It has been years since I witnessed how this book got so much good ratings. I tried to buy one copy a few years back but I wasn't lucky to get one. I envied those who were able to meet the author and was able to talk to her about her book. By the way, she's Filipino so that makes it even better.

This is one book you don't wanna put down. I laughed, cried, smiled and felt sad for the characters. It's a love story. There's birth and there's death. I don't wanna spoil what the book is all about. Go get yourself a copy. Thank you Books Mnl for the copy.

Carpe Diem

Trying to write carpe diem in various ways. Been wondering what these words mean. Now I know. 

Geeting up and Doing It

When you've been down on a rot for two days, how do you get your groove back and start working like crazy again? Is there a motivational, inspiring quote that you get to say to change the way you feel?

I don't. Sometimes you just have to get up and get back out there. Though that's easier said than done. You just have to start somewhere. For me, it's writing this short talk. It's full of nonsense, full of crap, you may not even relate to this, but for me, it's a first.

Haven't been feeling well, I'm still not a 100% okay. Having lightheadedness and a little tight on the chest but I chose to sit and write this. So I'm giving myself a tap on the back.

My next problem is to stay focused and finish the whole day. Will be taking it an hour at a time. 

For the rest of you, may you be inspired today and help change someone else's life for the better.

A Trip to The Island

It has been my greatest wish to travel to Balut Island. When my parents went there and I wasn't able to go with them, I have always wondered when I'd be able to visit the place. More so that when I started working and heard wonderful descriptions about the area, the more I wanted to visit the place.

So when hubby said he'd be going to the island, I just had to jump at the opportunity and risk high waves and vomits. Pictures here are in chronological order from the day we departed from Balangonan towards Balut Island to the day we arrived again at Balangonan.

The night before we departed for Balut Island. I stared at the moon while laying on my swing.

We woke up early to avoid big waves. Sarangani Island's sea ambulance came in early as well to fetch us.

People seldom see the other side of the book. Here carrying pipes for the hospital.

Well this was taken without my knowledge. They were helping me up the sea ambulance. Photo taken by Prince Paraiso.

Aboard the boat.

With Dr. Glinard Quezada, Dr. Alain Kintanar and Sir Prince Paraiso.

A view of Balut Island from afar.

Arrival. While they were trying to take out the supplies and equipments aboard the boat.

Before heading to the hotel.

A view of the dock.

I was there as a tourist and a support staff (wink). The Department of Health was turning over the hospital to the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur and Hubby was there to receive and meet with the staff of the hospital.

Thank you Mayor Cawa and her staff for the very warm accomodation and to Dr. Fernandez of the Sarangani Hospital for the warm welcome. Thank you also to Dr. Araneta and his staff, Engr. Divine and the other engineers with her, and to Engr. Henry and his companion. And most especially, to Dr. Glinard Quezada and all the people who came with us. I hope to go back again soon and probably be able to roam around next time.

Dr. Araneta, Mayor Cawa and Dr. Fernandez

Touring the hospital

Blessing of the new hospital

The next day we had to wake up early again to avoid big waves.

Beautiful sunrise

The captain's view

Dr. Glinard Quezada

We just had to take a photo with the sea ambulance before heading home. On my left is Sir Jeff.

Heading to our ride

Till the next time.

On Writing

There are still those who ask me why I do what I do. If you're reading this, please let this be the last time you ask me about what I do. Imagine the feeling of playing basketball because that's what you like to do, or say reading a book of your favorite author, or eating your most favorite food. It's the same feeling I have when I do what I do... I love to write.

If you've been following my blog then you would probably know that my grandmother was my biggest influence. At an early age she has taught me the need to have a good penmanship. Whoever I wanted to be when I grow up, good penmanship is always important (aside from having good qualities). People will respect you more if you have good penmanship, that's what she kept telling me.

Over the years I had developed different styles of penmanship. Sometimes I find myself just making repetitive strokes of certain letters. I collected different types of pens too. A pen for a christmas present always made me giddy like a kid. And after a long day at work, I try to look for my own time to just write.

Sometimes I sketch. When I want to remember something I make sketches too.

I'm trying out different styles of writing. I'm still looking for my own style. I may adapt different styles but there will always be my own style of writing.

In the end, we do things that we love. I do not mind what other people do on their spare time, I do not stop to look at somebody's page or blog when I don't like them, I do not badmouth others to make myself feel good, nor do I care what people say about me. As what I have constantly said, we do what we can. At the end of the day, what matters is the lives we have changed. And if I have done just that, then let me basked in the quiet of the night and go on with my writing.