Coca-Cola and President Aquino Identifies 12th Batch of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Vice Chairperson, Juan Ramon Felix and President Aquino III recently awarded the 10 most outstanding youth groups of the Philippines at the 12th Ten Accomplished Youth Group Organizations (TAYO) Awards at Malacanang Palace. For the past 12 years, the TAYO Awards Foundation Inc., in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, has and is continuing to recognize youth organizations across the country who have made exceptional contributions to national development through wide-reaching impact, innovative resourcefulness, and sustainability of the programs implemented in their chosen communities. Today, the TAYO Awards has become a widely recognized honor for nation building.

Coca-Cola and President Aquino Identifies 12^th Batch of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines

Photo: (L-R) Atty. Juan Tañada Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Public Affairs Director, Juan Ramon Felix, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Vice Chairperson, with 15-year old Diwata Donato of Red Cross Youth and Rescue Team, one of the 10 winners of the 12thTAYO Awards and winner of the Coke Barkada Award, Cecile Alacantara, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. President, and Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications.   

Photo (L-R): Winners of the 12th TAYO Awards pose with President Aquino III, National Youth Commission Chairman Gio Tiongson, TAYO Awards Foundation President Aika Robredo, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Vice Chairperson Juan Ramon Felix, TAYO Awards Founding President Senator Bam Aquino IV, and TAYO Awards Foundation Chairman Jose Sixto Dantes III. 

Manila, Philippines, 24 February 2015 – The search for the 12th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) victors came to a close as President Aquino III and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Vice Chairperson, Juan Ramon Felix, awarded the 10 most outstanding youth groups from the 20 finalists named in November last year, at Malacanang Palace. 

For the past 12 years, the TAYO Awards Foundation Inc., in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, has and is continuing to recognize youth groups across the country who have made exceptional contributions to national development through wide-reaching impact, innovative resourcefulness, and sustainability of the programs implemented in their chosen communities. Today, the TAYO Awards has become a widely recognized honor for nation building.

After screening more than a hundred entries from organizations across the country, the following emerged triumphant, with projects that are deemed sustainable, impactful, creative, and reflective of the true spirit of volunteerism and citizenship:

(In no particular order)

1.     Kanlungan Pilipinas Movement Inc. (Balay Kanlungan)
2.     Phi Lambda Delta Sorority (Milk Matters)
3.     Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team (Disaster Management Eco-Raft) 
4.     Youth for Environment in School Organization (Mangrove Reforestation Program)
5.     Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Santiagueno (Agricultural Waste to Energy)
6.    Indigenous Youth Servant Leaders Association of the Philippines (Pondong 2B’s para sa IP’s)
7.     Access-PYLP Alumni Association, Inc. (Project RISE)
8.    Move this World – Philippines Inc.. (Empathy-Based Programming through Games and Creative Expression for Bullying Prevention)
9.    University of San Agustin Little Theater [USALT] (Project IMAGINE|A|NATION)
10.     Rescue Assistance Peacekeeping Intelligence Detail, Inc. (Saving Lives Program)

In 2014, TAYO received close to 400 entries – in which majority of the projects focused on environmental protection, health and wellness, medical services, disaster recovery, education, entrepreneurship, and keeping the cultures and traditions of the Philippines alive.

Being a company that has been a pioneer of key sustainability programs that focus on wellbeing, women, and youth empowerment, Coca-Cola is upholding its commitment to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world. “We are very pleased to help address challenges and foster sustainable causes and communities through the programs they develop,” says Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Philippines. 

“Our partnership with TAYO has gone a long way in the past 10 years. We are very proud to co-present and award these youth organizations for their significant contributions to society. While only 10 groups are awarded out of the 20 finalists, and the hundreds of other groups that applied – I would like to commend all your efforts and commitment. You are all winners for being of service to other people and to your respective communities,” adds Juan Ramon Felix, Vice Chairperson, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.

