Starting Over Again

Island-hopping with Mama (Calatrava, May 2016).

I am starting over with my blog and my life again. It has been five months since I lost the person who had been with me even before I took my first breath in this world -- my Mama. 

The world now seems like a stranger ever since Mama passed on. It feels a lot colder now. I miss the kind of care and attention that I could only receive from Mama.

Now, I am trying to stand and walk by myself again, so to speak. I am re-learning to see the good in my daily life and to be grateful for it, despite the fact that I have already lost two of the most important people in my life.

I miss my Mama and my bro Nadz. I am holding on to their memories and to the love they have left behind. I am holding on to the love and support of the rest of my family, especially my Papa who has been making sure that I am okay while we are going through our loss. 

Above all, I praise and thank the Lord, our Creator... words are not enough to describe Your love and greatness. 

I Can Love Like This!

More than a decade has passed. Time has led me to see that fateful moment from different points of view. That single moment that introduced me to what anger, betrayal & loneliness mean has changed from something to be forgotten to something to be forgiven and, eventually, something to be celebrated. 

Love has indeed revealed a new face… something that is not only STRONG enough to withstand betrayal and FAITHFUL to forgive and to continue to love despite distance & time but also WISE enough to not let me lose sight of the more important things in life. 

I celebrate because I can love like this.

(Repost. First published on February 08, 2015. http://najmalayo.tumblr.com/post/111711634267/i-can-love-like-this )

posted from Bloggeroid

Love Hate Tolerate

To disagree does NOT mean to hate.
To love does NOT mean to tolerate.
But to disagree could mean to love.
And to love could mean to BE hated.

Numbers in June

I celebrate a lot of things every June. This year marks my 32nd birthday, 1st anniversary in the academe and 10th anniversary in the media industry. If there's such a thing as personal new year, it would be June 18 for me.

For these, I thank my family especially my parents, my friends and colleagues, and all the people I've met along the way. My greatest gratitude, however, belongs to the Lord almighty who never abandons me even in times when I forget about Him.

Thank you, Lord.

Odi the Schweenie

I would like to introduce to you my newest stress buster, Odi the Schweenie. Born on June 20, 2014, Odi is 13-day old in this video. Actually, this is the first time that I've learned of such breed. Actually, Odi is the first offspring of our pets Xysat of John Dexian and Bizkit, dachshund and shih tzu, respectively. So I searched about the mix online and found out that there are really breeders who raise schweenies.

The Schweenie Puppy Named Odi

Here's another addition to the furriest group in our household: Odi the Schweenie Puppy. Born on June 20, 2014 (10am) at Vet's Nook in Molino, Bacoor, Cavite, Odi is the sole offspring of Bizkit the Shih Tzu and Xysat the Dachshund.

We're looking for a new home for our schweenie pup, where he could receive much more love. We already have three doggies in our household, and we cannot give him enough attention that he needs. Please send me a message if you're interested.

He's lovable and playful. It's easy to fall in love with this cute little pup on first sight. =)

This little puppy wants to go home with you. Look at his eyes, he's begging you.

"Please take me home....." - Odi the Schweenie Puppy.

The first 3 photos These are Odi's latest, taken just today.

Odi at 12-day-old. The color of his fur is much lighter now.

Odi now looks really different compared to how he looks here. 

His ears were black and smaller, compared to now, big enough to cover his eyes.

A New Beginning as Educator

I’m beginning my life as instructor. It has been a long-time dream. I have dreamed about it since college. I knew back then that I was going to share to college students whatever I would have learned in my chosen profession.

Almost 10 years have passed since I graduated from college, I am now here at a university, working as a Journalism instructor.

Yes, I have been working in journalism industry since 2006. But before that I worked as scriptwriter with and call center representative with. So, I have a strong background and practical knowledge in the field of communication and media.

However, I find the teaching profession a tough one to handle… especially that I have lots of units to handle, in addition to my on-going efforts for my thesis proposal and my job as social media analyst with Philippine Star. And also, it is a “labor of love,” so to speak. And yes, just as in my previous jobs, I was so stressed during my first week.

