At my age, I've experienced many Friday the 13THs. It was during my high school days when I got to know the bad luck, that day brings. Filipinos by nature are superstitious, there are also other nationalities have the same superstitious belief.
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia, a word derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (meaning Friday), and dekatreís (meaning thirteen), attached to phobía (meaning fear). The term is a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a simple phobia (fear) of the number thirteen appearing in any case.
Determining the origin and history of Friday the 13th bad luck is very hard since it is known that Jesus Christ died on Friday and the last supper consists of 13 persons where one of them died. Other than the movie, Friday the 13th, numerology states that number 13 is bad luck. This is the reason why buildings doesn't have 13th floor.
When I first got to know Friday the 13th, of course from the movie and from my high school classmates, there are many things considered as bad luck happened to me. At first, I thought there are merely coincidence but when every time that day comes, unlucky days were always there. I guess, there were time that I suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia when I fear of leaving home for that day.
Fear factor? There was a time that I had a scheduled long awaited appointment that was impossible to cancel. Although, I have doubt on myself on my presentation, I started to keep in mind that Friday the 13th is just like any other day. That day, everything came out right just as I wanted, I've closed the deal and with a bonus that I overcome my fear.
Everyone has to overcome the fear of the unlucky day. How can we do that if we stay at home on that day? From the time I've experienced the good luck of Friday the 13th... fear was gone already. There's no such thing as Friday the 13th bad luck. The belief resides within ourselves. Be positive always.
Friday The 13th
My father woke us up and asked me to brought him to the hospital. Being a kidney transplant patient, he was prone to illness and diseases. An isolation room in the hospital is like a home to him. We got used to the scent of hospital, the smell of antibacterial, alcohol, medicine, bleached bedsheets for two years after his kidney transplant operation. In other words, the day is just one of those days.
This time, he had difficulty in breathing. His nephrologist guarded all the possible complications, my tatay (father) is 57. My dad underwent dialysis for almost a year before kidney transplant, my younger sister as the donor. Me, being the eldest failed the matching test for having small kidney stones.
Going back, we went to the hospital with my cousin (tatay is his godfather) and my 2nd son at 6am in the morning. After all the test have been done, we were finally in his hospital room at 9am. He had dextrose and oxygen but makulit to get near the window to see the morning sunshine. He looked like he had asthma attack but he didn't have asthma. After I finished attending to his needs, I asked him if he felt better. He said yes. I told my cousin that we're ok and he can go to his work. I told Tatay, I will take a quick nap in a couch beside his bed where my son was sleeping. He said, he will also sleep.
I hug my son and tried to sleep. I can't sleep, just resting, facing my son. I didn't stand long with that position, so I changed position so that I can see tatay. I was looking at his face while sleeping when I noticed that there was something wrong with his face. It seemed, he was sleeping but it wasn't. Tatay... tay... tatay... he didn't respond, didn't move. I called the nurses to checked my father, then the room is filled with nurses, residents and doctors.
It happened 10 years ago, today is Tatay's 10th year Death Anniversary. Time flies so fast, my memory still remembers every details of that day. I miss him so much... my family just came home from Loyola Memorial. personal tatay pinoy
I was checking on my email when I saw that I received an email from a highschool friend with the subject line, "wala na ko trabaho mga tsong!" (I'm jobless now). He's a friend, my second son's godfather, lives in New Jersey and we communicate through emails. I admit, I am the type of person who read email if its not forwarded email or chain email. Knowing that my friend who migrated to US with his family is a certified workaholic, I can't believe that he's affected of the crisis in the Philippines. This is the reason why I found the subject line catchy and I'm intrigue.
His email says these sentences: For our last company picnic, management decided that, due to liability issues, we could have alcohol, but only one (1) drink per person. I was fired for ordering the cups.
With this picture attached.
LOL... picnic
What's this, mental block? Or bloggers block? I am sitting in front of my computer for almost three hours and still can't think of anything to write. I read somewhere tips on overcoming bloggers block but I loose the link. Since its summer vacation and I don't already have yaya, of course I do all the household chores. Good thing that my kids help me in some of the chores.
Normally, the usual online time for me before was in the morning when all kids were at school and its quiet. Now, priority always comes first, I have to attend to all things at home for my family, then business and then my blogs. I have time to blog at night only before going to sleep but chances are my mind and body are tired already.