About the TAYO Awards and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.

Since it started in 2002, thousands of organizations from all over the country have joined the TAYO awards, entering their nation building projects, hoping to win a cash grant and to be part of the recognized ten for their service to their specific sectors. It is established as the country’s only award giving body that recognizes and supports outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the Philippines.

The awardees win a Php50,000 cash grant given by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) to support the winners’ causes and receive a specially sculpted trophy from renowned Filipino sculptor, Toym de Leon Imao.

Coke Barkada Award

Apart from the TAYO awards, a special category dubbed the “Coke Barkada Award” was also recognized during the ceremony. The award and additional cash grant was given to the Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team for their project, ‘Disaster Management Eco-Raft’ as recognition for embodying the qualities of a true Coke Barkada Ambassador – a group that shares happiness, and in changing communities through projects that mirror what Coca-Cola has been doing in the fields of water stewardship, women empowerment, and promoting well-being.

The ‘Disaster Management Eco-Raft’ is a project headed by the youth volunteers of The Red Cross and Junior Rescue Team who are committed to help communities respond to natural disasters and reduce damages brought about by typhoons, flooding and other calamities. The group is dedicated to help communities be skillful and innovative by turning 465 waste plastic bottles into a raft used in rescue operations and at the same time turn junk into an eco-friendly equipment that can save more lives.

For more information on the TAYO Awards, you may visit www.tayoawards.net. 

###

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.  Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia, Dasani, FUZE TEA and Del Valle.  Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks.  Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day.  With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.  For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

If you have any questions, please contact Petro Kacur, Media Relations Director at petkacur@coca-cola.com or +01 404.676.3127.

For more information about our 20 billion-dollar brands go to: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/billion-dollar-brands.

Coca-Cola PH shares “Sari-Saring Happiness Day” in Pampanga

By: Catherine Lou P. Perez

Last Saturday, (November 08,2014) I was invited to attend the “Coca-Cola Sari-saring Happiness Day in Brgy. Maimpis, San Fernando Pampanga. The said event coincides with the first year anniversary of Yolanda.To be in one with our kababayan’s resiliency a simple candle light memorial tribute was held. The lighting of the coca-cola parols was a simultaneous event  in Taguig, Batangas, Bacolod, Tacloban,Davao and Pampanga around 8:00 in the evening.

I just want to share some highlights of the Sari-Saring Happiness Day in Pampanga:

C-hilled with a Coke

My commute from Angeles City to Brgy. Maimpis,San Fernando wasn’t the usual smooth and relax ride.Patience was very valuable to me that day.As I registered, the staff approached me with a warm welcome and a bottle of coke inside my coca-cola eco bag token.Truly,”a bottle of coke a day keeps the bad trip away.”hehe.

O-n Making a Difference for Pinay micro-entreprenuers

I was inspired by the Global Vision of the Coca-cola company. The 5 by 20 Program. The simple goal is to empower 5 Million women entrepreneurs by the year 2020.The STAR (Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources) program made it possible for women micro entrepreneurs to have access to training and financial resources so that they can grow their small sari-sari stores to big businesses someday. As Zig ziglar quoted it, “You don’t need to be great to start but you have to start to be great!.”

C-herished the STARS

It was my first time to catch a glimpse of how Gretchen Ho, Enchong Dee and Jessica Reynoso shines the night for everyone. I loved the way Gretchen Ho hosted the event with confidence and spontaneity by herself. I loved how Enchong Dee (My sister’s crush) would naturally reached out to the kapampangans with his singing prowess. I felt the sincerity when he said that the food here in Pampanga really tastes good. He can’t forget the “Betute” (Stuffed Frog) that was served to him. Well, we can’t forget him too, that was his chinito problem.hehe.Lastly, I loved how Jessica Reynoso (product of the Voice Philippines) rocked the night with her singing talent. I got last song syndrome (LSS) with the song “Rolling in the Deep”of Adele on my way home.

