A Movie Worth Watching (Again!)

http://www.hcrefund.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198663&page=144

Last night, while browsing on my collection of ignored dvd's, I came across a movie that I haven't watched for like 7 years and to my surprise, it was still working. I didn't even realized then that it was a Lenten season presentation, just fit for the coming Holy Week. The movie was the only Robin Padilla one that I have and it costars Johnny Delgado, Rufa Mae Quinto and directed by Mark Meily.

http://www.clickthecity.com/movies/?p=4583

La Visa Loca is about a Jess, played by Robin Padilla, who has been aiming to get a US Visa in order to be with his fiance but failed to pass in the interview. The whole concept of the movie is the protagonist's perseverance to find ways just to get a visa up to the point that he lets himself be a "Kristo", the one to be nailed on the cross. 

One may find the movie light-surfaced but beneath it all, I know for one that a lot of Filipinos would smile and somehow relate to one of the characters. Like Johnny Delgado's character for instance. He plays the stubborn father of Robin who lied of his wife's true state in order to hide the fact that she abandoned them to live with an American just to live her dream. 

http://www.clickthecity.com/movies/?p=4583

Evangeline Pascual, who plays Robin's mother, showed a common obnoxious attitude of a Filipina that happens to curse Filipinos like she isn't one, now that she is tied up with an American. I've seen this in real life. Seeing those who marry foreigners who just forgot where they came from can sometimes give me chills. 

Various scenes made me end up with a grin on my face, like the one at a strip club where the establishment did not serve red meat because it's Holy Week as the strippers go on with their show like they would do every night. 

Scenes at the US embassy although a bit exaggerated, were also fun to watch. Like one interviewee who said that he wants to go to the US to see snow but his destination is Hawaii. I laughed hard on this because I know this would happen if the applicant was not properly briefed by his or her travel agent. I've been interviewed once and I can say that the shrugged shoulders were a normal sight for those who got denied while to those who made it, either they would jump for joy or brag of their victory outside the embassy.

All in all, Thumbs up to La Visa Loca. A movie worth watching over and over again. Thank God I found the dvd!

Have a safe Holy Week everyone. 

"SUMMER FEVER"

The Heat is on! School ends in a couple of days and I am just so excited to think of all the things I can do with Cassie! I bet she is ecstatic as I am to have all the free time. Besides I am pretty sure that her granny also has activities for her like joining the annual Daily Vacation Bible School and perhaps even tutoring. So I will have to set activities for her.

1.  General Cleaning. Of course, with Cassie's hectic schedule at school, her things are tossed aside like crazy. So, in order for us to have a murmur-free summer from granny, we have to make sure that everything's back in place before starting our "Summer Fever". An ice pop would definitely perk up a tired Cassie after the cleanup. This would also be a good training ground for her to appreciate how easy life can be if you don't start messing up. :)

2.  Water Fun - We have always motivated Cassie to compete in swimming. Although, she hasn't been able to practice recently, she is still looking forward to compete this April. Allowing Cassie to surpass her boarders is the key in preparing her on how to compete in the "Adult World". This is the best training since she is taught the value of perseverance and how to compete against herself and overcome her limitations. Also to let her know that it's paradise to beat others but it's heaven to see that one could overcome boundaries. Hopefully it's not too late to prep her for the summer qualifiers.

3.  Scribble, Scribble, Scribble - Cassie has a bit of an awful handwriting. Writes some letter in awkwardly reverse ways, not minding the value of the lines on her paper. She will be given an hour each day to practice writing in order to develop speed and control over her mind and digitalis. In order to make it fun for her, I will encourage her to start a diary, where she can write everything she's done this summer. I bet it would also improve her vocabulary and hopefully get rid of her developing scatterbrain.

4. Revive CRIB Photography - As early as 6 years old, Cassie has been taking photos with her dad. I know she has an eye so I will personally make sure she will get back on track and start loving photography again. It's not just taking clear pictures but what's more important is capturing what stories life has to show through photographs. I am positive that she'll do good in photography that's why I'm giving her 1000% support.

5. The Gang - Life would be depressing for Cassie not to have time with "The Gang"! Ei, nothing violent about it. Her "Gang" consists of kids in the neighborhood that she plays with...hehehe. From, badminton, to driving a "trisikad", it only means more fun fun fun!

