My Year That Was

I always bear in mind that gratitude comes with contentment and as I look back on everything that I have done this year, amazingly, despite all the challenges, I still have so much to thank for.  Since this is my last blog for 2011, allow me to share everything that made me a better person.

January was certainly an eye opener for me. I have always thought that I would only hear road accidents over the radio or see them on the news. I never expected that I’d be in one too. I could still remember the experience of crawling on the street just after the intersection in La Salle right after we bumped a pedestrian crossing while the traffic light was green. I was closing my eyes and holding my husband tight just waiting for the next thing to happen. I realized that, I am also vulnerable just like anyone else which I never thought of in my lifetime.  Despite the harassment of the pedestrian, I learned to stand up and say NO. Help was all we can give but we never assumed responsibility since she was guilty of reckless imprudence. I learned to be stern and not give in and not feel sorry for those who did not deserve it.

I took the month of June as a devastating curve on my job because I was transferred to something that could jeopardize my finances because it could put me on the unemployment list due to its difficulty. Resistance became an addition to every meal that I had, and I couldn’t stop whining of what I considered a misfortune. Later on, I realized that it’s not a bad thing after all. Despite the hardship, I was able to survive because of new friends, practically a new family in my workplace. Slowly on, I began to embrace the inevitable and now I could say, I’m smiling again.

October was such a refresher as I was offered to coordinate the Perpetual Cup Golf Tournament of La Salle. It opened doors that I never imagined. I thought I’m done in this field but through the help of a very good friend, I was able to test myself again if I can still bring it. A boost of self confidence was an ultimate and much needed during that time was given by my clients and the tap on my shoulder telling me I did a good job was more than enough to get me back on track.

After all the trials in 2011, I am once again revived that I can do more and even make a difference in others even in small portions. I was reminded that despite of everything, I am still here, enjoying the gift of life.  With the support of family and friends, I am able to say “Life is Good.”

In 2012 I am not sure how I could fathom the mysteries of life but I know that I just have to believe the fact that with Him, nothing is definitely impossible. I have to love myself more in order to genuinely love others. I also wish for a more forgiving heart for I am also bound to make mistakes as I am also human. Time is gold and I should make wise decisions that would make me happy because I deserve it. I am not being selfish, I am just being fair to myself and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. 

To everybody who will take time to read this, thank you very much for letting me feel that my thoughts are also of value to people, that I make sense too. Hopefully, I will be able to come up with good and sensible thoughts in 2012 not just to entertain but also to shed enlightenment on certain things.

Have A Blessed and Safe New Year! 

My Own Understanding Of Giving

Christmas has always been the top season wherein almost everyone has the inspiration to give. I don't think there is a single Christmas party in the christian community that does not have either an exchange gift or Kris Kringle. I'm not really sure though if everyone would understand the reason why we do such activities. To make it more practical, wish lists are created to make sure that those who will receive the gifts would be smiling when they see that they got what they wanted. I guess the bottom line is making someone happy in this yuletide season.

I have my own version of sharing happiness to others too and all are usually done spontaneously. Just like yesterday, we were hanging out at our fave Istarbaks Libertad when I decided to buy goodies from a bakery just beside the joint. While I was waiting for the cashier, I noticed a mom-child tandem choosing ice cream from the freezer. The 2 year old girl was already holding the ice pop but mom was still trying to scout for something cheaper. As the girl was starting to sob because she never wanted to let go of the treat, I saw the mom's eyes that as much as she wants to give in to her daughter, she knows she can't spend that much. She was so surprised when I told her that the ice pop was already paid and she need not worry about it. She was so grateful and gave me one of the most sincere Christmas greeting I have ever received in my entire life. For a P17 ice pop, I got a warm happy feeling which was just priceless. 

This Christmas, I intend to do more and with a lot of help from friends, I am positive that I will be able to make this season special to others. I decided not to go to local orphanages because I know that there are already a lot of organizations that would be visiting and sharing their bounties.

I decided to focus on street children and the elderly. These kids may pester a lot of people to ask for alms but regardless of their racket, I am not forgetting that they are still children and that if they may have ended begging on the streets, maybe because they believe that what they're doing is right (no thanks to their parents). I am not patronizing mendicancy but I could just imagine how it is if they had a taste of Christmas without being shooed away and just see goodies that they would never even dream of trying in their entire childhood. 