A-mazed by the PAROLS

The coca-cola parol was the first one to get my attention that day. I am really fascinated by its uniqueness and simple creativity. It reminds me that we can afford to have a simple yet HAPPY CHRISTMAS. How I wished we could have them lighten our Brgy Remedian  in Angeles City.Among the christmas decors, I  agree that “Pinoy na Pinoy nga ang Parol.”With the aim of bringing christmas closer to communities like the barangay. Coca-cola philippines launched the “Make your own Coca-cola parol contest”. It is open until November 30,2014. The Top 25 Best Looking parols will receive a christmas salu-salo package for their respective barangays. For more information visit http://www.coca-cola.com.ph or the official facebook page of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Coca-Cola 5by20 Empowers Pampanga Women Entrepreneurs

Coca-Cola 5by20

Coca-Cola 5by20 was held at Holy Angel University Gym, Angeles City, Pampanga last Monday, October 20, 2014.

The following is all about Coca-Cola 5by20:

"Coca-Cola 5by20

• 5by20 is Coca-Cola's global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company's value chain by 2020. Through 5by20, Coca-Cola addresses the most common barriers women face to succeed in the marketplace.

• The initiative offers women access to business skills training courses, financial services, and connections with peers or mentors--along with confidence that comes with building a successful business.

• There are 5by20 programs launched in a total to 12 countries: Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, and Thailand. At the end of 2012, approximately 300,000 women were impacted in total through the initiative."

Reynor Mercado, owner of of Rain’s Carinderia and Eatery near Pampang Market at San Francisco, Angeles City, Pampanga has learned how to grow her business, how to minimize expenses, and said it is important to list what you get from your store or business from the said training and seminar from Coca-Cola Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Reynor, a former OFW, has been managing her eatery on and off since 2005.  She said she grew up in a family managing their own eatery, also. "Minimize debtors, be strict and limit those who get store items as "utang" or debt. Be hands-on in managing business." These were Reynor's own words or answer when asked what was the most striking lesson she learned in the Coca-Cola 5by20 seminar-training.  

While Joselyn Catchin, proprietor of Palma's Sari-Sari Store at Fil-Am Highway Angeles City, Pampanga for more than three years is also a former OFW has learned bookkeeping, marketing and management of business, and effective communication between owners and customers. She is grateful to Coca-Cola for having the STAR Program of Coca-Cola 5by20 wherein women business owners and entrepreneurs have become empowered by the knowledge they have gained and learned more about financial management.

The Coca-Cola STAR Program is a global commitment of Coca-Cola Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) who both signed a Memorandum of Agreement last July 19, 2011 to develop a program that will build up and raise the business knowledge and skills of eager women sari-sari store owners and small business operators. Thus, the program was named Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources. (STAR). The STAR Program provides women sari-sari store owners and small business entrepreneurs with training, access to financial support, have access to merchandising materials and store assets, and social development activities. It runs from 2012 to 2020, hopefully reaches and targets 100,000 women sari-sari store owners and entrepreneurs throughout the country.  

The Range Of Over The Counter Sleep Aids Available To Improve Your Chances Of A Good Night's Sleep

Everyone needs some beauty rest for a better and lively day. If you are suffering from insomnia, the more you should read today's post. Below are some tips about over the counter sleep aids.

For anybody suffering from poor sleep, over the counter sleep aids are the first form of treatment to come to mind. Finding a simple, quick fix without the need for doctors is ideal and thankfully there are plenty of options that can be easily obtained at local pharmacies.

Photo from www.sleepdisordersv.com

The most well-known and popular forms of sleep aids used are traditional forms of medicine - your Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine pills - but there are also natural substances that have been formed into capsules and other forms on offer too. The conventional pills generally contain anti-histamines that produce a sedative effect by either eliminating the production of histamines or limiting their effect. Natural alternatives, such as Valerian and Melatonin, act as a sedative in a different way. Valerian stimulates GABA neurotransmitters while a Melatonin boost to the body's own supply can trigger natural drowsiness.

