Rally for Easy Money

Went to work yesterday with a shirt a bit wrinkled... I am not quite that expert in ironing. It just so happened that our labandera (laundrywoman) wasn't able to come. She launders our clothes on Mondays and comes back the next day for ironing. For some strange reason, she wasn't able to call or text (yes, she has her own mobile phone).
This morning was a relief. She came in with a story that left me in awe...well, if you'd describe it that way.

The reason why she wasn't able to come yesterday was because she had to 'attend' a rally re: the impeachment of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Batasang Pambansa. My mom reacted and asked why the hell does she had to attend that rally. The answer was.. "Ma'am, kasi may bayad na P100.00 para dalawang oras lang" (Ma'am, they pay P100.00 just for 2 hours of rallying). Apparently yesterday, there was a 'recruiter' at their place recruiting 150 people to join the rally for a hundred bucks, complete with merienda (snack)-- juice and hamburger-- and two trucks to charter them to and back. Our labandera has been doing that eversince... I remember the time when I was still in retail and was assigned in Robinson's Galleria-- that was when there was a big big rally in favor of Erap at the Shrine(then Pres. Joseph Estrada) It was the year when he was replaced by GMA. There were lots of people in the mall and grocery with crispy P500.oo bills. Hmmm....

So to make the story short, our labandera, who earns P300.00 per day for her services, made P300.00 (she was with her two kids) yesterday for just 2 hours, basking under the sun, attending a rally for GMA's impeachment. Sheesh! Well, easy money, that is...

Art Therapy

Went out with my good friend, Gel, today. We both sort of need a breathe of fresh air and a dash of civilization, after a week of work. I've known her for the most of my years... classmates from Grades 1-5 (she was in a different class in the 6th grade), 1st-4th year in High School, 1st - 4th year in College, and up to the 1st year at work (at a bank). We only became really friends in 2nd year college.

Gel is sooo talented in photography. I'd think we'd be a great team with our own galleries! We spent the day talking about life, what it made us, why it made us as such, and what more of life we would anticipate. We visited art galleries in the Shang-rila Plaza Mall in Edsa. Watched a live on-the-spot painting session with Saturday Group's (and my mentor-- teehee!! ) Fernando Sena and his class.

We also visited Color Me Mine (Philippine franchise at the 5th level of the Shang), where one could paint his/her own ceramic art piece! You chose a ceramic piece and you are provided with paints, templates, etc. You draw or paint your design and once finished, your masterpiece will be 'fired' in kilns (Any of various ovens for hardening, burning, or drying substances such as grain, meal, or clay, especially a brick-lined oven used to bake or fire ceramics.) for that final touch! The staff there are so accomodating and really answered all our queries. Wow... great way to spent the day! Art therapy to the max!

We'll be coming back, that's for sure.

The Man In My Life

When I first saw him, my heart fluttered.
He has the most wonderful smile that could melt a woman's heart.
His eyes are expressive. He would catch me looking at him..
and then he'll give me a smile.

He'd embrace me tightly when we sleep, seeming to say, 'just be here
beside me'. He'll wake me up in the morning with his kisses...
and call out my name.
He would sneak behind me and steal a kiss and embrace. He'll hold my
hand and sing me a sweet song.

When we talk, he'll listen and he'll share his day with me, what
he had for lunch, the people he met, the places he's been.
We would laugh together, or just sit and enjoy each other's company.

He's handsome, he's sweet. And I love him.
He's three. He's my son. And he's mine.

Tristan Diego...

















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The Cat Knows

Tygra is different today. He seems to sense that today isn't a good day for me. He usually just sits on top of his favorite majhong table in the terrace. For some strange reason, today, he has become a lap cat! He would follow me wherever I go and jump on my lap at any given opportunity he would see. He'd cuddle up and purr as if saying that everything will be just fine.

Bless you Tygra. *cry*

Stupid is as Stupid can be!

Have you been in a situation where you are expected to assume a different personality or character? Were you ever caught between work and personal life? Or perhaps lose respect in yourself because of a stupid decision? Well, it's not the most wonderful thing in the world.

This is what I get for changing careers. I've ever been so happy and content with Retail Management (more than 12 years), since I'm working with people who are 8 or more years younger than I am, makes one see a different perspective in life. I've become their 'mother image' or a 'big sister', where the've given their trust and where their own decisions would also rely on whatever opinion or advice I give them. I can always be seen smiling, laughing... They in turn had given me an alternative home-- well, I am not exactly in a perfect and successful marital bliss.

Major decisions. Yes. I've changed careers. A bit on the advantageous side. More time for myself. I get to learn more. But did I really? The realities and pressures of THE real work place has taken a toll on me. I've been in retail heaven for the longest time, surrounded with people, busy with everything, etc... well, I miss those times.

I am to blame. I lost a dear friend because of stupidity. Because of pressures at work? Or because I don't have anything else to do? Simple. Just because I was thinking about my selfish self and what I was expected to do. I had forgotten that I've got other people to answer to. How can I be so insensitive? Miserable? Yes , very. Moving on? Well, trying to. But can't. I won't be able to find anyone like the friend I just lost. My fault.

Guess that's life.. and a big, big lesson for me. Wherever you are now, my friend, I want you to know that you'll be always in my heart. I sincerely am sorry. You've made me come out of my shell and smell the roses. I never thought that I would trust anyone again.... but I wasn't thinking. I tainted a good relationship. I know you won't forget, but at least forgive me.

You take care and I love you always.