But I know the stress will pass, just as before. And I know I will definitely be able to handle this well. So help me, God. =)

Ang Ahas Na Si Ingrata

NAAAWA ako sa mga magulang ko dahil niloko sila ng taong pinagmalasakitan nila.

Ang akala ko tatlong aso, dalawang tarantula at ilang mga isda lang ang inaalagaan namin. Di namin napansing pinasok na kami ng ahas. Galing sa Mindoro.

ANG AHAS NA SI "INGRATA"

Siya si "Ingrata." Itinuring siyang malapit na kaanak at pinag-aral pa. Kahit na may kalokohang ginawa noong nasa Romblon pa siya, binigyan pa rin ng isa pang pagkakataong mag-aral matapos niyang makiusap sa mga magulang ako at nangakong magbabago na.

At dahil likas na maawain at mapagbigay ang mga magulang ko, pinag-aral siyang muli sa Cavite simula noong 1st Sem, AY 2012-2013. Noon ko lang rin siya nakilala.

Hindi namin siya itinuring na iba. Sinasama siya tuwing namamasyal kami, binibilhan ng kung anu-anong mga gamit, hinayaan siyang gawin ang gusto niya. At kahit di niya ginawa ang responsibilidad niya sa bahay, hinahayaan na lang siya basta mag-aral lang siya.

Binalaan na kami noon ng mga malalapit niyang kaanak tungkol sa kaniya. Sa kabila nito, binigyan pa rin siya ng pagkakataon ng mga magulang ko.

Pero madaling-araw ng Huwebes, March 13, habang tulog pa kaming lahat, lumayas na siya sa bahay namin. Nalaman niya kasing kumpirmado na naming niloloko niya kami para sa ilang libong piso.

SUSUNOD: Simula ng imbestigasyon

Gerell Anne

*Otaku Camera

Peanut-Butter-and-Banana Sandwich Spread

EXCITE YOUR TASTE BUDS! Try peanut-butter-and-banana spread. Spread peanut butter generously on warm toasted bread, top it with sliced banana (saba), sprinkle with syrup of your choice, and enjoy!

First-time-GF-turned-Super-Ex

Exactly 13 years ago (Feb. 8, 2001), at about this time (8 p.m.), it was a full moon. For the first time, I said "yes." 

Underneath the moonlight, two people became lovers. It was magical, at least for a 17-year-old naive girl.

But people change... I've changed and learned a lot.

Fast forward to now, I love what I've become. Damn, I'm good!

Next move: a book. It might take more years but I am hoping to publish one. #NajSpeaking #Valentines2014

Maley, Mapauli Kita sa Romblon!

Shirt from the Port of Odiongan

Sauno kada ako makapauli ray sa Romblon? 

Miss ey nako kag burbur, uyang-uyang, katong puto nak ingguwat nidog sa tunga, dinardar, ag indian mango nak libre yang sa kapitbahay. 

Rili sa Maynila ay puro bakay, wayat libre...

Aw, katong utan nak yangka pa yake nak bang lasa nak gador!

What a SHAMe: Sobra na kayo

Ngayon ko lang naalalang may invite ka pala sa akin sa FB. Marami kasi akong ginagawa recently. Pero ngayong may free time na ako, hindi pa rin kita pwedeng i-add. Baka kasi maging dahilan ito para mas lumala ang pagsisinungaling mo.

Noong nakaraang pagpunta ko sa Odiongan, kahit hindi ko naman inaasahan ay lumapit ka sa akin at nagpaliwanag kung bakit ako naka-block sa FB mo. 