Before, I always had ideas on my mind what my future entries will be and I take down notes so that I won't forget them. I'm too occupied to think of my future entries, I don't know what to write now. Stress? Maybe... I guess we really need a vacation before school starts. Maybe a spa or a couple of hours in a salon would do the trick for the meantime. bloggers block blogging
I was watching the late night documentary show featuring a 19 year old helper who was maltreated by her "amo" (employer). The young girl was beaten up, full of bruises and wounds to different part of her body, her left ear was deformed. The lady employer even had the helper raped by their dog. I can't imagine how the lady employer did these things, she's inhuman in every sense of the word. The sufferings of the abused helper came to end when her co-helper went to abused helper's family and eventually she was rescued by authorities. Tons of legal cases were filed against the abussive employers.
I remember our yaya (nanny) who already left us to start her own family last week. She's with us for nine years, during that period we consider her part of the family. Imagine, she could have studying children now if she got married nine years ago. People have told me that we were lucky to have her. And I could say that she was also lucky with us as her employer. My dad told us (my sisters) when we were young that the root word of "katulong" (helper) is "tulong" (help), they are there primarily "to help" in household chores. He emphasized that helpers and slaves were two different words and meaning.
Anyway, she's not just our yaya, she my youngest son's playmate and second mom when I'm at work. She's a friend to me as well. I was sad but I have to let her go for her own life. I just hope and pray that she'll be happy with her married life. yaya nanny pinoy
Should my title be "Wazzup, Philippines?" I can't help but react to the present situation. Juan dela Cruz symbolizes filipinos, same as John Doe of US.
The basic commodity prices continues to increase, a regular filipino hardly bought food for the family. How about the less fortunate pinoys, their situation became worst. The skyrocketing price of rice added to their dilemma. Its in the news everyday, price increase of gasoline, rice, raw materials of canned goods etc which naturally the finish product price will follow to increase. There are times that I don't want to watch news, its always bad news except when Manny Pacquiao wins against Juan Manuel Marquez. The crime rate are also expected to rise because of the terrible cost of living.
A friend living in US, once told me that together with his familt, they've decided to move from Escondido, California to Texas. The reason is they can't cope uo with the cost of living in California, they are better now in Texas. I hope, filipinos can apply the same strategy in the Philippines. Nah, enough with the wishful thinking.
Economic sabotage? I hardly heard of ZTE-NBN case witness Jun Lozada except that former President Cory Aquino has colon cancer and her chemotheraphy. I pray and wish her fast recovery. The people now are more focused on how to cope with the cost of living.
A colleague campaining for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last election told me that her "only" reason why she supports GMA was she is an economist. Economist? Why thinking of rice importation when Philippines is a agricultural country? The reality that she neglected many things and concentrated on other "economy", proved my collegue wrong on her choice. Where was my collegue now? She migrated to US and plan to go back in the Philippines when the economy becomes better. Whew! pinoy news and info
A playful six year old boy came out of comfort room, jumped and landed his feet to the wet doormat, he slided and fell down. The back of his head hit the corner of the concrete stair. He instantly looked pale and burst into tears. He didn't have wound but his mom brought him to a nearby doctor immediately, afraid for internal hemorrhage. The boy was under observation for 24 hours.
The same boy at four years old chew a blade incidentally, mistaken it for a toy. The good thing was, her mother was around and made him spit the pieces of blades. Thank God that there was no blood or cuts on his tongue, lip and other parts of his mouth.
His teachers were fond of him for his scent that almost like a baby compared to other boys his age during his elementary years.
Time flies too fast... the little boy had grown up... the "kuya" of my darlings. I often teased him by calling him "Nitoyo" (Nicolo) or "Tuya" (Kuya or big brother). Yep, he can't talked straight during childhood or we call it "bulol" in the Philippines. I used to accompany him on his taekwondo and swimming lessons during elementary. Whew! Those were the days... This morning, we attended his baccalaureate mass... Tomorrow is his Graduation Day. I was teary eyed when he gave me a white rose with a letter. A letter of a young man for his mom. graduation parenting pinoy
Vote Tubbataha Reef For Seven New Wonders Of Nature
Posted by myglitch Labels: line of anything, tourism
This is just one of our endangered species that can be found in Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Tubbataha is nominated for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature".
Tubbataha is a reef ecosystem made up of two atolls located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It is a sanctuary for marine life. The reefs lie on the Cagayan Ridge, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes which starts from the north at the Sultana Shoal and ends in the south at the San Miguel Islands. It is located 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and 80 nautical miles southwest of Cagayancillo. Taken from here.Currently, Tubbataha Reef is on the 29th place. Voting will continue until December 31, 2008. Although we still have plenty of time, glitchline is joining the campaign of pinoy bloggers, calling all filipinos to vote for Tubbataha Reef as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
On the other hand, Chocolate Hills of Bohol is also nominated on its 42th place as of this time and Mayon Volcano of Bicol. After voting, link is provided on the page to invite your relatives and friends to vote. Please inform them of Tubbataha Reef of Palawan, Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Mayon Volcano of Bicol. Although Mayon Volcano is currently not in top 77 nominees, Mayon Volcano after typhoon Reming is still beautiful because of its perfect cone. Please vote now.
