in his camera.

PC played the violin. If you’d been reading my blog for a while, you have an idea how this got me. I’m totally sold out to becoming a violinist. At least learn how to play it. I believe that this violin-cravings is inscribed in my bones. I guess I never had an opportunity to do that yet. So, learning that this man could actually fiddle was the coolest thing for me. Plus, he has a pair of blue eyes and looks handsome in barong. That's a rare combination. Having said that, he is my favorite character.

The PC that I know of is someone jolly and slightly naughty. Yes, he can be quiet, but believe me, he’s a frustrated comedian. He is very natural. However, everybody says that he is shy. It never occurred to me until that one instance when Apples and myself told him that (we sensed!) his lady guest was “interested” in him. In a split second, his face turned into an overripe tomato! No joke. It was a surprise. He was red all over. His transformation was so cute especially in his white skin. It happened again when a gal friend gave him a compliment in public. He instantly excused himself. I saw his ears start to turn red. When he returned from his untimely hiatus, he came to me and said sheepishly that they “did it” again to him. Probably he was really shy after all.

What I like best about my friend PC is that he owns a true spirit. Perhaps the right word to use is “pure” like what the Bible says. He loves the Lord. I see him as a man of integrity and compassion. He is serious and playful at the same time. He’s a gentle, sweet man, with so much warmth and care—which reminds me of my own Pastor-brother. PC is also an academic, that, I personally enjoy. I’m learning every time we exchange ideas.

I praise the Lord for PC. He’s both my correspondent and confidant. Though we agreed not to communicate in the mean while, he’s just a letter away.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Mam Dol




This beautiful lady is Mam Dol. She is like a mom to us “kids.” She’s a very good friend and is very supportive of us. The first picture was taken during her despedida party at the Cariños. She left for Canada last month.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Happy birthday, Tan!

Today is my little sister’s birthday. She’s 17. She is getting prettier every day. Happy birthday, Nene. I love you more than you think I do.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Rejoicing!

Psalm 30:5

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for a night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."

Thank you for your acceptance. I am at peace now. You blessed me once again. You know who you are.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Shame on me

Almost a week ago I did something heartbreaking. At least it is, for me. I wrote something that I wish I didn’t have to write; a letter that caused me a lot of anxiety and plain sadness. But I thought it has to be written. It was very hard, I tell you. Especially that the person that will read it is someone I care about like a father.

He received the letter openly. And I thank God for being a Father to both of us. Yes, there was misunderstanding, but that was on my end. I was wrong. It was a shame. But I rejoice in the Lord that it was my mistake! Thank you for being Christlike in response.

Now everything is clear. And I can be carefree again. But I think it marred a wonderful relationship between friends. What a pity. But I’d rather resort to what I did than face destruction the other way around. (Tell me, is this part of growing up?)

So, because I was so ‘disturbed’ with my actions lately, I had to free myself of burden. What I did was a typical reaction from most women—I cut my hair.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

a sister's joy

I’m a big sis. And there’s nothing more elating for a big sis like me than to know that my younger siblings trust me. That’s one of joys of an “Ate.”

My little brother is an engineering student. He’s in his third year in college. He would casually tell me about his friends and his performance in school. I, sort of, have an idea how his normal school day would be; the different types of professors he had; the degree of intellectual capacity needed for each course; the craziness of his classmates; his triumphs and failures over his exams; and even the serious parts of being a student. He is open about his strengths and weaknesses. A few nights ago after eating dinner together he talked about his standing in two of his subjects. He said that he is very concerned about his performance—that he might not pass the course. I feel sorry for my brother for being worried. I told him he can do it. He has a good standing as a regular student and has a good chance of graduating on time. Today he sent me a message and said he didn’t make it in E-Mags. And he’s concerned about the results of EE. He needs to take a summer class for that course to maintain a regular standing come first semester. I said it’s alright. I know he feels sorry and I don’t doubt my brother. He just has to take the subject again and he’ll be fine.

Although I feel sorry that this happened to him, I’m glad that he would readily inform me and freely show his feelings. I thank God for making my family the way they are.

Happy Birthday, Nanay.

She’s fifty-eight years old today, has she been alive. Wow. We missed celebrating with her for the last six years.

We miss you Nanay and we remember you all the more on this special day. I am forever grateful to God that you are our mother. I will always love you.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

The price of honesty.

I hope I did the right thing by being honest.

"Find rest my soul, in Christ alone..." Let me find peace in Your arms, Lord. Amen.