The elderly is going to be my other recipient, particularly those who still continue to struggle in order to earn their keep.  With warm soup and maybe chicken dinner, I hope to show them that the world has not been completely cruel to them because they are still remembered and given importance even in the littlest way. 

Giving is not to get something back but mainly to share the blessings that one has received no matter how small they are. I hope to inculcate this concept to my children and make them understand that we live for others too and would not achieve the true essence of fulfillment unless we have gratitude and selflessness in our hearts.

 

Lanterns of Hope

For so long a time, this has been a common sight outside the Provincial Jail. These dainty lanterns were made by the prisoners in order to generate income to give their families. They would sell them from P100 each while the more intricate ones are at P1000 and up.

Everytime that I passed by, I feel an unfathomable warmth. I would find myself looking at the wives who carefully display their "parols" as their children help along and I just can't take my eyes off them. I would see endless hope in their eyes as they try to persuade passers by to take home a lantern no matter how small it could be. A sale means a much better Noche Buena for them, not just "de lata" or canned goods nor instant noodles.

This year, the Provincial Jail has been moved to Tabunan, Bago City, farther from regular patrons who seemed to have made a pact to purchase their lanterns from their "suki's". As the jeepney I rode pass by the sidewalks of the former jail, I felt somehow sad because I only saw two or three stalls of these parols and I began to ponder, where would be the others who used to sell here and depend their families' Christmas dinner to these shining stars? Would their children still be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of the holidays? Would they even have another opportunity to earn this season? Questions that are left unanswered as I never had the courage to ask those who continue to sell at their stalls.

I wish that wherever they are, they find other ways to get through Christmas. As for their patrons, I know that as time goes by they will forget about it but for these women and children, they will always think of the light these patrons have given them as they take a lantern home.

Photos courtesy of Owen Segovia Bayog

Payback On Pay Day!

(A timely repost.)

Originally Posted on July 16, 2011. http://deadlevel.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/payback-on-pay-day/

I have been with the Business Processing Outsourcing world for quite some time now and I truly agree that for as long as one has what it takes, like multi-tasking skills, with knowledge on basic computer usage and of course equipped with good conversational English, one will definitely earn more than a local employee, with a diploma at that.

Needless to say, even if I never graduated, life is just good with a great line of business.

Recently, I was moved to a new account and needless to say, the daily “nose-bleed” as we like to call the knowledge overload, has made me numb and stony-eyed at at some point. But then on the other hand it has made me more thankful that not only do I have a job, but a good paying one at that.

Yesterday was pay day and it only means payback time! Got enough to pay bills and mocha granita as a bonus this time since I haven’t been on under-time for more than a month already meaning I get to stay at the office for the complete nine hours (I still can’t believe that I managed, as in!!! )

I don’t know about the others but for me pay day is payback because this time I felt that I am working hard for my keep and it’s so hurting to spend my salary on something that is of less worth.

As I hold my salary in my hands, I noticed that I was staring at it for a time. Then I decided that I have to make sure I spend my money wisely. Not so much on gastronomic extravagance but more on the necessities. I know I’m a bit old to realize it but hey, better late than never.

I have to keep in mind that I have to take advantage of my existing employment for I know this won’t last forever. I’m aging by the minute and there’s no guarantee that I can still keep up with it for a very long time.

An unsolicited advice to my colleagues, money is a good friend but sometimes could be an influence of bad judgment and greed.

A good friend because it helps us sustain our everyday needs as well as our respective families.

An influence of bad judgment because sometimes since we have it, it could dictate us that a particular want becomes a need.

Greed because we tend to lose our sense of contentment that we yearn for more than we can afford leading it to neglect of the real priorities that we have on our list.

Let’s try not to be impractical and instead handle our responsibilities real-time. I would sometimes hear others mumble that they just wish they saved even P500 per pay day but had no perseverance to do so. My point? It’s never too late. Always remember that it’s never too late to start now.

For my immediate course of action? Here goes.

• Instead of spending P75 – P120 for coffee, I will be settling for the native coffee at our favorite joint at the Libertad Market @ P10. (both kinds of coffee can keep me awake anyways.)

• Consider “ukay-ukay” for decent jeans (usually around P150-P250) rather than salivating on P2,000+ *Guess pants.

• De-stressing through filled tummies is good but just don’t do it everyday. If I’ll be too stressed, I’ll try to satisfy myself @ Tikboy’s Pork barbecue for P70 (that’s with cold softdrinks already mind you.)