Deciding with method to use is purely down to personal preference, for some the simple inclusion of either "alternative" or chemical ingredients can be enough to make up their mind, but there are other factors to consider. Conventional drugs are efficient, fast acting and simple to use, however this quick fix can lead to side-effects and dependency. Natural methods, on the other hand, have less side-effects and can provide a more natural regulation of the body's restful state, but they can take time to become effective and the dosages are not always so clear.

In short, there are positive and negative sides to all forms of sleep aids, and sufferers must therefore make an informed decision and be open to trial and error before they find the solution that is right for them. This wide range can, however, only be seen as an advantageous thing. Having so many different types of over the counter sleep aids so readily available not only increases the choice and provides more desirable options, it also brings people closer to a potential cure.

Saving Your Marriage First Aid – Heal Yourself

Infidelity is something that can ruin your marriage and even yourself if you will not deal with it accordingly. Maybe the very first thing that comes into your mind after you discover that your spouse is having an affair is to shut down your own world believing it will end all those piercing pains. But that does not the way it should be, first you need to heal yourself.

You must be strong enough to deal with your partner’s infidelity. I know underneath your hurts and anger you also wanted to be one of these “strong people” and be brave enough just to show to your cheating spouse that you are better off without him. But underneath that unyielding pains and anger, you know to yourself that you feel crushed and feel like a doormat tromped on by your spouse as he walked out on you. Yes, it is normal to feel broken and defeated but don’t withdraw to life. There are boundless possibilities and wonderful things ahead of you. This is something I guarantee you, in time you will feel normal again, and you will recover from this traumatic experience and will be stronger. I’ve been there; I know what it feels like being betrayed by your very own partner. It’s not yet end of the world, life is wonderful. You need to be strong and live your life no matter what to save yourself and your marriage from miseries.

You just have two choices, walk away from life and stay miserable or deal with infidelity and bring back your happy life. Remember you are not alone in this battle. There are millions of women out there who have the same problems like you, who have been victims of infidelity. Step out from your miseries and face this ordeal like a mature adult. What you really need to do right now is to help yourself, look inside heart and face your emotional turmoil – HEAL your broken self-esteem, bring back your happy life and save your marriage.

To your ongoing healing here are my recommended resources:

Surviving Infidelity Guide

Life after the affair

Mirror Image

No one has ever known her
     As much as he had
No one can ever make her happy and surprised
     As much as he was with him

No one can ever understand his past
     As much as she easily did
No one can ever soothe his pain
     As knowingly and unknowingly as she did

Her masculine side and quirks
     Matched and mirrored his feminine part and quirks
Complemented and made each half of a whole
     Her directness was his indirectness
And his directness was her indirectness

Am I really YOU and are You, I?
     If we were; then

I am You and You are I

Missin you

After months of silence...I'm finally back...Just want to share this great video of janice and sonia. Hope you'll like it.



(para kay mixoi, sana mapanood mo rin)

Weekend Tag

We got this tag from Allena and we thought you would enjoy answering it too. Our's is no longer a one word tag. lol. Some of our replies are 2-3 words..eheh :)