Sabi mo binigay mo na sa kaibigan mong bading yung original FB mo kung saan naka-block ako. Pero alam ko namang di totoo iyon -- sa iyo pa rin yung account. Alam kong di totoo ang sabi mong yung bading na iyon ang nag-block sa akin -- ikaw mismo yun. Alam ko ring di totoong sa'yo yung "bagong" FB na ginamit mo para i-invite ako matapos mo akong i-block sa original FB mo -- sa kaibigan mong si LR iyon. At alam ko kung bakit mo ako ibina-block -- may sinisikreto kang lalaki.

Bakit ka pa nagpaliwanag kung susubukan mo lang na lokohin ako? Hayan tuloy, ang kasinungalingan ay pinilit pagtakpan ng isa pang kasinungalingang nanganak ng iba pang kasinungalingan at marami pa.

Actually, hindi big deal sa akin kung naka-block ako o kung may karelasyon ka. Tinawanan ko nga lang iyon... pero hindi ako natawa sa mga susunod na nalaman ko. 

Ipinaliwanag sa akin ng papa ko na kayo ay nagkasundo: Tutulungan kang paaralin sa kondisyong hindi ka muna manlalalaki. Kaya bago pa ipaalam sa iyo na alam na ng papa ko ang ginawa mong pagsira sa inyong kasunduan, nakakuha na kami ng mga pruweba. Nakakalungkot nga lang na sa kabila ng mga pruwebang ito -- mga larawan ninyo ng isang lalaking ang pangalan ay RF, mga status upate sa FB bago mo pa man i-delete, mga kaibigan at kamag-anak sa Odiongan na nakikita kayong madalas magkasama, at iba pa -- pilit mo pa ring pinasinungalingan ang ginawa mo, imbis na magpakumbaba at humingi ng pasensiya.

Tinanong ko noon ang papa ko kung ano ang desisyon niya ngayong sumira ka sa inyong kasunduan at patuloy pa rin ang pagsisinungaling sa kabila ng pagkakabuking sa sikreto mo. Ang sabi niya lang ay kung hindi siya tutulong, sinong tutulong sa inyo? 

Hinahangaan ko ang pagiging matulungin at mapagpasensiya sa iyo ng papa ko.  Ang kabutihan mo pa rin ang inaalala niya sa kabila ng tahasang pangloloko/ pagsisinungaling mo. Pero naawa lang ako sa kanya dahil siya na nga ang tumutulong sa inyo, siya pa ang lolokohin ninyo.

Ang hiling lang niya, sa kabila ng mga pangyayari ngayon -- at noong mga panahong nasa Bangkal pa ako kung kelan madalas napipilitang magsinungaling ng mama ko sa papa ko para sa inyo-- sana ayusin mo ang pag-aaral mo kung hindi ka talaga mapigilang manlalaki.Huwag ka raw sana mabuntis nang wala sa oras. Ayaw raw niyang gawin mo ang ginawa ng kuya mo -- tinulungan ang kuya mong magtapos sa pag-aaral sa kondisyong ang kuya mo naman ang tutulong magpaaral sa iyo; pero tingnan mo kung anong ginawa ng kuya mo -- dahil nakabuntis, iba ang pinaaral.

Samakatuwid, ang kasunduan ninyo ng papa ko ay bunga ng pagsira ng kuya mo sa kasunduan nila. Isipin mo na lang na masuwerte ka't nakapag-aral ka pa rin sa kabila ng ginawa ninyo ng kuya mo sa papa ko. Sana pag-isipan mo ang sitwasyon mo at maliwanagan ka sa mga sinasabi ko. Maintindihan mo sana na hindi ako galit sa pagba-block mo sa akin sa FB... pero  nagagalit ako sa patuloy na panloloko/ pang-aabuso sa ama  ko ng mga taong pinagmamalasakitan niya. 

Nami-miss ko yung maliit na bata ka pa. Pero nag-iiba ang panahon. Sana kapag magkita tayo uli -- lalo na't dun ka pala titira uli sa bahay namin at ikaw naman ang gagamit ng kuwarto ko -- huwag kang maiilang sa akin dahil sa pagsasabi ko sa iyo ng mga ito. Para rin naman ito sa kabutihan mo. Magtapos ka ng pag-aaral mo at magkaroon ng maayos na pamumuhay pagdating ng panahon.