• Instead of spending P100 for a cab, I’ll take a breather before commuting at a jeepney by smoking one cigarette. P100 and P15 makes a lot of difference. (It would be more fun if I am with the two other Muskeeterettes, Cathy and Joanne.) Besides, both can take me to my destination and with the traffic along Lacson Streets, there’s not much time difference.

• Instead of consuming almost two packs of Winston a day, try to reduce it by just smoking when I have too. (after eating, having coffee or on 15 minute breaks.) I bet my doctor would be happy too. 

• I’ll be more meticulous on a grocery day so that I won’t overspend. Be more vigilant on discounted items on the shelves so I can take advantage without missing the expiration date. (Be careful and avoid food poisoning…hehehe)

• Always make sure to bring my spill-proof tumbler to work so that I can get free coffee and water instead of spending P15 for the bottled ones.

• I’ll try to be more interested in tv series so that every time I buy dvd, it’s the complete season and not per partial number of episodes only.

Happy Thoughts!

Photo Credits

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://imgs.sfgate.com

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://imgs.sfgate.com

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://tobaccotrain.com

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com

Street Food Smorgasbord!

I seldom pass by the University of St. La Salle because I have a different route to work and although I would often think of venturing on what's new in the area, I just didn't seem to have found the time. Yesterday was a chance of another Happy Tummy. After taking care of some stuff in La Salle, I decided to wander the sidewalk of the university. 

The scorching heat of 3pm became the spotlight to my new paradise. It was a one-stop gluttonous haven! The fruit stall greeted me with delight as I chose from its offerings; papaya, indian mangoes and singkamas. Who am I to resist the vibrant orange color of the papaya? So I grabbed P10 from my pocket and gave in to my craving.

The second stall offers hot sweet corn bathed in melted butter. Another innovation that I seldom see on the streets of Bacolod. It's a common sight at the mall but on the streets? I don't think so. Another thing I noticed, only in USLS that corn vendors exert extra effort in capitalizing for butter. When I pass by other schools, they just pick the maize, remove the covers and shoot them in the plastic. Talk about USLS taste! However, despite my love for sweet corn, I was somehow deprived  from having one solely because I only have two hands. 

The third stall offered Piaya, a Negrense pride and the fourth one would be the peanuts. I hardly notice them because the enticing sound of deep-frying just dominated my imagination. Alas! There it was! Fried vegetable lumpia. For only P5 each, the hot lumpia warmed my heart (and tummy). I ordered 4 newly cooked ones and for my convenience, the kind-hearted "manong" placed it in a cup plastic cup with lots of sinamak, a local dip that consists of vinegar and bird's eye chilli (katumbal). Manong also offers chicken innards and the likes. Before I forget, there is also a stall that sells everything that is related to frying and eggs! From kwek kwek, tokneneng, and get this...Cheezlog! I have yet to try them because unfortunately, I was not that prepared to gorge on them.

Last but not the least, Matt's Burrito. Everything on the menu is P30 only, from Tacos and Quesadillas to Beef or Chicken Burrito. It's certainly a new view for me considering the bold attempt of the proprietor to venture into a business that requires quality ingredients in order to be fully appreciated. I have tried the street burrito in Mexico that would probably cost P50 that time and unfortunately this one didn't come close. Although it offered variety from the common menu of Bacolod's street food there is definitely more room for improvement in order to capture an eater's delight. Thicker and softer bread perhaps and more meat, tomatoes and onions would do the trick. I know for a fact that my fellow Bacolodnons would not mind paying P50 for a "sulit" burrito. 

One more thing, this strip is best for takeouts since there are no tables nor chairs for one to comfortably gobble these treats. But if you want to enjoy the hot food, then be ready for the dust, heat and prepare your dependable legs to stand up. And please don't forget to bring your own liquids. There may be a store where you can buy softdrinks or water but it's no guarantee that they are always cold. 

Happy Eating Everyone! :)

You Can't Always Get What You Want...Now What To Do About It

My 8 year old kid is so good at getting what she wants, always on a "win-win" situation. At a young age, she knows how to play her cards well at haggling, not really common with children her age. I have always taught her that rewards come when she is good and disaster if otherwise. But I also raise her to be contented, letting her understand why she only gets mediocre glory if she only does just as much. She knows that she can only dream so much but without doing the right thing, she will only harvest what she deserves.

I grew up with a "yes or no" policy but thankfully, my dad gave me the leeway to reason and be heard. I know that I have made millions of mistakes in the past but it's not how I was brought up but it's because of lack of sensibility in taking the right path in life. However, in the end, it taught me to face my consequences and make the most of them because it is a fact that whatever I do, comes it's rightful repercussion.