Thank you, Ambo for the encouraging article. Mabuhay!
technorati: pinoy tourism tubbataha
The month of March in the Philippines is considered the start of summer season, we observe March as Fire Prevention Month. I woke up this morning hearing the firetruck sirens again, this time its not in a hurry. I also heard my neighbor who happens to be a fire volunteer... I thought, there's a fire again within the area. Its a parade of fire fighters on their fire truck and a voice coming from a megaphone announcing that its March again and its Fire Prevention Month.
For me, its the signal for renewing my fire issurance policy. Our house is insured but I do also have a separate fire insurance policy for the content of our house. It didn't cost that much to secure your house. My father started getting the policy when he was still with us.
Several years ago, a fire started three houses away from our house. It happened at night where some people are already sleeping. We just heard people shouting that there was fire, people are rushing for their things to be save from fire. Because we are near to the burning house, the instinct was to saved our belongings first. We carry them all to my grandma's house two streets away from ours. With the help of my other relatives and friends, within 15-30 minutes, our house was "cleaned". To sum it up, the fire was because of faulty electrical wirings, two houses were burned and it took us one day to returned everything in their place in our house.
My father learned from this experience and he started getting a fire insurance policy. He said that when fire elopes again near our house, all we have to carry out are our clothes and other personal belongings. Lock the door and leave other things inside, they're insured. Why have the door locked? To save them from thieves!"Mas mabuti pa ang manakawan ng sampung beses kesa sa masunugan." - Tatay
pinoy current events
Pinoy's Social Climbing "Queen", Reyna Elena launched a contest to filipino blog community. Social Climbing Logo Contest have 5 five contestants and they are already sure winners! Voting is officially open and these are my votes.
According to Reyna Elena, these entries are subject to public humilation. ahehe... Oh, well... I love most of the entries but I have to vote the best among the entries. Logo entries above are my chosen entries, from left to right.
- 1st choice goes to itot54joni = 5 points vote. Whew!
- 2nd choice goes to kotsengkuba = 4 points
- 3rd choice goes to ambo = 3 points
- 4th and 5th choice goes to chuva with 2 and 1 vote respectively
Last Thursday, I've accompanied my sister to Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City to claim her lottery price of php 23,040. It was the price for getting the 5 digits out of 6 digit combination.
It was my usual blogging time when my sister hurried home from work to look for her lotto ticket, at first I thought she was just kidding. I saw the newspaper and her lottery ticket, its true. She asked me to accompany her and bring my valid IDs to claim the price. We were in the PCSO at about 2pm. Validation cut-off is 4pm and bank closes at 3pm. Validation and check issuance took time, we almost didn't make it at Landbank. 
The bank is inside the PCSO building, ground floor.
Because of my excitement, I've forgot to take pictures of the lotto ticket, the validation and the check. How silly of me.:-( Anyway, after claiming the price, the whole family headed to Dampa, Macapagal Avenue for dinner. Of course, my sister's treat.:-)
pinoy
I've just received pictures of my cousin's wedding held last December in New Jersey, USA. We had received the wedding invitation here but 'til now, the entire family were still shocked because of my cousin's gender and decision. Actually, my cousin hesitated to let us here know of the wedding. Here in the Philippines, same sex marriage is impossible.
Philippines does not offer any legal recognition to same-sex marriage, civil unions or domestic partnership benefits, although there is increasingly heavy debate on them.
In 1998, Senators Marcelo B. Fernan and Miriam Defensor Santiago submitted a series of four bills that barred recognition of marriage involving transgender individuals, contracted in the Philippines or abroad, and bar recognition of marriages or domestic partnership between two people of the same biological sex contracted in countries that legally recognize such relationships.
As of 2006, three anti-same sex marriage bills have been introduced and are pending before the Senate and Congress. -taken from here
The entourage... I don't know if the women should be called "brides maids", they still have their bouquet as well as the "flower girl" but they wore black skinny pants, hair were tied and wore wigs as their "head dress". They were on the right side of the wedding picture above. The groom and the groom were on the center of the picture. They were both pinoys, born and raised in USA. news and info pinoy
Read more...
