April 10, 1958--A RED-LETTER DAY

April 10, 1958...this is the day the LORD brought me safely out from my mother's womb. I was born at home somewhere in Pasay, assisted by a low-cost Hilot--a traditional birth attendant, due to economic reason. My mother named me after Ms. Elvira Manahan, the late socialite anchor and famous TV talk show host of "Two for the Road" in the 60's and 80's.

I'm the youngest of four children and was raised in a single parent home--had been trapped in such situation, I can say that it was never easy; and even my mother who is now with the Lord would agree with me that it really was a hard life for all of us, not to mention with a limited way of earning money.

But since we were raised to tough it out, I should say that getting through every hardships and trials that life offers us is something to keep us going and maintain a positive attitude in life--I considered it a great life challenge. At 17, I had my first job and my quest for a better life has begun.

Although, my mother had failed to give us a comfortable life nor had given us complete education from elementary to college due to limited funds; still, we salute her for she had tried her very best to be a mother and a father to us all at the same time. We also admired her for the values she had instilled in our heart and mind that have made us better persons--God fearing persons; those values will remain with us all our life and passed down from generation to generation.

"Tatang"

On behalf of Gian, thank you very much for making the last four years of our life a more fruitful years. You really made a difference ... you had made a great positive effect on our lives and really helped us. There are no words that can possibly explain how I feel right after Gian broke the news and I even wonder, what would our life be ... now that you're gone! You have officially said "goodbye" and this will put us in a difficult situation; but eventually, we will get over this crisis and will take off again. As they say, life is a series of "hellos and goodbyes" which means, nothing is permanent in this world ... that's the reality of life and we have no choice but to learn to live with it!

I know everything will be okay in the end, we just hold on to God for guidance and have faith that God has always something better in store for us. And surely, one day our lucky break will come down over again ... “Prayers go up and blessings come down” Yiddish Proverb quotes


1 Samuel 17:12-54

Any time God requires us to face trials and tribulations, He always provides the courage to meet the demand. David was a man of great courage—not merely human courage, but courage rooted in the sovereignty of God.

Football Game

The night of July 28, 2011, we were in Rizal Memorial Stadium to witness the Azkals vs. Kuwait 2nd leg match; so sad that azkals didn't make it, and they lost their chance to qualify to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Since I'm not a sports minded person and not even interested in watching any kind of sports games ever in my life--watching a football game is a whole new experience for me.

I'm feeling bored and tired the way I live my life--my everyday life; and to end this, I need to step out of my comfort zone once in a while and explore the outside world and try to experience new things to spice up my boring and tiring life. And joining my grandnephews and nephew to the football game was my first move to have a change from my usual boring routine. I even went out of my way to buy raincoats for us just for that game; since it was raining and umbrella is strictly prohibited inside the stadium.

Here is a brief summary of my first football game experience: After passing the heavy traffic along the way to Harrison where the stadium is, we still arrived just in time for the game. I was a bit frustrated seeing a long queue of football goers; that we've had to fall in a really long line just to get inside the stadium. Of course, all it takes is patience; and fortunately, it didn't take us so long to finally got inside. The whole stadium was jam-packed that night and more people outside still trying their luck to get a ticket for themselves. I wonder what makes a football game so interesting to watch!

At first, I was just observing why people so crazy with football. And little by little, as the game progressed and with all the cheering words from the fans--I also found the game so exciting to watch. And to my surprise, I found myself so involved in the game that I even screamed to the highest level whenever the Azkals hit or miss the goal. The only sad part was Azkals lost the game--to think that it was my very first football game--still a good game, though.

After the match, the Azkals players marched around the whole stadium to greet their supporters/fans and they were giving away t-shirts at the same time; out of luck, we grabbed not even a single one--boo hoo!!! And the most unforgettable thing was, when Phil Younghusband got his shoes off and gave it away; the other pair-of-shoe was grabbed by one of his fans in the upper white bleacher--just a few steps away from us--sayang talaga, may remembrance sana kami mismo kay Phil ng gabi na iyon!!!

Overall, it was still an awesome experience for me despite of all the unluckiness I felt. And I'm looking forward to seeing Azkals' next game. Go Azkals go...no matter what...win or loose we will support you all the way.