Have fun!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? Khasmal: bag Sachi:Pouch
2. Your hair? Khasmal: Black Sachi:Black/Light Brown?
3. Your mother? Khasmal: Sage Sachi: Wonderful
4. Your father? Khasmal: Versatile Sachi: Unique
5. Your favorite food? Khasmal: Pasta Sachi: Veggies
6. Your dream last night? Khasmal: Nightmare! (Waaahhh!!!!) Sachi: Can't remember
7. Your favorite drink? Khasmal: C2 Lemon Sachi: tea
8. Your dream/goal? Khasmal: Writer Sachi: peaceful life
9. What room you are in?Khasmal: Food Court Sachi: food court sm
10. Your hobby? Khasmal: Reading Sachi: reading
11. Your fear? Khasmal: Death Sachi: losing someone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Khasmal: Own beloved home/ Tagaytay Sachi:Baguio
13. Where were you last night? Khasmal: Apartment Sachi: @ my sister's house
14. Something that you aren’t? Khasmal: Extrovert Sachi: ...like them
15. Muffins? Khasmal: Yummy! Sachi: Hmmmn!
16. Wish list item? Khasmal: dream house Sachi: own studio
17. Where you grew up? Khasmal: San Fdo., La Union Sachi: tarlac/baguio/batangas?
18. Last thing you did? Khasmal: Walked Sachi: surfed the net
19. What are you wearing? Khasmal: jeans, 3 layered blouse Sachi: shorts, sleeveless & a jacket
20. Your TV? Khasmal: Nah S: none
21. Your pets? Khasmal: None Sachi: virtual pet (dream pet: jack russel)
22. Friends? Khasmal: Priceless and my Family! Sachi: my treasures
23. Your life? Khasmal: in "transition" Sachi: on a journey
24. Your mood? Khasmal: pre-meditative Sachi: worried
25. Missing someone? Khasmal: Yes! Sachi: definitely yes!!!
26. Car? Khasmal: :someday .... Sachi: yes please!someday :)
27. Something you’re not wearing? Khasmal: mascara Sachi: thong
28. Your favorite store? Khasmal: SM Clark - Hypermart Sachi: NBS
29. Your favorite color? Khasmal: browns, pinks, all except green Sachi: blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Khasmal: a few minutes ago Sachi: a while ago
31. Last time you cried? Khasmal: a week ago Sachi:last night
32. Who will resend this? Khasmal: Anyone Sachi: you/anyone
33. One place that I go to over and over? Khasmal: Home Sachi: home
34. One person who emails me regularly? Khasmal: friends Sachi: my bff's mom
35. My favorite place to eat? Khasmal: Chowking Sachi: chowking

Feel free to grab this tag! It's fun!

Turn Over a New Leaf

I have come to realize that no matter what you try to go through in life it all boils down to change. When we were younger, we tend to have too much idealism. We feel like we’re ready to take charge of our lives. We feel like we’re ready to take over a lot of responsibilities particularly assumed tasks that brought us to take traditional roles in our family and in the society.

Just recently, I found out that I’m in a very dark phase in my life where I don’t even know what I am, where I should be and what I really want to do. It is like I have come this far only to find out if I really want to teach, write and live independently in my own terms.

Having had various experiences already both in the work and relationship department, made my life seemed like an assortment of work experiences and almost beginning relationships but no closures. Is this what they call patterns?

Though still not quite sure what I’m going through, for now I only know I just have to accept whatever and whoever I am.

The knowledge that your soul is spiritually awakened by a distinctive consciousness makes you somehow an alien to your own self. Having an active sensitivity both positively and negatively was almost like a curse for me.

Going through this dark confusing neutral phase in my life I learned that change is the only constant thing in this world. For it is indeed continuous throughout our lives.

Sometimes You Have To

Sometimes you have to leave your job
To improve your present circumstance and follow your passion
Sometimes you have to lose your fortune
To know that the mundane are not really important

Sometimes you have to keep waiting
To be found by someone whom you truly deserve
And who truly deserves you as well
Sometimes you always have to be left behind
To be content being alone and know the real value of independence

Sometimes you have to be unafraid
To know how to become strong once more
Sometimes you have to get sick
To know that you have been neglecting your health

Sometimes you have to be brokenhearted
To learn how to love yourself back
Sometimes you have to cry
To know how to smile and laugh again

Sometimes you have to be in the dark
To know that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel
Sometimes you have to go through round and round circles
To know certain life patterns

Sometimes you have to commit mistakes
To know that you are only human
Sometimes you have to be mad
To know that you’ve kept a lot of resentment and bottled up emotions far too long

Sometimes you have to be frank
To learn how to assert yourself
Sometimes you have to be trapped in the labyrinths of your past choices
and present immobility and indecision
To know that there’s an end to all of these

Sometimes you have to fail
To know how to stand up on your own
And sometimes you just have to die
To be reborn into a new YOU!