Mayor Florencio Jun Bernabe, Our Guest Of Honor
Posted by myglitch Labels: line of anything, news and infoEvery first month of the year, entrepreneurs / entrepinoys / businessmen are busy for their business permits renewals, land tax, depends on the business but some businesses are busy also applying for their employees' working permits.
Just before Christmas, we had our Induction of Officers and Members of our Association with a list of honorable guests headed by Mayor Florencio Jun Bernabe. I'm thankful that the event went on smoothly despite of the last minute problems we've encountered. I could say that it was indeed a success. Some guest didn't make it like Congressman Eduardo Zialcita but he send over the Head Executive Assistant Mr. Caloy Vinculado. We also have Paranaque City Health Department Head Dr. Olga Virtucio, Baclaran Councilor Roland Gabriel and City Administrator Atty. Nelson De Jesus. 
When our Honorable Mayor delivered his inspirational talk, I don't know if everybody were happy with what he had just announced. I know that everybody was worried with their business. I don't want to elaborate them here either. After his speech, I'm no longer in the good mood to deliver mine. I've disregard my prepared speech and went impromptu reacting to "inspirational talks" of our honorable guests. entrepinoy pinoy
Sometimes life is unfair...
But sometimes it makes you complete.
How I wish life will be happy the same as I dream of...
With your love one at your side...
Caring.. comforting.. loving.. and the happiest part?
Stays with you through thick and thin.
Love is a curious substance,
One that acts differently of how much you have it.
It can literally, be a miracle drug,
A cure to anything that life may throw at you.
It may give you more than enough reasons to live
Inspite of the pain and suffering that you may be going through.
But sometimes it acts like a poison.
Slowly and painfully, it drains your life away
To the point that you wish you were dead.
Ironic, that love is still the antidote..
Cookie Monster said,
"Sometimes me think love is what last cookie is for.
Me give up the kast cookie for you."
Everyone dreams of meeting someone
Warm, funny, caring and thoughtful.
When I met you...
I ended up with nothing...
Nothing more to ask for.
A perfect partner in life is someone you can be with
And talk about anything without realizing that the day is over...
Someone who will always listen and feel twice the
The joy or pain youre going through...
When you start to feel that "connection, nevery let it go
Because there is more to companionship than to love only.
Because in the end, when all else fails and are consumed,
You will always hold on to those times
When you don't need to hear the words, "I LOVE YOU".
Always remind yourself that the best way to love
Is to give love as a gift --
Freely, willingly and without expectation.
The purpose of loving is not to loved back,
But simply to love.
Isn't it magical that in the world
Filled with people,
God has found a way for us to know each other,
I think HIM with all my heart because
When He planned my life,
He included you.
They say if love becomes painful,
Its time to let that love go
And save yourself but keep this in mind:
"If love is true, pain is never a reason to let go."
Do you know what real love is?
Its when you go through the hard trials of trust and sacrifice..
And still wake up every morning, falling in love all over again.
A romantic love is not a one night stand
Nor a series of cumshots.
Its a long term engagement between two private organs...
"THE HEARTS"...
Love is like the rain, it gently pours but sometimes,
Its raging fast.
But why is the rain so special?
Because like love...
You can feel it,
but you can't stop it.
I love you for who you are
Even if you're bad or good
I will still love you...
You learn to like someone when you find out
What makes them laugh,
But you can never truly love someone until you find out,
What makes them cry.
Its so much easier...
To sat that you don't love someone,
Than to try to explain to everyone
All the reasons why you still do...
Its not certain whether the one you have now
Is the one you'll be with for the rest of your life.
There's even no guarantee if the one you just met
is the one who wil llove you forever.
Because there's no such thing as the ideal man or woman..
No such thing as the right person or the right one..
It is us who can make love last a lifetime.
So id ever somebody asks you:
"Is he/she the right one?"
You may answer:
"I'm not sure but I intend to
Make him/her my only one."
Love for the sake of love without expecting anything in return?
Yeah, ideal.
But one can we really expect ourselves to feel this way?
Act?
Yes.
But feel?
Maybe not.
I believe love is giving a big part of yourself,
And in the process, you find yourself
Needing some of it back!
pinoy
From glitchline, wishing you the timeless treasures of Christmas... the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas. Read more...