Leftover Pizza

Leftover Pizza

Excite your taste buds with my creation: LEFTOVER PIZZA made from the leftovers of the recent celebrations: Loaf bread, spaghetti sauce, cheese and mga tira-tirang ulam.

Instruction: Toast the bread, spread spaghetti sauce on top of the bread, sprinkle grated cheese, top it with tira-tirang ulam, then put it in an oven for about 5 min or until the cheese melts, serve, then enjoy!

Be creative, be wise. Do not waste food.

Hold-up men & Ermita Police

Scanning for those 3 croooks in the police portfolio.

Earlier today (Jan. 7) I was at Ermita police community precinct near Rizal Park and Manila Hotel. Along with other passengers of a jeep where a hold-up robbery took place, I scanned the police's portfolio of known robbers, thieves, con-men, and name it all. But nothing. All the three hold-uppers who preyed on us were apparently still unidentified by the authorities... kahit na mukhang sanay na sanay nang mang-holdap yung mga iyon sa Bonifacio Drive in Port Area.

The robbery happened at 5:45 am, as we were plying Bonifacio Drive onboard a Pasay-Pier route jeep. At Gate1, the hold-uppers did their crime. At Gate2, they jumped off the jeep, leaving us with a threat not to report to the police.

It was a first-time experience for me. Thank God, nobody was stabbed or shot. 3 passengers lost their bags. Mine was secured, I didn't lost anything. Apparently the robbers were after just one passenger. Tinitiktikan pala nila yung target nilang isang babaeng guro.

Nanlaban pa yung babae, ayaw ibigay yung bag. Pero tinutukan siya ng kutsilyo. Akala ko sasaksakin siya. Buti hindi. Sobra ang hagulhol niya the whole time, kahit sa police station.

Though I didn't lost anything, I froze... my body was shaking the whole time, even after two hours since the incident. During the hold-up I did a sign of the cross, it was difficult because I can't move. I can't do anything else, but pray.

Sadly, police reaction (those from the PCP and the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit in Gate 4 where we headed first) was not impressive, treating the matter as if it's a normal thing. They were not even alerted and that's lamentable. It is as if they know that crooks are thriving in their beat and they are okay with it. 

I've heard from fellow beat reporters in Manila that some of these supposed police have certain "kita" or "porsyento" from the crooks' robbery business, though no tangible proof has been found. But see, Bonifacio Drive is infamous for being a hold-up/pickpocket hub, despite the presence of Ermita Police Station PCP and MDTEU in the area.

A Fresh 2014

A view of the fireworks from the roof deck.

Today is the freshest day of the year for almost all of the people around the globe. It is the first day of 2014, and almost everyone feels that it signals a new start - another chance to be better in various aspects of their lives.

I see things a bit differently, as I take each of the 365 days of the new year as a new set of chances to succeed in every little way. But I understand that today is much more special because millions of people share the same view with me about the day.

So what "new" do I have for this year? Well, for now I (will) have a new job but still in the same  field of journalism. I haven't formally started yet, though I have begun working as trainee since Dec. 27. I am also hoping to finalize my thesis proposal by summer, and probably join the academe by June. Personally, I am hoping to gain back my figure, become more active in my church duties, and establish better relationship with family members and friends.

Last night, I once again went up to the roof deck of my house to watch fireworks as 2013 ends and 2014 begins. It was beautiful, the fireworks are popping up like mushrooms from the horizon. You know, I have been meeting the new year alone for some years now, but last night, I have my family and some friends with me to watch the beautiful, sparkling sky.

Happy New Year everyone! Cheers to 2014.

And the Saga Continues!

T'was ages since I wrote my last entry in this blog. I had to do a lot of other things. You know that I recently quit my job to focus on other things in life as I embark on my 30s, in an attempt to view life from another perspective. =)))) Simple things that I wasn't able to do when I was still slave to the bandiclock -- like watching movie marathons at home, reading books for hours, and driving around the metro endlessly with my bros, among others.