Her Art of Blogging

Early last year, I stumbled upon a blog entitled Soul Meets World. I can’t exactly remember how I came across it. But all I know is I got instantly fixated in reading it. Like the fanatic couch potato that I am, I became one of its avid online readers.

Undergoing a lot of changes then, I was at a relentless pursuit to improve my character. The genius behind this lovely and amazing blog is its ability to quench the thirst of those who seek truth and wisdom in the drama in our lives. No matter how mundane our daily life experiences are, however small and immaterial details are, everything and everyone lead back to the greatest source of Universal Love. From curiosity and interest in reading one of its articles being aware that it covers an ample array of topics and issues to choose from, it became my fountain of knowledge continuously uplifting my spirit every time I wrestle with my downfall. Each word seems to echo a silent support encouraging and telling me not to lose sight and hope with my visions and goals in life. Paradoxically and significantly, it has been my favorite paperback in the web that I must pay particular attention to.

Believing beyond doubt and reason, profound writers prevalently now known as bloggers can also be called messengers from God. One of them is Alexys Fairfield whose art of blogging captivates all souls who yearns for a spiritual revolution. Stirred by her sense of purpose, thy long dormant passion for writing reawakened and my dreams got clearer. Along the path of self-discovery, it is with immense certainty and joy to say we are kindred spirits.

May this post serve as an inspiration to see the best in every one of us? It is lovingly dedicated to an amazing and exceptional woman blogger of self-improvement, Alexys Fairfield of Soul Meets World.

This Is Our Now

There comes a point in our lives when reality hit us cold in our faces. In this technological day and age, we are so caught up trying to make a living. Next thing we know we suddenly become conscious that we don’t know ourselves. Thus, we ask ourselves what we have been doing with our lives and is this where and what we really want to be. Reality bites. It’s time check for reality. And reality is such a big word.

When we hear the word reality what comes to mind first are reality shows. We always tend to associate reality these days with television shows that depict people’s lives that willingly let millions of viewers see their whole life transform while housed in a box. Talented, determined and driven individuals compete at one another to achieve a common goal and eagerly awaiting to fulfill their dreams. Shows like Big Brother, Dream Academy, American Idol, Survivor, Fear Factor – these are only to name a few reality-based TV drama series unfolding each participant’s lives and personalities onscreen. Local counterparts are Pinoy Big Brother, Pinoy Dream Academy, Pinoy Idol and most recent additions are top raters Survivor and Fear Factor. For some it seems like these programs exemplify human failure and misfortunes of contenders who get evicted early on the show. But for us it simply represents the essence of accomplishing one’s mission and dream.

It's just that we understood what we want to happen in our career life and most importantly our personal lives. Both of us recognized we were not happy in our work. Though, we enjoyed our main task which is to write and advertise, learned a lot in the field of internet marketing where SEO or SEM is still in its infancy here in our country – our inclinations shadow did not left us. Our dreams and vision of our purposeful existence lingered in our strong-willed and very much independent characters.

Out of the blue, we took a risk and made a choice. She turned to her colorful world of the Arts and I veered to a noble profession. But our passion for writing and photography and penchant for all about what life has to offer brought us back in the mighty encompassing power of the pen and mind or in today’s word – blogging with heart and mind.

Reminiscent of Jordin Sparks who won the American Idol in 2007 - No longer afraid, reclaiming our dreams, coming out of our shells, not settling for less but aiming for the best – “gone are the shadows and doubts, that was then, we are made up of more than our yesterdays – This IS our Now!”