What: Katufor's Christmas Party
When: Dec.15 6pm - Dec.16 6am
Who: Katufors
Where: Villa Majia, Pansol, Laguna
Another Katufor GEB, our Christmas party. Katufor derived from the word "kain-tulog-forum", don't take it seriuosly... its just a name. :-) This was our second time at Villa Mejia in Pansol, Laguna. We seldom see each other, we communicate through mobile SMS, forum, friendster and YM, we make it a point to organize such get together once in a while. Maybe, the next GEB might be on summer vacation.
Anyway, most of the members came from Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, some from Manila, Caloocan, Batangas, Laguna. Members present: Ace, Alexis, Athan, Cadaver, Fatima, Glitch, Grande, Jac, Jade, Jearic, Jeff, Jhanrich, Mafel, Metal, Mybernal, Nathalie, Neth, Nol, Phonetics and Sarah plus 5 non members. The companion of Jhanrich, Jap from Nueva Ecija became a member after the event. :-)
Foods and drinks: Canadian ham, BBQ, Litson Manok, Beef Brocolli and Macaroni Salad plus 2 bottles of Grand Matador & 24 bottles of Red Horse Mucho. Whew!
Overall, the Christmas party was fun, no dull moments. Members from the north left at 7am while the rest (mostly from south) stayed and continued the fun until 4pm that day.
Read more...
The SMS Christmas messages I've received so far. You may copy them and send to your loved ones on Christmas.
You might also want to hear Lea Salonga's version of "Sana Ngayong Pasko" mp3 while copying. This is the theme song of Goldilocks's Christmas TV advertisement. Get this widget Track details eSnips Social DNA
Work of Christmas begins...
When the song of the angels is tilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the Kings and the Princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with the flocks,
Then the work of Christmas begins...
to find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all people,
to make a little music with the heart...
And to radiate the lights of Christ,
everydaym in every way, in all what we do and
in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins.
***
"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." - Ruth Carter Stapleton
***
What good is it that Christ was born?
Meister Eckhart once said: "What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart?"
***
Lord, we do far too much celebrating your actual coming in our hearts. I believe in God but do I believe in "God in me?" I believe in God in heaven, but do I believe in "God on earth?" I believe in God out there, but do I believe in "God with us?" Lord, be born in my heart. Come alive in me this Christmas.
***
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. - Washington Irving
***
C-hristmas gave
H-imself as a
R-eward so that
I-ndividual know the
S-acrifices
T-hat He did for
M-ankind to
A-chieve the gift of
S-alvation
***
"Christmas. my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, its Christmas". -Dale Evans Rogers
***
"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." -Roy L. Smith
***
"Christmas is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart." -Freya Stark
***
Let us keep Christmas beautiful withouht a thought of greed, that it might live forevermore to fill our every need. That it shall not be just a day, but last at lifetime through, the miracle of Christmas that brings heaven close to you. -Garnett Ann Schultz
***
Let Christmas not become a thing merely of merchant's trafficking. Of tinsel, bells and wreath and surface pleasure, but beneath the childish glamour, let us find nourishment for heart and mind. Let us follow kinder ways through our teeming human maze, and help the age of peace to come. -Madeline Morse pinoy tv
I was watching Eat Bulaga this afternoon when Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto wanted to announced something about unknown issue but later on asked the viewers to search for a vedio keyword on youtube. It was allegedly the rehearsal of Wilyonaryo of the show Wowowee. Before ABS-CBN have the said video deleted on youtube, better to post it. Watch it before its too late.
Looking for Christmas gift? Its natural that children asks for gift they want on Christmas. Actually, I always ask my children what they want for Christmas so I can tell Santa Claus.
Anyway, the picture below is Lego watch, inspired by Star Wars for my youngest son. He's 7 years old. He's asking for this watch for months, he really want to have this Lego watch. Who doesn't know Lego? Lego is long time available in the Philippines and always one of my chosen gift for my children. Its only now that I came to know that there are also Lego watches. I love it, if its not awkward I want to have one for myself. hehe... If you're not yet finish on Christmas shopping, it's available at
No Curfew Nation, 2nd floor of SM Mall of Asia, cost: php 1,200. Lego is more than building blocks, its another way of enjoying Lego... on our wrist! 
Some Lego information:
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Presidential Politics 2008
Found On The Internet - Dec.2
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Found On The Internet - Dec.9
Still not prepared for Christmas? My answers below might help you. :-) ***
As far as I remember, I've joined the wagon of Christmas Rush shoppers 3 years ago and that was it. I've learned my lessons very well and I don't want to join them again.
I don't want any migraine on Christmas Eve. So, I've prepared some tips that I know that might help you out if you're in a rush:
Christmas Shopping 5
Christmas Shopping 6
Christmas Shopping 7
Christmas Shopping 8