6. Granny Time - Cassie would be spending a lot of time with granny because I know she'll miss her much when she goes to the US this August. Lots, of malling, Greenwich, Chowking and trips to the TDC office. Better be good and behave Cassie.

7. Cartoon-Athon - Cassie would sometimes think that watching cartoons would keep her a baby forever. Even if she watched them 50 times, she just wouldn't budge. A good quality time with mommy too that is. So I better start preparing the dvds and checherias and it's gonna be MOVIETIME EVERY TIME!

8. Cooling out would be the next best thing in this scorching heat. For sure, Cassie will demand coolers like halo-halo, maize con hielo, ice pop and the all-time favorite, ICE CREAM!

9 and 10. MOMMY-TIME! I have been depriving Cassie of quality time when I was working so I'll make sure I make it up to her. (That's why it's occupying two slots!) I still don't know what specifics that we are going to do but for sure, no matter how simple they will be, we'll have super fun because we're together.

I hope Cassie will like what I have in store for her. Nothing spectacular but intricately thought of.

Happy Thoughts This Summer!

Simplifying "Happy"

A lot of those who know me would describe me as a carefree person and others for sure would secretly think of me as a happy-go-lucky one. Why is that? It's because I smile and laugh a lot. Even my sister thinks I haven't grown up yet (which in that case, I hope she doesn't think I'm autistic for having stagnant mental growth).

Well, I am elated that some of these people who think poorly of me would waste their time trying to figure me out. I guess they are just afraid of minding their own business and solving their own problems that they have to feast on me. Nevertheless, this article will attempt to put an end to everybody's curiosity why I am simply a happy person.

Let's define the word happy. In the Webster Dictionary, the word happy means enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment. Simple right? 

But however incomplex it may seem, achieving contentment is like reaching the stars with your bare hands. Since every person is unique, no specific goal could ever be the same.

As for me, contentment comes in a variety of packages for every life department there is.

Family Department - 

     * Healthy family members

     * A loving and supportive husband

     * Great and happy children

     * A wise mother

     * A practical sister

     * A warm home to live in

     * Existing harmony brought about by reasonable compromise

     * My mom's cooking

Friends Department

     * Despite the distance of some of my closest friends, I still trust them to wish me well.

     * Practically fun crowd

     * Share the same indulgence I have in food

     * Regardless of the age gap, I have found trustworthy young friends

     * Learning from each others' real-life experiences making us much better people.

     * Over-all, I have very true friends.

Career Department

     * I've been able to try different kinds of jobs that widened my horizon.

     * Have been to a lot of places, met different kinds of people, learn from their respective cultures and harmoniously worked with them

     * Defeated my fear of being in new crowds, places, etc.

     * Learned to be diplomatic without jeopardizing my life principles

     * Continues to persevere in order to earn my keep

Personal Department

     * I'm glad that despite the extra weight, I am still miles away from killers like diabetes and hypertension (which literally run in the family)

     * Can naturally adjust and blend in like a chameleon

     * Has always tried my best to be fair and objective

     * Thankful that God made me who I am

With these things, why shouldn't I be happy? It's definitely not the amount of money I have in my pocket nor the laurels I have gained that would define my contentment.  I have done thousands of wrong decisions but I have remained strong to face all consequences and I survived. I think as I continue my journey in this life, I would always hope for another chance  without the greed in my heart that would just defeat my purpose of living a peaceful, contented and a happy one.

Have you ever asked yourself if you're really happy? Give that thought time and you'll be surprised that you're already happy, it's just that you never noticed it. 

Happy Thoughts!

The Idea Of An Ideal Marriage

Marriage has always been a challenge for me. After a failed one back in the 90's, I turned my back to its essence, vowed not to get into that kind of trouble ever again and just settle for the "alone but never lonely" stature.   Every single offer of commitment was evaded and treated with ridicule, sometimes even hurting the egos of those "knights in shining armor wannabe's." I was a terrible yet precise epitome of William Congreve's "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned." One-time misery is enough for a strong and wise woman like me.

Then came the unorthodox "prince charming" that I never expected to exist. To my surprise, I've known the guy for the longest time! It got me thinking. Maybe friendship would be a more stable foundation in a relationship, a combination worth trying. His persuasiveness was so inviting so the rest became history. 