Heart Gone Numb

There are times poetic words come in flashes on my mind
Resembling a constant flow of water stream from a babbling brook
No longer do I feel the crave
To put into words what makes me rage
Gone are the days and nights
When I find refuge in a cathartic cry
For thy heart had gone numb

Hi everyone

Hi while blog hoppin I saw this post generator page and thought it was fun. Below is an example of blog post I have generated from aussiebloggers' lazy bloggers post generator.

Geez! I just had a cup of tea and realized I have not updated this since I fell in love!... You would not believe how insane my life has become. Seriously!

I am hopped up on caffeine with discovering time doesn't stand still, just generally being asleep, dreaming and chancing to society in general, my day often feels wasted from crawling out of bed at 6.30 to whenever. I am so tired. life happens.

I make a solemn vow I will blog about it when I find my way home. Sincerest apologies. This is for our ever faithful, devoted public...

Sharing the Girl Effect

While browsing the internet, I saw this website (girleffect) and decided to share it to everyone else hoping to help many girls in the world. Please take a moment to watch this video I got from girleffect.




Feel free to leave a comment.

To all MOMs: Happy Mother's Day!

MOTHER

Her hands and arms softly cares
As she carries her baby
Hums a sweet song
As she lulls her child to sleep
These we muse about our moms

Cassatt, Mary
Mother and Child
1889
Oil on canvas
90 x 64.5 cm
Wichita Art Museum, Kansas

MALL: A Truly Exceptional Woman Artist

I am captivated by her whimsical artworks...the way she is rendering colors and brush strokes... Her great paintings remind me of my wonderful childhood... and I see myself as a child full of dreams wandering in a magical world every time I look at her works. Hmmn... I'm in love with her artworks! (obviously;) my post today is about M.A.LL). You must see her blog, and fall in love with her artworks too.



This is one of her artworks.

Babu at the Torii,
Acrylics + Coloured Pencils on Wood












To know who is M.A.LL visit her blog or her portfolio.

Nocturnally Prolific

Three Women by Pablo Picasso, Oil on canvas; 200 x 185 cm. This is one of the most important of Picasso's Cubist works. He made about seventy sketches and rough drafts for it.

Prologue

Autobiographical on the first few paragraphs but fictional nonetheless. The poet tries her skill on short story. So, the rest is purely fictional but the literary critic herself states this is also mostly psychological. Grins, Beams and Smiles. = )

Almost two decades (sixteen years ago to be exact) have passed by quickly. Days of grueling Math home works, T.H.E. trying to unleash the creative side of high school students, classes divided by walls that can be parted when needed, you have your own peer groups or "barkada." (Yes, I do have my barkada back then). Ours was the most diverse, I think. We were five in the group. Two were kinda boyish and the rest of us were classy damsels in the making. Sigh. Years I will never forget.

Well, to cut it short I was closer to the two like-minded girls. We remained friends even when we took different courses in college.

Last week we found time to have our group date. It was fun talking about what happened in each other's lives while having a delightful snack in our favorite cake house. Dana who was a beauty queen way back in college turned out to be a happy stage actress. She was the most friendly and sociable among the three of us. While Christine is a top executive of a prestigious marketing agency and my world revolves around charitable organizations I pioneered. We are still blessed singles.

Since I am the listener in the group what I am about to share might appear bias and subjective. I know batch 1995 comprise of independent singles and proud mothers in their respective budding families. I have a feeling majority of us are still singles. (Probably because we came from the only exclusive girl high school). That I have to prove. Hmmm, survey?!!!)

And when you belong to the female species and still single by late 20's and early 30's, guard yourself against the downpour of ridicule and "parinig" or side comments of the Filipino culture. (But that's another topic).