The absurdity of life

The Climb... a song about inner strenght, courage, faith and hope! We usually wish all the best in life but if it were not meant to be ours; no matter how hard we try, it will never be ours. And that is the reality of life... that is how absurd life is at times!

In any case, life must go on and don't let failure put us down. More so, it must not stop us to dream farther... let's keep reaching for the stars and pretty soon we'll get what we deserve. Always remember that if we lose the best, there's always more fish in the sea. Let's not lose hope for in every failure there is a way to success. Surrender to a better life... one thing I learned today!

“It is never easy to keep reaching for dreams. Strength and courage can sometimes be lonely friends. But those who do reach the stars, walk in stardust.”(excerpt)

It's my 52nd year on earth!

It's my 52nd birthday today and I had a great day with my family consisting of my sister, nephew and nieces together with their children, plus my two grandnephews--Gian and Brian. We celebrated my birthday at Shakey's - SM North. When we had finished our food, we then headed to Trinoma to shop around. We visited Landmark and other fashion boutiques in the area; after walking around the mall for hours, we feel like eating halo-halo so we end up at "Sandosenang Halo". Then, we went home and that was it. It was a very tiring day yet so good! Here are some of our pictures...


















This was my birthday cake with one lit candle on it. Traditionally, the number of candles signifying the age of the celebrant; for a change, I used only one candle which means that I'm one year older today. Actually, I just don't want to reveal my true age... joke! Look, if I put 52 lit candles on top of my cake... it might set off the smoke detector inside the mall and it's so embarrassing - hehehe. Just joking, I know that numeric candle is now available.

My Yesterday, My Today and My Tomorrow

My Yesterday...



I was full of life, full of dreams, full of hopes and aspirations; in other words, I was at the peak of my happiness where life seems so nice and easy!


My Today...



Full of life? I just live from day to day;

Full of dreams? I get tired of dreaming for fate has been very unkind to me--yes, I'm tired of waiting. Maybe it really isn't meant for me...maybe it's just an illusion that dreams do come true; and in the real world, my dreams will remain just a dream till I draw my last breath;

Full of hopes and aspirations? At my age of 52, having nearly zero quick assets and zero fulfillment in my career and in my marriage and to include my deteriorating health--with all these contributing factors to feel disappointed or less hopeful... how do you expect me to respond to this? T o think that it's just the way it is, that it's just a trial and will be over soon enough, that it's a process we must all go through! Then, what's next in line? To find out what life has to offer me now, and to keep on believing that there's always sunshine after the rain. Hoping I could hang in there for a while longer!!! Just like this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt... "When you get to the end of your rope - tie a knot and hang on." I wish it was that easy.



My Tomorrow...



I know not what awaits me, but one thing for sure; at my appointed time, I will leave this world...this crazy world and thus my quest ends!!!

My New Year's Plan

I consider this year a good year to start a new business venture and I'm looking forward to be given the chance to hit it big in the market. I'm putting up my own online business, so I asked my two sisters to make samples of crocheted wearables and their pieces of work came out great which pushed me more to give it a try. To start off the business, I chose to put online some crocheted wearables for kids which are so timely summery get-ups. Here are some of our samples modelled by our three loveable angels--my grand-nieces and probably soon we would come up with a wide array of much more modern and stylish crocheted wearables that will be available not only for kids and young ones but for adults as well.





































Vests with and without sleeves really look fab with any summer outfits. It's fashionable and perfectly made for an up-to-the-minute look; just wear it over tees and tank tops, even dresses and ready to go for any casual walk outdoors. Plus we have here the super comfy summer shorts with matching hanging blouse best fit for active young children. They all come in different sizes and colors.

























For price inquiries you can email me at santoselv@yahoo.com

Christmas Vacation

These are some of our pics taken when we had a 2 days/1 night Christmas vacation in Tagaytay. It was absolutely a memorable one, the very first time we celebrated Christmas away from Manila and I would say that it was the most grandiose Christmas celebration we have ever had in our entire lives.