I am a witness to a lot of people trying to ask the question: Why can't I get what I want? I would end up asking myself, "Are they even in the position to demand for what they want?" How hard could it be to understand the most common cliche back in my elementary days, "Kung ano gintanum mo, amo man na ang anihun mo? (What you sow is what you will reap.)" What's not conceivable about it? It's as simple as not looking for coconut on a mango tree.

You want people around you to help you in you're times of great need? Then don't abuse others' generosity and better yet, make sure you have done your part of the bargain before screaming SOS. And please don't forget that those that you cried for help also have their own challenges to deal with. Give them the break they deserve by not being bitter because they are not extending a helping hand.They may have more serious problems than yours.

You demand utmost respect from your peers? You certainly may... that is if you give the respect they deserve too. But most importantly, make sure you have secured self-respect first. As I would always remind myself, "Don't do unto others, what you don't want others to do unto you." I think that's about right.

You desire attention and command? Make sure that what ever you preach you practice so that the rest of the world will know that you stand by your principles and you believe in them so hard that they will follow because of your strong conviction.

For everyone's aspiration, there is one essential requirement...ONE'S SELF. We want something? Then we do something about it. We work for it and not just depend on others. At least if we don't succeed we can still hold our head up high and be proud that we have given it our best shot.

Photo Credit: http://thepeoplescube.com/peoples-blog/the-michelle-obama-action-figure-doll-t4192.html

The "No Win" Burger

I was at Dalumbalay Burger Station today. After so many months of passing by the dainty refreshment, finally hubby and I decided to try their burgers. We ordered the DBB's Original (All In) basing on its inviting ingredients such as more meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions, ham, bacon, pepperoni,pineapple and mushroom. For P130, I imagined eating it the sloppy way since it seemed to have offered a lot. I told myself, "I'm going to be smiling even if I'm so sick." The simplicity of the place made me feel I'm up for a home-made burger, like no other.

To my dismay, my palate fantasy disappeared into thin air when I checked out my order. The bun was a bit dry, the pineapple was 1/4 size of the regular one, instead of a bacon strip, it had approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon bits, a small pepperoni, mini ham, and 4 mini mushroom slices. 

In fairness the taste of their patty was ok and their lettuce was fresh but I don't think it would pass for its price for it did not offer anything spectacular. I have clearly fallen into a trap by false advertising and exaggerated campaigns by those who claim the place to be all worth it. In other words, I was duped!

Good thing that I was not able to really deal with my food since I was with my hubby and the two other muskeeteers who provided the fun and laughter. 

The next time I want to spend more than a hundred for a burger, I think I would just settle for Planta's Western Bacon Burger (P160) or Business Inn's American Cheeseburger (P100), which by the way would be a totally separate article worth writing about. 

Flowers For The Dead...And To The Living

November 1 is fast approaching and it seems to be that I was in a time warp this afternoon as I saw the busy sidewalk of the Libertad Market, swarmed with flowers, baskets and hopeful vendors that they would be able to make a profit out of their business venture. I had to double check my calendar to make sure what date it is because somehow I felt so idle while others are busy shopping for the coming All Saints' Day.

One thing that struck me is this photo where a man and his daughter, eagerly wait for sales to come in. I can see that they are tired but they didn't seem to mind for as long as they wait on the opportunity to earn for the day. Competition is stiff as they sell only local flowers from Mambukal while others poured more capital to sell flowers from Cebu. 

I met Nene and her daughter Rubielyn. As the mother work on her arrangements, the 11 year old calls on customers to check out their merchandise. I was very fascinated as the young girl would courageously peddle as people walked by their stall, so unlikely of kids nowadays. 

When I asked Nene the price of a bundle, she was actually shy to answer, maybe hesitant that I may find them expensive. Little did she know that her price was reasonable and competitive, way cheaper than those selling flowers coming from Cebu. Just for the Baby's Breath, a common add on to basket arrangements, she sells them for P10 a bundle, approximately 1/4 of the exact same flowers sold by capitalists for P100. If customers would canvass first, I guarantee that she would sell everything before Tuesday comes. 

To be fair with those who invested more capital, their flowers are of course more vibrant and better quality as they range from P80 - P100 per dozen, (P80 for those fortunate ones like me because I know the seller and of course it comes with free arrangement. Good deal huh?) 