Anyway, back to the pretty damsels. Our topic revolved around Christine, who despite her being an executive is dumb when it comes to the heart department. (Look who's talking . . . hehe). Dana, who always attracts bees because of her amiable aura and enchanting personality kept telling Christine to detach herself from a close guy friend. "Stop agonizing yourself, will you?" an exasperated Dana blurted out. "Enjoy life. Go out and have fun! Don't just live within the four corners of your office on that gargantuan building where you work," the well-travelled stage actress said. "Well, I can't help it. What were those thoughtful notes he always left at my desk, those times of knowing glances, the days we were buddies on seminars . . ." "Let me point out to you he's exclusively dating someone that would eventually lead to a committed relationship." "But he still can find the time to ask how I am?" "That's a sign that he is just an amusing selfish charmer. Add to that he's a chronic liar. You do still hate dishonest guys, right?" "Well, ummm . . . but those are only white lies. I'm not perfect either. Even if I say I'm a very honest person. Somehow I've told little white lies myself." "Very true, we're only humans - infallible," the quietest said. " 'tin, are you hearing yourself? When a guy raises your hope basically because he's just showing his amore for you, do you analyze his efforts? Was he faking his actions and finally when he's on the verge of declaring his love for you, does he look you in the eye?," the carefree feminist asked. "Since when did you become such an expert on this topic?," gasped an enlightened gleaming Christine (but sounding more like she's on the brink of losing her temper with Dana). You see Dana eventhough a lot courted her haven't had a long-term relationship with any guy. She's just such a strongly opinionated feminist, the "Queen of Sweeping Generalizations." "What I'm trying to say is let him chase and pursue you. Show subtle hints but never ever be the one to proclaim your deep feelings." "Well, Dana they're both rational types. They tend to reason with love. When it comes to matters of the heart you don't rule your mind over it," the thinker uttered. "Oh dear, since when have you become a disillusioned dreamer?," the surprised melodic engaging voice of the actress asked. "I have my fair share of unreciprocated loves, that's all," I stated. "My dear girlfriends it looks like we're having a heated conversation here. How about if we attend a culinary workshop for baking since we are all fond of cakes and pastries," the calm and collected said. "Wow! That sounds a nice idea," the leader mumbled. "And maybe we could meet every Saturday or Sunday and attend a LSS," the energetic performer ranted. "We could also form our own "Give-Back-Love-Grateful-for-Everything" group to our community," I chided.

P.S. Forgive me my dear "barkada" in High School. I borrowed a part of our younger lives. Who's the writer in here, anyway? Smiles. = )

Habit

Everyday I see my reflection on the mirror and sunken eyes are staring back at me. I don’t know what happened to me. I feel like that I am no longer myself. My looks didn’t change except from the little darkness around my eyes. I do sleep well but I don’t know why I still have my ugly eye bags, probably due to depression. My friends usually tease me about taking drugs. Yes, maybe I am an addict, addicted to the past.

I miss my old self. Today, I’m trying to live like I used to be. I go to work as always, visit my friends often, and go shopping with my sister when I have the time. Nothing has change much to my life except myself. Only one person can exactly tell that something is bothering me and that person is you. Sadly, you are no longer here in my life to tell me that. No matter how much I want our friendship to last forever, it slowly drifts away like sands taken by the wind. It is true that the people who have already served their purpose in your life are often taken from you too soon. And now that you are gone, no friend will truly understand me like you do. How can I start living my life without you?

Yes, maybe you are a habit that is hard to break. I often pray to God for guidance as I teach myself on how to break this habit before my life will be taken away from me. You are right; life is too short to be wasted. I want to enjoy life like you used to tell me. Tomorrow I will let go of your memories to break free from this habit.

Change

Change is inevitable and constant. That is why many people resist it. They’re always afraid of the unknown and afraid of losing their comfort zones. To conquer this fear one must be open to all possibilities and must be willing to try something new. However, there is the notion that when you change something in your life, you must also change everything that comprises it. Obviously every action has a counterpart result. One should accept that consequences are always part of every action. It is only through acceptance that you can see the land of possibilities.

It’s never too late, you can start making changes in your life today! :)