Actually I haven't crossed out a thing in my official 30th birthday bucket list, but am glad that there's a new mall being built in the hood that will offer two of my goals -- zipline and surfing activities -- by the end of this year. And also, I have embarked on my graduate reaserch -- about Media and Gender -- and am on my way to finishing the first chapter (hoooooray!).

Early Christmas at Manila Ocean Park, with Charmie and Gladys

So wish me luck, 'cause after this, I have a lot of other things in mind... like go back to the media industry, embark on a career as educator, travel around the country and the world (Southeast Asia first), start my own business, and maybe enrol in a modeling class at Calcarries or John Robert Powers. ;)

Anyway, all I wanna say is live life to the fullest, enjoy every moment, focus on what you've got and be happy. All praises and glory to God!

Natalie @ 30

Yesterday, June 18, 2013, was an extra-special day as I embark in my 30s. It was a simple debut celebration, a birthday dinner at home with my household, but a meaningful one. Anyway, the celebration was just to kick-off a year-long action-packed birthday celebration that will include bungee jumping and sky diving, not to mention wall climbing and rappelling.

Here's some of the things that I did yesterday, just so I will remember it for my next birthdays.

12:30 a.m.   - Stayed up late preparing my invitation cards, trying to upload my birthday video presentation online; Waited for Nadine to come home from the office.

6 a.m.        - Got awaken by Mama's birthday greeting (and half asleep, I almost forgot it's my birthday), fell asleep again.


10 a.m.       - Woke up, it was a cloudy day. Rain then poured for a few moments as I stepped out of the bedroom. Thank God for His blessings; Had coffee and fried tofu while playing my fave computer game "The Sims 3."

 11 a.m.       - Birthday greetings started coming in through my mobile phone. One of which was from my cousin Kuya Sonny who never failed to greet me every year.

11:30 a.m.   - Quit playing "The Sims 3," took a bath, missed the call from my papa because I was in the bathroom =(

12:15 p.m.   - Fed the dogs (Cloud, the Japanese Spitz /  Bizkit, the while Shih Tzu / and Xyzat, the red Dachshund)). They were sooooo nice this day as if they knew it was my birthday. They finished their corned beef-rice meal, which is unusual (Usually they don't finish it if it's not paksiw, their favorite).




1:30 p.m.     - Prepared for my annual birthday photo shoot and for my dinner party later.
3 p.m.          -  Got birthday greetings from Jeng and Ronald through FB, greeting started flooding my FB walll; Continued with my preparations.
4:15 p.m.     -  Prayer, me time with God; Continued with my preparations.
5 p.m.        - Went out for the photo shoot; Had last-minute shopping to the dinner party.


7 p.m.        - Went home, got wet in the rain; Cried my first tears in my 30s.

8 p.m.       - Party started two hours late... but then it was everything I was hoping for a 30th birthday celebration. The cake, the food and drinks, the invitation card and souvenirs, the birthday presentation video, and of course, the people celebrating with me.

10:30 p.m.  - Wrapped up the party; uploaded the photos online. =)

Summer Love

My summer vacations in Romblon have influenced the direction of my interest towards Philippine culture and society. Thus, my chosen academic pursuit (Social Sciences) and my professional endeavor (Communication).

I have been spending my summer vacations in Romblon ever since childhood. As a kid, I would go around the province to indulge on the beautiful natural landscapes and historical landmarks, to trace my genealogical background and to see how town people are related to each other, and eventually to discover the local culture –  the food, the public events, the language, the stories in oral tradition, and the belief systems, among others. Unlike other kids who would enlist in various workshops during summers, I was into exploring the local culture of Romblon.

"Women Writers in Media Now"

"Women Writers in Media Now," an exhibit, is open on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm, until April 30, 2013. It is at the ALIWW Reading Room, Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo de Manila University.

For more information, click here.