As everyone spends hundreds to offer flowers to their dead, for sure those up there are smiling as they are remembered but to these peddlers, it means another assurance that they can sustain their family's needs for the next couple of weeks. Everybody can put a smile on their faces in these holidays because of then flowers and that goes for both the dead and the living. 

Have a safe All Saint's /Soul's Day!

Here Comes The Long Weekend!

“I love weekends!” A common concept especially of those who work from Mondays thru Fridays. I don’t usually have the same feeling despite the fact that my days off are Fridays and Saturdays. But since it’s my kids’ school break, I’m surely going to have the weekend of my life and I can’t wait to decide where to go and what to do with my Friday that I woke up 4am and started cleaning up to free my hours when the whole family is awake.

The chores are almost done (80%) and while finishing the rest, here I am browsing on the endless choices online. Let me share what I’ve found out so far.

     For a hot yet windy day, a glass parfait will be the best treat for me. Scoops Ice Cream Bar offers the best parfaits and sundaes here in Bacolod and take note, it’s powered by FIC (Fruits in Ice Cream) where every scoop is guaranteed the value of one glass of milk. I’ll take milk that way, any day! That’s not all, their tuna melt and Chili con Carne is to die for. Great food, vibrant ambience, warm staff and accommodating owners Will and Agnes Villar, the bill is all worth it!

This tuna sandwich can melt a heart!

Such a Perfect Parfait!

This spaghetti is just unforgettably good!

    

Movies, Movies, Movies – Indulging on others’ imagination and witnessing how they are portrayed, why not? It’s not fun to watch DVD all the time where one is just cooped up like a sick couch potato. At least a trip to the cinema means good exercise at the mall. Here are the movies available at the SM Cinemas.

The Three Musketeers

Synopsis:

In the 17th-century, famed Musketeers Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Aramis (Luke Evans), and Porthos (Ray Stevenson) steal highly coveted airship designs from a high-security vault, the sweet taste of success is short-lived. Their beautiful partner-in-crime, Milady (Milla Jovovich), drugs the trio and sells the designs to a higher bidder, the ultra-cool Englishman, Buckingham (Orlando Bloom); a major blow to the famed swordsmen. So one year later, the devil-may-care young D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) journeys to Paris to realize his dream of becoming a Musketeer, but he finds them a shadow of their former selves, working menial jobs and seeking a cause worth serving.

The conniving Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz) hatches a deadly plot to overthrow the young King Louis (Freddie Fox). Employing the double agent Milady to do the dirty work, he frames the King's new bride, Queen Anne (Juno Temple) in an affair with Buckingham. If the King buys into the lie, war with England will follow, the Queen will die and the people of France will demand a stronger leader – Richelieu himself – to see them through the crisis. If the King doesn't buy into the lie, peace may yet stand a chance. So The Three Musketeers along with D'Artagnan undertake the mission to retrieve a priceless diamond necklace from the impregnable Tower of London and return it to the Queen in time for an all-important ball.

Cast:

Matthew Macfayden, Orlando Bloom, Logan Lerman

Cinema 3 

P120.00

October 28, 2011

12:40 PM , 2:45 PM , 4:50 PM , 6:55 PM ,9:00 PM

October 29, 2011

12:40 PM , 2:45 PM , 4:50 PM , 6:55 PM ,9:00 PM

October 30, 2011

12:40 PM , 2:45 PM , 4:50 PM , 6:55 PM ,9:00 PM

Cinema 2  

P250.00

October 27, 2011

1:15 PM , 3:50 PM , 6:25 PM , 9:00 PM

Puss In Boots

Synopsis:

The story takes place before Puss met Shrek and Donkey, when he was a swashbuckling hero who protected the innocent. A bunch of old pub thugs tell him that two murderous outlaws called Jack and Jill have discovered an ancient power that can destroy the world. Puss then sets off on a journey with his old friend Humpty Dumpty who also introduces him to Kitty Softpaws, a sly black cat who takes an interest in Puss's journey. With his new sidekicks, Puss sets off on his most adventurous and dangerous journey ever. P250 for 3D, expensive yet promises a whole package of FUN. It would surely be exciting walking on Puss’ Boots.  