By the way, I want to share the story behind the name "Tagaytay".
This is the exact story that I read, here goes... a soldier approached a boy and his father asking about the name of the place, the frightened son shouted to his father, "Taga, Itay!" which meant "strike, father!"; the foreigner, misunderstanding the words, thought that this was what the area was called.

Taal Lake

Back shot picture... even in life vest I was incredibly frightened while riding the boat; I couldn't move, not even a slight turn of the head to pose for pic. We rented a boat going to town of Talisay, Batangas, the most popular jump-off point on the way to Taal Volcano Crater.

Taal Lake

This is the Taal Lake and the cone-shaped volcano that you see is an extinct volcano, the one shown on postcards as Taal Volcano yet it's not the real thing.

Town of Talisay, Batangas (with Brian, my grand-niece)

We were onshore after quite a long boat ride. Sitting while waiting for the horses that we rented and for the tour guides who will show us the way up to the top of the hill where we can view up close the mouth of Taal Volcano.

Hilltop

This is the improvised stairway to reach the highest point of the mountain where you can see down below the Taal Volcano Crater Lake.

Mouth of Taal Volcano
This is the real Taal volcano, it's far different from what the postcards show. The Crater Lake has sulfur content and they say when you swim there, it will instantly bleach your clothes.

Mouth of Taal Volcano... What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake". Here's the hilltop view of the beautiful crater, with its placid blue-greenish pool at the center, you could trek down to the Crater Lake but that's another story.

Caleruega Chapel (stands atop a small hill)

Out of luck ... I was not able to see the whole inside of the chapel because there was a private wedding going on at the time we arrived. We waited patiently but got bored after a while, it took so long to finish it all the way to the end of the wedding ceremony itself and add to that the hours they would be spending taking pictures; so I finally decided to say a little prayer even outside the chapel, and afterwards I posed for pic just right before the chapel entrance where part of the inside can be viewed.

Caleruega
Posing here is Gian, Brian's older brother; the one behind this wonderful Christmas in Tagaytay, all expenses paid by him. It was our most memorable Christmas and the overwhelming joy we experienced will certainly leave a mark in our hearts.

Pagcor Casino Tagaytay

It's me! Posing in front of Pagcor, right across Taal Vista. It's a wishing well... I wish I were a millionaire--hahaha! Dreaming, I'm always dreaming--hahaha!

Taal Vista Hotel
Brian posed for pic with me in front of Taal Vista Hotel.

Room 122 of Taal Vista Hotel (with Gian and Brian)
We got the Superior Room for 2 days/1 night stay and the room comes with 1 single bed and 1 queen-sized bed, flat screen TV with cable, telephone, mini ref, hairdryer and in room safe. My looks at age 51--wizened old lady. (lol) Don't look deep focus, I might disappear--hahaha!

My Pic

At long last, I have posted my picture; you can now view my face. My... hmm never mind; just keep your mouth shut if I look so stunning in this photo -- hahaha. Wanna see more of me, better luck next time! hahaha -- they say laughter is indeed the best medicine; it makes our heart healthy that's why I make fun out of everything. But of course, everything must be balanced; there's time for fun and time to be serious or else, if you're not in control of your feelings, people might think you're starting to lose your sanity. Anything in excess is bad and in the case of insanity, I don't think laughter will do you good especially when you laugh and cry all at the same time... So you better watch out, better not cry when you laugh--hahaha.

A World of Duality

When there is sorrow, there is joy,
When there is death, there is life,
When there is hatred, there is love,
When there is war, there is peace,

This is the world we live in--a world of duality; most likely, we wish for the positive ones to happen. It is always healthy to have a positive and good outlook in life and we must not dwell on the negative aspects--seems so easy; yet in a very real sense, it is so hard to carry through or persevere to the end. Obviously, it doesn't end in choosing or yearning alone; we have to act, to pray earnestly, to work hard and leave the rest to God considering the negative side is always at the ready to take its course.

Destiny has two faces which can be either happy or sad--it always come together. Otherwise, we will never know the big difference; like, what success without failure is, what hope without despair is, what is good without evil and so forth. The world gives us a very challenging life worth living and just to keep us going; we will struggle to survive, we will fight to win. The wanting to win the positives of life makes our world go round.