I guess maturity and knowing what we really want helped in making our marriage, fun and challenging all at the same time. But what we never forget is, despite of the hardships, we always make it a point to remember that we love each other and that by the end of the day, we have more than enough reason to smile and say, "this is still a good day sweet."

I never believed that our union made as one in everything but I am into the concept that despite our differences, we allow ourselves to accept them and still maintain a harmonious relationship. Sounds easy huh? Well, of course not! Just imagine two people with very strong convictions over a cup of coffee, definitely chaotic. A comparison to the typical debates at the public plaza is such an understatement, AS IN!

Our friends would say what we have is an ideal marriage. I greatly agree! Not because we are often seen having fun in facebook all the time but because we are normal, just like other couples. I guess we may rise a little bit above the others because we see our disputes as eye-openers that lead us to a much better understanding of each other.

My husband would always tell me, "You could never find a husband like me!" Well, he couldn't find a wife like me either, but I guess he knows it. It's easy for us to appreciate that we have each other, thus making our relationship a much healthier and happier one. 

To those who plan to get married, well you just need to make sure that you are marrying for the right reasons. Not to extend your bloodline but because you found the one you want to spend your entire lifetime with. Not someone you could display like a Ming Vase but a partner that you'll enjoy being with wherever, whenever. 

To those who don't believe in marriage at all. Maybe it's your calling. There's nothing wrong with single blessedness but if you're not that sure, it helps to take risks. At least you won't end up wondering how it would be to have someone beside you, laugh with you, care for you. There's no such thing as "too late."

As for me, I know I'm in good hands. I'm pretty sure that there would always be a thorny path here and there but I think we can get through them easily. Thank you so much for being there sweet and for always trying to hold on. Promise, I'll do my share too. :)

Remember, marriage is not all about responsibility, obligation, security and all that serious stuff, it's also fun, laughter, plain and simple happiness. As I always say to my friends, "there may be reincarnation but no can be certain of it. I know that I have this life now so I should live it like it's my only one. Never waste a second for I may not have another day. Time is gold and I think I'm making sense. CONCEPT, that's what it is!"

Happy Thoughts everyone. :D

Diet? Seriously!

I may still be cute at 194 lbs. but OMG, sooo unhealthy!

I was not surprised to see my weight soar up to 194 lbs (6 more pounds and I'm off to the auditions of "The Biggest Loser)! 2011 was full of adventure (and misadventure too) that kept me munching to keep my sanity. But of course, who am I to blame destiny for my obesity? I am still answerable for my decisions, right?

Here I am again, trying to plan out ways to lose weight because I feel so unhealthy now that I am having a hard time breathing and climbing even just two flights of stairs. Honestly, I look like a compound of fish eggs (BIHOD!) I've always thought that I am only 'til 45 years old because of my neverending smoking, etc. and the added years will be a bonus, but now I'm afraid that I may not reach 40 if I don't start taking care of myself.

I'm going to start slow but sure. Let me walk you through my plan towards a happier and healthier me and if I'm missing steps, let me know. :D

* Rice is my ultimate enemy therefore I have to do something. Cut rice back to 1 cup ASAP! Thanks to my friends at work, Ems and Peter for they ignore my heart-piercing stare everytime they say no to my plea of even just 1/2 cup of extra rice. As early as now, thanks a lot guys.

* Avoid fast food as much as possible. I know I won't be able to spend more time with my favorite muskeeterettes, Joanne and Cathy but I know they would understand why I have to look away from the oil-drenched fries.

* Goodbye to Coke for now. I may have had good times with this concoction but hey, I'd be helping myself lower down my blood sugar and all.

* Red Horse has been an all-time buddy so I don't think I can leave it behind. So, I'll stick to my regimen of 1 Liter the most per month. :D

* Walk for life. I have to start appreciating long walks again. With the help of an Ipod, for sure I'm going to enjoy it.

* Rest whenever I can. In this busy world, I would most of the time allow sleep-deprivation. This time, I know loving my bed is one of the best gifts I can give myself.

* Love myself! Because if I don't, I wouldn't know how to appreciate life more.

To those who are inclined to weight loss, just remember to do this for yourself because you deserve to enjoy the goodness that only life can offer.

I'm going to make this blog as my channel, one article per month, to check out if I'm making a progress or not. I hope I do good. Good luck to me (and my food blog) in my quest for a healthier Remilyn. :D

Happy Thoughts!

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.