Cast:

Antonio Banderas

Cinema 2  

P250.00

October 28, 2011

1:30 PM , 4:00 PM , 6:30 PM , 9:00 PM

October 29, 2011

1:30 PM , 4:00 PM , 6:30 PM , 9:00 PM

October 30, 2011

1:30 PM , 4:00 PM , 6:30 PM , 9:00 PM

·         The LINALANGS of Waxworks: SIETE PECADOS - ‎7th year. 7 nights. 7 kingdoms. 7 sins. The Performance Laboratory in cooperation with The Negros Museum presents Waxworks: SIETE PECADOS, the haunted Halloween interactive exhibit & performance written & directed by Fundador Mytor Tipon II, on October 25-31, 7-9pm (children's hours) & 9-11pm (freaky hours) at The Negros Museum-Bacolod. Tickets at P35 (adults) & P25 (kids).

Enjoy your Weekend!

Photo Credits:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scoops-Ice-Cream-Bar

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Owen-Segovia-Bayog-Digital-Photography-OSB-Digital

All movie photos and other details, courtesy of smcinema.com

Attention: Teenagers! Parent Consideration… PLEASE! (A Repost)

Writer's Note: I am reposting this as my way of extending my message to our present youth. I know it's not much but as I continue to witness the immoderate shindig of these teenagers to the point of reaching the indecency and inconsideration that their parents do not expect from them at all, I am continuing to remind these young people to be more conscious of what reality has to offer and where they are bound to go as they continue making the wrong moves. This semestral break would be the best time for parents to save money and for kids to spend their valuable time with their families so I am continuing to encourage everyone to spend your most quality time with family.

http://deadlevel.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/attention-teenagers-parent-consideration-please/

Sometime early last week, my 19-year old told me that she is attending a birthday bash of a classmate and as far as I can remember she mentioned of going home 12 midnight.

The party was last Friday and guess what? She came home 12 o’clock! I was even about to text her and ask how things are going, in case she might forget to go home to the time she promised or better yet to give her the chance to ask for an extension. But nope! Not my Nadine! She truly kept her word.

Often times, I would see teenagers on the streets at an indecent hour, disregarding danger, laughing loudly sometimes, enjoying the world as if it’s the last night. I would start to wonder, how are their parents taking it? For most, I bet they just don’t know much to worry about their children’s whereabouts. For the others? Maybe they just don’t bother checking anymore.

One of my hangouts after shift is the Coffee Station at Robinson’s Mall. There was one time when I and Muskeeterette Joanne decided to de-stress with mocha granita and pizza at the joint and we noticed a group of teenagers, probably college students, and they were all loud and acting up like typical brats or wannabe brats. Because of their uncontrollable voices, we can’t help but overhear the whole conversation.

There was this one who was bragging about how he told his mom that he needs an P10,000 apartment here in Bacolod. As he puffed his cigarette, I checked him out. He doesn’t really look like an haciendero’s son. He doesn’t even have a single branded item on his wardrobe, nothing spectacular in other words. And then all of a sudden he said, “we’re all going to flow right? I’ll text mom that I can’t go home coz we have to work on a project…” After a while, he read his mom’s reply, “do you still have pocket money and clothes left?”

My heart broke into pieces because I could just imagine how his mom is trusting him to be honest with her and diligent to his studies. I told Joanne that I feel sorry for the mother because for sure she is working hard in order to sustain his son’s needs.

Teenagers nowadays seem to brush aside the value of family, hard work, even value of money. Spending for cigarettes when one is not earning is simply a vanity that he or she is not deserving of. Demanding for a bigger allowance just to have enough for partying is such an inconsiderate thing especially to those whose parents are laborers, who do not bother to rest from the fields just so to finish their work and earn not only for themselves but of course to finance the long list of “school requirements” that their “loving” children send them. Having a spokesperson do the sales talk of how a laptop should be a necessity so that their mediocre-earning parents would squeeze every centavo in their pockets to produce an Acer at least, (China made notebooks are never an option, by the way).

Paging ingrate college students! Please bear in mind that you are sent to the best schools that you’re parents are trying to afford because they want you all to have an opportunity in life, something that maybe some of them did not have the luxury back then. Even if they have overflowing budgets for you, remember that they worked hard for it and it doesn’t give you the right to splurge on unnecessary things. You are sent to school to earn a degree and not concentrate on how to put on a masskara for an “emo” look.

I just hope that one day, you kids will realize how to value the right things, the right people. It’s not all about projection! It’s all about what you will become and how you will face the real challenges of living independently, sustaining your every need and survive the ferocity of life.

Just a thought from a concerned parent who hopes that this will be something worth pondering on.

Photo credit:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1138&bih=564&q=smoking+college+teens&gs_sm